DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM

"Your highness, may I please be allowed to introduce you to my family," Carlotta Cook asked politely.

"Yes please," said Ema eagerly.

"My I present my husband James Cook," Mrs. Cook said gesturing to the man next to her, "and my three children, James Cook Jr., my son, my oldest daughter Heather and my youngest daughter Violet."

"Pleased to meet you all," said Ema kindly.

"It's very exciting to meet you too Princess," said Heather.

"I hope we can learn to be good friends!" said Violet.

"The daughters aren't too bad looking huh?" Tsubaki whispered.

"Yes, they are some heavenly angels, aren't they?" Kaname added.

"Shh!" Azusa hissed.

"Let's not casue an international incident," said Ukyo.

"Madam Prime Minister, may I please introduce my other brothers and your news ambassadors?" Ema asked as formally as she could.

"Yes please," said Mrs. Cook.

"Well, you've met Louis, I've always known him as one of my brothers. And this young man next to me is my stepbrother Yusuke," Ema said nodding to Yusuke next to her.

"Oh, yes, the poor man who was taken here with you," said Mrs. Cook, "I hope it wasn't too rough for you."

Yusuke grunted and shrugged his shoulders.

"And over here are my other 11 brothers, Masaomi, Ukyo, Kaname, Hikaru, the triplets Tsubaki, Azusa and Natsume, Subaru, Iori, Futo and Wataru."

"Hello gentelmen, I welcome you both as visitors and as our newest Japanese ambassadors," Mrs. Cook said.

"Thank you Madam Prime Minister," Masaomi spoke up, bowing to him.

Behind her, Ema could hear Violet and Heather giggling.

"They're so cute!" one of them whispered.

"I know, I envy the princess getting to live with them all alone all that time," whispered another.

"Will you two knock it off?" Ema suddenly heard James Jr. hiss, "you're going to embarrass mother!"

"Oh chill out Jimmy," said Heather. James Jr. groaned.

"Don't call me Jimmy! Especially so close to the king and princess!" he said a little louder.

"Shall we continue on to dinner?" Stephon asked, "Madam Prime minister, shall I be allowed to escort you?"

"Always a privilege your majesty," Mrs. Cook said as she took his hand and walked down the hall with him, her husband close behind.

"Does this mean I should escort you?" Yusuke asked Ema.

"I guess, might as well," Ema said as she took his hand and walked down after her grandpa.

"Wow, how did we let that happen?" Tsubaki asked.

"Would either one of you young ladies like to be escorted to dinner as well?" Hikaru asked as he walked over to the two Cook sisters. Both girls giggled again while their brother rolled his eyes.

"I'd love to," Violet said walking over to him. Heather however was quick to push her aside.

"Ahem, I'm the oldest, I get first choice!" she said as she took Hikaru's hand first.

Violet merely giggled.

"Of course, what was I thinking," she said, "any other of you kind men wish to escort me?"

"You have your pick my lady," Kaname said. Violet actually blushed a little before she looked towards Louis.

"Sir?" she asked.

"Of course," Louis said, taking her hand, "I suppose as a memeber of the royal family, it should fall to me?"

"What a gentleman," said Violet, flashing her eyelashes.

"Oh my god," James Jr. moaned.

"I take it someone's a little embarrassed by his siblings?" Tsubaki joked.

"I know how he feels," Natsume muttered.

"Maid, keep close," Futo orderdd Ami.

"Yes master," Ami said as she walked after him.

"So Princess, I heard you visited the house of council today on your grandfather's behalf," said Carlotta as everyone started to eat their dinner.

"Yes, and it was a very educated experience," said Ema, "I think I may have gotten a few projects started today."

"And they're some very good projects too, if I do say so myself," Ukyo spoke up.

"Oh, you must share them with me later in case there is something parliament will have to help with," said Carlotta.

"Well one is in regards to better medical fasciitis in some of the outer towns," said Ema, "I proposed possibly creating one big hospital in the most center town, Almara that's easier for others to get there."

"Oh, that does sound like a good idea. I'm sure many of memebers of parliament will want to try and get in on the project," said Mrs. Cook, "you'll have to keep me informed on the progress."

"I will," said Ema, "the other major project I'm hoping to be a help towards is settling a dispute between some residents of an old building and a contract company."

