DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM

Tom stalked down the hallway, with his smug still on his face, only to lose it in the blink of an eye the minute he saw Chrissy come around the corner and see him standing there.

"And what are you up to Tom?" she asked with narrow eyes.

"Uh, just opening up the game room for the princess and her brother," Tom said calmly as he tried to walk past her. However, Chrissy was quick to throw her arm out in front of him, blocking his path.

"Do me a favor, will you?" she asked casually as she started to push him back towards the game room door, "Wait for me while I check on the princess."

"Uh, I have duties I need to attend to," Tom tried to say, trying hard to move away from the woman's grasp.

"Well right now, your duty is to wait out here while I see if the princess needs anything," Chrissy said as she all but slammed him against the wall. She glared at him. "I mean it, if you're not out here when I return, I will personally hunt you down and dangle you from the highest tower by your bowtie!"

"Yes ma'am," Tom said trying to hide his fear.

Chrissy gave him one more warning look before walking into the game room. There she saw Yusuke examining Ema's cut on her hand.

"Here, let me see," Yusuke was saying, "It doesn't look too bad."

"Your highness, are you alright?!" Chrissy asked as she hurried over to the pair.

"I cut my hand on something," Ema said softly.

"Here, allow me," Chrissy said as she pulled a mini first-aid kit out from her pocket, and set to work cleaning the wound with an alcohol rub.

Ema flinched at the touch, clinching Yusuke's hand with her other one.

"There, it should be fine," Chrissy said once she finished, "What happened, do you know?"

"I, was just walking into the room with Yusuke, when I felt a sharp pain in my hand. I guess I cut myself on something," Ema explain.

"Hmm, I see," said Chrissy, "You got to pay more attention to your surroundings your highness. You can be surprised how easily something, even the tiniest of things, can do a great deal of damage to you without your knowledge until it's too late."

"I'm sorry," Ema said softly.

"It's alright, but please try and be more attentive," Chrissy said, "I'll leave you be then. Can I get you anything while you are here?"

Ema and Yusuke looked at each other.

"A couple of sodas and some snacks might be nice while we're playing around in here," Ema asked.

"I'll have the cook whip you up something," said Chrissy as she bowed her head. She walked to the door, but stopped and turned to look back at the pair.

"I'm going to lock the doors, so you can have some privacy for now," she said, "I'll come back and check on you in an hour or so."

"Okay," said Ema.

"But what if we want to go to the bathroom or something?" Yusuke asked.

"There's one in the room and if you want out, there's an intercom by the door," said Chrissy as she shut the door.

"Ever get the feeling we're more like prisoners here than guest or even residents?" Yusuke asked. Neither he nor Ema noticed the little black creature looking at the through the window before it scurried away.

"Well, we are new here and everyone's still trying to figure out what to do with me," said Ema.

"What do you want to do?" Yusuke asked. Ema sighed as she went and sat down on the couch.

"I don't know, I honestly don't," she confused, "I'm finding out a whole lot about me and who I really am. After seeing my cousin act the way he did, accusing me fathers of being kidnappers and the way he tried bullying my grandfather, there's a part of me that wouldn't mind staying here, if only for a while, as if being a means of comfort for my grandfather. He seemed really happy that I'm around."

"You don't actually think you'd want to stay here forever, do you?" Yusuke asked.

"I don't know, I doubt that," said Ema, "But staying here for a little while, getting to know my grandfather and maybe some other family members, might not be so bad."

"Assuming some of those other members aren't bent on wanting to kill you like that Robert guy," said Yusuke, "but, what about us, your other family?"

"Oh, I still care about all of you," Ema insisted, "that's probably why I won't stay. Japan's my home, and you're all there. You accepted me when you just thought I was an ordinary girl."

"Yeah, sure," said Yusuke. He looked around the game room some more, "Um, so, do you want to play some air hockey or pool or something?"

"How about we try one of those big arcade games? I'm sure one of more of them are multi-players," Ema said as she walked over to one of them.

"Sure," said Yusuke as he joined her, "Think you can beat me?"

"Well, yeah," said Ema with a smirk as they came to a game together and started to play.

However, the two were soon distracted by the sound of a loud bang against the wall.

"What's going on out here?" Ema asked. She and Yusuke ran to the wall and tried putting their ears to the wall to listen.

Chrissy came out of the game room, locking the door behind her. She turned and looked towards Tom who was still standing in the hallway, slowly trying to slink away.

