DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Ema moaned as she floated in her bathtub among the warm water and bath soaps mixed together to help get her clean. It felt good all around. It was just the sort of thing to make her feel more relaxed for what was about to happen. She almost didn't want to get out, even if she knew she would, and soon.
As if on cue, she heard a knock at her door.
Ema slowly sat up. "Yes?" she called out.
"Please hurry, Princess, it's almost time."
"I'm just getting out now," Ema called back as she dunked her head in one more time before she finally stood up and grabbed her towel. It felt nice and soft against her skin.
She sighed softly, "you'll be fine, you'll be fine," she said to herself as she dried herself off and threw on her bathrobe. She walked out into her main bedroom where she was greeted by Chrissy and a few different maids. The maids all stood on side by side as though hiding something.
"Are you ready to get ready?" Chrissy asked.
"Yes, I should probably start with my hair and makeup first," Ema said as she sat at her vanity table.
"I figured as much," Chrissy said as she snapped her fingers and in came Louis fully dressed in his tux. Ema gasped at his sight.
"Louis, you look amazing," she said.
"Yes they were able to alter my father's tux just right. It fits wonderfully," Louis agreed, "but we can talk about that later. Now, I must prepare your hair."
"Oh Louis!" Ema cooed happily as her brother quickly got to work.
"You go ahead and worry about your makeup. The sooner we get it all together, the sooner we'll have you in your gown and headed to meet your grandfather."
"Yes," Ema said a little softy as she got to work.
"Let us know if we can help too, princess," a maid spoke up.
"You have the jewelry prepared for her correct?" Chrissy asked.
"Right here Madam," another maid said holding up a purple jwel case.
"What are those?" Ema asked as she applied some of her makeup.
"Special jwels to go along with your gown, your highness," Chrissy explained.
"Oh I can't wait to see them," Ema said.
"We're almost done Chi," Louis said as Ema also finished applying her makeup.
"I feel a little self-cautious looking like this," Ema said.
"Like what? Like the princess you are?" Louis asked.
"Are you ready to change then?" Chrissy asked as she snapped her fingers again. The maids all moved aside to reveal Ema's mother's gown on a dress dummy, now looking fixed up and practically brand new. Ema almost felt like she was going to cry at the sight.
"I'll leave you for now Chi and see you downstairs," Louis said as he tapped her nose and walked out of the room.
"Alright ladies, help the princess change," Chrissy ordered. The maids all smiled as all but the one holding the jewelry case circled Ema with dress. Next thing Ema knew she was already in the dress and standing before the maid with the jwels.
The maid knelt before her and opened the case to reveal a beautiful golden necklace with a flower, along with a set of matching earrings.
"Oh my, where did you get these?" Ema asked as another maid gently picked up the necklace and fasten it around Ema's neck.
"They're a surprise gifts from Queen Abigail and King Dimitri," Chrissy said, "she wanted them saved for this exact day."
"Oh, I'll have to make sure to thank her properly," Ema said, as she fasten the earrings.
"I think nothing pleases her more than knowing you're alive and you turned out so much like your mother," Chrissy said as she finally came and stood in front of Ema hersel. "Turn around."
Ema did as she told and she came back around she noticed Chrissy had a much more somber look on her face.
"Is something wrong, Madam?" she asked.
"Well, I'll admit, I'm really happy to see how far you've come. I like you from the start, but now, I couldn't be happier knowing my home, my country has such a wonderful princess to look upon," Chrissy explained a little embarrassed.
"Thank you, Chrissy, I probably wouldn't have made if very far if not for you," Ema said.
"I'll be there for you until the end, I promise," Chrissy promised. She gave a little sigh, "well, let's be on our way, your highness. Your public awaits."
"Yes," lets go," Ema agreed. Two of the maids ran and pulled open the doors.
"You got this your highness," she heard one whisper.
"You'll be great, your highness," whispered the other.
"Thank you," Ema whispered back as she walked down her hallway, doing her best to look regal and important as a princess should.
Louis walked down a more secuded stairwell until he came to a private room and walked in. Inside he found his vast array of brothers all standing or sitting around in their own tuxes, looking more handsome than ever.
"Oh, hello, Louis, how are you feeling." Masaomi asked when he noticed his last brother had finally arraived.
