•~•

Later that afternoon, Amy consoled Shadow in his bedroom after hearing the tragic news about Sonic and Rouge. On the sofa, Amy sat while Shadow lied on his side, keeping his head rested on her lap. The pink monarch gently caressed the top of his head, while tears streaked down his face. "My brother might be dead," he mumbled to himself. "Lady Rouge could be dead too, and it's all my fault…"

Frowning from his reasoning, Amy continued to stroke the back of his head and down his back. "Please, Shadow, don't beat yourself over this. Lord Finitevus said they are not dead, and for once, I believe him."

"I want to believe him, I do," he muttered as he continued to stare into space, "But we must be able to face reality if he is wrong."

"We have to remain optimistic," Amy responded. "I have faith in Finitevus that he'll bring them back."

•~•

A day later, Finitevus and a group of men found a secluded house on the edge of some cliffs by the sea. Quietly, the group of four infiltrated the home, ready to locate the two missing people. Finitevus kicked down the door startling the four males inside and soon enough, a sword fight broke out. Finitevus and his men fought off the kidnappers diligently. Swords clashed together as the battle commenced, but within a matter of minutes, the assailants were dead, allowing Finitevus to proceed in locating Rouge and Sonic.

Once they had them all detained. Finitevus trapped his last opponent on the floor. With his sword aimed at his throat, the echidna looked down venomously at him. "Where are they? Tell me!"

"They're in the back room" he croaked.

After having all the kidnappers detained, Finitevus kicked opened the back room, making the door smack into the wall. In one corner of the room, Rouge sat there with an iron rod gripped in her hands, while Sonic's head was propped in her lap, severely beaten, injured, and unconscious. "Finitevus?" Rouge gasped in surprise. "How did you find us?"

He flocked to her, kneeling before her and looked her over. "They didn't harm you, did they?"

"No, I'm fine, they didn't hurt me, but Sonic, he needs a doctor!" she exclaimed.

Just then, the rest of Finitevus' men entered the room. "Find something to help us carry the prince. He needs medical attention right away!" Finitevus ordered.

The men came back in with a makeshift stretcher and eased the young prince onto it before carrying him out. Finitevus and Rouge watched as Sonic was taken out of the room. "How did this happen to him?" Finitevus asked.

"He was trying to protect me from our kidnappers. They beat him pretty badly during the fight," she answered. "I've been looking after him since we were taken, but there's only so much I could do. I just hope he'll be okay…"

The white echidna placed a hand on her shoulder. "He's in good hands now, as are you," he smiled.

Feeling overwhelmed by a mixture of emotions, Rouge lunged into his arms, embracing him. Finitevus returned her embrace, allowing her to feel warm and secure. They stayed in that position for a long moment, enjoying each other's presence. Finitevus nuzzled her softly as he came to a thought. "Shadow and Amy are going to be so relieved to find out you two are alive and well."

"Please, I want to get out of here," she begged. "Take me home."

Smiling at her, Finitevus lifted her up into his arms bridal style. "Don't worry, I'll get you home. You're safe now," he assured.

•~•

Meanwhile, back at court, Amy entered the dungeon after hearing some troubling news from one of the guards. The pink hedgehog followed one of her guards down a hallway. "It's a bloodbath, your majesty," the guards informed. As Amy stepped inside Cordovan's cell, she spotted another guard dead on the ground, bleeding out onto the cobblestone flooring. Cordovan was no longer present, after somehow managing to escape.

"Lock down the castle," she ordered. "We must find him!" The guard rushed out of the room and sounded the alarm.

•~•

At that same time, a distance away from the castle, Cordovan held his injured side as he raced through the forest on one of the horses he had managed to steal on his way out. As he held the reins to his steed, he looked back a few times, hoping not to find anyone on his trail. He was free and had one destination in his mind: Knothole.

•~•

Twenty minutes later, in one of the castle halls, Amy and Tails walked side by side as he kept her up to date on the search for their missing prisoner. "The king's guards are in pursuit of Cordovan. He fled through the woods to the north, but we'll find him," Tails said with determination.

