A Is For Arranged Marriage

“Are you okay?” Sonic stared up at those deep crimson eyes and felt himself getting lost in them again, before an angry frown makes its way onto his muzzle. He wipes away his tears that lay on his peach cheeks to try and hide that he may or may not have been crying just now.  

“Why do you care?”

“Usually when a person cries, it’s because they are sad and when someone is sad, they require comfort.”

“I don’t need your damn comfort.” He growled out.

“Then what do you need?”

“What I need is for you to disappear from my life entirely, but it’s silly for me to wish for the impossible.”

“Although I cannot help you obtain that wish, I can however help you feel better in this moment. I can’t stand to see others cry.” Sonic was about to speak before the rumbling of his stomach cut him off. “Is it safe to assume you’re hungry?”

“We just ate dinner. I don’t need more food.”

“You barely ate anything though.” Sonic crossed his arms and huffed out an agitated sigh, rubbing a hand over his stomach to try and soothe his hunger pains. “What if I made you something?”

“You can cook?” Sonic let out a laugh in disbelief. Shadow? A royal prince who cooks? He had never heard of such a thing being possible. 

“It’s a hobby of mine. If you show me to your kitchen I will make whatever your heart desires.”

“My hearts desire is on time out until my mother lifts this diet she has me on.”

“Who said that your mother has to know?” Sonic found himself smiling at that. It would be rather nice to eat food other than the stuff his mother has approved of him eating. All of these salads, while delicious when made by Miss Vanilla, could get rather repetitive. Sonic sighed and gave in to the idea, nodding his head and gesturing for Shadow to follow him to the kitchen. The rest of the kitchen staff had already left, most likely to their chambers in the lower levels of the castle. The cobalt prince lifted himself onto one of the counter tops and sat as he watched Shadow begin to gather up pots and pans.

“This will be entertaining. If you’re trying to show off then you can just tell me, ya know? No need to make a mess of Miss Vanilla’s kitchen just to try and impress me. It won’t work, anyhow.”

“I know exactly what I’m doing, hedgehog.” Shadow turned around to look at Sonic. “What would you like?”

“I will eat anything as long as it’s not a salad.”

He watched as Shadow pulled out an assortment of ingredients like different seasonings, tomatoes, assorted beans, and meat. Shadow made quick work of peeling tomatoes and cutting up meat. It seemed that the other prince had been telling the truth when he told Sonic about his ability to cook, seeing as the smell that clung to the air was making his mouth water with want. It looked to be a kind of soup or stew since Shadow was mixing things together in a pot. He would flit around the kitchen as if he had been working in this kitchen for several years, and Sonic watched in amusement as the ebony hedgehog cooked for him.

“Alright, it’s ready.” Shadow said after the concoction had finished cooking. He dished him up a bowl and handed it to Sonic along with a spoon.

“You’re not trying to poison me, are ya?” Sonic asked with a smirk.

“Please, if I wanted to kill you then I would have done so by now. Eat.” Sonic took a small portion onto his spoon and lifted it up into his mouth, eyes widening at the taste. He had never had something with such a perfect mixture of spice and sweetness. The meat melted on his tongue and the beans were the right mix between hard and soft. Everything belonged and paired well together, and Sonic let out a pleased hum.

“Shadow, this is amazing! What is this stuff?”

“It’s called chili. I stumbled across it at one of the festivals in my kingdom a few years ago and figured it would be a good recipe to learn.”

“You’ve been to a festival?!” The blue prince asked incredulously. Shadow gave him confused stare.

“You haven’t? Isn’t this kingdom notorious for the festivals and parties alone?”

“We are, but I’ve never been to any of them. Neither have Manic and Sonia. None of us have ever even been outside of the castle.”

“Really?” Now it was Shadow’s turn to be surprised. “For what reason?”

“Mother says it isn’t safe on the outside, and that commoners’ festivals are no place for princes or a princess.”

“Sounds like a load of tripe.” The crimson striped hedgehog let out a scoff.

“I still can’t believe you’ve been to a festival. What are they like?”  

“Well, it depends on the season. But normally there are games, food, music, stuff like that.”

“What do you mean it depends on the season?”

“Certain holidays are celebrated differently and therefore have different festivals and reasons to celebrate.”

“Oh, I guess that makes sense.” Sonic scarfed down another few bites before speaking again. “Which one is your favorite?”

