Author's Note: Thank you Aliciathewolf45, MissMJS, JessicaShadow and Sad Little Demon for your reviews. Much appreciated! If anyone is finding this story to be a little slow, all I ask is that you stick with it. I promise you the plot will really start to thicken in the next few chapters! :)

•~•

The next morning, Shadow and Amy got word that Lord Jules had pulled with his offer. With a new wrench in their plans, Amy paced in front of the fireplace anxiously. "Why did he pull out so suddenly?"

Shadow stood by the window feeling discouraged. "He wouldn't give me a solid answer."

Amy grumbled in annoyance. "This has to have been Finitevus' doing," Amy hypothesized.

"Well, whatever it may have been, we're out of a deal."

"We still have one," she said joining him by the window. "Vector's offer still stands…"

Shadow dragged a hand over his quills. "I can't release prisoners without knowing their crimes. They could be dangerous," he opposed. "Until I find out more, we'll keep Vector's offer at bay."

"We have two days until our coronation, Shadow, and that's when his offer expires." Amy watched as Shadow stared distantly off into the far left corner by the room where their bed was. She looked in the direction he was staring but saw nothing out of the ordinary. "Shadow?"

Even though Amy was unable to see what he was staring at, his vision was clear as day. His father, once again, had appeared out of thin air and stood in the corner by their bed, just staring back with a wicked grin. Amy finally brought him out of his stupor by placing a hand on his shoulder. "Shadow?" she repeated.

Shadow placed a hand on his face and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again, only to see that his father had vanished. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "I'm just spent. But to answer your concerns, we still have plenty of time," he assured.

A knock on the door drew their attention away, and Sonic popped his head inside. "Apologies if I'm interrupting anything, brother," Sonic spoke, "But I just came to inform you I got that arrangement put together as requested. You'll need to be there in an hour."

Shadow nodded, instantly knowing what arrangement he was talking about. "Good. We'll go now."

Amy watched as he took his exit, only growing more concerned. "Where are you headed now?"

He stopped by the door to look back at her. "I have some business to attend to. I'll be back later."

•~•

Sonic escorted Shadow to the village at an old tavern for travelers. Shadow kept his hood up on the cloak concealing his identity as he maneuvered through the busy tavern. Males of all ages sat at the bar, drinking, flirting with the local whores parading around, or talking with their friends. Thankfully, because it was so busy, no one really noticed Shadow's presence. Sonic led him up some stairs to the second floor where the boarding rooms were. The two eventually stopped at a door and Sonic knocked twice waiting for the resident staying inside to open the door. The door eventually opened revealing the female lynx Shadow had seen in the castle the other day. "He's here," Sonic whispered.

The female clairvoyant smiled. "Come inside," she gestured opening the door wider.

Shadow entered the room then turned to his brother starting to enter behind him. "Um, do you mind waiting out here?"

Sonic looked a little stunned, only fueling his growing concern. "Uh, sure, that's fine," he answered coolly.

"Thank you." The door closed, leaving him to stand guard.

Back inside the room, Shadow finally pulled down his hood now that he was safely inside. "It's lovely to meet you, your majesty," the lynx said graciously as she shook his hand. "My name is Nicole. It's a great and unexpected honor to meet with you today."

He shook her hand back briefly. "It's nice to meet you too, Nicole."

Once they finished their introductions, Nicole gestured towards her dining table. "Would you like to take a seat?" she offered.

"Yes." The two sat down in their seats, sitting across from one another. Shadow gazed around the room noticing all the lit candles around them along with a crystal ball sitting in the center of the table.

"So, Sonic told me that you wanted to have a private session. What exactly can I do for you today?"

Shadow looked uneasy speaking openly about his circumstances but knew she was his last hope. "I am told that you can speak with the dead," he said almost doubtingly.

Nicole heard the skepticism emanate through his tone. "Um, forgive me, but are you uncertain in the belief of my gift?"

Shadow rested his hands together on the tabletop. "Perhaps a little, but I am open to experiencing it first hand. More than anything else, I'm terrified of finding out if I'm going mad."

