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

Ema stayed planted where she was in shock at seeing the poor Mayor Stuart groaning in pain from his knife wound and didn't do anything in the slightest as the attacker came at her next! She didn't even seem to be aware of anything until she barely heard her name called out, "Ema!" along with a hard thud to ground with Yusuke on top of her, shielding her from her attacker.

"Huh?" Ema found herself sputtering as she looked up towards Yusuke.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Uh," Ema managed to barley get out.

"Are you nuts just standing there like that?!" Yusuke asked.

Before Ema could even utter a sound in response, the two both heard a loud howel that could almost have sounded like a bear.

They both managed to glace over in time to see Chrissy charging like predator at Ema's attacker body smashing herself right into him, knocking himself down hard against the wall. She next grabbed the man by his arm and actually flipped him over her shoulder, landing him down on the ground. She stomped on his back and pulled back the arm that was holding the knife.

"Ah! Ah! Ah!" the attacker moaned in pain, dropping the knife in the process.

"You have some nerves, going after the princess like that!" Chrissy grunted. The attacker's almost looked like it had turn a slight shade of blue in fear. Chrissy grabbed the man's hair and used it to pull his head up further to let her get a better look at him.

"I know you, you're one of Henry's guys aren't ya?" she snapped, obviously tightening her grip on the man's hair.

"You won't get nothing out of me!" the attcker tried to argue.

"Oh, don't worry about that. Richard's got people to cover that department. People who make me look like a gentle nurse maid!" Chrissy warned.

The groan in pain from whatever else Chrissy was now doing to him.

"Here, here, keep some pressure on it," Ema suddenly heard a new voice say. She looked past Yusuke and noticed Masaomi and few other people had gathered around Mayor Stuart tending to his wound.

"Is he alright?!" Ema asked suddenly coming back to her senses. She threw Yusuke off her so she could get a better look at the situation with they mayor.

Masaomi looked over at her and slowly moved over to her.

"I think he's going to be okay," he assured Ema, "the wound's not too deep and it didn't hit anything serious. Those other people there are also doctors and know what they are doing."

Ema nodded timidly as she watched the other doctors managing to help treat Mayor Stuart.

"Hey, it's ok, he'll be fine," Yusuke assured her patting her shoulder. "Are you okay though? He didn't get you did he?"

"You don't look like you were hit anywhere," Masaomi observed as he looked Ema over, "you acted just in time Yusuke."

"Thanks," said Yusuke. Ema smiled at him with thankful and loving eyes.

"Yes, good work Yusuke," Chrissy also praised as she joined the group, dusting her hands off. Two other gaurds were now dragging the attacker away. "You are alright though, your highness?"

"Just upset that Mayor Stuart got hurt defending me like that," Ema said timidly.

"He'll be okay Princess Ema," one of the other doctors assured her.

"And I'd do it again in a heartbeat your highness," Mayor Stuart assured her as a few doctors started to take him away.

"He'll be well treated for at our current hospital," Mayor Spallman continued to say in assurance as he came and stood next to Ema.

"Thank you," Ema said before speaking up, "Mayor Stuart, I'll make sure my grandfather honors your heroic actions today!"

"That would be very kind of him," Mayor Stuart said right before he disappeared from sight.

"Your grandfather will be most thankful for his quick action to defend you," Chrissy agreed. Suddenly she looked off to the side and her angry face reappeared.

"And you!" she snapped as everyone watched her walk over to John, Prince Zane's gaurd, who had Zane hidden well behind a snack table. "I thought you promised me you would look after her! Fine job you did seeing as how you almost allowed her to get stabbed!"

"I apologize," John tried to explain, "but when I saw the knife, my first instinct was to protect and secure my prince."

"Sure," Chrissy muttered, not at all convinced, "I'm sure both your king and my king will naturally accepted such an answer when they are informedof the incident!" She turned around to leave only to suddenly turn back and punch John in the nose. "That's for nearly getting my princess stabbed and making a civilian do the job of protecting her!"

She then grabbed Ema by her shoulder and started to drag her out.

"Are Ukyo, Erica and Hannah coming?" she asked into her radio.

"Right behind you," answered a voice.

By the time Ema had been led outside the three had managed to catch up with her.

