DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM
"Uncle, Uncle, wait please!" Robert called down as he hurried to the stairs and descended them.
"What do you want Robert?" Stephon asked annoyed.
"I wanted to ask about that poor lad who fainted. Is he alright?" Robert asked with fake concern.
"He'll be fine, just had a little feaver," said Stephon quickly.
"It can happen sometimes when your over work yourself," Masaomi added quickly.
"Well, I hope then he'll recover soon," said Robert, "I am curious about something. I heard a rumor about the young man. He's apparently Walter and Georgette's son?"
Stephon stopped walking and looked at Robert sternly. Though a few close to the king could also see a little bit of fear in his eyes.
Robert smirked. "So it's true? He's their son. Isn't it grand to hear the boy survived the fire and returned to us? How did he come to be here though?"
"He's one of my brothers," said Ema, "my mother adopted him."
"Your mother adopted him? How did that happen?" Robert asked, "sounds a little suspicious in my opinion."
"It's not like that! The woman did nothing wrong. It's none of your overall concern of how Mrs. Asahina came to adopt him. The overall point is he survived the fire, was found by a good woman, raised him to be a decent man who, thanks to Ema, has been reunited with us as well," Stephon said.
"Oh, only Emma gets credit huh? Even though I was the one brought her home," said Robert mad.
"Yeah we all know why your brought her home," said Yusuke.
"Who said that?!" Robert demanded to know as he looked back to the group of brothers. It was then he realized Bea was standing next to Tsubaki again.
"Beatrice! Come here!" Robert ordered.
"What?" Beatrice asked.
"Don't argue with me. Come here!" Robert ordered again.
Bea scoffed and moved towards him. He made a point to grab her roughly by the arm.
"Will you stop humiliating me like that?!" Robert hissed.
"Like what?" Bea asked.
"Like you aren't happy with me!" Robert said.
"I'm not going to get into an argument with you over that again," Bea said quickly.
Stephon sighed as he watched the confrontation betweeb Robert and Bea.
"I, don't have time for this," he muttered, "I want to greet Ukyo home and hear about his day at the house of council."
"I'm told he brought two council women home with him," Richard said, "Miss Erica Tanner and Miss Hannah Andrews."
"Oh, I wonder if he's hoping to do some more work here at home," Stephon said with a chuckle. "Many a night I had to invite council members home to discuss business. He's acting like a true council memeber."
"I hope his council work doesn't interfere with his real work back home," said Ema softly.
UUkyo was busy looking over paper work as he road in the mini limo with the two ladies. Both were also looking different paper work and documents.
"I thank you ladies for agreeing to come back to the palace with me," Ukyo said when he saw the palace come into view.
"It's not uncommon for council members come to the palace for a dinner meeting and whatnot," said Erica, "I've come once or twice before the king started to get a little weak. Of course that was when I was more of a assistant to a senior council member rather than a full-fledged council woman myself."
"This is going to be my first time," said Hannah softly, not looking up from her document.
Ukyo looked over at the timid woman adjusting her glasses and tossing her long blond hair over her shoulder.
"If it makes you feel more comfortable Miss Andrews, I can request that we work in private, away from the king so you don't feel intimidated," he said.
"Uh, maybe, that might work better," said Hannah.
"If that's how it needs to go, I'm sure the king won't object," said Erica.
Just then the car came to a gental stop. The passangers all looked out and saw the car in front of the palace gate waiting for two more cars to pull in.
"Huh, must be Hikaru and or Iori coming home," said Ukyo.
"More of your brothers, I take it?" Erica asked, "it's been hard keeping track of all of their names. No offense."
"None taken. There's so many of us and we're all from a foreign land. It's not surprising it's hard to learn all our names," said Ukyo right as their car drove into the courtyard.
The limo pulled next to the other two cars as well and Ukyo could see Iori and Hikaru getting out of the two vehicles, along with Hikaru helping Heather Cook out.
"Is that the Prime Minister's daughter there?" Hannah asked in shock.
"Yes, unfortunately. She and Hikaru have taken quite a shine to each other," said Ukyo.
"Once I've freshen up, we can head back," Hikaru was saying to Heather.
"Of course," Heather said with a giggle, "oh if Jimmy knew I was taking you to this place he'd flip over the tallest tower of the castle."
"They look cute together," said Erica with a chuckle.
"Ukyo, you brought home some company," Iori said as he walked over to him.
"These are the ladies helping me with a project for Ema," said Ukyo, "Hannah Andrews and Erica Tanner."
"Erica Tanner?" Heather suddenly spoke up looking their way, "oh hello, how are you. I've heard my mother speak about you and your housing project."
