DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Iori was sitting in a secluded room in the palace, not sure what kind of room it was exactly. He was too busy sketching out more designs for Jane's flower display for school. Each one he had drawn out he liked, but at the same time it also inspired him to try a different one.
"Here you are my lord," he suddenly heard Jane's voice.
"Hello my lady," Iori replied kindly.
"I was told I was allowed to have a day off from my maid work today," Jane said as she sat in the chair opposite from him, "courtesy of your sister."
"Wonderful," Iori said happily, "we can work on the arrangement some more. I've done some more designs if you like to look."
Jane took the paper pad and scanned through them, "I like the ones with roses best," she said.
"You think so?" Iori asked.
"I still say we should do this one," Jane said with one drawing with one big rose in the center of the design.
Iori studied the picture, "this is the one you desier most?" Jane nodded. "Well then, let's get started!"
"I hate to ask, but do you think we can get permission to use flowers from the royal green house?" Jane asked.
"I could ask," Iori replied, "what would be the alternative if we can't though?"
"Head to the university and use the greenhouse there like most everyone else. It's usually pretty crowded," Jane explained.
"I can't see why they won't let us use the one here," Iori assured her as the two walked together.
"I hope someday I can have my own greenhouse where I can grow and use any plant or flower I want along with my own garden," Jane mentioned nonchalantly.
"One with a gravel path all through it?" Iori asked.
"And maybe a fountain," Jane added, "as long as it's my own, and I can do and plant what I wish. Just liked my dad wanted."
"Was he a botanist too?" Iori asked.
"Yeah, he even competed in contest for his garden and his flower displays. I was roughly 6-7 years old when he died," Jane explained sadly.
"I'm sorry," Iori said softly, "he sounds like a good man."
"He was, and I still miss him everyday," Jane mentioned, "but can't always live in the past, right?"
Iori nodded with a little blush. "Um by the way, I wanted to ask you. The king has given us permission to bring dates to the upcoming ball. And I was wondering, would like to go with me?"
"You'd like me to go to a royal ball with you?" Jane asked surprised.
"The king said we could invite anyone," Iori explained, "including members of the staff and since you're the closest person I've come to know here, I could think of no-one else I'd like to ask."
"Wow, a royal ball," Jane whispered, "I know I've worked a few, but never thought I would be a guest of one!"
"King Stephon even said we were allowed to buy you a new dress for it," Iori added.
"Really? Oh wow!" Jane said. She looked like she was getting super excited about the idea.
Iori reached over and gently took her hand, "would you like to go shopping first before we do the flower arrangement?"
"No, we should get that done first! But, wow, I can't tell you how happy this makes me! I hope I don't sound conceited acting this way!" Jane said.
"Hardly," Iori assured her.
"Am I really the only person you thought to ask?" Jane questioned.
"Well the only person I met I felt comfortable asking, Iori admitted. Jane blushed.
"I'll admit I was telling your sister today how happy I am you're staying and going to the university with me," she admitted shyly, "out of all your brothers, you are the one I seem to like the most."
"And I'll admit, I haven't been able to be this comfortable and happy around another girl other than my sister," he told her honestly.
"Oh now isn't that a sweet sight!"
Iori groaned annoyed as he glanced over and saw Hikaru standing by himself looking as smug as ever.
"Did I hear you two mention something along the lines of going shopping?" he asked as he strolled over to the couple.
"Well um, yes, um, I've invited Miss Jane here to be my date for the ball and I was telling her how we could go shopping for a dress for her," Iori explained.
"What a lovely choice Iori," Hikaru said as he smiled at Jane looking her over, "I bet you'll be the envy of many at the ball!"
"Thank you Master Hikaru," Jane said kindly.
"But what was this I hear about a project as well?" Hikaru asked.
"Oh, Jane and I have to put together a flower arrangement for a school project, before we go shopping," Iori told him.
"Oh I see," Hikaru said, "well in that case, my dear Jane, how would you feel about trusting me and my love Heather to go shopping for your dress? Save you some time?"
"Oh, uh, well," Jane sputtered.
"You could do a lot worse," Iori insisted.
"That's very kind of you to offer sir," Jane accepted.
"Wonderful! We'll go out looking the minute my love Heather arrives!" Hikaru declared happily.
