Chapter 2: Found Love in a Hopeless Place
As they strolled through the courtyard, Amy's grip on Shadow's armored arm grew tighter as she thought back to that fateful day five years ago.
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The usual calmness of the castle was overshadowed by excitement and urgency; Queen Ailinda's birthday was today and King Alexander was not sparing any expenses.
The Queen's hard work and dedication to her country and husband had led the Kingdom of Mobania through 25 years of peace and prosperity. Though the threat of foreign aggressors was a never ending threat, Mobania had remained a safe haven to not only its citizens but a refuge to those fleeing the oppression of Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik. And although neighboring kingdoms had fallen victim to the Eggman Empire, Mobania remained a symbol of hope for those looking to escape the evil reign of Dr. Eggman.
The entire Kingdom was buzzing with excitement, guards, decorators, kitchen staff, and chambermaids alike were in a rush to get the castle ready for the grand events of the night.
It was just after lunch as Princess Amy walked through the garden at her mothers side, admiring the flowers as they conversed.
"Rose, tell me how your studies are coming," the Queen's command sounding more like a light hearted question.
"My tutors gave their approval on my foreign languages classes. I am now fluent in all forms of Mobius languages, both spoken and written. They are ready to move me on to foreign politics and domestic trades." Amy stated proudly.
"Already fluent in all the continents' languages?!? I couldn't be more proud! You will be a fine diplomat and a wise Queen one day, Rose," the Queen cooed over Amy, the pride she felt beaming like sunlight off her smiling face. Amy soaked in the praise of her mother and returned herwide grinned smile.
"Mom, I actually have a question about our policies."
"Whatever could you be worried about at seventeen? Your father and I are running a peaceful country, your only concerns should be finishing your studies and fulfilling your duties as a Princess. We had our winters and we all made sacrifices, but those days are well past us," the Queen stated as she picked a red rose from the garden.
"But Mom, why don't we do anything to stop the Eggman Empire? Everyday more and more people lose their home country and flee to ours, and everyday that more is lost, more is gained by him. He acquires more land, more money, and those that don't flee or die are indentured into his servitude." Amy stated, concern written all over her face.
"You sound like your father…" the Queen sighed as she began plucking thorns off of the short rose stem.
"We are safe here, we have earned our hard fought peace. Your father served many years fighting in his fathers wars. We don't want that life for you, we don't want that life for the people of our kingdom," the Queen proclaimed as she continued to pluck the thorns of the rose, then moving on to the green leaves.
"We don't know what Dr. Eggman wants, but looking for it is only asking for trouble. Our duty is to our kingdom and our people first and foremost. We survived the famines and plagues, where others did not. Why would we look for war as well? We are safe here, Rose. We will continue to defend our country as we always have. If he comes looking for a fight here then we will do something about it, but until then, we must let the other nations take care of their own problems. If we send aid to the other Kingdoms we won't have enough left to defend our own Kingdom. The good of your Kingdom comes before any other Kingdoms," the Queen finished, smiling as she placed the unthorned Rose into Amy's hair, brushing back a group of stray hairs. She rested one hand on Amy's shoulder, the other on Amy's cheek and rubbed her face with her thumb.
"My Rose, your heart is so full of love and I see you trying to take on the world. That weight is far too heavy to stand alone, I know, I've tried," a hint of pain tugged at the corner of the Queen's mouth and her eye grew heavy with the faint shine of tears.
"You will find those whose hearts drive them to also help even when not asked, who find solutions to problems nobody is brave enough to voice, who want to fight injustice just like you. Find them and let them carry that weight with you. Until then, just let your father and I worry about the Eggman Empire. Your chance to lead our people will come," the Queen smiled reassuringly as she took Amy's hand in hers and led her out of the garden.
"Come on, let's sneak in the kitchen and grab some apple cryppys before the party starts," the Queen laughed as she guided Amy toward the kitchen.
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As the evening grew dark, Amy found herself alone in her chambers, brushing her hair and quills as she thought about her mothers words. She was right, Mobania did not have the manpower to properly defend the Kingdom and send aid to the Kingdoms who are threatened by the Eggman Empire. Still Amy couldn't stop her heart from breaking every time a new group of refugees made their way to the Kingdom of Mobania. No matter how much time or money she spent on the villagers and refugees it never felt like enough. Someone had to deal with the Eggman Empire, before it was too late.
A knock at the door snatched Amy out of her thoughts and back to reality. "Come in," Amy responded, forgetting entirely to even ask who was at the door.
In walked Cream with her Choa companion Cheese.
"How refreshing to see all those braids out! They weren't nearly elegant enough for the evening we have ahead of us!" Cream smiled as she made her way to Amy and began rebraiding the hair Amy had just finished unbraiding and brushing. "Oh, your highness! You even got all the knots brushed out for me!" Cream and Cheese went to work making elegant braids which she entwined with pearls throughout. Cream was nearly complete when another knock rang through the mahogany wood of Amy's bedroom door.
Before Amy could answer, her mother, Queen Ailinda, entered the room followed by Blaze and a red female fox.
"Rose, I'd like you to meet Fiona Fox, she's been hired as a Minstrel for the castle. Your father and I have been looking to liven up our festivals and parties held here in the castle and she comes highly recommended. She is well versed in singing, dancing, acrobatics, and poetry. I think she will fit in nicely with our orchestra," the Queen smiled as she walked Fiona over to Amy.
Fiona walked up to Amy, towering over her in height, her cold blue eyes gave Amy one look up and down before muttering, "So you're what this Kingdom calls a Princess?"
