AN: Only 4 more chapters and then this story is done! Thanks to all of you who have stuck around and left reviews along the way. I really appreciate it.

•~•

In the war room, General Collins briefed Shadow and Amy on his search for Cordovan. The wolverine stood on one side of the table as his finger pointed to certain parts of their kingdom on the map. "These are the regions where Lord Cordovan has last been sighted," he pointed. "We've searched them all, but found nothing."

Amy sighed as she stood beside her husband. "It's been four weeks since Cordovan was last seen."

"You mean since you helped him escape," Shadow corrected bitterly. Collins coughed into his hand, feeling awkward from the animosity forming between the couple.

Amy on the other hand, did her best to not let Shadow's disappointed tone get to her. "My point is that he might not be in Mobius anymore, Shadow…"

"Our spies in the Dragon Kingdom and abroad haven't heard so much as a whisper from him. He has to still be here," he deduced conclusively.

General Collins tapped his chin as he tried to recall more information he had gathered. "There are reports some of his men were seen in the Mystic Ruins."

"He could be gathering his troops there," Shadow surmised. "I want that forest searched thoroughly," he commanded. "Take whoever you need." The wolverine bowed his head and then left the room.

Once he was gone, Amy turned to look at Shadow desperate to pitch her plea. The black and red hedgehog, kept his eyes focused on the map in front of him, purposely avoiding giving her any eye contact. "I don't know why you think he want's revenge. Cordovan has lost everything, and there's a warrant out for his head."

"Exactly," he replied. "If I were him, I'd want revenge."

She cupped her hands together. "Whatever you think of him, he's not vindictive."

"Maybe not to you, but I am the one that signed his death warrant," he countered.

"What could he have to gain from striking out against you?" Amy questioned.

Hearing her naïve comment, he pulled his eyes off the map to look at her. He stared her in the eyes, completely flummoxed. "The throne, Amy. He's a prince of the blood. All that stands between him and the crown is my head," he said gesturing to his chest.

She raised a brow at him. "You truly think that Cordovan is planning a coup?"

"It's a prime opportunity. He has the support of Conquering Storm, who would like nothing more than to plunge Mobius into chaos. He knows that we're vulnerable with the bulk of troops in Mercia fighting to protect your throne," he pointed with a hint of detest.

"If you truly believe that we are under threat, then recall the troops," Amy encouraged. "My throne in Mercia is meaningless if Mobius falls."

Shadow tucked his arms behind his back and walked around the side of the table. "I have considered it, believe me, but bringing them back would take too long. Besides, it would look like we're folding on another front."

"Okay, then appeal to one of your closer allies, perhaps the king and queen in Soleanna?"

"I have already. They're willing to send troops, but only when there is a clear and imminent threat. Not just my fears and conjecture about what my wife's former lover might do…"

Amy's ears lowered from his passive tone. "I understand your anger at me, but if you could just look past it, you would see how sorry I am."

He turned his back on her. "Save your apologies. Your words have no meaning for me anymore," he dismissed. Shadow walked out of the war room, leaving Amy to her thoughts.

•~•

In the depths of the forest, General Collins took a break by a small stream. He bent down and cupped some water in his hands before bringing it up to his lips to drink. Once he was done satisfying his thirst, he stood back upright and approached his horse tied by one of the trees. But as he reached out to untie his horse, he was startled by an unannounced presence. "Looking for me?" As he looked up, his eyes widened as he spotted Prince Cordovan adorning his own armor along with his kingdom's crest presented on his chest armor.

"You!" Quickly, Collins withdrew his sword, preparing to attack when suddenly an arrow flew out of nowhere shooting into the tree next to him.

"That was a warning shot. The next one will hit you between the eyes," Cordovan warned sternly.

Collins looked around him, suddenly realizing there were multiple men hidden behind the trees with their arrows drawn and ready surrounding him in the forest. "How unfortunate that your men are canvassing a section of these woods miles away," Cordovan tsked coyly. "Lay down your weapon," he ordered.

Like ordered, Collins threw his sword into the snow as Cordovan approached him. He kept his arms raised as Cordovan neared him. "Are you taking me, prisoner?" Collins asked.

His expression remained the same, eyes leering. "No, I'm making you an offer."

His arms lowered. "And what offer is that?" he asked curiously.

"You and your men can live if you pledge yourself and your army to me," he elaborated.

"You want us to join your coup?" he asked in disbelief.

"My forces are stronger than you or the king suspect. And there's something else that might change your mind," he smirked. Cordovan put out his right hand gesturing to the right.

Collin's eyes followed towards the other side of the creek, where two of Cordovan's soldiers held a young male black and gray wolverine. The male couldn't have been much older than sixteen. Once the young wolverine spotted Collins on the other side of the creek, his eyes widened. "Father!"

"Stephan!" Collins spoke in awe as he ran to the edge of the creek. "My son…"

Stephan tried to struggle in the male's grip, but they restrained him from reuniting with his father. "Father, help me!" he cried.

"I thought he was dead—he was captured by Conquering Storm's troops months ago." He looked towards Cordovan, suddenly seeing no other option of declining his offer. "You have her backing, don't you?"

