Author's Note: Hey guys, I'm back with a new chapter! First of all, I would like to thank the reviewers from the last chapter, aliciathewolf45, jessicashadow, MissMJS, Aragorn Van Hellsing, and Crimson Destroyer for their reviews. Also, to Crimson Destroyer, I actually don't hate Sonic at all.

Also, did you guys notice the art for the story? I commissioned Myly14 on deviantART for the ShadAmy piece to fit the story and she absolutely killed it with all the details. I was gagging over it! I gave her a very detailed description of how I envisioned Shadow and Amy in their royal attire and she did an amazing job with it. If you want to check out the full pic, look up Myly14 on DeviantART to visit her gallery. I can't seem to directly link you guys, so you'll have to type it in yourself. Also, I hope I don't see anyone else using the art for their own fanfictions on here. I actually PAID her specifically for art for MY fanfic, so yeah. Please don't do that. Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

•~•

Later that evening, Amy and Shadow took a stroll around the castle together after a disastrous attempt at getting Finitevus to change his mind. Shadow sighed, feeling defeated by his efforts. "I tried to do everything in my power to negotiate Espio's life, but it's no use. Finitevus wants revenge and he has the nobles on his side."

"He's more wicked than his son," Amy mumbled in annoyance.

Despite everything, Shadow was still a little disgruntled with her final decision. "Why couldn't you have just waited? You could have had had Flint arrested instead."

"If I had, Finitevus would have pressured us to release him and we'd be in the same position we're in now; with him trying to force your hand," she averred.

"But his son would still be alive and he wouldn't be out for blood," Shadow countered, shaking his head in disappointment. "It was reckless, Amy…"

His disapproval was starting to get on her nerves. Why couldn't he see her point of view? "I saw an entire family murdered," she argued. "My rage took hold, and yes, it might not have been the best decision, but it was justified at the time."

"But it was a choice you made alone." Amy halted in her tracks making Shadow stop as well by her sudden delay. He looked at her strangely, not realizing he had just greatly offended her. "What?"

She crossed her arms over her chest looking quite irked by his last comment. "I wouldn't have had to make the decision 'alone' if you hadn't knowingly abandoned me to see the severity of the outside world. You are the king who deserted his castle," she pointed accusingly.

Shadow softened by her statement. She was right, he couldn't put all the blame solely on her. "Look, Amy, I don't want to fight and we can't afford to let out differences divide us. We have to find a way to stop this execution without destroying our relationship with the other nobles."

He made a good point. It had been awhile since the two had a major disagreement and she didn't want to start another one. "You're right," she agreed. "But there has to be a way to find leverage against Finitevus."

"There might be," another male voice piped in behind the two. The couple turned only to see Prince Cordovan stroll up behind them.

"Prince Cordovan, what do you know?" Amy asked with intrigue.

"There are rumors that Finitevus has killed other nobles to gain their land. Locke held the neighboring land to Finitevus and now he's dead. Why else would he kill him?"

"How do you know for certain?" Shadow asked.

"I don't have the proof, but they do call them 'rumors' for a reason. My brother refuses to do any negotiating with anyone related to Finitevus because of them."

After Amy's interaction with both Finitevus and his son, she could easily see him doing something as corrupt. "This is a start, but we don't have much time to gather information. Dawn is only ten hours away."

"We need to get whatever evidence we can. I promised Espio that I would protect him."

"Why not start your search for clues with the most recent noble he wanted dead?"

•~•

That night, Amy and Shadow were given access to Locke's bedroom after all the bodies had been removed. "Here you are, your majesties," a guard said allowing them inside. Dried blood was still present on the floor and carpets, and the smell of dead bodies still remained present inside the room. Both Amy and Shadow covered their noses from the stench as they searched for clues. "You take that side of the room, and I'll take this side," Shadow directed.

Amy wandered over to the bed and began looking in drawers and under the bed for any evidence, while Shadow searched the closet area. After several minutes, the two had still found nothing substantial. "Find anything?" Amy asked.

"Nothing, you?" Amy didn't initially respond at first until she spotted a royally sealed envelope lying on top of a dresser. She pulled the sealed envelope from underneath some clothing and began to open it up. "Amy?" Shadow repeated, turning to see why she hadn't answered.

Amy held up the torn envelope. "I think I might have found something. Shadow put a book back on a shelf and flocked to her side. Amy read the letter in silence until Shadow came over and began to read it himself.

"What is it?"

"It's a letter that Locke had written to you," she said looking away from the note. "Apparently, he had found some damning evidence on Finitevus and wanted to speak with you in privately about it."

"Does he say anything about what that evidence might be?"

Amy continued to read the letter but shook her head. "No, he left it out."

"Damn it," Shadow cursed. "This isn't enough proof to use against Finitevus."

The clock on the wall struck six, startling the two. At that moment, everything was starting to look hopeless. "Two hours until dawn, and still nothing…"

Something finally clicked, giving Amy a boost of optimism. "Maybe not, Shadow..."

