DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLIC IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Ema kept her hands clasped together in fear as she watched Richard, Billy and a few other staff she didn't fully recognize help her grandfather up and into a wheel chair.
"We'll take you back to his room immediately and call for a doctor," Richard assured the Asahina family.
"Is it serious?" Ema asked timidly.
"It didn't look serious," Masaomi said.
"Do you think you can come and help examine him until the royal medical staff can be summoned?" Richard asked.
"I'll do what I can," Masaomi said kindly as he followed the king out of the room in his wheelchair.
"The rest of you, please feel free to return tor your rooms for the time being," Richard instructed.
"Ah, isn't there anything we can do for the king?" Wataru asked. He suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder and looked to see Ami standing behind him.
"Maybe you can make him a get well card? I'm sure the king would appreciate that," she suggested.
"Yeah! Yeah I'll do that!" Wataru said excited.
"I'll get the material for you personally," Ami offered.
"Oh thank you," Wataru said happily.
"Good work Ami," everyone heard Richard call out before finally walking out of the room.
"Yeah, that'll keep the kid quiet for a while at least," Futo said as he calmly walked up behind her.
"It just seemed like the right thing to do," Ami said, blushing.
"Is there anything I can do?" Ema asked as she tired follow Richard and his company.
"No your highness, it's best you also just go back to your room for now," Richard insist.
Ema however shook her head no, "I can't relax in my room until I know Grandfather is alright. Please, let me at least wait in a room near his room so I can be told what is his condition is as soon as possible!"
Richard sighed, "I can arrange for you to wait in the lounge near the king's room," he offered.
"Thank you," Ema said weakly. She was still doing her best to remain calm, but her nervousness was beyond obvious. She was a little startled when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey, you heard what Masa said, it didn't look too serious," Yusuke tried to comfort her.
Ema put her hand on top of his and squeezed it, "Will you, wait with me, Yusuke?" she asked softly.
"Sure," Yusuke agreed. He kept his hand on her shoulder as the two walked out of the room together.
"Hmm?" Tsubaki, Azusa, Natsume, Subaru, and Futo all said as they all watched the two walk out together.
"My-my," said Hikaru, "Looks like those two really bonded in their time alone here, doesn't it?"
His other five brothers all cast a side glance at him in annoyance.
"I wonder when the king will have a chance to talk to me now," Louis asked out loud, more to himself than to anyone in particular. Though he was concern for the king's safety and a little curious to what he had to say, a part of him was a little grateful it was postpone for now.
Ami smiled to herself as she walked towards the art supply room and search for supplies for Wataru to make his get well card. Once she had gathered up what she felt he could use, she headed to the door fast, only to have someone blocking her path, causing her to actually spill some stuff.
"Hello Tom," she said annoyed as she gathered up some of the things again.
"What are you doing? I hope you're not stealing from the royal art supplies," Tom taunted as he looked over her.
"Hardly!" Ami said, "I'm merely getting some things together so that the youngest Asahina Brother, Wataru, can make the king a get well card. And besides, Richard and Chrissy both said I'm welcome to help myself to any art supplies I want should I need any. I just have to write down what I took."
"Oh, did something happen to the king? I'm afraid I wasn't in attendance during dinner," said Tom.
"There's a reason for that," Ami said as she had to push past Tom to leave the room.
"So what did happen to his majesty? Nothing life threatening I hope," Tom said as he walked after her.
"He had a little spell, nothing more," said Ami.
"Oh, really? nothing serious?" Tom asked.
"Noting serious that you have to worry," said Ami as she tried to quicken her pace to put distance between her and Tom. Tom however was quick to keep up. He reached out and managed to grab her arm, yanking her back.
"What aren't you telling me?" he asked in smooth but still intimidating tone.
"Nothing, I just need to get these supplies to Lord Wataru! Now please let me do!" Ami pleaded.
The Asahina brothers followed some random servant up a fancy flight of stairs towards their rooms mostly in silence.
"Sir Richard did tell you how to call for attendance from your room should you need it correct?" the servant asked.
"Yes, we have a list of things like that," said Azusa.
"Good," said the servant.
