DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Richard poked his head into the royal dinging room and was pleased to see all the Asahina brothers were in the at the table seated. He notice Markus glance his way. The two shared a look of understanding as Richard backed out.
Markus cleared his throat, "everyone, we should stand up," he said as he did so himself along with his niece. The men all did as they were told and quickly stood up. Robert however seemed to stand up at his leisure, looking a little smug. Bea looked at him annoyed and scared about his self-satisfied persona.
Richard suddenly opened the two big doors wide making everyone look at him.
"Presenting their majesties, King Stephon and King Dimitri of Poulon, and Princess Ema and Prince Zane of Poulon."
Richard then moved aside for the four monarchs walked in. Stephon and Dimitri walked in together, shoulder to shoulder. Both looked regale and important. It was a little intimidating to say the least.
Before the brothers could really take in the two kings and their obviously superiority, they were all distracted when they saw their stepsister walking in on the arms of a handsome looking young boy, close to her age. The boy had an obvious look of lust on his face looking towards Ema.
"Who's that?" Wataru whispered to Subaru.
"Prince Zane, I'm guessing," Subaru whispered back.
Both Stephon and Dimitri walked to the different ends of the table while Zane led Ema to the end closest to her grandfather. He then took a seat across from on the other side.
"Sorry for the extra added formalities lads, but please let me introduce you to King Dimitri of Poulon, and his grandson Prince Zane," Stephon said before he sat down.
Everyone else also followed suit.
"So, Dimitri, you've already met the four oldest brothers, Masaomi, Ukyo, Kaname and Hikaru. I suppose we should just go back down the list. There's the triplets Tsubaki, Azusa and Natsume, Subaru, Iori, Yusuke, Futo, Wataru, my personal favorite," Stephon introduced, giving the little boy a wink. Wataru giggled with a look of pride on his face.
"And then the last one, who you may recognize," Louis," Stephon finished looking towards Louis himself. Dimitri lookrd towards him too and his eyes widen.
"No! No it can't be!" he insisted.
"What grandfather?" Zane asked.
"Stephon, is this, Walter and Georgette's son?! The one they thought drown?!" Dimitri asked.
"It is, he's been alive all this time living in Japan as the adopted son of the Asahina family," said Stephon.
"Oh my goodness! To think he's been alive all this time!" said Dimitri.
"I didn't realize my mother and father were so well known in your country as well, your majesty," said Louis.
"Well, your father was quite heartthrob, that lots of ladies knew of him," said Dimitri.
"Eh, my mother and aunts used to be actual members of a fan club for your fathers. He was quite the heartthrob back in day," Zane seemed to recall not so thrilled.
"Your father had a fan club?" Futo said out loud.
"Yep, and like Zane said, his mother, along with my two daughters were all members of his fan club. He was that popular," Dimitri concur looking a little embarrassed about the idea.
"Wow Louis, looks like you have quite the legacy to live up to," Tsubaki joked.
"Hmm," Louis muttered as he looked down at his plate.
"Oh I don't know. Sounds to me he's doing fine as is on his own,' said Markus.
"I agree," Sophie added.
"Thank you Markus," said Louis, "and Sophie." He reached over and put his hand on top of hers.
Dimitri watched Louis with enthusiasm.
"So Markus, how long did it take you to get Louis and Sophie back together?" he asked.
"She's here for me! She's my teacher!" Wataru quickly declared loudly.
"Wataru!" Masaomi tried to calm down the boy.
Howver the three old men at the table all let out a chuckle.
"My apologies Master Wataru," Dimitri said kindly. He then looked back at Louis and Sophie, "and I ask for forgiveness from you as well Louis. I don't know if you heard this yet or not. But it was widely anticipated even in my kingdom that, even at a young age, the two of you would one day be together."
"Yes I did hear that," Louis said. He blushed and gazed at Sophie again, "and I can understand why."
"Boy, almost everyone seems to be getting a girlfriend here!" Wataru suddenly declared.
"Yes, a lot of you do seem to be getting some new ladies friends I've noticed," Stephon agreed. He seemed happy about the idea.
"It does make a man feel proud when someone he cares about has found a nice partner," Dimitri said.
"Especially if those two can help unite two kingdoms," Robert suddenly spoke up.
"What's he talking about?" Natsume asked.
"Robert!" Stephon tried to warn.
"He actually does make a good point,' Zane said casting his lustful look back towards Ema. Ema looked down in order to avoid his gaze.
"Something happened, Ema?" Masaomi asked.