“All of them are quite boring to me after going to every single one since the day I could walk on my own.”

“Ah, come on! There has to be one that isn’t as boring as the rest.” Shadow thought for a moment before one came to mind.

“I do enjoy the Dance of The Meteors festival quite a bit.”

“That sounds cool! What happens during that?”

“It’s when the entire kingdom joins together to watch this meteor shower that happens every year towards the end of summer. It’s quite beautiful to watch. Everyone makes these circular lanterns and releases them into the sky as well, so we can be one with the galaxy and help our kingdom prosper for another year.”  

“That sounds amazing! I hope one day I’ll be able to go to a festival. When I’m King I could do whatever I want, right?” Sonic chuckled at the thought.

Shadow sent a small smile towards the other hedgehog, before letting himself be consumed with his thoughts. He couldn’t help but feel bad for Sonic. What kind of Mother lets her children spend their entire lives trapped within the walls of a castle? Shadow knew what it was like living life in a castle, and one could only entertain themselves for so long before they feel like they’re suffocating in the walls of their home. But Shadow felt it important for a ruler to know their subjects, know their kingdom inside and out. How could Sonic be the best king he could be if his Mother wouldn’t even let him outside of the castle? It makes Shadow wonder why Sonic’s mother was letting Sonic come to the Doom Kingdom for a whole six months, but wouldn’t let him leave his own castle? Perhaps it was because Sonic was going from one castle to another.

Is this how Maria feels?

Sonic set the now empty bowl next to him on the counter, and Shadow reached over to grab it before walking to the nearby sink. He took off his gloves and set them to the side, rolling the sleeves of his button-up shirt up to his elbows and got to work washing the dishes he had dirtied. He set each clean dish on the dish towel to the side, and Sonic walked over to stand next to him with a clean towel in hand, picking up a dish and starting dry it.

“You don’t have to do that, Sonic. I’ve got it covered.”

“You cooked for me, the least I can do is help you out with the dishes.” Shadow gave him a thankful look and Sonic gave him a smirk. “I’m not completely helpless.”

“I never said you were.” Shadow went back to keeping his attention on the dishes in the pool of water, scrubbing a soapy sponge on the spoon he was holding. The two worked in a peaceful silence, and Shadow felt like he could stay this way with the man next to him for eternity. He’s never been able to experience something like this before, being able to share something he enjoys with another person.

“Thanks. For the food, I mean. And cheering me up.”

“It was nothing.”

“But it was though. I was wrong to assume such horrible things about you without getting to know you, and I definitely shouldn’t have spoken so badly about you before.”

“It’s okay. I wouldn’t fret over it too much. All is forgiven.” Sonic gave him a kind smile and set the drying towel down on the counter.

“I’m going to return to my chambers for the night. Will I see you at breakfast in the morning?”

“If you wish for me to be present, then yes.” The two smiled at each other once more before Sonic walked out of the kitchen doors.  When Sonic made it back to his room, he went about his nightly routine, brushing his quills and washing his face. After changing into a simple white sleep tunic and white silk shorts, he cozied himself into bed, piling the extra blankets and fixing them so they were just right. He turned the lamp on his nightstand on and grabbed his copy of Robin Hood to open it back up to his bookmarked page. He took a look at the red comforter laid over him, and smiled as he thought about how the color looked like Shadow’s eyes.

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The sun rose into the sky, and Sonic awoke to it just like he did for every day. Olive helped him get ready just as she did every day, and he was relieved to hear that his schedule was completely empty for the day. Maybe he could pay Tails a visit or play with Vanilla’s young daughter for a while.

“Or you could spend time with Shadow.” His mind supplied for him.

Breakfast was quiet, but Sonic found that he didn’t mind, taking the opportunity as a way to eat the plate of French toast in front of him. His mother had decided to lift the diet that morning, and he couldn’t be happier. After breakfast was over, he made his way to the young fox kits workshop.

“Sonic!” He dropped the tools he had in his hands and ran over to wrap Sonic in a tight embrace. Sonic hugged him back, taking a moment to ruffle the young boy’s bangs. He giggled and tried to wriggle out of the older hedgehogs hold. “Stop, you’re messing up my fur.”

“Am I? I’m sorry I didn’t notice.” Sonic wore a cheeky smile as he held the fox in his arms and continued to ruffle his bangs and mess up the fur on the kits head. Tails was full on laughing now, letting out giggle after giggle. 