Chrissy quickly marched up to him, grabbed him by his shirt and slammed him against the wall. She didn't seem to care how loud a sound it made.

"Did you do something to the princess?!" Chrissy demanded to know without hesitation.

"Why would you assume I did anything to hurt the princess?" Tom asked.

Chrissy started to push him harder against the wall, "Did you do something to the princess?" she asked again in a no-nonsense voice.

"I don't have to take this! This is harassment!" Tom insisted, "I'll make sure you pay for…,"

"Shut up!" Chrissy snapped at him as she started fishing around his pockets, until she felt something sharp in one. She pulled it out carefully and examined it.

"What's this?!" she asked as she held the pin up close to Tom's eye.

"I don't know, a pin?" Tom sputtered.

"Why is it all bloody?" Chrissy demanded.

"I don't know," Tom insisted.

"Why was it in your pocket?" Chrissy asked.

"I don't know!" Tom continued to maintain.

Chrissy glared harder at him, pushing Tom harder up against the wall.

"I'm going to make this very clear Tom, you had better not try anything else to the princess again, unless you want to lose your job! Or worse!" she threatened, "Now get out of here! And stay away from this area if the princess is around here! I think Richard will agree, we'll have to make sure you keep your distance from her from now on!" With that, she practically picked Tom up and threw him down another hallway.

She waited until she saw Tom run out of sight before she went on her way.

"Did you hear all of that?" Yusuke asked Ema once they heard all the commotion die down.

"Kind of, someone named Tom or Don isn't supposed to come near me?" Ema asked.

"I think that's what she said," said Yusuke. He looked to Ema, "you sure you want to still stick around here?"

"I think, it would mean a lot to my grandfather if I did. I still feel I should stay here with him for a while," said Ema.

Yusuke looked at her, "Are you serious?" Ema merely nodded her head. Yusuke sighed, "Well then, I don't have a choice. Looks like we're both stuck here for a while.

"What?" Ema asked.

"I'm not leaving this place as long as you're here, no matter what!" Yusuke said.

"Yusuke," Ema started to say.

"I'm serious," said Yusuke, "I won't leave you here alone, no matter what happens to me!"

"Yusuke," Ema said as she reached over and took his hand, "Thank you. I hope this all works out for you as well."

"Yeah well, even if it doesn't, company loves misery or something like that," said Yusuke, "Let's get back to the game."

"Richard!" Chrissy said as she came into Richard's office.

"What's up? Did you get that list for Ema's family?" Richard asked.

"Yeah, I did, but this is more important," Chrissy said as she laid the bloody pin on his desk, "Someone tried to make a move on the princess."

"Who?" Richard asked as he looked at the pin.

"Tom," Chrissy said.

"That little punk?" Richard muttered, "he probably just did it to impress Robert and Henry."

"My thoughts exactly," said Chrissy, "I've already told him he not allowed the princess, especially alone for the time being."

"Good," said Richard, "how is the princess?"

"She's fine, it was just a small cut on her hand," Chrissy said.

"Today it's a small cut, but tomorrow it could easily be a stab wound to the gut!" said Richard.

"I know, I did try to warn her about it," said Chrissy, "I'm worried I may have scared her a little though."

"Well, she needs to understand the scares of being royal," said Richard, "This will help her with decision in how she chooses to interact with the royal family."

"I wonder how long they'll keep milking this?" Robert asked as he and Henry watched the new media still talking about the new revile of Ema.

"As long as we give them something to milk," said Henry.

"Hmm, what do you think should be our next move then?" Robert asked, "I have one idea."

"What's that?" Henry asked.

"I'm thinking we really unleash the hounds by insisting Emma meet the rest of the family," said Robert, "I'm sure there's a lot of people who can scare her, either intentionally or unintentionally. Especially if all those other brothers of hers are coming. She sees how scary the royal will be among her other family, she'll probably be crying to go home with them during the middle of the party. Besides, I haven't seen my fiancée in a while. I should probably make sure everyone remembers I am engaged and will marry and produce an heir soon."

"Sooner better than later," said Henry, "Maybe it's time you really pushed for the marriage and get that kid out, just so you remain looking like the good choice for succeeding the old fart."

"Yep, I can talk about it with her father at the party," said Robert.

Just then, the two men heard their window open and in jumped in Bernard.

