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

Billy ran as fast as he could down the stairs, and our one of the back doors of the palace towards the gaurds' training gym.

He ran in and sae Yusuke sparing with a practice dummy while another senior guard watched, giving him advice and feed back on his form.

"Keep the leg straight, you still have a slighg bend to it," Yusuke's instructor as Billy approached.

"Right," said Yusuke sais as he tried to kick the dummy, only to have Billy grab it.

"Billy?" The instructor said surprised.

"What the?" Yusuke shouted, trying to keep his balance.

"You, come with me now!" Billy ordered.

"What?" Yusuke asked confused as he dropped Yusuke's leg and instead grabbed him by the collar, pulling him along.

"What's up? You have another training session for me or something?" Yusuke asked as Billy pulled him along.

"No something else!" Billy said as they hurried out of the gym, " do you remember when I said you should make a move on Princess Ema while you still have a chance? You might be losing that chance or any other chance real fast!"

"What? Why?" Yusuke asked alarm.

"Pirnce Zane of Poulon is here and he is looking to make a move,' Billy explained hastily.

"Who?" Yusuke asked confused.

"The prince of our most neighboring kingdom. He's roughly yours and Princess Ema's age and he sounds interested in meeting her," Billy told him.

"A prince? A real prince?" Yusuke asked sounding alarmed.

"Yep, and not that bad looking either!" said Billy, "all the more reason you need to act fast if you expect to not be left behind!"

"Yeah, yeah, you're right," Yusuke agreed.

'But how?' he thought in a panic.

Ema reached over and gripped Louis' hand, a little confused and frightened by Prince Zane's sudden comment.

Zane meanwhile walked over to Ema, standing only a few inches apart from her, face to face. He looked her right in the eye, with a luscious smile.

"Hello Princess Emma, it's so nice to meet you," he said, "I must say, your beauty is quite a sight to behold."

"Uh, thank you," Ema said a little nervous. She tried moving away slightly from the boy and closer to Louis.

"I take it you haven't been told or informed about Prince Robert"s brilliant idea for the two," Zane started to explain.

"Robert's brilliant idea?" Louis asked, now doing his part to pull Ema further away from Zane.

"Quiet Servant," Zane ordered, snapping his fingers, not even looking at Louis. "You presences is not needed or wanted."

"Oh, he's not a servant, he's my brother, and also another lost member of the royal family," Ema quickly explained.

"Huh?" Zane asked confused, finally looking at Louis confused.

"He is Louis and his father was Lord Walter, my mother's intended successor," Ema explained.

"Lord Walter?" Zane tried to recall, "was he that heartthrob ambassador that died in that car fire with his wife and son?"

"Yes, that was him and my mother," Louis confirmed, "I somehow managed to survive."

"Oh, well that's nice. I think my mother had a crush on your father when she younger. She liked talked about it with my sisters once or twice," Zane stated.

"Oh, how nice," said Louis.

"Well, anyway," Zane continued from where he left off, "Lord Robert had invited me here to met you since he thinks it might be a good idea if we were to maybe marry someday. Sort of unite our two kingdoms."

"Oh did he?" Ema said, not sounding too thrilled.

"And I have to say, looking at you, I'm not too opposed to the idea," Zane said as he suddenly reached out and started to play with Ema's newly styled hair.

"That's, nice," Ema said weakly, trying to push Zane's hand away without hurting or hopefully offending him.

"Shouldn't be too uncomfortable about the idea. It's a common practice among our kind," said Zane.

"Yes, I imagine," said Ema, "but no offense Prince Zane. I just met you and I haven't heard anything in regards to all of this. So I hope you can forgive me if I'm acting a little hostile about this whole thing."

"Oh no one's told you about the proposal?" Zane asked, a little confused, "my apologies. I assumed you had been made aware." He back away and gave an apologetic bow. However Ema and Louis both notice a smirk come across his face.

"With that said then," he spoke up, raising his head, "perhaps you and I should take the opportunity presented and maybe try to get to know each other better? Especially for the sakes of our two nations?"

"Uh, well, um," Ema sputtered.

"In hindsight, it may not be a bad idea," Louis spoke up, "however I hope you're not offended if Ema doesn't want to all the time."

"Ema?" Zane said, "is that some sort of fancy way your pronounce her name or something?"

"No, that's my name Ema," the young lady replied.

