AN: Thank you, Aliciathewolf45, aqua9597, jessicashadow, risingzero2001, and Captian for your reviews! The past three days, I've been pretty sick with a bad cold, so this might be put up a little later than expected. Hope you guys enjoy!

•~•

A few days later, Amy prepared for the day as she stood in front of her vanity fiddling with her crown. "Amy, can I come inside?" she heard Shadow ask from other side her door.

"Come in," she beckoned. He walked ins with a rolled up piece of paper in hand. "I heard Antoine's visiting."

"Yes, he wants to exchange a peace treaty between Mobius and Knothole," he explained walking towards her.

Amy noticed the rolled up paper in his hand. "What is this?" He smiled excitedly and unrolled it on her vanity table to showcase his surprise. "A map?"

His finger trailed across the map before stopping at a certain point. "There's an enclave off the valley. The hills there have the lushest orchards and vineyards in the realm," he began.

She smiled awkwardly, seeing exactly where this was going. "Well, it sounds glorious, but—"

"—I know how hard things have been for you—For us."

Her ears lowered slightly. "Yes…"

"I want us to have a new beginning, a place we can go away from the castle and all the painful memories it holds," he elaborated.

"Shadow, it's a beautiful idea, but…what if we go there, and things don't get better?"

He reached out and cupped her hands in his. "Things are already better," he smiled with optimism. Amy tried to smile back for him, but it didn't come out as optimistic as his. Shadow still had hope for restoring their relationship, where as she felt there was no chance.

•~•

Later that morning, Shadow and Amy stood in the throne room, awaiting their royal arrival. The fanfare echoed through the halls, announcing Antoine's arrival. The king of knothole, along with his brother, Cordovan, walked into the throne room together.

Antoine smiled as he stood before the couple. "Cousin, I am delighted that you wish to renew the peace treaty between our two kingdoms. It is my chief purpose in coming," he assured.

Shadow nodded with grace. "Of course."

"And my second purpose is to ask for funds." Shadow and Amy exchanged looks, a bit taken aback by his request. Cordovan closed his eyes, internally cringing from his brother's appeal. Despite seeing their reluctance, Antoine continued his plea, "Knothole has been overrun with branded refugees. They're perfectly lovely people, but they are a tax on our resources," he noted.

"And you are suggesting that these refugees are our fault, and you want us to pay up," Shadow assumed passively.

Antoine held up his bold façade with a smile. "I knew this would be awkward. That's the problem with being forthright."

"Well, we will consider your request," Shadow said clapping his hands together. "In the meantime, you are our honored guest. Mobius and Knothole remain the best of friends."

Antoine kept up his feigned smile. "Of course."

With that, Amy and Shadow made their exit out of the throne together. Cordovan had already felt enough second hand embarrassment from his brother's bold demand and walked off to another part of the throne room. It was there, that he spotted Lady Rouge helping some servants hang up decorations. "Lady Rouge, what is with all the decorations?"

"Oh, it's for Winter's ease," she explained. "The first blooms have been sighted in the snow, and for the notion, we feast, dance, and celebrate new beginnings."

"…But it is still winter."

She laughed lightly at his response. "Yes, the blooms will likely have a short life, but it's the promise that spring will come eventually."

"And do you have an escort to this feast?" he probed curiously.

"Well, the queen has commanded that we see one another," she hinted with a smile.

"It's a date then," he winked.

•~•

In Shadow's study, Amy and Shadow debated on Antoine's fund entreaty. "We can afford to give him a little money," Amy proposed.

"—Don't even think about it!" Isabelle shouted storming into their study. Amy and Shadow turned as they watched the matriarch storm towards them. "Shadow, how many times did your father and I warn you and Sonic about them?"

Shadow sighed and looked to Amy to explain further. "There is a lot of history between their family and ours," he said taking a seat across from her. "Most of it bad."

"Does this still relate to when Sonic was originally aimed for the throne?" Amy questioned.

