DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM
Azusa and Tsubaki were able to carefully lay Natasha down on an examination table in the staff medical room.
"Easy, watch the leg," Azusa said out loud as they were able to get Natasha in a comfortable position with her leg. She gave off a small moan of pain.
"You okay?" Azusa asked.
"I'm sure I'll be fine," Natasha assured him, doing her best to mask her pain.
Just then a man in a medical jacket hurried in.
"Hello, what do we have here?" he asked as he walked over to Natasha.
"A horse accidentally stepped on me," Natasha tried to explain.
"Oh dear, that can't be good," said the doctor as he tried examining it. "It feels broken. I'm afraid it may need a cast. Can one of you gentelmen help me get her into the x-ray room?"
"You guys even have an x-ray room here?" Tsubaki asked asked as he and Azusa obliged.
"We have the basci necessities of a small clinic. Less likely there won't be a scandal if someone gets hurt here," the doctor explained.
"Yeah, don't want a scandal," Azusa muttered. He still helped get Natasha on the table as the doctor helped set up the x-ray.
"What happens if your leg is broken?" Azusa whispe.
"Probably be made to do desk work in the stables until it heals," Natasha whispered back, not sounding too happy about the notion.
"Well, maybe you can take some time off, work on healing," Azusa suggested.
"Oh I don't know if I could do that," said Natasha, "I'd get board too easily."
"Maybe you and I could spend time together, I could keep you company," Azusa suggested in a whisper. Natasha actually smiled at his suggestion.
"Maybe," she agreed.
"Do you think that lady will be okay?" Wataru asked Subaru and Rose as they escorted him back to the palace.
"Well, it may take some time, but I'm sure she'll recover," said Rose.
"Did she really want to help make sure I didn't get too dirty before dinner?" Wataru asked.
"Yes, yes she did. That's the truth," said Subaru.
"Okay," Wataru agreed, a little disturbed by his brother's insistence.
Suddenly he and Subaru noticed Rose make an abrupt stop. They notcied she was looking up towards the top of the castle. Both brothers followrd her gaze ans noticed a new flag was now flying.
"Who's flag is that?" Wataru asked.
"It's flag of Poulon, our neighboring country. They fly the flag whenever a memeber of the royal family is visiting. But I didn't hear anything about a vist from anyone of them," said Rose.
"Is that bad?" Subaru asked.
"I don't know, it's just surprising," said Rose. She looked at the two brothers, "you two should really make sure you're looking your best for dinner tonight," she advised.
"I wonder if this royal family is anything like Big Sister's royal family," said Wataru.
"I'm sure they're all alike in some way," said Subaru. "Come on, let's do what Rose suggest and get freshen up for dinner. ItllIt'll probably make the king happy."
"Oh, I like make grand-father happy!" said Wataru.
"Are you referring to the king?" Subaru asked his little brother.
"He practically is a grandfather to all of us. Why can't I call him that?" Wataru asked.
"It's not usually right to do that with a king for some reason," Subaru advised.
"Oh, I liked the idea of him being my grandpa like big sister," Wataru said.
"Well, maybe he can be just don't call him that out loud," Subaru suggested.
"Oh, okay!" Wataru agreed feeling happy with the idea.
Ema walked with Louis down the hallway, away from the ball room, looking over her shoulder constantly as she did. She kept thinking she should be with her grandfather when meeting these supposedly royal visitors.
She was so preoccupied with looking back at the way she came, she accidentally stumbled as the hallway came to a turning point.
"Oh, careful Chi," Louis quickly said as he manged to catch her and steady her.
"Sorry," Ema apologized, "I guess I'm a little nervous about the idea of these new royal guests here and I can't help but think I should be with Grandfather when he meets them."
"I'm sure your grandfather knows what he's doing," Louis assured her.
"But why are they here? I thought royals had to plan things like this out," said Ema.
"You're really nervous about it aren't you?" asked Louis. He pondered the notion as well. He too was a little curious about this king and prince sudden visit.
"We could find out another way," he suggested slowly.
Ema eyed him as it suddenly clicked with her.