"How did he manage to escape anyway?" Amy inquired.

"We believe that someone posed as one of the guards to help him escape," Tails answered. "We're looking further into that as we speak."

"Well, it was a daring rescue, but I guess Conquering Storm still protects Cordovan." Suddenly, Lord Finitevus sauntered over towards the two.

"Lord Finitevus," Amy addressed, looking hopeful by his return.

"May I have a moment alone with the queen?" the echidna asked, looking towards the young kitsune. Tails nodded before he walked off, giving them privacy.

Finitevus and Amy walked over to a corner of the hall to talk discreetly. "I came to tell you that both Lady Rouge and Prince Sonic are alive," he informed quietly.

"Alive?" she repeated. "Oh, thank Chaos," Amy mumbled in relief. "Where are they now?"

"I'm holding Rouge in my chambers at the moment, just for precaution," he replied. "As for Sonic, he's in the medical ward getting looked after."

Amy placed a hand on her chest. "Oh my, is he okay, is he hurt?"

"He's fine for the most part," he answered. "Sonic sustained some minor injuries during the kidnapping," he began. "He suffered a broken arm and has some bruising, but according to Rouge, he put up quite a fight during the attack."

Amy smiled optimistically. "At least they're both alive, Shadow will be so pleased to hear it. He's been quite down since that false announcement."

"I can understand," Finitevus concurred.

"There's still something that's bothering me, Finitevus. Why would someone lie about their deaths?"

He crossed his arms over his chest. "I believe their deaths were a ruse meant to motivate Cordovan's execution," he conjectured.

Once those words left his mouth, everything suddenly came together. "…Isabelle."

"Yes," he affirmed. "Did it not occur to you that she folded far too easily in the argument over Cordovan's execution?"

"I simply thought she had grown tired of making the same argument," she assumed.

"I know Isabelle—her gestures, her mind. Amongst other pursuits, the two of us spent a great deal of time constructing ways to destroy Cordovan, so, when she backed down easily, I had her followed. That's when I found out she dispatched men. I had my own men track their journey, which led directly to the house where Rouge was being held."

Amy was enraged by this news. "How could she do this to Shadow?"

"In Isabelle's mind, Shadow's grief would be short lived, and then Rouge and Sonic would be miraculously returned…unharmed."

"—After Cordovan was finally dead," Amy pieced together.

He nodded. "Precisely, your majesty."

Amy eyed him suspiciously as another thought crossed her mind. "Why turn on your co-conspirator now, Finitevus? Isabelle is your lover and your key to power here at court."

He mulled over her question for a moment before coming to his answer. "Because, as it turns out, there is one thing worse than being hated by Queen Isabelle…it's being loved by her."

•~•

Right after she had got the confirmation of Rouge and Sonic's return, Amy stormed straight into Isabelle's room to confront her over the ploy. While Isabelle sat at her vanity putting on some lip color, Amy marched towards her. "You are heartless!" Isabelle turned away from looking into her mirror as Amy fumed behind her.

"Beg your pardon?" she asked in befuddlement.

"Abducting my lady and one of Shadow's closest friends along with your own son?" she elaborated. "Putting Shadow and me through hell, believing that they were dead!"

Isabelle's eyes darted back and forth nervously. "I…"

"—Don't bother lying, Isabelle!" she snapped. "We have proof. Finitevus had your men followed." Isabelle's eyes widened, feeling the betrayal sting hard from her lover. "They were caught and we have their confession. Tell me why you did this?"

Isabelle took a deep breath, composing herself. "Shadow's plan was faulty," she answered simply. "Diplomacy takes weeks, months. What if Cordovan and Antoine stalled?" She questioned rhetorically as she stood. "They may have never signed away their claim to the throne all while another coup was mounting," she theorized.

Amy watched as Isabelle walked past her nonchalantly. "You feel no remorse, do you?"

Isabelle took a seat at her desk by the fireplace. "The moment Cordovan became your lover, he needed to die. Even he understood that."

"He understood it when you plotted against him. Knowing he was a target is what drove him to Conquering Storm in the first place," she argued.