Her words felt cold and condescending, but nevertheless, Amy plastered a huge smile on her face, clasped her hands together at the front of her waistline and bowed her upper body ever so slightly to Fiona.
"It is a pleasure to me you, Fiona Fox. We are delighted to have your talents grace our Kingdom."
Amy rose from her bow to meet the same cold piercing eyes that she bowed to, and Fiona returned her greeting with a laugh before stating, "Ohh man, don't take yourself so seriously kiddo, it's not like you're the Queen!" Fiona looked around the room for approval but was met with shocked looks from Blaze and Cream, paired with the disapproving eyes of the Queen and Princess.
"You'll uhhm… have to forgive her Rose. She's a refugee from the Kingdom of Knothole and she's not used to the formal settings of nobility." The Queen's words clearly took their intended toll on Fiona. Amy could almost see Fiona's inflated head begin to shrink with anger and embarrassment, her face flushing red.
Amy felt relieved that her mother ended the conversation before her emotions got the best of her. Unlike her mother who has had years of experience speaking with professionalism at all times, Amy struggled to keep her emotions from causing her to speak in poor taste. She had not yet mastered the art of setting other's straight with as much grace and vocabular elegance as her mother could.
The tension in the room was short lived as Blaze stepped into the middle of the conversation holding multiple gowns in her arms.
"Ladies, your highnesses, I have gowns here that I've designed especially for tonight. I trust that one of them will be to your liking?"
"Yes, Rose, I came to tell you that Blaze has crafted a fine selection of ball gowns for tonight" the Queen said with a smile and continued, "Whatever you don't wear I have told our Minstrel that she may wear in order to be appropriately dressed for tonight's events."
"A generous offer, your highness, I can't wait to show you what I can do," Fiona fawned, as if trying to gain access back into the Queen's good graces.
Ignoring her response, the Queen reached her hand out to Amy, cupping her cheek and rubbing it with her thumb she stated, "Get dressed, I'll see you girls out there." And with that, the queen made her leave just as the sun began to set outside the window, painting Amy's bedroom in shades of orange and gold sunlight.
Amy turned to Blaze trying her best to avoid Fiona's icy glare.
"Please, present your work," Amy motioned to the dresses Blaze had in her arms.
The master seamstress carefully laid out three dresses, each more breathtaking than the last.
The first one was a bright golden yellow satin dress, with a square neckline and sheer golden georgette sleeves. Golden thread held the dress together and flowed down into an elegant ball gown skirt, adorned with yellow rhinestones. The dress screamed money and royalty.
The second dress was a dark black silk dress. It was tight, sleeveless with an open back, black rhinestones covered the bust and faded into the skirt.
The dress oozed sex appeal without even being on yet.
The last dress was a pure white satin piece. An off the shoulder neckline with Bishop sleeves, the dress was showered in tiny diamonds and pearls. This dress felt safe and expected of a Princess.
Amy couldn't help but have her eyes wander to the black dress. Amy was dying to dress a little more spicy and a little less Princessy. The ball gowns she wore every single day had put a strain on her self image. She wanted to wear something young and fun and a little reckless. Drop the tiara for a night and leave the gracefulness to someone else.
Amy picked up the black dress and held it up to herself. She turned and looked in the mirror, her heart beat loud in her chest and her ears grew hot at the idea of wearing something this shapely.
Before her mind could wonder any further Fiona let out a laugh that resembled a snort.
"Oh, honey, no," she said, taking the dress out of Amy's hands. "You're not exactly built for this kind of thing, you know? Got to have more… curves," she said, throwing the dress over her shoulder and placing a hand on her hip. "Besides, I'm the main attraction. People came here to see me perform, I need to look my best," she said, walking behind the tall wooden dressing screen in Amy's room.
"It's my mothers birthday," Amy replied through gritted teeth, "they're here to celebrate her."
"Exactlyyyy," Fiona replied, her clothes being draped over the top of Amy's dressing screen.
"They're here to celebrate the beautiful queen and her royal family. That means the king and her good little princess daughter."
Fiona stepped out from behind the dressing screen in the black dress, it was tight on her but not in a bad way at all. It accentuated her every feature and wrapped around her body like it was made for her.
"Fits like a glove," her words hissed at Amy's ears, anger rising in her chest. "So why don't you be a good little princess, and take one of the other dresses," Fiona said as her eyes narrowed. "I am a guest after all. Where's that kind heartedness I hear you're famous for?"
Amy's blood boiled under her skin and she felt her whole face growing hot. She could see Cream and Blaze standing at either side of her, shock and distaste etched on their faces. Just as Amy felt her anger about to boil over, she remembered her Mother and the pride she had in Amy earlier that day. She thought of her Father and the position he was in as King and what that meant for Amy being a princess. Amy clenched her fist and breathed a huge sigh, before unclenching her fist and holding her hands clasped in front of her.
"My apologies," Amy began, "My mother would love nothing more than to make sure our entertainment is appropriately dressed for her employment. Please make yourself comfortable at the party, we will join you shortly."
With that, Amy bowed her head so slightly one could question if she even meant to bow at all, and Fiona took her leave, sashaying out of Amy's room.
When the door closed behind her, Amy let out another sigh and grabbed the white dress.
"Your highness, you can't be serious? Your mother approved all of these dresses for you. They were yours to choose from, not her! If anyone should be getting second picks it should be her not you," Blaze almost shouted her statement, trying to search Amy's eyes for answers but Amy would not look at her.
Cream came to Amy's side loosening her corset to help her peel out of the dull gray gown she had been wearing all day.