Cordovan approached Collins, standing by his side. "I hate to use your son as a bargaining chip, but Conquering Storm insisted."

He let out a shaky breath. "I can't believe this…"

"Help me take down King Shadow and Storm will release your son," he bargained. "Think about it, you could become general to all of Mobius' armies under the new order and the new king."

"You mean you…"

He nodded slowly. "I know what my future holds, the question is, do you?"

Without a second thought, Collins fell to his knees and looked up at the young prince. He bowed his head in defeat with his answer to his offer. "When do we start?"

Cordovan smirked in content by his acceptance. "It already has."

•~•

Back at court, in the throne room, Amy, Shadow, and Sonic listened to one of their Mobian guards from a neighboring region bring them information regarding Cordovan.

"By the time we realized we were under attack, Lord Cordovan's men had overwhelmed us. They took the town in a matter of hours." Amy looked surprised by the news. Never had she thought Cordovan would go to such lengths? Shadow, on the other hand, wasn't surprised in the least.

"Go with my men, we'll need details of everything you saw and heard," Sonic addressed to the guard. The guard nodded and then left.

Shadow rose from his seat. "So it's confirmed. Cordovan means to take my crown, and of course, the town he overtook is the main supplier of our weapons to our troops. Taking it was a smart and tactical move, but why would he announce that he's coming for us?"

"Perhaps he means to intimidate us?" Amy opined.

"Maybe he hopes to demoralize the soldiers we have into deserting?" Sonic theorized.

Shadow looked to his brother. "Order General Collins and his army to return to the castle," he commanded. "We'll need as many men as we can get, and send messengers to Solanna. Tell the king to send troops immediately."

Sonic nodded before he jetted from the room to complete his tasks.

•~•

Later that evening, the royals gathered in the throne room for an emergency meeting. Amy, Shadow, Sonic, and Isabelle attended along with Cream and Rouge. "I knew it was a matter of time before Cordovan showed his true colors," Isabelle sneered. "I should have poisoned him when I had the chance!"

"Relax, Isabelle," Shadow silenced. "We're consolidating the troops we have at the castle, and reinforcements from Solenna should be arriving within days," Shadow explained.

"The royal family will be evacuated," Sonic informed. "All of us will be scattered, and sent abroad to wait out the coup."

"Tails won't get to join me, will he?" Cream asked.

Sonic shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry, Cream, but Tails will be needed at court. We're going to need all the help we can get."

"Tomorrow, all of you will leave the castle. Make sure you are all prepared," Shadow advised. "Meeting adjourned." Cream and Rouge walked over to Amy and the three hugged.

After a long embrace, Amy pulled away and looked to her two ladies. "I'll miss you girls, but this is for the best."

"I'm scared, Amy," Cream said softly.

"Everything will be alright," she assured quietly.

"Please be safe, Amy," Rouge urged. "I don't want to see anything bad happen to you."

"Thank you, Rouge. I don't want to see anything happen to you girls either. That's why I want to make sure you're sent away for safety. Now, go, you two need to get some sleep." Cream nodded and she and Rouge headed for the exit.

Before Rouge could completely leave the room, Shadow jogged over to her. "Rouge, wait," he called.

Rouge stopped in her tracks. "Yes, Shadow?"

He reached out and cupped her hands in his. "I wanted to wish you a safe journey and tell you that I've enjoyed having you as a confidant. Especially in some of my most trying times."

Rouge smiled at him appreciatively by his sincere words. "It's been a pleasure to have you not only be my king but as my friend, too, your highness."

He gave her a hug that she returned, but in the background, Amy watched on, feeling a tinge of jealousy as she watched the display. Rouge and Shadow had grown quite close in the past months in comparison to them, who had completely drifted apart. Once they finished their embrace, Shadow leaned in and gave Rouge a peck on the cheek. "Be safe."'

With that, Rouge exited the room and waved to the rest of them. Isabelle walked over to Shadow. "I won't be needing a teary farewell, as I'm staying in the castle as long as you are here."

"Are you sure?" he questioned in hesitance.

She sauntered over to Shadow and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I'm positive. I'm not going to let you do this by yourself," she said before leaving the room.

Now alone with Shadow, Amy took a deep breath and meekly approached him. "Perhaps, I should stay as well?"

He shook his head walking away. "That's not a good idea…"

She followed after him. "But I could be of help. Our differences aside-"

"—No," he cut off, stopping in his tracks. "I failed to protect you once before. If anything were to happen to you again, I would never be able to live with myself," he explained.

She stared at him, as he kept his backside to her. "You…you still care about me, despite being so angry with my recent mistakes?" she questioned taken aback.

He turned around to face her. "Of course I still care about you, you're my wife and my queen. You may have tested my trust and patience, but I still don't want to see anything bad happen to you," he expressed.

"I don't deserve someone as good as you," she spoke softly. "I want to win you back, Shadow. You've been patient enough trying to win my heart back, now it's time I win back yours." Shadow watched as she began to exit, taken her words into consideration. "I'll do as you ask, I'll leave at first light."

