AN: Thank you, risingzero2001, aliciathewolf45, shadrougeforever, and MissMJS for your reviews on my last chapter! Things are getting even more complicated as the story progresses. I'm wondering if you guys have any interesting predictions on where some of the character's motives will go or if any new pairings are on their way. Anyway, enough of me and enjoy the next chapter!

•~•

In the wake of Colton's treason, a funeral was held for him despite his betrayal to the Crown. Catherine, Amy's mother, arrived at Mobius to attend her brother's funeral alongside days after hearing of his passing. The stoic queen stood beside Isabelle and her family along with a group of mourners in the courtyard. Horse drawn carriages took Colton's casket away, while the rest of the attendees bowed their head in silence. Catherine watched it disappear out of the gate and turned to look at the queen mother. "Thank you for keeping my brother's treachery a secret, by the way," Catherine whispered.

"It's the least I could do," Isabelle replied quietly. "I'd ask for the same to avoid dishonor to my family."

Wearing a long black dress and lace black veil to compensate the event, Amy shook her head at her mother and Isabelle in silence. She was still fairly disappointed in her uncle and the fact that all her mother cared about was her reputation. Meanwhile, in the background, Prince Cordovan watched the event in unfold, but instead of focusing on the casket leave the castle, his eyes were glued to Amy. Standing next to him, Antoine couldn't help but notice his younger brother's unsettling gaze. He frowned and gently bumped shoulders with him to pull him out of his daydream. "I know that look," his whispered suggestively.

Cordovan frowned by his insinuation. "You think I look at every female hoping to get them into bed," he muttered quietly.

"Oh, it's not that, it's the possessive look of a male who has already achieved something," he grinned mischievously.

Cordovan looked baffled by his belief. "If you're under the delusion that I've slept wi-"

He chuckled lightly. "Ah, I have my answer, then. No sex yet, but you've begun turning her heart…even better," he smirked wickedly. "And to think we were given a party to improve our family relations. You're doing all the work for the both of us," he mused.

The young prince huffed and looked away in annoyance. "I swore I'd never speak to you again, yet here you are buzzing about like a fly…"

In another part of the courtyard, Shadow stood near Rouge, Cream, and Tails as they also mourned for the duke. Rouge shivered and trembled as a large gush of cold wind blew past her, catching her off guard. Shadow turned his head slightly when he caught sight of her shaking form and without a second thought, he took off his heavier robe and draped it over her frame to warm her. "Here," he smiled sincerely.

Rouge relished in the feeling of his cozy robe envelope her. "Oh, thank you, Shadow," she blushed.

He patted her shoulder gently. "We don't want you to catch the flu again," he noted with a small chuckle.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of suspicious eyes watched the display before looking straight ahead. It was Catherine, and she had witnessed the entire spectacle, only causing her to grow paranoid. Was there something going on between Lady Rouge and Shadow that she didn't know about? Catherine leaned forward taking a glance at her daughter staring off into space at the other end, oblivious to what was going on nearby. "Daughter?" she whispered.

Amy looked over to her mother. "Yes?"

"You and I need to have a talk after this," she whispered.

Amy gulped nervously, as the thought of possibilities of discussion raced in her mind. "Wonderful…"

•~•

After the funeral, Amy and Catherine sat in her chambers together to catch up on lost time. The two sat on the couch together enjoying some tea in silence, but Catherine eyed her daughter with scrutiny as she took a sip of tea. "Where is your heir?" she finally blurted.

Amy lowered her cup onto her saucer. "Um, it's a bit complicated…"

"—By the fact that Shadow no longer visits your chambers?" she noted. "Is that your decision or his?"

"It's ours," she clarified.

"Has Rouge come between you two?" she questioned. "I couldn't help but notice their closeness today at the funeral. They were all smiles in this time of darkness."

"No, Mother, please don't find fault with my friends. Things have merely changed between Shadow and me," she defended.

"Amy," Catherine spoke sternly. "You are here to do a job." Amy shot her mother and incredulous look that she continued off of. Catherine sighed, "I know the continual chore of sex can easily become one to dread, but I've got a solution for you if that's why you've given up with your husband." She rummaged in her dress pocket pulling out a purple satin bag. "This should help."

Amy eyed the bag strangely. "What is it exactly?"

"An herbal concoction mixed by my physician," she smiled coyly. "Only use a pinch in your wine before you become intimate, and you will be…" She stopped mid sentence, looking for the right description and wording. "…At ease," she finished with a grin.

Amy folded her hands in her lap. "Why should I use this?"

"Darling, you're never going to get pregnant again if you don't try, and you really need to. Quickly, I might add."

