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

Chapter 26: The Wedding

Elizabeth was awake before the hurried maids poked and prodded her "sleeping form".

Wide awake.

Well, anyone would have a sudden case on insomnia if they knew their wedding day was in only a matter of hours.

Right?

"Your highness, it is time to wake up."

An unexpected ray of the burning star in the sky shpt through the air and landed directly on the ebony hedgehog's face. Elizabeth groaned as she heard the curtains begin to be pushed away from one another, revealing the brand new day behind them. Scrunching her face up in discomfort and irritation, she buried her head in the soft white pillow under her ear. She stayed like that hoping–more like praying–that maybe, just maybe, they would all disappear and today's events would be put on hold so she could have more time to sulk about her life.

Moments went by and Elizabeth's hopes began to rise.

Did they really dissap-

"Your majesty, we don't have much time for preparation."

So much for that.

Sighing loudly, and dramatically might I add, the purpled striped hedgehog grudgingly propped herself on her elbows. A scowl was apparent on her tired face. A yawn passed by her lips and after counting to ten, silently, she unwillingly rolled off the bed, barely catching herself on her feet. Elizabeth blinked slowly, rubbing the sandman's sand from her eyes. She squinted her eyes, looking around at the room she slept in. The king's room.

Sonic's room.

Soon she would have to get used to waking up here.

"Alright," she strained, cracking her back. She looked out the window, the outside world bright and sunny, almost heavenly.

"Let's do this."

(0…)

"Your majesty!" Vanilla called out for the umpteenth time.

Annoyed to the max, she firmly placed her knuckles on her hips, huffing. Her chocolate brown eyes, swirling with irritation, narrowed at the large lump underneath the duvet. The cream colored rabbit had been calling out to the blue hedgehog for the past ten minutes. The older maid tried to keep her cool, reminding herself that this land needed a king that was alive.

"King Arthur, today is your wedding day, might I remind you. We have to get you ready before noon which isn't too long away," she said through gritted teeth.

"Give me five minutes," came a raspy and muffled voice from the sheets.

"I've given you an hour, remember. Now get up," she growled.

Sonic only grunted, not moving an inch. This was the last straw for the rabbit. Her face was wrung with red and her warm brown eyes darkened to black. Anger contorted on the motherly rabbit's face. She had been up since the ass crack of dawn making sure everything was set and ready for the wedding and all of that would be in vain she was missing one of the most important attributes to the darn thing.

Just as she was about to blow up and rip the azure hedgehog from the bed, from the top of the sheets, Vanilla could see blue ears flatten against its owner's head.

"Just leave me be," a soft, weak, voice whispered. "Please."

If it wasn't for Vanilla's heightened sense of hearing, she doubted anyone would be able to hear the brittleness of the king's voice. Immediately, all traces of anger left her body and her gaze softened.

He sounded so scared.

Walking towards the bed, she carefully sat on the mattress. "Arthur," she said softly, a total 180 from the tone she used just minutes ago. Vanilla stretched a hand out, gently placing a hand between his ears. "Arthur, are you alright? Tell me what's wrong," she asked, rubbing circles behind his flattened ears.

In the eyes of many others, the close proximity between the older maid and the king seemed out of place, out of line even. It was usually said that your level of importance and acceptance was based on your status. So, a maid comforting a whimpering king wasn't something that was deemed…right. But in this castle, many things weren't "right". Sonic, an unusual king and a natural at rule bending, allowed many things in his kingdom. Some he had to keep a secret, some he allowed to spread. The cobalt king was very close to Vanilla. He looked up to her as almost a motherly figure and Vanilla, honored by the admiration he had for her, took it upon herself to be the best second mother she could be for him, trying her best to stay professional but personal whenever she had too.

But she had never been the shoulder for him to cry on. Weakness and vulnerability was still something the king had never allowed her to see. She understood why, and she never yearned for it or anything. That would be just plain weird if she did. But when he laid there, hiding under the covers, ears flat against the top of his head, she felt her heart drop to her stomach.

The older rabbit received no response from the blue blur. Instead, Sonic just sighed heavily. Vanilla had decided to take action and she steadily reached over for the top of the covers and carefully peeled it from the king's body. The azure hedgehog lay, torso up, with his eyes in the crease of his arm. A definite scowl graced the features of his face.

