Author's Note: Shout out to those of you that bother to leave me reviews. You guys are the real MVR'S (Most Valued Reviewers) This chapter is where things start to get interesting, so make sure you pay attention! ;)

•~•

It was a rainy night in Mercia, and a villager gathered his sheep during the heavy rainstorm. "C'mon, yah bloody sheep!" the old goat shouted, drenched in the pouring rain. Suddenly, from a flash of lightning, three cloaked figures on horses appeared on top of a hill. The sight spooked him. "Who are you?" he shouted. The three strangers did not reply and continued to watch him from the top of the hill. "What do you want?" he asked, but again they did not respond.

Frightened by their intimidating stance, the villager turned on his heel and ran for his life. As he fled the scene, the three horsemen chased after him into the stormy night and his scream echoed through the night.

•~•

After several weeks, tension at the castle had eased and the famine had finally passed. Amy and her ladies sat outside on a lovely morning enjoying some tea. Other than enjoying their company, Amy had received some wonderful news to share with her friends. "Oh my, this is wonderful!" Cream squealed in content.

"It seems like just yesterday Blaze was here with us," Rouge smiled.

"Well, it has been a year now. Blaze and Silver have had plenty of time to… well, you know," she laughed.

"I can't wait to see her baby," Cream clapped happily. "I bet he has her eyes."

Amy giggled. "Yes, well, try not to smother her when she returns to court. She's just as happy to see the rest of us."

"It was so nice of you to offer the christening to take place here," Rouge praised.

"I thought it'd be a nice gesture and fun getaway from Soleanna. Besides, Isabelle practically jumped on the offer to plan everything together. She absolutely dominates when it comes to planning parties," she chuckled.

•~•

Later that morning, servants were busy prepping for the baby's coronation in the dining hall. Tables were set up, and trays of delicious food samples were brought out to taste test. Shadow, Amy, and Isabelle surveyed the servants in intrigue. A servant walked by, and Isabelle grabbed a chocolate strawberry from a tray brought out past her. "You know, for Sonic's christening, all the desserts were drizzled with gold flecks. Ah, yes," she smiled reminiscing. "The children loved it."

Shadow watched her take a bite of the strawberry and shook his head with a smile. "Oh, I remember," Shadow chuckled. "I also remember getting very sick afterward."

"…I still think it was just your overly sensitive stomach," she mumbled.

Amy looked around the room, almost overwhelmed with all the decorations. There were flowers everywhere, banners, ice sculptures, plenty of food to feed a small army, and lots of alcohol. "This is all very lovely, Isabelle, but isn't this a 'bit' extravagant?"

"Nonsense, you know I love to throw a good banquet, this is nothing," Isabelle dismissed.

"I'm sure both Blaze and Silver will be more than satisfied with your planning, Isabelle, but thank you again for taking this responsibility off our hands," Shadow smiled.

Isabelle walked over to another tray, popping a pastry into her mouth. "Of course," she replied after swallowing. "It gives me something to do now that I'm retired." Isabelle grabbed another appetizer off a platter and lifted it up towards Amy's face. "Are you sure you don't want to try one of these? I think this is a mini fish pastry."

Amy moved her head away slightly, revolted by the smell. She placed a hand on her stomach suddenly feeling ill and backed up. "Uh, no, thank you." She turned and began to exit the ballroom.

"Where are you going, Amy?" Shadow questioned.

"Oh, I just remembered that I need Cream for something," she excused. "It's Blaze related!"

Shadow shrugged, believing it was nothing, but Isabelle watched her leave the room in a hurry with intrigue.

•~•

A little later, Shadow and Cordovan walked down one of the castle halls together after receiving some troubling news. "Are you sure your brother doesn't need you back at court anytime soon? I understand if he does," Shadow asked.

The two kept walking. "No, he's fine without me. I already sent in the negotiation deal with the Acorn kingdom, and other than that, I'm free for business."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay at court then? We have plenty of rooms here," Shadow offered.

"That's quite alright, I have an estate just a mile away from the castle. I've had for a year now in fact."

"Many people know you from the village, then?" Shadow inquired.

"Yes, not to brag, but I'm quite well liked in the community," he answered.

"So, what is your thought on these three horsemen terrorizing the lands?"

"I'm honestly not sure. Many of the villagers are being menaced. One of the latest victims was a Shepard just north of my estate."

They stopped by one of the castle windows in the hall to continue their conversation. "Did they hurt him?" Shadow asked quietly.

He shrugged, unsure himself. "I don't know all the details yet."

Shadow stroked his muzzle taking in all the information. "My brother is my deputy. I would like you to go with him to talk to this Shepard. Find out everything you can, then report back to me with your findings."