"Hey, you, what are you doing here?" Robert asked as Bernard came running over to his desk and jumped up. Both he and Henry watched as he mimicked the motion of someone being stabbed in the hand.

"Did someone attack the princess?" Robert asked eagerly. Bernard nodded but then held up his finger to his lips.

"A secret attack huh?" Robert said, "Bet she didn't even realize it was happening until it was too late." Bernard nodded again, "Wonderful! Who did it?"

Bernard picked up pencil and wrote on one of the random sheets of paper on, Tom.

"Tom, I know that guy, one of the butlers, right?" said Henry.

"Good man," said Robert, "Good to know I still have allies in the palace."

"Of course, there's lots of loyal staff in the palace," said Henry, "Richard and his crew can't keep tabs one everyone all the time."

"Yes, well, I should go to and make plans for the family reunion," said Robert with confidence.

"What about your marriage?" Henry asked.

"Not just yet, but soon," said Robert, "But do me a favor, can you plan a little something for the princess for the reunion?"

"Anything serious?" Henry asked.

"No, but scary enough, it'd be too suspicious if she were to be hit with a sudden accident to early after being shown," said Robert.

BAM

"HA!" Ema shouted with joy, "That makes 7-5!"

Yusuke groaned, "this game is harder than I thought!"

"Want to try another?" Ema asked.

"Nah, Yusuke muttered, "You've beaten me at almost every game we've tried!"

"Just the arcade ones," said Ema, "want to try the air-hockey? They also have foosball, or darts or…,"

"Let's just take a breather," Yusuke insisted as he slumped over to the couch and plopped down.

Ema sat next to him and held up a drink for him, "here."

"Thanks," Yusuke said as he chugged it down.

"Yusuke, what would you do if I chose to stay here longer and you really wanted to stay with me?" Ema asked.

"I don't know, try seeing about going to school, find a line of work or something like that," said Yusuke, "Maybe I could try seeing if Richard will let me train to be on his security team or something."

"You'd want to be on the security team?" Ema asked.

"Why not?" Yusuke asked, "I've already sworn I'd protect you, might as well get some proper training in the matter."

"Yusuke," Ema said softly as she inched closer to him, "Sometimes I think you're too good to me."

"Well, I've always cared about you," Yusuke sputtered, "I mean, we've known each other even before we became siblings, right? A guy kind of develops a sense of protection for someone he's known after all that time."

Ema nodded, "I remember you a little during that time. You had that sort of bad boy persona that both scared and interested me a little."

"You were interested in me before?" Yusuke asked.

"Well, the bad boy persona you gave off. Lots of girls were intrigued by that," said Ema quickly.

"Hmm," said Yusuke, "Do you still like that about me?"

"Well, now that I know you more, I like to think, I like more about who you are, rather than the person you try to act like," said Ema.

Yusuke blushed, "Thank you," he said.

"Yusuke," Ema said, "I know I've said before I'd like to remain siblings with you and the others for a while, but would you understand if I were to change my mind?"

"Like how?" Yusuke asked. Both were surprised that the other was leaning closer towards them.

"Well, like," Ema started to say.

"Well, how are things going in here?" Chrissy asked suddenly walking into the room, "You two have been in here all day. Don't you want to go do anything else?"

"We've been fine in here for the most part," said Ema as she stood up.

"Yeah, it's not like it's that late," said Yusuke.

"It's nearly five o'clock," said Chrissy, "and the king was hoping that at least you, Ema, would join him for dinner."

"Oh, of course!" said Ema, "Should I change?"

"Well, maybe you could, dinner is usually supposed to be a more formal meal," said Chrissy.

"Of course," said Ema as she headed to the door, "Is Yusuke allowed to join us?"

"Of course," said Chrissy.

"Am I going to have to change too?" Yusuke asked a little annoyed.

"Please?" Chrissy said, though more as a command than request.

Yusuke quickly jumped up and walked with Ema out of the room. The two headed back to the bedroom they had been sharing, but right as they reached the door, Chrissy stopped them.

"Yusuke, come with me, I'll show you to your room."

"Oh, you've already moved me out huh?" Yusuke said.

"Yes, you'll like it, it's still near the princess's room," Chrissy said as she opened the doors to let Ema in, "Myself or Billy will come fetch you in 20 minutes or so. You may change in one of the outfits in the closet, unless you feel you need help."

"No, I'm fine," Ema assured her walking to the closet. She jumped a little when she heard the door shut behind her and the sound of them locking.