Shadow stared at her, lost on her comment. "What do you mean?"

Amy bit her lower lip as a sly smile began to form. "I have an idea and it may not work, but it's our last hope. You're going to have to trust me."

•~•

In the dungeons, Espio remained chained up and alone. He looked up when he heard the door to his cell open. Amy walked inside and approached him. Espio tried to stand up in respect towards her, but she shook her head. "No, Espio, it's alright, keep your strength up."

"What is going on, my grace? Am I being released?"

She shook her head sadly. "I'm afraid not."

She watched as Espio sagged briefly before composing himself. "If I must die for the crown, I will do so in honor of you," he commenced. "I won't let you go down for this."

"There will be no death today, but I do have a plan. You're just going to have to trust me. I'll make sure you keep you head."

Espio nodded. "I trust you, your majesty."

•~•

Dawn approached, and Amy's two guards that had seized Flint, along with Espio were taken outside for execution. A freshly sharpened guillotine was prepared for its victims as they marched towards it in chains. Outside, Lord Finitevus stood by watching the preparation take place. As the prisoners were placed in line accordingly, Prince Cordovan joined Finitevus outside.

Finitevus eyed the prince with intrigue. "What are you doing here?"

"Amy and Shadow did not want to have to watch, so I volunteered to witness this travesty in their place."

"How weak," Finitevus muttered.

"I know you're not a good man," Cordovan spoke keeping his eyes fixated ahead.

"I don't care what you think of me," he retorted. "There's nothing you can do to stop this."

"Grab that one," the executioner ordered.

Two guards came over and forced Espio down on his knees, then placed his neck on the chopping block. Surprisingly, Espio did not bother to struggle much. He had come to accept his fate. "Any last words?" The executor questioned.

Espio looked over to his right where he spotted Lord Finitevus watching on with a smug expression. "Go to hell," he spoke eying the echidna with malice.

With his final words spoken, the executioner walked over to pull the lever to release the blade, but before his hand could touch it, a voice called out. "Stop!" Finitevus, the guards, and Cordovan looked towards the castle entrance and spotted Queen Amy rushing towards them. "Release him by my order!"

"Even a queen needs to know her bounds," Finitevus replied as he approached her in annoyance.

She ignored his comments and walked towards the guillotine. "Let him go," Amy demanded again. With no further question, the guards helped Espio stand and began to unchain his arms and legs.

Angered by her move, Finitevus stopped in front of her. "Well, you've done it. You've just lost Mobius and your king! When the nobles hear of this, they'll-"

"—I know you're responsible for murdering other nobles and taking their land," she spoke quietly.

Lord Finitevus' features faltered by her comment. His once confident exterior began to diminish, proving that he was hiding something. "What are you talking about?"

"Locke was the one who had caught on to your ploys and was desperately seeking to talk with the king, but he never got to because he was conveniently murdered before Shadow could see him," she answered pointedly. "Oh, and there's something else, I should mention." Finitevus narrowed his brows towards her. "I may have sent Locke's written confession along with my own to back him, that I found in his room. The two letters have been sent by messenger to the Freedom Council for final judgment."

If this was true, he could be stripped of his title and executed himself for his corrupt doings. He examined her, looking for any signs of bluffing. "You didn't…"

"I did," she smirked proudly.

"—Amy!" another voice shouted. Amy turned only to spot Shadow anxiously walking towards them. The ebony hedgehog jogged over with two letters in hand. "I'll handle this," he said, gently brushing Amy to the side.

"But I have proof," Amy countered, baffled by his entrance.

"Not anymore," he said holding up two letters.

She noticed her royal seal placed on both. "My letters?" she replied in astonishment, but her facial features quickly turned to irritation. "You intercepted my riders?" she asked in disbelief. "You don't have to bow to him, Shadow!" she pleaded.

"Amy, leave us," Shadow dismissed rather abruptly.

Amy blinked in surprise by his response. Shadow had never been so short with her before, and especially not in front of company. "But..."

Shadow looked at her with a steadfast expression. "Leave. Us." Amy backed up slightly, taken aback by his seriousness. Meanwhile, his eyes looked to the young prince standing off to the side watching their quarrel take place. Even Cordovan looked surprised by his treatment towards Amy. "You too, Cordovan."

Cordovan looked over to Amy and then bowed his head respectively. "Let's go inside, your grace." Amy huffed in disappointment and walked off with Cordovan by her side.

Finitevus chuckled out of satisfaction watching Amy get put in place by her own husband. "You should have married a rich common girl, Shadow. At least then she wouldn't feel she held any real power."

Shadow continued to uphold his stoic expression not impressed by his insults. "I don't like you."

Finitevus smirked in return. "I don't care if you like me, whether you realize it or not, you need me."

"You're right, I only stopped the riders because we need each other." His eyes wandered over to Espio and the two guards that were currently being unchained. Espio looked back at Shadow with concern. "You will free them as a favor to me," he bargained.

Finitevus practically scoffed by the behest. "Why should I?"