"Well, the whole reason I had invited King Dimitri and Zane was to...," Robert started to explain.
"It's nothing!" Stephon and Dimitri both insisted at the same time.
"I merely came here to meet Ema. She's the long lost granddaughter of my good friend and of course I wanted to meet her. And I just brought along Zane since he's the my son's heir and felt it do him some good to do more to represent his country. That's all," Dimitri said in a rush.
"Exactly!" Stephon agreed. He shot Robert a warning look.
Robert flinched, but then got his smug look again.
"Of course, of course Uncle. But you know something has crossed my mind," he started to say.
"Robert!" Stephon urged angrily.
"Don't you think, it'd be a good idea that maybe we try pairing up Ema and Zane as a way to unite our two nations?" Robert finished.
That got nearly all the brothers to drop what they were holding in shock.
"I like the idea," Zane said still looking at Ema eagerly.
Yusuke could feel his blood boil at both Zane and Robert's words.
"Are you really going to make big sister marry the prince?" Wataru asked.
"No, lad, it's merely a suggestion," Stephon insisted.
"A good suggestion though," said Robert.
"Yeah, you're just full of those," muttered Bea.
"Um, can I say something?" Ema asked.
"Oh Ema you don't need to ask for permission for such a thing," Stephon assured her.
"Thank you, I mean no disrespect when I say this. But I just found out about my family, my royal heritage. I'd like to focus on learning more about all that before I worry about marriage. Especially if there's a chance my marriage could," Ema paused as she looked back between Zane and Yusuke, "could make a big impact on so many."
"Absolutely, your granddaughter is very wise, Stephon," Dimitri praised.
"She has a lot of her mother in here, even if she didn't realize it," said Stephon.
"And her grandmother," Dimitri added. He seemed happy talking about Ema's grandmother.
"What else do you have to worry about?" Zane asked.
"Well for one thing, I'm going to see if I can help with a building dispute tomorrow," said Ema.
"Tomorrow?" Masaomi asked. He cast a glance at Ukyo before he asked, "what time?"
"In the morning around 10," said Ema.
"Oh good," said Masaomi. He and Ukyo looked relieved. "Actually I think I remember Erica mentioning that."
"Why? What's going on?" Ema asked.
"We managed to schedule a meeting with the mayor of Almara, along with a few other representatives of the other cities the hospital is intended for to share with them the idea," Ukyo explained.
"Oh, wonderful!" Ema said, "is there anything I should be doing to get ready?"
"Erica was able to write a presentation for you to read," Masaomi told her, "she, Hannah, Kyo and myself already let them know we'd be conducting most of the meeting and would know more about it."
Ema nodded, "I'm sorry you have to do most of the work for this."
"No, Ema, no!" Ukyo insisted.
"We're happy to be doing this. So are the ladies," Masaomi assured her.
"It's actually not uncommon for projects spearheaded by royals to have a whole team of researchers and helpers do most of the work for them," Stephon also told her, "but it's nice you care about the people doing your work,"
"These are what the little people are for Emma," Robert added, "you have to accept these if you want to be a real princess."
Ema gave him an annoyed look.
"Sometimes it gets tiresome," Zane spoke up, "day in, day out they nearly do everything for you."
"Hmm, maybe we should cut back a little on your staff, Zane," Dimitri muttered.
"Don't do me any favors Grandfather," Zane said.
"Kind of a little arrogant little pinhead, huh?" Tsubaki said.
"He's a prince, and the heir to the throne," Markus said, "so of course he is. You think these two weren't like that at his age?" He pointed between the two kings.
"Oh thank you Markus," said Dimitri.
"I'm a historian," Markus bragged, "I known almost everything, right down to your guys' little love square."
"Love square?" Hikaru asked amused, "do tell good sir!"
Markus smirked, "well, it started when the two met Wilma, Ema's grandmother. Both men were so in love with her and competed in almost anything and everything for her affection."
"Really?" Hikaru asked, "and wasn't it true that Ema's grandmother looks a lot like her?" He cast Ema a loving gaze.
"That she did," Stephon admitted.
"Well it's no wonder you and King Dimitri would fight for such a lady," said Hikaru.
"I guess, even though, it was a little obvious, even from the beginning, that she was going to be with Stephon," Dimitri confessed.
"Ah, what a honorable man you are your majesty," said Hikaru, "but I'm curious, where does the other side of this love square come from?"
"That would be my wife Abigail," Dimitri bragged.
