AN: Thank you risingzero2001, Captain, MissMJS, Aliciathewolf45, Aragon Van Hellsing for your reviews left on the last chapter. Things are about to get more intense.

•~•

Meanwhile, in one of the halls, Amy finally returned to court only to bump into Cream. "Amy?" she said astounded by her dirty and tattered appearance. It looked like she had been through hell and back. "Shouldn't you be on your way back home?"

She continued to rush down the hall while Cream kept up her pace. "Where is Shadow? I need to see him."

"I'm not sure, Amy," Cream replied.

"—Amy!" Just then, Shadow came from around a corner with Sonic at his side. Eyes full of concern, the ebony monarch rushed towards her. "The watchman saw you arrive. Are you all right?"

Amy felt her cheeks blush as Shadow gently grabbed her by the arms, trying to look her over for injuries. "Shadow, it's okay, I'm fine," she smiled appreciatively before he took his hands off her. The four formed a circle by a corner to continue their discussion. "Shadow, listen carefully," Amy began. "General Collins has changed sides. He serves Cordovan now."

"General Collins?" Sonic repeated. "Are you certain?"

She nodded. "Yes, if it weren't for my own guards, I would be his prisoner now."

Shadow looked her over. "Did they try to hurt you?"

"No," she answered. "They said Cordovan ordered them not to harm me."

"He probably wanted you as a hostage," Sonic opined.

"Oh, my!" Cream exclaimed.

"He's right," Shadow seconded. "What better wedding gift for Storm than her greatest rival?"

"Look, it's not important what Cordovan planned to do with me," she dismissed. "The question is what he plans to do with Collins. You said all Cordovan needs to do to succeed is kill you," she pointed. "Who is better to have given the task than a general who is close to court?" she surmised.

Shadow growled in irritation by her theory. "Cordovan knew that I'd send for Collins…" Tails came over and whispered something in Sonic's ear that troubled him.

Amy looked at Shadow. "We need to keep him and his army away from the castle at all costs."

"It might be too late..." Sonic said before he gestured for them to follow him.

The group headed to one of the castle balconies where they heard the chains to the portcullis being drawn. Just as expected, General Collins and his men entered the courtyard, unaware that Shadow already knew of his betrayal. "I have to get down there to stop him," Sonic noted. "Come on, Tails." The two quickly left to gather more guards to confront the wolverine and his men.

Once they had gone, Shadow looked to the two girls knowing he needed to join them. "Stay here where it's safe," he ordered before swinging himself over the side of the balcony and firmly landing on his feet on the ground below.

Downstairs, Sonic and Tails had already gathered some of the guards as they trailed behind him. Meanwhile, upstairs, Amy and Cream watched the confrontation take place from above. "Oh, Tails…" Cream mumbled in worry.

"Close the portcullis, by the command of the king!" Sonic bellowed as he and his guards marched over to Collins and some of his men.

Collins spun around, alarmed by their command. "But my men? They're not all inside yet," he gestured.

"Loosen the chains and let it fall!" Sonic ordered, ignoring his confusion. The portcullis fell down and closed, shutting out the remainder of Collin's men outside the castle.

Shadow appeared from behind one of the columns, brandishing his own sword. "Engage Collins and his men," he shouted. "They are traitors!" he pointed.

Collins glared and brandished his own weapon along with his men as he prepared for battle. Mobian guards fought off Collins' men as a large sword fight broke out. Shadow and Sonic found themselves in battle, as their swords clashed with their opponents. On the balcony, Amy and Cream watched in utter fear as their boys fought off the enemies. "Be careful, darling!" Cream called as she watched Tails slay one of the men.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the castle walls, the remainder of Collins' men, shot arrows over the wall and at the guards standing post. Seeing the severity, Shadow quickly finished off his one opponent, killing them with his sword and ran up the stairs to look over the side, where a large cluster of men prepared to climb the wall. "Archers, ready?" he instructed. His archers pulled back on their bow strings, arrows at the ready. "Attack!" he called.

His archers shot arrows, striking down most of the men and killing them. Once he saw they had everything handled, Shadow jumped back down to join his brother in the courtyard. Down below, Sonic and Tails seemed to be holding their own as they finished fighting off the last few men, but General Collins was now left alone. Shadow eyed the black wolverine before he looked back, eying the king. Their eyes locked and the two blocked out the fights around them ready to battle.

