DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
The next morning, Ema rose and and dressed and headed to her parents' room instead of heading straight to the dinging room.
She had just started to make her way there when she was surprised to run into Yusuke.
"Hey," he called out casually.
"Good morning," Ema greeted just as casual. She walked over to him and took his hand , "what are you doing here?"
"I figured you would go see how mom and your dad did for their first night here, so I figured I'd come along. You have to have a gaurd with you after all."
"Is that the only reason you came to meet me?" Ema asked as a tease.
"Ok, maybe I did want to make sure you and I were together as much as possible, since it's still a little hard to believe that you and I are together," Yusuke admitted.
Ema giggled as she paused and used her free hand to make Yusuke look at him. She then did a surprising move and kissed him.
"Does that help?" she asked.
"A little," Yusuke said blushing.
Soon the pair came to their parents' bedroom and knocked.
"Oh good morning dear," Rintaro said as he opened the door.
"We've come to see how you and move slept last night and escort you to breakfast," Ema said.
"We slept very well, thank you," Miwa said as she came to the door too. "And I am feeling hungry. Let's go to breakfast."
"I'm glad you both are well restes," Ema said as they walked along together.
"Yes, now I can focus on some more difficult tasks such as figuring out how I'm going to get that horse home and where he'll live once he's there," Miwa said, "not that I don't find it wonderful that Wataru has found something he's super excited about. Makes me wonder if he'll have a future with them."
"Maybe ride on the Olympic team someday?" Rintaro suggested.
"Subaru's friend Rose is set to ride for Elence's team at the next games. And I think Azusa's friend Natasha tried auditioning for the team. She's has special skills when it comes to horses," said Ema.
"Yes, that Natasha girl," Miwa said deep in thought. "I still have to figure out what I can do to help Azusa with her, if anything."
Soon the four came to the dinging room. The others in the room at the moment were King Stephon, Natsume, Wataru, Masaomi, and Ukyo.
"Ah, good morning dear Miwa and Rintaro," King Stephon greeted.
"Good morning your majesty," the couple replied as they, along with Ema and Yusuke gave a bow in respect.
"Come, sit, enjoy your breakfast," King Stephon insisted.
"It's always so good Mom!" Wataru insisted.
"Do all you boys join the king for meals everyday?" Miwa asked as she sat next to her youngest. Ema took her normal spot next to her grandfather, while Yusuke managed to take the seat next to her. Rintaro took the spot next to Natsume, across from his wife.
"When we can," Natsume answered, "sometimes we have to eat before the king has come or have it in private for various reasons."
"You're a prime example of that," King Stephon said, "he's usually the first one down here. I've even tried to beat him in occasion."
"Yes, he's always been an early riser," Miwa mentioned, "I'm surprised he wasn't the first out among his triplet brothers."
"Yes Mother," Natsume said as he finished the rest of his breakfast and stood. "I'm going to my office to get to work. Emily's supposed to be coming by later to help me some more."
"I hope I get a chance to know her, she seems like a nice girl," said Ema.
"She is, you'd like her," Natsume said with a smile as he walked out. Almost immediately after Natsume walked out, a butler walked in and cleared his throat.
"Presenting their highness, King Dimitri, Prince Oliver, and Prince Zane," he said, as the three Poulon royals all walked in.
"Well good morning Dimitri," King Stephon said, "Oliver, Zane."
"Good morning," Dimitri said as he took a seat at the opposite end of the table. Zane moved to sit near him, while Oliver made his way over to Rintaro with a big smirk on his face.
"Rintaro! How have you been!" he asked happily.
"I've been good! How about you!" Rintaro asked.
"I've been great! Even though I've had to be doing a lot more with my duties as as prince regent," Oliver explained.
"I take it things worked out well with you and Rene?" Rintaro asked.
"Fine and grand, without a single mistress to tamper the mood," Oliver bragged, "just like my father."
Rintaro nodded back down to King Dimitri who shrugged his shoulders so casually.
"And you have a family now?" Rintaro kept asking
"Yes, besides Zane, I have three other children. Twins Sean and Shauna, and my youngest daughter Kelly-Anne," Oliver said.
"Oh wonderful for you!" Rintaro praised.