"Yes, but it was a choice and he should have been executed for it. You do realize that we could all be dead, all because you couldn't stand being lonely in your role, as queen, as a wife. Guess what, that's the job, Amy," she leered.

Amy scowled at her. "I have made mistakes, but it doesn't change the wrongs you have done, the grief you have caused Shadow, Isabelle!"

Isabelle rose from her seat, knocking off books and paperwork in a fit of rage. "I did it for Shadow, for you, for Mobius," she screamed. "Sweep away the usurper, show Storm that her agents will be found dead and murdered! I did this for the good of your realm, here, and in Mercia." Amy crossed her arms over her chest, not buying her claim. Seeing she didn't believe her, Isabelle hustled towards her. "I have stood by you, Amy! I have kept your secrets; I have helped you navigate through the terrors of your position. When you were raped…"

"—Stop, I warn you," she shouted, backing away from her.

"Please, Shadow does not need to know about this," Isabelle begged, cupping her hands together.

"More secrets?" Amy questioned in astonishment. "Is that what we really need? I don't understand how you can justify this."

Her expression grew stern. "Ruling requires that your hands be drenched in blood. You—who have led so many to their destruction, know it. And Shadow, who killed his own father, knows it. You are no better than me, either one of you," she spat.

Amy inched her way closer to the irate queen, standing before her with poise. "The difference between us is this," she started simply. "For us, bloodshed is a gruesome last resort, but for you, it is as easy as drawing your next breath..."

Isabelle scoffed by her analysis.

From her reaction, Amy had had enough of her. "I have sent someone to inform Shadow that both Rouge and Sonic are alive and well. He will know of your treachery." Amy turned and left the room, leaving Isabelle to panic.

•~•

Later that afternoon, Amy and Shadow sat on the throne together as Isabelle was summoned to the throne room for questioning. Shadow sat by Amy's side, with a hardened stare on the Queen mother. Standing next to Amy, Sonic stood with one of his arms in a sling, as he waited to hear the final verdict for his mother's punishment. He kept his good eye open while the other eye remained closed from it's bruising.

Once Isabelle stopped in the middle of the throne room, she eyed Shadow building up feigned remorse. "Shadow, please, listen to…"

"—Don't speak," he ordered unsmiling. "I've always thought the one redeeming quality about you was your love for your family. Turns out it's not."

"Shadow, I assure you, Rouge was never harmed," she defended.

"But my brother was!" He rose from his seat, taking a few steps down. "You sent armed men with swords drawn to take her by force," he growled. "She or Sonic could have easily been killed! But clearly, that means nothing to you."

She bowed her head, seeing how upset he was. She closed her eyes in defeat. "What do you plan to do with me then?"

"I'm going to strip you of your title, your income, and your home." Both Amy and Sonic looked at Shadow, stunned by his punishment. Even Amy thought he wouldn't go that hard on her.

"Sonic," Isabelle screeched. "You can't let your brother do this to me. Tell him!"

"I could have died out there all because of a decision you didn't agree with. The fact that you would sacrifice me all to get your way is despicable," he countered with hurt in his voice. "Shadow is my king and this is his final decision."

Isabelle narrowed her eyes at Amy, eyes blazing. She had lost her son's trust and her only chance to have someone fight for her. "Oh…this is your doing." Amy shook her head in denial, as even she thought it was a bit harsh.

"No," Shadow intervened. "All Amy did was tell me the truth."

"And betray you and turn Storm's anger against us," she reminded. "She'll destroy this family, Shadow. Mark my words."

"Guards," Shadow beckoned. Two guards came over and stood behind Isabelle, waiting for further instructions. "Remove Queen Isabelle from court, and make sure she never steps foot inside this castle again."

"Exile?" Isabelle gawked.

"You will never be welcomed inside here ever again." His eyes looked to his guards. "Now, take her away." With his order, the two guards grabbed Isabelle by the arms and pulled her out of the throne room.

•~•

Later that evening, after Shadow had calmed down, he sent a messenger to summon Amy to his chambers. Eventually, the door to his bedroom opened and Amy peeked her head inside. "May I come in?"