Shadow nodded. "Yes, when Sonic was first in line, he was very sickly when he was a boy. Cordovan and Antoine were considered an option for the throne if anything were to happen to him. Obviously, I was still a bastard at the time and had no shot to be legitimized. There would have been no stopping them back then."

"But it never came to that," Amy countered.

"My father was convinced that they were gathering support to make a move on the Crown."

"But we welcomed his brother into our home and our kingdom," Amy stated.

"I realize that Cordovan's never shown the slightest interest in the Crown, but Antoine, on the other hand, has always been ambitious," Shadow noted. "He got his throne by marrying the Queen of Knothole after all."

"He's also self-centered and is known to be a reckless spender!" Isabelle listed. "As for Mobian refugees? Please," she scoffed. "More likely he's burned through his wife's money and she's cut him off." Isabelle stood before Shadow. "Refuse him and send him home!" she demanded.

"No," he replied. "I want to see what's really going on in Knothole."

Isabelle shot him a deadpan expression. "And how are you going to do that?"

He tapped his chin and smirked. "I have an idea in mind."

•~•

Later on, Shadow met with Lord Finitevus in the war room. "You want me to gather information about the king of Knothole?" Finitevus questioned with intrigue.

"And the state of his kingdom," Shadow added. "I want to know whether his request for funds is justified."

"I see," he replied with disinterest.

Shadow raised a brow by his tone. "Isn't this the right mission for your talents? I thought you prided yourself on your widespread contacts and having your ear to the ground?"

He chuckled by his remarks. "I just want to be sure that I understand your request." He approached his desk. "Is this really about Antoine, or are you trying to get rid of Cordovan by association?"

Shadow crossed his arms over his chest. "I beg your pardon?"

"I'm only suggesting that if your true intent is to rid yourself of a rival, then this doesn't need to be a political matter," he clarified with a wink.

Shadow shook his head in disappointment before sitting down at his desk. "You just can't help yourself, can you? Goading the king, really?" He placed a hand on his forehead. "You are alive at my mercy and even in passing you pour poison into my thoughts, about my wife," he scolded.

He chuckled in response. "Oh, please, don't pretend that these are new thoughts." Finitevus leaned on his desk, looking Shadow firmly in the eye. "You've seen Cordovan buzzing around Amy and-"

"—Oh, shut up, Finitevus, and do as your told," he said abruptly. "You exist to serve me now. Nothing more."

In defeat, Finitevus bowed his head in respect. "Majesty," he spoke before turning to leave.

•~•

Later in her chambers, Isabelle was startled when Sonic walked in her bedroom. "Why didn't you tell me the truth," he demanded.

Isabelle lowered her book in her lap. "Pardon me?"

"The truth!" he shouted, making her cringe in response. "You're the one that killed Sonia."

"Sonic, darling, I have no idea what you're talking about…"

"Yes you do!" Suddenly blood began to seep from a gash that appeared on his side. Isabelle stared in horror.

"Sonic?" He did not respond and started to look like he was about to faint. Isabelle stood and caught him before he could fall. "Sonic, Sonic!" she continued to call. Realizing this was serious, Isabelle looked around her room frantically. "Somebody, help!"

The doors flung open and two female servants came in along with Amy behind them. "Isabelle?" Amy called.

"Sonic, he's dying!" she spoke exasperated. Amy and the servants stared at the queen in befuddlement. Isabelle was confused by their looks. Why did they not seem as urged or concerned? The prince was dying right before them. Isabelle looked back down into her arms and realized nobody was there. She lowered her arms slowly, baffled by what had just occurred. "Oh my…I've had a vision."

•~•

After Isabelle's hallucination, Amy, Shadow, Sonic, and a physician met in her chambers to look at her. "This is a waste of time. Send this foolish doctor home!" Isabelle spoke in annoyance before looking to Amy. "And Amy, explain to your husband that I have had a vision."

"Enough about that stupid prophecy," Sonic barked.

"You don't believe me?" Isabelle asked in disbelief.

"Mother, you're not well," Sonic insisted.