"And it looks like you've been doing good. I've managed to catch some of your work in magazines and shows," Oliver mentioned, "especially since you've done some work for your wife." He looked over at Miwa and winked at her. Miwa smirked. "Plus you've been an amazing father to Ema it looks like. She's turned into a perfect princess in my opinion, without even knowing she is one."
"Thank you, you can thank her little pet squirrel Juli for that as well," said Rintaro, "how have your sisters and brother been? Your mother as well?"
"They've all been good, happy with their work and families. In fact Mother's set to arraive today with one of my nieces so they can attend the ball. I think June's supposed to be the little guy's date or something," Oliver said looking at Wataru.
"She's coming today?" he asked weakly.
"Yes, sometime after breakfast," Oliver told him.
"Oh, Wataru, you have a date?" Miwa asked. Wataru shoved the remaining amount of food into his mouth before jumping up from his seat.
"I should go! I have to go..., check on Wind Storm! Yeah! He gets nervous when I don't show up on time! Plus I..., I have to get ready for my lessons with Sophie! Yeah! I,I wouldn't want to be late for those! Bye now!"
Wataru than leaped from his chair and dashed out if the room. All the adults laughed.
"Poor Wataru seems nervous over the notion of having a girl his age with him at the ball," Dimitri joked.
"I think he's nervous he's being set up to marry her like in the old days," Stephon insisted.
"He probably would have already married by now if those kinds of rules still applied today," Rintaro teased.
"My little prince married!" Miwa cooed.
"May I help in welcoming Queen Abigail and Princess June when they arraive?" Ema asked.
"Of course," Dimitri allowed, "I was actually going to ask if you'd like to join us. Anyone is welcome."
"I'm afraid I have some work to do, mostly making arrangements in transporting a horse back to Japan," Miwa mentioned.
"Yes, let us us work on that together," King Stephon insisted, "come to my office once you have finished your breakfast, please."
"Yes thank you," Miwa replied, "I do have some ideas I'd like to share."
Ema stood proud and happy with King Dimitri, Prince Oliver and Prince Zane waiting for Queen Abigail and June to show up. Several gaurds from both Poulon and Elence stood among them, including Yusuke and Billy.
Soon the palace doors open and an old but kind looking woman with curly brown hair walked in, holding a little girl with similar curly hair but more blond like Zane's.
Ema could feel real captivated by the woman coming towards her. She was beautiful, who no doubt was just as beautiful when she was younger. She could see why her grandfather and King Dimitri would want to compete for her.
Both she and her granddaughter stopped just in front of their welcoming committee.
"Welcome Abigail, my dear," King Dimitri said as he took her hand and kissed it. They way the two seemed to interact with each other, Ema could see they were deeply in love.
"Hello darling," Abigail replied in a kind sweet voice.
"Was your trip here safe and comfortable?" Dimitri continued to ask.
"Yes, smooth sailing the whole way," Abigail assured her husband, "right June?"
"Yes it was all good. We got to the airport on time, and then we left on time and now we've arraived on time. It's good to be on time, isn't it Grandpa-pa?"
"Yes, it is," Dimitri concured.
"I think mother wasn't sure if we would be on time, because she probably thought I wouldn't be able to get up on time. But I did, I am a big girl. I'm very responsible. I take my position as a member of the royal family very serious."
"Yes you do," Dimitri continued to agree with his granddaughter, "now, may I have the honor of introducing you and your grandmother to Princess Ema?"
Abigail and June both finally turned and looked Ema's way.
"Hello, welcome Queen Abigail and little Lady June," Ema did, doing a small curtsy.
"Oh my god," she heard Abigail say softly and even covered her mouth with her hand. She looked like she was about to cry.
June meanwhile walked over to Ema and performed her own adorable little curtsy.
"Hello, I'm Lady June and Princess June, depending on what situation you're in. You can also just call me June if you want. My mommy"s a princess too, like a real princess. Her mommy and daddy are the actual king and queen, my granny and grandpa-pa. But since they're not my mommy and daddy, I probably won't alwayd be called princess, especially after my uncle Oliver is king. He'll be a good king though and mommy says that I should do my best to serve and support him! She's his little sister!"