Vanilla's expression of worry deepened.

"King Arthur, I beg of you, tell me what is wrong," she pleaded.

"I told you, nothing is wrong," he said sternly, his voice on edge.

Anyone could tell he was already getting annoyed, his temper as quick as his feet.

But Vanilla was stubborn too.

"But your majesty, if something is bothering you, we may as well fix it now! It would be such an unpleasant surprise for Elizabeth to-"

At this, she could see him flinch.

Ohhhhhh.

Two words:

Cold feet.

It just had to be.

Her gaze softened and her expression changed into one of understanding. She closed her eyes for a full second and got up from the bed. Placing her hands to her lap, Vanilla straightened her back. Just when Sonic had heard her leaving footsteps, he thought she had finally left him alone.

"Elizabeth will go through with the wedding, your majesty. When you're ready, come to the dressing room."

A blue ear perked up. Sonic slowly uncovered his eyes, propping himself on his other elbow. A questioning gaze was directed towards the door that closed touch.

What the heck was she talking about?

Of course he knew Elizabeth was going to go through the wedding. She had to! Well, she wants to. She did say yes to his proposal so that meant she really wanted to, right? No one would say yes to something they didn't want, especially when it affected their entire life, right? Well, with how things ran now, she knew she couldn't really say no, but he gave her that option so… But…she really didn't know she had that option.

What if she thinks she was forced into this? What if she really didn't love him and only agreed to this because her father had given him permission to? What if the affection she showed him was all an act for the riches? What if she only said yes for his power? What if she was planning to kill him after the wedding? No! Elizabeth wouldn't do that!

But what if she would?

An angry growl ripped through the young king's throat and he grabbed his quills in frustration. A string of curses ran through his lips and Sonic sighed heavily after his mini temper tantrum. The pressure from the wedding was eating him up. Truth be told, he was frightened. Terrified even! He was getting married to someone he adored so much. They would be bonded under law and hopefully under their love. In less than twenty four hours, he would have a queen.

His own queen.

And he would be her king.

A giddy feeling bubbled inside the blue hedgehog and he had to breathe slowly to calm himself. A slow smile spread across his peach muzzle. King Arthur and Queen Elizabeth. It had a nice ring to it. A really nice one.

What was he worried about? Of course Elizabeth wouldn't kill him! Maybe one of these days, because of his mischievous mind, but not too soon. He chuckled, looking back at his previous freak out session.

He was such a worry hog.

(0…)

This was just like the day of the dance. The make-up, the dress, the horrid hair salon. Elizabeth knew from the moment Vanilla had looked her up and down, seemingly calculating all that needed to be done before wedding, she was going to go through hell.

They better have pastries at the darn thing otherwise she would be pretty pissed.

"Alright!" Vanilla exclaimed, clapping her hands together causing the ebony teen to jump. "Let's get you dolled up! We've got much to do. No time for diddy daddling!"

She grabbed Elizabeth's wrist and tugged her away to the showers. The young girl stumbled over her feet, holding her night gown up so she wouldn't trip. "Slow down Vanilla! I just woke up!" she exclaimed, already out of breath.

"No time."

"But-"

"No time!"

Elizabeth huffed and before she even knew it, she was stripped of her clothes, bare and naked in front of many of the maids. Her cheeks were tomato red, but she kept her mouth shut, though hiding her womanly parts. Although Vanilla rolled her eyes at her shame, she said nothing. Instead, she stared at Elizabeth. A moment passed by and the girl opened her mouth to say something but instead screamed as she was shoved into a tub of warm water.

"Was the necessary!" she nearly screeched, couching out water.

Vanilla only poured more water onto her.

"No time."

She wasn't joking about the pastries.

(0…)

It took all of Sonic's will to keep his feet from just running out of here this instant.

Half of the stuff he "needed" to do for the wedding were thing he hadn't even thought of.

Who the hell glosses their quills?