He turned away from staring out his bedroom window and smiled weakly towards her. "Yes, I thought we should talk."

She smiled weakly in return and entered, closing the door behind her. "That's good because I wanted to do the same," she said as she approached him.

"At one point, I wondered if I could ever forgive you. You know, for Cordovan and for everything that's happened," he started. "At the time, I couldn't even fathom it. I thought if anything, it would take years…"

She took another few steps closer, eager to listen further. "I'll wait. Even if it takes decades, not because we're wed, or because I have nowhere else to go, but because I love you, Shadow."

"Well, you've proven that," he smiled as he took another step closer. "And more."

"Isabelle would say we are stained by such choices… Such brutal and difficult choices we've made, but we can only do our best. Can we not make another choice, one equally hard, but so important?"

"Like what?" he probed.

She fiddled with her hands nervously. "To commit our hearts to each other, no matter what?"

His eyes fell to the floor. "If only it were that easy."

"It isn't," she replied. "It's terrifying and nearly impossible." Shadow turned away from her for a moment, as he placed a hand on his face. Despite the fact that he had turned away from her, she continued her plea. "Especially if we think we can save each other, but we can't. We can only love each other." Amy reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Shadow, what do you say?"

He turned and her hand trailed down his arm and eventually found its way into his own hand. Shadow stared down at her hand in his, adorned with her wedding ring. His eyes pulled away from her hand and stared into her jade eyes for a moment before coming to his answer. "I forgive you and I want to begin our relationship again with a clean slate. No more hiding secrets from each other from here on out. Is that all right?"

"Perfect," she smiled.

He smiled back, as he leaned in, closed his eyes, and gave her a heartfelt kiss. Amy mimicked his actions, closing her own eyes and losing herself in it. Their lips moved in sync together and she felt butterflies in her stomach. In this moment, she felt like she was falling in love with him all over again and it was magical.

Amy caressed the sides of his of his face, as he did the same. Slowly, he backed her up and onto his bed where they'd continue their reunited love. After a few minutes of making out, the two found themselves naked and in bed together, reconnecting after spending so long apart. Amy straddled Shadow's lap as they kissed, slowly making love together. Shadow broke away from kissing her lips and instead focused to trailing kisses down the side of her neck, before venturing to the valley of her breasts. Amy panted softly, as his lips caressed her breasts tenderly. She bounced up and down as he held her by the hips, while his erect member found itself buried deep inside her.

Shadow savored the moment being so intimate with her again. He had greatly missed being able to be so vulnerable and passionate with someone who he truly loved. Amy's tightness clenched around his shaft as he pumped himself into her. He watched her facial expression as she bobbed up and down and grew more content by the second by her pleased look. He was pleasing her, which only made him grow more determined to have her completely satisfied by the end.

Wanting to change their position, Shadow gently lowered her down so she laid on her back while he remained on top of her in the missionary position. Amy dug her fingers into his quills and wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer as he continued his thrusts. Shadow pulled away from their kiss again to look down at her and appreciate her beauty. She opened her eyes and stared up at him, feeling a blush across her muzzle. He was so handsome as he stared down at her. "I will never let anyone ever take you away from me again," he vowed.

"I don't want anyone else," she replied in a breathless whisper. "I just want you," she moaned.

He quickened his pace, feeling his climax coming. "Amy," he moaned finally releasing inside her.

"Sha-Shadow…" Amy replied, returning a moan as she felt his warm ejaculation fill her. Shadow panted, as he held himself inside her.

After an hour of lovemaking, Amy and Shadow rested from their activities as they cuddled in bed. Shadow laid on his back as he stared up at the ceiling, while Amy laid her head on his chest, and draped an arm over his abdomen. The two had been silent for some time until Amy lifted her head slightly to look at him. "I will love you for the rest of my life and I will never let you go ever again," Amy promised.

He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Amy."

She giggled and kissed his cheek. "I love you more, Shadow."

•~•

AN: Only one more chapter and it's finished. More Shadamy fluff to come next chapter, with a satisfying ending.