"Oh, it's good to know she still remembers me and my housing project," said Erica.
"Yes, it'll be quite the financial loss if it fails," said Heather.
"Right," said Erica, less enthusiastic.
"Shall we go in?" Ukyo said abruptly ushering his two companions inside
"Sorry, I know that's a rough subject for you right now," Heather whispered to Erica.
"No, it's okay. I'm actually a little hopeful the princess' support will help with it," said Erica.
"My sister will not let you down," said Hikaru with confidence.
As the group headed inside, they were surprised by the whole group of people waiting for them, including the king.
"Ukyo welcome home," Stephon said.
"Why, thank you, your majesty," Ukyo said stun, "I uh hope you don't mind but I invited two council women home with me to go over more details in regards to the hospital project. I was told it was common practice."
"It is, it is, welcome ladies," said Stephon.
"Thank you, your majesty," said both women bowing.
"Prepare the private dining room for the three of them so they can work in peace," Stephon ordered.
"Yes sire," said Richard nodding to Chrissy who got on her radio.
"Thank you, your majesty," said Ukyo"may I join you later?" Ema asked.
"Of course, the sooner we meet with Almara offcials the better," said Erica.
"If this is hospital work, may I weigh in as well?" Masaomi asked.
"Sure, we could use some insight from a doctor," said Ukyo, "you can join us for dinner or just meet up with us after you finished yours."
"Thanks," said Masaomi. Ukyo and the ladies bowed again before a butler appeared and led them to the private dining room.
"And Iori, my boy, how was your second day at the university?" Stephon asked looking towards the young man.
"Wonderful," said Iori, "I spoke to some school officials and they gave me some good advice on what I would need to do if I decide to transfer."
"Wonderful, always great to hear our university meets many people's needs for a higher education," said Stephon.
"I enjoyed going there," said Heather.
"Miss Cook, you came back with Hikaru I see," said Stephon.
"Only for a moment your majesty. I was going to freshen up before Miss Cook was going to show me a lovely restaurant for dinner," said Hikaru, holding Heather's hand.
"Uncle, why is the Prime minister's daughter here with a strange man?" Robert pretended to whisper, but obviously said loud enough for Hikaru and Heather hear.
"He's one of the princess's stepbrothers and I've taken it upon myself to show him around," Heather said smugly looking at Hikaru tenderly.
"One of your stepbrothers is dating the prime minister's daughter?!" Robert shouted towards Ema. Yususke took it as a sign to pull Ema behind him.
"You must be Lord Robert, heir to the throne," Hikaru said as he walked over to the man and did a graceful bow, "I hope you are able to lead Elence in the way of happiness and prosperity that I have seen since I've come to your beautiful country."
Robert looked a little stun by Hikaru's actions.
"Uh, yes, thank you," he sputtered.
"I'm sorry I can't stay. It's rude to refuse an invitation from such an important and kind lady," said Hikaru. He walked back to Heather, took her hand and led her away.
"Uncle, Uncle, you can't be serious over letting such a courtship go on!" Robert said to the king, "royalty and politicians don't go together!"
"Didn't her brother Jimmy say something similar?" Tsubaki said out loud.
"Yes and the truth still stands. As Ema's stepbrother, he's technically not an actual memebr of the royal family and therefore shouldn't have any problems spending time with the woman," said Stephon.
Robert however still looked annoyed.
"First they start slowly taking over the monarchy now they're getting in with the politics," he muttered.
LLouis giggled to himself as he watched Haily do a little dance for him.
"You can dance on air, my little friend," he praised.
"Thank you, I've been told I'm one of the best dancing squirrels in my scurry," said Haily with pride.
Louis giggled some more at the way she bragged about herself.
Just then he heard his phone ringing.
"I'll get that for you!" Hailey said quickly as she ran over to Louis' night stand and tried her best to move the phone closer to Louis. Louis had to chuckle as he watched the little squirrel try to balance the phone in her arms.
"Thank you Hailey," he said kindly as he finally managed to reach for the phone, "hello?"
"Louis?" he heard his mother ask.
"Oh, hi Mom," Louis said.
"Hi honey, Masaomi called me, said you fainted. Are you alright?" Miwa asked.
"I think" my feavar's going down at least now that I've had time to rest," said Louis.
"Oh thank goodness!" Miwa breathed out a sigh of relief, "what happened anyway?"
"Uh, well I was dealing with my anxiety over finding out about my real family and what not so I decided to do some of the castle staff memebers' hair and I guess I over did it," Louis explained.
"Oh dear, I know this whole thing is a little overwhelming Louis, but don't push yourself like that!" Miwa said.
