AN: Thank you, Aragon Van Hellsing, Captain, risingzero2001, Sad Little Demon, and aliciathewolf45 for your reviews! I'm glad to hear some of you are enjoying the Cordovan character. I was worried how he'd be percieved since he's an OC and made up specifically for this story alone. I remember seeing a review away ago asking if Shadow and Cordovan would ever fight. Well, be prepared...

•~•

A few mornings later, Amy stood on her balcony enjoying some alone time. Unbeknownst to her, Shadow entered her bedroom and walked over to her open balcony doors before spotting her standing alone. "Amy?" he called softly. Amy turned to look, only to see her him standing under the doorway. "I was wondering where you were when you didn't come for breakfast."

"I was tired from my trip, so I decided to have breakfast in my chambers," she answered.

"You sure you're not avoiding me?" he questioned suspiciously. "It's been two days, and although I know you want distance, we are king and queen," he stressed taking a few steps towards her. Amy backed up, causing him to stop and sag by her avoidance.

"I'm sorry," she apologized seeing his disappointment. "It's not you, it's just if any male comes close, I get uneasy. I still can't bear to be touched," she explained, even though that wasn't entirely true.

His expression sunk even more feeling hopeless. "I wish I knew how to help."

"Just give me time," she assured gently.

He nodded with a weak smile. "All the time you need, my love."

"And how can I help you? I hear that you've been parceling out Finitevus' land. Perhaps I could help?"

He nodded eagerly. "I'd like that."

"We may be apart but our duties still remain," she stated.

•~•

In the dining room, Isabelle was finishing up her breakfast at an empty end of a long table. As she sat and finished her cup of tea, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked to her left and saw a young little magenta hedgehog, ranging in age 5-6 years old staring up at her. She waved at Isabelle and giggled.

"Where's your mother?" The little female hedgehog pointed at Isabelle only confusing her more. "Me?" Isabelle questioned. The mysterious little girl laughed and ran off and out of the dining hall. Isabelle rose from her seat and ran after her, but when she looked down both halls, she was shocked to see the little girl was nowhere in sight.

Isabelle felt her hair stand up on the back of her neck. Had she just hallucinated that entire event, or was something else going on?

•~•

Later that morning, Amy sauntered into Shadow's study as Shadow, Finitevus, and his advisors surrounded the table laid out with maps. "Lord Finitevus," she addressed catching his attention. "So good to see you cooperating in carving up your empire," Amy smiled triumphantly. "What crime did you confess to in the end?"

By the tone of her voice, he realized she was trying to kill him with kindness, but he wouldn't allow her to get the satisfaction. "I'm guilty of embezzling from the Crown, your majesty," he answered flatly.

"Ah, embezzlement! Excellent choice, because if you had been guilty of blackmailing us—unthinkable really—we would have taken your lands and your head," she noted with a smile.

"I am grateful for the king's mercy," he spoke looking over his shoulder towards Shadow. "I only hope that I can be useful."

"Since it's time for the king to take his trusted counsel, I think Lord Finitevus would be more useful outside the door. Don't you think so, Shadow?"

Gathering her hint that she wanted to speak to him alone, Shadow waved his hand, signaling for him to go. "Thank you for your help, Lord Finitevus. You may go now," he excused. Finitevus bowed his head and left the room along with Shadow's advisors.

Now left alone, Amy approached Shadow's desk. "What's going on with the rest of the lands you're giving away?"

"I've nearly given away most it, but I still have a bit left. I'm only giving it to nobles who have proven their loyalty."

"Like Prince Cordovan, you mean?" Amy hinted. "Few nobles have been as loyal as he, especially after the attack," she specified.

Perhaps she was right. Cordovan had proven to be a loyal ally to the Crown and had also very helpful to Amy in her darkest times. He rubbed his chin contemplating the idea until coming to his conclusion. "Yes, why not…" He took his quill pen and began to jot something down on a fresh parchment piece of paper. "I'll get to it right now."

Amy smiled and cupped her hands together in glee. Finally, she could reward Cordovan for his loyalty.

•~•

In another part of the castle, Isabelle walked down the corridor to her bedroom but stopped when she heard an eerie familiar giggle. She spun around and found the little girl hedgehog standing behind her. "There you are, I've been looking all over for you? What's your name?"

"Sonia," she answered.

Isabelle froze, feeling her heart drop. "…S-Sonia?" she repeated. "I had a daughter named that, but she..." Sonia smiled at her and began to run off. Isabelle's eyes followed after her. "Wait, come back!" she called.

She chased after her, running around a corner but came face to face with Sonic. "Mother?"

Isabelle grabbed him by the arms. "Sonic, did you see her?"