Amy furrowed her brows. "Quickly?"

"Conquering Storm remains unmarried, and people are worried about the instability that would follow if she dies. Her subjects want an heir from her royal bloodline. But since she's not married, she can't exactly produce an heir anytime soon, but you can."

Amy looked uneasy by the thought. "I'm not sure if I can…"

"You must, Mercia is not stable at the moment. Your brother is doing the best he can to run it in your stead, but things are still shaky. If your subjects saw that you produced an heir, it might settle their uncertainty."

Amy processed her mother's words. Perhaps she was right. If Mercia was really in such peril, maybe she would have to put aside her emotions and commit to one of her true duties as queen and that was producing an heir.

•~•

After the conversation with her mother, Amy met with Shadow in his study and briefed him on their discussion. The two stood by one of his tall windows as they talked, but Shadow looked troubled by her explanation. He glanced at Amy empathetically. "Why didn't you tell your mother what really happened to you?"

Amy fiddled with the chain to her necklace nervously. "Every time I talk about it, I relive it," she answered. "I simply didn't want to relive it again, especially with her."

He nodded, understanding her reasoning. "She'll be leaving soon, at least."

"Yes, but she is right, Shadow…"

Shadow did a double take, shocked by the fact that she was siding with her mother. "That we need to conceive a child without delay?" She nodded slightly and he shook his head, not feeling sold on the idea. "Amy's it's too soon."

"You have people to take your crown when you're gone, like Sonic. I don't have anyone. With Storm growing more dangerous by the day, I need to amass support."

He crossed his arms over his chest. "I can't believe you would base your choice solely on international policy… Once you spoke to me about the need for love, and what would this encounter be? Are you saying you are open to us beginning again?"

"I'm speaking of our duty, to our nations, to each other," she specified. "I am asking you to help me protect myself."

His eyes fell to the carpet below. He looked deep in contemplation over the request before eventually sighing. "I need to think about it and I believe you need to as well," he advised.

"Fine, but I hope to have your answer by the next few hours."

He turned, heading to leave. "You will."

•~•

Out in the courtyard, snowflakes drizzled from the sky as Shadow searched for advice from Isabelle. The two walked around the courtyard together, bundled up in their heavy winter cloaks to discuss the possibility of he and Amy mating again. "I'm surprised you came to me and not Sonic. Why is that?" Isabelle questioned.

"This is something I feel you have more experience with, and lately, I've felt we've grown closer. You might not realize this, but I look to you as my own maternal figure," he explained.

Isabelle placed a hand on her chest, touched by his admittance. "Oh, Shadow, how sweet. I must confess, I've felt like you're practically my second son," she laughed faintly. "But to get back to the topic at hand, Catherine wants you and Amy to get back to the business of making heirs?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"And what about Amy, how does she feel about all of this?"

"Amy said she is willing."

Isabelle stopped in her tracks, surprised by the notion. "Is she, now?"

Shadow mimicked her actions, stopping as well. "I…I don't know if she's truly ready. She already links me with the attack. The male that attacked her blamed me outright before he-" Shadow stopped himself, not wanting to utter it out loud. Isabelle saw his pained expression and frowned.

"Have you considered the possibility on why Amy welcomes this push? It has been months; you should take that into account. But just a word of advice, this is her choice, so follow her lead."

"I understand."

"For the stability of the realm, a king's visit to the queen's chambers must be witnessed. People know that you've been living apart. If Amy should find herself with child, there must be no talk from anyone about whose child this is."

He nodded. "I'm aware of that." Shadow looked back at the castle's entrance, before re-meeting her eyes. "Thank you for allowing me to confide in you. I never thought there would be a point in my lifetime where this could happen."

She placed a hand on the side of his face, smiling at him. "I know things have been tough lately, Shadow, but you'll push through this," she assured.

•~•

Sitting alone in the dining room, Catherine read a book while she ate her lunch in peace. She flipped a page of her book, before looking up from her reading. Catherine stuck her fingers into her satin bag on the tabletop and grabbed a pinch of herbal concoction and sprinkled its contents into her goblet of merlot. Just as she reached to take a sip, footsteps drew her attention away. She looked up and spotted none other than Rouge the bat walking past the open dining room doors. "Rouge…"

Rouge stopped in her tracks when she heard her name and spotted the Mercian queen staring back at her. Respectfully, Rouge entered the quiet dining room and stood in front of her table. "Oh, your highness," she curtsied nervously. "Lovely to see you here at court."

Catherine leaned back into her seat as she eyed the bat with scrutiny. "You didn't come say hello to me after my brother's funeral. Were you avoiding me?"