"Sorry Mom, I'll try controlling myself more," Louis assured her. "Um, Mom, can 9ask you something?"
"Of course," said Miwa.
"When I was little, do you remember ever hearing about the name Henry at all?" Louis asked.
"Henry?" Miwa said, "well, actually yes. I do remeber at random usually while you slept, or when you you would wake up, you would mutter something like 'Henry bad! Henry bad!' I always thought you were talking about a boy at the orphanage who was mean to you or something. Why, did something come up?"
"Well, it's complicated," Louis tried to assure her, "uh anyway how are you and Rintaro doing? Is he still upset about Ema and being accused of kidnapping."
Miwa gave off a sigh, "actually, well, he and I are currently staying in separate rooms. I'm a little upset with him not even telling me the truth about Ema and finding out about you. Not to mention the fact that we can't come to Elence at the moment to see since your stepfather is currently band on charges of being a royal kidnapper!"
"Oh, Mom, Mom you shouldn't be so hard on him like that. It's bad enough that he has to suddenly deal with all the demons he's been dealing suddenly come out in the open like, but to have his own wife turn on him," Louis tried to defend Rintaro.
"I guess, but it's still hard.I just need some time to adjust to everything," said Miwa, "oh and by the way, did you ever meet your birth mother's parents?"
"Yes, I did," said Louis, "they were very happy to see that I was alive and they said I have some inheritance from both them and my mother."
Miwa was quiet for a bit.
"I see, will that's nice. It's nice to know they are welcoming to you," she said at last.
"Yes, I suppose I should be," said Louis, "in either case they are very anxious for me to come to France and meet them in person. I know yoh wanted to be in on that."
"Yes I did," said Miwa, "and I still do."
"Okay mother, I'll let you know when I'm ready to meet them in person. I still need to take this all in," said Louis.
"Of course dear," said Miwa, "and I'll make sure to work harder with Rintaro. You care and get some rest. And if you keep doing the palace hair, don't over do it. I don't think I could stand if you were to faint again and I couldn't be there for you."
"Thanks Mom," said Louis, "bye for now."
"Give my love to your brothers and sister," said Miwa.
"I will," said Louis as hung up.
He looked over at Hailey. "Call me crazy, but I feel better talking to my mom than meeting my so called birth family."
"Well, she was the one who ended up raising you," said Hailey.
"You're right," said Louis, "maybe I've been thinking too much about this. I should be happy that I have two familes so welcoming and loving."
"Good for you," said Hailey, "does this mean your feaver's gone down?"
"Yeah, yeah, it has," said Louis feeling his forehead. He streched his arms. "I think I'll be able to even eat something!"
"Did you say you need something to eat?" a new voice asked as he came in.
Louis looked towars his door and saw Henry had enetered.
Hailey immediately started to hiss at him.
"Your Lordship, you have a dangerous rodent in yor room. Shall I remove it?" Henry asked. Louis saw him reaching for his pocket.
"No it's fine, she can stay. I say she's just trying to protect me," Louis said as he reached over and gently petted her, trying to calm her down.
"Hmm, if you say so," said Henry, please excuse my intrusion, but my boss Lord Robert was worried about you after you passed out."
"Well, I'm fine and tell him thank you for his concern," said Louis.
"Shall I send for some supper for you, my lord?" Henry offered.
"No, don't trouble yourself," said Louis, "I think a butler was supposed to bring me something."
"Oh, is there anything I can do for you my Lord? While I'm here?" Henry asked.
"No, thank you, I'd much rather be left alone to rest some more. Please me be," said Louis.
"Of course," Henry said as he turned to walk out, only to stop in mid-step. "Forgive me, but may I ask a question? I heard a rumor that you are apparently the son of another member of the royal family, a Lord Walter?"
Louis wasn't sure if he should answer him right away.
"Yes, I have been told I am his long lost son," he finally confessed.
"How wonderful," said Henry, "it's so nice you survived that fire."
"Yes, I suppose it is," said Louis.
"I'm not sure if anyone has asked you yet, but do you remember anything about that day? I know you are extremely young but, maybe there's some hidden memory you have? Many still think your parents were murdered rather than just be in an accident," said Henry.
Louis was growing more and more uncomfortable with the man with each question he was asking.
"Pherhaps, when I've had more time to think about it all," he replied.
"So, does this mean you do remember something?" Henry asked.
"I really don't see how that's any of your business good sir. I don't even know who you are really," Louis said calmly, "now I need rest and I would like you to leave."
"Yeah, you heard him you wolf! Leave!" Hailey shouted as she suddenly leap and landed on Henry's head pulling at his hair and scratching at his face, much the same way as Juli would.
