Chapter Text
Silver swiped away the hand that was shaking him awake, turning over on his side and snuggling into the blankets more. Groggily, he spoke.
“Five more minutes..”
Silver felt the mattress shift as weight was placed on it. Instead of an offending hand rudely waking him, he felt that same hand gently caress his quills. Silver arched his back as he leaned into the touch.
“Come on, Silver. You know you can’t stay here.” A feminine voice spoke, coaxing him awake. “Blaze is probably waiting for you.”
At the mention of his wife, Silver sighed, rolled over to face his lover. Seeing the sight of a large, orange Echidna woman towering over him. He groaned as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing his face into her stomach.
“Can’t I just stay for a while longer?” Silver begged.
She sighed as she gently pried SIlver off her. “Come on, it’s almost time for the servants to make their rounds.”
Silver huffed as he stretched a little before he got up off the bed with great reluctance. Silver hated having to get up so early. Sometimes he wished he could sleep in and not move. Of course, the life of royalty is far different then the one he once had. Silver turned to see his lover, getting up and brushing herself off as she headed towards the bathroom. Silver caught her before she closed the door, throwing his arms around her in a tight hug.
“I really wish I could just sleep in and lounge in bed with you.” Silver sighed. “It’s hard not having moments like this, Shade.”
She chuckled, placing her hand over Silver’s. “Savour them instead of whining. Now go, you still haven’t kissed her wife awake yet.”
Silver pouted that Shade didn’t seem to take his concern seriously but he knew that wasn’t true. She was just being cautious, their whole relationship isn’t exactly normal nor would anyone understand.
“Can I at least get a kiss?” Silver loosened his grip on her.
Shade turned so she could face him, Silver would be lying if he didn’t like how tall Shade was compared to him. Towering over him whether she be standing or sitting down. She leaned down and they shared a brief kiss before she pried his hands off her. Turning him around and gently pushing him forward.
“Now go greet your wife, we’ll see eachother later.” Shade urged.
Silver chuckled but he went on his way, heading to a section of bare wall and pressed on it. The wall pressed inward and he pulled it to the side. The secret door opened to a thin corridor but before he left, SIlver took one last look into Shade’s room before he closed the door and made the long way back to his own room.
It was actually a complete accident that Silver discovered this before Blaze informed him that the palace had many of these secret passages in cases where it would be prudent to use them in cases of an invasion. This happened to be one of the only passages that connected directly to the royal bedchamber. A small blessing for Silver, having to be able to see his lover in secret without the servants knowing. The only cost was some walking in tight quarters and a set of stairs.
When Silver reached the end, he opened the secret entrance to his and Blaze’s room. he wasn’t at all surprised to see Blaze still in bed. Carefully as he could, he sneaked back into bed and wrapped his arms around Blaze. This stirred the purple cat as she groaned and shifted her body to where she was facing Silver directly.
“Had a good night?” Blaze asked.
Silver kissed her and smiled. “The best night, only I didn’t really want to leave.”
Blaze smiled, caressing his cheek. “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”
Silver didn’t say anything, just held his wife close to him. Although he wished he could stay and cuddle Shade longer, he still adored coming back and holding Blaze like this.
Time seemed to slow as the two embraced, reality only came knocking when the door was opened, Silver and Blaze sat up. Blaze took a moment to wake herself up as a couple of servants entered the room with a couple of trays full of food. The servants set the trays on a nearby table, and another one approached them.
“Morning your majesties!” The smiling Koala greeted them both. “I have here a list of things that have come up and are in need of your attention.”
They give the bundle of papers to Blaze. She nods her head. “Thank you, we’ll get around to these.
At that, the Koala and the other two servants left and closed the door. Silver gave an exaggerated sigh as he leaned his head onto Blaze’s shoulder as she looked through the papers.
“Duty never fails to call.”
“Being the rulers of an entire kingdom can do that.” Blaze nudged her husband.
Silver took the cue and got up off the bed, heading to the table and sitting down. Silver loved that breakfast was served like this, saved having to hobble down to the dining room each morning. Especially since Silver didn’t like the idea of stumbling down the hall and some stairs just to eat this early. He dug into his breakfast of warm oatmeal and toast as Blaze continued to be enthralled by reading. His ear tweaked towards the door, hearing some faint steps. As he looked over, the door burst open and with barely any time to register as two bodies were flung towards him.