"Would that be right?" she asked.
"They are meant to serve us," said Louis.
"Well, I guess," Ema agreed uneasily as they headed to the a window.
"Juli, Juli, can you hear me?" she called out.
"Hailey, are you out there?" Louis also shouted.
"Chi!"
"Cha!"
Ema turned around and saw Juli running down the hallway towards her while Hailey suddenly appeared on the window still.
"Juli, where have you been?" Sma asked as she lowered her hand for her friend.
"Tending to Aunt Marion, she's still recovering from her fall," Juli explained.
"Meanwhile I've been helping to run the scurry in the Golden Maebe tree," said Hailey.
"Well good to know you're both doing good work," said Ema, "but could we borrow you both for a moment?"
"Of course Chi, that's our job," said Juli.
"Could you go see what the king of Poulon is doing here, along with his grandson?" Ema asked timidly.
"Kind Dimitri's here?" said Juli.
"And Prince Zane?" said Hailey.
"Yes, and it seems a little off," said Ema.
"Yeah it does," Juli muttered. He looked at Hailey who nodded. "Don't worry Chi, Louis, we'll go see what's going on and give you a full report."
"Thank you," said Ema, still not sure if what they were doing is right.
Hailey led the way along landing of the wall until she and Juli came into a hole and were able to squeeze in. It was there they were able to follow along the secret set of tunnels that had been set up for squirrels like them to move around the palace long before them. Soon Hailey led Juli to another hole and both managed to squeeze through and came out in the king's private office.
There they could sit atop of a high bookcase and see and hear everything. King Stephon and Richard were already there along with a butler who was busy setting up tea.
"Are you sure you don't want Ema here for this?" Richard asked.
"No, Ema's still new to this and I don't want to risk her humiliated or feeling overwhelmed by this. She doesn't know how this works necessarily," said Stephon.
"You trusted her to repersent you in council," Richard pointed out.
"That's different. She volunteered for it and it also made a stand against Robert. Plus that was Elence dealings only. It was good for Ema to learn about the country and let the people get to know her. She should focus on that before she worries about foreign affairs," said Stephon.
"Even though she's technically from Japan?" Richard asked.
"If were dealing with visitors from Japan I'd let her in. But this isn't Japan, this is Poulon and let's be honest, we're still not as friendly as we've once been with them," said Stephon.
"Isn't that the truth," muttered Richard. Just then the doors open and a different butler walked in.
"Presenting his majesty King Dimitri of Poulon and Prince Regent Zane," he announced before the two entered the room. One was an elderly man who looked similar to Stephon in both age and appearance. The other was similar to Ema and Yusuke's age with blond hair and glasses.
Stephon stood as tall as he could as the two came and stood in front of him, also standing tall and at attention.
"Dimitri," Stephon said bluntly.
"Stephon," the other man responded just as blunt.
"It's good to see you again, old friend," Stephon said a little more casually, "welcome, to you and to Zane."
"Thank you," Dimitri replied also sounding more at ease.
"And Zane, how nice to see you again, you've grown," Stephon praised.
"Yes thank you," said Zane, sounding a little bored.
"Is that really King Dimitri? He's aged over the years," Juli whispered.
"Yes, and so has Prince Zane," said Hailey.
"Is that Prince Olivier's son?" Juli asked.
"Yep, even if he's practically king now," said Hailey, "King Dimitri has announced his plans to advocate in favor of Olivier."
"Olivier king? Well, he'd be better than Robert," said Juli.
"I thank you for welcoming us , dispite the unannounced arrival," Dimitri said as both he and his grandson took their seats at the tea table.
"Yes this is most unexpected," said Stephon, "what brings you here?"
"We were told that we should come at the most urgent request," said Dimitri as he held up a letter, "it camd quite suddenly."
Stephon took the note and read it out loud.
"Dear King Majesty, King Dimitri of Poulon,
I write to you at the most urgent request that you come to Elence immediately and bring your oldest grandson and heir Prince Zane for matter of discussion on strengthening the bond between Poulon and Elence.