"I do have butterflies in my stomach, I'll admit," Louis said as he walked over to him.
"Yes, I would imagine, this is big for you and Ema," Ukyo said, standing next to Masaomi.
"Just don't let it overwhelm you. We'll be there for you," Masaomi assured him.
"Thank you," Louis said. Suddenly he felt a tug on his pants. He looked down and saw Wataru next to him.
"Don't forget, I get a dance with Lady Sophie too!" he warned.
"I'm well aware, as I'm sure Sophie has not forgotten," Louis said as he knelt down to Wataru's height, "and with that said, I hope you don't mind if I were to ask Princess June for a dance as well."
"You and June?" Wataru asked. He looked like he was seriously pondering the idea, "I guess. We're not engaged like I thought we were going to be."
"Thank you Wataru," Louis replied kindly as he stood back up.
"Oh my, you boys all look amazing," Rintaro said as he came in wearing his own tux.
"So do you!" Wataru said as he ran over to him, "where's mom?"
"She's gone down to where all your dates are getting ready themselves. She was eager to see how they looked all dressed up," Rintaro said.
"Playing the noisy mother-in-law again, eh?" Hikaru asked, "well no matter. I think they've all managed to make a good first impression on her."
"You boys all feeling ready?" Rintaro asked.
"Yeah," most of the brothers called out.
"Any last minute advice from personal experience?" Tsubaki asked.
Avoid the two Dowager Duchesses Elizabeth and Lucinda! They like to pinch them some bottoms!" Rintaro said.
All the boys looked disturbed by his comment.
"Also, try avoiding Vicount Regan, he will put you to sleep with his bird talks!" Rintaro added.
"Anyone else?" Natsume asked.
"If anyone asks, there never was something between Countess Theresa and I," Rintaro said softly.
"Was there?" Hikaru asked intrigued.
"If anyone asks, there wasn't," Rintaro said again.
"Oh my, dear stepfather," Hikaru said delighted.
"I was young once! And a little naive!" Rintaro insisted.
"How hot was she?" Kaname asked.
"You mean is," Rintaro said back, "and don't worry. Your mother knows all about it, or what's not to know about it."
The earn a chuckle from some of the more mischievous of his stepsons.
"Hurry up please ladies," Heather said as she walked among the women getting ready. She had been taking charge since most of them had arraived, instructing the maids on how to put the dresses on, apply the makeup and what jwels should be added.
"We need to be in the ballroom by the time the king and his entourage enter."
"How many guests have already shown up?" Elizabeth asked.
"Oh many from what I've seen, it seems that before Lord Robert was cast out, he went all out in finding as many as family he could to invite," Heather said.
A few of the girls suddenly looked a little concern.
"Oh don't worry, you'll fit in perfectly," Heather said trying to calm the situation.
"Right, sure," Emily muttered.
"I think I'm going to be sick," Hannah whispered, clutching her stomach a little.
"Don't you dare!" Erica warned.
"Can't say I blame her," Natasha said as she looked over at Hannah.
"How's your leg feeling?" Rose asked her.
"Fine for now," Natasha assured her, "Jane was nice to show me where to store my crutches in case I need them during the ball. Of course if it gets that serious, I may see myself out."
"Well let me know if you do need to, I can helo show you a way out," Rose mentioned.
"Thanks," Natasha said.
"This still seems weird," Jane whispered to Ami, "I feel like something's going to happen and I'll end serving at this ball more than enjoy it as a guest."
"Yeah, I kind of feel the same," Ami whispered back.
"Are you feeling better now?" Jane asked her friend.
Ami turned and gave her a smile that was just like how she use to smile.
"I am, even if I wasn't looking forward to this move to Japan, I am feel better about myself," she assured Jane.
"I'm going to miss you," Jane mentioned.
"I will, you and your mom. You both have been like family to me, especially after loosing mine," Ami said. The two shared a small hug.
"Well there getting comfy cozy," Bea said as she saw the two maids hugging through her mirror.
"They've always been good friends," Sophie said, "it's not surprising that they would be leaning on each other for moral and support for what's coming."
"Hmm, maybe we should say something," Bea said as she moved to the center of the room. She gave a whistle.