"My my," Ema sputtered, trying to surpass her laugh. The little girl seemed to really enjoy talking.
"It's nice to meet you! Granny's really excited to meet you too! She said she was your mommy's godmother, not like a fairy godmother though. She wouldn't have needed a fairy godmother since she was a princess too. But she loved your mommy really much, especially since your mommy's mommy died when she young, so your mommy needed a mommy figure."
"Hey, June, I think she knows this all already," Zane spoke up, throwing his arm in between the two.
"Did you?" June asked.
"More or less," Ema admitted, "but it wad nice to be reminded."
"Oh, good, glad I could be of help. I think I'll be a personal assistant or secretary when I grown up. My mommy, daddy and most of aunts and uncles have one, especially Uncle Oliver. They have to inform them of what's going on and what they need to do. Daddy says I have the mouth for it."
"Yeah you do," Zane muttered, "with my luck, you'll be one of mind."
June opened her mouth to respond when Queen Abigail moved over to her.
"Alright, dear that's enough, Granny would like to say hello as well."
Ema noticed Zane smirking. "How about I take June to the stables to meet her date for the ball?" he suggested.
"Oh boy," Yusuke muttered, even though Ema could see he was smirking at the idea as well.
"Oh yes, Granny said Grandpa-pa arranged a special date for me for the ball. I hope he's cute. It's so hard to find cute boys my age. At least that's what my older sisters say."
"Let's go find out," Zane insisted taking her hand.
"I'll go with you, in case Wataru needs protection," Yusuke said as followed.
"He might," Zane concured.
"And now, my dear, let's get you to your room," King Dimitri said as he gently took his wife's hand.
"Thank you darling," Abigail agreed, "where's Stephon by the way?"
"He's helping to take care of some business in regards to my brothers," Ema explained as she walked behind the queen, next to Prince Oliver.
"Did I come at a bad time?"
Everyone turned around and saw Emily had just entered the palace as well, with her usual sets of books and information.
"Emily, welcome," Ema said excited, "we werr just welcoming Queen Abigail.."
"I, uh, see," Emily sputtered, "I never thought I'd get to meet the king queen and prince of Poulon. What a nice surprise."
"This is Emily Smith, she's helping my brother Natsume design a video game based on Elence," Ema introduced.
"Nicr to meet you madam," King Dimitri said, "I've heard of the game from Natsume. I look forward to seeing the final product."
"Thank you," Emily said, "I'll just go meet him."
"You don't think it would be too much to ask your brother to do a game of Poulon as well?" Oliver asked as they continued to lead Abigail to her room, "I use to be a little gamer myself as a kid."
"You all were," Abigail noted, "one of the few things you all did together. You have Yolanda I think to thank for that. Did you know your mother was big video game fan Ema? Did I say that right?"
"Yes, and yes, that's why Grandfather asked my brother Natsume to design a game of Elence," Ema said, "I'm big game fan as well."
"Oh my, your mother's spirit is alive and well," Abigail said suppressing a delightful giggle.
"I bet my mother was really found of you too," Ema said as she followed her and Dimitri into their room.
"They were practically inseparable," Oliver mentioned as he too walked in.
"Shall we begin unpacking your luggage Madam?" a servant asked.
"Not just yet," Abigail ordered a more regal voice, one that would be expected of a queen, "I want to have a private moment alone with Princee Ema. Just bring them in, and then leave us be. I'll summon you back when I'm ready for you to unpack."
"Yes Madam," the servant as he and the others complained.
As soon as they were alone, Abigail walked over to Ema and cleared her throat.
"Ema," she said, sounding as though she was trying to keep herself together. "May I have your permission to do something, a little, dimming of us royals?"
"Um, suppose," Ema agreed, unsure.
"Oh, no, Mother," Oliver tried to intervene.
"Let her have this," Dimitri ordered.
Next thing Ema knew, she was wrapped up in the queen's arms followed by several kisses all around her head, and occasionally hearing loud squeals.
"Oh my god! I cannot believe you actually exsit. Oh my god this is all so exciting! To think Yolanda had a daughter as pretty as her! This is one of the happiest moments of my life! It's as though I've gained another grandchild! You have no idea how happy this makes me!" Abigail said all excitedly fast.