"Of course," he smiled before bowing and departing.

•~•

Amy stood on one of the castle's edges facing the sea. As she stood, listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks below, footsteps approached. "—There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere." Shadow made his way towards her. "I wondered where you ran off to."

Amy finally turned to look at him, looking very tranquil in the moment. "I was just looking at our home," she smiled. "We had such fun playing here when we were children. Do you remember?"

He smiled. "Yes, of course."

The wind picked up, blowing her quills gently in the breeze. "There are so many places to run and hide," she said allowing her eyes to fall across the large open field in front of the castle. "I learned to climb in that tree, right over there," she pointed.

His eyes followed to where she pointed. "Yes, I remember. You may have learned how to climb that day, but you didn't learn how to get back down. I had to go fetch you," he chuckled reminiscing.

"Only because Sonic decided to use me as target practice for throwing apples," she giggled. "He was no help."

He nodded. "Those were fun times."

"Well," she continued. "With all this thought, I was thinking it'd be wonderful to build a swing if say, one were to be having a child," she said suggestively.

Shadow picked up on her hint, as a glint of excitement flashed in his eyes. Surely she couldn't be toying with him? His ruby orbs looked her up and down, searching for any noticeable changes. "…You aren't," he responded with slight doubt.

She smiled, confirming his suspicion. "I am. It's been several weeks now, but I wanted to be sure, and I'm positive." She moved a flowing quill away from her eyes. "I am with child," she announced.

Shadow beamed at the news and brought her into a kiss. Amy kissed him back, after seeing him so content with her good news. After their smooch, he lifted her into his arms and twirled her lightly causing her to laugh. It had taken a long time, but they were finally going to be parents!

•~•

After hearing the exciting news, Amy and Shadow hit the sheets almost immediately to celebrate. The two softly moaned in unison as they made soft love under the sheets together. Shadow took a break from kissing Amy to catch his breath. "I don't think I've ever been this happy in my entire life," he panted. Amy giggled in response, enjoying the mood with him. Shadow moved the sheets, allowing them to breathe from underneath. He propped himself up as they remained in the missionary position. "How did you manage to keep this from me for six weeks?" he asked flummoxed.

"I didn't want it to interfere with the coronation," she answered stroking a hand through his quills. "But remember, Shadow, it's still very early." Amy leaned up to kiss him again, but before she could, their bedroom door flew open, startling the two lovers.

"Congratulations!" a voice sang happily. Amy and Shadow quickly pulled the covers to hide their exposed bodies as Isabelle flocked inside the room. "How is the happy couple?" she asked almost too eagerly.

Amy cocked a suspicious brow. "Happy?" Since when did Isabelle care about their relationship?

"What are you doing in here?" Shadow asked frantically trying to keep himself and Amy covered.

"Babies, babies, babies!" she exclaimed clasping her hands together. "Oooh, I'm hoping it's a boy!" Isabelle said joyfully. "There's plenty of time for daughters later," she said rather dryly.

Amy propped herself up on her elbow, still holding the sheets to her bare chest. "Wait a second… how could you possibly know?"

"Well, obviously, I'm familiar with the condition. That and I've had my eye on you," she replied making her way towards their bed. "I've noticed you be a bit more queasy here and there." She sat down on the edge of their bed, only making them feel more uncomfortable. "Also, a few weeks ago I had your chamber pot tested. It just takes some horse urine and red wine. It's very reliable!" Amy made a disgusted face at the mention. "Then there's the fact that I may or may have not had spies overhear your joyous exchange by the castle's edge earlier."

Amy shot a piqued expression her way. "You've been having your spies follow us?"

"I was trying to be discreet," she coyly smiled. "I wanted to let you be the first one to tell Shadow the good news."

"That's very kind of you, but I thought you didn't care for me," Amy speculated.

"Oh, that's true I don't, but I absolutely adore babies." Amy sighed shaking her head.

Shadow placed an arm around his wife. "Well, Isabelle, we're thinking about keeping this a secret for a little longer."

"Nonsense! This child strengthens Amy's position as an heir-producing queen, which in turn, strengthens her claim to the Dragon throne. As long as Conquering Storm remains barren and unmarried, you are a better option," she pointed.

Amy looked at Shadow, feeling quite pressured. Shadow read her expression and nodded in comprehension, then nuzzled her neck reassuringly. Isabelle remained oblivious to their discreet mannerism and clapped her hands, signaling for something. "You can enter now!"

Shadow did a double take, looking towards their bedroom door. "Wait, what?"