"Ah, yes, Abigail," Stephon said, actually sounding a little lustful thinking about her, "she came into the picture shortly after Wilma decided she wanted to be with me and let me tell you, if I wasn't alredy with Wilma, I would have been fighting Dimitri for her the same way he had fought me for Wilma. I actually felt tempted a few times."
"Oh my!" Hikaru exclaimed with delight.
"You got a little naughty side huh?" Tsubaki said.
"I am human after all," said Stephon, "but just as Dimitri could tell Wilma would be with me, it was obvious, even without Wilma, Abigail would be with him. She was the right match for him and Wilma was the right match for me."
"Very true," Dimitri agreed, "we both lucked out with our wives and queens."
"Did my grandmother get along well with your wife, King Dimitri?" Ema asked.
"Oh, yes, they surprisingly bonded over our love fights for the two of them. They both could sympathize with each other over it," Dimitri said, "and Abigail became a sort of aunt to your mother when your grandmother sadly died."
Ema smiled a sad smile at the info the new king had told her.
"I was actually thinking of bringing her to the ball they're throwing in yours and Louis' honor," said Dimitri.
"You're going to be there?" Yusuke blurted out. He looked at Zane who was looking amused at the idea.
"Yes, since they came to meet Ema, it was decided that they and few other members of Dimitri's family shall be allowed to attend," said Stephon, "and as such, I've also decided, since, as Wataru has pointed out, so many of you seemed to have met some charming lady friends, you are all allowed to bring dates to the ball."
"We are?" Hikaru said with delight looking at Heather happy.
"Does mean anyone of any rank?" Iori asked looking at Ami behind Futo.
"Yes, of course. You aren't real royals after all. So if you have staff members you'd like to bring, you are allowed. And you are even allowed to help pay for a new dress or accessories for them if need be," Stephon allowed.
That got a lot of happy faces at the table.
Futo turned around and looked at Ami, and snapped his fingers. "We're going shopping tomorrow! Be ready!"
"Yes Master," Ami said softly but with a smile.
Wataru looked towards Louis and Sophie who were sharing tender looks.
"Miss Sophie, are you going to be Louis's date for this?" he asked.
"Uh, we'll see," Louis said quickly, "I might be a little busy since I'll be meeting a lot of people at this ball."
"I promise you Wataru, we will share at least one dance, alright?" Sophie promised.
"5!" Wataru insisted.
"Wataru," Masaomi called out.
"We negotiate the number of dances later," Sophie said, "we may end up doing more than 5."
"Oh!" Wataru said with delight.
"I'm sure we will get to share a dance, right?" Zane asked Ema.
"I'm sure at least one," Ema agreed reluctantly. Zane seemed pleased with her answer.
Yusuke had to hold a glass up to his mouth to hide his scowl.
"Um, your majesty?" Azusa spoke up, "speaking of dates and whatnot, may I please be excused early? To met with someone?"
"Oh yes certainly," Stephon allowed, "do you need a car?"
"No, she's here at the palace,"" Azusa said as he stood up and bowed, "it was nice meeting you King Dimitri, and Prince Zane."
"Yes, delighted," Dimitri replied.
"Sure," was all Zane would say.
"Who are you going to see?" Tsubaki whispered to his brother as walked past him.
"No you you need to worry about," said Azusa.
"Do you happen to be seeing someone other than Natasha, Asua?" Robert asked, "I swear your name still sounds more Australian than Japanese."
"It's Azusa, and again, Sir, it's nothing you need to concern yourself with," Azusa said a little snide before he walked fully out of the dinging room. Robert scowl as Azusa walked out.
"Let it go, come on," Bea whispered.
"Don't tell me what to do!" Robert snapped. "So King Dimitri, since you are coming to the ball, are you and Zane staying in Elence until then?"
"No, I cannot, I do have duties back in Poulon after all," said Dimitri, "I'll just return the day of the ball with some more of my family."
"But Zane can stay, can't he?" Robert insisted.
"Oh, I wouldn't mind that," Zane said with delight.
"Now Zane!" Dimitri started to say.
"Oh come on Grandfather, I won't be missing anything important back home. And I can miss a few days of school," Zane argued, "it wouldn't hurt to maybe stay here in Elence, get to know Ema better?"
Yusuke actually started to growl softly.
Dimitri sighed, "if your father and mother agree then I suppose we can allow it."
"Sweet, thanks," Zane beamed. He folded his hands and once again cast a glance to Ema, who was really starting to wish she could change places with anyone at the table.
Azusa road the elevator down to the servants second floor and hurried down to Natasha's room.
