DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Ema was still feeling giddy from the experience with the ball the night before that she almost felt like dancing as she came into the dinging room for breakfast.
"Well, looks like you're still in a joyful mood," King Stephon said as she practically glide in.
Ema blushed with embarrassment, even as she noticed Natsume and Emily both poke their heads out from behind their chairs.
"I can't help it, it was so magical!" Ema insisted as she went and took her place next to her grandfather. "What about you Natsume? And Emily? Did you have a good time?"
"Yeah," Natsume assured her, "Some of your relatives seemed interested in helping me possibly setting a branch of my company here in the future, especially if the Elence based game is a success."
"Let me guess, Regina and Wilton?" Stephon asked, "those two are always looking for a quick way to make more money."
"Yes, I sort of got that impression," Natsume agreed, "but, it wouldn't be a bad idea if the game is indeed successful. And It wouldn't hurt to maybe expand a little."
"Well, here's hoping the Elence game is a success then," King Stephon said, "it'd be nice if there was an excuse for you to come back that would help benefit you too."
"I think I could handle just coming back to visit from time to time," Natsume assured him.
"Good, I'd like that," Ema spoke up, "I'd miss you too much."
"Thanks Ema," Natsume said kindly. Emily could see a little glint in his eye as he looked at her and spoke.
'Hmm,' she thought.
"And we can maybe get to know each other better Miss Emily," Ema said, suddenly bringing Emily out of her thought.
"Oh, yes, I'd like that Princess!" she quickly replied. She did like the sweet innocent smile Ema gave her.
The four were suddenly distracted by the sound of moaning as Hikaru came stumbling into the dinging room holding his head.
"Hikaru, are you alright?!" Ema asked in alarm.
"Never try and challenge Miss Heather Cook to a drinking contest," Hikaru said in between moans.
"That's for sure," Kaname agreed as he also came in holding his head. Heather walked in behind them smirking.
"Try to warn you boys," she calmly and peaceful.
"You are a woman of many talents," Hikaru praised taking her hand. Heather smiled back and gently led him to a chair, helping him to sit down.
"I'll get you a bloody Mary to help," she whispered, "along with your brother."
"Thank you," Hikaru said, kissing her hand.
"Figures you two would end up hungover," Natsume scolded, "you do that practically every big event you go to!"
"Natsume, please be quite. I'm trying to meditate and ask the spirits to help ease our pain," Kaname said as he sat with his eyes closed, rubbing his forehead.
"I'm surprised a holy man like you would indulge in such things like drinking Kaname," King Stephon said, slightly sternly.
"Oh, come now Uncle, what's wrong with wanting to enjoy the blood of Christ once and a while?" Howard suddenly asked as he came into the room, covering his eyes. Elizabeth was behind him.
"Howard! Not again!" King Stephon muttered, "it always amazes me you took a path to the church like you did!"
"What better path for a person who tends to sin than one of righteousness? It's helps me to learn forgiveness," Howard insisted as he took a seat on the same side of the table as Kaname and Hikaru.
"I like the way this guy thinks," Kaname said.
"You would," Elizabeth said as she sat down next to him. She looked him over, "how are you feeling? In all honesty?"
"In all honesty? I am feeling better," Kaname assured her, "I'm just glad you're not suffering my lady. It pays to not drink sometimes doesn't it?"
"Yes," Elizabeth insisted sternly. She still took his plate and helped fill it with some food.
"You're too kind my lady," Kaname praised.
"Did you all at least enjoy yourselves at the ball?" Ema asked eagerly.
"Oh most assuredly dear Ema!" Hikaru eagerly insisted, "it was a marvelous!"
"Yes, it was great Ema!" Kaname also insisted, "I hope I get to attend another sometime again."
"I'm sure they'll be some in the future," King Stephon said.
"I have to agree Uncle," Howard said, "it seems we have much more to celebrate in the future."
"Do you agree my dear?" King Stephon asked Ema.
"I think I'd like that Grandfather," Ema said happily.
Just then she noticed Richard walked in looking a little somber. He walked over to the king and whispered in his ear. King Stephon's eyes widen at whatever it was Richard was telling him.
"Oh my!" King Stephon muttered.
"Grandfather, is everything ok?" Ema asked timidly.
"Well, it's looks like something may have happened to Robert," Stephon said softly.
He stood up in haste.
"Robert?" Howard asked in alarm as he too stood up.