"It is quite alright Blaze, I made an error in judgement is all. I am too young for a dress such as that, I mean what would Parliament think? Those stuffy old fools already scorn my parents for not having a son or any more children, I will not shame them by dressing out of age at a public soirée." Amy reached out for the white dress and cream grabbed it before she could, taking it apart so that Amy could slide into it.
"If your mother didn't approve of you wearing it she wouldn't have approved for it to be here. Besides, plenty of women your age have already begun searching for a spouse. You have to go through the trouble of finding one fit to rule! Catching their eye is nothing to shame!" Blazes responded, crossing her arms in disagreement.
"One could mistake your words Blaze, do you not have confidence in your other dresses?" Amy shot back.
"Of course I do, everything I make is marvelous! But there is a difference between sexy and elegant, and you have every right to wear that black dress!"
"I've already made my mind up, and it's not like we can go get it now," Amy said as Cream helped her finish getting into the white dress.
"Besides… Any man who is worth my while will love me no matter what dress I'm wearing."
"Perhaps this is for the best," Cream chimed in.
"Perhaps," Amy agreed half heartedly.
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"Amy, darling, you look wonderful!" Queen Ailinda stated as Amy joined her side in the ballroom.
Amy wore the elegant white dress well, and her perfect posture made it seem like she floated rather than walked in the dress. Her braided curly hair with small soft pearls matched the white dress beautifully. She paired her dress with short white heels and her white gold and diamond tiara. She was accompanied by Blaze and Cream, Blaze wearing a tight purple dress with a slit up one side and red bottom heels, and Cream wearing a yellow gown with a light blue sash at the waist tied into a ribbon at the back.
Amy's mother wore a black dress with small green emeralds adorning it in a dark and beautiful design. The King wore a matching black suit with a black undershirt and Victorian Ascot with a black diamond on top.
"I was hoping you'd pick the black dress but nevertheless, you look as stunning and elegant as ever," the Queen smiled as she held Amy's arm in hers. The comment only deepened the wound to Amy's pride as she realized her mother wanted Amy to dress outside her usual comfort zone too.
"Nonsense," said the King, as he wrapped his arm around Amy and the Queen. "She's a grown woman, she doesn't want to match us any more!" Amy's father laughed but Amy could not.
She wanted to wear that dress, but had once again chosen to bite her tongue at the expense of her happiness. The Queen searched Amy's face for answers as she noticed Amy's distaste for the conversation. The Queen looked to Blaze and Cream for answers, Blaze sadly shook her head, Cream looked down in avoidance.
Before they could say anything someone caught the King's eye so he waved them down.
A tall dark hedgehog with piercing red eyes and red stripes to match made his way across the ballroom to the King. He wore a light amount of dark black armor on top of a black suit with a dark red under shirt.
"Amy, I'd like you to meet Shadow, you know of him, right?"
"The man from the fallen Ark Kingdom? You were the last of a group of rebels who stayed to fight against the Eggman Empire when they invaded your Kingdom. Once Dr. Eggman took over, you led the last of the civilians and freedom fighters out and brought them here to seek refuge?" Amy stated more than questioned, her responding to the King but by the end of her answer she was speaking to Shadow.
"You know… quite a lot," the hedgehog stated, surprised.
"It's my job to know. You and some of your rebels have joined the knights training here and quickly risen about those in the same status as yours. You've shown remarkable leadership skills as well as intense combat capabilities. You and your men have stirred quite a bit of buzz among our veteran knights. Tell me, where do you plan to go from here?" Amy said, weighing her entire first impression of him on whatever answer he gives her and not on the stories she has heard.
"What remains of our Kingdom is no more, we have no home to return to. Mobiana is a peaceful kingdom, with a respectable king and honest people. My men and I plan to work for the good of this kingdom to one day earn the right to call it home," Shadow replied, not breaking eye contact from the Princess.
Her face flushed under his intense gaze and she responded sternly, "Are you saying you would pledge your loyalty to our Kingdom?"
"Only when we have earned the right to do so," he replied, his eyes still on Amy, then he bowed his upper body to Amy and her parents. Amy was impressed to say the least, and as far as first impressions go, he nailed it.
The king slapped Shadows back playful and put his other hand on his chest lifting him up and keeping his other hand wrapped around Shadows' shoulders. "Well how about that! What a respectable young man! I'd say he's well on his way to being Knighted, what about you Ailinda?"
"So long as his story clears out with our informatives, I have no reason to doubt him," the Queen smiled as she answered, "Amy, why don't you honor our knight in training with a dance?"
"Yes! A dance! Go, be youthful! Enjoy the party!" The king laughed as he encouraged Amy.
Shadow's face and ears grew hot and he would swear his face was red at the thought of the offer. When the King invited him to tonight's festivities he never expected he'd end up dancing with the princess!
A red Echidna who Amy had not noticed until just now stepped up behind Shadow and whispered in his ear.
Shadow nodded before stating he would be back as it was only polite that he take off his armor to spare Amy and the other party guests the noise of the armor.
The hedgehog and echidna made their way out the ballroom, as they did the queen stated, "He's a very handsome young man, don't you think sweetie?"
"He's a foreigner with a questionable history. I'll feel safer when his story is verified by Parliament," Amy responded with as much composure as she could muster. She would never admit that his glaze pierced her deep and his words touched her heart. If he was a liar, he was a good one, because Amy believed every bit of what he said.
"Past aside, he's a fine young man Amy," the queen pushed again. Amy felt like all eyes were on her, and as much as she wanted to fawn with her mother over the physical aspects of this stranger, she held her composure. The weight of their eyes hung on her but regardless of feelings, Amy knew her duty and knew it well.
