Disclaimer: All Sonic characters belong to Sega. All OCs belong to me.

Chapter 22: A Need for Speed

Things had been quieter than Sonic expected. Gaining a fiancé, he anticipated more excitement and joy around the castle rather than what it was now: more boring than ever. The blue king really felt blue for the first time in ages. He didn't know why, but each time he made a move to even touch the ebony girl, Elizabeth, she would flinch before allowing him to. Okay, maybe he knew why-yesterday's catastrophe still fresh in his mind-but didn't two people attracted to each other usually do that? Behind closed doors, weren't they free to express their love anyway, anyhow? Yes, in this era, too much intimacy before marriage was in fact unholy, but he didn't go that far.

But you were about to.

Yeah, but he would've stopped himself….right?

Sonic cursed. No he wouldn't. If Elizabeth hadn't fully realized what was going on, he was sure he was going to do something he would regret. Just being close to her overwhelmed his senses intoxicating him till he could no longer distinguish what was right or wrong. Every night, when she would come over to dinner, he found himself getting lost just staring at her. From the moment she was just a kit, and she would rebel against her father's demands, he always felt the urge to smile. When her eyes would change to a magenta color, he felt his chest light aflame with the old rebellious spark he had. All the kingly duties and composures he had to keep on track seemed to float from his mind. Elizabeth, in general, made him feel like his old self. Someone who didn't have to follow rules 24/7. Someone who didn't have to be calm and collected when something exciting happened. Someone he hated because of the sheer boredom. Someone he hadn't felt come back to him in a very long time.

And that was the very reason he fell for her.

Elizabeth made him, him.

So if that were true, why did he feel so far from himself right now? At the moment, he was in the throne room where he sat in his usual throne. This time, it was different. Next to him was the soon-to-be queen looking quite…distant. Elizabeth sat with a straight back and hands firmly in her lap. She looked to her right with a faraway look in her eyes. The entire day she refused to even glance at him, no matter talk to him. It was obvious she was trying to avoid him at all cost, and when she couldn't, she would ignore him. This in turn caused the azure hedgehog to have mixed emotions. At first, he felt apologetic. This behavior started yesterday morning, and he felt terrible. After a few hours of trying to make it up to her, he then felt frustrated, angry even. He thought, he was the king of this whole land! He could have any woman he wanted. What right did she have in ignoring him? That was not only disrespectful but, in his mind, proved unforgiving. For a split second, he questioned whether he made the right choice in picking her as a bride, but after that moment was over, he felt shame for thinking such a thing. The girl was only seventeen, probably really confused about what was really happening. He too would've felt like that in her position.

Now, he was depressed. With his chin in his hand, Sonic adapted half-lidded eyes. What was he to do now? He couldn't just leave her to feel uncomfortable around him. They were going to be married, inseparable for the rest of their lives. Now was the time to show her that their lives together would be filled with enjoyment. His emerald eyes shined at the thought, ears perking with excitement. But then everything drooped. But what could he do to show her that very thought. To show her the love for her that burned his chest so harshly.

He tapped his finger to his chin thoughtfully. Something lit inside his head and a bright smile filled his lips. The cerulean king slowly looked towards her, hope bright in his eyes. He childishly tapped her shoulder. Elizabeth jumped in her chair earning a low chuckle from him. She blushed in embarrassment looking over to him before quickly gazing at the floor.

"Yes, my king," she whispered robotically.

At this, he frowned. Since when were they supposed to address each other formally? A light smile graced his features. "Elizabeth," he softly called out, "Look at me."

Unwillingly, she obeyed his orders. Her light lavender orbs had lightened considerably and they were glossy. "Yes?" she said, voice cracking so much, Sonic blinked questioningly.

He leaned forward, glowering now. "Have you been crying?" Maybe he might've misjudged the result of his actions. Did he really make her feel that uncomfortable? When she shook her head, rage filled his very being. She was lying. How could he be so inconsiderate and oblivious? Ignoring her flinch, he cupped her face with his large hands wiping away tears that fell. Elizabeth whimpered, trembling within his hold.