Suddenly, a large group of servants entered the rooms. Female servants came in with all sorts of decorative treats, while two male servants carried in a large chest that Isabelle opened, revealing all sorts of homemade potions. "Ah, skin tonics," she said pulling out a perfume bottle. One of the servants came over with fresh food on a tray. "And food to help aid for the baby's development," she gestured.

"What's that?" Amy asked pointing to another female servant with a pile of herbs held together on a tray.

"Oh, sage to ward off restless spirits…" Isabelle's picked one up to examine. "There are many in the castle after the plague, you know. Pregnant woman are particularly vulnerable to them." Shadow looked around the room, avoiding giving anything away. He was all too familiar with seeing spirits, but for the past few weeks hadn't seen his father to his own relief.

Amy looked over her shoulder at Shadow. "Tell me how happy you are again," she asked facetiously.

Shadow groaned and Isabelle brought over a strawberry muffin. She offered it to Amy. "Eat up, your figure's going to go to hell anyway. You are feeding the future king of Mobius." Amy took the food and smiled sheepishly; this was going to be a long nine months.

•~•

A few hours later, a royal carriage pulled up to the courtyard in front of the castle. The horseman opened the door allowing Silver the Duke of Solenna and his wife, Blaze out of the carriage. Silver helped Blaze as she held her bundled infant in her arms. Shadow and Amy met their guests outside. "Blaze!" Amy waved as she and Shadow made their way towards them.

Blaze's eyes lit up with joy as she saw her friend. She looked over to the nanny that was accompanying them. "Do you mind holding him for a moment."

"Of course not, milady," she smiled taking the infant.

Blaze lifted her dress and jogged over towards Amy. The two friends embraced after not seeing each other for over a year. "Oh, Amy, it's so wonderful to see you again."

"You too, Blaze."

Silver smiled watching the two girls reunite. He looked over to Shadow doing the same. "How's everything been here?"

"So far sustainable. We just got over a bad famine from the plague."

"Yes, it's passed through Soleanna as well," he replied.

Shadow's eyes cast over towards Amy and Blaze, now standing by the nanny who held the baby. The two girls fawned over the small infant in delight. "How's the little one doing?"

"Perfect. He's made our bond only stronger," Silver smiled. "I've never been so happy."

Shadow could easily relate. Just from Amy's pregnancy news alone, brought such content into his life. He could only imagine what it'd be like once their baby arrived.

•~•

Later that afternoon, Amy, Rouge, Cream, and Blaze spent the day together to catch up. The four females walked into the castle garden together, laughing and smiling like old times. Amy had given her ladies the good news about her pregnancy, surprising them all.

"I can't believe it!" Cream spoke happily.

"Oh, this is wonderful," Blaze seconded.

Rouge blinked in surprise. "When did you find out?"

"I've known for a few weeks, but I wanted to be sure."

"I'm sure Shadow is so pleased," Blaze speculated.

"He is. I've never him seen him so thrilled about any news before." The four stopped at a table set up for them. "I hope you don't mind me telling this news, Blaze. I have no intention of taking the limelight away from you. It's just, Shadow and I were going to keep this a secret for a little longer, but Isabelle has been telling everyone and I wanted to be the first to tell all of you."

Blaze laughed. "No, not at all, Amy. I understand perfectly well. We should celebrate."

"I'm glad you think so." She clapped her hands and some servants came out from behind some trees with a tray of champagne and glasses."

Rouge eyed it in surprise. "Champagne?"

"Yes, I wanted to share my good fortune," Amy smiled as they sat down together at the table.

Rouge picked up a glass and the other girls copied her gesture. "A toast, to Amy and Blaze," Rouge said lifting her glass. "May we all be as lucky and fortune in love." They all clinked their glasses together and laughed.

•~•

In another part of Mobius, Sonic and Cordovan met with the victim who claimed to have clashed with the alleged three horsemen. The two males sat in the villager's house as his wife and two young daughters cleaned during his interview.

"You said there were three riders?" Sonic inquired to be clear on the details.

"Yes, my lord, but they were cloaked so I couldn't see any of their faces." He held the blanket taut around himself. "They grabbed me during the night. Their hands were as cold as ice," he described.

"What did they want from you then?" Cordovan questioned.

"They wanted me to disavow our queen," he answered. Sonic and Cordovan shot confused looks to one another.

Sonic leaned forward, more intrigued by his tale. "What did you say?"

"I told them, no, but they said if I didn't do as they said then a punishment would be put in place."

"And what was that?"

He moved the blanket from covering his shoulder revealing a brand burnt into his skin. The brand was three pitchforks formed together. Sonic and Cordovan stared in horror at the brand. The goat began to shake remembering the event. "They told me that they took me, soul."

