DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
King Dimitri stroke his chin as he watched his friend and fellow king make his announcement. He galnced towards his son and grandson. Oliver was also showing a pondering look, while Zane looked completely in shock.
"Is he's serious about the possibility of dissolving the monarchy?" Zane asked a little worried.
"Sounds that way," Dimitri said.
"But, you can't just dissolve a a monarch can you?" Zane asked.
"It can happen, if the country feels it's for the best," his father responded.
"But, but, the country's always been ruled by royalty!" Zane shouted.
"Nothing last forever my boy. Things change, circumstances change and sometimes that means a a major change in most people's way of life," Dimitri said as he stood up and started to walk out of the room.
"Grandfather!" Zane called out after him, running after him, "grandfather, you don't think our monarch will ever be dissolved, do you?"
"Well, luckily we're not quite in the same situation as Elence is at the moment. But who knows, we may eventually come to point in time when Poulon doesn't need us anymore," Dimitri said like it was nothing.
Zane actually looked disturbed by the notion.
"Guess you'll have to keep making sure the public loves you, huh Son?" Oliver said as he walked past his son, patting his head. He hurried to catch up with his own father.
"So in all honesty, what do you think about King Stephon's decision?"
"What do you think?" Dimitri threw the question back.
"Well, all things considered, it sounds like the best course of action," Oliver said.
"Yes, yes it does. I'm happy for Stephon, happy he can still handle his country and decide on a good future that will hopefully insure a good future for it and its people," Dimitri agreed, "but now that he's done with that, we can discuss more about what happened with Zane yesterday and our rather neglectful actions with our own gaurds in regards to protecting Princess Ema."
The three men walked onward until they heard more someone heading their way.
"...impressed that it looks like it has wings. I know Wataru said I remind him of an angel, but I didn't think your brother Hikaru would take it so seriously."
"Is that Lady Sophie?" Oliver asked as he and his father turned a corner, with Zane right behind him.
There they saw Louis and Sophie walking together. The pair paused as they felt somebody behind them and both turned around.
"Oh, hello again King Dimitri," Louis said as he and Sophie both bowed.
"Father is that him, Louis?" Oliver asked in shock.
"Yea, Louis this is my oldest son, Oliver, Zane's father," Dimitri introduced, "Oliver, meet Louis, Lord Walter and Lady Georgette's son."
"A pleasure!" Oliver said, "I knew your parents. Good people."
"Thank you sir," Louis said.
"In fact," Oliver continued as he walked with Louis and Sophie, "I often credit your father for helping me meet my wife. I'm sure you've heard what a heartthrob your father was."
"Yes, in fact your own father mentioned that your wife and sisters were a part of a sort of fan club of his," Louis said.
"Oh yes, and often the club meetings were held at the palace. Which meant my wife had to come for meetings and that's how I met her. If you're father hadn't existed, there would have been no reason for her to come to the palace so often and I would probably not have gotten to know her."
"Oh really dad? You're still telling that story," Zand muttered.
"Did you see the press conference by the way, your highnesses?" Louis asked.
"We did," Dimitri concured, "very well thought out and planned. I was on my way to see the king right now in fact to talk to him about it."
"So do you agree with it, your majesty?" Sophie asked.
"I do, I do, I think Stephon is making the right calls in the matter. And I want to assure him that Poulon will stand by and support Elence in whatever path it takes."
"That's very kind of you, your majesty," said Louis.
"Where is your sister by the way? I would very much like to met her. I knew her mother and even her father a little. Both of them," Oliver said.
"I believe she was heading out to the stables with our youngest brother to see the new foal that was born last night after the whole fiasco," said Louis.
"Would you like to head their first Oliver? I'm sure you can speak to King Stephon later," Dimitri suggested.
"Oh sure, why not? Give you and him some time to discuss more important kingly duties," Oliver agreed, "come along Zane."
"Sure, why not," Zane muttered as he followed after his father.
"Lord Louis, Lady Sophie, I bid you good day and will like to take this opportunity that Poulon will support you Louis should you become king," Dimitri said as he nodded to the couple, "and you hopefully will have yourself a lovely queen if you do."