"Not the one owned by Howard Holmes," said Mrs. Cook.

"You know of it?" asked Ema.

"I know he and his friend Erica came to me with his idea of building some better housing complexes in some of the pooer areas. They're still having problems?" Mrs. Cook asked.

"With one particular building it sounds like," said Ema, "and I've volunteered to help with it if I can."

"Oh good, I'd hate to have to withdraw the funding for the project," said Mrs. Cook.

"Funding?" Ema asked.

"Parliament agreed to finance the project if it proved to be productive, especially if some of the benefactors could us it as a tax write off," Mrs. Coom explained.

"Ah. Sneaky," said Hikaru.

"Politics are always sneaky," Heather said with a smirk. She gave Hikaru a sly look out of the corner of her eye.

"Knock that off!" her brother ordered, "you don't know anything about politics!"

"Yes, yes I didn't chose to follow mummy like you did," Heather said.

"It's a more fine caree choice than an illustrator and writer," said James Jr.

"You're a writer Miss Cook?" Hikaru asked.

"Sometimes, I prefert coloring personally," said Heather.

"I think you and I should talk later," Hikaru said.

"Really?" Heather said raising an eyebrow in intrest, ignoring her brother's looks of disgust.

"So if the project doesn't go through, it'll lose their funding basically?" Ema asked Mrs. Cook.

"I'm afraid so," the prime minister admitted.

"I'll have to try even harder to make sure it gets resolved then," said Ema. She remembered how much it seem to mean to Erica to make it work.

"I hope so," said Mrs. Cook.

"There's plenty of time to figure it out, I'm sure," said Stephon.

"So," the prime minister spoke up, "have you gentelmen been up to much since you've first arraived in Elence?"

"I went to visit your grand University today," Iori said, "I enjoyed it so much. I have already put some thoughts to transferring to study there."

"Oh, how wonderful," said Mr. Cook.

"I too have gotten bitten by the curious bug and have intrest in staying here. I visited one your romantic places today, your small castle," said Hikaru.

"Oh, that a very romantic place, especially with the right company," said Heather.

"Are you suggesting something my lady?" asked Hikaru interested.

Heather tapped her cheek in response.

"I was asked if I could help design a game based out of Elence itself," said Natsume.

"Just what the world needs, more mindless violent driven, time wasting b.s.," James Jr muttered, "this is the sort of thing we should be working against!"

"Jimmy," his father warned.

"Father, please, not Jimmy, not in front of the king or the princess!" his son complained.

"Someone has a royal prick shoved up his ass," Tsubaki said under his breath.

"I'll have you known Young Mr. Cook, I ask him to do that project," Stephon spoke up, "I asked for it in honor of my daughter and my granddaughter."

"Really Grandfather?" Ema asked.

"I thought it was a great idea to honor Yolanda and for something for you to really remember Elence no matter what happens, that you would really like."

"Oh Grandfather, that sounds wonderful!" Ema said with joy.

James Jr seemed to slouch in his seat. His sisters meanwhile giggled at his embarrassment.

"I got to ride the king's horse's brother today!" Wataru spoke up, "I even named him, Wind Storm!"

"Oh how nice," said Mrs. Cook.

"Wel also found a horse for you Big Sister," said Wataru.

"Yes, the daughter of your mother's old horse, Miss Shadow," said Stephon, "I should introduce you to her tomorrow and get you some riding lessons started."

"But what about my duties to the house of council?" Sma asked.

"It's not uncommon for royalty to skip a few meetings every now and then," said Stephon, "especially if they have a trusted stand in." He looked towards Ukyo as he said that.

"I can easily stand in for Ema if she's needed here in the palace," Ukyo said without hesitation.

"Good, Ema could use a little fine trading in royal affairs here at the palace, especially vefore the party with the family coming," said Stephon.

"Oh, that'll be interesting," said Carlotta, "a full royal family reunion. It actually makes me curious if your nephew is going to go through with his marrige soon."

"I wouldn't be surprised if he usus the party to officially make the announcement," said Stephon.

"Does Robert have a fiancee?" Ema asked.

"More like a betrothed. They're not officially engaged, but he's made it perfectly clear he intends to marry her," said Stephon.

"Wonder what kind of crazy woman would want to marry the psycho," said Tsubaki.