"Yes, I, I should go and see to the matter," Stephon said as he headed to the exit of the dinging room.
"Grandfather wait!" Ema shouted as she ran after him.
"Ema!" Howard also called out as he followed. Kaname also follwed.
"I wonder what happened to him," Natsume asked softly.
"Didn't I see him being escorted out by two of your brothers and a gaurd last night at the ball?" Heather asked.
"Yes, I think he was," Hikaru concured, "and now it appears as though there was more to it than that."
"Grandfather!" Ema called out as she raced to keep up.
"Ema, I should really get going!" Stephon waved her off.
"I know, I want to go with you!" Ema insisted.
At that the king finally turned around.
"I don't know if that would be a good idea, my dear."
"But Grandfather!" Ema tried to protest.
"Uncle, if I may, I think you should let her," Howard interrupted, "I can't help but think you should allow to go along. She's your biggest strength at the moment. You could probably use the support with whatever has happened."
"Well, alright, I suppose," King Stephon reluctantly agreed, "come along Ema."
"Are we off to somewhere Grandfather?" Louis suddenly asked as he seem to be coming down the stairs.
"Oh Louis, you need not worry!" Stephon tried to insist, but stopped himself. "well then again, if your sister is coming, I'm on my way to Robert's home. Something seems to have happened to him. I'm not too sure on the whole story as of yet. Only that when he came home last night he was in a terrible fit that the staff had to call a doctor. That's all Richard could tell me."
"Oh my!" Louis said alarmed, "yes, I'll go with you too Grandfather, as a means of support."
"Thank you, both of you," King Stephon reluctantly said, though kindly.
"May I go along too, Grandfather?" Kaname asked as he joined, "if only to maybe offer up prayers for the man?"
"I was about to ask the same thing for the same reason," Howard added.
"Oh very well," the king allowed, "let's just get going."
Ema followed behind her grandfather when she suddenly felt a familiar weight on her shoulder.
"Juli is that you?" Ema asked as she look over. "Oh Bernard!"
"I heard the king talking that something happened to Robert. Mind if I tag along?"
"Not at all," Ema agreed az she rubbed his head.
"Thank you Chi," Bernard thanked.
The limo drive was quiet and tense as everyone drove to Robert's estate. Ema kept squeezing her grandfather's hand. She wondered what he was thinking or feeling in regards to whatever it was that had happened to Robert. Despite everything, he had known Robert all his life and he was still his nephew. There might be still some affection for the man as a member of his family.
Soon the limo came to a stop and Ema looked out to see the darkest looking house she had ever seen.
"I don't mean to judge, but it seems like the house reflexs much of Robert's attitude," Louis spoke up.
"A dwelling may sometimes have that affect," King Stephon said as he got out of the car. Ema, her brothers and cousin all followed, with Bernard still on Ema's shoulder.
As the group came up the door, it waz opened by a butler who looked grim.
Inside the hallway was another grim looking gentleman
"Thank you for coming your majesty," he said as he bowed.
"Yes, of course," King Stephon said, "You know my granddaughter Ema, my adopted grandsons Louis and Kaname and my nephew Howard. This Mr. Travis Greenland, manager of Robert's estate."
"Yes, of course, welcome," Mr. Greenland said, bowing.
"How is he?" King Stephon asked in a no nonsense voice.
Mr. Greenland sighrd heavily. "I'm afraid it's not good. Follow me please."
"Why wasn't he moved to a hospital?" Louis asked as they followed Mr. Greenland.
"There was nothing that could be done," a man in a lab coat said as he walked past looking over some notes and holding a black doctor bag. "Whatever happened to him, it had already done its damage. That's why I decided to just let him stay here where he can at least be comfortable."
"I see, that's kind of you Dr. Zachary," King Stephon said as he and the others were led outside to the terrace. There they saw Robert sitting in a wheelchair, his head slouched over, and a slight drool coming out of his mouth. His face was almost lifeless.
"Oh dear," Ema said softly as she gasped.
"What's his condition Doctor?" King Stephon asked.
"He basically brain dead," Dr. Zachary explained, "he cannot speak. He can barley move his limbs. Nor does he seem to react to most sounds and movements; observe."
He walked over and snapped his fingers in front of Robert's face. The man didn't even seem to flinch. He just let out a moan.
"Well, that is sad," Kaname said softly.
"Is there anything that can be done for him?" King Stephon asked.