Startled but Silver managed to thrust his hand out and with his telekinesis- stopping two children mid-air. Taking a moment to calm his racing heart as the offenders giggled, pleased with their attempt.
“Almost got you that time, Dad.” Said the white cat.
“Yeah, I almost landed on you!” Said the orange hedgehog.
Blaze chuckled. “You certainly caught him off guard, I assume you both planned it?” She eyed the boys curiously as she got up from the bed.
“Yep! It was all Fade’s idea.” The white cat said. “He said dad would be so busy eating that he wouldn’t be able to use his mind powers.”
“I know she argued against me on this…” Silver used his other hand to flick the door closed. “but you are definitely your mother’s child.” Silver chuckled as he gently floated his children over to him and onto his lap.
The pair cuddled up against their father. Blaze smiled at sight as she took her seat at the table. Silver hugged the boys close before asking them. “I’m surprised you’re both up early. Did you both even sleep at all?”
“Not really, Ash kept waking me up.” Fade huffed.
“Well I couldn’t sleep! Momma Shade said she was going to take us out today.” Ash exclaimed.
“Oh? I didn’t know that.” Blaze spoke up.
“Yeah, she said it’s going to be a fun evening for us!” Ash visibly buzzing with joy.
“Hmm, how strange then that you are here and not with her.” Blaze pondered.
Silver eyed his boys curiously. “Yeah, usually she’s pretty punctual when she plans something…”
Ash and Fade then looked shaken, suddenly avoiding eye contact with their father. Silver smiled and shook his head at them. “Well, until then you both can stay here.”
Ash and Fade relaxed, getting off of Silver’s lap and running towards the bed. The two boys launched themself onto, giggling with glee as they jumped on the plush mattress.
“Shade will not be happy when she finds them here.” Blaze noted as she nibbled at her breakfast.
“She is already on her way here.” Silver chuckled.
Blaze just shrugged and kept eating her food. Silver scooted his chair closer to his wife, taking her hand in his and squeezing it. Blaze returned the squeeze, Silver was done eating so he just sat there, watching Blaze. His purple wife didn’t seem to care, used to this by now after being married for 8 years.
The quiet moment was interrupted by the door suddenly slamming open, everyone’s attention turned to the large, imposing echidna woman as the door slowly closed behind her. The two boys immediately stopped their merriment and froze on the bed. Blaze and Silver just shook their heads as Shade made her way over to the boys.
Hands on her hips, she glared down at the boys. “I will give you 10 seconds to explain yourselves.”
Without missing the beat the boys started yammering in unison. “We just wanted to prank dad and hang out here- we’re sorry!”
Shade sneered at their excuses. “Disgraceful, you both were supposed to be waiting in your room, all ready to go.” She stomped her foot on the ground, her heavy boot shaking the ground. “You will march yourselves back to your room and get ready. Let’s go, go, I don't have all morning to wait for you both!”
The pair did not waste time as they hopped their parent’s bed and rushed out the room. Shade huffed, severely disappointed in the boys.
“That’s my Drill sergeant.” Silver cooed as he got up and hugged Shade.
She was caught off guard by her lover’s sudden display of affection. Her eyes darted to the closed bedroom door before she relaxed. Patting the smaller hedgehog on the back, mindful of the quills.
“Sorry the boys disturbed you both, I swear I’m trying to teach them discipline.” Shade apologized.
“Ah they’re just excited.” Silver assured his lover.
“Besides, they are only 5 and 4 years old. Children that age are allowed to act like that.” Blazed reminded her.
Shade shook her head. “I disagree, I was not such an undisciplined child. I followed rules set by my commanding officer and did not behave as they do. Trust me, they will do well to learn some discipline.”
Blaze tightened her hand into a fist, trying to keep a cool and even expression. She was about to argue Shade’s point but then she remembered Silver was right there. She sighed and simply said. “Do as you wish then..”
Shade bowed her head before she pried Silver off her. “I’ll be taking them out for most of the morning. Most likely to be back before lunch is to be served.”
“We’ll see you then!” Silver waved her off as Shade left the room. Silver then turned back and rejoined Blaze at their little table. Blissfully unaware of the tension between his wife and his lover.