Shadow lifted the two letters in his left hand. "Because I have the proof that could end your life. I'll dispose of it, as long as you accept that favor."

Finitevus eyed the letters, contemplating his decision. "…This would be rather difficult to explain to the other nobles," he noted.

Shadow hovered the letters over a lit lantern on the wall; just barely letting them hit the flames. "Manage them and I will manage my wife," Shadow haggled.

"We have a deal then."

"Wonderful," Shadow tossed the letters into a lantern, burning them into a crisp and disposing of any evidence. Finitevus gave an internal sigh of relief now that the final deal had been made.

•~•

Minutes later, Shadow returned to his chambers where Amy patiently waited for his return. When Shadow strolled inside, Amy anxiously stood, eager to hear the news. "Well?"

Shadow closed the door behind him and approached her in the living room with a smile on his face. "Espio and your guards have been freed."

Amy smiled and hugged Shadow in relief. Shadow returned her embrace before parting from it. "You were brilliant back there you know," Shadow praised, impressed by her acting skills.

"Thank you, I didn't know I had it in me," she smiled coyly. "Even Cordovan was shocked that it was all an act!"

"You told him what we were up to then?" he questioned.

She nodded. "Yes, he thought it was a great plan, but I have to ask, did Finitevus try to read the contents of the letters?"

"He never asked and I burned them before he could realize they were blank inside," he smirked.

Amy pecked him on the lips, pleased with the results. "I knew our plan would work."

Shadow nodded. "Yes, well, at least now we have Finitevus at bay."

"And what about Espio? What will become of him?"

Shadow's smile faded.

•~•

That evening, Amy and Shadow visited the stables where Espio saddled up his belongings on a horse. "I'm sorry it had to be this way, but it's best if you start a life somewhere new. Unfortunately, not everyone will be happy that you escaped punishment," Shadow spoke.

Espio tied a sack to the side of his horse. "I understand perfectly, it's just a shame it came to this."

"We're both going to miss you terribly," Amy said clasping her hands together.

"As will I," he agreed. "I enjoyed serving you both during my time."

Shadow gave a friendly departing hug. "Thank you for everything, my friend."

He smiled. "You're welcome."

After Shadow parted from his hug, Amy went in for her own. "Please, stay safe and take care," she whispered.

He nodded. "I will, my grace."

With their final goodbyes, Espio hopped up on his horse and gathered the reins. "I'm sure we'll see each other again one day. I know the two of you will be excellent rulers." With that, he whipped his reins and his horse trotted out of the stables before kicking into a run. Shadow and Amy watched sadly as Espio's figure disappeared down the castle path.

•~•

After his departure, Shadow' walked into the throne room, still distraught by Espio's retreat. "Is he gone?" a familiar voice asked.

Shadow looked back, spotting Sonic walk into the room. "Yes, he's gone."

"I'm sorry, Shadow. I know you two were good friends," he said considerately.

Shadow tucked his arms behind his back. "Yes, well…stuff like this happens I suppose."

"Well, I know this is a little sudden, but you're going to have to start placing people in your Privy Council for advice now that you're king. I'd like to offer myself as the King's deputy."

Shadow looked stunned by the suggestion but surprisingly agreed with it. "I think that's a wonderful idea."

"Really?" he smiled.

"Yes, there are not many people I can trust other than you and Amy. We've definitely grown closer in past months and I would like to entrust you with a great duty."

Sonic got down on one knee respectively. "Will you do the honors then, Shads?"

Shadow smiled and unsheathed his sword from his hip, brandishing it with pride. With grace, Shadow placed the tip of the sword on Sonic's right shoulder. "I, King Shadow, officially give you, Prince Sonic the Hedgehog, royal title as my King's Deputy."

Sonic smiled eagerly as he felt the sword's tip leave his shoulder. Shadow encouraged him to stand and Sonic hugged him in return. "Thank you, brother."

Shadow patted him on the back. "No, thank you."

•~•

After declaring Sonic as his deputy, Shadow headed back to his chambers to retire. Most of the people in the castle had already gone to sleep, so the halls of the castle were very empty other than the occasional guard standing post. As Shadow turned a corner, he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up along with a cold chill that stopped in his tracks. "Shadow..."

Slowly, he turned around expecting to see someone or something but instead saw an empty hall behind him. Flustered by his paranoia, he turned back to continue his journey but was startled to see what he believed to be his father standing in the flesh at the top of the stairs. Wearing his royal attire, Phillip stood from the top of the stairs, looking angered as he stared down at Shadow.

He squinted his eyes, dubious at the sight. "Father?" His father said no words and in the blink of the eye vanished. Shadow stepped back cautiously. How was this possible, his father had passed? Was his mind playing tricks on him? "No. This is impossible," he whispered looking around him, trying to see if anyone else had witnessed the sight, but saw no one around him. Shadow placed a hand on his forehead. He needed to get some rest.

•~•

AN: Make sure to check out the art for the story and leave a review, please!