AN: Only ten more chapters after this. How crazy is that? Thank you SonAmy4eva2000, Aliciathewolf45, Captain and Risingzero2001, for the reviews you left me last chapter. Again, like always, I really appreciate it!

Song credit: "I Found" by Amber Run.

•~•

It had been a few hours now and Sonic continued his ride. As he rode along, he passed through a small village, where many of villagers looked on at him suspiciously. One of those spectators was a cloaked female orange echidna within the crowd. She watched Sonic pass through town curiously before he continued into the neighboring forest. Once Sonic was in the depth of the forest his horse stalled momentarily. "There, there, I know you're tired," he cooed to his steed. He dismounted and landed in the crisp snow, allowing it to take a rest. But when a twig snapped nearby, alerting him, his green eyes shot in that direction.

At first, he didn't see anything, but when three marauders jumped down from the trees above, Sonic staggered back in surprise. The three thieves looked at Sonic with sinister smirks. "What do you want?" he asked.

"Your coin, boy," one of them snickered while brandishing a dagger, hidden underneath his cloak.

Sonic pulled out his sword from his side, brandishing it threateningly. "Care to dance, then?" he grinned arrogantly.

•~•

In the village, Lord Burgess walked along the streets until he heard two horses coming up behind him. He stopped in his tracks and spotted two royal guards surround him. "Stay where you are, sir!"

"What is the meaning of this?" he asked, looking confused.

"You are arrested by order her majesty, Queen Amy."

•~•

Once arrested and brought back to court, Amy visited Lord Burgess in the dungeon where he was being detained. "I know you were in Mobius in the behest of your queen," Amy began.

"I am in Mobius of my own accord," he vindicated.

Amy tucked her arms behind her back as she looked down on him. "Did you not think I would find it suspicious?" she snapped. "A high-ranking diplomat avoiding an appearance at my court during his visit?"

He shrugged. "I'm hardly here in secret, your majesty…I-I've rented rooms in town."

"—Where my guards have witnessed you breaking bread with known branded radical sympathizers," she added.

Burgess gave her a funny look at the accusation. "What? Your majesty, no, no, I assure you this is not true!" he pleaded.

"I can only assume that Storm has sent you to fund and organize a revolt against the Mobian Crown."

His heart raced. "But I-I"

"—If you do not confess by tomorrow morning, I will send Storm that basket with your head in it," she spoke gesturing to the basket by his side. Amy made her exit and met Cordovan just outside the prison chambers. Cordovan seemed proud by her act after overhearing it. "We need him to believe his life is at risk for this to work. Do you think he bought it?"

"I know he did," Amy answered confidently. "I wasn't just play-acting, Cordovan. I will spill blood to defend what's mine." Cordovan's smile dimmed, sensing her true seriousness.

•~•

It had been a lengthy fight, but Sonic had come out on top, and although he had technically won, he had still gotten injured during his brawl. The blue prince staggered through the woods, holding his injured side. Momentarily, he stopped by a tree and leaned his back against it as he panted to catch his breath, seeing a plume of white steam from his breath in the cold. His horse had run off after getting spooked during the fight, which had left him stranded.

Sonic looked down at his injury seeing the large gash right where his left ribcage was. He brought his hand up he had used to cover it and saw the dark crimson blood coated on his gloved hand. He shook, cold, exhausted, and on the brink of passing out. "Damn it," he mumbled.

He continued to walk, desperate to find help, but tripped on a root and fell into the snow. He cried out in agony from the fall on his side, becoming uncertain of his fate. As he felt his eyes began to drift shut, a shadowy figure loomed over him. "Who…who are you?" He lifted his head to look up but was unable to focus for long before he completely passed out.

•~•

Several hours later, Lord Burgess remained in his cell, dying of thirst. "Water, please, water," he begged. The guard standing post looked into the door window into his cell. "Enough of you, you'll be dead by morning," he growled.

Then out of nowhere, a hand came into view and smothered the guard's face. Burgess could hear a struggle happen outside his prison and feared the worst. A cloaked figure came into his cell and Burgess backed away in his chains. "Please don't hurt me!" he feared.

"Shhh," the cloaked figure whispered. The stranger pulled down their hood revealing them to be none other than Prince Cordovan. "We have to leave—now." He used the keys he had swiped and unchained him. "Come."

The two made their way through the passageways within the castle walls. Cordovan led the way with a lit torch, while Lord Burgess tagged behind him. "Where are we going?" he questioned quietly.