"I am a Princess. The only interests I bear are to my kingdom and my people. My duty is to marry a worthy prince and one day carry the Kingdom with the same grace as my parents. No matter how 'fine a young man' he is, my interest must stay on course," Amy responded calmly, trying hard to contain all her excitement and wonders of when Shadow would return.
The King and Queen shared a worried look before King Alexander spoke up, "What a smart girl you've grown up to be. I know you'll make me proud no matter who you share your life with," and he kissed the top of her head.
Black and red caught the corner of Amy's eyes and she smiled as Shadow made his way back to her and her parents.
"I wanted to say that while I'm honored by your offer, your majesties, I respect if the Princess would rather not be seen dancing with a commoner and refugee such as myself," he said with a deep bow.
"Nonsense! She'd be delighted!" Amy's mom responded, reaching out to touch Amy's elbow and gently direct her towards Shadow.
Amy grabbed the edges of her dress and curtsied while bowing her head to Shadow, "The pleasure is all mine, Mister Shadow. Would you be so kind as to escort me to the dance floor," she said, holding out her hand.
Slowly and carefully, Shadow took Amy's hand in his and placed it in the fold of his elbow, before resting that elbows hand on his chest.
The King and Queen watched as he led Amy away.
"She's trying so hard to be the perfect princess, I feel we're missing out on her being her…" the Queen signed.
"It's those damn fools in Parliament," the King cursed, "she spends entirely too many of her schooling hours with members of parliament, they've got her thinking her only duty is to them and her kingdom. She truly believes she owes nothing to herself and must put everyone ahead of herself."
"You can't blame them entirely, that's also Amy's nature. She's always been the one to put everyone else's happiness above her own," the Queen replied.
"I don't want her thinking she has to spend her youth finding someone else to fulfill some arbitrary duties that she shouldn't have to worry about right now," said the King.
"I just wished she would enjoy a dance with a nice young man and not worry about being perfect for parliament or playing a part. She is our daughter first and foremost, not a princess only." The queen said as her and the king watched Amy dance with Shadow.
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As Shadow led Amy away from the Queen and King and towards the dance floor, he could feel his heart racing almost as fast as his mind was.
Her hand felt so light in the crook of his elbow and he held his hand flat against the center of his chest to keep his elbow bent for the princess. His other hand was balled in a fist and held at the small of his back in order to show respect to the princess and represent ballroom manners.
Amy's mind raced as her and Shadow grew closer to the dance floor. Shadows' biceps looked so strong and firm and she resisted the urge to grab them as she held onto the inside of his elbow. For a refugee she had to admit he had thus far presented impeccable ballroom etiquette.
They could feel the lingering eyes of the other party attendants on them. Amy scanned the crowds for parliament members. She stopped counting after eight, their shocked and questioning eyes made her feel so small. Shadow couldn't help but notice all the men staring at him. At first he believed they were admiring the Princess but he quickly realized they were sizing him up.
How a wanna be knight and refugee like him had ended up arm and arm with the princess he would never know, but as honored as he was he couldn't shake the feeling of shame. If he didn't already feel grimy and out of place, holding on to the brightest and most cherished person in the room didn't make him feel any better.
But, as the two made their way onto the dance floor and positioned themselves for a waltz, all the glaring eyes faded away.
Amy felt the room darken, as if it was just her and the man before her, in a sea of nothingness. The quiet was comforting and she felt safe in the dark with him. His touch was so gentle yet so strong, it was like an electrically charged pulse was holding her to him. As if the two were opposite ends of a magnet, Amy could not break eye contact with him even if she wanted to. In the darkness, it was only her and him, the low whispers and eyes of the other guest swallowed up by the pitch black surrounding them.
Shadow felt the room light up, as though he and Amy had ascended beyond the room itself. Her hands were so small in his, he thought for a moment he was holding onto small soft flowers instead of her delicate fingers. He felt his body lighten as if he'd dance with her so softly that they'd float away, but her delicate hands somehow managed to be an anchor, keeping him centered in the room. In the bright light, even though he knew the judgemental eyes were everywhere around him, he swore that they were nowhere to be seen in the blinding light that enveloped them.
Red eyes search green for answers. Green eyes begs red not to look away. A hundred conversations passed with just looks as Amy and Shadow danced, never looking away. Neither spoke a word, but as they moved, fear became favor and indifference became involvement. What neither had ever known in themselves or in another, they found in each other.
Before Amy realized it, eight songs had passed and she had waltzed so long that her body grew tired. As if suddenly realizing the same thing, Shadow stopped dancing as the song came to a close.
His eyes pierced hers, and she felt his gaze tug on her heartstrings.
"This has been a great honor, your highness. I apologize for taking so much of your time."
"The honor was all my," Amy responded quickly and almost breathless. She couldn't let their night end here.
"Please, escort me back to my father? We would love to hear about your journey to our kingdom first hand." Amy blushed, feeling like she was begging him to stay.
Shadows' heart melted with relief when she didn't dismiss him from her presence.
"It would be my pleasure," he smiled as he once again took her hand in his elbow and led her back to the end of the ballroom, up the stairs to the thrones where her parents stood watching the party.
"My, at all the dancing! Alexander, do you remember when we used to waltz that much, song after song after song," the queen cooed as she rested her head on the king's shoulder, smiling at Amy and Shadow.
"We were young and we'd dance to every song, until our bones were tired," he laughed.
"Why did you stop?" The queen questioned, raising a playful brow at Amy.