"Ask and yee shall receive," Heather said as she came up behind Hikaru and gave him a kiss on his cheek.
"Oh my sweet Heather!" Hikaru swooned cupping her chin in his hand. The two of them shared a long tender look before Heather shifted her eyes towards Iori
"Hikaru dear, ia this the brother you were telling me about that's staying in Elence for school?" she asked.
"Why yes my love," said Hikaru.
"Oh good, I was hoping to talk to you. I don't know if Hikaru's told you this yet but, I've recently bought my own little townhouse with four bedrooms. One of course will be mine, and one I'm saving for my sister for when she's ready to branch out a little more on her own. Mostly get away from our brother. That leaves two extra. One I've already offered up to Hikaru."
"Of course we may end up having bunking up," Hikaru mentioned in a seductive tone, kissing her neck.
Heather giggled as she playfully pushed him away.
"Anyway," she continued between giggles, "that leaves the last room. I was going to maybe turn that into a home office for my drawings but, if you would like, you are more than willing to take the room while you're in school."
"Oh really? You're willing to let me stay at your home?" Iori asked.
"Absolutely, Hikaru said you're good responsible man whose not too messy or troublesome. So even though you're a little boring, I don't see you being too much trouble staying at my home. I don't even think I'll have to charge you rent," Heather said.
"That's a very generous offer Miss Cook," Iori said, "actually that sounds like the best offer I could use. Be a little easier than finding a dorm to stay at on campus or staying in the palace for now."
"Wonderful! When you have some free time you can come by and see it and pick out your room," Heather said.
"Thank you," said Iori, "I hope this works out for the best for all of us."
"So do I!" Heather said.
"As do I!" Hikaru added, "oh my dear, we have a little task today."
"Oh? Do tell," Heather insisted eagerly.
"We have to go out shopping for a dress for this lovely lady Jane. She's to be Iori's date to the ball!" Hikaru explained happily.
"How splendid!" Heather said as she circled Jane, "she's lovely! She'll be a hit at the ball!" She stretched Jane's arm out and examined it, before making Jane turn around. "Hmm" she muttered as she examined the girl. "I think we can find a perfect dress for her! I know just where to go for it!"
"Wonderful! My girl is on it!" Hikaru bosted with pride.
"Is this acceptable to you Miss Jane?" Iori asked.
"Um yes, that's very generous of them. This will give us time to work on our arrangement," said Jane.
"Good!" Hikaru said happily as he ushered the two along, "yes, go and get started on your arrangement! Have fun! Enjoy each other's company! Just don't enjoy it too much!"
"Hikaru, really?" Iori snapped at his brother as he and Jane walked onward.
"They are adorable together, aren't they?" Heather said as she and Hikaru walked off in their own direction.
"Oh, you should see some of the other ladies my brothers have discovered while they have been here," Hikaru said.
"I think I've seen most of them. All such nice ladies. And I'm willing to bet the ones I haven't seen are just as nice and adorable as the others," Heather said. Then she snapped her fingers, "I have a fun idea. Why don't text your brothers and ask them if there's anyone else's date for the ball we can dress shop for!"
"What a great idea!" Hikaru agreed with delight as he started texting.
"I think it's so nice all your brothers have found at the very least a good lady friend while they are here," Heather said as Hikaru texted his brothers.
"I agree, especially since for the longest time it looked like we were all going to war over sweet Ema," Hikaru said.
"Yes, I couldn't help but notice all your brothers seem to have a sort of infatuation for the sweet Princess," Heather mentioned.
"Guilty as charged," Hikaru admitted, "there's was just something that drew us to her. Something we just couldn't fight! Some worst than others." He paused as though seriously thinking of something, "it's a lot similar to the way we've each been drawn towards our new lady friends. You all seem to have your own natural pull on us. It makes me wonder if it's just Elence women in general we're drawn to, since Ema herself is half Elence."
"You know, I was pondering the same thing. You Asahina brothers just have a thing for Elence women and now you're being allowed to indulge in your natural tendencies," Heather agreed.
"This place could almost be paradise," Hikaru joked.
"Alright where is she? Where is that little tramp! I better not fins her in one those dumb brothers' beds!" the two suddenly heard Robert shouting.