Cordovan turned down another corner as he held his torch out in front of him. "This passage leads outside the castle," he explained.

"Oh my, Queen Amy suspects me of conspiracy against the crown!" he groaned in terror.

"It doesn't matter, you're safe now."

Burgess kept close to Cordovan as they continued their escape. "When the guards find me missing they'll search every ship bound for the Dragon Kingdom."

Cordovan stopped in his tracks and turned to look at him. "That's why you're not going there, not directly at least. I secured you passage on a ship sailing to Hideaway port in Mercia. From there, you can make your own way home on land."

"Oh, thank you, my lord, but can you order your ship's captain to dock at Avalon, a port to the north instead?"

Cordovan blinked in puzzlement by his request. "But that's a longer route."

"Yes, but Hideaway is controlled by Mercians loyal to Queen Amy," he elaborated.

"Really? I thought Mercia was nearly under Storm's control," Cordovan questioned in feigned ignorance.

"That was a little rumor we spread. With Queen Amy safe in Mobius, there's no need to rush a takeover. Mercia's infighting may soon solve that problem for us," he explained.

Cordovan was elated by the leaked information given to him. Continuing to play up his role, Cordovan gestured for him to continue on. "Very well, consider it done. Now, let's keep moving."

•~•

Meanwhile, back with Sonic, the young prince woke up in unknown territory. His eyes shot open as he felt an excoriating pain in his right side. "Ah!" he cried out.

Footsteps approached and a female figure came towards him. She moved her hood away revealing her identity as the orange echidna from the village. "You're very hurt, try not to move too much."

"Who are you?" he asked through clenched teeth. It was almost unbearable to take a breath.

"My name is Tikal," she answered. "Do you want me to help you? I could heal you, but it is risky."

"Heal?" he questioned. "Just get me a physician," he demanded with a grunt.

She shook her head. "Sadly a doctor would not be able to help you at this point," she explained. "Healing is the only way I can save your life, otherwise, you will perish."

He shook his head. "No, no, I don't believe you."

"Would you like me to save your life or not? It's up to you."

Sonic considered the thought for a moment. He was in agonizing pain and he knew his life was limited at this point. "Save me," he begged.

"Very well," she knelt down beside him. "First, I need to warn you of the costs of my magic. In order for me to heal you, you must realize there is a demand for equivalent exchange. It's a life for a life, and this life that is taken in order to save yours could be anyone. Even someone you love."

"I-I don't care," he uttered. "Just help me, it hurts."

Tikal nodded, seeing his pained expression. "Very well. I warn you, this may hurt a little." She placed her bare hands over his opened wound causing him to cry out again.

"GAH!"

Tikal closed her eyes and began her ritual. A green hue surrounded her hands above his wound and she began her mantra. "The servers are the seven chaos emeralds. Chaos is power…Power enriched by the heart." Suddenly, a green hue surrounded Sonic's body, before focusing on his wound. "The controller is the one that unifies Chaos."

Sonic could feel the pain subsiding and a cooling sensation overcame him. His eyes began to feel heavy again and once again he fell unconscious.

•~•

Late that night in the village, Lord Finitevus walked the empty streets until he came to a dark alley. Just in a hint of light, he caught site of a male figure in wait for him. "I got your message, Collins."

Collins stepped into the light, with a frown on his muzzle. "Lord Finitevus, you've kept me waiting."

Finitevus crossed his arms over his chest. "Well, we could have done this at court over dinner and fine wine. Not out here in the bloody cold."

"Bear the chill, what I have to say is for your ears only," he explained.

"You've always been cautious even when you were commanding my army," he noted. "Well, when I had an army," he droned in annoyance.

"I came across a Mercian by the port. I tried to ask this male a few simple questions, but he pulled a knife on me. His mistake, though," he chuckled. "When I went through his things, I found out his real name was Ridley and that he is someone of great importance to the queen."

"Queen Amy?" Finitevus probed. "What makes you say that?"

Without saying another word, Collins slipped the envelopes from under his cloak and handed them over. Finitevus looked down at the letters in his hands, examining them carefully. His eyes stared at the red wax seal on the back. "This is the queen's seal…"

•~•

Once returning to court, Finitevus immediately informed Queen Isabelle over the shocking revelation. Shell-shocked by the betrayal, Isabelle processed the information and paced the room. "A secret campaign to retake Mercia?"

Finitevus nodded, watching Isabelle walk around the small room. "Mhm."

Isabelle placed a hand to her mouth. "Amy was leaving Mobius? Leaving Shadow?"