The two males circled their fighting rink with their swords at the ready. Suddenly the two charged at one another and clashed their swords together. Cream and Amy watched from above, feeling their hearts race. While Shadow blocked one of Collins' swings, he was unaware that one of Collin's men was creeping up behind him.

Luckily, Amy caught sight of the armed male before he could strike. "Shadow, behind you!" she called from above.

Hearing her warning, Shadow quickly dodged Collin's swipe and turned around stabbing the assailant creeping up behind him through the gut.

"No!" Collins growled. With quick agility, Shadow leaped over him and kicked him from behind. The wolverine flew forward and Shadow stabbed him in the back, finishing him. "GAH!

Sonic smiled as he spotted Shadow standing over the deceased general. "The general has been taken! Fall back!"

Shadow smiled victoriously. "Well done, men. The first victory is ours!" All of Shadow's guards along with Sonic and Tails cheered from their victory.

•~•

Later that evening, Finitevus joined Isabelle in her chambers for dinner. The male echidna stood by the doorway as he stared at the extravagant display of food on the long table. "Your invitation was most unexpected," he noted as he walked over to his end of the table.

Isabelle took a seat at the opposite end. "I'd prefer to go out with a fine meal in my belly," she said raising her glass of wine towards him.

Finitevus took a seat at his end, eying his meal in thought. "I appreciate the gesture, but the men could use my help in preparing for the battle to come."

"I'm sure Sonic and his team are more than prepared," Isabelle noted, cutting her meat.

Finitevus copied her action, cutting into his own meat and taking a bite. "I led armies. Surely those skills still count for something? Someone more than just occupying the Queen mother?" he said rather passively.

Isabelle picked up on his irritation and put her cup down. "Perhaps your annoyance stems not from missing out on the impending fight, but from missing your precious Lady Rouge?"

Finitevus froze for a moment before swallowing his second bite and placing his silverware down. "I thought we'd put that particular brand of jealousy to bed?"

She tsked him. "I've been watching you, Finitevus."

"You mean, you've been having me followed?" he corrected, rather irked.

"My spies saw you and Lady Rouge in her bedroom together, embracing one another while you shared a passionate kiss," she recounted.

"I was saying goodbye," he argued.

"Because even after swearing your allegiance to me, nothing could stop you from stealing a kiss," she spoke venomously.

He rose from his seat, tossing his napkin to the side. "Had I known how insane and possessive you truly are, I might have declined the offer."

She rose from her seat too and marched over to him as she stared him straight in the eye. "I love you and I am your equal!" she shouted angrily. She gripped his collar, pulling him close. "We belong together!" she said exasperatedly while shaking him. "I won't lose you to another."

He took her hands out of his collar, taking a step back. "This is love to you?" he bellowed. "Strangling someone with threats and ruthlessly controlling them just to ease your own fears?

"I ease my fears because they're mine because they matter!" She shoved him back, making him stagger. "I won't bow to a lover. I was forced to do that once for a king, but not anymore," she leered. "And you are certainly not a king."

He stared at her, bewildered by her paranoia and jealousy. "And you honestly think that we can move forward?" he questioned. "That I can accept this behavior and remain at your side?

"You must learn that loving me, means loyalty and sacrifice." She encroached on his space again, placing her hands on his face and neck. "I have faith you will learn, but should you not…mark my words, my response will be hell," she threatened.

•~•

Later that evening, Sonic found Amy and Shadow roaming the halls together. "Shadow, you need to come with me at once."

He turned around. "Why? What's going on?"

He didn't smile, as he looked more on the verge of fear. "You're going to want to see this."

Outside, Amy, Sonic, and Shadow stood on the castle's north wall and by the sight felt their hearts drop. Beyond the castle walls, in the far distance were at least one thousand armed men. Camps had been set up along with campfires, showing the true force Cordovan had driven. "They started arriving in the last hour," Sonic informed. "We might be able to get you and Amy out past them," he surmised quietly.

Shadow eyed the men, as he contemplated his actions. "It's too late for that. The fight is upon us, and a king must stand his ground."

