Chapter Text
It hadn’t been long since King Arthur’s true identity was revealed to the Knights of the Round Table, and even sooner, to all of Camelot. As word spread, the kingdom fell into a deep tense atmosphere, holding their breath at the prospect of a new ruler. Fear had taken root, for years under the shadowy manifest of Merlina’s magic, terrorizing the citizens at nearly every turn. And as King Arthur’s coronation came and went, it only grew exponentially as the people, high noble and mere peasants alike, couldn’t help but wonder if their new king would be just as tyrannical. Should the new reign begin a new era, only time will tell.
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Sonic, the royal blue hedgehog, who had seemed to find himself in a strange and unexpected role. No longer was he and adventure, nor even a lowly knight of the wind itself, but a king. And yet, the title felt meaningless. Despite his best efforts to get through to Merlina, the wizard in shame, vanished without a trace, leaving Sonic without a way back home. Although the setback wasn’t something he had planned for, he wasn’t too worried- he'd see his friends again, he was sure of it. Still, the thought of leaving Camelot in ruins didn’t sit right with him. So, he set off to help rebuild the kingdom anew.
Taking on the task was not easy, and the townspeople did not trust him at first. But, with a kind smile and surprising patience of the brave knight, it was all worth it. He could still remember the peace that settled over that day—the way everyone celebrated not only their freedom from the false king, but also each other. In that moment, Sonic felt the closest he may ever have been to home. It all felt like a blur now to the newly crowned king, as days rolled into months. He soon felt just about claustrophobic, despite the large-scale size of the entire castle.
The idea of ruling didn’t sit well with him, the blue hedgehog could never imagine himself with the power over others at the palm of his hands. Sonic was never made to be in one place all the time, and he itched for the chance to run where the wind took him. He’d never been one for long stays- especially not in a castle surrounded by people who believed him to rule. The constant presence of guards, knights, servants, and townspeople was downright suffocating. It seemed everyone expected something of him, the pressure was as relentless as it was weighing, and the king for himself adapting eyebags soon enough. It wasn’t like that Sonic minded authority. But he had spent countless years defying it—saving people from tyrants, resisting oppressive forces wherever they came. But this? This is different. The kingdom, for all its glory had a certain sense of weight Sonic couldn’t just ignore. There was something about this kingdom that compelled him to stay, a gut feeling his adventures here didn’t end upon defeating Merlina. He wasn’t sure what would come, but he was sure that until it did, he would teach these people there is more to life than needing a king.
It was early morning, long before the sun could wake. As shoes met wood, the floors slowly creaked under Sonic’s weight as he ventured along the large corridors. He made his way towards the kitchen, steering clear of servants up at ungodly hours such as himself. The kitchen, like many parts of the castle, was huge, perfect for numerous cooks and cleaners, perfect for a king. The very thought always soured his mood. So, he focused on his main objective instead.
It was almost too easy Sonic couldn’t help but think, as he finally made it to a door near the side of the castle, closest to the back. Slipping away from the wooden door, he peered behind himself as he walked forwards, not fully paying attention to what was in front of him.
As the blue hedgehog rounded the corner, he came face-to-face with a familiar shade of ruby red. Freezing like a kid caught sneaking sweets, Sonic instinctively took a step back before straightening up. Getting caught sneaking away wasn’t something new since his coronation—in fact, it happened about as often as the earth spun. Usually, it would be any knight that happened to pass by, but more often than not, it was the most stubborn of them all: Sir Gawain. While respected and even enjoyed pestering, watching the other fumble around, it always irked him how easily Gawain managed to find him. He had hoped for just a moment of leisure—some freedom from responsibility—but it seemed like the knight was hell-bent on crushing that hope beneath the weight of giant fists.
“Your majesty.”
The sudden call startled Sonic back into focus, shock quickly wearing off as he crossed his arms. Gawain gave a curt bow as he once again spoke,
“Forgive my intrusion, but what are you doing outside at this hour?”
A blue ear flickered in irritation. Sonic wanted to fire back a cocky quip, a sarcastic remark even—but fortunately for the loyal knight, it was far too early for that.
“Just goin’ for a walk. I won’t be far.” He responded instead.
“You know you can just call me Sonic, Gawain. C’mon, get up.”
Sonic huffed. He wasn’t truly upset with Gawain, but he could never get used to people bowing to him. It felt almost... demeaning.
“My apologies your majesty.” Was the only response he got in return, which only made Sonic huff again in exasperation.
That rough edge in Gawain’s voice was more noticeable than usual. Sonic had a feeling he’d been awake all night on patrol.
The conversation died from there, with both the king and his knight staring at each other, both equally exhausted. Moments like these made Sonic fidget. He hated standing still, even more so under the weight of that unwavering, stoic gaze. Gawain barely moved, as if he were a statue carved from the very stone of the castle itself. The only sign of life was the slow rise and fall of his chest, each exhale sending faint puffs of smoke into the cool morning air.
Then, just as steadily as his breathing, Gawain shifted, clearing his throat.
“If I may speak freely,” He requested, making no move to continue until Sonic gave his approval.
Sonic had a feeling where this might go, and for a split second, he was tempted to say no.
“You may.”
“If you do not return by sunrise, you will be late for your meeting with Lady Nimue.”
Gawain turned slightly, his gaze shifting towards the ocean behind the castle. Sonic followed his line of sight, finally noticing the moon sinking lower, nearly vanishing beneath the line where sky met sea. The darkness was already fading, streaks of color beginning to paint the sky. If he was judging the time right, he’d maybe have ten minutes left for that walk.
A tired sigh escaped his lips as Gawain turned back to face him, Sonic’s gaze still turned to the setting moon.
“I suppose you’re right... Thank you Gawain.”