“Soooniiic! I give in! Cease your fire for chaos’ sake!” Sonic decided that he had had enough and stopped his actions, releasing Tails from his hold.

“Sorry that I couldn’t see you yesterday, bud. I was up to my neck in work.”

“It’s alright, I was busy too. Wouldn’t have been much company.”

“I always appreciate your company, Tails.”

“Thanks, Sonic.” He picked his tools back up and turned to the contraption he had been working on before Sonic walked in. “So, how have you been? Did you meet Prince Shadow yet?”

“I have quite the story for you, buddy.”

Sonic recounted the details of the past two days to Tails, starting from the party all the way up to last night’s events in the kitchen. The yellow fox listened the entire time, his expression changing with each new detail, and Sonic wildly gestured as he told him what happened. After he was done, he let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding and looked at Tails for his opinion.

“There’s so much to unpack here. Who knew that the Ultimate Lifeform was nothing like how the media portrays him.” He sighed and sat back in his stool. “How do you feel about everything? You’ve been dealing with a lot lately.”

“I feel…overwhelmed? I feel stressed, and exhausted, and like nothing has been going my way for a majority of my life.” He huffs out, running a hand through his quills to try and calm himself down. “And the arranged engagement didn’t make anything easier. But…”

“But?” Tails repeated.

“Sonia and Manic came into my room last night and told me that while I was resting before dinner, Shadow had joined them for the end of tea. They said that he wanted to give me time to process everything, and that he let me talk badly about him because he didn’t have anyone to talk to when he was told about the engagement.”

“How does it make you feel that he said that?” Sonic was quiet for several minutes, and Tails found himself starting to get worried until the hedgehog opened his mouth.

“Seen.” He let out a small laugh. “I really appreciate that he did all of that. My life is always on the move, and I don’t ever get a moment to pause and take things in. So, it makes me feel seen and it makes me feel…” He pauses. “It makes me feel like I am a real person.” 

“What about Sonia and Manic? And me? If it means anything, I’ve always thought of you as a real person and not a prince.”

“It means a lot, but that’s just three people out of an entire kingdom, two of which are my siblings and the other is my best friend.” He smiled and ruffled Tails bangs briefly, making the kit giggle. “I guess with Shadow, it’s a little different. You’ll get it when you’re older.”

“I’m eleven and the best inventor and blacksmith in the entire kingdom. I’m plenty mature for my age.”

“Too mature to spend time with your favorite member of the royal family?”

“Never.”  The two laughed together for a moment before Tails spoke up again. “So, how do you feel about Shadow?” The kit smirked as he watched Sonic’s face go from a pleasant shade of peach to a fiery shade of red, stuttering over his words.

“He’s, uhm, nice?” He says hesitantly before continuing. “And he’s sweet…considerate, and I can’t deny that he’s hand-“

A knock on the door sounded and Tails yelled for the person behind the door to come in. The door was opened just enough for the body of the aforementioned ebony furred hedgehog to walk into the workshop.

“Speak of the devil.” Tails snickered and Sonic immediately hid his blushing face in his hands.

“Were you talking about me again, Sonic?” A blue ear twitched in Shadow’s direction and the other hedgehogs voice had a teasing lilt to it.

“No! What ever would make you say that?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. It’s definitely not because I heard you from outside the door.” He responded sarcastically and Sonic felt his face get even hotter, hiding his face even deeper into his gloved hands. “Relax, Sonic. I’m just teasing. But it’s great to know that you find me handsome.” Sonic peeked his head out from his hands, and Shadow winked at him.

“You’re awful.” Sonic complained, voice slightly muffled.

“So I’ve heard.” He shifted his eyes toward the young kit in the room. “Is it possible to speak to the blacksmith?”

“You’re looking at him.” Tails stood up and extended a hand to Shadow. “Miles Prower, but you can just call me Tails.” Shadow grasped the yellow fox’s hand in his, shaking it gently.

“Prince Shadow of the Doom Kingdom. It’s an honor to make your acquaintance.” The kit’s namesakes fluffed up behind him, and Tails had to work extra hard to not let his tails wag.

“So, what can I help you with?”