Amy looked to her husband, trying to remain sanguine. "The castle's a good stronghold. It's built to withstand any siege."

"Not against these odds," Sonic noted. "Our numbers are vastly inferior. Solenna's troops are still days away."

"Can we hold off Cordovan's army until then?" she inquired.

"We have to, it's our only chance for survival," Shadow responded.

A guard approached the three and bowed his head. "Your majesty, we've received a message from the enemy. Prince Cordovan requests a meeting with you, one-on-one outside the castle."

•~•

Shadow waited on his steed as the portcullis was drawn for his departure. Once it was fully open, he bravely commanded his horse to walk out past the castle walls. As he left the safety of the castle, he could only wonder if these were his final hours. Shadow's archers watched from the castle walls as their king went out, completely vulnerable to meet with their enemy. They kept their arrows at bay, waiting for the signal if they had to strike. Eventually, after riding some distance from the castle, Shadow's horse made a stop as he spotted Cordovan on his own horse waiting to meet with him.

Even Cordovan had taken provisions just in case Shadow had something up his sleeve. His own archers stood far back behind him with their arrows drawn, ready for the signal to strike.

From the castle walls, Amy, Sonic, and Isabelle watched Shadow meet with Cordovan. "I wish there was a way to end this without bloodshed," Amy muttered.

"Whose blood concerns you more—your husband's or your ex-lovers?" Isabelle mumbled with venom.

"Quit it, mother," Sonic scolded.

Back with Shadow and Cordovan, the two began their conversation after a long stare down. "As my archers would indicate, I don't appreciate being summoned by a traitor," Shadow noted.

Cordovan's expression remained hardened. "Give up the castle and surrender peacefully."

"Surrender?" Shadow repeated in astonishment. "I am the king of Mobius."

"Surrendering will save the soldiers and innocent lives you still have left," he pledged. "It could save Amy."

"Amy is Conquering Storm's chief rival," Shadow reminded. "If I allow you to take the castle, she'll demand Amy's head on a platter."

"No she won't," he opposed. "Storm is backing my bid for the crown. Mobius would be reward enough for her."

Shadow shook his head, not as certain as Cordovan was. "You're wrong, cousin. She will always see Amy as a threat."

"Not if Amy becomes my wife. As new ruler of Mobius, she would no longer be a threat to Storm," he argued.

Shadow blinked in befuddlement. "Do you honestly believe that I would give up my kingdom, and my wife to you?"

"If you want Amy to live you will," he barked, becoming sterner and more impatient.

Shadow, on the other hand, remained composed not backing down on his answer. "Your plan relies on the cooperation of a fickle queen who does not take kindly to the advice of others. It also relies on me losing my head."

He scowled. "There can't be two kings, Shadow."

"No, there cannot," he agreed. "Which is why I reject your offer. I refuse to surrender, my reign will not end without a fight."

"Doesn't Amy's life mean anything to you?" he snapped in offense.

He smiled at the thought. "It means a great deal, which is why you're the last person I'd ever entrust it to."

Cordovan felt his fist clench in anger. "You still think you can win, don't you—That there's help on the way?" Shadow's smile dimmed as he shot him a curious look. Did he know about the help he had sent for? Cordovan smirked proudly seeing his reaction. "That's right, Shadow. I know all about the messengers you sent off to Soleanna. The first didn't reach the border before my men intercepted him. The second fought valiantly, but he was outmatched and captured." Shadow watched as Cordovan reached behind his back. "And the third…well, he's no longer with us," he concluded, holding up his decapitated head before tossing it into the snow.

Shadow stared grimly down at the messenger's head, realizing the battle was soon to be lost. Cordovan read the fear in Shadow's expression and gave out a soft chuckle. "There is no help on the way, your majesty. No one is coming to aid you." His hardened yellow eyes pierced through his soul. "Surrender, Shadow…or we'll attack at dawn." With his final warning, Cordovan turned on his steed and departed.

•~•

Once he returned to the castle, Shadow and Amy discussed Cordovan's offer in her bedroom. Amy brought Shadow a cup of tea while he stood before the fireplace. He accepted it and took a cautious sip from its heat. "If I thought for a moment that Cordovan could guarantee your survival, I would have agreed," Shadow admitted.