"Sorry Ema," she heard Oliver apologize.
"It's okay, really," Ema assured him still wrapped up in the queen's arms. It did feel kind of touching that Abigail cared so much.
Wataru looked around nervous as he walked into the stables. He hurried to Wind Storm's stall where the horse was already waiting. He nuzzled Wataru.
"Not now Wind Storm, we have a situation," Wataru said as he continued to look around nervous, "that girl they want me to marry is coming today. I'm not ready to get married! Even if she's as pretty as someone like Big Sister or Sophie!" We're going to have to act fast in order to avoid her at all cost, understand. At least until we figure out how to get rid of her!"
"Get rid of who?" Natasha asked as she came up behind Wataru. They boy turned around scared only to get surprised when he saw Natasha no longer with her crutches. She still had a wrap around her leg, but seemed to be walking ok on her own.
"Hey you, don't have your...," Wataru sputtered.
"Oh yeah, didn't seem to need them. Been walking well on my own all morning," Natasha said as she looked down at her own leg, "I can help you get Wind Storm set up if you want."
"Oh yes, please," Wataru asked.
"Sure," Natasha said as she got his supplies, "you know you should start learning how to do this stuff on your own. Especially if you're taking him home with you."
"Oh, okay," Wataru said, "can you show me?"
"Sure," Natasha agreed, handing him the supplies, while still holding the more heavy ones. She helped secure Wind Storm as Wataru looked through the tackle box.
"Which one is the right one?" he asked.
"The round one," Natasha intructed. "Now make sure you brush his coat in nice small circles."
"Like this?" Wataru asked.
"Yeah good job," Natasha actually praised.
"I've watched you and Miss Rose do this," Wataru said.
"Well, you've paid good attention," Natasha praised, "now next you'll want to use that long brush."
"This one?" Wataru asked pulling it out.
"Yep," Natasha said nodding.
"Oh hey," Azusa said suddenly coming up to the stall. He held a tray with two cups, "I heard through the grape vine you wetr no longer on the crutches."
"Not at the moment anyway," Natasha, "doctor says it shouldn't be too surprising if I may need them again, but for now I'm doing good."
"Good enough to attend a ball?" Azusa said.
"Sneaky," Natasha joked, "we'll see."
"Anyway, I brought you some coffee," Azusa said nodding to his tray.
"Go ahead and take it to the office. I'll be there soon. Just need to help your brother learn how to take care of his own horse, so he's ready when he takes him home."
"Oh I see," Azusa said looking forward into the stall, "you know, I think I saw Yusuke and Prince Zane looking for you."
Wataru looked alarmed at Azusa's comment.
"He's not here," Natasha said as she closed the bottom door to Wind Storm's stall, "at least not now."
"Ok, I'll see you in in office," said Azusa said as he walked off.
"Thank you," Wataru whispered.
"Why you so nervous anyway," Natasha asked.
"They're bringing a princess for me to meet! What if she wants me to marry her?!" Wataru asked panic.
"Married? You're just a kid, no one's going to force you. Especially the king. In case you haven't noticed, you're his favorite, he'd never do anything to make you miserable," Natasha assured him.
"You think?" Wataru asked.
"Hey Wataru, I know you're in here! Come out!" they suddenly heard Yusuke call out.
Wataru quickly hid behind Wind Storm.
"Hey, could you keep it down? You'll scare the horses," Natasha called out.
"Yeah, Yusuke, you have to be quiet around horses," Azusa said as he came up to the stall himself.
"Whatever, I know the twerp's here. Tell him to come out,"' Yusuke insisted.
"Why exactly?" Azusa asked.
"Because I'm here to meet him," June said as she came up close. She did a cute cutesy again. "Hello, I'm Lady June, or Princess June depending on the situation...,"
Zane quickly clamped his hand over her mouth.
"Okay June, save your breath," he said, "long story short, she's my cousin, youngest daughter of my dad's sister Princess Wendaline."
"She's called Wendy for short," June said through his hand.
"And you can't tell me Wataru's not here! I know he said he was coming out here," Yusuke said as he walked up to Azusa.
"Well he was in here, but he said he had to run back to the palace for a bit," Natasha quickly answered for him.