Nicole arched a brow. "Mad? I'm sorry, I'm not following you, your highness."

His finger drummed along the tabletop. "I've been seeing someone around the castle, in my dreams even, and I don't know what they want from me. Am I crazy?"

Nicole smiled warmly. "Do not fret, your majesty. You probably are seeing something. You know, not everyone is able to see ghosts with the naked eye. Only some are gifted with heightened senses."

"I see, it's just, my father started to go mad before his death and I will admit my mind started to contemplate the idea that I might be as well."

She outreached her hands across the table. "Place your hand in mine so I can connect to your energy." Hesitantly, and still, a bit skeptical, Shadow placed his hands in hers. "Now, I want you to close your eyes and relax as I channel your energy to connect with your loved one." Shadow did as instructed and allowed his mind to ease. After a minute or so, Nicole was able to make contact with the spirit. Slowly, she slipped her hands out of his, causing him to open his eyes. "Hello, son..." Nicole responded in a more masculine sounding voice.

The hair on the back of his neck rose as he recognized the voice. "…Father?"

Nicole smiled wickedly as she sat across from him. "Frightened are we?" she replied in Phillip's voice. It was then that Shadow realized that she had somehow become possessed with his father's spirit, confirming his suspicion.

"Why do you keep appearing to me? Why have you not moved on?"

Nicole leaned back in her chair. "I have unfinished business," he answered.

"Like what?"

"My death," he responded. "Something does not sit well and I think you know why."

Shadow's heart skipped a beat. The only other person in the world that knew how his father had died was Amy. No one else had been told of the dark secret he had been withholding. "I will look into it, but in the meantime, you need to pass on to the other side."

"Not until you admit the truth."

Shadow's stomach sank and his eyes fell on the table. "I don't know what you're talking about," he lied.

"You're lying," he retorted.

Shadow closed his eyes and shook his head. "No."

"Yes!" he snapped.

"Stop!" Shadow said as he stood, slamming his hands against the tabletop.

This caused Phillip to jolt his spirit from Nicole's body and leave. Nicole came out of her stupor and placed a hand on her forehead. "...Your majesty?"

"This session is over," he answered heading for the door.

She quickly stood to pursue him. "Wait, where are you going, your majesty?"

Shadow put his hood back over his head. "Thank you for your time, but I can't be here any longer." He grabbed the doorknob and opened the door. "My brother will pay for your services," he quickly excused.

•~•

Later that evening at the castle, with still no word on the prisoner's crimes, Amy began to grow distressed on losing their last offer. Because Shadow still hadn't returned to court from his business errand, Amy decided to meet with the Duke on her own. The two stood in Amy's study to discuss the bid. "There is good news about the exchange we discussed last night."

"Oh?"

Amy nodded. "The king is intrigued by the prospect, but he just needs a little more time to consider-"

"-The king is only intrigued?" Vector repeated rather skeptically. "Maybe I should have spoken to him instead of just the messenger."

Amy blinked, taken aback with his passive agressive response. Keeping up her regal grace, Amy remained professional. "You can deal with me directly," she said sternly "My husband just wants to confirm the prisoners crimes for himself."

Vector showed offense by the thought. "My word is not good enough for the king?"

She quickly picked up on his resentment. "Please, we really want to accept this proposal."

"I'm not here to play games, your highness. You now have an hour and if you don't get back to me, then I'm going home."

•~•

With the hour quickly approaching, Shadow still hadn't returned. Amy could no longer risk losing the offer and decided to make a bold decision on her own.

"Didn't Shadow tell you not to make any more decisions without him?" Cream asked as she walked with her up and down the halls of the castle.

"Yes, but I don't know why he hasn't returned to court yet. I can't let this offer slip through our fingers." Finally, the two found the Duke and his men walking down the halls with their belongings, preparing to head home. Amy looked to Cream. "Wait here," she whispered. Cream nodded and watched as Amy rushed down the hall towards them. "Vector!" Amy called.