Amy seemed stunned by the notion. "Surrendered, lost the castle, and your life without a fight?"

"I am the king, but I am also a husband. Cordovan is still in love with you, Amy. That's why he tried to kidnap you today. He sees a future for the two of you after my death. Nothing has changed for him. He probably justifies this whole thing, by clinging to the idea that somehow he can save your life. Unfortunately, he can't," he finished before taking another sip.

Amy sat on the sofa and placed her hands in her lap. "What do we do now?"

He laid his tea on the fire mantel and took a seat by her side. "Honestly, come tomorrow, we'll probably both be dead."

Amy looked at him as he stared at the flames, looking beyond defeated. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat and reached out, laying a hand on top of his. His eyes pulled away from the fire and looked towards hers. "Shadow, just know, whatever happens, this is not the end I dreamed for us." She rose from her seat and stood before the fireplace. "I'm going to fix everything, Shadow. Just leave it to me."

"Don't be-" Shadow began to stand but suddenly felt very light-headed. His knees buckled underneath him, and he began to collapse, but Amy caught him, gently lowering him to the floor in her arms. "Amy…what's happening to me?" he asked, weakly, as his vision grew blurred.

She stroked the top of his head softly as she looked down at him. "I drugged your tea that way you wouldn't be able to stop me," she answered, as his eyes grew heavy. "You're going to have to trust me, Shadow."

"Don't do this," he begged, feeling the world around him start to darken. "You'll die…"

"I'm sorry, but I have to do this, to save you, Mercia, and Mobius." Shadow's eyes eventually closed, as he went completely unconscious for the time being. Amy leaned down and kissed his forehead. "You'll wake up in a few hours, giving me enough time to fix everything."

•~•

In his tent, Cordovan looked at his map, plotting out his tactics for tomorrow's attack. As he plotted out his routes for an attack, one of his men came into the tent, interrupting his concentration. "My lord?"

He kept his eyes on his map. "I told you not to disturb me," he growled.

"I'm sorry, my lord, but I think you're going to want to see this," he apologized.

Cordovan turned and two more of his men came in holding Amy by the arms. Amy struggled in their grasp and Cordovan's features softened by her sight. "…Amy?"

"Let me go!" she groaned, trying to wiggle from their strong grasp.

Cordovan eyed his men venomously. "Release her, she is a queen!"

They relinquished their hold and Amy fell to her knees. "Leave us!" he commanded. The guards nodded and left. Once gone, Cordovan quickly knelt down to her level, holding her by the arms. "Amy, what are you doing here?"

"Shadow told me what you said—That you wanted to keep me safe. That you wanted to take the crown and make me your wife."

He smiled as he caressed her face lovingly. "That's all I ever wanted for us, Amy."

She smiled back at him. "I've come to tell you that's what I want, too."

But as those cherished words left her mouth, his smile suddenly faltered as he felt her claim wasn't as honest as she perceived. "…No," he said slowly rising to his feet. "I-I don't believe you. What sort of trickery is this?" he said backing up.

She stood up, reaching for him as he continued to look at her cautiously. "It's not a trick, Cordovan, please, listen!" she begged. "You know I loved you and real love never fades. You have to believe me."

He kept out of her reach. "Why should I?"

She stopped and stayed back. "Because I can't be with Shadow, not anymore."

He huffed. "Yet, you've chosen him over me, time and time again," he argued.

"He is my husband and I don't want harm to come to him, but something has happened." She fiddled with her hands nervously as her eyes fell to the floor. "If Shadow wins this fight—if he holds on to his crown—then my fate is sealed. My death is sealed."

He crossed his arms over his chest as he eyed her. "Shadow would never let that happen to you," he dismissed. "No matter how much you've hurt him."

"You don't understand; there is evidence of our affair…of our love and my treason. Evidence that even Shadow could never pardon."

"What exactly?" he probed.

Amy exhaled a sigh. "I haven't shared a bed with my husband in months and yet still…I am pregnant. Cordovan's arms dropped to his side and his eyes widened. "I am carrying your child, Cordovan." She embraced him, shutting her eyes tight as tears slipped from her eyes. He froze in place for a moment, unsure of what to do or say. "Please…save me," she begged tearfully. "You're my only hope."