•~•

Later that evening, a banquet was held for Silver and Blaze's return. "This is Isabelle's idea of a small banquet," Amy gasped as she and Shadow entered the packed just smiled as he escorted her with their arms linked. Amy noticed his lack of response as he lovingly stared at her. "Um, Shadow?"

"You look more beautiful than ever," he complimented coming out of his daze. "It's a common effect I've heard when females are with child, but you are uncommonly desirable," he practically purred.

Amy couldn't help but feel flattered by his words as her face heated up. "Thank you, Shadow, but will you still think so when I blow up to the size of an elephant?" she laughed.

"You'll always be beautiful in my eyes, no matter what," he replied, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand.

"Congratulations, Amy!" a voice said behind the two. They turned only to spot Sonic and Cordovan make their way towards them.

Sonic patted Shadow on the shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me sooner, brother?" Sonic said with a proud smile.

"Wait, you two know?" Amy asked in surprise.

"Were we not suppose to?" Cordovan asked. "Isabelle is over there practically telling everyone." Both Amy and Shadow sighed in disappointment but allowed it to roll off their shoulders. The cat was out of the bag now.

"We were trying to keep it a secret among close friends and family for a bit longer, but thank you, Cordovan," Amy smiled. "You too, Sonic."

Cordovan laughed lightly. "Of course, but, um, hope you don't mind, but we need to speak with Shadow privately," the prince excused.

"Oh, not at all. I'll leave you to your affairs," Amy remarked before moving further away from them.

Once Amy was out of earshot, Shadow addressed the two males. "What did you two find out?"

"We talked to the guy who claimed to come in contact with the cloaked riders. He said they threatened to take his soul if he did not disavow Amy and her rule," Sonic explained.

Shadow remained a skeptic. "Snatching a soul? I don't think that's quite possible."

"Neither do I," Cordovan piped in. "I think someone is faking these claims of power to start anarchy in the kingdom."

"Who would do this?" Sonic pondered.

A thought dawned on the ebony king. "Perhaps, Conquering Storm has something to do with this. Amy is a threat to her throne if she could turn Amy's people against her…"

"—Then she wouldn't be a suitable option for her claim," Cordovan finished.

Shadow sighed. "Alright, we'll keep a lookout for more attacks, but you two must promise me that you won't speak a word of this to Amy. She's in a very delicate position right now and I don't want to bring any more stress into her life. This matter will be dealt with us, understand?" The two boys nodded, compiling.

At another end of the room, Isabelle walked over towards Amy, looking rather disappointed. "This party is more depressing than a funeral. Why are the young people not dancing?" she asked looking at the deserted dance floor.

"Perhaps, we should play a more upbeat tempo?" Amy advised. "I'm sure Shadow and I could get more to join us on the dance floor."

"No!" Isabelle exclaimed. "Your condition may not allow it." She turned to Prince Cordovan making his way towards the two ladies. "Cordovan, save us, please," she begged.

"How so?" he asked, after not hearing their previous discussion.

"No one is dancing," Isabelle explained. "Go over to Lady Rouge and ask her to dance. I hear she's available for courting."

He smiled with a nod. "Of course, your majesty." The brown hedgehog sauntered over to where Rouge, Cream, and Blaze chatted together.

Isabelle glanced at Amy. "How is Lady Rouge anyway?"

"Getting better every day I believe. She's definitely putting on a strong face." Amy and Isabelle watched as Cordovan politely interrupted the girls and offered out his hand to Rouge. Rouge smiled at him, curtsied, and placed her hand in his accepting his proposal. "Well, look at that" Amy smiled.

Cordovan and Rouge walked out to the middle of the dance floor where they began to dance together. Soon enough, more couples joined into dance, including Cream and Tails, and Blaze and Silver. Amy and Isabelle smiled, seeing their guests start to enjoy the party more.

"You're quite good," Rouge smiled as Cordovan swayed her around the dance floor.

"Thank you," he responded, twirling her. "It's a requirement all royal heirs must learn before becoming eligible."

"Well, it's paid off," she laughed.

As they continued to dance among the other couples, a set of jealous eyes latched onto them. In one of the other corners, Lord Finitevus watched with envy as Cordovan flirted with Rouge before him. "What's gotten you in a tizzy?" a voice asked breaking his concentration.

He looked to his left, where Isabelle stood after watching him for a few moments. "None of your concern," he scoffed.

Isabelle smirked and took a sip of her wine. "If you ask me, it looks like you might fancy Lady Rouge…"

"Would it be a crime if I did?" he countered.

"Depends on what your motives may be."

"My motives should not be of any of your interest," he muttered as he walked away from her.

•~•

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