Sophie and Louis both blushed casting glances at each other.
"Would you be happy as queen?" Louis asked once King Dimitri was more or less gone.
Sophie had to think about it, "I, don't know, I suppose if I could continue to help with children's education, I might be okay with it."
"I think you'd make a nice queen personally," Louis said a little sheepishly.
Sophie smirked, "well, Pherhaps we should worry the whole queen role until you and I have had a chance to get to know each other better."
"Good idea," Louis said, "after all I've recently started to think about looking into doing work similar as my father."
"Well I hope whatever happens now, you're happy at least," Sophie said as she and Louis shared a hug.
"Thank you all," King Stephon said as he exit his press room with the prime minister and the three council members. "I think it turned out well, in all honesty."
"Yes your majesty," Prime minister Cook said, "though I'm sure that I'll have to discuss this some more next time parliament meets."
"And we'll need to discuss this with some senior members of council," Erica quickly added.
"I'd like you to lead that meeting Miss Tanner, I trust you the most to be honest and divers over it," King Stephon said.
"Absolutely your majesty!" Erica said eagerly.
"Also, if Ukyo does happen to stay and become a part of the house of council, I'd like him on the committee too. Even if he is Ema's brother, I trust him to be fair and honest with his opinions on the matter."
"Yes sir," Erica agreed.
"Good, looks to me that things are going to wind down and I can finally relax a little," King Stephon said looking at ease.
"Oh come now Stephon, you know we kings don't even know the meaning of that word," King Dimitri said as he suddenly appeared.
"Ah, hello again, King Dimitri," Stephon greeted as The prime minister and the three council members all bowed.
"I saw your conference," Dimitri said casually as he strolled closer to Stephon and the group, "most intriguing. Especially given you're allowing yourself to possibly be the last king of Elence."
"At least I won't be loosing my head or being sent to exile," Stephon said, "but I have a feeling it won't end with me. I have a feeling a good successor will step once I'm gone and be a good ruler after me."
"Love your confidence," Dimitri said.
"We'll see what happens won't we sire?" Alex muttered, "if it's all the same, may I have permission to go home?"
"Oh of course Mr. Mayter, take care," King Stephon allowed, "Miss Tanner, Miss Andrews, you have permission to go home or seek your friends respectively."
"Thank you sire," Hannah and Erica said as they bowed and hurried off.
"And, Prime minister Cook, how do you feel about this?" Dimitri asked.
"I'm feeling good with all this," Mrs. Cook replied, "I feel a little better knowing we'll have a better chance to have a potentially better choice for king or queen following King Stephon's death instead of...,"
King Dimitri smirked, "yes, I too am a little relieved that Robert is not next in line. No offence Stephon."
"None taken, I swear I heard a huge sigh of relief when I announced he wasn't no longer," Stephon assured his friend with a smirk.
"I would like to take this opportunity to also say that Poulon will help and support any choice that comes with the aftermath getting a new successor or dissolving the monarch as seen fit," Dimitri mentioned to both the king and prime minister.
"Thank you, your majesty, that'll be most helpful during the transition," Prime minister Cook said.
"Of course," Dimitri said, "Though we've had some rough patches between our two countries, but Poulon still considers Elence its friend and will like to help it where it is needed."
"And Elence still considers Poulon its friend," King Stephon said.
"Yes, it does," Prime minister Cook concured, "if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to work."
"Of course Madam, thank you for all your hardwork," Stephon said. The prime minister bowed her head to both kings and walked off herself.
Dimitri and Stephon watched her go before Dimitri spoke again, "Stephon, I'd also like to apologize for the not so great work done by my bodyguard John yesterday in regards to your granddaughter's attack at the hospital meeting's reception."
"Yes that," Stephon muttered, "I won't tell you that you should relieve him of his duties. I don't know him like you do. However, I would like if you kept him from returning to Elence, especially for extended periods!"
"Well, I will see to it," Dimitri promised, "how is she? After everything that's happened?"
Stephon smirked, "well if you want to come see her, you may. I did promise Wataru I'd come see the new foal."