Okay, he got clipping some of the stray pieces away. He even bit his lip and stayed quiet while they had gotten a rigorous wash with this scented soap he had never seen in his life but whatever. But after he'd shaken them dry and had to pat them dry – which was weird because his quills dried on their own pretty fast – and one of the maids had made him sit in a chair and held out this blue substance in a jar. She scooped the blue goop with three fingers and as soon as it got three inches to his quills, faster than the naked eye could even detect, Sonic had gotten up. His emerald eyes glared at the weird blue thing, trying to disintegrate it.

"Your majesty?" she hummed in question, raising a brow.

The blue king continued to stare at the goop. It was then that his eyes heavily laid on the maid's and with a straight face he commented blatantly, "Are you trying to poison me?"

The older maid had burst into a fit of giggles while Sonic's beady eyes only got glosser and bigger out of pure terror. This woman was crazy. He just knew it. No one, in their right mind, would laugh at the idea of killing someone. Maybe if he ran fast enough, she would be too confused to expose his secret. Yeah, a quick getaway sounded great right now.

Just as he was about to raise his foot and skedaddle on out of there, the maid began to shake her head, placing the jar down and setting her free hand on her hip. "This is glosses your quills, my king," she giggled with calm eyes.

He furrowed his brows, a deep scowl plastered on his face.

"What in the seven hells is that supposed to mean?" he questioned.

"It is used to keep your quills in an orderly fashion," she replied.

Sonic glanced at the jar and back at the maid. "My quills do that naturally. I don't see why I need…that," he said with a tinge of disgust.

The maid sighed. Becoming frustrated, she bit her tongue, compelling herself to stay calm and respect the king. "It is only a precaution. Many use it but, obviously, you've just been introduced to it. Even the future queen is going to use it."

"I'm praying for her."

She blinked.

He blinked.

At that time they both knew today was going to be a very long day.

(0…)

Elizabeth took this time to relax, knowing this part would probably be the most calming part of her day. She sat on a cushioned chair, her feet in a tub of warm water and her hands pampered by two ladies. Although she thoroughly reminded all the maids surrounding her that there was no need to groom her hands and nails seeing as they would be put in gloves anyways, she was still told that it needed to be done. With no energy for argument, she complied and just let them do what they needed to do.

It was horrible or anything. It was quite soothing in fact. The black hedgehog just felt a bit guilty for someone to go through this trouble without anyone but them admiring their work. It would be quite a bummer. At least that's what she would feel like. But then again, she wasn't them.

Internally shrugging, Elizabeth closed her eyes and let her mind at ease for the time being.

(0…)

It was almost time.

Like, the wedding was really close.

And for some reason, that felt suffocating to the blue hedgehog that stood in the mirror.

Sonic had on the suit he would get married in, along with the shoes he would get married in, and the gloves he would also get married in. His attire seamed set and ready and it only took about five minutes to get everything on, another two minutes to get the tie straight. But, of course, the maids had to make sure everything was perfect so here he stood there with about a dozen maids surrounding his being, poking and prodding to make sure not a stitch was out of order. They were only doing their job so, this one time, the azure king didn't make a disgruntled peep. He only stared at his reflection, his mind blocking off everything else but his disordered thoughts.

He was going to get married.

The azure king would soon find himself standing on the altar, the Knights of the Round Table standing on either side of him and many others in the crowd with hundreds – even thousands - of civilians outside the castle walls waiting for the wedding. Soon, he would have to stand still and watch as his bride walked down the aisle, linked with her father. And then after that, they would stand face to face, he would have to raise the veil over her face and connect his lips to her soft, delicate, ones.

There, Sonic's mind was reminded of her lips and their sweetness. He remembered how each time they kissed he was enveloped in a blanket of warmth. His mind would turn hazy and dazed. He would see stars, as cliché as it sounded. In those few moments he felt her lips on his, the walls of the castle were stripped away. The responsibilities he held on his shoulders were lifted off leaving him truly happy and free. Just the way he liked it.

The tips of Sonic's fingers itched and twitched. The need of having Elizabeth's body in his hold became increasingly hard to ignore. This sudden want caught him off guard, but he embraced it. His breathing began to slow down and got heavy. Sonic had to close his eyes, concentrating on staying as still as possible so the people around him wouldn't mess up on their task.

But that was really hard.

Because he kept thinking of what happened after the wedding.