"Almost," both said together as they followed Robert's shouts to the front of the palace where he was standing with his usual group of goones including Henry. He walked on his own way with his group muttering about his usual dislike for Ema and his brothers.
"A very disturbing man. I do sort of wish I could see what he had been like before we came here," Hikaru said softly.
"He wasn't much different than he is now, just maybe less cranky. My mom has had a hard time dealing with him to and tries to avoid him like crazy. She's even told me that she's a little fearful he's going to try and get more control over the country again, more power for him and less for the people."
"A dictator almost then?" Hikaru commented.
"Whatever you want to call it," Heather muttered, "my mother and several members of both Parliament and the House of Council are a little fearful of what he'll try to do once he's king."
"Is your mother hoping dear Ema will be her grandfather's successor to the throne?" Hikaru asked.
"She's not allowed to play favorites in regards to the royal family and its functions. But off the record, yes. If it means no Robert, she would definitely find a way to get your sister to succeed King Stephon," Heather admitted.
"Does she feel the same way with Louis?" Hikaru asked.
"Like I said, if it means no King Robert, she'd be all for it," Heather said.
"Hmm, interesting, how very interesting," Hikaru said stroking his chin looking both intrigued and concerned.
"Mmhm, what do you say good sir?" Louis asked the man in his chair.
"Wow, I bet my wife won't even recognize me like this!" the man said as he rubbed his newly styled hair, "thank you good sir."
"No thank you! This is fun, a whole palace to style hair for!" Louis said.
"It certainly help keeps you calm," Hailey said as she helped gather up some of the discarded hair on the floor and throwing it away.
"Yes, this is one of the few joys I've discovered since coming here, Louis said as he put some of his equipment away.
He was suddenly stunned by the feeling of his phone going off in his pocket. He pulled it out to see it was a text from Hikaru that read;
'hello my dear brothers, my dear sweet Heather and I would like to offer you all our help in dress shopping for any of your dates if any are too busy and or too slef cautious to do their shopping. Please let us know if we can be of help. We love to do the dress shopping!'
Louis shook his head in slight annoyance before he texted back;
'maybe Hikaru, I'll get back to you,'
"Not that I wouldn't trust your judgement Hikaru," he said out loud.
"Trust him for what?" Hailey asked as she tidied up some more.
"Oh to do the dress shopping for all of our dates to the ball," Louis told her.
"Are you officially going to ask Miss Sophie is she'll be your date?" Hailey asked.
"Or at the very least share with Wataru," Louis said half as a joke. Then he thought about it some more.
"Of course, I guess I should make it official and actually ask her, huh?" he asked. Hailey nodded. Louis reached down and let Hailey run up his arm to his shoulder.
"I think she's back in her class room with Wataru," he said as he walked out of the salon.
"Don't worry, if your brother gives you an attitude about it, I'll take him down!" Hailey declared shaking her little fist.
"Let's hold off on that," Louis insisted. He was startled when he heard shouting. He ducked up against a wall as Robert and his followers walked past him, Robert talking loudly about something Louis could only assume was about his family.
Among the group Louis could see Henry. Seeing the man made Louis subconsciously grip his hand into a fist.
"That man!" he muttered mad.
"I can take take him out! Just say the word and I'm on it!" Hailey offered in a soft hiss.
"Nah, I'd rather avoid confrontation," Louis whispered.
"Suit yourself," Hailey muttered as they watch Robert and his group disappear from sight.
The two waited a bit until they were sure Robert was far gone before going on.
They had just walked into the classroom where they saw Sophie reading from a book as Wataru watched from his desk
"And this is what Queen Katherine said to get the mean men to leave," Sophie was saying, 'I want you out of my sight! I want you out of this room! I want you out of this palace! I want you out of this town! I want you out of this region! I want you out of my country!"
"Wow, she really said that?" Wataru asked a little amazed.
"Yep," Sophie concur.
"Wow, that's just like her daddy!" said Wataru.
"Mmhmm," Sophie said with a smile.
"She's sounds amazing! I bet she's just like Big Sister!" Wataru said.
"Yeah, I think your sister has a lot of the same characteristics as Queen Katherine," Sophie agreed, "Louis too."
"Louis?" Wataru said a little annoyed.