"Ah! Ah!" Henry shouted in pain before falling to the ground, "get this thing off me!"
"Not until I teach you to never harass Louis again!" Hailey insisted.
"What's going on in here?!" a different guard called out as he came running into the room, "Henry, what are you doing in here?! Get out! Get out!" He grabbed Henry's arm and dragged him away, "apologies Lord Louis! Don't worry, the king and Richard will hear about this! He won't bother you again!"
"No he won't! I will not allow it!" Hailey declared as she gave Henry's nose one final punch before jumping off.
"Ah!" Henry moaned in pain, holding his nose with his other hand. "Damn stupid rodent! Should be put down!"
"Try me!" Hailey called out as Henry was finally removed from the room. She jumped up, back on the bed, looking triumph.
Louis had to smile at her, "you fought bravely my little friend. Reminded me of Juli and his methods of protecting Chi."
"Of course, many good squirrels know how to fight, especially to protect royalty," Hailey bragged.
Louis sighed happily, "Hailey, you have got to be one of the best things that's happen to me since coming here and learning the truth."
"Princess Ema, may I just say, it is an honor to meet all of your brothers here today. Even if some of my meetings were brief," Lord Markus said as the family sat down to dinner, minus Louis, Hikaru and Ukyo. "They are as fine men as I could have imagine."
"Even if they're being nothing but moochers of the king's hospitality," said Robert as he took a seat near the king, right across from Ema and Yusuke. Both could see him casting angry glances their way.
"Remind me again, how did you inviting what's his name to dinner result in the royal prick also staying?" Yusuke whispered back.
"I think he was going to allow himself to stay even if I hadn't invited Lord Markus," said Ema.
"Oh most likely, especially if he has Lady Beatrice with him," said Stephon suddenly.
"So, Lord Markus?" Wataru spoke up, "are you in line to be king someday?"
"Oh I'm afraid not," said Markus, "there'd have to be a major plague among the royal family before I could get close at all to the throne."
"Not that you wouldn't make a good king," Stephon said, "you're so much like your Great-Grandfather Rupert."
"I thank you, your majesty for your praise," said Markus. Everyone could hear Robert give out a obviously loud moan.
"So, were any of your grandparents ever a king or queen?" Wataru asked.
"Oh, not since back to my great-great-grandfather, your sister's great-great-great-," Markus pasued and took an exaggerated breath, making Wataru laugh, Great-Grandfather!"
"Sounds great," Tsubaki said, which caused Wataru to laugh even louder. Markus shared a laugh too.
"How far back can you trace the royal family line?" Azusa asked.
"Pretty far back," said Markus, "of course, not all the kings from that far back are actually related to King Stephon and Princess Ema."
"Like with coup or something?" Natsume asked.
"Yes, among other things that would result in a different ruler to take control," said Markus.
"I bet there's some juicy stories there," said Natsume.
"You should still go see the history professor I told you about at the university, Natsume," said Iori, "most of them have very interesting notes about different events."
"I shall," said Natsume.
"Iori, did you get to see any of the sports or gym buildings while you were there?" Subaru asked.
"Not inside, but I did walk past a bunch. All look mighty impressive," said Iori.
"Hmm," said Subaru, "can I go with you tomorrow to the university?" Subaru asked.
"Sure, I was probably going to get to work about enrolling," said Iori.
"Wonderful! Good for you Iori!" Stephon cheered with joy.
"Are you sure about that Iori?" Masaomi asked.
"I think so," said Iori, "I think I can do some good studies into botany."
"Have you asked mom about it?" Masaomi asked.
"No, I should probably do that first," said Iori suddenly realizng that problem.
"Tell her I shall help with the expenses where needed," Stephon said, "you being my precious Ema's stepbrother and all."
"You didn't pay for my college," Robert muttered.
"You didn't need it," said Stephon, "and you know it. Not that you did much good while you were there."
"What are you talking about? I was an excellent student! Top of my class!" Robert argued.
"The history records would beg to differ," said Markus smugly.
"Cousin!" Robert snapped.
"What kind of records are there?" Tsubaki asked with his mischief grin.
"Some other time," Markus assured him tapping his nose.
Tsubaki nodded with a a little chuckle.
"I could share with you some even even bigger details," Bea whispered to him. Tsubaki looked over at her and saw her cast him a wink.
However, Stephon and Yusuke noticed the wink as well. Stephon looked to Yusuke disconcerting. All Yusuke could do is give him a shrug of his shoulders.
"Tsubaki should just feel greatful Robert didn't notice her wink,' both men thought to themselves.