You know, when he and Elizabeth would go on their honeymoon.

Oh, Christ, have mercy.

(0…)

It was getting really, really, close.

The special guests started to fill the church and from a crack of the door, Elizabeth saw that it was a full house. Her nerves began to worsen. Butterflies turned into bees and they aggravatingly buzzed in the pit of her stomach. It didn't help the fact that she could hear the screams and cheers of the townspeople when she was more than 1000 feet from them.

"Oh God," she breathed worriedly. Unknowingly, Elizabeth shook her hands as if they were wet. She stood in front of a mirror and stared at her reflection, terrified. Her eyes began wavering and she could see her eyes beginning to lighten. She cursed under her breathe and quickly closed her eyes.

Her eyes cannot change color.

They just can't.

If they did, she could just imagine the reactions. The townspeople would probably accuse her of a witch and burn her at the stake. Her eyes couldn't change color! If not for herself, then for Sonic. He didn't deserve the negative reactions that would come his way if they found out about her secret. No one did. The teen hedgehog was really good at keeping her eye color neutral. They didn't change often, or even at all, but it was at those times when she couldn't compose herself, and she would lose self control, and her eyes would go berserk.

But this time, she would make sure they wouldn't change today.

"Elizabeth, it is almost time!" Vanilla exclaimed, scurrying over way.

The young girl took in a deep breath, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. She opened her eyes, their color returning to their usual purple. Elizabeth blinked, lips pursed with nervousness. Vanilla scanned the girl over. She and the maids had just gone over dress for the past hour, fixing any stitch that was out of place. Now all that was left was for to walk down the aisle.

Elizabeth stood tall. Her quills were clipped back in an elegant bun, pieces curled, while two, long, curled, quills cascaded down the sides of her cheeks and ending right below her breasts. The wedding veil was placed in her hair, extending to the middle of her back. Her wedding dress was pure white, made with silk and cotton. It was lace dress, the material starting at the base of her neck and wrapping around her arms and the top of her back. Tiny flowers decorated the see-through material contrasting nicely with her dark fur. Right at the tip of her chest, was where the wedding dress started. It was sweetheart shaped, silver jewels lining the top. The corset hugged her frame tightly, dangerously pushing up her chest and helping her waist shrink to just the right size. Then, as the dress progressed further down, it began to loosen. The dress wasn't puffy, but began to expand sleekly, tiny white flowery designs and pearls decorating it. Behind her, the dresses train was long. It was truly a dress like no other; elegant and breathtaking.

Made for a queen.

Made for Elizabeth.

Vanilla pulled forward the veil, covering her face. Elizabeth's long lashes gently swayed as she fluttered her eyes closed and open. Taking one last look at her hands, she put them out for the rabbit to put the cotton material ring, attached to the sleeve of her dress, on her middle finger, letting the lace material stay on her hand. It made a 'V' shape, the tip stopping at the base of her middle finger.

Suddenly a loud stroke of the clock sounded the castle the grounds.

It was twelve.

Elizabeth froze and her eyes widened in realization. This was really happening. She was really getting married, whether it was forced or not, at the moment, all she knew was that she was in a wedding dress and about to walk down an aisle.

Oh shit.

Vanilla gave the girl one more once over. She clapped her hands together and nodded in approval. "I think you're ready," she whispered, tears filling her eyes.

Elizabeth disagreed totally.

The light brown rabbit grabbed onto Elizabeth's hands, causing the girl to look up into her eyes. Vanilla sighed, understanding chocolate eyes warningly bright. "I know this was not what you wanted, dear, and I know you never wanted this to happen, but I just want to let you know how proud I am of you for being so strong and sticking through with this. You may have not married the man you loved, but you have showed to me such courage and bravery. You are a strong woman, Elizabeth, and I just know everything will soon be alright," she spoke, sniffing.

The dark teen had to blink back her tears. Without another thought, she threw her arms around the rabbit's neck, whispering her gratitude. Vanilla giggled and hugged her back but pushed her away and checked her make up again, in case it was messed up. When she found it wasn't, she nodded and lead Elizabeth to the doors giving her way to the aisle.

"Here we go," the girl whispered.