Sincerely,
Lord Robert, future king of Elence"
"Future king hmm?" Stephon muttered as he folded the letter and handed it back to the other king.
Juli hissed at the words.
"Where does he get off saying that about himself?!" he asked mad.
"What do you think he wants King Dimitri and Prince Zane for?" Hailey whispered trying to calm Juli down.
"Shouldn't that be obvious? Given Zane's age?" Juli asked glaring at the prince who was still looking board.
"Huh?" Hailey asked right as the door to the study open abruptly.
"Uncle!" Robert said happily as he walked in.
"Don't you ever knock or at least ask for permission before you enter a room?" Stephon asked..
"Uncle please, I am royalty and your heir and therefore should be allowed to go wherever whenever I want," Robert insisted as he took a seat.
"It's good to see you again, King Dimitri and little Zane. It's been too long."
"I suppose," said Dimitri, not looking too thrilled of the notion of Robert being present. Zane kept his board face.
"Do you care to explain this, nephew?" Stephon asked holding up his letter.
"Oh, yes," Robert said with a smirk, "I figured it was best to finally strengthen our relationship between our two countries," said Robert, "and help ease some of the tension between us as well, along with any confusion."
"And what's that?" asked Stephon.
"Simple, Zane's roughly Emma'a age, and she's a princess, he's a prince. Why don't we arrange a marrige between the two?" Robert suggested smug.
"I knew it!" Juli hissed mad.
"You want to what?" Dimitri asked.
"You can't be serious!" Stephon said mad.
"What does she look like? Is she hot?" Zand suddenly asked, looking less board.
"What did he just ask?" Juli hissed getting madder.
"Zane!" his grandfather snapped, "is that how a prince speaks?"
"What? Is it wrong to know if she's pretty or not?" Zane asked.
"I take it the young prince likes the idea?" Robert askdd amused.
"Sure if she's cute enough," said Zane.
"Ahhh!" Juli shouted getting red. Hailey had to clasp her hand over his mouth as the occupants in the room looked around for the strange noice they had just heard.
"Zane, this really isn't something we should jump into so hastily," Dimitri quickly said.
"Why not? Mother and Father's relationship was arranged. You and Grandmama were arranged," Zane pointed out.
"Yes, but we also knew each other before hand, along with your parents. We knew were good together, not complete strangers!" Dimitri told him.
"Well where is she then? Let's see her," Zane insisted.
"She's most likely getting ready for dinner," said Stephon.
"Well, then, let's join you for dinner too," Zane declared, "I want to see this princess. Emma."
"A fine idea," Robert chimmed in, "in fact why don't we arrange for their majesties to stay until the ball. I'm sure Prince Zane would love to attend with Emma."
"Uh, well," Dimitri stammered.
"Sounds good to me, especially if she's cute," said Zane.
"Zane," Dimitri moaned. He gave a heavy sigh. "If we are to stay for dinner, I suppose we should at least spend the night as well for now. Please go and freshen up."
"Yes Grandfather," Zane said as he stood up.
"So be it," Stephon said with a flick of his wrist, "I apologize if it's not a normal greeting Dimitri."
"It's alright, we did arraive unexpectedly," said Dimitri. He watched his grandson walk out of the room. Then he looked straight at Stephon and Robert with a serious, stern look.
"Alright now, what is really going on?" he demanded.
"It's just as I said your majesty," said Robert, "this is a great opportunity to merge our two countries closer. Mend the bond that was shaken all those years ago."
"I thought our bond was mending itself well on its own," said Dimitri, turning his attention more towards Stephon, "was I mistake, Stephon?"
"I'm afraid there are some wounds that will never heal between our two countries," Stephon said, "but I do have to agree that we have been strengthening our alliance well over years."
"Then do you think it would be necessary for us arranging a marriage between our two grandchildren?" Dimitri asked.
"It would certainly strengthen our union,' Robert spoke up, "if Emma were to marry Zane, our two countries were to be fully united, and Emma would still be able to be a queen as her mother was supposed to be, while I can also still be king of Elence without a fuss."
"Is that what your intent was?" Stephon asked looking at his nephew mad. Dimitri also looked at him not amused.