"Oh that does sound nice," Dimitri agreed, "Oliver and Zane were heading there themselves."
"I will say this," Stephon said as the two of them walked together, "the way Ema got rid of Robert last night? She did her own GET OUT speech."
Dimitri froze, "you mean...,"
"Just like Grandmama and her father," Stephon boasted, "even I was shocked by it. But Ema, Ema stood her ground! i was so proud of her!"
"Wonderful!" Dimitri said, "I wish I could get that vibe from some of my grandchildren."
"I hope you are able to grow big and strong little Hindoe," Ema said to the little filly, as the baby horse wondering around her stall before returning to her mother to nurse again.
"Isn't she just the cutest!" Wataru insisted happily as he turned to headed back to the main area of the stables.
"Yes, she's adorable. I hope she grows up big and strong and can someday be a special horse to someone," said Ema.
"Like me and Wind Storm?" Wataru said as he walked over to his horse's stall. The horse immediately poke his head out and nuzzled Wataru.
Ema actually smiled at the touching sight.
"Did I tell you how he protected me last night?" Wataru asked.
"Yes, a hundred times!" Yusuke muttered.
"It's a good story!" Wataru insisted, "he saved me! He cares about me!"
Wind Storm neighed a little in Yusuke's direction, making him jump.
"You tell him Wind Storm!" Wataru cheered. "Wants some sugar?"
"That kid and that horse!" Yusuke muttered. He looked over at Ema who was standing in front of her designated horse, Miss Shadow. She petted her softly.
"Guess I'll have to work on making sure I can ride you more properly huh?" she asked.
"One of the joys of being a royal?" Yusuke asked as he stood behind her.
Ema turned and smiled at him, "I'll handle it. Can't be any harder than getting rid of a regent."
Yusuke smirked and looked like he was about to kiss her, when the two noticed it had suddenly gotten quite again.
"Wow, they're both here!" somebody said.
Ema and Yusuke looked around and saw Zane walking in with a middle aged man who they could only assume was his father.
The man scowered the area until he finally cast a glance at Ema and Yusuke.
"Oh my god, she does look like them!" he said before heading their way, along with Zane.
"Hello Princess Ema, it's nice to meet you," the man said bowing, "I am Prince Oliver of Poulon, Zane's father."
"Oh, hello your highness, it's nice to meet you," Ema replied kindly.
Prince Oliver smiled at Ema like he was a proud uncle or something.
"You looked so much like your mother. My own mothet was quite found of her, often including her in family vactions or other special occasions. She was almost like another sister to my brother and sisters and I. We were all good friends," Prince Oliver said.
"I'm glad to know that," said Ema.
"I also knew your father," Prince Oliver mentioned, "both the one that helped birth you and the one that apparently raised you. When they were on assignment in Elence, they came to Poulon as a part of it. I remember instantly liking both of them. Also I had a huge suspicion your birth father and mother were already in love and would someday marry. I'm glad to see they had managed to and even start a family. Plus your foster father has done an apparent good job at bringing you up."
"Thank you good sir," Ema said. She was happy to know some remember her father as well as her mother.
"Do you know if or when your foster father will be coming to Elence? I'd like to see him again," Prince Oliver said.
"I'm not sure, I should look into contacting him and my mother to see when they can come," said Ema.
"I'm anxious to see what kind of woman Rintaro Asahina would fall for," Prince Oliver said. He cast a glance towards Yusuke, "it's a very interesting woman who can birth 12 sons and raise them and one foster son so well."
"Mom's a great woman," Ema insisted.
"Eh, she's okay," Yusuke said.
"Yusuke," Ema scolded slightly, taking his hand.
Zane looked at the gesture with a small sneer.
'I guess that's it then,' he thought bitterly.
"So, do you think you'll want to attend the ball, now Natasha?" Azusa asked as he helped back outside.
"I guess it would be a shame to put that dress to waste," Natasha reluctantly agreed, "though I won't be much fun."
"Eh, there's a lot of people who don't wish to dance at those things," Rose said as she helped hold a door open for her, "I don't usually like to."