She stopped in front of the two doors. Behind these giant doors would be the aisle where she would walk down and become wedded to this land's king.

If that was nerve-wracking, she didn't know what was.

Elizabeth felt her heart race even more as the maids adjusted her train, making sure it was it behind her and straight. Again, she closed her eyes and cleared her mind. She just had to get through this. All she had to do was walk down the aisle, say 'I do' and kiss Sonic. If she made it through today, she could make it through anything.

But she couldn't make it through this.

At the worst time possible, Elizabeth Ann du Lac began to freak out. Her mind buzzed and her heart had probably stopped by now. Her stomach did flips into the sunset and she was sure she looked like a shivering raccoon. Tears began to sting her eyes and her breath quickened. Her bottom lip quivered and she could feel a sob threatening to rip from her throat.

"I can't do it," she admitted, finally.

She was alone. No one knew how she really felt. The weight of everything that had ever happened hit her once again, leaving her on the side for dead.

She shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself, clenching her eyes shut. She couldn't go out there and walk down the aisle, say 'I do' and kiss Sonic. She wasn't going to lie to herself anymore. She couldn't lie to herself anymore. Feeling as if she couldn't breathe, she panted harshly, almost hyperventilating. The walls around her seemed to be getting closer and darkness surrounded her trembling frame. It suddenly got colder. Really cold. She felt like she would drop dead at any moment.

Was she having a panic attack?

"I c-can't do this!" she whispered harshly, bowing her head in defeat.

She just couldn't-

"Watashi no ai o anata no atama o pikkuappu."

As she was told, Elizabeth lifted her head, slowly. Her eyes widened tremendously as her mouth hung agape. She stared ahead, her mind going blank as she tried to understand why she understood that. Or, more importantly, how the voice knew she was able to.

That was right.

The father of the bride walked her down the aisle.

Shadow stood tall and proud next to his daughter. He held a bouquet of flowers in his gloved hand, the white and lavender lilies glowing innocently. Wordlessly, he grabbed her hand and wrapped it around the set. Then he intertwined their fingers. Cautiously, he brought her knuckles to his lips and laid a gently kiss on them. Elizabeth's eyes only widened even more as she let the situation sink in.

Her father was here.

Even after everything she had said.

The dark knight adjusted the bow on his tux and swallowed, taking the risk and allowing his ruby orbs to lie on his daughter. His stoic gaze softened considerably as her watery eyes met his. A rising feeling rose in his chest but he suppressed whatever it was. Instead, an encouraging smile ran across his tan lips. In his pocket, he pulled out his wife's hair piece, the same one from her wedding and placed it in Elizabeth's hair.

"Even if you despise me, know that I will always love you and have never stopped, my dear."

For a moment, for just one moment, Elizabeth wished that she had the ability to stop time so she could make sense of the situation. Well, actually, that was a lie. What she really wanted to do, was ask this man next her how he was able to stand beside her without even the slightest pinch of hate and how he was able to get her to drop all her walls and love him again.

Wow.

Elizabeth turned her gaze towards the door, red lips closed, tears gone. A new profound streak of strength ran through her arm and into her heart. Whatever she was about to face, she felt better about facing it because she knew she had a loyal knight by her side. But, she still was rather worried about something.

"What if I trip?" she said, breathing in deeply.

She saw the doors begin to open and calm music began to float through the air. It was time.

"I'll probably laugh."

And for some odd reason, that snarky comment gave her a safe feeling.

It also made her want to punch him in the face, but she would think about that later.

(0…)

It all happened so fast, and that was saying something coming from him.

One moment he's standing there, frozen in awe as he sees this magnificent creature walk towards him, her body glowing like jewels, then the next, he's asked to say 'I do'.

Sonic hadn't really dreamed of this moment. He didn't spend his entire life dreaming of what his wedding would be like. To be honest, he didn't every really think about it. In his mind, he told himself that when the time came, he would know and then he would focus on it, so when things were going so well, better than he could've ever imagined, he was thrilled beyond belief. What had he done to deserve such a perfect day.