"Why? Did your parents want to give you a more unique type of name or something?" Zane asked.

"Well, not exactly, it's not an uncommon name in Japan," said Ema.

"Japan?" Zane said confused as he thought it over, "oh that's right, my dad said your mom ran off with some hunk Japanese photographer. Which was kind of stupid since I also heard your grandfather was alright with the idea of him marrying your mother."

"It's complicated," said Ema.

"Anyway," Zane continued, "Ema, if that's what you prefer, I really would like to get to know you better. I think you and I could get along well."

"Uh, I suppose it might not be a bad idea," Ema sputtered, "but I...,"

Just then the doors opened ans in walked Lord Markus.

"Ah, Louis, I was told you were here," he said as he carried in a clothes bag. However he paused when he noticed Zane.

"Prince Zane," he said as he bowed, "how wonderful and surprising to see you again my lord."

"Do I know you?" Zane asked as he snapped his fingers trying to recall.

"Oh, Lord Markus, The royal family historian, my lord," said Markus.

"Ah yes, you helped me once with my history assignment when I was visiting with my father and grandfather," said Zane.

"Is your father and grandfather here as well my lord?" Markus asked.

"Just my grandfather. He got an urgent letter for him and me to visit. Apparently, Lord Robert thinks it might be a good idea if myself and Princess Emma, er Ema, might someday marry," Zane explained, casting Ema a lustful look.

"Married?" Markus said sounding a little worried. "Well I suppose such a union would be good for our two countries."

"Yes, that too," Zane said, still looking towards Ema.

"Well, in the meantime, Louis, I found you the perfect tux for the ball. Not only was this tux warn by your father, but it was also worn by his father, your grandfather," Markus said as he unzipped the bag to reveal the tux inside.

"My grandfather?" Louis asked as he reached out and felt it. "My father and grandfather wore this?"

"They did, your father wanted to wear something of his father's at his first ball, so he could feel more confident about attending," Markus said.

"Oh, that sounds so sweet," said Ema.

"Yeah, it's a nice tradition to wear a tuxedo or suit of a close family member. I wore one or two of my father's old suits or ones made to look like ones he wore at my age at the time," Zane added.

"Really?" Louis asked, "should we go and try it on?"

"Yes, let's, hopefully we'll have time before dinner," said Markus heading to the door.

"Yes, go do that, go, have fun," Zane started to insist as he ushered Louis out the door. Then he looked at Ema. "That'll give us some time to get to know each other, in private."

"Right," Ema muttered, rubbing her arm. Now more than ever she wished one of her brothers would suddenly show up.

"I'm sorry for intruding like that," said Markus as he and Louis walked towards Louis' room.

"No, it's fine," Louis assured him

"Ema and Zane, married?" he heard Markus whispering to himself.

"Would it really benefit Elence and whatever country Zane is prince of if he and Chi were to wed?"Louis asked.

"I suppose it could," Markus admitted though he still looked like he was pondering the notion.

"Something on your mind?" Louis asked.

"I was just putting the pieces together as to what agenda Robert would gain both on the surface and interior," Markus explained, "I suppose one of his most personal motives would be since Ema was never named Stephon's successor, if she were to marry Zane, she could never be queen of Elence. Having two heirs to two separate thrones would create a conflict if interest if they were to marry."

"So if Chi marries Zane, she'd never be able to take up the mantle of queen of Elence?" Louis asked.

"Exactly," said Markus, "however, Robert could also make the claim that by having your sister marry into the royal family of Poulon, would be a way to fully mend the bond between our two nations."

Louis paused in his step at Markus' explanation. "Is there trouble between us, err, Elence and Poulon?"

Markus' grew bitter and sad looking. "There's been some tension between the two countries for a while, since the war."

"Why? Did something bad happen?" Louis asked in alarm.

"Well, you know how Elence was a safe haven for Jewish refugees during the war escaping Germany?" Markus explained. Louis nodded. "Well, Poulon wasn't so bold with the concept of standing up to Germany. They practically let Germany walk over them, including when it came to dealing with the Jews. Since Poulon and Elence are so much alike and right next to each other, several Jewish refugees would either go to Poulon thinking they would be safe there or try to past through in order to get to Elence. And if they were discovered or caught, Poulon would either captured them and retrun them to Germany in order to show them they weren't going to cause a fight. Or worse yet, they would simply execute the poor people."

