AN: Merry Christmas everyone and Happy Holidays! Sorry I posted a little late, I was obviously a bit busy yesterday prepping for Christmas Eve gatherings. As always, thank you risingzero2001, Captain, MissMJS, and Shadrougeforever for your reviews!

To Sad Little Demon and Aliciathewolf45, sorry that you're unhappy with the direction of the relationships at the moment. If it was Shadamy fluff every chapter it would get quite repetitive and boring. Also, it is a drama and I'm trying to make things interesting with the love triangle. As always, Shadow and Amy will end up together in the end, I promise you.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

•~•

With a special day coming into play, new arrivals were coming to court. Carriages lined up as they came in through the portcullis and when the doors opened, nobles along with their beautiful daughters were escorted into the castle. Meanwhile, in the castle entrance, Amy, Rouge, and Cream walked down one of the halls observing the beautiful noble ladies corral into groups.

"I don't believe I've ever seen so many noblewomen in one place," Cream noted as the three walked together. "I thought this was just the day of wine tasting."

"That's because many nobles are hoping to be able to taste wine and introduce the king to his mistress," another voice piped in. The three turned and spotted Isabelle behind them.

"But the king doesn't have a mistress," Cream shrugged.

"Not yet, that's why these lords are bringing their ready, beautiful, young daughters. They're hoping that Shadow will choose one of them to take to his bed, she explained.

"And what makes them think that Shadow wants a mistress?" Rouge spoke suspiciously, placing her hands on her hips.

"Our estrangement has become obvious," Amy quietly mentioned. "With separate chambers-"

"—Well, plenty of kings and queens keep separate chambers," Rouge noted before glancing over to Isabelle. "You did, for example."

Isabelle shot her a piqued expression. "…And just when I was starting to like you," she replied dryly.

"Well, it's not like I can be outraged by this," Amy continued. "I did encourage us to live separate lives, so it's probably for the best."

Cream, Rouge, and Isabelle watched as more girls flocked around Shadow, trying to catch his attention. Shadow looked overwhelmed as he drowned in the group of young females trying to vie for his affection.

"Hm, if you'll excuse me, ladies. I must attend to another matter," Amy quickly spoke before walking off. Cream, Isabelle, and Rouge watched as Amy wandered off.

Rouge turned to look over to Shadow and saw him shaking hands with some of the girls. She scoffed at the sight. "These girls won't get anywhere. Shadow loves Amy."

Isabelle looked at her. "Things change, Rouge…"

"You're wrong, Shadow would never," Rouge defended.

"I think she's right, Isabelle," Cream seconded. "I've seen the way Shadow looks at Amy. He's head over heels for her."

"Perhaps…but if Shadow and Amy are finished, there's an opportunity at the king's side for some lucky girl here to be with him," she finished giving Rouge a suggestive look. Rouge caught her indicative glance and quickly shrugged it off, hoping she hadn't just interpreted it like she had.

"Um, want to get out of here, Cream?" Rouge asked trying to divert the conversation.

"Yes, I'm not very fond of watching this display," the young rabbit answered. The two females walked off together while Isabelle watched their departure.

•~•

In the throne room, Amy felt someone looming behind her and turned only to find Prince Cordovan. "Oh, Cordovan," she smiled. "How lovely to see you."

On his behalf, he did not smile, as he remained serious. "I need to speak with you and it regards to travel to Mercia," Cordovan whispered.

Her smile dropped. "Here is not the time," she replied quietly, trying not to look suspicious. "Meet me in the wine cellars in an hour. We'll talk then." With that, Amy quickly moved away from Cordovan to avoid any more rumors with their interactions.

But before Cordovan could walk off, his brother grabbed him by the arm, pulling him to the side. "Brother, I have wonderful news! Antoine beamed. "The Dragon queen's envoy is in the village, and I've arranged a meeting," he quietly exclaimed.

Cordovan pried his arm out of his grasp. "You take too many risks, Antoine. What if Shadow finds out you have me courting Storm?"

Antoine raised a brow with a cocky grin. "Has he found what we're up to so far?"