"Ema, were you hurt at all?" Ukyo asked.

"No, Yusuke managed to get me down fast before he could get a chance," Ema told her brother.

"That was frightening!" Hannah said, "I can't believe that happened here!"

"Yeah, that's the thing about these kinds of attacks," said Erica, "they can happen most anywhere anytime."

"Hmm," Hannah said a little sad. Ukyo took her hand in his.

"It's alright, it's over now," he assured her.

"Thank you," Hannah whispered.

Ema looked back at the poor woman. She looked more scared than she was.

"Hannah," Ema spoke up, "do you think you'd like to go home a different way than the helicopter? Like say be driven home so you have more time to unwine and adjust?"

"Maybe," Hannah agreed softly.

"I'll get a car ready for her," Chrissy offered.

"Ukyo, would you like to go with her?" Ema asked.

"If that's alright," Ukyo said kindly.

"It should be fine," said Chrissy.

Ukyo put his arm around her and gently led Hannah away, followed by a gaurd.

"Good Hannah, good," Erica whispered.

"Guess that'll leave more room in the helicopter then," Zane muttered as he came up with John, who was still rubbing his nose in pain

"You're lucky we're even allowing you back into the helicopter," Yusuke snapped as he helped Ema in.

"He's right," Chrissy agreed.

"Oh I bet my grandfather would love that," Zane said.

"Just get in you little royal twerp," Yusuke ordered.

"Watch it, I am a prince regent!" Zane threatened sneering at Yusuke as he climbed in. It looked like he was going to close the door in front of Yusuke, but Yusuke manged to stop and climb in at the last second.

As the helicopter took off and flew over Almara, Ema looked out among the city.

"Erica, can you answer me honestly?" she suddenly asked.

"Yes, your highness, what is it?" Erica replied

"That attack at the reception, it won't hurt the process of the hospital project, will it?" Ema asked.

"No, if anything it'll help it. You being attacked will rally more behind you and with the mayor hurt, they'll realize how important it is to have decent medical facilities here," Erica insisted.

"Good, thank you," said Ema starting to smile again. "I do hope Mayor Stuart will be alright."

"Maybe when he's well enough, the king will invite him to the palace personally for a royal thank you and you'll get a chance to see how such ceremonies are done," said Chrissy.

"They're boring, that's all you need to know," Zane chimed in.

"Maybe when you've done it all your life, sure. But I've never done one so, it might intriguing to see," said Ema.

Zane looked a little taken back by her response.

Hannah kept a firm grip on Uyko's hand as they drove in the back of one of the black SUVs, trying her best to keep a calm and cool composure.

"Just take a deep breath, it'll be alright, you'll see," Ukyo said kindly patting their joined hands.

"Do you think he would have gone so far as to kill her if they hadn't gotten to her in time?" Hannah asked scared.

"It's possible," their driver concured.

"Oh god!" Hannah cried, "she's just a child for god sakes!"

"Hey," Ukyo kept saying, "calm down. Calm down, he didn't kill her, and Mayor Stuart is going to be okay. Just you wait and see. And you'll be better once we get you home."

"I don't know if I'm ready to go home and be by myself," Hannah confessed, a few tears already coming down.

Ukyo leaned forward to the two men sitting in the front seat, "guys?"

The two looked at each other.

"We may know a place you can take the lady," the passenger said with a smirk as he got on his radio and called it in. "Chrissy says that'll be just fine."

"Is that alright Hannah, that I take you to dinner?" Ukyo asked.

"Okay," Hannah agreed with a small smile, even though she was still a little teary eyed. "Thank you Ukyo. You're always so kind."

"Well, I've been blessed with usually being around kind people," Ukyo said as he allowed Hannah to rest her head on his shoulder and relax a little.

Ema kept looking out her window until the palace came back into view. She felt a little relieved to see it.

"It's good to be home!" she found herself saying out loud as the helicopter began to land.

"Home?" Yusuke said out loud.

"Well in a manner of speaking," said Ema as she climbed out.

"Sure," Yusuke said as helicopter finally landed and he got out to help her out.

"It is a little weird her calling the palace home like that," Masaomi agreed softly as he got out, helping Erica out as well.

"Not really, she is a princess after all," Erica pointed out.