"A brazen move," he confirmed.

"No doubt encouraged by that damn Prince of Knothole at her side…" Isabelle spat venomously. "I thought she was unfaithful, but I had no idea the depth of her betrayal."

"I've already arranged for Amy's letters to be returned to them with her seals intact. Amy and Cordovan will believe all is well, and their false sense of security will give them just enough rope to hang themselves," Finitevus smirked darkly.

"No, that's the last thing that I want," Isabelle intervened.

Finitevus tilted his head, confused on why Isabelle had suddenly wanted to protect her. "The enmity between you and Amy since you returned to court is known to all."

"Amy is not the same foolish girl who was forced into our care," she spoke. "Besides, I have come to care for her. She has faced many trials here at court as queen. She's grown. She's stronger, braver…clearly."

"But."

"—I have no desire to destroy Amy or her reputation. But we have to stop her. Shadow must stop her," she said with determination.

•~•

Back at Cordovan's estate, Amy and Cordovan met up after their plan to obtain information through Burgess. But surprisingly, Chase, Ridley's second in command arrived on their doorstep with an interesting delivery. Just as planned, Amy was returned her letters. Chase handed them over to her causing her to act alarmed by the return. "How did you find the letters?" she questioned suspiciously.

"I've been in contact with the deputy where Ridley was killed. He and his men captured and killed a common highwayman who has been robbing people passing through town."

Cordovan looked down at the letters, inspecting them carefully. "You think that this highwayman killed Ridley?"

"Ridley's belongings were found among his possessions. Everything was there, the letters unopened," Chase responded.

"Then the secret of our mission is safe," Amy sighed in relief. She focused back on Chase. "Your loyalty will not go unrewarded." Chase bowed out of respect then departed. Amy looked over to Cordovan optimistically. "Everything is in place. Thanks to our little trick, Lord Burgess revealed that Hideaway is a safe port of entry."

"Yes, but there is only one standing matter before you retake Mercia." He extended his arm with her letters in hand. "Whether you still want me to come."

Amy accepted the letters and began to slowly pace around the room as she considered her decision. "Lord Burgess is safely headed back to the Dragon kingdom. He and Conquering Storm will remain unaware that you helped me." She stopped and turned to look at him. "But you've been playing both sides for some time now, Cordovan. It can't go on like this, not anymore," she spoke sternly.

"You can trust me," he assured.

"Not until you make a choice," she countered. "Right now: Storm or me? Consider your choices carefully, Storm can offer you marriage, her kingdom, power, a life of security," she listed.

"I know that together we face an uncertain future. But I still see it in Mercia. There's always a choice, and sometimes that choice is so difficult that it's a leap—a leap of a fool's faith," he elaborated. "But my heart tells me that this is it. You are my choice, Amy, that is if you'll still have me."

Amy stared up at him, searching his eyes. "Storm may be the wise choice, but I can give you my heart. My full, strong heart."

Cordovan leaned in and kissed her. Amy kissed him back as she wrapped her arms around him, making the kiss grow more passionate.

•~•

At that same time, back at the castle, Shadow prepared for the night as he finished getting undressed and into his pajamas. As he stood by his bed, just getting ready to lie down, his bedroom door opened unexpectedly. "There's something you must know about Amy," Isabelle began as she stormed inside.

Shadow turned, disinterested in any topic of discussion. "What now?" he mumbled.

"Amy has betrayed us. She's lied to you and to this kingdom. Finitevus and I uncovered that she and Cordovan plan to run off together back to Mercia."

Shadow felt his stomach drop. How could Amy do this to him? He had given her everything that she wanted and that was to have Cordovan to help her heal. Nowhere had he permitted her to run away with him. Seeing Shadow distressed, Isabelle continued her vexation on the matter. "If Amy leaves with Cordovan, Mobius loses not just a queen, but Mercia too. You will be left alone and Mobius vulnerable!" She placed a hand on her forehead in disappointment. "I suspected Amy of infidelity," she continued. "But this is treason, Shadow."

The whole time Shadow listened, he looked like he was on the verge of passing out, but Isabelle was too caught up in her anger to really notice. "What am I suppose to do, Isabelle? She wants to be away from me," he mumbled tiredly.

"She won't listen to reason, but she'll listen to you," Isabelle urged. Shadow remained silent only making her grow more frustrated with his lack of concern. "Shadow, you must stop her!" Suddenly, everything went black and he toppled backward, collapsing onto his back. "Shadow!" Isabelle panicked. Quickly she rushed to his side and knelt down to feel for his pulse. "No, no, no…" She turned to call for help. "Help, help, the king is down!" she cried.