It was true, Rouge had never been very fond of Amy's mother, especially with the stories she had heard. "No, I was just busy with other business inquiries," she lied.

"Really? And those business inquiries were flirting with the king?"

Rouge blinked in surprise by the allegation. "Excuse me?"

"Don't play coy, you've always been a flirt. Don't think I didn't notice you and Shadow getting cozy outdoors."

"Your highness, Shadow and I are just friends. Besides, Shadow is faithful to Amy, he would nev-"

"—You were and always have been Amy's lady…" She leaned forward in her chair. "There were dozens of little girls whose families begged me for that position, but I chose you because you played well together." Rouge stood there, shocked by the notion that she was seducing Shadow away from Amy. "With you around Shadow so closely, this will weaken Amy's appearance, and she'll look disposable. Do you know what happens to queens who are disposable?"

Rouge nodded meekly, suddenly feeling very small. "They're cast aside or even executed…"

"Exactly, and if that is to happen to my daughter then I hope you realize your role in this." Catherine stood taking her herbal essence with her. "Because I know I will." With that, she left.

Rouge watched the queen depart and let out a shaky breath. She hadn't expected to be verbally reprimanded by the queen on this occasion. She glanced at Catherine's untouched glass of wine and reached for it. After having heard all that, she needed a drink. Unaware that Catherine had spiked the drink with her herbal remedy, Rouge took a huge gulp of the wine, oblivious to its future effects.

•~•

After her talk with Shadow, Isabelle walked back towards her bedroom but was snatched from around the corner. She struggled under her captors hold until she heard a very familiar dark chuckle emanate from behind her. "Now, now, is that any way to behave to your lover?" Yes, it was true. Finitevus and Isabelle had grown quite close after Colton's exposure, but Finitevus had put up quite a fight to win her heart.

Isabelle dropped her guard and rolled her eyes at him. "Finitevus, must you do that when you know I'm already paranoid enough?" she said turning around in his arms to face him.

"I was just merely playing a game," he said innocently. "I am the hound and you are the hare and now I have caught my prey," he smirked. "Don't you enjoy these games of roleplay?"

"Of course, I just hadn't realized we were in the middle of a game."

He pulled her closer towards his chest and dove his mouth down to attack at her neck, giving her nips and kisses. Isabelle moaned softly in response, while his hands wandered down her body. "Ooh, Finitevus…not here."

"There's no one in the hall at the moment." His hand found its way under her skirt and began to prod at her entrance, dipping in sensually to pleasure her. "Does it not excite you that someone might catch us in the act?"

She closed her eyes, feeling her face heat up by his touch. "Y-yes…"

He licked at her exposed chest. "Let's see how much we can get away with then…"

•~•

Later that evening at a dinner banquet, Cordovan stumbled across Rouge aimlessly wandering around the busy party. As he approached her from behind, Rouge was in the middle of touching dangling pearls hanging off some decorations along the walls. She looked in awe as she felt the pearls run through her fingers. "Lady Rouge, nice to see you again," he addressed.

Slowly, Rouge turned around with a beaming expression as she spotted the handsome young prince. "Oh, Cordovan!" she exclaimed happily. She ran her hands down his vest, feeling the stitching details and soft material. Cordovan watched her in befuddlement by her fascination in his clothing. "Your clothes are so soft. Have they always been this delightful to touch?" she mused in a buzzed manner.

Carefully, he removed her hands from his chest. "Uh, I suppose," he laughed uneasily. Rouge only smiled and began to slowly wander away, looking around and taking in the atmosphere of the party. Cordovan eyed her with suspicion and followed her closely behind. There was something off about her, but he just couldn't put his finger on it. "Um, Lady Rouge," he called out. "Are you quite alright?"

Rouge ran her hands down her curvaceous sides in ecstasy. "Oooh, very relaxed," she said sensually. "I had a little drink before I came to steady my nerves and ever since I've felt like I'm floating."

"Steady your nerves?" he repeated in confusion. He continued to walk by her side. "What exactly had you so nervous?"

"Amy's mother had a little talk with me earlier, and let's just say that she does not like me…"

He grabbed her wrist gently to stop her. "Hold on a second, what exactly did you drink?"

Her speech was still slow and lagged. "Well, I thought it was wine, but it was so bitter and heavy with resin, but I gulped it down anyway, because…well, have you met Amy's mother? She's terrifying."

"No, I have not…"

A servant walked past with assorted pastries on a tray and Rouge's eyes followed. "Ooooh, marzipan!" she exclaimed excitedly. Rouge booked it and ran after the servant.

"Wait, Rouge, come back!" Cordovan called before chasing after her.