Futo, meanwhile, was a little surprised when he heard a loud shout, "Now please leave me alone!" He looked over the banister and saw the maid Ami being held close by a man close to his age, looking nervous. He quickly managed to break away from his brothers' group and hurry back down the stairs to where Ami and the boy were.
"Excuse me, maid!" he called out.
Ami and Tom both looked his way in surprise.
"Weren't you supposed to be brining my little brother some things to make a get well card?" Futo asked in his usual bossy tone.
"Yes, sir, I'm sorry I'm coming," Ami said as she pulled free and hurried to Futo.
"Perhaps I should walk with you to his room to make sure he gets them," Futo said as he walked along side her.
"If you feel that's necessary," said Ami.
"So, who was that?" Futo asked they walked together.
"Another butler," said Ami softly.
"He always a jerk like that?" Futo asked.
"Please don't trouble yourself with such matters," Ami said in her soft tone.
"Fine, whatever," said Futo, "What's his name anyway?"
"Tom," Ami said.
"Tom?" Futo said out loud. He'd have to check to see if the name Tom was on the list of people Richard had warned them not to trust.
"Lord Robert!" a servant shouted as she ran into Robert's office.
"What?" Robert asked looking up from his couch, "I don't want you tonight. I thought I requested Matilda."
"No, sir, it's not that, I just heard from the palace, the king fell during his dinner."
"He what?" Robert asked as he sat up from the couch, "Was it serious?"
"I don't know."
Robert still smirked, "Just the same, this could be my golden chance. Have someone prepare a car, I need to get to the palace as quickly as possible!"
"I'm FINE!" King Stephon insisted grumpy as he laid in his bed.
"Sire, you fell and hit your head!" said Richard.
"But I'm fine," Stephon insisted, "Hell, I had a doctor on hand to tend to me! Thank you by the way Masaomi."
"You're welcome sire," said Masaomi kindly.
"And tell Richard I'm fine," Stephon said with confidence.
"Well, you twisted your ankle, so you'll have to stay off your feet for a while and, you have a concussion," Masaomi said as he held up a light to the king's eye, "We should probably have to keep an eye on that."
Stephon groaned, "Masaomi, are you aware of the punishment for arguing with the king?!"
"Uh no sir, I didn't even know there was such a thing," said Masaomi.
"There isn't, it was abolished," said Richard.
"Richard!" Stephon snapped, "Do you remember the punishment for contradicting your king?"
"There isn't one, it was also abolished," said Richard, "By your great-grandmother."
Stephon groaned again, "I wish I could bring it back just for a small moment so I could shut you up!"
Masaomi looked between the king and Richard a little uncomfortable.
"Don't mind us," Richard told him, "He's always cranky when he's laid up like this."
"Richard," Stephon warned, "Do you know what the punishment is for pointing out the king's flaws...,"
"Again, abolished, by your great-grandmother," said Richard.
"Damn that old hag!" Stephon muttered. He glanced over to Masaomi, "Masaomi, seriously, I do thank you for your quick action and help with my aid. Lord knows it probably scared poor Ema to death. Where is the girl?"
"We told her to wait outside for a little bit until we made sure you were alright," said Richard.
Just then there was a knock at the door.
"Oh is that her?" asked Stephon.
Richard walked to the door and opened it to see Ukyo standing there holding a tea cup.
"Hello, how is the king doing?" Ukyo asked, "I brought him some tea. I hope that's alright. I'm just used to bringing things like tea to my siblings when they're not feeling well."
"Oh, sure, please come in," Richard said as he moved aside for Ukyo to come in.
"Thank you, the kitchen staff was nice to let me have access to the kitchen," said Ukyo, "Um does the king need like a poison tester or anything like that?"
"Just bring it here Ukyo," Stephon said, "I'm sure I can trust you not to poison me."
Ukyo quickly walked over to the bed and handed the cup to him.
"Thank you very much, this was very kind of you," said Stephon as he took a sip. "Mmm, earl gin?"
"Yes, the staff said it was your favorite," said Ukyo.