"Yeah, but," Masaomi tried to explain right as he saw the king coming out.

"Ema! Welcome !" he said happily as he came down the stairs with Richard and Billy behind him.

"Is there something different about him?" Ema asked as she watched her grandfather walking down the stairs, like it was nothing. A lot more easier than before.

Then he surprised everyone even more by walking towards Ema without the help of his cane. Instead he held it in his hand.

"Grandfather! Your cane!" Ema quickly said as she hurried over to him.

"Oh this thing?" Stephon asked observing the cane with a fake serious face. "Psst, practically a mere fetching stick for dogs!"

"Grandfather?" Ema said confused.

"What happened to you exactly, your majesty?" Masaomi asked as he observed the king.

"Your brother the Buddhist monk happened!" Stephon explained, "he helped lead me in some meditatio, and finally let go of some built up negatively I've been dealing with for so many years. And since then, I've hardly had to use this stupid thing all day!"

"Kaname did warn you though sire, to not over so it. Your body still needs medical assistance," Richard reminded him.

"Well, not today I don't!" Stephon declared as he grabbed Ema and started to dance with her. "I suppose we'll be able to share that dance at the ball after all my dear!"

"That, that would be wonderful grandfather!" Ema said, still trying to get over the initial shock of seeing her grandfather walking and moving around more freely than he had before.

"Of course, your cousin Robert, who's here by the way," Stephon said a little annoyed, "doesn't know about this yet. Let's keep this a secret from him for now!"

"Sure," Ema promised.

"Man, he is doing well," Yusuke said to himself as everyone watched Ema and the king dance.

It was then he noticed Chrissy walk over to Richard and whisper into his ear. The look that spread on Richard's face was enough to know what she had just told him.

"King Stephon isn't going to like that," he said, "but at least now he can use the cane as a weapon upside one or both of their heads."

"Ok, enough of this I think," Stephon said as he stopped dancing. He linked arma with Ema, "come my dear. You must inform me of how the conference went."

"Oh yes, of course," Ema agreed, walking with him.

"I was informed by Billy that there's some good development with the housing project as well," Stephon said as they walked.

"It's looking a little more hopeful that's for sure," Ema said happily.

"Oh that's good," Stephon said before he glanced back and noticed the rest of the group.

"Where's um, Ukyo and the other woman, Hannah?"

"Miss Andrews wasn't feeling well and so we arranged for her to drive back and Lord Ukyo went with her as a means of comfort," Chrissy spoke up, "and then it sounded like Lord Ukyo offered to take the woman to dinner to help make her feel better."

"Oh did he?" Stephon said with a smirk, "well he is a fine gentleman."

The group had just entered into the palace when they could all hear Robert's shout about something.

"I swear I've been here for hours and I still can't find her!"

"And hopefully you never will," Stephon said softly as he put his cane down and pretend to use again. Everyone looked up as Robert passed by not looking down and noticing them.

"Does he ever talk in a way other than yelling?" Yusuke asked.

"Come along, let's go to my study and discuss the hospital conference," Stephon insisted as he walked along.

"...and so, I think it'll be a success Grandfather," Ema ended her summery.

"Wonderful!" Stephon said with delight, "I'm so glad this will work out!"

"Yes, everyone was most pleased with everything we presented," said Erica.

"Marvelous!" Stephon declared happily, "what a wonderful day for you Ema, my dear."

Chrissy and Richard shared a look before Richard walked over to the king and whisper into his ear.

Stephon's smile slowly fadded and a look of fear and anger appeared instead.

"I'm sorry what?" he said out loud as Richard whispered again. "I see." He looked back to the group in front of him, "Masaomi, Erica, would you please give us a minute. Zane, you as well lad."

"Yes your majesty," Masaomi said as he escorted Erica to the door.

"Let's go your highness," John started to say as he led Zane to the door.

"Hey! You stay John!" Richard ordered.

John sighed before opening the door and gently guid him to a Poulon gaurd waiting outside, "take care of the prince for me. I'll be a moment."

"Ema," Stephon said sternly, "I've been informed you were attacked during the reception."

Ema sighed looking down ashamed, "yes, I'm sorry."