"He knows his stepmother and father were poisoned, and barely missed that you were behind it," he countered quietly.

"Barely," he emphasized with confidence. "And yet, here we are, only two or three chess moves away from becoming a pair of kings," he smirked clenching his fist in excitement. "Exactly as we were destined by blood…."

•~•

Nearby, Shadow found Amy talking to some of the females in line for role of mistress. Feeling distress from the sight, he quickly walked over to break up the conversation. Seeing the king present, the three females talking to Amy, curtsied and moved away. Amy turned just as Shadow came around to face her. "I'm so sorry, Amy. If I had known the kind of guests the event would draw, I would have cancelled the tasting."

"It's not your fault," she replied simply.

He sighed. "Rumors of our distance is spreading like wildfire and the timing of this event is terrible."

Her expression remained dull and uninterested. "I don't think time would change much for us, Shadow."

"Yes, well that's where you and I would disagree," he argued.

Her eyes drifted to the left. "Not the only place."

He frowned in response, knowing exactly what she was implying. "You mean Cordovan?"

She crossed her arms over her chest, growing defensive. "Does it not strike you as unfair that I'm forbidden to live my life the way I desire?"

"Don't speak to me of your desire for another," he growled quietly.

"My desire to put the horrors of my past behind me?" she questioned. "I feel as though I'm drowning, Shadow."

"Amy…"

"—I need to breathe again. To be happy," she pleaded.

"An affair with Cordovan endangers your life and our kingdom's alliance," he countered in a hushed voice.

"Is that all there is to it? No jealousy or regret because you think that if you simply bide your time, I will come back to you?" she snapped back quietly.

"I do think that! I love you and I would do anything to undo the choices I made now that I know their outcome. But I can't. Nor can I alter the fact that we live in a world where a queen's infidelity is considered an act of treason. Any child you have will be presumed illegitimate. The nobles will want your head and demand for Cordovan's as well," he explained. "I can't promise that I'll be able to protect either of you," he stressed quietly.

Amy had grown tired and frustrated with this conversation. "I can't do this anymore."

"Do what? Hear the truth of our lives?" he snapped quietly. "I'm sorry, but I am determined to stop you from making a decision that could cost you your head. And there is no more to say on the subject." Amy watched as he walked away from her, looking beyond disappointed.

•~•

A little bit later, Amy met Cordovan in the wine cellar as promised. As she walked down the steps, she spotted the patient prince waiting for her. "I'm so sorry I took so long," she apologized. "I had to keep changing directions. I ran into servants at every step of the way."

He watched as she made her way towards him. "Have you thought about how you'll achieve leaving Mobius safely?

"I have hired an agent to gather intelligence for me. I need to know which harbors are safe to land, which nobles I can trust, and which areas haven't been infiltrated by Storm's troops," she answered.

"I think I can help with that. I've arranged a trade delegation from my principality. It'll book safe passage to Mercia for enough males to protect a sizable portion of gold or a queen traveling under a false name."

She smiled at his generosity and consideration. "Cordovan, that's very generous, but you'd be opening yourself up to retribution from your king."

"My king, can't hurt me if he is in Mobius and I am in Mercia," he countered with a sly grin.

She blinked in surprise by his statement. "Then…you've made up your mind?" she asked optimistically. "You want to come with me?"

He smiled warmly at her. "There is no place I'd rather be."

She reached out and held his hands in hers, beaming from the good news. He squeezed hers gently in response with a sincere smile. "I don't know what to say."

"Then say nothing," he smiled as he leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled back, troubling him.

"I'm sorry," she apologized towards his reaction. "It's not yet safe for that."

He nodded, realizing she was right. With their activity so far, it was too risky to try to be intimate, if even in the smallest manner. "No, you're right. I apologize."

She stared into his beautiful yellow eyes as she felt her heart flutter. "For the first time in so long, I think the time is close."

•~•

Still feeling guilty with how he had last spoken to Amy, Shadow wandered around the castle searching for her. As he turned one of the corners, he came face to face with one of the young noble ladies visiting court and longing to catch his eye. "Your majesty," the young and beautiful, white snow leopard curtsied.