"See who?" he questioned, eying her warily.

"Sonia! She was here a few minutes ago and she ran down this very hall!"

Sonic raised a brow. "Are you okay, mother? You know Sonia died when she was just a babe," he explained. "Have you not been getting sleep?"

Isabelle placed a hand on her forehead and closed her eyes. "No, I have, I just…I don't know."

Sonic placed an arm around her, becoming concerned. "Come on, I'll take you back to your bedroom." In defeat, Isabelle allowed her son to escort her back to her chambers.

•~•

Later that afternoon in the courtyard, Amy met Prince Cordovan as he arrived at court and dismounted his horse. "If I knew you were staying at court to make winter supply deals, I would never have sent my letter through your envoy."

Cordovan handed the reins of his horse to a servant who led it away. "Well, I just received it," he said taking off his rider's gloves.

"I assume you're pleased?" she pressed.

He rummaged in his cloak pocket pulling out the letter. "I might be if I could accept these holdings," he said looking down at the envelope in his hands.

She tilted her head, baffled by his refusal. "Why can't you?"

"It just doesn't feel right," he answered simply.

"But Shadow has made this offer and is going to wonder why you refused him."

He tucked the letter back into his pocket. "Let him wonder then, perhaps he should," he replied a bit passively.

Amy sensed his frustration but was perplexed on where the animosity was coming from. "Cordovan… is this about the attack on the castle? On me?" she queried.

"It's about all the attacks," he clarified. "Blood for blood, for blood. None if it needed to happen. If Shadow had simply said no to a few noble thugs, we wouldn't be here."

She shook her head sadly. "It's not that simple, believe me. I know what the politics were."

Cordovan ran a hand over his quills, growing more frustrated. "Please, Amy, I can't listen to you defend him any longer," he said sternly. "Just once I'd like to hear him defend himself," he said as he began to turn away.

Desperate to have him hear her out, Amy reached out and grabbed onto his wrist, stopping him. "Cordovan, please, listen!" she begged. Meanwhile, in the background, behind one of the courtyard pillars, Shadow had been watching and eavesdropping on their conversation the entire time. As he saw Amy make physical contact with the prince, he felt his heart sink. She had told him that even being close to another male made her feel uneasy. Yet, as she had reached for his cousin, it looked as if it had been nothing but a second thought to her.

Cordovan pried his arm away from her grasp gently, not wanting to hear any more of her justification. "I'm sorry, Amy. Now if you'll excuse me."

Amy watched dejectedly as the prince walked off, leaving her feeling confused by his attitude. Shadow, on the other hand, looked at both of them before slipping back inside the castle before either noticed his presence.

•~•

That evening at the winter banquet, guests from all over the kingdom enjoyed the party in the dining hall. In the center of the room, two entertainers circled a small area playing quarterstaff. One of the guests watching the game take place on the sidelines was Prince Cordovan himself. In another part of the room, Shadow spotted him and joined him by his side, while keeping his eyes on the game. "I understand you've had some issues with my rule," he addressed quietly. Cordovan remained silent in response. "You refuse my offer of lands because, what, you don't like the way I handle dissent?" Shadow questioned in offense.

"I've questioned a few of your acts of repression, yes," Cordovan addressed also focusing on the game in front of them.

"Do you know where I hear about most of your dissent?"

"Amy tells you?" Cordovan guessed.

He turned his head to look at his cousin. "My ambassadors tell me, my lords tell me, everyone tells me, except for my wife, who barely says a word around me," he said agitatedly.

Cordovan stared at Shadow, blinking in surprise by his allegation. "You think Amy's still protecting me?"

"I think it's lucky for you that she does," he argued.

"I think it's sad that either of us should need her protection," he snapped quietly, trying to avoid attention on their quarrel. "After all, one of us utterly failed to protect her just when she needed it most," he noted passively.

Shadow glared at him hard, causing Cordovan to return an equally harsh glare. "I warn you, cousin…your words are unwise."

Cordovan looked back to the quarterstaff tournament happening feet away from them. "Perhaps we should leave our words aside and handle this another way. You've played quarterstaff before, haven't you?"

Shadow said no words and instead raised his hand. "Stop the match," he bellowed. The two males playing a match froze their actions and looked towards the king. Along with them, other guest quieted down their conversation and stared in awe. "Prince Cordovan and I would like to face off, he announced.

Two servants came over and took Shadow's robe, along with Cordovan's cloak, leaving them in more flexible attire to battle in. The two males demoing the game came over and handed their long staffs to each of them.

Meanwhile, Amy, Sonic, Tails and her ladies made their way over to view what everyone was gathering around. "What's going on?" Cream inquired.