"That's alright, I'll just wait here for him to come back. I'll just go see if they have the poney King Stephon said I can ride any timr I'm here. He was really nice about it. Of course he's just a nice king in general. Except when he's mad, but I don't think anyone's usually nice when they're mad."
"No, I would not assume so," Azusa agreed.
"Let's just go find that poney," Zane ssid as he tried dragging June along, even though she was still yapping.
Azusa and Natasha looked back at Wataru who was slowly coming out from his hiding spot.
"Do you at least want to take a look at her?" Azusa asked.
"I guess," Wataru reluctantly agreed. Natasha opened the bottom door, and let Wataru take a quick peek out.
"She is kind of cute," he admitted, "she sure can talk."
"So can you," Azusa pointed out.
Wataru bit his lip, "so, should I go ahead and say hi at least?"
"Not if you're not ready," Natasha assured him as she shut the bottom door and winked.
"I like you a little more when you're like this, you're not so scary," Wataru mentioned.
"Thank you," Natasha replied, not sounding offended by the comment.
Wataru took a deep breath before he said, "I'll go ahead and say hi."
"You sure?" Azusa asked.
"Yeah, who knows, she might be really nice," Wataru kept insisting. He opened the door himself and slowly step out. He walked up to June, Zane and Yusuke and cleared his throat.
"Hello," he said in regal tone, "My name is Wataru Asahina."
"Hello, I'm Lady June or Princess June depending on the situation," June said as she came up to him. Both bowed and curtsy.
"I am pleased you've come all this way to attend the ball in honor of my dear older sister Princess Ema."
"Oh yes, I've already met her. She's nice, and pretty. My Granny's really excited to see her. My Granny's the queen by the way."
"I think he'd kind of figured that out, June," Zane said, "did you still want to ride your poney?"
"Oh yes, I want to ride my poney. I'm a good rider. I have a poney back home too. Her name is Cotton Candy, mostly because her main reminds me of cotton candy. I have a name for the poney I ride here, Flower Petal, because Elence is great for growing flowers."
"I know that," Wataru managed to say, "I like riding too, want to see my horse?" He led her over to Wind Storm's stall. "This is Wind Storm, he's the half-brother to the king's horse Storm. That's why I named him Wind Storm. My mom and Grandpa are working on letting me take him back to Japan, so I can take him. Grandpa's the king by way. He may not be my real grandfather but he said we can call him that and I like it. I've never had a grandfather before."
"And he was worried they wouldn't get along," Zane muttered. He looked over at Yusuke who was also watching the children looking unimpressed.
"So, I bet you feel real good about yourself for rescuing me," he said out loud.
Yusuke shrugged his shoulders, "I did what I had to do. I just didn't want to see anyone get hurt."
Zane sighed, "thanks, truly for, saving me," he said, "and for not mentioning anything about my cowardly retreat back into my room."
"Can't say I blame you. The guy was shooting at us and as it's been pointed out, there's still a little bit of tension between your two countries. For all we know, he could have been trying to kill you out of spite. He was crazy enough to work for Robert and Henry, so who knows what he was capable of."
"Hmm," Zane muttered, "you may have a point." He looked back at Yusuke, "So would I be correct to assume you and Emma are a thing now?"
"Her name is Ema, and kinda yeah. We're starting things off. Though I don't know exactly where it's going to go," Yusuke admitted.
"Hmm, good for you, I guess. You're a lucky man. I wouldn't have minded possibly having a relationship with her. But I that's not going to happen now. Even if she wasn't set up as the potential heir to the throne, she never really seemed interested in me."
"Yeah, well, you'd be surprised how badly a lot of my other brothers wanted her too. Even now I'm sure some of them are envious of me being the one who got her in the end," Yusuke told him.
"Even though...," Zane started to say looking towards Azusa and Natasha.
"Yeah, even that. They'll always have a soft spot for her, always. Even though they've each made a special "friend" here," Yusuke insisted.
"Just friends?" Zane asked with a smirk.
"That's what most are claiming right now, which is easy to believe. Some have only known these girls for a few days," Yusuke explained.
"Still," Zane proded eyeing Yusuke.
"Yeah," Yusuke agreed.