"They executed the people trying to flee to safety?" Louis asked in alarm.

"Afraid so," Markus replied, "sometimes, they'd even chase the refugees to Elence's border and even worse, sometimes they'd dare cross the boarder in an attempt to apprehend the people, and pull them back into Poulon to kill them."

"That's, that's terrible!" said Louis.

Markus nodded. "Needless to say things like that caused tension between our two nations, and it's been a slightly rough road repairing the damages."

"Hence why Chi marrying Zane would be seen a sure way of the two countries finally be at peace," Louis said out loud.

"Exactly," said Markus.

"Hmm, sly of Robert," Louis muttered.

"He does have a little brain in that big head of his," Markus retorted.

"Would you mind if I sit?" Zane asked as he sat at Ema's desk.

"Yes please, by all means," Ema allowed, as she sat back at her vanity.

"So tell me Ema, what do you like to do?" Zane asked a little more causal. Ema noticed his persona was a lot less lustful.

"Well, I enjoy video games a lot," said Ema.

"Oh are you?" Zane said, "I like a few myself but I've never really got into them. I was always more an outdoor type. I like doing things like hiking, swiming, sports. I like sports a lot."

"Any sport in particular?" Ema decided to ask.

"Lacross is probably my favorite," said Zane, "but I've dabbled in others."

"How do basketball?" Ema asked.

"Basketball is fine, but it was never quite my sport," said Zane.

"One of my older brothers Subaru is an amazing basketball player," said Ema, "he's on his college basketball team. And my grandfather's gaurds Richard wants to challenge him to a game."

"Oh Richard wants to play him huh? You know, my father and uncle both have his college trading card," said Zane.

"Trading cards?" Ema said back.

"He was an all star in college according to my father," Zane explained.

Ema nodded as she thought, "Sounds like Subaru is going to have a real challenge ahead of him should he finally play against Richard.'

"How many brothers do you have anyway?" Zane asked casually, bringing Ema out of her thoughts of Subaru and Richard.

"Uh, 13," she replied quickly.

"13?!" Zane said in alarm, "damn your parents got busy!"

"Well, actually they're technically my stepbrothers, the sons of my adoptive father's new wife," said Ema.

"Oh, still," said Zane, "was she the one that adopted...," he gestured towards the door.

"Yes, she adopted Louis at a young age from an orphanage," said Ema.

"Good to know the poor kid didn't suffer in foster care over the years," said Zane, "so what are your other brothers like? They treat you well?"

"Very much so, ever since I moved in with them they were so kind and helpful. I love them all very much," said Ema. Zane narrowed his eyes at the way Ema's face became warmer mentioning how she loved her brothers.

"I take it you've gotten close to them?" he asked.

"I'd like to think so, to the point they were brought here when it was reviled I was the king's granddaughter," said Ema.

"So they're all here now?" Zane asked a little surprised.

"Yes, and all are apparently really busy," said Ema.

"Doing what?" Zane asked.

"Well," Ema begain to list off, a little surprised that Zane was listening so intently.

"So what do I do?" Yusuke asked as he and Billy turned down the hallway towards Ema's room

"You care about her, think of something!" Billy insisted.

"But," Yusuke sputtered, "I don't know what to do on the spot!"

"Well try, because this is what I wqs warning you about before!" Billy told him.

"Right, right, "' Yusuke said as they neared the door and happened to noticed a stranger standing gaurd outside the door.

"That's not one of Richard's men is it?" Yusuke asked.

"No, probably here with the prince," said Billy, "let me handle him." He slowed his pace as he came up to the man.

"Can I help you?" the man asked him.

"That depends," Billy said in a deep authority voice, "who are you and what are you doing outside the princess' room?"

"I'm Prince Zane of Poulon's personal gaurd, Master Maxwell."

"Oh, Master Billy gaurd for the royal family of Elence, a person confident of Head Gaurd Richard," said Billy, "however, this still doesn't explain why you are standing here in front of Princess Ema's room like this. You wouldn't be up to something unpleasant with the princess now would you?"

"I beg your pardon?!" Maxwell snapped.

"No one authorized you to be here, especially alone with none of the princess' gaurds present? One could come to the wrong conclusion that way," Billy said sternly, "Yusuke! Get in there and confirm the princess is safe and unharmed!"