"No, it's permanent and irreversible," Dr. Zachary insisted, "of course if his majesty would like a second opinion from a hospital doctor, we can still arrange to have him transferred."
"No, that won't be neccisarry, I trust your judgement," King Stephon insisted. "Do you know what caused it?"
"As far as I can tell, it seems like a toxin of some kind he digested," Dr. Zachary explained.
"A toxin?" Richard whispered, "I'll have to talk to Billy, Masaomi and Yusuke when we return to the palace."
King Stephon meanwhile moved closer to Robert and examined him closer. Everyone could barely make out Robert's eyes shit a little towards his uncle.
"Robert?" he said as he waved his hand in front of his nephew. Robert just moaned.
"You've really done it now, haven't you? How long do you supposed he has doctor?"
"Hard to say, could be an hour from now, or years down the road," said Dr. Zachary, "but this is his fate from now on."
"Oh my," Ema said as she too came towards Robert, "cousin?"
She noticed Robert slowly move his eyes towards her and let out a slightly louder moan.
"Youuuuuu," it almost sounded like he said.
"You poor unfortunate soul," King Stephon sighed softly, "well, may you find some kind of peace in this prison you've made for yourself."
"Yes, this is a rather fitting punishment," Louis said as he came and stood next to the king, "he's alive but dead at the same time. He'll have to just sit back and watch everything he never wanted to see happen, happen while everything he ever wanted will never happen now no matter what."
Robert moaned another loud moan at that.
"Do you think he can understand what we're saying?" Kaname asked.
"Oh possibly, not that he has the brain power to respond to any of it," said Dr. Zachary.
"Shall we do what we've do what we came here to do?" Howard asked.
"Yes, lets," Kaname agreed. Both came and stood in front of Robert began chanting a prayer.
Ema, Louis and the king all stood back to let the two men pray. Ema looked over at Bernard who looked genuinely sad.
"We may have cheated when it came to communication, but he was usually nice to me," Ema heard the little squirrel say.
"I'm sorry Bernard," Ema said as she petted him. Bernard smiled at her kindly.
"Thank you, your highness," he said, "may I make a request?"
"Of course, by all means," Ema encouraged.
"I'd like your permission to stay here with Robert to help look out for him. I may be able to help in some way," Bernard said.
"That's very noble of you Bernard. Of course you can be allowed to stay here," Ema allowed.
"What's that dear?" King Stephon asked.
"Bernard was asking me if he can stay here to help look after Robert," Ema explained, "and I said yes."
"Sounds fine with me," King Stephon agreed.
"Me too," said Louis.
"Will you like to have your brother and sister join you as well?" King Stephon asked.
"If they want," Bernard replied, "they're grown squirrels now, they can make a few choices of their own."
"Would you like it if we had the old birdhouse brought here or a new one built for you as well?" Ema asked.
"Now that I would appreciate!" Bernard said, "maybe a new one."
"I'll make sure we work on that for you," Ema promised, petting his head.
"Thank you princess," Bernard said, "and don't worry, I'll keep a good watch on him no matter what."
"You are indeed noble and good hearted Bernard," Ema praised.
"Yes, your great-grandfather would be proud," King Stephon also praised.
Bernard look proud himself at the king's words.
Just then Kaname and Howard finished their prayers and backed away.
"Thank you, good sirs," King Stephon said, "may the paryers be answered."
"Have a little faith Uncle," said Howard.
Robert seemed to moan again. Ema walked back over to him.
"Robert? I don't know if it means much, but, Bernard's staying with you. He'll help you and be confidant from here on out."
"Yeah, I'll stay with you, through thick and thin," Bernard said as he jumped down onto one of the wheelchair handle bars.
Robert moaned in response. Ema stared at the man concerned. She knew he had done some terrible things but she couldn't help but pity him in his state.
"I've already started going through his estate, finances," Mr. Greenland mentioned to the king, "the paternity suits."
Kaname and Louis looked at the man in shock while King Stephon, Richard and Howard looked on, embarrassed.
"I think now that he can't objet to me going over, adjust and maybe even sell off some of the unnecessary items he's acquired over the years," Mr. Greenland continued. Robert moaned again.
"I can only imagine what he's accumulated for himself," King Stephon muttered.
"Just anything he assumed he'd need when he became king," Mr. Greenland explained. That seem to make Robert moaned louder.
"Oh will you stop that!" King Stephon snapped, "ugh, even as a comatose you're annoying."