Natasha was standing in her kitchen, filling a bowl of popcorn when there was a knock at her door.
She hobbled over and managed to open it.
"Oh, Azusa, you came back," she said a little surprised.
"I said I would," said Azusa, "can I come in?"
"Yes, of course," said Natasha as she moved over as best she could. Azusa was able to maneuver around her easily. "Surprised you made it so soon what with the special guests and all."
"Well, luckily King Stephon was kind enough to excuse me early," Azusa explained. "So, are we watching an anime together?"
"Yes, if you'd like to pick one out, I'll get the popcorn," said Natasha.
"What one would you like?" Azusa asked.
Well there's that cool cop one I just started. It's kind of dark and griddy. Is that alright?" Natasha asked.
Azusa picked up the DVD case and smirked. "Oh, yes this one will be just fine."
He popped in the disk before walking over to Natasha in the kitchen trying to manouver the bowl with her cruches.
"Here, let me," he offered as he picked the bowl up himself.
"Thanks," Natasha said as she hobbled over to the couch and Azusa helped her get situated. He hit the play button and the show started.
At first the two watched in silence eating their popcorn.
"Oh," Natasha spoke up after a while, "that cop right there is probably my favorite character."
"The rookie?" Azusa asked.
"Yeah, he's a real cool character and his Japanese voice is super sexy," Natasha said, only to blush, "sorry."
"No it's okay," Azusa insisted, before he spoke again, this time in Japanese right as Natasha's favorite character was about to speak, "don't treat me like the a baby just because I'm the new guy."
Natasha slowly looked over at him, then back at the screen, right as the rookie was about to speak again.
"Oh that's easier said than done," both he and Azusa said together.
"No way!" Natasha declared, "No way!" She looked at Azusa who was smirking at her, "that can't be you!"
"So sure?" Azusa asked, right as he spoke a line along with the character, "hmm, you really think you're going to wow guys like that with a skirt that long? Show some leg babe."
"Oh my god!" Natasha shouted, "you! Y-You!"
"Well I am a voice actor back home. I do that for a living," said Azusa.
"Oh my god! I don't believe it!" Natasha said looking amused and embarrassed.
Azusa smirked, "don't be embarrassed, the biggest part of being a voice actor is to blend our voice to the show so well, you just assum that's their voice regardless."
"Wow, to think I got a celebrity next to me doing a private screening of his show," Natasha joked still looking embarrassed.
"Perhaps I can treat you to some more private showings in the future," Azusa teased popping a piece of popcorn into his mouth.
"I'd like that," Natasha agreed. She actually seemed to relax a little bit and move a few inches closer to Azusa.
'I wonder,' Azusa thought, 'if there's anyway, even with her broken leg, I can ask her to be my date to the ball.'
Ema walked next to her grandfather as she and him help escort King Dimitri to his room.
"I hope you have a nice night's sleep, your highness," Ema said kindly.
"Thank you Princess," Dimitri replied. He took her hand and kissed the back of it sweetly. "It was so nice to meet you. I look forward to see how far you go in life as a princess."
"Thank you," Ema said kindly.
Dimitri looked at Stephon, "I'll probably leave early tomorrow morning. You need not worry about sending me off. This isn't a state visit or anything."
"Very well, safe travels if I don't see before you go," said Stephon, "I shall see you and your family when you return for the ball."
"Oh, I just thought of something," Dimitri suddenly said, "how would you feel if I brought my little June Surprise with me to the ball?"
"Your June Surprise?" Stephon said intrigued, "she is about the same age as Wataru, isn't she? I think that'd be delightful."
"Thank you," said Dimitri, "oh and if my grandson causes problems, you have my permission to discipline him as you see fit. And that includes physical treatment."
"Thank you, hopefully it won't escalate to that," said Stephon.
"You never know," said Dimitri, "good luck with your little projects tomorrow as well Princess."
"Thank you," said Ema, "I hope they are a success."
"Even if they're not, you sure seem to be setting a good example for Zane and his brother and sisters. They could really stand to do more a princes and princesses. Good night to you both."
Dimitri quietly shut his door as Ema and Stephon walked on together.
"How many brothers and sisters does Prince Zane have?" Ema asked as the two walked on.
"One brother and two sisters. One of the sisters is the brother's twin," Stephon told her.
"Oh, that's interesting," said Ema.
"And that of course is only with his oldest son, Oliver," Stephon continued, "King Dimitri actually has quite a few grandchildren back home through his daughters and other son. Including his June Surprise."