•~•

Meanwhile, in the corridors, Shadow walked in his night robe, heading straight for Amy's chambers. He had decided that he would try to produce an heir and tonight was the night. A set of guards accompanied him and stood post outside her doors. They opened them for him, allowing him inside and also chose to bear witness to the king. In the room, Amy wore her nightgown as she waited for Shadow's arrival. Their eyes locked with one another, but Shadow looked away, feeling awkwardness set in with what they were about to do. "Um, hello."

"Shadow," she smiled softly. "I'm all right. After all, I want to do this."

With some reluctance, Shadow began to disrobe as he walked closer. He undid his sash allowing his robe to fall off, leaving him in his long nightshirt and pants. Cautiously, he approached her, standing inches away. Shadow looked her in the eyes, searching for any hesitance on her part. "Are you absolutely sure about this?" he asked quietly.

Instead of answering, she reached out and touched the side of his face. Shadow felt shivers run down his spine as he felt her soft touch. He had missed it and relished in the feeling. Amy smiled and leaned forward kissing him on the lips gently. Shadow closed his eyes kissing her back, before really reciprocating the action. Their lips moved against each other as it became more heated and impassioned. His arms wrapped around her waist and he slowly backed her up, allowing her to fall back on the bed with him on top, continuing to kiss her.

Shadow's left hand lowered from her hip and rested on her thigh, softly caressing it. Amy continued to kiss him but stopped momentarily as he pried his lips away from hers and began to suck on the side of her neck. She froze as she felt him try to turn her on and suddenly flashbacks of her rape flooded her mind. Amy shut her eyes tight and placed a hand on his chest and began to shake. Shadow felt her pushing her hand against him, and pulled back and opened his eyes. Her body trembled as she kept her eyes sealed shut. "Amy, are you okay?"

"I-I'm sorry," she apologized. "It's just..."

Sensing her freezing up on him, he sat up and removed himself from on top of her. "We can't do this, you shouldn't do this," he sighed in frustration. "I knew you weren't ready."

She sat upright, sitting next to him on the edge of the bed. "We have to, Shadow."

"Why now, Amy? You talk of an heir, and yes, a son would help the both of us, but what are the odds that we would conceive a child tonight?" Amy remained quiet, unsure of exactly how to answer his question. With silence as her response, Shadow dragged a hand over his face and exhaled. "We'll try next month."

She moved off the bed, walking a few feet away. "But I don't want to wait."

He grew frustrated with her impatience. "Just until you're ready. Look, I know Mercia is in peril, but can you trust me that I will defend you and your nation?"

"Defend Mercia, defend my people?" she asked in apprehension turning around.

He hopped off the bed to join her. "Are you afraid that I won't protect you?"

"Well, what if you turn on me?" she postulated. "What if I do something to anger you in the months or years to come?" she panicked.

He softened hearing her fears. "Amy, I would never hurt you. I couldn't even fathom it."

She shook her heads, doubts still clouding her mind. "You don't know that… If we live separate lives, move on with others-"

"—But I don't want to move on with others! I've made it distinctly clear that I don't," he groaned before catching her reaction, one that made his heart ache even more. Her expression said everything to him. "…B-but you do?" She looked away and his worst fears grew to fruition. "…With Cordovan?" At that point, he couldn't even bear to look at her, as thoughts flooded his mind. Ones he wished he could relinquish. "Have things progressed between you two?" he asked, looking at the floor.

"We have done nothing," she answered sternly. "You just saw me moments ago. I froze."

"But he loves you, you and I both know that," he practically growled through clenched teeth. His breath started to quicken as he watched Amy calmly walk over and pour a glass of wine. "Do you love him? Is that what all this is about?" he asked in a panicked voice. "Did you come to me because you're afraid you'll turn to him, or because you want to secure your rule?"

"Both," she replied. "Is that what you wanted to hear? I don't know if I can love anyone again, but I know I can't keep living like this." She wrapped her arms around herself. "I'm a queen but not a queen, a wife but not a wife…"

"Be. My. Wife," he growled pointing a finger to his chest.

Her brows furrowed angrily. I can't! We've been over this already. Too much has passed between us."

"Too much you blame me for, while Cordovan remains untarnished," he spoke with venom. "And now you want to go to him, thinking it'll erase your pain. It won't, Amy. I won't let you do this!"

Her eyes widened. "But Shadow-"

"—No, I forbid it," he dismissed. Amy watched as he grabbed his robe and left her bedroom in a hurry, completely fuming. The door slammed shut on his way out making her cringe in response. This night had been an utter failure.

•~•

AN: Remember to leave a review! :)