"Mmm, yes, it's actually taste a little better than what I've usually tasted," said Stephon, "Mmm, and just so you know Ukyo, if you had poison me, it wouldn't have done much good, I haven't even change my will to making Ema my heir yet. I don't even know if I will."
"Oh, why not?" Masaomi asked, "the test said she is your biological granddaughter."
"I had already decided I wasn't going to force Ema to be my heir unless she wants," Stephon explained, "She just found out she's a princess, and has a whole new family to adjust to. I don't want to pressure the poor girl. I'd rather leave this world knowing I had a good relationship with my granddaughter rather than have the heir I want who doesn't want to be my heir."
"Oh," Ukyo and Masaomi said, nodding their heads in understanding.
"Is it okay for her to come see you? I saw her waiting in the lounge nearby, getting anxious," said Ukyo.
"Oh, yes, bring her in! I want to see her too," said Stephon.
Richard nodded and moved to the door. A few minutes later, Ema came running into the room followed by Yusuke.
"Grandfather!" Ema said as she dashed to the bed and knelt at his side, "how are you? Are you going to be okay?!"
"Of course I'm going to be okay, my dear Ema!" Stephon said, as he stroked her hair, "It takes a lot to bring me down."
"He just has a twisted ankle and concussion," said Masaomi. "Of course, I'm sure your royal medical team can give you a more proper diagnosis."
"I'm sure they'll agree with you," said Richard, "In either case, it might be best for your grandfather to take a few days off while he recovers."
"Not too many," said Stephon, "I want to spend my time with Ema, now that it's been officially confirmed she's my granddaughter." He patted her hand, "I am still overjoyed the test came back positive. I just knew the moment I laid eyes on you, you were most definitely my precious Yolanda's daughter!"
"I'm thrilled too, Grandfather," said Ema, "I hope you and I can grow closer."
Just then the king's bedroom doors burst open.
"Uncle!" Robert said sounding concern as he too walked over to the bed. He practically shoved Ema over as he too knelt by the bed, "I heard you fell. I was so worried! It's good to see you're still alive!"
"Yes, no doubt," muttered Stephon.
"Have the doctors said anything?" Robert asked.
"A twisted ankle and a concussion," said Stephon, "It's not like I'm on my death bed."
"Of course not," Robert said, "But you know Uncle, maybe it's time we really discussed your reign."
"What are you talking about?" Stephon asked with narrow eyes.
"Uncle, you're not young anymore, and things like ankles and concussions take time to heal for someone your age. Who knows when you'll have another accident?"
"It wasn't an accident!" Stephon snapped, "I merely got overexcited when my DNA test came back showing Ema was my actually granddaughter."
"Oh," Robert said, casting a glance at Ema, "So, Emma really is your granddaughter huh?"
"Emma?" Ukyo and Masaomi whispered looking at each other.
"Oh all the more reason Uncle we need to seriously consider talking about you remaining king," said Robert, "Being king is a young man's game and let's be honest, you're not young anymore."
"Excuse me, but what are you trying to get at?" Ema asked, a little concern.
"I'm getting at, dear Emma," Robert said, "that maybe it's time you, dear uncle, retire from being king and pass it down to me. Enjoy your golden years, with your granddaughter. Get to know each other, see the world together or something. And leave Elence in my hands."
"Your hands?" Richard and Yusuke both said out loud.
"Yes, I am his heir am I not?" Robert said, "I am the only one that is qualified to inherit the crown after all." He started patting Ema's hair, "Poor little Emma here doesn't even know the first thing about our politics and customs. She's in no position to be worrying about things like that, even if she is my uncle's granddaughter."
Ema felt a twinge of anger flow through her as Robert patted her head. None the which she had ever felt before, "Well, seeing as I am the current king's granddaughter, maybe I should consider it my duty to learn."
"I'm sorry what?" Robert asked as he stopping in mid pat.
"What did she just say?" Yusuke asked.
"Ema?" Stephon said.
Ema looked at her grandfather, "I mean, since it's been proven that I am in fact your granddaughter, shouldn't I learn more about my home country and its way of life? Shouldn't I be allowed to learn more about the politics and what is expected as a leader? Even I don't take after you Grandfather, wouldn't it be wise for the princess to know about her country in general?"