"Oh there's nothing to be sorry for my dear. You did nothing wrong in the matter. It just frightens me someone got so close to you to attempt such a thing," said Stephon. He breathed a heavy sigh, "I feel it's my fault actually. I should have made sure there was extra precautions taken to secure your safety. I should have realized Robert would be making more attempts to either hurt you or scare you inti leaving. I was foolish and naive in way. Or maybe just old and careless."

Ema walked over to her grandfather and hugged him. "It's alright Grandfather, I'm okay, Yusuke and Chrissy and Mayor Stuart, they all protected me! I did feel safe, even though I'm sad Mayor Stuart got hurt!"

"Of course, I'll see to it that he receives a proper reward for his actions," Stephon said as he rubbed one of Ema's arms hugging him. "And you as well Yusuke. I shall see to it you receive proper praise for your quick actions. And you Chrissy, well I know you too well to know that you are an outstanding gaurd. Richard, I'm sure she'll be properly honoured for her actions."

"Yes sir," Richard promised.

"But you!" Stephon snapped as he stood up and walked over to John, "you left my granddaughter out in the open and exposed to nearly being stabbed! How dare you!"

"As I told your other gaurd, I had to secure my prince first. He is my responsibility," John maintained.

"And you couldn't act to secure them together!" Stephon demanded to know, "I can assure any of my security team would have! What kind of training have you been given there in Poulon!"

"Some of the best, your majesty," John insisted.

"I didn't realize the best included not acting fast enough to protect a young girl from a knife attack!" Stephon shouted, "get out of my sight! And if you have any common sense, you'll do your best to remain out of my sight the rest of the time you are here!"

John made a quick bow and hurried out of the room.

"I hope we can give him a blanket party later," Billy muttered.

"Bag party?" Yusuke whispered to him.

Billy smirk, "you throw a blanket over someone then you fill a sock or pillow case with hard heavy objects, rock, nuts you name it. Then you run at him, and hit the person under the blanket with the socks."

"Whoa!" Yusuke said.

"Hey, I had it happen to me once, during my training. Wasn't cutting it so my unit threw me one. I think it helped me wise up," Billy assured him.

Yusuke gulped a little about how Billy spoke of such a thing so casually.

"Don't let Robert or Henry know what happened today, don't let them know you have one of Henry's men in custody," Stephon ordered Richard.

"No problem sir," said Richard.

"But let me know if you get anything from him!" Stephon also ordered.

"My specialists are all ready working on it," Richard assured him.

"Grandfather," Ema said as she walked to him and held his hand, "I am at least sorry I worried you today."

"You're a good girl, Ema," Stephon praised kindly.

"Grandfather, may I also suggest a proper reward for Mayor Stuart in saving me?" Ema asked.

"Of course," said Stephon.

"He had told me during the reception that he had wanted to help expand his city's libraries, but the budget for that had been slashed. Could we maybe, possibly help give him the money he needs for that?"

"Absolutely, along with a proper royal ceremony thanking him!" Stephon promised.

"Is he going to be knighted or anything like that?" Yusuke asked.

"The thought had crossed my mind," Stephon said, "it's been a while since I've performed a knighting ceremony."

He seemed to ponder the notion as a look of nostalgia and worry came across his face. "I um, I think I'd like to take a drive before dinner."

"Grandfather, would you like me to go with you?" Ema asked.

"Why not? Just you and me though, no offense Yusuke," said Stephon.

"Uh sure," Yusuke said a little confused, but not wanting to question the king.

Ema and the king walked back out of the palace and into a small waiting car.

Ema didn't say anything as they drove. Instead she took advantage of the situation to observe more of the capital city and its surroundings. They were going down a different way than when she had gone to the university. The way they were going, had a more older look to it, with the buildings and architect giving an apperance of being built long ago.

Soon the car came a huge abby that almost looked like it had been buitl ages ago, but well kept.

"Ema, welcome to Vinlany Abby," Stephon finally spoke up as the car drove through the front gate.

Ema looked out the window some more at the courtyard where many people were exploring and taking pictures. Nearly all seemed to notice the car as it pulled in and drove off to the side. Several gaurds in a fancy uniform of blue and white started to form a shield in front of the car, while Chrissy opened her door.

"Princess?" she said.

Ema slowly climbed out and could hear flashing cmaeras and shouts.