"He's right," Shadow agreed. "Sonic told me that you were seeing people who weren't there…"

"How long have you had those sores in your mouth?" The physician questioned. "I noticed your hands are inflicted as well," he spoke gesturing towards them.

Isabelle looked down at her hands. "Well, it's just a little rash." She laid them by her side, growing confident. "It doesn't mean anything."

"Sores on the body, seeing things that aren't there, and a husband that also suffered madness?" Amy listed suspiciously.

"I don't suppose your husband took, um, lovers outside the marriage?" the doctor inquired uncomfortably.

Isabelle became quiet, as did the rest of the room. She blinked a few times in surprise realizing what the doctor was suggesting. "…You think I have Syphilis?"

"Oh, dear…" Shadow mumbled quietly while placing a hand over his face.

Isabelle grew furious at the thought and clenched her fists. "Phillip!" she growled angrily. "Oh, that is so like him! A last gift so I'll never forget him or his whores."

"There are cures, my grace. We'll get these cleared up in no time," the doctor assured.

"I think we should let Isabelle rest," Shadow suggested, beginning to usher Amy and Sonic out. "Thank you, doctor."

•~•

In the library, Rouge walked up and down the aisles searching for a good book to read. She stopped at one shelf in particular and pulled a book out, but was surprised when she found a white rose lying behind where the book had been. She picked it up and stared it and awe but jumped when she heard an all too familiar voice. "I hear you're seeing the prince of Knothole again these days."

"Finitevus," she gasped as she stared at him through the hole in the shelf. "Don't startle me like that," she scolded walking away.

"My apologies, Lady Rouge." He followed after her, coming up from around the side of the aisle and blocking her path. "I don't know why you'd want to date him, the guy is so boring and predictable."

"Well, Amy has requested on her behalf that Cordovan and I see one another," she answered.

"So, then you agree. He's clearly not your type," he smirked.

Rouge clutched the book to her chest and turned to walk the other way. Finitevus followed after her, keeping up by her side. "I'm not going to listen to this. He's nice and he happens to be my date for Winter's Ease."

"Well, perhaps once you've filled your quota for the evening, you and I could sneak off and head to the hot springs in the hills," he suggested. "On a cold winter's night, there is nothing more sensual. When we get there, I can help peel off all the layers you're wearing," he smirked.

Rouge blushed and turned away to hide it. "I can't believe you're still making these suggestions."

"It's only a little flirtation," he spoke coyly. "Either way, if you're interested you could always meet me in the garden, that way, I'll know you're interested." Rouge watched as he walked off leaving her to her thoughts. One thing was for sure, Finitevus did not mind the challenge she was putting up.

•~•

That evening, Amy and Shadow got ready for bed. Shadow worked at getting his makeshift bed ready on the sofa while Amy stood by her bed watching him intently. Things still weren't great between them, and the long silence was starting to get to her. "Shadow, I wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me, and everything you're doing."

He smiled. "I want to make you happy."

"I know, and it makes me happy that you're content sleeping here on this divan night after night. You know, near me, but not so close that I feel uneasy."

He plopped down and sprawled out on the divan. "If you want me to sleep here for the rest of the year, I don't object."

She watched as he made himself comfortable. "Yes, well…it seems rather silly when there's a perfectly good bed right here," she hinted.

Shadow sat up as he looked at her optimistically. Was she really suggesting what he thought she was? "…You mean, tonight?"

"U-Unless you've grown fond of that spot." He smiled and swung his legs off the side of the sofa and made his way over. Amy watched as he waited for her to get into bed first. "I only meant for us to sleep, just so you're aware," she said as she crawled under the sheets.

He nodded. "Of course." He crawled in next to her, making sure to leave her some room, just in case. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," she replied before leaning over and blowing out the candle by her bedside, leaving them in dim darkness.

•~•

A few hours later into the night, Amy was still fully awake. As she laid there on her back, desperately trying to get to sleep, she couldn't help but focus on Shadow's soft breathing by her side. She felt her heart begin to race as it triggered bad memories into her mind from the night of the attack. Amy turned on her side, with her back facing Shadow, trying to block out his gentle breath. As Amy shut her eyes tight, it only made it worse as flashbacks plagued her mind.