"Me neither," Subaru said as he came out in the back of the pack.
"Ah hello again gentlemen," they all suddenly heard King Dimitri call out as they saw him and King Stephon walking out of a different door.
"Hello King Dimitri," Azusa called back and all four bowed their heads.
"Good to see you're all doing well after what happened last night," King Dimitri said.
"Were you off getting your dress fitted then?" King Stephon asked.
"Yes sir, Lord Hikaru and Miss Heather Cook were quite skilled in their selections," Rose mentioned.
"Pherhaps I should ask them to help pick out a dress for Abigail and June for the ball," Dimitri mentioned.
"Oh good, June is coming," Stephon said.
"Your granddaughter your highness?" Rose asked.
"Yes, as a dance partner for Wataru," Stephon said. Both men shared a smirk.
"She'll definitely give him a run fot his money," Rose said.
"Oh lucky him," Azusa said.
"Wataru, come here," Ema called out.
Wataru quickly hurried over to his big sister.
"I want you to meet Prince Oliver, Prince Zane's father," Ema said as she helped stand her youngest brother stand in front of her, "this is my youngest brother Wataru."
"Oh, so you're the one my father was telling my niece June about," Prince Oliver said.
"He told her about me?" Wataru asked nervous.
Both Oliver and Zane laughed.
"She's not so bad, you'll see," Prince Oliver assured him.
"Oh okay," Wataru said softly, "are you reallt going to make Yusuke a knight?"
"Yeah, I guess," Zane muttered shooting Yusuke a not so kind look.
Will I ever get to become a knight?" Wataru asked a little eager.
"We'll have to see, and watch how well you prove yourself," Prince Oliver assured him.
"Hello all," Stephon called out walking into the stables, "Ah Ema, I see you've met Prince Oliver."
"Hello your majesty, it's been a a while," Prince Oliver said as he moved over to the king, "I was just telling Ema about how I knew both her mother and both men she knew as a father."
"And it made me remember Grandfather, may I please go and contact my dad and mom?" Ema asked.
"Yes, yes of course!" Stephon said, "go right ahead my dear!"
"Come on Yusuke!" Ema said as she hurried off, holding his hand as she did.
"Well, I guess the idea of Ema and Zane being matched together is off?" Dimitri asked.
"Well, it wasn't really set in stone now was it," Stephon said as he moved over to where Wataru was standing.
"Have you come to see Hinode Grandpa?" Wataru asked eagerly.
"Is that what we're calling the baby horse?" Stephon asked.
"Yeah, come see her Grandpa!" Wataru insisted hurrying down to the birthing stall himself.
"Why is he calling you Grandpa?" Zane asked.
"Because King Stephon has made it perfectly clear we are his grandsons, even if it's just through devotion," Azusa said as he walked past the prince with Natasha.
"I think it's wonderful, it's what King Stephon deserves," his own grandfather said.
"Isn't she cute Grandpa?" Wataru asked.
"Oh yes, and she looks healthy," King Stephon said.
"I bet if Wind Storm was still her size, we could fit him on the plane when we have to go home," Wataru said.
"You really want to keep Wind Storm, don't you?" Stephon asked.
"He saved me," Watru said, "we're really close."
"I promise, when your mother and father come here, we'll work something out to help you keep your special friend and pet," Stephon assured him.
"When can they come?" Wataru asked excited.
"As soon as Ema has a chance to talk to your dad," Stephon said.
"Can anyone get me a phone?" Ema called out as she dashed into the palace.
"Right this way, your highness," a maid quickly said as she led Ema and Yusuke to a different lounge with an old fashion phone.
"Thank you," Ema said as she quickly started to call her father.
"Mmm, hello?" she heard her father moaning as he answered.
"Hi Papa," Ema said
"EMA!" Her fathet shouted suddenly. Ema was sure she heard a thud, followed by a moan by her mother.
"Sorry dear," said her father, "sorry Ema I startled your mother and accidentally knocked her over."
"It's alright, really," Ema heard her mom say, "Ema, can you hear me?"