Two guards and two female servants rushed inside the room and flocked to the queen's side. They all gathered around him to lift him and get him to the physician immediately.

•~•

Meanwhile, back at Cordovan's estate, things had quickly escalated between the two. Amy and Cordovan had moved to his bed, now naked together as their bodies pressed up against each other. Amy kept her arms around Cordovan's neck as they kissed passionately, but after a few moments, he pulled back to look at her out of concern for her mental state. "Amy?" he panted lightly.

"…Yes?"

"And I'll use you as warning sign."

He caught his breath as he looked in her eyes. "We should probably stop now."

"That if you talk enough sense then you'll lose your mind."

She stared up into his yellow eyes, never feeling more certain on her decision. "I don't want to stop," she replied, stroking her fingertips along his lips.

"And I'll use you as a focal point, so I don't lose sight of what I want."

He remained in the missionary position as he stared down at her. "I'll wait for you," he encouraged. "—However long it takes until you're ready."

"And I've moved further than I thought I could, but I missed you more than I thought I would."

"I'm ready, to take back my life with the courage to give myself to someone else—to you," she smiled seductively.

"And I'll use you as a warning sign.

He gulped nervously, afraid to hurt her or even bring back painful memories of her assault. "Are you sure, Amy?"

"That if you talk enough sense then you'll lose your mind."

She nodded. "I've never been more certain," she smiled. With her permission, Cordovan positioned himself over her. Amy closed her eyes as she felt his shaft glide against her inner thigh.

"And I found love where it wasn't supposed to be."

In a strange way, this moment felt as if it was her first time all over again. She felt excited, nervous, and at the same time, confident with herself. The moment finally came and she felt Cordovan push himself inside.

"Right in front of me."

Amy gasped as she felt his full length and girth enter and fill her. Cordovan stopped for a moment and stared down at her, still in disbelief that this moment was really happening between them. "Amy…"

"Talk some sense to me."

"And I found love where it wasn't supposed to be."

"Right in front of me."

"Talk some sense to me."

All he wanted was to make her feel beautiful, desired, and ultimately help her heal. Slowly, he leaned down and kissed her neck as he began to mate with her.

"And I'll use you as a makeshift gauge."

Amy softly moaned as she felt him sensually push himself in and out of her. His right hand reached out and softly pawed at her left breast pulling out another satisfied moan.

"Of how much to give and how much to take."

Amy reached out and stroked her fingertips down his back as he quickened his pace. Her skin was so soft and having her touch him brought joy to his heart.

"Oh, I'll use you as a warning sign."

"That if you talk enough sense then you'll lose your mind."

Amy wrapped her legs around his waist, bringing him closer. A heat formed between them as Cordovan upped his pace finding a stride and rhythm that brought both of them pleasure. "Oh Amy," he moaned softly.

"And I found love where it wasn't supposed to be."

"Right in front of me."

Amy brought him into another kiss. Their tongues clashed together, as they explored each other's mouths. Everything felt right in this moment.

"Talk some sense to me."

"And I found love where it wasn't supposed to be."

"Right in front of me."

"Talk some sense to me…"

The two rolled all over the bed before Amy took the lead and rode him from above. Cordovan held her by the hips as he watched her ride him softly—his eyes, hypnotized by her small perky breasts, bouncing with every thrust. Her face contorted into ecstasy as she found the right position to hit the right spots. He changed positions, having her lay on her side as he spooned her from behind. He lifted her right leg as he continued to thrust into her from behind. Amy felt her face heat up, as he continued to please her. Everything felt so right in this moment. Finally being able to be intimate again was a wonder.

"Oh, and I found love where it wasn't supposed to be."
"Right in front of me."

"Talk some sense to me."

"And I found love where it wasn't supposed to be."

"Right in front of me."

"Talk some sense to me."

•~•

Meanwhile, back at court, two servants tended to the king as he was laid in bed. A female servant walked around tucking him into bed and making sure the fireplace was warm enough for him. The male servant lifted Shadow's head and adjusted it so he was propped up enough for comfort. After their tending was finished, the two solemn servants left the room, exchanging worried glances at one another. As they closed the door and left the king to rest, Shadow laid very still in bed as he slept, but in her right ear blood began to ooze out of it and onto his pillow. It continued to gush out and form a large bloodstain. The king was not well, and at this rate, it could be only a matter of time.