"Well yeah, she his great-grandmother too," said Sophie.
Wataru thought about that for a moment, "oh yeah, she would be. Her daddy too."
Sophie giggled at Wataru's realization before she herself realized Louis had come to the room.
"Oh, hello," she said kindly.
"Louis!" Wataru moaned mad.
"And what are we learning about today?" Louis asked as he strolled into the room, over to Sophie. He looked over her shoulder at her book and saw the photograph of Queen Katherine standing up to the Nazi officers who had come to talk to her.
"Wow, she looks so powerful in this picture," he said, "to think I'm a descendent from such a stong woman."
"You should be proud, she was proud and good queen, well loved by the people," said Sophie.
Louis smiled. He did feel that Sophie was right, Katherine seemed a lot like Ema. He also couldn't help but think she was a little like his mom.
"So what are you doing here Louis?" Wataru asked suspicious.
"I was hoping I could ask Lady Sophie if we can meet together later so I may ask you something," Louis said.
"Why not just ask her right now and get it over with?" Wataru insisted.
"Oh, I don't think that would be inappropriate Wataru," Louis tried to tell him
"Just do it!" Wataru urged.
'Oh dear,' Louis thought.
"Very well," he finally agreed, "Miss Sophie, would you be kind enough to be my official date to the ball?"
"What?" Wataru moaned.
"I'm sorry Wataru, this is why I wanted to do this in private," Louis apologized to his little brother.
Sophie sighed before she answered, "yes, I would be honored to be your date. If you promise me I can still dance with Wataru for our 5 dances."
"Of course Madam," Louis assured her.
"You'll still dance with me?" Wataru asked a little hopeful.
"Of course, I said I would," said Sophie.
"Oh, okay," Wataru said as he relaxed.
Both adults smirked at his behavior.
"I'm honored you wanted to ask me," Sophie said softly.
"I don't know if just how you are now or if it's something from our past that draws us to each other. But I have to say, you are quite the woman. I can't help but feel happy around. The only real feeling I've ever had for somebody like this is Chi," Louis told her.
Sophie blushed, "I find that very flattering," she said.
"Oh, and I should mention that my brother Hikaru and Miss Heather Cook have offered to shop for dresses for all of our brothers' dates for the ball. Would you like that or would you prefer to shop on your own?"
Sophie thought about it for a moment, "I suppose," she agreed.
"Make sure they get her a white one! She'll look more like an angel that way!" Wataru chimed in.
"An angel huh?" Sophie said giggling.
"I'll let Hikaru know, and leave you alone for your lessons," Louis said.
"Um, Louis?" Sophie asked.
"Yes?" Louis replied.
"Would you still like to get together later?" Sophie asked a little shy.
"Of course, I'd like that," said Louis, squeezing her hand before walking out of the classroom.
"Um, Miss Sophie?" Wataru asked once Louis was gone.
"Yes?" Sophie said walking over to his desk.
""If I was older, would you go out with me?" Wataru asked sheepishly.
Sophie was surprised by his question, "I think I would. It'd be a little harder to chose between you and your brother."
"Hmm," Wataru sighed, "well, we'll always be friends right?"
"Of course," Sophie assured him.
"Why is it all the pretty girls are so much older than me?" Wataru moaned.
"So Louis says we can shop for his date, Miss Sophie. And that Wataru wants her dress to be white so she'll look more like an angel," Hikaru said as he read Louis's reply text.
"That sounds sweet, a good idea on your brother's part," Heather said.
"Oh, and Subaru says his date, Miss Rose from the royal stables agreed to let us shop for her," Hikaru said as another text came in.
"I know her, her family has served and been friends with royal family for decades," said Heather, "she'll be fun to shop for."
"Azusa said he'd like us to if he can convince his choice, Natasha, also from the stables to agree to come. She's a little hesitant with her leg and all," Hikaru read some more.
"I'm sure there's more to it than that," said Heather, "but let's go shopping for her anyway. Maybe the dress will persuade her."
"Good idea, and oh, Tsubaki says yes, said she may not be his official date as of now, but the woman he wants to take would love to have us shop for her. He says he wants something bold, something exciting, something that'll make her stand out. She's getting ready to make a big statement soon and wants to reflect that at the ball!" Hikaru said getting excited.