"Uh, yes sir!" Yusuke said. Billy quickly managing to push Maxwell aside with ease and have Yusuke push open the doors.

"...and so Grandfather asked Natsume to creat a game based on Elence," Ema listed off.

"Hmm, that sounds interesting," said Zane, "I hope he doesn't make Poulon to be any kind of villan or whatever in it."

"Oh i don't think he'd do that," said Ema, "now then, you know about Louis and Subaru. That just leaves Iori, Futo, Wataru and," she stopped herself from saying the last name as a slight blush came across her face, "Yusuke."

"I take it Yusuke is one of your closer brothers?" Zane asked, a little hostile, noticing Ema's cheeks.

"Oh, well," Ema sputtered. Suddenly her doors opened and Yusuke came stumbling into the room.

"Yusuke!" Ema said surprised as she stood up abruptly.

"Uh, Ema," Yusuke sputtered as he noticed Zane sitting not too far away from Ema.

"Who's this?' Zane asked a little annoyed as he stood up.

"Um, my brother Yusuke," said Ema, "he's been training with the royal gaurd for my sake. Right Yusuke?"

"Uh, yeah," said Yusuke.

"And why are you here?"Zane asked as ge stood up.

"Uh, I was asked to aee if Ema was getting herself ready for," Yusuke started to say, trying hard to think of a logical excuse, "for dinner. It's almost dinner time and you know how your grandfather doesn't like people to be late."

"Right," said Ema.

"Eh, all kings are alike in that sense," Zane muttered as he too stood up, "I suppose I should freshen up before dinner so my grandfather doesn't get angry with me." He looked one last time at Ema.

"Another time princess," he said as he bowed and walked out.

Yusuke and Ema watched him walked out, and were actually shut behind him, leaving them alone.

"So, he's a prince, huh?" Yusuke asked, trying to hide his slight disgust.

"Yes, apparently, he and his grandfather were invited here rather unexpectedly by Robert in the hopes I might marry him," Ema explained.

"What?" Yusuke asked, nearly falling to the floor.

"Yes, a prince and a princess, a good match," said Ema.

"But, but, you, don't want that do you?!" Yusuke pleaded.

Ema looked at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Would it bother you if I did?" she asked as shs casually walked to the other side of the room.

Yusuke followed her with his eyes before looking away. "Well, I wouldn't want you to get caught up in something that'd be bad for you," he tried to say.

"And why marring a prince be bad for me? I am a princess after all," said Ema, keeping to her side of the room.

"But, you don't know him. You don't know what he's like," Yusuke tried to argue.

"I have time, I could get to know him. Maybe I could grow to love him," said Ema.

Yusuke could feel his skin grow cold at her comment.

"Would you?" he asked.

"Why not?" Ema asked.

"Well," Yusuke sputtered.

"I suppose if I knew for sure someone else liked me in a way that would at least put any marriage plans on serious hold, I might not be so certain to marry Prince Zane someday," said Ema.

Yusuke's eyes widen. "Are you suggesting...,"

"Please, Yusuke no more beating around the bush," Ema pleaded as she turned around, "I've had time to get used to being princess more or less. And that includes any uneasy feelings I've been trying to push away. I, I'm honestly ready and willing to admit my honest true feelings. That is, if you are too."

Yusuke bit his lip, clenching his fists.

"I, I, I honestly care and love you as a girl and not as a sister. I had a crush on you before we were family. I developed it when I saw you at school. That's what Inwas trying to admit when they tried to kill us, right before Richard saved us."

He looked away in embarrassment over his confession. Ema walked over and softly touched his arm.

"Yusuke, it's alright, you need not be ashamed of such a confession. I myself have come to realize, even though I wanted more than anything to be just a family of brothers and sister, I've come to decide that I'd be willing to return the feelings you have with me. If you truly have them."

"I do, I do," Yusuke insisted cupping Ema's cheek."I really do!"

Ema could feel tears filling up in her eyes.

"Yusuke, she said softly.

"We can talk after dinner, when we've had more time," Yusuke suggested.

"Good idea," Ema said wiping down her tears.

"However, before we go," Yusuke suddenly suggested. He pulled Ema closer and this time instigated the kiss. Neither pulled away or felt confused by it. For the first time ever, sharing their love through a kiss a felt completely right.