Vector stopped and turned as he spotted the queen heading towards him. "Sorry, but I'm heading home."

She caught up to him. "No, wait. The king's guards have been ordered to accompany you and your men to where the prisoners are being held. It's a short ride, and once you're there, they'll be handed over into your custody, as agreed."

Vector's face lit up in content. "Oh, thank you, your grace." He shook her hand happily. "You will have your grain as promised."

Amy smiled kindly. "Mobius thanks you, and so does my husband."

Vector bowed his head respectfully.

•~•

Several hours later, Shadow returned to his bedroom, where Amy patiently waited for his return. She rose from her seat now in her nightgown, as he entered the room. "Shadow, you're back! Where have you been all day?"

Shadow tiredly took off his sword and placed it against the wall. "Not now, Amy, I'm very tired," he responded practically detached from any interest in the conversation.

"But it's about the duke and his offer."

Shadow turned to look at her. "What about it?"

"Well," she started nervously. "I accepted his offer and in return, he's gotten his prisoners back."

Shadow blinked by her admittance, feeling frustration creep in. "Without consulting me first?" he asked a little disgruntled. "Why? We had an agreement."

"There was no time," she excused.

"Two days was more than enough time. I told you I would look into it," he said voice rising.

Amy was shocked with how vexed he was becoming with her. "The timeframe changed, Vector was leaving court, and I couldn't find you!"

Shadow placed a frustrated hand on his forehead. "Amy, I warned you. Provoking Mobian nobleman, and taking on Finitevus, hours before my coronation?" he questioned, baffled by her naivety.

"He offered a fair deal. The only deal that could keep Mobius from the famine."

Shadow approached her, patience running thin. "Every ruler at court will hear how I lacked the power to make my own nobles deliver a simple commodity. They will hear how I couldn't control my own queen."

"Tell them a different story then. Tell them how you faced down your nobles, and forged an alliance to feed you people."

"But I didn't do that, you did!" he snapped.

"—In the king's name!" she argued. "I don't see how this does any harm?"

"Amy…this is not about my vanity. This is about my legitimacy! I am a new king trying to fill the shoes of a one, those people feared. I don't need their fear but I need their respect. How can I ask them for it if I can't even get it from you?" he spoke exasperated.

Her ears fell flat against her head. "…You don't think I respect you?"

He crossed his arms over his chest. "Not enough to obey me."

Amy fumbled with her hands suddenly feeling small before him. "Let me help you then, let me-"

"—No," he quickly rejected. "I've had enough help from you already." With that, Shadow left the bedroom, leaving Amy feeling hurt and confused.

•~•

The next morning, Amy sat alone by the lake after spending the night without Shadow. She hadn't been able to get much sleep that night after their argument, and seeing Shadow so angry with her really had dampened her mood. As she remained in silence gathering her thoughts, footsteps approached her from behind. Turning her head slightly, she spotted Prince Cordovan coming up by her side. "Mind if I join you?" he asked politely.

"Not at all," she replied trying to force a smile.

With her approval, Cordovan eased down onto the grass to sit beside her. "So, what brings the queen to sit outside all by herself?"

She sighed, gazing back towards the glistening water. "I don't want to burden you with my problems."

"Don't be ridiculous, I'm all ears." He crossed his legs Indian style for a better-sitting position. "Besides, you look like you could use someone to talk to."

With some reluctance, Amy decided to discuss her problems. "It's about Shadow," she started. "Ever since he returned to court, he's been acting distant, even troubled at times. I try to get him to open up to me, but every time he refuses."

"Perhaps it's the stress of the crown," Cordovan speculated. "Shadow has had a lot thrown on his plate since his return."

"Maybe, but ever since I made the foolish mistake of executing Finitevus' son, Shadow has looked at my decisions more brashly. He's given me orders to stay back and only allows me to make decisions with him present."

"Sounds like the guidelines set of most other kings," Cordovan observed. "-Not to sound rude," he added.

"Yes, but Shadow always insisted that'd he'd be different from most rulers, and last night I had never seen him so angry at me before."