"What did he actually get for himself to be king?" Howard asked.
"Would you believe he got himself his own crown?" Mr. Greenland asked as he walked off and return with a overly fancy looking golden crown, littered with different jewels.
"He bought that for himself?" Louis asked.
"About 5 or 6 years ago," Mr. Greenland said.
Ema looked over at him and the crown and then looked back at Robert.
"Mr. Greenland, may I see that?" she asked.
"Of course, your highness," Mr. Greenland said as he walked over to her and handed her the gawdy crown.
"Thank you," Ema said. She gently placed the crown on Robert's head.
"Robert, I crown you king."
Ema could see the curve of his cheek twitching upwards, almost like he was trying to smile.
When he started to moan again it sounded a little different.
"I-ing. I-ing," it sounded like he was saying.
"Does he honestly think he's actually king now?" Kaname asked.
"Well if he does, then let him. Let him live in fantasy world. That's how he lived his life anyway," King Stephon insisted, "at least this way he can't physically or mentally hurt anyone. Was there anything else Mr. Greenland? Dr. Zachary?"
"If anything comes up with his condition, I'll let you know right away sire," Dr. Zachary promised.
"And if I can have your permission to do what I feel neccisarry at putting his affairs in order," Mr. Greenland mentioned.
"Granted," King Stephon immediately allowed.
"I'll make sure to let you know of anything significant I come across, including what's in his personal office," Mr. Greenland promised.
"I may want to send someone from my own team to go through that," Richard said.
"Of course," Mr. Greenland said.
"I trust your judgement Mr. Greenland, good luck and please don't hesitate to ask for anything you think you need to help get everything in order," King Stephon declared, "and unless there's anything else, let's be on our way. We've done all we can."
Ema looked back at Robert with Bernard at his side.
"Good bye Bernard, do take care," she said.
"Thank you, your highness, I will," Bernard said as he gave a real bow.
"Good bye Robert," Ema also said softly before she felt Louis put his arm around her shoulder and lead her away. She look towards Robert a little longer before turning her back to him all together.
Louis also looked back at Robert one last time.
"I do hope you find peace in your current state," he whispered, "I think I can find peace with you like this." He then too turned his back on Robert for the last time.
"I-ing!" they all heard him moan as they walked away.
"Grandfather, are you going to be okay?" Ema asked as they group all drove away from Robert's estate.
"I will be," King Stephon insisted, "it's like Louis said, that's the best punishment we could have asked for. It would have been difficult to convict him of everything he did. Now, he's stuck in limbo until he dies."
"Agreed," Howard said.
"It was highly kind of the two of you to come and pray for him like you did," King Stephon praised.
"Well that's what men of faith due, dear Grandfather," Kaname said with pride.
King Stephon nodded at him, only to be distracted by Richard's phone going off.
"How are you going to present this new development to the public?" Ema. asked.
"We'll figure that out once we've learn more details and decide what's best for the public to fully know," King Stephon explained, "there were some that supported and long for Robert to become king. It'll be quite the blow to them when it's discovered this happened."
"Will it backlash onto Chi and I?" Louis asked.
"It could, some may blame you for doing that to him," King Stephon, "but you can't be royal without dealing with negativity in your life."
"Um, sire, I may have some other bad news to share," Richard suddenly said.
"What?" King Stephon asked as Richard leaned over and whispered in his ear.
"Are you serious?! Now?!"
"Grandfather?" Ema said in alarm.
"Would you all mind if me make another stop? I have to pay my last respect to someone else who's actually dying," King Stephon said downcast.
"Oh no, who?" Ema asked in alarm, taking her grandfather's hand.
"Lady Lilac," King Stephon explained.
Lady Lilac's home seemed to be a bit more lively than Robert's as the car limo pulled up. Lots of other cars were parked in and around the property with several people waiting outside, pacing or talking with one another. Ema could also see a huge looking playground in the background were several children were playing and enjoying themselves.
"Are these members of Lady Lilac's family?" Louis asked.
"Or close friends and colleagues she's accumulated over her many years," King Stephon explained as the limo stopped right at the front door. Anyone was standing close immediately froze and bowed their heads in respect as the king climbed out. He didn't seem to acknowledge any of them as he walked past to the doors. Ema, her brothers, Howard and Richard all hurried after him.
As the king approach the doors, they were opened by two well dressed butlers. They almost reminded Ema of the butlers back at the palace.