A flashback of her being dragged across the floor as she screamed haunted her. Then another flashback of when she was held down and restrained flashed before her, and then ultimately when Jeffery finished raping her and let out his heavy breath of climax. Amy gasped and got out of bed, feeling her heart race even faster.

Shadow stirred from his sleep and groggily sat up as he spotted Amy now sitting on the divan, with her knees up to her chest. She shook and tried to catch her breath as she sat there. "Amy, what's wrong?" he asked quietly.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't bear it," she apologized. "The sound of a man's breath still bothers me."

Feeling guilty, Shadow got out of bed and stood before her. "Let me help you, then."

She opened her eyes and looked over to her bed where he stood. "There's nothing you can do."

"I can tell you that what happened was a nightmare, but the nightmare is over, Amy." He opened his arms, beckoning her to come to him. Amy looked reluctant at first, but in defeat stood up and walked into his arms. Shadow embraced her lovingly as she held him back. She felt a huge wave of emotion flood over her and started to sob in his arms. Shadow held one arm around her waist while the other held the back of her head. It had been a month since he had been able to make physical contact with her, and it felt good to console her properly.

"When will this fear end?" she sobbed quietly.

"In time it will pass, but I assure you this, I will never let anyone ever hurt you ever again, my love. That I can promise," he softly cooed.

•~•

The next evening, the Winter's Ease celebration was in full fledge. The entire castle enjoyed the festivities as they danced, ate, and drank the night away. Prince Cordovan and Rouge entered the party enjoying the look of the spring decorations in the room. "So, this is Winter's Ease? Even the servants look pleased," Cordovan smiled.

"Well, we've had a harsh winter, we could all do with a respite." Cordovan and Rouge looked to the dance floor where they watched Amy and Shadow share their first dance in over a month. Amy giggled as Shadow twirled and then dipped her. "I haven't seen Amy look this happy in a long time," Rouge noted.

Cordovan watched, only focusing on her. Even though it wasn't him that had brought a smile on her face, he was pleased to see her beatific.

Suddenly, Lord Finitevus walked through the dance floor and approached the royal couple. Cordovan watched as he whispered something to Shadow that in turn made him take Amy's hand and walk off with the echidna. Rouge also noticed, but didn't think anything suspicious of it. "Want to dance?" she asked breaking him out of his daze.

"Oh, yes, of course."

•~•

Meanwhile, Amy, Shadow, and Finitevus headed into the war room to discuss Finitevus' findings. "Antoine wasn't lying, there are refugees in Knothole and they do need help."

"I fail to see what's so urgent that you had to call us from the feast," Shadow replied.

"It's urgent because the Dragon kingdom has offered Knothole their help," Finitevus responded. "There have been secret conferences between Antoine and one of Storm's most trusted agents. The rumor is that the Dragon troops may be preparing to enter Knothole and be quartered there on our borders," he explained.

"Chaos…Dragon troops that close?" Shadow muttered in shock.

"They could attack Mobian targets in days, hours!" Amy specified becoming panicked.

Shadow looked to Finitevus. "Are you sure about this?"

"No, that's the problem with clandestine intelligence. It works by links of informants and hearsay. One can never be sure anything is true."

Amy looked concerned. "We must find out, if it is true— If we don't stop them at once…"

"…Storm's troops could invade any time they choose," Shadow completed.

•~•

After the meeting, Amy met with Cordovan to discuss the pending matter. "You want me to spy on my brother?" he asked astounded.

"I know it puts you in a difficult position, but there is no one else."

"No." Amy looked taken aback by his response. "I've been an obedient subject. I've helped you, Shadow, courted Rouge, and stood by your side when you needed me," he listed. "I haven't objected to your management of my personal life, but I will not spy on my brother." Amy's ears lowered, suddenly seeing his point. Cordovan looked away, annoyed with her. "You don't reciprocate my feelings very well, so don't take advantage of them and treat me as an intimate when I'm not," he scolded quietly.