"What happened?"

"The grain Finitevus has been 'promising' us has been continuously delayed. Shadow set up negotiation with another noble, but they ended up backing out last second. The duke from Westpolis came to me offering grain as long as I released some prisoners in return. Unfortunately, Shadow wanted nothing to do with his offer."

"Go on."

"Long story short, his offer was nearing expiration and I went behind Shadow's back while he was absent and made the deal." She turned towards him, eager to hear his thoughts. "Tell me, Cordovan, is Shadow right to be so indignant with me?"

Cordovan shook his head. "No. It's been proven that your past deals were let downs. You acted diplomatic with the seemingly most legit offer handed to you and took it."

Amy felt relieved by his opinion. "Really?"

He nodded with a smile. "You have to look at it this way, Amy. Most decisions you'll make during your reign won't all have perfect outcomes. There will always be some weakness to even the most idyllic sounding offers. You just have to go with your gut sometimes," he expounded.

Amy was thoroughly impressed with Cordovan's wise knowledge and take on her issue. "Oh, Cordovan, thank you so much! You really opened up my view on the matter."

"I'm only strong on the matter because my brother has struggled with some of the same problems you two are having."

Amy leaned over and embraced him unexpectedly. "You have no idea how much this helped me."

Hesitantly, Cordovan patted her on the back with a sheepish grin. "Of course, your grace."

•~•

Inside the castle, Shadow walked down the hall towards the throne with a squad of guards behind him. He had avoided coming in contact with Amy all morning, still brewing on last night's events. "Your majesty!" a male voice called from behind.

When Shadow turned around, he spotted Vector and his men approach. "Oh, Vector, I've been meaning to have a word with you."

"I had the same thought," he retorted.

Shadow cupped his hands together regretfully. "I want to apologize for my wife-"

"Apologize?" Vector said in shock. "I came to praise your wife for the negotiation we placed!"

"Praise?" Shadow repeated a little stunned.

"Yes, if anyone should be apologizing it should be me. I'll admit, I was a little short with her at times, but your wife was nothing but regal, considerate, and poised during our exchange."

"Really?"

Vector patted him on the shoulder. "She's a gem, your highness," he complimented. "Because of how gracious she was towards me, I've decided to double my grain supply for her kindness."

Shadow's eyes lit with excitement. "Double, you say?"

Vector nodded. "Yes, expect the shipment within a day. I got it expedited last night as soon as Amy came to me with acceptance of our deal."

They shook hands. "Thank you so much, Vector," he thanked, suddenly starting to feel guilty with his treatment towards Amy from the previous night. He needed to find Amy and apologize for everything.

•~•

After apologizing profusely, Amy and Shadow looked all over the castle for Finitevus. Eventually, the two found him strolling towards the dining hall. "Lord Finitevus!" Shadow called.

The nobleman turned, to address him. "Yes, your highness?"

Amy and Shadow walked towards him together. "We made a deal with the duke of Westpolis for some grain in return for freeing some of Phillip's prisoners."

It was no news to him about their side deal. Instead, Finitevus remained unimpressed, refusing to let them get their satisfaction of seeing him squirm. "Is that all?" he asked dryly.

Shadow shook his head. "No, I heard that you'd like to teach me how to rule, so let me tell you what I have learned." Finitevus suddenly gulped. "A king needs to know who his friends are and keep making new ones all the time." He looked over his shoulder to where Vector and his men stood proudly in the background to watch the spectacle take place. "Luckily, there are so many friends to choose from," he smiled smarmily.

Finitevus raised one brow with his stoic expression. "Without betraying his old ones, I trust…"

"I don't think my husband needs a lecture from you on betrayal," Amy quipped.

He smirked by her bold jest. "Do you accuse me of something, my grace?"

"Oh," she smiled facetiously. "Many things I'm sure, but let's start with the betrayal of promises. Unless, somehow, your grain has arrived beneath our notice?"

"How dare you let her mock me," he spat.