"It's actually a really interesting story about his betrothed," said Heather.

"Oh really? You must tell me about it my lady," said Hikaru.

"Later, later good sir. We must not rush things too much. How else would we be able to make excuses to see each other again?" said Hather.

"Ugh!" moaned her brother. That just caused his sisters to giggle more.

"So Princess Ema, I hope to be seeing more of you soon and often," Mrs. Cook said as her family got ready to go.

"You should let me show you around! I can show you many more wonderful things in the city!" Violet said eagerly.

"I don't think the princess would want to hang out with you," said her brother, "let's get going! Heather!"

"Where is Heather?" Mr. Cook asked.

"It's very beautiful, and has some unique legends with it," they suddenly heard her talking. Everyone looked off to the side and saw her talking with Hikaru and he was actually playing with her hair a little.

"I'd like that," said Hikaru, "shall we say 10?"

"It's a date," said Heather.

"Oh, no-no-no!" James Jr said as he walked over to her and pulled her away.

"Son please, leave your sister alone!" Mr. Cook ordered.

"But dad, she can't be affiliated with him! He's the princess's brother!" James , "Politics and royalties don't mix!"

"Well, technically, he's the princess's stepbrother and he's here on official political visits," said Heather.

"That's true, even if I love my sister very much," said Hikaru.

"Jimmy, the only person who's embarrassing anyone tonight is you! Your sister can handle herself. Let her be, and let's go," said Mrs. Cook.

"Fine," James Jr said as he walked out of the palace.

"Sorry about my son, he's a little high strung," said Mrs. Cook.

"He's always been a little stiff, hasn't he?" Stephon said.

"It's fine, I understand," Ema assured the prime minister, "and I hope you are able to maybe help with the hospital idea."

"Please keep me informed," said Mrs. Cook, "good evening."

Both she and her husband bowed their heads and walked out. Violet and Heather also bowed their heads and walked out after their parents.

"10 Lord Hikaru?" Heather called out quickly.

"10, my lady," Hikaru called back.

"You're not seriously going to take the Prime minister's daughter out, are you?" Ukyo asked.

"Why not?" asked Hikaru, "she seems like a nice young lady."

"Um, Grandfather," Ema spoke up, "now that the prime minister is gone, can you please tell me how it is that Louis is a member of the royal family as well?"

"Yes, yes of course, all of you gentelmen are welcome to follow me to a lounge area and I will fill you in." Stephon said as he walked on.

Wataru ran up to the king, "can I hold your hand while we walk?" he asked.

"Of course," Stephon said with a small smile, "makes me feel even more like a real grandfather with you around."

Ema meanwhile walked over to Louis and linked arms with him, "are you going to be okay with the king's explanation?"

"I'm actually still trying to take it in," said Louis.

"...and now as you can see from these pictures, I have no doubt Louis is in fact Walter's son," Stephon said as he passed around a few pictures frames and albums.

"Look at his mother's hair! It's an exact replica almost," said Azusa.

"So, Louis, mom seriously adopted you?" aske Yusuke.

"Yes," said Louis, "I was very little at the time. I honestly don't have any real memories of my so call real parents."

"Oh Louis!" Ema said as she hugged him close. Louis hugged her back tight.

"So is Louis a prince too or something else?" Wataru asked.

"Well his father was an Earl at the time of his death, and it was an inherited title, so I guess Louis would be the new Earl of Peraton," said Stephon.

"Peraton?" Wataru asked.

"One of the out regeions, well known for being a home for royal families, most not expect to inherit the throne," said Stephon.

"Cool, aren't earls like a big deal or something?" asked Yusuke.

"Yes, but Walter's main job was that of ambassador himself. He was quite the figure head for Elence and would have made a great king if the situation called for it," said Stephon.

Ema could feel Louis' deep breaths at King Stephon's words.

"It's alright Louis, it's alright," she sais softly to him.

"No offense or anything Chi, but I think I'd like to go back to my room for the night. I need to rest and take everything in," Louis said as she slowly pulled away from Ema and stood up.

"Louis, wait, I still would like to talk to you some more," said Stephon.

"Can it wait?" Louis asked, even though he wasn't acting as though he intended to stop.

"Sure," said Stephon, "oh and I found the info on your mother's family in France if you wish to meet them!"