'I'm not a prisoner, it's just for safety,' Ema told herself as she started to change.

"Hey, uh Chrissy," Yusuke asked as the woman led him to his new room and opened it. It looked a little like the one he and Ema had been sharing but it didn't feel quite as glamorous.

"Did you need something Yusuke?" Chrissy asked.

"What does someone have to do to get on your royal security team?" Yusuke asked.

"Why would you want to know?" Chrissy asked surprised.

"Well, I was just interested in maybe joining," said Yusuke.

"Really?" said Chrissy, "Well, usually there's a lot of work involved, such as training and studying criminal behavior. Sometimes we recruit people with special skills and stuff. What prompted you to want to join?"

"I guess, I just want to know I have the proper training to help protect Ema," Yusuke confessed.

"Well, maybe we can ask Billy or Richard teach a few things you can do to help look after her. I'll talk to Richard about it during your dinner. Now get changed, you mustn't keep the king waiting," said Chrissy as she shut the door.

"Thanks," Yusuke called out as he heard the door lock.

'I wonder if they can teach me how to pick locks,' he thought.

Ema had just changed into a simple purple dress and was examining how she looked in the mirror when the doors finally opened

"Oh, Chrissy, is it time?" Ema asked as she turned around only to see Richard standing there.

"Oh my, you're looking nice," Richard said when he saw Ema in her dress.

"Thank you," said Ema blushing, "Is it dinner time?"

"Yeah, but I've also come to warn you," said Richard, "Lord Robert's going to be there."

"Robert?" Ema said in shock.

"Don't worry, we'll make sure he's far from you," Richard assured her, "Let's go get your brother."

"Of course," said Ema as she followed him out.

"Princess, I heard you got hurt today out of the blue," said Richard.

"Well, yes, it was just an accident," said Ema.

"Did Chrissy tell you, you can't be too careful?" Richard asked in a serious tone.

"Uh, yes," said Ema.

Richard looked around, before turning to look at her, "Princess, I want you to take this with you for now." He held out a small elegant pocket knife with a rose on the handle.

"A knife?" Ema said.

"For now, I think I'm going to have to school you a little about how to stay safe while in the palace," said Richard.

"Oh, sure," said Ema.

Once they retrieved Yusuke from his room, Richard led the two kids to a small but grand dining room, where Stephone was already sitting at the head. At the other end sat Robert.

"Sorry if we kept you waiting," Ema said as she and Yusuke walked over to the table and sat.

"Think nothing of it my dear," said Stephone, "We should have gone to fetch you sooner."

"I'm so glad we could all have dinner together like this," said Robert.

Yusuke flashed the man an angry look.

"So, Emma," said Robert. Ema and Yusuke sighed, "I heard that your other brothers are coming tomorrow, correct?"

"Yes," said Ema.

"You know what I think Uncle?" Robert asked.

"No one really cares," Yusuke muttered. He swore he heard some giggling from behind him and slowly looked behind him to see the maid Ami standing nearby trying to stand at attention.

"I think Emma should meet the rest of her royal family as well. Once her brothers have all arrived, we shall hold a grand ball and invite the whole family to meet her. What do you say?"

"I don't think that'd be such a good idea for now," said Stephone, "I'd like to take things slow."

"Why? Shouldn't we get Emma more familiar with her new family? They are her real family after all, flesh and blood. Not some random stepbrothers or something like that," said Robert.

"Hey now!" Yusuke started to say.

"May I ask my brothers how they feel about it before we schedule it?" Ema suddenly asked, defusing the confrontation.

"Yes, let us do it that way," said Stephone, "Let the men come, get settled then we can arrange for Ema to meet the rest of the family."

"Good!" Robert said as he got up and walked over to Ema. Ema felt his hand on her shoulder, "Emma should understand where her real place is."

Ema felt a little pain in her shoulder from Robert squeezing it.

"Don't you agree Emma?" Robert asked.

"I know at least once place is," said Ema, "It's with my grandfather for now, here in Elence."

"thank you Ema," said Stephone.

Ema looked up at Robert, "I'll decide where my place is cousin, not you, so if you please, I'd like to finish my meal."

"Of course, Emma, please excuse me," Robert said as he walked back to his seat.

Yusuke was little surprised by Ema's response to Robert. He didn't picture her as someone who would speak up like that.

'I wonder if this place is having a bad influence on her,' he thought.