"Shadow and Cordovan are facing off in a match," Tails explained. "It should be a good one to watch, too; King versus Prince? I'm intrigued."

"My brother in a duel? I gotta see this for myself," Sonic spoke making his way through the front of the crowd. The rest of the group collectively followed after the prince.

Meanwhile, Shadow and Cordovan walked to the center of the room, standing opposite each other with their long wooden poles in hand. In identical combat stances, the two held their poles out en guard. Cordovan made the first move walking to his left, while Shadow made sure to keep out of range as their eyes locked on one another. Their audience watched as they circled the rink, eying each other for vulnerabilities and striking points. Suddenly, Shadow made the first move, swiping his pole to hit at Cordovan's left leg, but ultimately missed when Cordovan blocked his shot. Shadow brought his pole up, trying to make another hit, but the prince spun around, bringing his pole with him to strike Shadow from the side.

Shadow ducked out of striking distance and used his own staff to strike at Cordovan's abdomen, making him grunt in response. "Ah!"

On the sidelines, Sonic, Amy, Rouge, Tails, and Cream watched on in awe as the two continued their battle. "Is there something between them that we don't know about," Cream whispered leaning over to Rouge. Amy's ears fell momentarily as she overheard her ladies speculate.

"It sure seems like it," Rouge quietly replied back. Amy's eyes looked at Cordovan then to Shadow. She could see the animosity in both of their eyes. This was not a friendly match, but instead, another way for them to liberate their pent up revulsion towards one another. Their abhorrence had been building for a while now, and it was no wonder it hadn't come out sooner.

Back on the floor, the two circled each other again, strategizing their next moves. Shadow made the first move again, lunging forward with his pole and attacking Cordovan. The two broke out into a sequence as they clashed their poles together, blocking each other's shot. Shadow braced his pole against Cordovan's, trying to weaken his hold, but the prince kept strong, pushing back until he finally managed to overtake Shadow and pried his pole to the side, ultimately sideswiping Shadow's face in the process. WHACK!

The entire crowd gasped in horror as Shadow staggered back holding his hurt jaw that was now bleeding. Cordovan walked back holding his staff proudly and momentarily locked eyes with Amy. Cream and Rouge took notice of it immediately. It almost seemed like Cordovan was trying to assert his dominance for her, in a way to showcase that he was a better fighter and a better protector. Rouge looked at Amy finally piecing together what this fight was all about. "You're what's between them…"

Not only had the girls noticed Cordovan's look towards Amy, but Shadow had caught it too and felt his blood boil. Feeling an adrenaline rush, Shadow charged Cordovan, swatting venomously towards him with his staff. Cordovan blocked most of his shots but was unable to block one that hit the back of his calve, stunning him momentarily. "Augh!"

The spectators cringed in response, even gasping as Shadow took another swing, hitting Cordovan in his side almost too hard. The prince pushed Shadow away with his own staff, causing him to stagger back. Enraged, Shadow charged at him again. Cordovan tried to swipe at Shadow's legs to trip him with his staff, but Shadow lifted his leg, slamming it down onto his pole, and breaking it in two. Stunned by his move, Cordovan wasn't able to react in time, as Shadow reached for his shoulder and shoved him back, throwing his own pole to the side in rage.

On the sidelines, Amy looked to Sonic standing beside her. "Sonic, please break this up, it's going too far," she whispered.

He nodded. "I think you're right, Ames." Sonic began to make his way towards the two feuding hedgehogs just when things started to get worse.

Cordovan charged towards Shadow, preparing to engage in a fistfight, but Sonic got between the two before they could engage in any more damage. Sonic placed a firm hand on both of their chests, keeping in between them. "Break it up, fellas!" Unfortunately, both were blocking out Sonic's pleas and continued to struggle to move past him.

Luckily, two guards came over and escorted the two royals from developing a brawl. Cordovan panted, trying to catch his breath and gave Shadow one last hard scowl before walking off to cool down. Shadow did the same before looking to Amy, who looked beyond disappointed in him. Annoyed by her expression, Shadow stormed out of the party too, to compose himself. As Amy stayed in the center of the room, she looked around noticing their guests begin to whisper to one another speculating on what had just occurred. This was not good and she needed to put an end to the rumors before the got out of hand.

•~•

A few minutes later, Amy met Shadow in his bedroom to tend to his bleeding lip. She dipped a rag in some cool water and wiped away at the blood around his mouth to clean him up. Shadow watched as she dabbed at his mouth with the wet cloth. "I shouldn't have let him provoke me, but he did."

