Chapter 3

Ok, chapter three is here. I hope you all enjoy it.

Sir Shadow guided Princess Amy carefully through the forest. "Where are we going?" The girl inquired.

"Somewhere to get some more travel appropriate clothing, Your Highness."

The two walked quietly for a while, being careful not to attract attention. Amy did what she could to keep up with the knight. "Sh, Shadow …." The princess finally spoke as her legs gave up supporting her.

Shadow looked back and rushed over to the princess who was panting and trying to regain her footing. "Princess, are you hurt?"

"N, no. I just need a moment. Don't w, worry." Amy swayed as she tried to stand back up and slumped down. "Oh!"

Sir Shadow touched her arm. "Your Highness, please pardon what I'm about to do." He gathered the girl up into his arms to carry her.

Amy blushed. "This isn't necessary. I only need a moment to catch my breath."

"You were trying to keep pace with me while barefoot. Why didn't you say anything, Princess?"

"I … I honestly didn't notice before. My entire body just felt so … numb. And then, I didn't want to be a burden."

The knight sighed. "My mission is to protect and care for you. You could never be a burden to me, Your Highness."

"Um … about addressing me formally. Is that wise? Perhaps you should just call me Amy instead." The princess pointed out.

Shadow stiffened for a moment.. "That … is a good idea. Though, it feels disrespectful."

"It will be far too risky if someone hears you call me your highness or princess. We should avoid any unneeded attention, right?"

"You're right. I guess there's no choice … Amy." The knight replied as he carried her carefully through the forest. "We'll be somewhere to rest soon."

The girl looked at Shadow. "Are you not tired from carrying me, Sir Shadow?"

"I'm alright. Don't worry yourself. It isn't much further."

Eventually, they came to a small cottage on the edge of the forest. Setting Amy on her feet, Shadow opened the door. "This is the home I grew up in. My sister, Maria, should be here shortly."

"You have a sister?" The girl looked around her curiously.

As she swayed a little, Shadow caught her against him. "I'll take you somewhere to rest."

Opening the door, he helped Amy to the bed. "You can rest here. I'll be right outside if you need me."

Before she could stop herself, the princess grabbed Shadow's hand. Looking back in surprise, the boy quirked a brow. "Your Highness?"

"Umm …." Amy bit her lip. "C, can you stay with me for now? Please?"

Shadow's eyes widened and he froze for a moment before taking a seat near her on the bed. "If that is your wish, I will. Try to rest, … Amy." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

The princess nodded and let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you, Shadow."

Closing his eyes. Shadow leaned against the wall and allowed himself a moment to relax. The first moment since before the siege of Oasis City. I need to stay alert. She's depending on me to protect her.

The knight glanced at Amy and realized that the princess had drifted off while clutching his hand in hers. He sighed. "Well, this is troublesome …." Deciding against trying to free his hand and risking waking the girl, Shadow leaned back again and waited quietly.

Jerking suddenly, Amy's eyes shot open. Where am I? I was at home just now …. Wasn't I? After a moment, the girl woke up more. "I was dreaming of home. It's … not there anymore."

"Did you get enough sleep, Pr … Amy?" She looked over to see Shadow still at her side, his hand still in hers.

"Y, you stayed here the entire time I slept?"

"You needed rest. I wasn't willing to risk waking you by moving carelessly." He reached over to wipe a stray tear from Amy's cheek. "Are you alright?"

"Yes. I just forgot where I was for a moment when I awakened. Don't worry." She gave a small smile.

The black and red hedgehog watched her intently. "You don't have to pretend."

"I …." Amy bit her lip. "Sir Shadow, I'm … scared. And confused and it feels like my heart has been torn from my chest and crushed. Why did this have to happen? Our kingdom was peaceful. We never acted aggressively."

Shadow stared at her as it hit him. She doesn't know.

Before he could really process that knowledge, they heard a door open and close. Shadow looked over his shoulder, towards the source of the sound. "I should go see if that's Maria. You stay here, Miss Amy."

The girl nodded. "Be careful."

The knight was tense as he approached the stairs. It wasn't until he heard a soft, sweet voice humming that Shadow breathed a sigh of relief. "Maria."

The humming stopped and a girl with yellow quills decorated with blue ribbons and flowers appeared at the door to the hallway. "Big brother! You're home!" Maria greeted Shadow with a big, bright smile as she rushed to give him a tight hug. "Why didn't you send word? I could've made a special meal for you."

"Maria," Shadow caught his sister's attention, "I need your help."

Giving her brother a quizzical look, the girl followed him. The knight opened the door to his old room. The room Amy was resting in. Maria stared at the scene for a long moment.

"Oh my! You finally brought home a bride! And mother thought that would never happen!" She rushed over to the bewildered princess. "I'm Maria! Shadow's little sister! What's your name?"

"A, Amy."

"You're so pretty. Amy. It's a pleasure to meet you! My brother has always been so obsessed with training and his knightly duties! I was beginning to give up hope of him ever finding a nice girl! How did -"

Shadow cut her off. "Maria! Amy is not my bride. She's our princess."

"A princess? Shadow, did you abduct a princess?! You're a knight! That is not very becoming of you."

Her brother sighed as he rubbed his forehead soothingly. "Honestly. What sort of a hedgehog do you think I am? Of course I didn't abduct her."

As she listened to their story, the girl's big, blue eyes filled with tears as she looked at Amy. "You poor thing. I'm so sorry."

Shadow caught her attention again. "Maria, the princess needs some clothes and shoes. Can you loan her something?"

"Of course. Let's see something for the festival tonight and something for tomorrow." Maria tilted her head as she considered it.

"Festival?" Amy asked curiously.

"You don't know? It's the festival to honor the guardian spirit of light, Silver. You guys should stay for it and relax a bit." Maria looked at Shadow expectantly.

"I don't know." He began. "We really shouldn't linger anywhere for too long."

"Princess, will you excuse us for a moment." The yellow hedgehog grabbed her brother's arm and dragged him out into the hall.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Shadow grumbled.

"Look at that girl? She's exhausted both physically and mentally. You should give the princess a night to distract her from this situation."

"You make a good point. I guess one night couldn't hurt."

"Yay!" Maria clapped as she twirled excitedly. "It'll be lots of fun to go to the festival with you. Just like when we were little."

To be continued. I hope everyone is liking the story so far.