Inside the house itself, it was just as lively as it was outside, if not more.
Those that were standing in and around the hallway as the king was walking down, quickly stopped and bowed to him. As they neared the end, they found Lady Theresa standing near the bottom of the stairs looking worried and complex.
"Oh your majesty, welcome!" She said as she first bowed and then approached King Stephon.
"Thank you madma, how's she doing for the most part?" King Stephon asked.
"I'm not 100% sure myself," Lady Theresa explained, "all I know is that she insisted in coming home last night after the ball, even though she was welcome to stay. She just said she wanted to be at home where she could be at peace. Then this morning, Owen sent for her personal doctor to come. And from what I've heard, she doesn't have long. I and a few of my sisters have been taking it upon ourselves to contact those who would want to be here, including yourself. Thank you for coming."
"Of course, I'll go up and see if I'm allowed to be with her," King Stephon said as he started to walk up.
"Thank you for coming as well Princess Ema and Lord Louis," Lady Theresa said as the two walked past her.
"Of course, she made quite an impact on us from the small time we've known her," said Ema.
Lady Theresa looked touch at Ema's statement.
The group all walked up until they reached a floor that had a few more people waiting outisde in the hallway. Most Ema recognized from the ball. They all bowed in respect as everyone walked past.
A woman walked over to the big white doors at the end of the hallway and knocked.
"Owen, Andrew, the king is here, along with Princess Ema, Louis, Revern Howard and one of their other brothers," she called out.
The doors were yanked open and Andrew poked his head out.
"Oh, welcome your majesty! And Princess Ema! Lord Louis! Revern Howard! And, oh yes, Kaname, the religious leader. I remember great-granny saying she liked you."
"Charmed," Kaname said smugly.
Everyone slowly walked in where they saw a few more people standing around. Owne and a woman doctor were letting them approach the bed one at a time to pay their last respects.
"Owen, psst," Andrew called out.
"Oh, welcome your majesty!" Owen said as he gently pushed the newsest guest away from Lady Lilac's bed, "Thank you for coming. We didn't expect you so soon."
"We were already out and about," King Stephon said as he walked over to bed and sat next to her.
"Stephon, you've come!" Lady Lilac said as she reached out to him. Stephon took it gently.
"Of course I did. I wouldn't let you go through this alone," King Stephon said in comfort. Lady Lilac smiled kindly.
"Is it true, did you manage to protect the country?" she asked, "I think I heard you help make it safe again."
"Well, I don't know if I can take all the credit," King Stephon said, "but I do believe it is safe."
"Thank you, I always knew you were a good king! Father'd be proud of you," Lady Lilac said.
"Thank you," King Stephon replied kindly.
Then Lilac's gaze seemed to fall towards Ema.
"My dear, my dear," she called out as she reached for her too.
Ema quickly came next to the bed.
"Did you also help protect the country from threat?" Lady Lilac asked.
"Um, yes?" Ema sheepishly admitted.
She felt the old woman's hand on her face.
"You see? We all told you. Your mother, your sisters uncle, myself, even your father before he was gone; you will make a good queen. You will help and guid the land with a strong kind sensible force of leadership! Have faith in yourself," Lady Lilac encouraged.
Ema blushed, "thank you dear Aunt Lilac. I will always keep your advise and support in my heart," she said.
Lady Lilac smiled again before she looked towards Louis.
"Boy, come here," she gestured.
Louis obliged and took a place next to the bed as well. Lady Lilac managed to take his hand too.
"I know, you may never be king, with your older brother and all," she started to say.
"Is she still thinking I'm my great-grandfather Scott?" Louis whispered.
"Most likely," King Stephon whispered back.
"But I know you to be a good boy, who will love support whoever is on the throne as long as they are doing it right," Lady Lilac kept saying.
"You're right, I will," Louis assured her, winking at Ema.
"I know, you're not as crazy as those twins. I mean they're good boys and all, just too wild!" said Lady Lilac.
"Yes, dear sweet Lilac," Louis said.
Suddenly the woman started to breath a little heavy. The doctor quickly put on her stethoscope on listen to her heart.
"Is she getting worse Dr. Linden?" Owen asked.
The doctor nodded sadly, "it might not be too much longer," she said.
"We'll step out and let these other people pay their final respects," King Stephon insisted as he ushered Louis and Ema towards the door.
"Shall we help offer up prayers for her passing?" Howard asked Kaname.