"It's not Lady Beatrice is it?" Heather asked eagerly.
"Who else?" said Hikaru.
"Oh, I can think of some fine dresses for her that make sucha statement!" Heather said excited.
"Oh, one from Futo, says he has his date's dress all picked out and it'll be the best at the ball," Hikaru read.
"He sure is full of himself. Was he always like that?" Heather said.
"Very," Hikaru said.
"Any other responses?" Heather asked.
"Not yet," Hikaru, "but we have enough as it. Let's go find that Ms. Hattie whose in charged of the shopping budget."
They were a little startled when they heard someone hurrying past. Hikaru gripped Heather's arm slightly, a little nervous in case it was Robert again.
However both felt a little relieved to see it was Billy and few other guards walking past.
"Oh, are Ema's meetings over already?" Hikaru called out.
"Huh?" Billy said as he paused and looked over at the couple, "oh sorry Lord Hikaru, no she's not. She's still in Almara for the hospital meeting. I just wasn't a part of that group going since there was limited room in the helicopter."
"Did the meeting over the building dispute go well though?" Heather asked.
"I think so," Billy said, "turns out the building is movable and if they get some extra money for the budget, they may be able to move the full building to a new location. Turns out it's actually a historic buildings. It had one of those hidden rooms they used to use to help hid Jewish refugees from Nazi spies."
"That's amazing. I remember they use to have replica of one at the famous Elence history museum," said Heather.
"Oh, yeah, I've seen that too," said Billy.
"So how much will it cost to move the building?" Hikaru asked.
"Oh I don't know yet. I'm sure they'll have to run some something," Billy admitted, "but if it's for a good cause, I don't see why they shouldn't be able to get some funds for it."
"Get funds for what?" Lord Markus asked as he walked past writing down some notes.
"Oh hello Lord Markus," Billy greeted the man bowing, "I was just telling Master Hikaru how the building dispute may have a solution if they can a way to raise more funds to move the old building to a new location."
"Oh, I see," Lord Markus said. He suddenly started to smirk a little towards Hikaru, "well there's always the fundraiser option, like say a royal auction. Those are always popular and raise a good sum."
"Well I think we should wait and see what Mr. Holms says about the amount they'll need to do such a job," said Billy, "I have to go deliver my report to Richard, excuse me."
"Good Sir Markus," Hikaru said once Billy had left, "is that smirk you were shooting my way suppose to be a hint of some sorts?"
"Well if we need to, I think a royal auction would help cover the cost for this new development," Markus explained, "and that could include auctioning off some of the royal dresses from storage."
Hikaru and Health giggled at his suggestion.
"Oh I will definitely help contribute to that if the situation calls for it!" Hikaru declared with delight.
"I suspected as much," Markus said happily, "in fact maybe I can go and drop the hint to his majesty right now."
"Thank you good sir," Hikaru said, "my dear Heather and I are going to do some dress shopping for the ball, not only for ourselves but for some of our brothers choices for dates!"
"How thoughtful of you," Markus said as he walked off, writing down some more notes.
"This is going to be fun!" Heather said as she and Hikaru also walked onward.
"I dare say you're right," Hikaru agreed. However he suddenly started to feel a little tingle at the back of his neck. He turned around fast and saw a man watching them from just behind the wall. He didn't shy away when Hikaru turned to look at him but at the same time seemed to be doing his best to remain mostly out of sight.
Hikaru still tried to get a good look at the man. He was almost certain the man looked one of the men who had been around Robert when he first arrived.
"Hikaru, something wrong?" Heather asked as she too turned around and noticed the man. She didn't say anything but instead tried pulling Hikaru along more. Hikaru didn't move at first. Instead he tried staying where he was, to see if he could get a good reading off the spy.
"Hikaru, come on, we should go see Ms. Hattie and get going," Heather urgently encouraged, trying to pull him along.
Hikaru finally did walk on with her, but not without trying and turn and look back at the man some more.
'What is Lord Robert up to now?' he thought a little insecure. He had a a sudden urge to put his arm around Heather as they walked.
"It's fine, we're fine," Heather tried to assure him in a whisper.
"Hmm," Hikaru grunted, still keeping his arm around her.