"I grew far too tired," Amy began, "and I'm sure I've given the castle enough to gossip about at this point."
"Nonsense!" Exclaimed the Queen, "You're young, have fun. Parliament is not the opinion you should seek."
"Nevertheless, I found myself wanting to know more about Shadows' journey to our kingdom. I believed father would be interested in his tale as well." Amy said, her eyes met the Kings as she sought his approval.
"Yes! Do tell us able your work in Ark and how you came to be in our courts," the King smiled as he looked at Shadow.
Shadow began telling his tale of brave defiance in the face of injustice. How he and others stood for the Ark Kingdom against the continuous attacks of Dr Eggman and his ancient robotic army's. He spoke of the battles they won, the battles they lost, and the consequences of each. He told them of the scientist they tried to protect, and the civilians they tried to evacuate. He finally told them how his childhood friend gave her life to save his in the last battle in Ark Kingdom before it fell to the Eggman Empire. He described his broken hearted journey through the Nerbs Kingdom, the Dragon Kingdom, the Kingdom of Merica, the Kingdom of Leonus, and the Kingdom of Knothole. He told of the people he met and the way he never felt at peace until finally taking refuge here in the Kingdom of Mobania.
Just as Shadow was about to wrap up his story, the ballroom was hushed by the interior decorator and event coordinator, Marine the Racoon.
Marine announced the party, allowing the entire ballroom to give the Queen a standing ovation, then she announced tonight's entertainment, Fiona the Fox.
Amy's blood grew hot as she watched Fiona walk out onto the floor in her dress.
The band behind her began to play and Fiona began her show of flips, splits and cartwheels, shaking her hips and sashaying around the ballroom.
Amy didn't know what made her more angry, the fact that she was wearing her dress or the fact that she was jealous at how well she moved in her dress.
Amy couldn't deny she was beautiful and moved around the dance floor in what can only be described as seductive and sultry talent.
When the show ended the room erupted into applause and Amy's anger grew stronger. She wasn't too proud to admit she was jealous and bitter. But her hatred didn't come from jealousy, it came from the disrespect she endured by her beforehand.
Marine came back to the center ballroom to thank everyone who came to celebrate the queen. She announced that this was the last chance to enjoy the main course before the kitchen staff brought out cake and desserts. She wished everyone a well evening and wished the queen a happy birthday before letting the band get back to playing.
"Well I can see why she is so highly recommended, her acrobatics are impressive," said the Queen.
"Yes, she really is impressive." Amy responded to her mothers statement though still angry, and added, "I heard she can sing and act as well."
"You know what performer I'd love to see? Amy! Now wouldn't it be nice to hear Amy play the piano for us? And with the voice of an Angel!" The King said with a huge smile.
"Oh Amy, that would be wonderful, please play for us!" The Queen agreed with the King as she pleaded with Amy.
Amy laughed and after some more light begging from her parents and a skeptical look paired with a cheeky grin from Shadow, she compiled.
Amy, Shadow, her parents, and Blaze and Cream, made their way down the stairs to the far left corner of the ballroom floor, furthest away from the band.
In this corner was an ivory white grand piano. It was Amy's and she played it often, the keys and foot pedals worn from use. Shadow propped the lid open to allow the sound to carry further.
Amy sat down and began to play a piece called "Hemerocallis Flower".
Shadow leaned against the piano and watched in wonder as she performed the delicate piece, on a piano so big it almost made her look like a small child. Her tiny hands feathered the piano keys so lightly, and as she grew lost in the music, he found himself lost in her.
Before he drifted off entirely, he was brought back to reality by a voice so soft and sweet that he didn't realize it was coming from the Princess. She sang about flowers that bloomed in the spring but died every winter. The song mentions how just like the flowers, good things come and go, but winter cannot last forever. The lyrics were sweet but full of melancholy.
The king's words came flooding back to Shadow: "…with the voice of an Angel…" It wasn't an exaggeration, not tainted with the love of a father, it was the truth. No other words described what he was hearing other than holy.
And as beautifully as she started, she just as beautifully came to an end. As she did, the ball room erupted into cheers. Without Amy or Shadow noticing, the band had stopped playing and the guest had abandoned the dance floor for a chance to listen in on the princesses performance.
As Amy took her bow, she walked over to her mother and hugged her tight. When the guests dispersed and made their way back to the ballroom the king and queen made their way to the dance floor to join in the waltzing.
Amy sat back down on the edge of her piano set and watched as her parents danced.
She dreamed of a love like theres, unending, faithful, pure, and passionate. As she watched them dance her mind wandered back to the dancing she did with Shadow. The calmness she felt as the world faded out. She'd never felt that particular kind of peace before. He held her attention in such a way that all the doubts and worries and thoughts of others faded entirely, along with the rest of the world. Without even speaking, he had made her feel like they were the only people in the world at that moment. That break from reality had given her a peace of mind that was downright intoxicating.
With that in mind she searched the ballroom looking for him. When she didn't see him she almost gave up until she realized he was leaning by the piano where he had propped the lid open for her earlier.
"Care to join me?" Amy asked without thinking; she didn't feel like a princess when she did. Just a girl asking a man to sit with her on a small piano bench just big enough for the both of them.
Without saying a word he slowly sat down on the bench beside her, careful not to touch her or any of her dress or its diamonds and pearls.
"So what did you think?" Amy asked.
"About?" He responded.
"The performance. Fiona the Fox," Amy said as she searched his face for any reactions.
He looked taken aback, as if confused, but he said, "I saw a woman dancing, but there wasn't much to think of." His brow furrowed as he looked back at her, also searching her face for answers.