"I suppose you're right," said Stephon with a smile.
"And, if I study and learn about such things, wouldn't it help decide if I should inherit you grandfather? Including myself, deciding if this kind of life is meant for me?" Ema continued.
"Again, a really good point," said Stephon, sounding pleased.
"I don't know if you should really worry yourself over such things Emma," Robert started to say, "It's a lot of work."
"I'm prepared for it," Ema insisted.
"But, there's a lot you'll have learn about, a lot you'll have to adjust to," Robert continued to argue.
"Well good thing she's young and being a ruler is a young person's job huh?" Yusuke blurted out.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," said Richard.
"No comment from unwanted guests please!" Robert snapped as he looked towards Yusuke and Richard. It was then he noticed Masaomi and Ukyo in the background.
"Who's that over there? Why are strangers being allowed into the king's chambers?!"
"Calm down will you?" Richard said annoyed, "Do you honestly think I'd let random strangers into the king's chambers?"
"These are my brothers!" said Ema.
"Oh yes, the stepbrothers that wormed their way into our hospitality," said Robert with a sneer.
"They did not worm their way in, they were invited by me personally!" said Stephon, "Some of them were even hesitant to come!"
"And one of us was forced here against his will," Yusuke muttered.
"Yes, anyway," Robert said, "Emma, are you going to introduce us?"
"Oh yes, sorry," Ema said as she walked over to Masa and Kyo, "Robert, these are two oldest brothers Masaomi and Ukyo. Masaomi, Ukyo, this is my cousin Robert...,"
"Lord Robert, heir to the throne of Elence if you please," Robert spoke up, "honestly Emma, if you are so eager to learn about being a princess, one thing you're going to is proper introductions."
"Robert, enough of that," said Stephon, "Ema's family and those men are also her family. Family introductions don't require such protocol and title."
"Well excuse me for wanting to be addressed with proper title," said Robert.
"You mean we can start calling him a royal prick?" Yusuke muttered under his breath. However, he could still hear Richard give off a chuckle.
"In either case, back to what we were discussing," Stephon spoke up, "Ema, are you sure you want to really learn about the job of being a royal?"
"Yes Grandfather," Ema said as he walked over to his bed, "I want to learn more about who I am and where a part of me comes from."
"Very well then," Stephon said, "Richard, can you help arrange for Ema to visit the house of council and sit in on some of the meetings I was supposed to attend?"
"Yes of course," said Richard, "Will you be alright to be ready to leave by 9:30 tomorrow your highness?"
"Yes, I'll do my best," said Ema, "I'll go to be now so I can get some rest."
"Good idea," Stephon said. He squeezed Ema's hand one last time, "I'll be fine Ema, you'll see, and you'll do tomorrow too, I'm sure."
"Thank you Grandfather, please get some rest and heel quickly," said Ema as she walked out of the room. Yusuke followed after her.
"Well, tomorrow will be very interesting, won't it?" Robert muttered as he walked out as well, without wishing his uncle to feel better.
"Well, I'll see if I can come check on you tomorrow your highness," Masaomi said as he walked towards the door.
"Thank you again Masaomi, you did good today," said Stephon, "And Ukyo?"
"Yes sir?" Ukyo asked as he came closer to the bed,
"I have a small favor to ask," Stephon asked, "Would you be alright with going with Ema to the house of council tomorrow?"
"You want me to go with her?" Ukyo asked, "Is it because I'm a lawyer?"
"I figured you'd have a better understanding of how laws work and can maybe offer her some advice and support in the best way," said Stephon.
"If this a request from the king, I will definitely obey," Ukyo said as he bowed.
"thank you," Stephon said as he nodded, Ukyo bowed in respect and walked out of the room as well.
Stephon looked at Richard, "Well, I can safely say I didn't expect Ema to suggest such a thing."
"Me either, but I'm glad she did," said Richard, "I'll certainly keep Robert at bay for a while."
"Yes," Stephon said as he closed his eyes to sleep," That girl has become one of the greatest blessings I could ever had asked for in my old age!"