"She is my queen," Shadow spoke proudly. "You'd do best to remember it and respect her," he defended. He locked eyes with Amy and smiled. "I know I've learned," Amy smiled back. "—And you know, Finitevus, the time will come most unexpectedly, when you will need a friend, too."

Slightly shaken from being put on the spot, Finitevus backed down from his attacks and instead bowed his head subserviently. "Yes, your majesty. And, um, I am pleased to inform you that my shipment of grains has arrived today."

Both Shadow and Amy smiled at one another by surprise as Finitevus walked off, feeling rather humiliated getting his comeuppance.

•~•

The day had finally arrived for Shadow and Amy's coronation and the two dressed in their royal color, blue. Amy wore a beautiful dark navy blue dress, with white lace detailing, and Shadow wore a long dark blue cape, with white faux fur detailing and black boots. The two walked side by side towards the throne room with their guards escorting them.

While they walked down the hall, something dawned on Shadow. "I was wrong," he admitted, catching Amy's attention. "What I had asked you to do with your role was foolish of me, a step backward in fact. We both want the same for the world and the only way we can make it better is if we work together." Amy was greatly touched by his admittance to his faults. "We do greater things when we act as one and when we trust each other as equals," he finished extending his hand for her to take. The two stopped in their tracks momentarily in front of the closed doors leading to the throne room. "This is not a coronation for a king." Amy placed her hand softly in his, allowing him to cup it. "It's for a king and queen." With that said, the doors opened to start the coronation.

Inside the throne room, guests from all over the land stood on either side of the room to watch the ceremony take place. Shadow and Amy walked down the aisle together where they saw a walrus priest wait patiently at the steps. Shadow was first and approached the steps to kneel in front of him. The priest opened up a box he was holding and placed Phillip's old ring onto Shadow's right hand. Then his assistant handed him the royal staff, which he promptly handed to Shadow. Shadow looked down at the golden staff, embedded with colorful jewels that glistened in the light, before looking at a pillow with Phillip's golden, jeweled, crown. The priest picked up the headpiece delicately and lowered it onto Shadow's bowed head. As Shadow felt the crown placed, it suddenly sank in. He was now king!

Shadow stood upright with his golden staff in hand and new crown and walked over to his seat, turning to look at his adoring subjects before he seated. "Long live the king!" the crowd cheered in unison. With that, Shadow lowered himself into his chair, now acknowledged as the new ruler.

Even though Amy was already queen of Mercia, she was about to be officially crowned as queen of Mobius. Cream and Rouge helped lift up the train part of Amy's elegant coronation gown as she made her way to kneel before the priest. As she knelt down, the priest repeated the actions he did for Shadow by placing a ring on her right hand, and handing her a royal staff similar in appearance to Shadow's. The final act came and the priest lifted a crown from a pillow to place on Amy's head. Amy bowed her head and allowed the priest to place it. Bells tolled in the distance and Amy stood upright, standing before her people.

"Long live the queen!" the crowd cheered in unison.

Amy smiled and elegantly sat down on her throne with her now officially crowned husband. Now that the ceremony was completed, the crowd clapped in celebration for their newly appointed rulers.

•~•

Later that night, to celebrate, Shadow and Amy decided to ease the sexual tension. In their bedroom, Amy gasped in near euphoria as Shadow hit just the right spot. The two were in bed, already in the process of lovemaking. Amy straddled Shadow's lap, while Shadow held her by the hips. Amy bounced up and down, finding a good rhythm to allow them both pleasure. Shadow bit his lip gently, as her flower gripped his shaft tightly. Amy stopped momentarily and reached for his face pulling it towards her and into a kiss. Shadow kissed her back, running his fingers down her bare back, drawing in goosebumps.

Slowly, he helped lower her backward to switch positions and take the lead. Amy laid on her back and stared up at Shadow before he began to kiss down her chest and over her erect nipples. His kisses were soft and made her body heat up in anticipation. "Oh, Shadow," she moaned softly.

"Amy," he moaned kissing the side of her neck. The night appeared that it would be long and steamy.

•~•

AN: Remember to leave a review! :)