It took some time due to the boys being so disorganized, but they managed to make it to the coastline some way away from the palace. The boys were running ahead, playing tag while Shade watched them. She was annoyed that this cut in on the time she wanted to have with them, she will have to give them a lecture about punctuality when they return to the palace. For now, Shade watched them.
Fade was great at evading his half-brother, expertly dodging out of the way. Ash growled, frustrated as he kept missing Fade. Eventually the small grey cat had enough and reached his hand out, intending to grab the Orange hedgehog but instead a orange flame gathered around his hand. Shade immediately acted, rushing forward as she grabbed Ash's hand and moved it away just as a bolt of flame shot forth. Scorching a large piece of deadwood. Silence fell as Ash looked horrified at what he nearly done, Fade looked scared as well.
Shade let go of the Ash's hand, standing up and crossing her arms. Glaring down at the scared cat but saying nothing. Ash trembled as he looked up at her towering form.
“I-I'm sorry! I was trying to use my telekinesis! I wasn't trying to hurt him.” Ash cried.
Shade remained silent, her gaze never weavering even as Ash started to cry. Fade rushed to his half-brother's aid, holding him gently.
“He didn't mean it mom, honest!” Fade pleaded as he spoke to his mother.
Shade scoffed and continued walking away from the two boys. “You will learn to control your powers or prove useless in what you inherited.”
Ash hiccuped, rubbing his eyes as he solemnly followed Shade. Fade kept pace, holding the crying cat's hand as they walked in silence. However loud Ash cried, Shade steeled her heart and refused to look back. Shade remembered when her commanding officer scolded her failures and her abilities hurting a fellow soldier. When she cried, they offered no comfort or calming words. They didn't sugarcoat anything, they gave her the cold, hard facts. She took those words to heart and improved so that she could be better. Ash will have to learn as she did otherwise she had little hope for him claiming the throne.
“Hey Shade!”
A peppy voice pulled Shade from her deep contemplation. Getting into a combat ready stance before she saw who called her, relaxing as she saluted a Raccoon woman.
“Evening, General Marine.”
Marine giggled as she stood in front of Shade. “Just Marine is fine.”
Shade pursed her lips, informalities weren't really something indulged in. “I will refrain from such.”
Marine rolled her eyes, choosing not to argue over it. “Well, anyways, how are you guys doing?”
Marine looked to the two boys, frowning slightly at how upset Ash looked. She looked to Shade for an explanation.
“He almost incinerated my son.” Shade said plainly, earning a shocked look from Marine. “The Disaster was averted, only real casualty was a piece of deadwood.”
“Yeah but… are they okay?” Marine asked as she kneeled down and looked the boys over.
“Yes, there is no need to fuss over them.” Shade assured Marine.
Marine could see how upset Ash looked and how distressed Fade was as he rubbed their back. Marine put a hand on Ash's shoulder and smiled. “Hey, it's okay. Just be careful next time.”
Her words didn't seem to phase Ash, he just nodded but his mood didn't improve. Marine frowned, getting back up and leading Shade away. “Just gotta talk with Shade for a moment. Be back!”
The boys just nodded as Marine and Shade walked a bit away from them. Turning to face Shade. “Ash looks really upset, you sure he's alright?”
Shade raised a brow. “Why wouldn't he be? Nothing is wrong with him physically, if he has an emotional issue then that is for him to deal with.”
Marine sighed. “Look, I know you grew up in a pretty bad situation but I don't think Blaze or Silver will appreciate you parenting their son.”
Shade rolled her eyes. “If they doesn't like my parenting style then they can tell me themselves. As it stands, the way Blaze coddles that kid will lead to him hurting a vast amount of people if he can't control his powers.”
“While I understand that… I don't think that's for you to decide.” Marine argued. “He's not your kid, he's the heir to the Sol Empire and if that's how your parenting your own… I have some concerns.”
Shade narrowed her eyes at Marine and leaned closer to her, causing the Raccoon to step back. “Professionally speaking, It is none of your business. Personally? Stay in your own lane.”
Shade walked away from Marine in an angry huff. The boys seeing her, immediately run after her, continuing their walk. Marine just watched and sighed. “Blaze isn't going to like this…”