*Sonic's POV*
What could I say? I didn't want to lie to Shadow. He was my friend, what if one day he finds out the truth? He will hate me for lying to him.

"We actually know each other because I used to hate not being able to help the civilians." Shadow looked behind me, and I turned to see Sally. "I wanted to be like him and fight against Eggman. That's where I met Sonic and Tails." Thanks for the save, Sally. "We actually dated for a little while, so please drop the formality."

"You dated a princess?" Shadow looked at me with a brow raised. "Now it makes sense how you know the triplets." Chaos, I hadn't thought that far ahead. I'm glad it worked. Now he won't ask anymore questions.

"Sorry, it's a habit now. I'm sorry." I chuckled at Sally. "Say, where's the triplets and the queen?"

"They should be here soon, Maurice was having a bit of a problem with his mask." Sally pointed at her face. "It seems it was fitting him a bit small, but they managed to find a replacement." If things went south, I already planned on killing Scourge.

"Why does the prince insist on wearing a mask?" Shadow had the courage to ask Sally. To my surprise, that's when Sally turned on her royal attitude.

"It is not your place to question why he chooses to wear a mask." She placed her hands at her hips.

"Right. My apologies." Shadow apologized with a light bow, placing his hand at his stomach while he did so and one on his back. It was strange seeing him this way.

Kind of attractive. But this is not the place to think about that, Sonic!

"It was nice seeing you again, Sally." I smiled and waved at her as I dragged Shadow away, wrapping my arm on his as we walked together.

"What the hell are you doing, Faker?" Shadow secretively glared at me. I waved my hand so he could come closer to where our faces were close to each other, and he could hear me whisper.

"Maybe it's best if I go talk to the queen myself and the triplets. Check out things first before I introduce you." I explained once Shadow leaned down. He stayed quiet, then nodded and moved his arm away from me. He dusted himself off as if I had dirt on my hands and fixed his suit.

"Fine. Go." It was all it took for me to start walking in direction to where I saw my mother and siblings walking in. Scourge actually looked like me.

"My queen." I bowed down when I was in front of my mother, Manic, Sonia, and Scourge holding in a laugh, but I had to play along. "It's a pleasure."

My mother smiled and nodded her head, then started walking with me and the others to a more quiet place. Once we were out of reach from anyone to hear, I dropped the act. "I am supposed to introduce you to Shadow and lie that G.U.N. has sent him to check out the castle and make sure you guys are okay and safe and that everything is in order." I quickly explained. "Just play along when I bring him over."

"Any news from Tails?" Sonia asked me.

"I hate this. How can you wear these things when you're here?" Scourge said as he tugged at the collar on the suit.

"I know. It sucks and the mask makes it hard to breathe. Deal with it." I looked at Sonia. "No news yet. He's near G.U.N. and tracking the commander to see if he meets with the one who paid him."

"He usually works fast. Why hasn't he found anything?" Manic spoke.

"I don't know. I am going to go over later tonight to talk about the situation." I sighed then turned when the music stopped. "I should go back to Shadow before he suspects anything. I'll be back with him soon. Scourge, don't say anything to anyone. Stay quiet, or the act is up."

"Fine." He crossed his arms, and I left. Shadow was talking with one of the guards and stopped when he saw me, then walked to me. We met each other halfway.

"Anything?" He asked, but I shook my head.

"No. He's with his siblings and the queen. There's no way we can get to him tonight. But I can introduce you after their speech." I offered.

"Okay." Shadow answered. We saw my family go up a balcony and look down at all of us as my mother and my uncle gave their speeches, thanking everyone who was here for coming and for helping them to keep the kingdom safe.

She mentioned Shadow and me as her special guests, which took both of us off guard. This wasn't something we had discussed, but it worked since now everyone was aware we were here, and with how popular we both were, eyes would be on us all night. Preventing Shadow from finding a way to take off the mask from Scourge. Good play, mom.

"Queen Aleena, I introduce you Shadow the Hedgehog." I said as we stood in front of my family.

"A pleasure." Shadow bowed down to her, then stood back up after a second. "The agency has dispatched me to your castle to ensure all is in order and your family remains secure."

"Of course, G.U.N. always trying to keep everyone safe. You are welcome to do so at any time." Shadow got the approval he needed to come back again a second time, this time without an event going on. "We do have guards at every corner of the castle, I hope that's not an issue."

"None at all." Shadow nodded at her.

"We will see you then, your majesty." I interlocked my arm with Shadow's, then walked back down the stairs.

"If you keep holding me like this, they're going to get the wrong idea, Hedgehog." Shadow quietly said with a low growl once we were far enough from my family.

"Would that be so bad?" I shrugged with a playful smirk.

"You're an idiot." Shadow pulled away once we were off the stairs.

"Relax, it was just to look more formal to them." I chuckled and walked to the doors. "We should get going. We already got the approval we needed to come back."

I said, wanting to leave already, knowing I needed to come back and switch spots with Scourge. He was struggling, and I could see it.