"It is her! The princess!"

"And the king!"

Ema looked behind her and saw her grandfather climbing out of his own side and walking around to her side. He gently waved to the bystanders with a regal smile before walking towards the nearby door. Ema followed close behind him.

Inside the door was a flight of stairs and an old fashion looking elevator.

"We should take the elevator, it'll be faster," Stephon said as he walked into the elevator and gestured for Ema to join him.

Ema followed him, as did Richard and Chrissy and an operator.

"Don't worry, this old thing is well upto date. They can't really instal a new one without disturbing the structure of the abby," Stephon said as the elevator started up.

"What is this place exactly?" Ema asked.

"Vinlany Abby is one of the biggest and oldest churches in Elence history. It's lasted for almost 400-500 years. King and queens for generations have been officially crowned here, including myself and my father. And my grandmother."

Just then the elevator came to a stop and everyone was let out. Stephon then proceeded to lead Ema down a long hallway to another door where three big gaurds stood.

"At ease gentlemen," Stephon ordered.

The three men obayed and moved aside, bowing their heads as Stephon and Ema passed them into the room.

Inside on a pedestal, under a glass case, sat a white and red crown, with a matching scepter and orb.

"Grandfather, are these the..." Ema sputtered.

"The crown jewels of Elence? Yes," Stephon said as he observed the jewels. It's been a while since I've really seen them. With Robert as my current heir for some reason made me feel that I shouldn't take them out as much. But with you here and talking about knighting ceremonies, made feel a little nostalgic for them."

"They're beautiful," Ema said as she also observed the jewels. Stephon eyed her as she looked at the crown.

"This is a little unorthodox, but would you like to try it on?" he asked.

"Try it on? You mean the crown?" Ema asked.

"Would you like to?" Stephon asked.

Ema looked towards the crown again.

"I suppose," she agreed. Stephon snapped his fingers and a man came into the room, wearing gloves and carefully removed the glass case.

"Go ahead," King Stephon encouraged Ema.

Ema slowly reached for the crown. It felt heavy as she managed to put it on top of her head.

"Well?" Stephon asked.

"It feels heavy," Ema said as she felt the crown ontop of her head.

"That's what I said when my father first let me try it on. I was about the same age as you," said Stephon, "and I will always remember what he told me after I said that. He said that's one of the burdens of being king, having the weight of everything and everyone in your country on your shoulders. And once that weight has been placed there, there is no taking it off. You'll have to live with that weight and burden for the rest of your life. And it'll never get easier. If anything it'll get heavier as time goes by. You may hate it. You may wish to get rid of it. But if you're heart is a true heart of a king, you'll understand that this burden is yours and yours alone and you'll accept it with a level head a strong heart."

Ema was taken back by her grandfather's words.

"Did you, ever tell that to my mother?" she asked as she slowly removed the crown from her head, but still held it in her hands.

"Yes I did," Stephon, "and I remember how she said she understood and would gracefully accept the weight when it was her turn. She and I even brought Louis' father Walter here and showed it to him. We also brought his grandfather, my father's brother, with us and he told Walter the same thing. It probably meant more coming from him than me or Yolanda. And Walter look both him and me in the eye and swore he wouldn't let us down and accept the burden with grace."

"Wow, I bet Louis would be proud to hear that about his father," said Ema as she finally put the crown away. The man with the gloves than put the glass case back into place.

Ema and the king both walked out together.

"Has Robert ever been here?" Ema asked.

"Yes unfortunately," Stephon admitted, "I did come here with him once, shortly after Ema disappeared. He insisted on it. And when I tried telling him the same thing I told you, he merely declared he'd find a way to lift the weight."

"That doesn't sound very kingly," said Ema.

"You felt so too?" Stephon said as they came to the elevator and road it down.

"Thank you for letting me see them though grandfather," said Ema as they came back to the car.

"Of course," said Stephon, "even if you aren't my heir, they're still your family's legacy and should have a right to see them. I may offer the same to Louis."

Ema looked back up at the abby in wonder. "You know if I was to be queen, I'd try my best to take on that weight, even if it hurt sometimes."

"Good girl," Stephon said patting her leg.

I'm starting to wonder if I perhaps should,' Ema pondered as they drove home.