"Are we cool at least, Mr. Yusuk" Zane asked.
"Sure, if you are, your highness," Yusuke assured him.
Zane nodded, "just promise me one thing. As you are technically the lucky guy who has Ema's heart, take good care of her. From what I've observed over the brief time I've known her, she deserves nothing but the best, princess or not."
"You won't have to worry about that," Yusuke declared, "I was already planning to, royal command or not."
"I hope it works out for the two of you, as long as she's happy," Zane replied.
"Wonder what your brother and the prince are talking about," Natasha said as she happened to notice the pair down towards the entrance chatting softly.
"Probably some sort of dick measuring contest, knowing Yusuke," Azusa said, "he always was kind of the boastful type."
Natasha giggled, "reminds me a little bit of your twin."
"Yeah, they're a little more alike than they'd like to admit," Azusa agreed, "but at least they're not as arrogant as Futo."
"I don't think there's anyone quite as arrogant as him," Natasha said, "except maybe Lord Robert."
Azusa turned and smiled at her, "I hope you're not still feeling bad over you siding with him originally." He gently squeezed her hand. "You're not a bad woman. You just felt he was the only way to get what you wanted."
"Still," Natasha muttered, "I might have kept at it had you not shown up."
Azusa shrugged, "I guess I have myself a way of guiding others to the right path."
"And here I thought Tsubaki was the boastful one of you two," Natasha joked.
"Excuse me," a servant callrd out as she came into the stables, "is Miss Natasha here?"
"I'm right here," Natasha called back.
"Would you please come with me?" the maid asked, "the king wishes to see you right away. He says it's urgent."
"Is it serious?" Natasha asked a little worried.
"Not that I'm aware of," the maid said.
"Well, okay," Natasha as she reluctantly walked out of Wind Storm's stall.
"I can come with you," Azusa said, gently taking her hand.
"I wonder where they are going?" June asked.
"I don't know," Wataru said, "she used to be kind of mean and scary, but she's been acting a lot nicer since she accidentally broke her leg trying to keep me safe...,"
"Can't you two you just get on your damn horses and ride out of here? You can annoy them for a while," Zane snapped.
"My thoughts exactly," Yusuke said.
Azusa could feel Natasha occasionally squeezing his hand tight, only to quickly let go as though she was afraid to either hurtt him or make him think she was scared. They were walking slowly due to her leg, but Azusa was sure Natasha was trying to stall slightly.
Soon the pair and maid came to the king's office door.
"Found her sir," the maid said as she opened the door, "and Lord Azusa is with her."
"Oh, let him in as well," King Stephon insisted.
Both walked in and were a little surprised to see Miwa was there was well.
"Mother?" Azusa said in surprise.
"Why is your mother here?" Natasha asked.
"Have you two," King Stephon instructed, "it's good to see your leg is doing better."
"Yes, good enough to not prevent you from attending a ball," Miwa mentioned smugly.
Natasha eyed Azusa who quickly shook his head in his defense.
"Miss Natasha, I've called you here because I have certain request for you," King Stephon started, "as I'm sure you've been made aware, Mrs. Asahina and I are working on setting Wataru's horse Wind Storm to be transferred to Japan when he goes home."
"Yes sire," Natasha said softy.
"And I have been made aware that you are quite fluent in Japanese," King Stephon continued.
"Um, yes, I'm quite fluent in the langue, at least enough to get by," Natasha sputtered. She looked back at Azusa who again shook his head in defense.
"I do have ways of finding out information of the people who work in my own palace," King Stephon mentioned out of nowhere, "anyway, I was working with Mrs. Asahina on transferring Wind Storm, and I was hoping you would accept our request that you good madam be the one that travels with Wind Storm on his flight to Japan. I am well aware you have a good reputation with animals and are good at keeping them calm, even at the point of death. I think you would be the best choice to fly with him and also maybe help him adjust to the new stables we found for him to stay at."
"You want me to be Wind Storm's escort basically?" Natasha asked.
"That was what I was hoping for, but there maybe more," King Stephon said as he looked to Miwa.
"This maybe a bigger step for you to take if you want it," Miwa started as she picked up a piece of paper. "You see, the thing is, when we started to make the arrangements for Wind Storm to stay at the this new stables, I may have dropped them your resume."