"June Surprise?" Ema asked.
"Dimitri's younger daughter got pregnant unexpectedly after she had her other children and since she was born in June, they named her after the month and her running nickname has always been June Surprise."
"That sounds sweet and she's Wataru's age?" Ema asked with a giggle. Stephon smirked himself.
"Well someone will be surprised at the ball with June Surprise," Ema joked. She then gave off a yawn.
"Worn out my dear? You had a full day," Stephon said tenderly, patting her arm, "you tour the university, visited the house of council, have the lessons, and then meet another monarch."
"Yeah, it is suddenly hitting me," Ema said trying to sound strong, "but as princess I should get use to that. If I'm to make sure I do good for the people of this country and the world in general, I have put a lot of effort in no matter how much it wears me out."
She felt her grandfather suddenly stop in hia tracks. Ema looked at him alarm a she saw a face of shock on his facd slowly turn into a face of pride and happiness.
"You know, your grandmother said something very similar the firat day she truly had to perform her princess duties," he said sounding proud, "your are definitely her granddaughter! She'd be so proud of you!"
"Was it hard for her? Becoming a princess?" Ema asked as they continued walking.
"A little yes," Stephon said, "she was definitely not born into royal life and even though she and I had been dating for some time and she knew Dimitri well, it still couldn't fully prepare her for what it really meant to be a real princess. Especially if she was destined to be a queen someday."
Ema nodded, thinking about what her grandmother must have been going through when she became a part of the royal family.
"Was it the same for mother?" she asked.
"No exactly," Stephon explained, "since she was born a princess, she had the advantage of being raised in the way a princess needs to be. So to her it was just a way of life. Just as it was like with me. I didn't even really think about different ways of life until I met your grandmother."
Ema nodded her head in understanding as they finally reached Stephon's room.
"Good night Grandfather," Ema said, grazing her grandfather with kiss to the cheek.
"Thank you my dear, good night to you too," Stephon said kindly, giving him a small hug. "Good luck tomorrow with your building dispute and the hospital meeting. I'd go with you if I could."
"Don't worry Grandfather, I can handle it. And I'll some of my brothers with me," Ema assured him.
"Something going on between you and one of them?" Stephon joked. Ema blushed looking away slightly. She heard her grandfather chuckle.
"I did notice something with one of them during dinner when talking about you and Zane. If there is, you make sure he's your main escort at the ball."
Ema looked at her grandfather happy, "I will! Thank you grandfather! That's not going to be scandalous or anything though? Is it?"
"My dear, nearly every royal family is made up of people marrying relatives. At least you and him aren't related by blood!" Stephon insisted, "don't worry about that. You just worry about your duties tomorrow and if you really like that one you have apparently decided on."
"Thank you Grandfather," said Ema. She let go of his hand and let him finally go into his room. Richard followed after him.
Ema walked back down the hallway back to her room with Chrissy behind her.
"You know they do have cars that are set up for you to sleep in if you think you'll need it tomorrow princess," Chrissy mentioned as they walked.
"I'm sure I'll be fine," Ema insisted, "as long as I get to sleep right now." However she suddenly paused as she noticed a gaurd from Poulon outisde a different room. "Um Chrissy?"
"Yes highness?" Chrissy asked.
"Can you maybe make double sure that Zane doesn't sneak out and into my room tonight? For some reason he strikes me as a type of person who does that."
"Good instincts," Chrissy muttered, "don't worry, he won't bother in the slightest tonight or any other night as long as you don't want him around."
"Thank you," good night," Ema said as she made it to her room and walked in.
Chrissy walked back to the room where the Poulon gaurd was standing. As he looked at her, she punched her fist to her hand and pointed to him. "Your fate if he escapes!" ahe warned.
"Yes ma'am," said the gaurd as sternly as he could. However he was obviously a little intimidated by Chrissy's threat.
Ema laid down on her bed still in her clothes, looking at the ceiling. What a day she had. And tomorrow was going to be almost exactly like it. However she kept thinking about what her grandfather had said about her grandmother. She felt touched by knowing she shared something with her.
I'll make you proud of me grandmother. You're an amazing inspiration!' Ema decalred in thought.
King Dimitri had changed into a fancy pair of pajamas complete with a robe and was set to pour himself a nightcap when he suddenly instead walked to his door and opened it.
"Something the matter your highness?" his own gaurd asked.
"Could you see if the one brother of Princess Emma, err Ema who's the Buddhist monk is available and would like to come to my room? I'd sort of would like to talk with him about King Stephon."