"Was it about what happened yesterday?" he whispered, "If it is, I-"

She clenched her teeth, shaking her head. Mustering all the strength she could, she smiled, bottom lip trembling. If she spoke, that would lead to sobbing and she couldn't do that now. Elizabeth had done too much of that.

All Sonic could think was: What a fake smile.

Before he did something irrational with all this anger, he let the topic go. Talking about it would only lead to more pain, and he couldn't bear that. A sighed escaped his mouth and Sonic stood up. He took Elizabeth's hand, pulling her up.

Elizabeth blinked, wiping away her tears. "W-what are you-"

His lips softly kissed her hand. The dark hedgehog blushed fifty shades of red, stuttering, "Oh! A-Arthur you d-don't-"

She shut her mouth as he gazed at her lovingly. Emerald orbs glistened with charm as well as the pearly white smile he gave her. He began to take backward steps pulling her towards him. "Come, I would like to show you something."

"But don't we need to stay here?" she reminded stepping down the steps.

Sonic shrugged. Elizabeth widened her eyes in surprise. Who knew the king was so laid back? "Yeah," he said, "But that squirrel will handle it if something goes wrong."

"You mean Chanson," Elizabeth giggled, "He has a name, Arthur."

He shrugged again. "Yes, Chase…"

She sighed hopelessly.

They continued to walk towards the back of the palace, a place Elizabeth has never been to. Her eyes scanned the area in wonder. This place was so big. How does Arthur manage never to get lost here? Speaking of which, where were they even going? She really hoped they weren't going to be totally alone. That would only make things more awkward. But being the lower one out of the two, she was in no way entitled to question his every motive. So, as a good wife she had to be, Elizabeth kept quiet. Because she was too busy absorbing her surroundings, she did not notice Sonic squeeze her hand.

Soon, Elizabeth found herself outside. The wind blew gently, blowing her red and white A-shaped dress back. Sonic's long crimson cape swayed along with the wind and Elizabeth took a moment to stare. If she looked hard enough, he really did look like a majestic king from one of those fairy tales.

Sonic turned around, letting go of her hand. He then walked towards her with a mischievous smirk on his muzzle. The purple streaked hedgehog stepped back out of mild fear. Suddenly she gasped, yelping as she was lifted off the ground. Elizabeth gaped in shock at the azure king as he cockily chuckled. "Put me down!" she exclaimed. She couldn't keep her comments back. Instead of listening, Sonic looked forward with a determined smile. He went into a lunge, smirking. Presumptuously he said, "Hold on tight!"

Before she could comprehend what he meant she screamed. Rushes of air hit her face causing her to bury her muzzle in his chest. Her arms clung to his neck for dear life. In those ten second of hell, she felt weightless, as if her body weighed nothing. The girl dared not to open her eyes as she feared the wind would just scoop her eyes out of their sockets. A deep fear was installed within her as she could hear hard steps upon the ground, except they sounded inhumanly fast.

She felt the breath in her lungs wisp away from her chest. For those ten seconds she wondered if she was going to still be alive by the time she opened her eyes. It wasn't until Sonic had nuzzled her that she realized they came to a standstill. Tears pricked her eyes as she opened them, fear evident in her expression. Suddenly, a howl of laughter came from him causing Elizabeth to become infuriated. She squirmed out of his grip. When her feet hit the ground, she almost fell. Luckily, she caught onto his shoulders before she did. A pout came to her lips before shouting at Sonic, who stilled laughed with all his might.

"Stop laughing! That was terrifying!" she cried.

He shook his head, stomach cramping from laughter. "I-b-but your face! Kr…You should've seen it!"

She crossed her arms, blushing profusely. "What did you do? Fly?"

It took two painful minutes for Sonic to calm down. He wiped tears away from his eyes. He took a deep breath chuckling at the girl's childish pout.

How cute, she's angry.

"I apologize, alright?" he chuckled. Then his expression turned serious, well, as serious as it could be at the moment. "I have a secret I have to share but you have to promise me you won't tell anyone, ever."

Elizabeth tilted her head, eyes confused, but ultimately nodded saying, "I promise.