"Yes mother!" Ema said, "did you and papa hear about the press conference my grandfather the king did?"
"Yes we both saw it," said Rintaro.
"Then you heard how you've been pardon and can come to Elence?" Ema said excited.
"Yes, we did, and we're both overjoyed by it," said Rintaro.
"How soon can you get here?" Ema asked.
"Oh, um, we were actually just talking about that," said Rintaro.
"We'll have to look into some of the flight schedules for Elence," said Miwa.
"Would you like me to ask grandfather to send the royal jet to pick you up?" Ema offered.
"The royal jet?" Miwa said back.
"Grandfather sent it to pick up my brothers aftet all," Ema mentioned.
"Oh I don't know dear," said Rintaro.
"I'm sure, Grandfather won't mind!" Ema insisted, "and even still, I'm sure it's within my authority to request it be used to pick you up, as the princess as all."
"Hey, can somebody get us the king?" Yusuke shouted out to the door.
"Now don't be going around throwing power about sweetie," Rintaro said.
"Oh I'm not Papa, honest! I've been trying to keep a level head and stay humble through all of this. While also making sure to be polite, respectful and courteous towards those around me as best I can," Ema assured her father, "just as you and Juli always instructed me."
"Good girl," Rintaro said a little proud, "well if the king doesn't mind sending us the royal jet, we could be in Elence by tomorrow."
"Really?" Ema said happily, "that means you can both come to the ball!"
"A ball?" Miwa said, "oh my, I wouldn't know what to wear!"
"Don't worry mother, I'm sure Hikaru and his new lady friend can help with that. They went and bought dresses for nearly all the brothers' dates for the ball!" Ema said excited.
"Dates?" Miwa said surprised, "do all your brothers have dates?"
"Practically, even Wataru!" Ema said.
"Oh, what lucky lady did Wataru ask?" Rintaro asked.
"Oh,.since King Dimitri of Poulon is coming, he decided to bring his granddaughter June who's Wataru's age," Ema explained.
"You've met King Dimitri?" Rintaro asked.
"Yes and Prince Oliver and Zane," said Ema, "Robert had a "brilliant" idea to try and marry me off to Zane so I couldn't inherit Elence's throne."
"Oh," both her parents said.
"And how's that working out, exactly?" Rintaro cautiously asked.
"Well now that I've more or less been named Grandfather's intentional successor, I think that's off the table," Ema said. She looked back at Yusuke, "besides, I have a different love interest."
"Oh?" Rintaro said.
"Who exactly?" Miwa asked.
"Well," Ema started to say right as King Stephon walked in.
"You needed me dear?" he asked.
"Oh yes, Grandfather!" Ema said excited, "may I have your permission to send the royal jet to pick my parents and bring them to Elence by tomorrow?"
"Oh of course, are you on the phone with them?" Stephon asked.
"Yes, did you wish to talk to them?" Ema offered it to him.
"Thank you dear," King Stephon said as he took it, "hello again Rintaro."
"Hello your majesty," Rintaro replied softly.
"Ema tells me she'd like to send the royal jet to pick you and your wife up and bring you here. Would tomorrow around 10 work for the two of you?" Stephon asked.
"Uh, what do you think dear?" Rintaro asked.
"Oh, um yes," Miwa agreed.
"Good, you'll be here in time for the ball," Stephon said, "it'll be nice for Ema to have all her family there supporting her as she meets these strangers who are only family by loose DNA connections."
"Very good sir," Rintaro said.
"Oh, a royal ball! I hope I can look presentable for it!" Miwa sputtered nervous.
"Don't worry my dear, worse case scenario, I'm sure Hikaru and his friend, Heather Cook would love the excuse to shop for you like they have for your other sons' dates."
"That's what Ema was saying," Miwa said with a giggle, "I'm very curious about who all these women are that they're bringing. Are they all women?"
"As far as I know yes," Stephon replied, "in fact, why not tomorrow when you come, I have your sons bring their intended dates to dinner to welcome you. That way you can meet them all first hand before the ball."
"Oh, yes, I like that idea," said Miwa, "I heard you even have a date for my youngest, Wataru."