•~•

The next morning, a carriage with a handful of guards, escorted Amy to the docks where she would set sail for Mercia. But the carriage came to a sudden stop when General Collins' men along with some of Cordovan's men in disguise blocked the dirt path. Amy stuck her head outside the carriage when she felt her ride pull to a stop and spotted the wolverine. "Oh, General Collins, is something the matter?"

He rode over on his horse towards her carriage window. "Your majesty, thank goodness we found you!" he spoke in feigned relief. "The path ahead is crawling with Cordovan's men," he lied. "It's not safe, so I'm heading back to the castle as the king commanded, but my men could guide you to another route. You'll be safe with them," he insisted.

Amy eyed his men suspiciously for a second, something didn't sit well with her, but ultimately, she let her guard down. "Very well." The carriage continued on, and General Collins watched it disappear down another path before one of Cordovan's men rode up next to him. "I'll inform Lord Cordovan that we've captured the queen. I'm sure he'll be elated."

Collins' ears fell out of guilt, he was being blackmailed and there was nothing he could do.

•~•

After riding for some time, the horses took a break along with the guards. Amy took the time to stretch her legs for a bit as she wandered around the guard's presence. She stopped in front of one of Cordovan's men, a male purple minx, still oblivious to their true identity. "Before the horses are rested and we continue on our way, I wanted to be sure that we weren't trading one unsafe route for another. When you saw Cordovan's men, where were they headed?" she questioned.

The minx remained composed. "One of our scouts saw Lord Cordovan leading a company across the river road," he answered.

"Then they were headed east?"

"Yes, your grace."

"But Cordovan was last sighted north from here. If he was approaching our last position, he would have been heading west, wouldn't he?" she speculated.

The minx's eyes darted back and forth to his men behind her to signal them. She was beginning to piece things together and knew he would have to seize her before too long. "Um, perhaps the scout was confused." His men began to encroach closer towards the queen, with their hands close to their sword handles.

Amy narrowed her eyes suspiciously, feeling the atmosphere change around her. Her own guards started to sense a shift in tone around them as well, as they slowly walked towards their queen. "You also seem confused… Or is it something else?" The minx brandished his sword, causing the rest of his men to withdraw their swords as well. Amy backed up, suddenly realizing the severity of danger she truly was in. Her own men mimicked their actions, drawing their own weapons to protect their queen.

"Order your guards to stand down," the minx demanded. "If you come with us, Lord Cordovan says no harm will come to you." One of her men initiated the first strike and suddenly the males clashed out into battle. With the distraction in place, Amy took the opportunity to make her escape. Quickly she ran away and stole one of the horses and mounted up. While her guards were rapidly losing the battle, Amy rode off back towards the castle.

•~•

Back at the castle, Rouge was busy gathering some of her belongings with one of her servants in her chambers. Her servant ran around her room, gathering her belongings and quickly packing them for her. "How much time do you have left, my lady?"

"We'll be leaving in ten minutes," Rouge replied as she finished powdering her face at her vanity.

The servant nodded. "I'll be right back then, I'm going to get you your clothes hanging on the lines."

Once she was gone, Rouge finished by applying a little bit of lip color to her lips but was startled by an unexpected voice. "…Rouge?" She turned only to find Lord Finitevus standing in her doorway.

She eyed him curiously, still feeling bitter from her last encounter. "Finitevus, what are you doing here?"

He slowly made his way inside her room. "I heard that you were leaving, so I came to say goodbye."

"Hm…and what about you? I would think a male who values self-preservation as much as you do would have similar plans to flee the castle," she said passively.

"The Queen Mother has elected to go down with the ship," he informed. "Therefore, so will I."

"Should I expect more embarrassing drawings of me to appear, once Isabelle learns of this visit?"

He sighed. "You knew this was her request of me?"

She crossed her arms over her large bust. "I had a feeling that wager with the lords was a charade. I figured your real aim was to push me away. Who else but Isabelle would want that?"

"Well, you're right, I'm afraid."

"I don't know what's more contemptible, the fact that she asked you to humiliate me or the fact that you agreed to it," she leered.

His head sunk out of guilt. "I deserve that," he spoke remorsefully.

She took a few steps closer to him. "You know you're better than this. You don't have to be Isabelle's lapdog," she reminded.

"You don't understand, no one ends a relationship with the Queen Mother."

"Then why are you here with me now?" she countered.

He shrugged. "Why do people commit acts that defy sense, even self-preservation?" he questioned as he sauntered closer. "Why did Amy risk her throne for a male she could never marry? Why did Shadow see what his wife was doing and still look away?" he listed.

She looked him in the eyes, searching them for answers. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that should anything happen to either of us, I hope that you will remember me not as the person who lied, or the one who betrayed you. I hope you'll remember me as someone who would have cherished you if he had had the chance." With that, he leaned down and captured Rouge in a passionate kiss. She wanted to deny him, but she didn't. She had feelings for him, and he had just shown his most vulnerable side to her. Rouge wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss as she melted into it.

While they were in their romantic exchange, the maid had returned but slowly backed out to give them privacy by the sight.

•~•