"Let's," Kaname agreed, "we won't get in the way as we do."
"Good men," King Stephon praised as he, Ema and Louis walked out. They walked onward and back down the stairs were they found Lady Theresa waiting.
"Did you get to pay your respects?" she asked as the king approach.
"Yes, as much as you can pay to a woman as faril minded as she is," King Stephon said. He took a hold of Lady Theresa's hand. "Thank you for contacting us though. I would have regretted not being able to say good-bye."
"Of course your majesty," Lady Theresa said kindly.
Everyone suddenly heard some clattering up above.
"Hurry!" someone shouted.
"Grandfather, would you like to wait a little bit?" Ema asked.
"Maybe, at least until Howard and Kaname are done," King Stephon agreed as he walked back to the lounge.
A few of the other people waiting there as well, quickly scattered, making it easier for King Stephon to take a seat along with Ema and Louis.
"It is rather sad Lady Lilac seems to be going after just meeting her,' Louis mentioned softly.
"Well I'm glad you two got to meet her. I think everyone who is a member of the royal family should at least once," King Stephon said calmly. Ema squeezed his hand.
The three sat in mostly silent for a while until Kaname and Howard came in.
"How was she doing as you left?" King Stephon asked.
"She looked at peace at least, Uncle," Howard assured him.
"They were finishing up with the final good byes and starting to file everyone out," Kaname explained, "the lady was able to request some privacy as she passed."
"Oh, I understand," King Stephon said as he stood and started to walk around the room.
"Were you ready to go Grandfather or do you wish to stay?" Ema asked as she joined him in his pace.
"Maybe just a little longer," King Stephon allowed as he kept walking around the room.
"We'll stay as long as you need, Grandfather," Louis said.
"I suppose," King Stephon muttered, sounding a little reluctant. He continued his pacing with Ema at his side the whole time.
Ema wasn't sure how much time had past until finally Owne Andrew and the doctor all entered.
"I'm sorry your majesty," Owen spoke up, "Great-granny Lilac has passed away."
King Stephon took a deep breath before walking over to the men.
"Thank you, I'm so sorry for your loss, Lads. I hope she went in peace," he said.
Both men nodded somber.
"I'll leave you to mourn in peace," King Stephon said as he left the room.
"I'm very sorry Owen and Andrew. I know your great-granny was a good woman. I'm glad I was able to meet her and that she saw her niece Katherine in me," Ema also said.
"She wasn't wrong," Owen said kindly. patting Ema's shoulder, before she and Andrew let her past.
"I was happy to have met her too. I'm actually a little happy she saw my great-grandfather in me. I didn't even know who he was until she brought him up," Louis said.
"She liked him a lot," Owen insisted. Louis smiled, before squeezing Owen's hand and walking out, with Kaname and Howard right behind him.
As they headed back outside to the limo, they could see many of the people they saw when they arraived starting to cry, and hugging each other in comfort.
"Lady Lilac sure seem to know a lot of people," Ema mentioned.
"Before she started to lose her mind, she was very much involved in charity work and aiding the community in general," Revern Howard said, "she was well known for her good heart. It's no surprise so many have come to mourn her passing."
"I'm curious which will get more attention, Robert's mind loss or Lady Lilac's passing," Louis said.
"If I have anything to say about it, Lady Lilac," King Stephon declared, "she deserves more sympathy than Robert." Ema reached out and squeezed his hand.
King Stephon gave her a thankful smile.
"Well this has certainly been an unusual day," King Stephon said out loud once they were in they're way home for real, "first Robert and then Lilac."
"Yes, I'm sorry for Grandfather," Ema said.
"Thank you my dear," King Stephon said, "I do admit, having you here as a form of comfort, makes it a little easier to deal with. You and your brothers."
Kaname looked at the king out of the corner of his eye,remembering the conversation he had with King Dimitri not too long ago. He smiled, feeling good he and his family could offer up so much comfort for the man he and his brothers had been allowed to call grandfather. He could only imagine how the king would have handled something like Lady Lilac's passing alone. Kaname was glad he didn't have to know.
"and all we know is that something happened to Robert and Ema, Louis and Kaname insisted on going with Grandfather to see him," Hikaru explained to many of his brothers, parents, the Poulon royal family and his brothers' lady friends that were still at the palace.
"Do you think he died?" Wataru asked alarm.
Masaomi and Yusuke looked at each other.