"Of course you thought about it, everyone did. She had every man's attention in the whole room," Amy responded, a hint of jealousy in her voice. She stared off into the crowd, not looking at the man sitting next to her
"Not my attention," Shadow responded, nonchalantly, staring down at his shoes.
"You're just saying that so you don't look like a perv," Amy laughed, half joked, half serious, she leaned her head back and looked up at the ceiling, too embarrassed to make eye contact. Why was she indirectly admitting to him that she cared what he thought about the performance? Why did she care what he thought?
"I was thinking: why is she so angry?" Shadow responded abruptly. Shock made Amy look at Shadow and he met her gaze, refusing to look away.
"Fiona? Angry?" Amy asked, confused.
"No, you. You looked upset, I thought you were sad, but there was something more there… like you wanted to scream but refused to." Amy sighed as she hung her head, holding her face in her hands, elbows resting in her knees. She could feel his gaze on her, and after some time finally decided to answer.
"I… I was… angry. I was angry..." Amy sighed as she continued to spill, "She said something that hurt my feelings earlier tonight. And she took the dress I was going to wear…"
"The black one?" Shadow asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, the black one," Amy rolled her eyes, "And I know what you're going to say. I'm too young, I can't wear a dress like that when it's meant to be worn by a woman's body, like hers." Amy signed, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I wasn't going to say-" Shadows face grew red and he became flustered but Amy cut him off, "I get it, I do, but it was my dress from my seamstress… and for just this once I thought I could wear something I wanted without worrying about the members of Parliaments opinions… and then I go and find out my mom wanted me to wear the black dress, she wanted me to match her and dad, she wanted me to wear the 'Screw you Parliament' dress and I didn't. She wanted me to do my own thing tonight and I chickened out... And I always do that, I always let everyone else do what they want even when I don't like it. I wear the clothes they pick, I study the material they present, I follow the rules they give. I never do what I want, I never speak out of turn, I never let my feelings decide for me, I always do what's expected of me." Amy talked so fast and so much it wasn't until she got right into the middle of her messy bundle of emotions that she realized she'd been blabbing all her feelings out to a stranger. And he laughed. Well, he chucked, and Amy sat up straight and cut a look his way that could kill.
"What's so funny?" Amy pouted, her bottom lip poked out.
"May I speak freely?" He said, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. She said nothing but nodded her head, maintaining her pout and glare combo.
"I've been to many kingdoms. Heard of every kind of princess there is and met a couple of them too," he said, ignoring Amy's surprise he continued, "and I've got to say, I've never met one that wasn't spoiled rotten."
Amy rolled her eyes and looked the other way, still pouting. Of course he thought she was a spoiled brat too.
"But," he said, lowering his head to look up at her, "I'm surprised to see one who puts all things aside for her family and kingdom." Amy finally met his gaze and when they locked eyes he sat up straight again and continued, "You've heard about me, but did you know I've heard about you?" Amy's eyes lit up with shock and her face flushed with embarrassment, but he smiled and kept talking. "I heard of a princess who visits the villages to play with the kingdom's children. She brings food and supplies to the weak, sick, and disabled. She visits the farmers with soldiers to provide protection from the terrors of the woods surrounding their fields. She sends scouting camps out to retrieve refugees at the borders who are in need of shelter within the kingdom. She sends food back to the village when they send too much to the castle, to make sure her people are fed. She funded the new wells that were built in the villages. She paid all the taxes of the foreign merchants, so that her people would not struggle to afford the things they wanted. She created the summer ration session to make sure her people survived the harshest winter yet. When the people were hungry, she skipped throwing her sixteenth birthday feast, and instead, donated all the money and food saved for the event to her citizens. Did you hear about the time she spent four days sleeping in tents with villagers and soldiers, to be a part of the search party for a missing child? And when they found the child she sent the castle's best medics to take care of the girl. I heard when she was thirteen she sold all of her tiaras and gold to help pay for vaccines to treat a plaque that had struck the nation. Every time there was a need, she forfeit all she could to support those in need. The citizens have a nickname for her. Saint Rose of Mobania. The women of this Kingdom tell their children that the king and queen were blessed with a child so full of love that she shares the love of the king and queen with all the citizens of Mobiana. You're known as the patron Saint of Kindness."
Amy remembered doing those things. From the day she was permitted to touch the kingdom's finances she's been putting money, time, and resources back into her citizens. She remembers selling her things and giving her allowance to help the kingdom in times of need, just like her parents did.
"That's my duty, that's what I'm supposed to do," Amy said, tears welling up in her eyes. She felt praised for doing what's expected of her and it felt wrong. He wasn't supposed to know all this about her, a complete stranger. He wasn't supposed to know how weak she was, how easily her heart bled for others.
"I don't believe that," he said, staring deep into her eyes and refusing to look away. "I agree that it is a princess's job to care for and support her kingdom just as the king and queen do, and I also know that most princes and princesses, even kings and queens from most other nations do a piss poor job of that." His eyes blazed with passion and she almost mistook the red in his eyes for flames. "But I don't believe you do it because it's your job and it's what you're supposed to do. I think you do it because that's who you are. I believe you'd give your time, money, and support if you were a princess or a pauper. I believe you do for others because you genuinely care for them. And I think Mobania is blessed to have a princess, and a royal family, who care as much as you do." The tears in Amy's eyes threatened to spill over, so she looked away from Shadow and quickly wiped her eyes on her inner sleeve.
"What's this got to do with anything I said earlier anyways." Amy pointed out, trying desperately to take the conversation off of her.