"Oh, hello," he smiled sheepishly.

"I have to say, it's wonderful to meet you face to face, your highness. I can't wait to get a taste of your vintage wine at the tasting tonight," she practically purred as she encroached on his space.

Shadow stepped back, feeling uncomfortable with the lack of personal space. "Ah, yes, it should be a delight."

She smiled seductively as she lowered her lids. "Yes, I would love for you to give me perhaps a private tasting of your own favorite vintage," she smirked. "I'm sure you have good taste in a fine wine."

Before Shadow could reply to her come on, he spotted Amy making her way towards them. "Oh, Amy," he sighed in relief. "I was just about to tell Lady er…" he stumbled for a name.

"—It's Lady Greer," the snow leopard corrected.

"Yes, Lady Greer, that it would be impossible for me to give guests private tastings since we'll be very busy tonight with gracing our presence," he quickly lied.

Realizing that Shadow wanted her to play along with his fib, she remained stoic refusing to aid him. "Oh, don't you remember? I'm not going to be in for the night. I'll be staying at our private estate in the village."

Shadow's countenance dropped. "Oh… that must have slipped my mind."

"Yes, remember, you're free for the night to do as you please," Amy emphasized.

Shadow swallowed the lump in his throat. How could she still want to encourage him to go through with such a betrayal to her? "Are you sure, Amy?"

She nodded. "Of course I am, now if you excuse me," she finished before moving past the two. Shadow and Lady Greer watched as Amy walked down the hall disappearing around the corner.

•~•

Later that afternoon, Cordovan put on his winter cloak and walked down the hall in preparation to leave with Amy. But before he could get too far, his brother appeared around the corner and caught sight of him. "Brother, you don't appear to be dressed for the tasting," he observed.

"Well, I was about to take a ride," he excused quickly.

"It'll have to be a short ride if you don't want to miss your meeting with Storm's envoy. He's anxious to meet her new suitor," he replied, giddy in anticipation.

"You'll have to reset the meeting, I can't do it tonight," he said sternly before trying to move around him.

Sensing his brother's attitude, Antoine placed a firm hand on his chest, stopping him. His smile turned into a glower. "I went to considerable lengths to get us this meeting, so you'll have to do a lot better than, not tonight."

Cordovan moved his hand away from his chest. "I have my own principality, Antoine," he countered. "With needs that concern me and not you," he pointed.

Antoine narrowed his eyes at him. "It concerns me if your principality might get in the way of our family obtaining a kingdom."

Cordovan firmly brushed past him. "You can't have a new kingdom without me as king," he said walking past him. Antoine watched his brother hustle down the hall in a hurry, only making his paranoia grow.

•~•

Outside the castle walls, Amy waited patiently on her horse, as she remained bundled up in her best winter cloak. Hearing hoofs racing towards her, she craned her neck only to spot Cordovan racing on his steed to meet her. He pulled on his reins once he got close, allowing his horse to stop beside her. "It's a long ride to the warming lodge where we're meeting my agent. Are you ready with an explanation for your absence?" she questioned.

"Yes," he answered confidently.

"Then there's nothing holding us back," she smiled. With that, the two began to race across the snow-covered fields towards their destination side by side.

•~•

After an hour of riding, the two made it to their meeting point. Inside the lodge, Amy and Cordovan met Agent Ridley, a grey and white fox that would help them gather the information needed before their travels. "I need to choose a safe harbor to land, in a region firmly under Mercian or Mobian control, so that as I move my small fighting force across the countryside, it only grows," Amy began. "By the time I reach my enemies, I will have an army at my back. Can you find this information for me?"

"I can, Majesty, given time," Ridley answered.

"How much time?" she questioned.

"I'll need at least a week," he replied. "Two, to be safe."

"Then hurry, Ridley, and thank you," she smiled graciously.

He bowed out of respect. "Your grace," he replied before turning and departing. Once he had left the lodge, Amy turned to Cordovan feeling elated.