In front of him stood a girl who had to have been an angel sent directly from the heavens. Her soft angelic face and beautiful body were adorned in white, making her ebony fur radiate. The cerulean king had to restrain himself from kissing her before he was supposed to and smudging the red lip stick that decorated her lips. And if that wasn't enough, her eyes were just as alluring. Sonic found himself spacing out and completely forgetting the outside world as he gazed into astounding lavender irises. They were just so beautiful, so captivating. They put any other pair of eyes he'd ever seen in his life to shame. They were just that beautiful to him.

His eyes became half-lidded as he gazed into them. Sonic saw a blush creep onto the girl's cheeks causing him to grin gently.

'You're so beautiful,' he mouthed to her.

Elizabeth looked away in bashfulness. Sonic quickly put a finger under her chin, making her look up at him. He didn't want to waste a second without looking at those glittering jewels.

Soon the priest had gotten to the part.

"King Arthur, do you pledge to share your life openly with Elizabeth, and to speak the truth in love? Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for her, cherish and encourage her, stand with her, through sorrows and joys, hardships and triumphs for all the days of your lives? Do you pledge to share your love and the joys of your marriage with all those around you, so that they may learn from your love and be encouraged to grow in their own lives? Do you take Elizabeth Ann du Lac, to be your lawfully wedded wife, for as long as you both shall live?"

Before he even thought about it, Sonic said, "I do."

The priest nodded with a smile. Then said, "Elizabeth Ann du Lac, do you pledge to share your life openly with King Arthur, and to speak the truth in love? Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for him, cherish and encourage him, stand with him, through sorrows and joys, hardships and triumphs for all the days of your lives? Do you pledge to share your love and the joys of your marriage with all those around you, so that they may learn from your love and be encouraged to grow in their own lives? Do you take King Arthur, ruler of this land, to be your lawfully wedded husband, for as long as you both shall live?

Elizabeth clenched her jaw. This was it. This was the moment she sealed her fate and although it wasn't exactly the path she wanted, she was going to stick through the storm. Elizabeth decided right there and then, she would try with all her might to be the best wife she could be.

"I do," she whispered, voice watery.

Then, the rings were brought to them and Sonic and Elizabeth both held the circular metals in their hands. As they put the ring on the other's ring finger, the priest continued.

"Wedding rings are made precious by our wearing them. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today."

After Elizabeth had put the ring on Sonic's finger, she giggled in amusement as she watched him put her ring on her finger. His hand was shaking tremendously and it took a few tries before he actually go it on. He blushed as he nervously chuckled.

"And now, by the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Arthur, you may now kiss your bride!"

Cheers sounded throughout the large room, filling up everyone's ear drums, but to the two there, they didn't hear a thing. Instead, the room was emptied and it was just the two of them in the world. Delicately, Sonic lifted the veil, the only thing, between them. Elizabeth looked up, through her long lashes, bashfully blushing. Wordlessly, Sonic's large hands softly cupped her cheeks, his thumbs caressing them. He leaned in, eyes half lidded, and lips parted. Elizabeth tilted her head up and closed her eyes. She dropped the bouquet and wrapped her arms around his neck as their lips met. Slowly and passionately, their lips moved in sync as they sealed their fate, pouring everything they had in that kiss.

If it was even possible, the crowd became louder. Soon enough, the two newly wedded hedgehogs pulled apart, looking at each other. A goofy smile almost tore the blue blur's face in half as a gentle smile graced the ebon teen's muzzle. She then giggled as she ran her thumb across her husband's lips, removing her lipstick off.

"Leave it."

Sonic took her hand in his grasp and lowered his other hand to her waist, pulling her closer. "Red looks rather dashing on your lips, my king, but I think I like it better off," Elizabeth teased. He chuckled, shaking his head. Sonic pecked her lips once more before suddenly taking her in his arms. The dark hedgehog yelped in surprise, eyes wide.

"Your dress looks very beautiful on you, my queen, but I think I prefer it off," he said cheekily, walking down the aisle.

Elizabeth's face reddened horribly. She gaped and swatted his shoulder, a smile threatening to take over her lips. "Baka!" she exclaimed

"But I'm your idiot!"

Translation: Watashi no ai o anata no atama o pikkuappu-Pick your head up, my love.

You thought I abonded this, didn't ya?

Thank you. R&R

~God Bless You~