"I'm sorry," she apologized.

"I will advise you this, strictly as your friend. I have no idea what Antoine is doing with Storm, but if the rumors are true, you should give him the money he's asking for. Like any other king, he can be bought," he said pointedly.

Meanwhile in another part of the room, Shadow found Antoine getting his wine topped up by a servant. "Antoine," he spoke catching his attention. The dark brown hedgehog turned to look at Shadow. "We wish to speak with you about your request for funds."

"Now?"

"If you're not too busy."

"Very well," he answered. Shadow and Antoine began to leave the party but as they walked, Antoine couldn't help but notice a set of guards suddenly huddle around the two of them. As they entered the war room, Antoine felt uneasy about their approach. Amy was already waiting inside the room as he walked towards her. "What's going on?"

"We hear that the Dragon kingdom has been negotiating with you to station troops in Knothole," Shadow addressed.

"You won't be leaving until you tell us the truth," Amy added.

He shrugged. "Yes, I've had conversations with Dragon agents. They've offered quite a sizeable amount in exchange for allowing their troops in Knothole," he admitted.

Amy crossed her arms over her chest, flabbergasted by his nonchalant confession. "You come here to talk peace, and you are dealing with our greatest enemy behind our backs?"

"Well, I didn't ask Storm to approach me," he defended. "Nor do I particularly want to make a deal with her, but Knothole is a very small kingdom…"

"—Strategically positioned at our backs," Shadow reminded.

"Well, I need money from somewhere," he countered.

"You've been conspiring with our enemy. Give us one reason why we wouldn't kill you now," Shadow intoned.

"I'll give you two. If I don't return safely to Knothole, my wife Anna will be understandably upset, and all the more eager to accommodate Conquering Storm and her troops." Amy and Shadow shot each other troubled looks. "Besides, I came here to make a deal with you rather than Storm," he argued. "If she finds out, my head will be on a chopping block."

"You're a king, I'm sure you'll be able to charm your way out of it," Amy quipped passively.

"Yes, well, I may be known for my charm, but Storm is still a new ruler and must guard against coups from those who wish to condemn a lone female monarch. She's been building a network of spies loyal to only her," he explained. "She makes everyone nervous…including me."

"Why is she deciding to attack us now?" Amy questioned.

"Ever since your husband put that edict into law, Storm saw it as a threat," he answered. "So, let's just say she's taking preemptive measure."

"She thinks we plan to attack her?" Shadow asked in shock.

He nodded. "Yes, so, I hope Mobius sees to giving Knothole the money it needs. It really seems that would be best for everyone."

•~•

In her chambers, Isabelle lied in bed to rest from her illness, but Finitevus had come to join her and keep her company while she recovered. "Why are you being so thoughtful?" Isabelle questioned.

"I sat with my brother when he went through rounds of the cure," Finitevus answered. "He said the sores on his body were excruciating."

"I only have sores on my hands and mouth," Isabelle noted.

Finitevus eyed her up and down as a thought crossed his mind. "Isabelle, we are both veterans of the game, are we not? So I hope you forgive me, but is it possible you don't have syphilis, that you've been poisoned?"

She scoffed at the idea. "Don't you think I take precautions?"

"I understand, but it does seem strange that your sores are exactly where you would touch food," he specified.

"My system of food tasters is impeccable," she defended.

"But not all poison is delivered through food," he pointed. "Is there something that you touch often that no one else uses," he questioned.

Isabelle thought long and hard, trying to think of anything out of the ordinary until her eyes landed on a book near her bedside. "Wait a second, I do read Phillip's journal. I took it out of his room after his death—I've been reading it nearly every day for comfort."

Finitevus eyed the book. "It belonged to Phillip and Phillip went mad, and now it belongs to you," he intoned.

An hour later, Finitevus and Isabelle conducted an experiment on the journal to test their theory. Isabelle stirred some liquid in a vile, preparing it at her chemistry set. "This will tell us." She poured the liquid on a page of the journal and the page sizzled and smoked up. The two looked at each other with certainty. "The book is deadly…"

•~•