"You said she wore your dress and hurt your feelings and you never get to do what you want. I laughed because out of all the spoiled princes and princesses I've met, you're the only one I believe deserves to be a little selfish," he reached up and grabbed two glasses of champagne from a waiter who was walking by with a tray full of them.
"So…" Shadow said, handing Amy the thin tall Champagne glass, "Princess, I propose: Screw Fiona and forget that dress." Amy's eyes grew wide and her face grew red as she raised the glass and clinked it with his.
They both drank the shimmering, bubbly drink and laughed a nervous laugh when they finished.
Shadow stood up and dusted himself off before turning back to Amy.
"Your highness, it has been an absolute pleasure sharing time with you this evening but I'm afraid it's my turn for guard duty on the west wing courtyard."
"Will I see you again?" Amy asked before she could stop herself, her face grew red and she realized what she said, and she looked away in embarrassment. She slowly raised her eyes back up to his, peaking at him from underneath her eyelashes.
"Gained your trust already? Don't you wanna wait on that background check, make sure I don't have a dark, and dangerous past," he laughed as he teased Amy.
"When your background check does come back, I'll have you know, Knights aren't allowed to tease the princess!" Amy smiled, lightly swatting Shadow's closest arm to her.
Shadow laughed and then he looked Amy deep in her eyes and his voice dropped a few octaves as he said, "You asked me earlier what I thought of Fiona's dance," Amy's heart sank as he mentioned her. "I thought to myself, 'How could I even try to consider this the main entertainment, when I've already shared half the evening having the best dancing in the party?'" When Amy's eyes met his again, the red in them seemed to dance and he said, "And as good as you'd look in that black dress, you really look stunning this." Shadows' face grew hot and he could swear his ears were turning red, as he reached down and slowly touched the soft fabric of her dress sleeve. Nervous that complimenting her physically was overstepping, he turned on his heels quickly and left the ballroom heading straight for his armor and guard duty.
Amy's heart rushed as his words hit her ears and resonated in her mind and heart. The spot on her wrist where he touched her dress felt tingly like she'd been touched by a jolt of electricity. She told herself not to believe the flattery of a commoner who probably only wanted to bed her for her status and money. But she couldn't help but feel like he meant what he said, and that he wasn't that kind of man anyways.
She watched him walk out the ballroom and before disappearing out the door he turned back to look at her.
She smiled shyly and he waved nervously at her before disappearing out the door.
Not long after Shadows departure, Amy's mother approached her, fanning herself vigorously, she stated, "My word, Rose! All this dancing and excitement, I'm going to pass out!" She held out her hand to Amy, "Care for some fresh air with me?"
Amy smiled and took her hand and together they exited the ballroom heading for the east wing courtyard, their favorite place to walk together.
A million stars showed in the dark black curtain that was the sky. The moon was nowhere in sight thanks to a few stray clouds, and had it not been for the lights from the castle party, it would've been far too dark to stroll the flower garden without a lantern.
The cool night air felt good on Amy's skin but she was grateful for how much skin her dress covered.
"It's going to rain," the Queen starts the conversation, looking up at the faint clouds as they made their way into the night sky.
"Maybe," Amy agree as she ignores the clouds in the distance and focuses on the stars above her.
"Rose, you seemed so frustrated tonight, tell me what was on your mind. Is it work or your studies? You know I've told you you don't have to take on so many duties, your father and I can manage all the castle's affairs if they're too much for you."
"It's not that mom, I can manage that." Amy began but bit her lip to keep from speaking further.
"Then what? You can tell me. You used to tell me everything, Rose, now I worry you carry too much on your own. Let me ease your mind," the Queen said, taking Amy's hand in hers.
"I… I wanted to wear the black dress tonight," Amy said after a long stretch of silence.
"And why didn't you?" The queen said, resting her head on Amy's shoulder.
"Because Fiona wanted it."
"Fiona took it," the queen said, raising her head to look Amy in the eyes, "and you let her. You also let her disrespect your name and title."
Amy looked away to avoid her mothers intense gaze. She had gone full mama bear mode, and when Amy saw her like this she knew it best to not disagree. "Blaze told you."
"Actually Cream did, but more importantly, why didn't you? Why didn't you take the dress? Have the guards send her back to your room to retrieve the dress? Call me?" Her mom said, taking Amy's other hand in hers and searching her eyes.
"Because, Mom, what was I supposed to do? Throw a fit, cause a scene? Abuse my power just for some fabric and thread? How embarrassing if the castle staff caught wind and the rumors started…"
"Don't be ridiculous, you're a princess. You know how to rule, so rule! Stand your ground, defend yourself! So what if rumors? The people of this kingdom love you Rose! They would be disappointed to hear that you were disrespected in your own home. And as far as the dress goes, sometimes you have to take happiness for yourself, because the world will not always be so kind as to give it to you."
"She's a guest mom. I didn't want to upset our guest or ruin your party, I just wanted you to have a good night," Amy signed, pulling her hands away from her mother and wrapping them around herself. She felt hot tears well up in her eyes, so she closed the right to try and push them away.
"Amy Rose. You are a respectable princess, do not ever let anyone disrespect your title. Most princesses are born that way and never earn it, but not you! You earned the love and respect of your people, you earned the right to be called royalty. Me and your father and most importantly you have given to this country time and time again, not because we are royalty but because it is who we are. Where others lead as tyrants with wrath, we have reigned with love, respect, kindness, and compassion for our people. We've earned their love and trust. They rely on us to protect them and guide them and support them. Our people expect us to have respect for ourselves. Do not let someone use your kindness and love against you. Your kindness is not weakness, Rose."
