*Shadow's POV*
"Breaking news from the royal palace today as Prince Maurice and Princess Sally have officially announced their engagement! In a statement released just moments ago, the couple shared their joy, saying they are "incredibly excited" to start this new chapter of their lives together.

No official date has been set for the wedding yet, but palace sources suggest it could be as soon as next week. Stay tuned for more updates on this royal love story!"

It was all over the news the next morning, and I couldn't escape it. It was already on billboards, on newspapers, on magazines, it was everything everyone was talking about. News traveled fast around here, especially when it came to the royal family.

“Hey.” Rouge said softly as she walked inside my home, closing the door behind her and turning off the TV. "I figured you might need some company."

I didn’t respond. My gaze fixed straight at the TV, which just moments ago was showing pictures of the two of them. Of course, Sonic was wearing that ridiculous mask. On the table in front of me lay the day’s headlines, Maurice the Hedgehog to Marry Princess Sally.

Rouge sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. “You okay?” It seemed like she was asking me that every 5 minutes lately.

"I'm fine." I muttered, though I knew my clenched fists told a different story. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Rouge stepped closer, sitting beside me. "Because it’s Sonic. And you’re not one to hide things well when it comes to him."

I closed my eyes, my voice quieter now. "It doesn’t matter, Rouge. He’s free to do whatever he wants."

She raised an eyebrow, sensing the weight in my words. “It’s not about that, though, is it? You’re not angry. You’re -”

“I’m not anything.” I cut her off, though the edge in my voice faltered. "It's just surprising, that's all."

Rouge stayed silent for a moment, giving me space. "Look, Shadow. You don’t have to pretend with me. I know how much you he meant to you. Even if you decided not to give him another chance."

“It’s too late for that now.” I could hear how weak I sounded.

"Maybe," Rouge said, her voice gentle. "But it's not too late to be honest with yourself. Whatever you're feeling... it's okay."

My shoulders tensed for a moment before relaxing slightly. I didn’t say anything, but Rouge could tell her words had sunk in.

“I’ll be here if you need me,” she said softly, getting up to leave. “Just don’t let this eat you up, okay?” As Rouge walked out, I stared at the empty space beside me, the spot where Sonic had fallen asleep on me.

I looked down at my hand, holding the bracelet he had made me. I couldn't control my anger, my sadness, so I ripped it apart. The beads falling all over the floor, the sound of them bouncing filled the room.

*Sonic's POV*
"Whoa. What?" I took a step back when Rouge walked into our office, locked the door, removed my mask, and slapped me. "Wha - Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hold it." I said while raising my hands in a defense matter once I saw her raise her fist. "What's going on?"

"I already knew this was coming." Sonia crossed her arms. "This is about Shadow, isn't it?" My ears perked up.

"What? I haven't even talked to him!" I gasped when she still went for the punch on the face. I didn't try to stop her, but I did take a step back. "What did I do?!"

"You're getting married." Rouge crossed her arms. "Did you stop to think how this could affect Shadow? Of course you didn't." I dropped my ears. My siblings remained silent.

"Rouge. I am getting married to protect Sally. It's an arranged marriage. It's not like I want to." I explained. "There's no other way to keep her safe unless we defeat Eggman. I have absolutely no feelings for her."

"What?" Rouge dropped her hands together her sides. "Why didn't you say that before we found out about it on the news?" She raised her voice.

"Because I didn't even have time! I have been extra busy now, with G.U.N. with the plans now, I am all over the place. By the time I woke up this morning, my mother had announced it to everyone." I defended myself.

"It's true, Sally and Sonic did use to date, but they're just friends now. The marriage is purely just to keep her safe." Manic spoke up, and I nodded.

Rouge stayed quiet, then pinched the bridge of her nose, looking rather irritated. "Im sorry, Blue."

"It's okay. I know you were just doing this for Shadow." I stayed quiet for a bit longer. "I didn't think he'd care..." I said lowly. I was surprised to hear it and somewhat happy but also hurting just imagining how Shadow must be feeling. "Go explain to him what's going on. Please."

"Why don't you go talk to him?" Rouge crossed her arms. "You two made up."

"We did. I just think it's best if we stay away from each other. Rouge. I really don't want to hurt him, and yet I keep doing it." I pinned my ears down. "Just tell him I am sorry, okay?" She stayed quiet and walked away without even nodding or shaking her head. She just left without giving me an answer.

"I like her." Manic laughed quietly, then walked to me and patted my back. "He's a big guy. He will be okay. Don't worry about him."

"Manic is right, dont worry about Shadow. Why dont you just go home and take the day to relax?" Sonia offered, and I nodded.

"Yeah. I guess so." I sighed and walked home. Not even in the mood for running.