"Cordovan, it's really happening!" she gleamed. Cordovan chuckled seeing her so content. "Do you know what this means? I can move forward. We can move forward."

"Yes, we can," he agreed.

"I can unify my kingdom and we can have a place to be together."

He reached out and took her hands in his, cupping them. "I want to celebrate, too, but when it's safe," he made pellucid. "In the meantime, we should get you back to the castle."

Her ears lowered in disappointment. "But why?"

Cordovan looked hesitant as he searched for a proper answer. "Well…"

She moved in closer. "No one knows we're here, and we are alone…"

"Amy, we needn't rush anything," he replied looking into her eyes sincerely.

"You have never rushed me, and you have always been by my side," she smiled. She inched closer, pulling her hands out of his grasp and resting them on his shoulders. "I feel safe with you," she spoke in a breathless whisper. Cordovan watched as her face neared his, and he felt his heart beat faster. He leaned down and returned the favor.

There was so much passion in their first kiss; it felt magical and comforting, as they moved their lips together. His hands wandered to her face, moving and tilting her head as he deepened it.

•~•

Back at the castle, the wine tasting event was heading into full swing. Music played as guests filled the room. While all partygoers seemed festive and upbeat at the event, in another part of the room, Rouge and Isabelle stood side by side, as they observed many of the younger female noblewomen eying Shadow with lust and conquest. Isabelle smirked to herself before focusing on Rouge. "All these young girls trying to catch Shadow's eye, but why not you?" she questioned catching her off guard.

Rouge shook her head. "Is that what you were hinting at earlier?" Isabelle chuckled lightly in response, but Rouge sighed. "To answer your question, I don't want to because I am Amy's lady and her friend."

"Mm-hmm…"

"I don't know why you push this act, I thought you despised me." Isabelle only smiled coyly, making Rouge grow more uncomfortable. "Why are you looking at me that way?"

"Because I've seen and heard about how close you and Shadow have become," she explained.

"As friends," she clarified directly.

"Some of the best relationships come from friendships," she smirked. "Shadow has told me about how he has been able to confide in you. He's asked you to carry out missions for him, and you did them all willingly."

"Because he's my king and I thought some of the things he asked me could help bring Amy and him back together," she explained.

"In recent months you have given Shadow something that Amy hasn't, happiness. He might not realize it yet, but I've seen it. He likes you," she smiled. "And I think you could make him very happy."

"Well, that might be your opinion, but I don't think Shadow sees me in that way in the slightest." Rouge walked away from Isabelle, as the thoughts crossed her mind. Was Isabelle right? Did Shadow really fancy her?

Wanting to see if she could prove these rumors, Rouge walked over to Shadow as he stood alone, and joined him by his side. "Oh, Shadow, have you seen Amy?" she asked trying to make small talk.

"She told me that she planned on spending the evening at our private estate." Rouge watched as he took a sip of his wine, looking completely worn out and dour. She looked back out onto the dance floor where they both watched happy couples dance to the music. "We use to dance with each other and now she can barely stand to be near me…or in the same castle, apparently," he finished before taking another sip.

"Shadow, I promise you, just give Amy the time and she'll come back," Rouge assured.

He shook his head in disagreement. "No, you're wrong. She told me herself that time will not bring any chance of us being together again. Amy gave me permission to be free and find happiness in another, but I can't bear to open my heart to anyone." Rouge watched as Shadow wandered off, before grabbing another goblet of wine to take on the way. She worried about him and hated to see him so down on himself.

•~•

After an hour, Shadow had found himself very tipsy to help ease his pain. He had wanted to escape his despair for the night and had found that the alcohol was doing the job. He stumbled out of the ballroom to find a place to escape the chatter, but another individual had spotted him leaving.

"Your majesty!" a feminine voice called.

Shadow turned only to see Lady Greer making her way towards him. "Yes?"

"There's urgent news regarding one of the nobles. I was told to find you and give you the information privately in the library."

"Very well," he sighed. "Let's get going then."

•~•

Back at the party, Rouge looked all over the room for Shadow. She approached Cream and Tails standing by the refreshments table to chat with them. "Have any of you seen Shadow?"