He nodded with a smile. "I don't fly," he laughed as she blushed, "I run, really fast. Watch." He kneeled and before she knew it, took off, leaving a blue trail behind him. He then came back two seconds later with a white lily. He stood in front of her, smiling goofily with that one flower in his hand. Nervously, he waited for any reply. For a few seconds, Elizabeth stood there, staring at him blankly. Immediately, the blue blur wondered if it was the wrong decision telling her a secret only he-and the deceased- knew.

"E-Elizabeth-"

Sonic backed away, startled, as the biggest grin he had ever seen blew up on her muzzle. Her eyes changed to a fuchsia color so fast, he was glad he didn't blink. Elizabeth lunged towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck. His back hit a nearby tree. He winced at the impact but ignored it as she exclaimed, "Wow! You can run at super speeds. I've never heard of anything like it! That's simply amazing!"

An excited expression replaced the shocked one and Sonic could not contain himself. This was probably the most physical contact they had since yesterday morning and she was smiling because of him.

Because of him.

"Really!?" he exclaimed, "You-You are not frightened or anything by it?"

"Why would I? This is so spectacular! You're amazing Son-wait." She blinked, narrowing her eyes in thought. They brightened. "Is that why you're called Sonic?"

He nodded with a ridiculous grin, so happy.

She shook with exhilaration. "You don't know how-how astounding that is. I'm sorry for being so brash but, I could kiss you right now!" Adrenaline filled her veins, rushing through her arteries. All worries and doubts flew away from her mind. Previous thoughts of melancholy disappeared in thin air. Elizabeth had no clue why, but she felt so excited because of this. This was astonishing-learning someone she knew had such an amazing gift! Suddenly, Sonic never looked so handsome or charming as he did now. The ebony teen found herself so interested in the hedgehog before her. From the depths of her heart, she knew her true feelings were clouded by elation, but she ignored it. She couldn't remember the last time she was so happy.

The cerulean male's eyes widened. His hear thumped in his chest, threatening to break his rib cage. Sonic gazed into her lightened orbs, amazed and thoroughly shocked. How could his speed have such an effect on her? What was so amazing about it anyway? From past experience, it was only a hindrance. In a trance, he took the small of her back in his hands, delicately moving his muzzle near hers. He was delighted as Elizabeth did not flinch.

"Then why don't you?" he whispered.

Before he could envelope her lips in his, Elizabeth answered, "Because you have to run around again."

Okay, not what he was expecting, but whatever made her happy.

Sonic backed away, slightly disappointed. He smiled anyway, going into the position.

"I meant, can you carry me, please," she said timidly.

Without hesitation he took off leaving Elizabeth stunned. Then she was suddenly swept off her feet and in his arms. She happily wrapped her arms around his neck, this time opening her eyes. She wanted to see what he saw. Around them were blurs of colors but somehow the scene looked beautiful, stunning even. The wind hit her face harshly, causing her to narrow her eyes. Elizabeth soon looked up at the blue king seeing a smile of relaxation. His eyes appeared calm but adrenaline-rushed.

Maybe this was his only way of escape from all the duties that laid on his back every day. Elizabeth smiled. She preferred Sonic over Arthur. Not only because of his talent but because he seemed more himself. The dark teen leaned up and kissed his cheek. She felt him slow down for a minute before speeding back up. The girl giggled when a pink blush ran across his cheeks.

"You tease," he bashfully remarked.

Elizabeth simply put her muzzle in his neck.

If she kept this up, he was sure he would lose his composure.

Ooh. Fluff! As you can tell, Elizabeth sorta goes overboard with things that really capture her attention. I kind of wanted to have a chapter where the two weren't so angsty and whatnot. Yeah, there are more depressing chapters to come, but it's always good to be a bit happy throughout them, right? It kind of feels good to have Elizabeth warm up to Sonic.

Oh, and about that. The reason I'm now using 'Sonic' instead of 'Arthur' is because of Elizabeth. As of now, Sonic isn't only King Arthur to her anymore. Now that she's beginning to get to know him, his status in her mind is gradually changing. So, yeah, that was just to clear that up.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Remember, feedback, feedback, and more feedback!

Thank you R&R

~God Bless You~