"Do you think this has anything to do with what happening to him last night?" Yusuke asked.
"I wouldn't be surprised," Masaomi replied. He tried pondering if any of the signs he saw Robert suffering from would indicate he was dying in some way.
"Either way, you'd think they'd be back by now," Bea spoke up.
"Unless it's something serious," Lord Markus mentioned.
"I think we're going to find out soon," Chrissy suddenly said as she walked into the lounge, "King Stephon and company have just returned. They'll fill you in on what s happened."
"Should I see if I can make Grandpa a card or something?" Wataru asked.
"Let's wait for him to deliver his news okay?" Chrissy suggested kindly.
Soon King Stephon and his group walked into the room, still looking somber from their trips.
Sophie, Elizabeth and Yusuke all quickly moved to their respective partners to try and offer comfort while Howard walked over to near where Markus and Bea were.
"I'm afraid I have some sad news to share with some of you," King Stephon announced, "today, my Great-great aunt Lilac has finally passed away."
Bea, Markus, Sophie and even Queen Abigail all gasped.
"Oh my god, no way!" Bea said, "she's finally gone?!"
"I'm afraid so my dear," King Stephon concured, "but at least she went peacefully."
"That's good," Markus mentioned, looking remorseful, "in a weird way, her passing feels like the end of an era in Elence's history."
"It's does, doesn't it?" King Stephon said, "along with the other information I have to share. It's about Robert."
Everyone suddenly looked nervous and in edge over the king's statement.
"He's not quite dead, at least not in the traditional sense," King Stephon explained, "he's officially a vegitable."
"What?" Bea asked, sounding like she was trying to suppress a laugh.
"The doctor say he's completely gone, he's an empty shell. He's no longer a functional human," King Stephon continued to explain.
"Not that he was very functional before," Rintaro muttered.
"Um, Grandfather?" Masaomi asked as he approached the king, "do they know what caused it?"
"All the doctor could determine was he digested a toxin of some kind that damaged his brain beyond repair," King Stephon explained.
"A toxin?" Yusuke said out loud.
"Do you know something Yusuke?" Ema asked, overheating his statement.
Everyone looked at him.
"Well, I don't know," Yusuke sputtered, "other than, at one point I ran into a server who said he was supposed to serve drinks to the king, Ema, Louis and a few others like the Revern over there," he nodded towards Howard, "only he and I both agreed they didn't smell too good and he wasn't sure about serving the drinks. So I encourage him to take them back and get some different ones. And when he ran into a fellow server, he offered to switch trays and take the funny smelling ones back for him and first server went and served the fresh drinks instead."
"Really?" Richard said, stroking his chin in thought, "Yusuke, can you come with me?"
"Sure," Yusuke agreed. He squeezed Ema's hand before following after Richard.
"Grandpa?" Wataru asked as he came up to King Stephon, "does this really mean the mean scary man can no longer hurt you, or big sister or any of us?"
"No lad," King Stephon assured him, patting his head, "the scary man is no longer a threat."
"Almost sounds like he's suffering a fate worse than death," King Dimitri said, "sounds like a perfect punishment to me. Though, I am sorry for your loss of Lady Lilac, Stephon."
"Yes, thank you," King Stephon thanked his friend.
"It so sad she's gone," Tsubaki mentioned, "she helped out a lot during that attack."
"Yes, she helped saved a few if us," Iori agreed, "it almost felt like she knew something was going to happen and that's why she came early."
"Maybe in a weird way she did," said Markus.
"Even as she started to lose her mind, she seem to be ganging a little sixth sense about certain things," Howard agreed.
"I wonder if that's why she felt she could let go," Ema said softly, "like she knew the kingdom was safe so she didn't need to stay around anymore and could finally rest in peace."
"It did feel like she believed that as well as we said our good-byes," Louis agreed.
"Well, glad she finally felt safe enough to go on," Markus said.
"Is it wrong that I feel sad that Lady Lilac is gone but at the same time happy she was able to leave feeling at ease with everything?" Ema asked.
"I don't think so Chi," Louis assured her, holding her hand, "I feel the same way. I think Lady Lilac didn't want to go until she was sure her homeland, a place her family ruled was safe from threat."
Ema smiled at Louis' words and closed her eyes in prayer.
'Dear Lady Lilac, I will protect the place you love so much. I hope you can watch from heaven with pride and satisfaction. I won't let you down!'