"It would be the best plan to keep everyone happy. It's not like you named Emma your heir. She's fully open to marry another prince from another country in line for the throne," said Robert.
"You didn't name your granddaughter your heir?" Dimitri asked surprised.
"I didn't want to pressure her just yet," Stephon explained.
"Uncle, do you really intend to insult King Dimitri by denying his grandson as a potential husband for Emma? That could be considered insulting to him and Poulon, wouldn't it?"
"Oh I wouldn't go that far," Dimitri tried to insist.
"Still, many would see it as insulting and therefore it could weaken or even flat out ruin the bond we've been working so hard to mend," Robert said as he stood up, be careful how quickly you you decide to reject Zane as a husband for Emma." And with that he strud out of the room.
Both old kings sighed once they were alone.
"Sadly he's right," Dimitri spoke up, "many in my kingdom would see it as insulting if you were to flat out deny Zane so quickly after the notion was made. Including my son, the boy's father."
"I understand," Stephon said, " but this also isn't the bloody dark ages either! And I don't like the idea of using my granddaughter whom I just found as some sort of barging chip!"
"Yes Stephon, I know," said Dimitri, "but I can say this with a princess of Elence married to a member of my family, especially an heir to the throne, they can help make sure Robert doesn't get carried away with his power as king while also protecting her from his wrath. Think about it."
Stephon sighed, "I suppose."
"Pherhaps this is something we can discuss more later, especially once Zane ans Emma have met," said Dimitri.
"It's Ema, her is Ema," Stephon said sternly.
"Oh Apologies," said Dimitri.
Juli and Hailey quickly raced out of the room through their tunnel.
"Chi, in an arranged marriage?" Juli kept hissing mad, "just so Robert can still be king?!"
"I wonder if he'll try something similar with Chay," said Hailey.
"I don't think so, unfortunately," said Juli, "if anything I'm more worried about whoever it was that killed his parents and tried to kill him may attempt to finish the job."
"To think I was worried about being board out of my mind when grandfather suddenly dragged me here. But this idea of getting a hot princess to bang, sounds nice," Zane spoke out loud as he walked down a hallway, "that is of course assuming she is hot. I hope she is. Don't want some ugly faced chick with a crooked nose, or beedy little eyes or something like that."
He stopped and looked behind at the servant following him.
"Do you know where she might be?" he asked.
"No my lord, I apologize," the servant replied.
"Oh, that's a shame," said Zane. He looked around until he came upon Billy hurrying along.
"You, guard," he called out.
"Oh, hello Prince Zane," Billy greeted, bowing.
"Where's the princess, I want to see her in person," Zane ordered.
"Uh, who?" Billy asked.
"Princess Emma, where she at? I want to see her if I am to marry her someday," Zane said.
"Oh, um, I think she may have been instructed to go to her room to prepare for dinner," Billy recalled.
"Then that is where I shall go," Zane declared. He snapped his fingers at the servant, "you lead me to the princess' room now!"
The servant quickly obeyed and escorted Zane down another hallway.
"Marry, Ema?" Billy whispered to himself. "Oh man, where's Yusuke!"
"Do you really have time to do my hair before dinner Louis?" Ema asked as she sat at her vanity table with Louis behind her.
"I haven't done your hair in so long Chi. It just feels right," said Louis, "besides I asked a maid to find me an outfit from my room and bring it here so I can change here if need be."
Ema smiled. "Thank you Louis," she said.
"Anything for my little sister," said Louis. Ema blushed as he set to work. He work quickly but efficiently and was soon done.
"Oh I love it Louis, thank you!" said Ema.
"I'm glad you think so," said Louis.
"Just then there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" asked Louis on Ema's behalf.
"Prince Zane would like to enter to meet her majesty," said a voice.
"Prince Zane?" Ema said looking at Louis, "I suppose he may enter."
The doors immediately opened and in walked a boy her aged. He paused and looked Ema over, as a smile crept across his face.
"Hello lovely," he said, "I could see myself very happy marrying a girl like you."
"What?!" both Louis and Ema shouted out loud.