"My what?" Natasha asked.
"You actually have quite a good resume, even before you came to work here at the palace," Miwa said, as she look over her paper. "You've ridden for a few ridding teams, all the former stables you've worked for have given plenty of praise. This particular stable was actually impressed with you. So much they may have mentioned that they have an opening and would like you to consider taking up the position."
"There just happens to be a stables with an opening that you're going to border your son's horse at and they want me?" Natasha asked. She again cast a glance at Azusa who now looked a little guilty.
"It's a very good stables," Miwa said as she handed Natasha another slip of paper. Azusa also looked over at it. "And it's not too far from our home, so if you wish you could stay there for a while so wouldn't have to worry about finding your place right away."
"Oh really?" Natasha said. This time she noticed Azusa was doing his best not to look her way. "This is a great offer and all, but it's also kind of sudden."
"Naturally," King Stephon agreed, "that's why I'm tasking you with escorting Wind Storm to his new home for now. Stay in Japan for a few days, explore, find out more about the stables, see if you could be happy there. And if not, you just contact the palace and we will help you come home, with your job still open for you, if you still want it."
"Okay," Natasha agreed, sounding a little intrigued.
"I'll also see to it that we help you make the arrangements to move to Japan permanently," King Stephon also assured her.
Natasha nodded, "how soon would you like an answer?"
"Why don't you wait until after the ball? And then if you wish, you can talk to Mrs. Asahina and or one of her sons about it," King Stephon suggested.
"Sure," Natasha agreed, "thank you for this honor sire."
"Well you deserve it. You're a hard worker who's earn where she is now," King Stephon praised.
Natasha bowed and went to stand up, and Azusa helped her and walked with her out of room.
"So," Azusa said as they started to walk off.
"Be honest with me, how much of that was you?" Natasha quickly asked.
Azusa sighed, "I did mention to my mother that I was hoping to find a way for us to maybe to still be together. But I wasn't sure how. She must of done some research on this stables with you in mind."
"You really want to stay together for a while?" Natasha asked.
"I wouldn't mind," Azusa admitted.
Natasha smiled as she looked at the info for the stables in Japan once more. "I, think this is a good idea. This might be good for me. Especially if they do want me as your mom says we do."
"So, you're interested?" Azusa asked.
"Yeah, I am, I'll at least go as the escort for Wind Storm, and get a good look at it in person. See how life in Japan really is," Natasha said.
"Good, here's hoping all works out," Azusa said.
"And when you say all works out?" Natasha asked.
"Think about it," Azusa replied.
"I will, after the ball of course, I'll probably be too busy enjoying myself while in attendance," Natasha mentioned.
"Good for you," Azusa said, "I'm looking forward to it even more so."
"...so I think I was hoping to possibly study photography since my father was so skilled in it,' Ema told Queen Abigail. Once the queen had finished hugging and kissing her, the two had sat down so Ema could share some info on her life growing up.
"How splendid," Abigail said, "I'm sure you could look into photography as hobby if you become queen."
"That's a good idea," Ema agreed.
"How keen are you about becoming queen dear?" Abigail asked.
"I'm, more and more confident I'd like to," said Ema.
"Well, if you ever need some help, or lessons with the what you may have to do, knoe I'll be there for you. Especially once Dimitri abdicat for Oliver. We'll be basically retired so, we'll have a little free time," Abigail offered.
"Thank you," Ema said kindly.
"Hello, anyone here?" Stephon said as he suddenly came in. He paused when he saw Abigail. Ema could see him looking at her almost the same way he looked at pictures of her late wife Wilma.
"Hello Stephon," Abigail said as she stood up.
"Hello, Abby," Stephon replied kindly, "I see you and Ema are getting acquainted."
"Oh, yes, she so wonderful!" Abigail praised.
"Yes she is," Stephon agreed, "I love her dearly."
"So happy for you! I can't help but see this as a whole new path for you and Elence."
"My thoughts exactly, ever since I first laid eyes on her," Stephon agreed.
"Grandfather, don't praise me too much, I'd rather stay humble," said Ema.
"She really your granddaughter," Abigail giggled.