"I've seen him drowning his sorrows in vintage wine," Tails noted. "Someone needs to tell him to put the glass down before he regrets it in the morning."

"Wonderful," Rouge said dryly.

"I saw him and Lady Greer talking out in the hall a few minutes ago," Cream piped in.

"…Oh, no," Rouge groaned in paranoia. With Shadow drinking and a flirty girl by his side, things were bound to turn bad. "Thanks. I'll catch up with you two in a bit," she replied before hurrying off.

•~•

Lady Greer and Shadow arrived into the library together. After shutting the door behind him, Shadow turned to listen to the news from her. "All right, so what is going on?"

Lady Greer said no words and instead threw herself at Shadow and silenced him with a kiss. Stunned in the moment by her gesture, Shadow did not kiss her back and instead pulled away. Greer looked up at him, confused by his refusal. "What's wrong? Am I not pretty enough to please you?"

Shadow shook his head. "No, that's not it. Lady Greer, you are quite beautiful but I'm just not interested in pursuing a mistress despite what rumors you may have heard."

"That may be so, but surely you're interested in having your appetite satisfied in other areas," she suggested running her hands down his chest.

"No, I don't…"

Gently, she pushed him back and he landed on the couch. Before he could get up, she straddled his lap and grabbed his collar, gently tugging his face closer to hers. She knew he was already slightly intoxicated, which would make it easier for her to seduce him into sleeping with her. "Come now, your highness. You mustn't worry. I've lain with many males before but never a king."

"Please, stop," he mumbled.

She kissed down the side of his neck. "Just relax," she whispered feeling him struggle under her. "I'll help you forget your problems."

"Over my dead body!" another voice shouted. Lady Greer and Shadow turned their heads only to spot Rouge standing in the doorway.

Shadow blinked in surprise. "Rouge?"

"Get off of him this instance," Rouge demanded as she marched over.

With haste, Greer got off of Shadow and smoothed the wrinkles in her skirt. "And who exactly are you?"

"I'm one of Queen Amy's ladies in waiting and I will not allow this act to go any further."

Greer crossed her arms over her chest. "What are you, his keeper? I'm sure the king can make his own decisions."

"That's enough, Lady Greer," Shadow intervened. "She's right. I told you many times that I did not give you my consent and I'd appreciate it if you respected your boundaries."

Greer curtsied in response. "My apologies, your highness."

"Leave," Rouge ordered. Suddenly feeling small and embarrassed, Greer hurried out of the room, leaving the two alone. Rouge joined Shadow by his side on the sofa. "Are you okay, Shadow?"

Shadow rested his elbows on his knees and placed his face in his hands. "I feel so alone, Rouge. I loathe this feeling."

Rouge placed a hand on his shoulder. "I understand how you feel, Shadow."

"How would you?" he mumbled.

"My family is back in Mercia and I haven't' seen them for over a year. I lost my fiancé months ago and my friend's lives have moved in different directions. Cream is with Tails now, Amy is navigating her own problems, and then there's me. If anyone understands how lost and alone you feel right now, it's me."

Shadow lifted his face from his hands after hearing her side. "My apologies, I hadn't realized…"

She smiled weakly. "It's quite alright, you know I've loved having you as a friend. It's brought comfort I must admit."

"I've enjoyed being your friend too, Rouge. You're beautiful, thoughtful, a great listener, and you tell it straight. I-I trust you."

Rouge blushed at his compliment. "Thank you, Shadow. That's very sweet of you." Before she could respond, he leaned over and kissed her. Rouge was unsure of what to do at first, but surprisingly, found herself kissing him back, but more out of pity. After a moment, she realized what she was doing and pulled away. Shadow stared at her baffled by her rejection.

"I'm sorry," she pardoned. "We can't do this. You can't do this."

"Please, Rouge," he begged reaching for her hands. "I need this. I want this pain to go away for the night. If I am to be free, I want it to be with someone who I trust."

"But Amy..."

"—Has said I am free to be with whomever I choose."

•~•