Amy shook her head unhappily. "It wasn't right…"

He sighed. "There is something in him that needs to be dealt with. His anger towards me is not just about my mistakes as a ruler." He moved away from Amy's hand looking up at her seriously. "I saw that look he gave towards you. He has feelings for you, and now everyone knows it…"

He knew, and he wasn't wrong with his assumption. But there was one thing that Amy did not like. By the tone of his voice, it almost sounded like he was faulting her for this. "And you think that I encouraged him?" she asked perplexed. Shadow remained silent, unsure himself. "Shadow, have you not been hearing a word I've said? I can barely stand to touch my own husband. Why would I…ever encourage another?"

"I know you don't think you will heal, but I know that you will," he replied confidently. "You are a survivor and the strongest person I've ever known," he stood from his seat walking over to his fireplace. "Amy, this notion of separate lives is not a solution; it is a threat, and not just to our marriage but to our rule!"

"Perhaps that's what you think, but this is what I need at the moment," she argued.

"When you give us an heir someday, as I have faith that you will, there can not be the slightest doubt about our child's paternity," he made explicit. "Doubts like these, start wars. They put your kingdom at risk, as well as your life."

"…My life," she repeated. "But not yours."

He frowned. "I know it is unfair," he empathized. "Isabelle was almost beheaded for infidelity while my father had every female that he wanted, including my own mother. I only remind you of this because I care about your safety."

"Oh, was that caring? It sounds to me like a male trying to tighten his grip on his wife." She turned to look away from him. "You'll understand if I don't stay to hear more." With that, she left his bedroom to head back to the party.

•~•

A few minutes later, Amy returned to the party after tending to Shadow's injuries. As she walked back in, she noticed Rouge standing off to the side by herself. As she approached her, Rouge turned to face her. "Is Shadow all right?" Rouge asked curiously.

"Shadow is fine," she answered simply. "But there is something I need you to do for me. If you are loyal to me as a friend, you'll do this without hesitation."

Rouge blinked in surprise, curious on the proposal. "Well, what is it, Amy?"

•~•

Standing up on the second floor, Cordovan watched the party from above still fuming from his fight with Shadow. He felt a presence looming from behind and turned only to find Rouge there. "What are you doing here?" he asked with frost in his tone.

"Amy sent me," she answered. "She advised that you and I start seeing each other again."

Cordovan did all but roll his eyes. "Please tell me she hasn't told you that I have to wed you again," he paused realizing how brutal it came across. "Uh, no offense."

Rouge chuckled softly, not at all offended. "None taken. You're really not my type either."

"Then what does she expect from us?" he questioned.

"You made quite the spectacle down there and now rumors are swirling about Amy and Shadow's marriage. To settle that matter, Amy thought it'd be best if we were seen together, almost as if you were courting me again."

"All for appearance, then?"

"You could say that," she answered. "But realize that Amy is my friend and I would do anything for her as her lady. If you're really Amy's friend, you would do the same."

Cordovan looked back down at the party below. Amy and Shadow had returned and sat on their thrones side by side enjoying the festivities as they watched their guests. Amy looked away from the sight before her and made eye contact with him. As he stared back, he could see she was almost begging him with her eyes to go through with her request. He turned away and sighed, looking to Rouge in defeat. "Alright then. I'll do it."

•~•

Later that evening after the party, Amy sat ready for bed in her nightgown as she enjoyed one last glass of wine by the fireplace. She heard her door creak open and spotted Shadow sticking his head in. "Amy, may I come in?" he asked kindly also dressed for bed.

She nodded and he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. It was not fit for a king."

"I accept your apology, and I understand why you acted out," she replied. Shadow walked over to her, standing just a few feet away. "Your words were hard to hear, but they were true," she continued. "Appearances matter for people like us. Cordovan and I can appear to have no friendship that is no more than political."

"How do you feel about all this?" Shadow asked.

"Hurt and alone," she answered. "It's an odd feeling, though. I'm surrounded by my friends and you as my family, but I've never felt more alone in my entire life."

He frowned by her answer. "I can't stand to see you hurt and I don't want you to feel alone."

"We both are."

He swallowed the nervous lump in his throat. "We don't have to be... If it's all right, I'd like to stay with you tonight. Not for appearances or politics or because you're my wife. I just want to watch over you while you sleep." He looked over to the sofa at the foot of her bed. "I could stay here," he gestured. "Happily."

Amy contemplated his offer before she rose from her seat with her decision. "I would like that."

Shadow smiled in relief. "Thank you."

Amy walked over to her bed and climbed in. Shadow in the meantime settled himself on the sofa with a blanket and pillow. He laid down and watched as Amy crawled under the covers getting comfortable herself. "Are you sure you're okay over there?"

"Perfect," he replied.

She smiled weakly. "Well, good night then."

"Goodnight, Amy."

•~•

AN: Remember to leave a review!