Her mother reached out and pulled Amy into a hug. Tears threatened to spill over but Amy blinked them away as she hugged her mother tight.
Her mother slowly released her but wrapped an arm around her shoulder and guided them back on their walk.
"Now tell me all about this wanna be knight of yours," her mother laughed and Amy did too, grateful to no longer be dealing with mama bear.
"He was an amazing dancer… and very kind. Did you know he's heard rumors about me throughout the kingdom? I didn't know the people spoke of us so often…"
"Rose, I told you our citizens rely on us. We do not prosper if they do not prosper. Every winter we went without a feast or party, is a winter we ensured their comfort and survival. A kingdom is nothing without its citizens. It is because of their love and trust in us that we are able to be royalty at all. What is a king without the people? Who does he rule if no one is willing to be ruled by him? They allow us to lead this nation because they trust us to do the right things. Never be mistaken, their weakness is their strength. They will not follow the richest or meanest. They will follow the compassionate, those that choose to do the right thing, always."
"Shadow said some royal families don't care for their citizens like we do," Amy said, a frown on her face and sting in her heart at the idea.
"He's right. Some royal families don't care for their citizens. They feast while their citizens experience famines. They party while their citizens grow poor. They rule with fear and strength instead of love and compassion. They are foolish in their ways and will pay the price for such reckless cruelty, possibly with their lives." The queen said, the strength of her words shocked Amy. She grew lost in thought before her mother spoke again.
"What else about him Amy, what else!" The Queen smiled, rubbing Amy's arm to ease her back into conversation.
"Well… he said I looked stunning in my dress and that I was the best dancer at the party!" Amy gushed, her cheeks turned red, as her mother squealed and jumped up and down beside her.
"Ahhhh! My gosh, Rose! How fun! Oh to be young again! Like love at first sight~!" The queen sighed with a huge smile on her face as her grip around Amy's arm tightened over so slightly.
"Oh, mom, no. Love? Let's be serious, I can't be. He's sweet but. He's a refugee and of no status. Even if he wanted that, wanted me, the Parliament members would never approve…" Amy said, the excitement dying down and her heart grew heavy. A princess wasn't allowed to have feeble childish crushes. She had to follow her duty and strengthen her kingdom. This is what Parliament prepared her for. A princess cannot marry for love; she must marry for her kingdom.
The Queen stopped and stood in front of Amy, their walk had led them to the furthest edge of the courtyard garden. The light from the castle barely reached them but Amy could see her mothers concerned eyes from the light of the storehouse and stables to the left of them.
"Oh Rose, no… you don't have to give up on love. You can love whoev-"
Amy couldn't hear her mothers last words to her. Neither Amy nor her mother could react to the intense heat that burst from the left side of them, or the sound or force that came with it.
One second Amy is listening to her mother, the next, glass is shining through the air between them with the heat of a furnace radiating with it, consuming their whole body. The air is pulled from Amy's lungs and she realizes her mother is moving through the air… No… They are moving through the air.
Weightless, hot, and breathless, Amy's body is thrown from the stables across the courtyard to the bed of the rose bushes, by an intense explosion.
Amy tries to sit up, to see where the explosion came from, to try and find her mother, but her vision is hazy and multiplied too many times to count.
Her head pounds and she thinks she might be sick right then and there, when suddenly a hand touches her arm beside her and lightning flashes in the night sky.
Voices shout in the distance: "There's been an attack!" … "Someone tell the King!" … "Call the guards!"…
Amy hears the screams, the thunder, the crackles of a burning fire. The hand that touches her arm tightens around her and for the first time she smells an overpowering rusty blood scent.
"Mom… mom, where are you… mom???" The hand around Amy's arm grips tighter and she knows it's her mothers hand holding onto her.
"Rose… Rose, are you alright?" Her mothers voice sounds strangled and tight, like she's fighting to get the words out of her lungs.
Amy breathes in and a sharp pain rips through her chest causing her to whence. She can feel blood on her but she doesn't know where it's coming from, just a warmth spreading across her dress and she knows it's her blood.
Amy hears a gurgled cough, she turns her head to her left and sees her mothers Ruby red lipstick in the far corner of her eye site. The lipstick is smeared… no… her mouth is bloody.
Her mother takes in a breath that looks like it does more harm than good. She lifts her head from the ground to look at Amy and whispers, "Rose… do not ever mistake your kindness for weakness. Show them… show them you are strong." With those words the Queen lowers her head back to the ground, and continues to take shallow breaths.
Amy turns her head from her mother back up to the sky in hopes of seeing someone in her field of vision. Instead she hears the screams of people and watches the embers of the fire dance in the sky. The thunder rolls, lightning strikes, and the clouds begin to release their rain.
"Over here…" Amy hears her mothers whispers again, "Over here… not me! Rose… get Rose… somebody save my Rose." The queens words are washed out by the sound of rain and armor as the knights heavy footsteps hit the ground around them.
Amy hears them all around her mother but cannot move her head to see her. As she stares up at the rain a dark figure stands over her before dropping quickly to its knees and picking her up. Familiar piercing red eyes met her gaze. They look strained, sad and angry mixed together with fear. She tries to hold onto their view, but as the black in the corners of her eyes make their move, Amy succumbs to the darkness and everything fades away.
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I love all forms of positive criticism, and I am curious to see what you think of each chapter, how you feel about the characters, what you think of the characters' interactions with each other, and the story line in general.
I will try to update regularly! Much love 3