"Well, potential," Stephon, "she's a royal from our neighboring county, Poulon. We'll see how much Wataru wants to be around her."
"We can't thank you enough for this your majesty," said Rintaro.
"Nor I you, for raising my granddaughter to turn out better than I ever thought possible," Stephon said looking back at Ema. He held out the phone towards her. "Go ahead dear."
Ema took the phone and started talking to her parents again while Stephon moved to the door and opened it a little where Richard was standing.
"I want you to help make the arrangements to help pick up Rintaro and his wife with the royal jet tomorrow and have them brought here," Stephon ordered.
"Yes sir, of course," Richard obeyed.
"And send the word out that the thank you dinner we were going to host for the ladies for their help is being postponed until tomorrow when the Asahinas are here. That way they can go homr and relax and have a chance to meet their friends' parents," Stephon also ordered.
"Yes sir, right away," Richard acknowledged as he seemed to be already working on it.
"Sire, oh Sire," they both heard Hikaru calling out as he and Heather seemed to be walking past, "did I hear correctly that my mother and stepfather are coming tomorrow?"
"Yes, Ema and Richard are working out the details right now," Stephon explained.
"Oh, so mother will be here for the ball!" Hikaru said excited.
"Another shopping trip?" Heather said eagerly, "be a good way to make a good impression on your mother!"
"Oh yes we'll have to get mother a gown for a ball, but," Hikaru looked at the king slyly, "since we're having a nice dinner tomorrow with all those nice ladies in attendance. I'm sure they'll want to look their best; so...,"
"Just talk to Ms. Hattie if you want to help find a few more new outfits for the ladies, but not too fancy. Don't want to overwhelml them," Stephon said.
"Oh yes of course," Hikaru promised, already texting on his phone with a hude grin on his face.
"My man! As long he's happy!" Heather said looking jusf as excited.
"Yes, it's good to see all the men are doing well," said Stephon. He looked back at Ema still on the phone.
"I really can't wait to see you!" she said, "then I can tell you all about what we've been up to since we've come here! In fact Yusuke can tell you what's happened to him!"
"Yusuke? Yes please let me speak to him! I haven't had a chance to since he was kidnapped with you!" Miwa pleaded.
"Ema handrd the phone to Yusuke.
"Hi mom," he said calmly.
"Yusuke!" Miwa said, "I'm sorry I didn't contact you sooner dear, after your abduction!"
"It's okay mom, really, you were kind of a fugitive for a while, along with Rintaro," Yusuke tried to assure his mom.
"Still!" said Miwa, "have you been okay? Have you treated you well?"
"Oh yeah, I asked to let myself get trained in self-defense so I could help protect Ema. I even went and saved Prince Zane during the scuffle from last night. So his grandfather, King Dimitri is going to knight me."
"You're going to be knighted?" Rintaro said.
"Yep," Yusuke boasted slightly.
"Oh my goodness!" Miwa said, "you're all going to have to fill me in with your activities once I've arraived!"
"They've all been busy, I can promise you that much!" Yusuke muttered.
"Wow, how about that, we'll find out tomorrow, I'll see you tomorrow dear. You'll be the first one I'll want to see!"
"Thanks mom, I'll be waiting for you at the door," Yusuke said. They exchange a few more pleasantries before he hung up.
Miwa held her phone close after she ended her conviction with Yusuke.
"He sounds fine, I just hope he's not putting up his usual tough front," she said.
Rintaro patted her leg, "I'm sure he's doing fine."
"I hope so, as the others. Though I guess they can't be doing too bad if they all have dates," said Miwa added, "I'm going to have nothing but Elence daughter-in-laws, aren't I?"
"Well not all, Wataru's potential date is Poulon," Rintaro joked, "and besides your daughter's half Elence herself and look how wonderful she is."
"True," Miwa agreed, "oh I can't wait to see our little princess tomorrow."
"And before that, can't we finish what we were up before our children called?" Rintaro asked.
"Mmm, yes,"' Miwa said eagerly, "my handsome prince."
"My wonderful princess," Rintaro whispered as he kissed her softly.