“I was hoping that you could fix up my sword for me.” He reached his hand over to the holster clipped to the side of his belt, drawing a long sword out of the sheath. The hilt of the sword was a mix of red and black swirled around each other, reminding Tails of a candy cane pattern. But the blade itself was a marvelous black color. Tails found himself in awe staring at it.

“This…this is a Carracks black sword. I’ve never seen one in person before.” Sonic observed the starry eyed look in his younger friend’s eye. “It’s beautiful!” He whispered to himself, gloved paws itching to feel the sword in his grasp. Shadow put the sword back in its scabbard, unclipped it from his belt, and then held it out for the young fox to take.

“I just need it to be sharpened and shined. When can I expect it to be finished?”   

“I could have it done by tomorrow morning, if that’s okay?” Shadow seemed to ponder it for a second before giving the kit a curt nod.

“I’ll be back tomorrow morning then.” He smiled, and Sonic felt his heart stutter for a second. “Sonic, would it be alright if I joined you for tea this afternoon?” Sonic’s mouth opened just a tad due to the shock of the question. He swallowed his breath before responding.

“The more the merrier.”

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He’d been having a perfectly content time, talking with Sonia, Manic, and Shadow in the garden. They had moved spots today, instead of having tea in the gazebo they were all sat on top of a large, checkered picnic blanket. The sun was shining, and the atmosphere had been quite peaceful before he had heard a feminine voice nearby.

“Oh Sonic!” It called. The cobalt hedgehog in question felt his fur stand up, quills sharpening in a meek way of self-defense. He whipped his head around and found it was too late to run. A slightly younger, pink hedgehog was walking towards the group of royalty, a sleeveless, flowy red dress with a white corset sinched around her waist and matching red boots that complimented her dress. She was quickly approaching and waving at the group.

“Uh oh, here comes trouble.” Manic snickered quietly, and Sonic let out a quiet groan to himself that only Shadow seemed to pick up on. The pink hedgehog had no problem making herself at home and sitting right next to Sonic, brushing up against his side and hugging him.  

“I missed you, Sonic! It’s been forever since I’ve seen you.”

“Amy, it’s only been two days.” Sonic eyed the rest of the group as the girl curled further into his side.

“Well, when you get so busy it seems like you’re gone for an eternity.” She whined. “But Olive told me that you had a free schedule today so I figured it would be the perfect time to see you and of course you never stay in one spot for too long either.” She continued to ramble, and Sonic just sat there, hands hovering in place on his lap, anxiously gripping his slacks at the female hedgehog’s actions. Sonia and Manic were giving him shit-eating grins, obviously doing their best to not audibly laugh at the scene in front of them. He glanced at Shadow and the ebony hedgehog was giving him a confused stare. Sonic gave him an apologetic grin, shrugging his shoulders to show that he had no control over this.

“-and then my mother told me that your mother had told us that a big event was coming up, but she wouldn’t tell me what it was. I mean I’m the one who makes all of your best outfits for everything, and she wouldn’t even tell me what it was but kept saying that I should talk to you about it.” She pulled away from his side, placing her hands on his shoulders and staring into his eyes, an excited smile on her face. “So, what’s this big event that’s happening next summer?” Sonic gulped and let out a nervous chuckle.

“You see, Amy…um….it’s my uh,” He found himself sweating and brought a finger to the cuff of his white silk turtleneck, pulling it to the side to allow him a little more breathing room. Luckily, Amy interrupted him before he could speak again.  

“Also, you’ve been very rude today! You haven’t even introduced me to your new friend.” She gestured a hand toward Shadow. It seemed the ebony hedgehog decided to take the opportunity and end Sonic’s suffering. Or make it longer depending on which way you looked at it. He gently took her hand in his, kissing the back of it and smiling at her.

“Prince Shadow of the Doom Kingdom. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Oh my, another prince in the castle? How exciting! What brings you to our kingdom, your Highness?” Shadow took that as his golden opportunity to act. He stood up, brushing himself off before going to Sonic’s other side, bending down to softly kiss his cheek and then staring at the shocked look on Amy’s face.

“Our engagement brought me here.” He moved his gaze back to Sonic, deep crimson staring into emerald. “I’ll see you at dinner, darling.” And with those last words, Shadow walked away from the group.

Sonic turned back to see his siblings had amused and disbelieved looks on their faces, but Amy looked absolutely heartbroken. What do you even say to a girl who’s had her heart set on you for the last several years?

“Surprise?”