"Thank you, your highness," Louis said softly as he finally walked out the door, not looking back.

Stephon sighed, "I hope the lad will be okay."

"I'm sure he will, in time, your majesty," said Kaname, "I'll help him."

"I'm worried he's a little upset of the idea that his real parents were killed in such a scary way," said Stephon.

"I would imagine," said Masaomi, "in the meantime, Wataru, time for bed."

"Already?" asked Wataru.

"If you don't, you won't be up to strength to go riding Wind Storm tomorrow," Stephon pointed out with a chuckle, "a real rider knows to get plenty of rest before he goes out riding."

"Alright, I'll do that!" said Wataru. He surprised everyone by running over to the king and hugging him tight.

"Good night!"

"Good night Wataru, I'll see you in the morning," said Stephon as he patted his head.

"Come on Wataru," Masaomi said as he took his little brother by the hand and walked out.

"Wataru sure seems to like you Grandfather," said Ema.

"Well the feelings mutual," said Stephon. He walked over to Ema and kissed the top of her head, "good night dear Ema. Tomorrow you and I will get to spend the whole day together getting you ready to meet the family."

"I'll do my best grandfather!" Ema swore.

"Why does this suddenly sound like the plot to that one lame American movie, what's it called? Princess Diaries or something?" Yusuke asked.

"It's hardly that," Stephon assured him as he walked out.

"In that movie, at least no one was trying to kill her to get the crown," said Azusa.

"That and the princess didn't have so many charming brothers to protect her," said Tsubaki.

Yusuke shot daggers at him. "Speaking of which, Ema, may I please escort you back to your room?" he asked.

"Oh sure, just hang on a sec," said Ema. She walked over to Ukyo, "are you going to be okay going to the house of council alone tomorrow in my stead?"

"I'll be fine Ema," Ukyo assured her, "besides I'll need to go there anyway to work with Hannah on the hospital project."

"Okay, thank you," said Ema as she squeezed her brother's hand and then walked out with Yusuke.

"Who's Hannah?" Kaname asked amused.

"She's a council woman who volunteered to spearhead Ema's hospital idea and I promised I'd help her on Ema's behalf," said Ukyo, "that's all."

"Is she cute?" Kaname asked.

"That's not the point," said Ukyo.

"Guess she's not," said Tsubaki.

"No, she's cute, in her own way," said Ukyo, "but I'm not working with her merely because she's cute. I'm working with her to get this project for the medical fasciitis off the ground."

"Whatever, I'm bored and need my rest," Futo said as he walked to the door. There he saw Ami standing at attention next to the door. "Maid, come with me to my room to help me prepare for bed!" he ordered.

"Yes Master," Ami said as she followed after him.

"You don't think Futo's going to do anything unnatural to that maid, do you?" Ukyo asked.

"It doesn't look like she mind," Natsume said, "that's the weird part."

"Thanks for escorting me back to my room, Yusuke," Ema said as they came to her door.

"Yeah sure, it's good practice. Billy started trainingng me as a bodyguard," Yusuke.

"Oh, I hope it wasn't too much for you," said Ema.

"Nah, hardly," said Yusuke.

"Are you training tomorrow?" Ema asked.

"Most likely," Yusuke asked, "Why?"

"I was kind of hoping you'd come with me to help learn how to ride my horse. I think I'd feel safer if you were there for some reason," said Ema.

"Oh, sure," said Yusuke, "I'll ask Billy."

"It's fine," the two suddenly heard Billy say. They looked down the hallway and say him standing there. "If the princess wants you near, then you totally can."

"Uh thanks," said Yusuke.

"Great, thanks Yusuke," said Ema. She gave her brother a little hug before walking into her room.

"You like her, don't you?" Billy asked.

"What?" Yusuke asked.

Billy smirked, "I can see it."

"So what? Big deal!" Yusuke tried to brush it off.

"Listen Buddy, you got a golden opportunity here to really make a move on her okay? Becasue trust me, if you don't act now, I can seriously see you ending up in the friend zone."

"You think?" Yusuke asked.

"And let me assure you, the king won't mind you dating his granddaughter. I know him and he's not as nitpicky about class as some other monarchs are," Billy said before he walked off.

"Really?" Yusuke said. He looked back at Ema's door. Was now really the best time to really let Ema know how he felt?