The Crown's Shadow ( Shadamy )

Found Love in a Hopeless Place

Chapter 2: Found Love in a Hopeless Place
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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.

~

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.