"Hey, listen up. Don't let those little pansies out there intimidate alright? They're just over sex, self-centred self-obsorbed losers whose only real qualification for being here is that they either have a thin line if DNA similar to the king or they married somone with a thin line of DNA similar to the king. You take away any of that, and they're just the most pathetic people you'll come across."
"Bea's right, to an extent," Sophie said as she joined her in the centet, "don't worry about anyone out there. Just be yourselves. That's what got you an invite to begin with."
"Well, you ladies sure do know how to raise moral," Miwa said as she walked in, wearing her golden ballgown.
All the girls stopped what they were doing and looked her way.
"Wow, Mrs. Asahina! You look better than expected!" Heather said happily as she walked over to the woman.
"Thank you yes," Miwa said as she twirled around in it, "you have excellent taste madam."
"Hmm?" Heather said a little confused.
"I know what my son usually goes for and while beautiful, this wouldn't have been his first choice. I'm sort of glad you picked it out," Miwa said with a wink. Heather nodded back.
Miwa went and started walking around the room, inspecting the different women all dressed up. Every now and then, she'd stop at one and fix or adjut something on their dress, their jewelry or their makeup.
"I must say, you ladies all look like you've leaped from the pages of a story book. I'm impressed," she said once she had finished her inspection. "I'm rather excited with idea of seeing you all at my sons' sides this evening."
"Thank you Madam," each woman said.
"I hope you all enjoy yourselves," Miwa said, stopping in front of Erica with a serious look, "after all, my sons did all invite you for a reason."
"Yes," Erica replied softly. She notice Miwa give her a small nod before walking off.
"I'll see you all in there," she said as she walked out.
"Well, at least she wasn't over critical," said Emily.
"I got to say, I kind of like her," Bea said. She snapped her fingers and got everyone's attention again.
"Just one more thing girls, if anyone at 6ball makes you feel uncomfortable, be it rude or perverted, you tell me. I'll deal with them!"
"Same goes for my uncle, or my cousins, they'll help if you need it," Sophie also assured everyone.
"Good, so we know who are allies are," Heather spoke up, let's get going, the public awaits."
The woman all started to file out. Natasha lingered in the back, being supported a little by Rose.
As each woman passed by the maid holding the door for them, each heard her whisper "good luck." And if they noticed she was looking their way, they also got a thumbs up.
It made each feel a little better getting a little pep talk before they were thrown into the wolf's den, so to speak.
Ema walked on, still maintaining her regal appearance as she walked down a less used staircase that ended near the door to a private lounge.
"Are my brothers and parents in there?" she asked.
"They should be," Chrissy said as she moved to knock on the door.
"Ema?"
Ema turned and saw Miwa walking up to her. She had her hand over her mouth to fight back the mews she was trying hard not to spew out. Ema could also see her trying hard to fight tears.
"You look so beautiful! I can't believe it!" Miwa exclaimed as she raced out and hugged Ema.
"I know your real mother would be so happy to see you like this! I hope you can be satisfied with me as a substitute at the moment."
"Not just this moment, but anytime I need my mother, which is you," Ema whispered back.
Ema felt Miwa hug her tigher one last time before letting go.
"You look so beautiful, an envy of any princess before or after!" she praised.
"Mother please, be a little modest," Ema said embarrassed.
"Ema!"
The two women saw Rintaro coming out of the lounge followed by all her brothers.
Each one looked stunned to see Ema as she was.
"My little girl, all grown up," Rintaro said.
"Yes, she has come a long way from that timid little lady that showed up at our home to become a part of our family," Masaomi said.
"Bit Sister is the best princess in the world!" Wataru declared.
"Well said Wataru," Louis said to him.
"Yes, but she will always be our princess first," Hikaru said.
"The gods truly were trying to bless the world when they brought her into the world," Kaname said.
"Guys, no more, please!" Ema begged, "you're always saying my praise! And I'm still embarrassed by it. I need to keep my composure for what's ahead!"
"It'll be, you'll see," Rintaro assured her.
"The king's coming," Chrissy warned.
Everyone quickly stood at attention as the king and Richard appeared. He pasued without saying a word as he examined the different people in front of him. However it was obvious he was more interested in Ema than anyone else.
"You all look so amazing," he praised, "truly I could not be more impressed. Anyone will see you are some of the greatest people to ever grace Elence with their precense."
"This is going to be fun huh Grandpa?" Wataru asked as he ran over to him.
"It is!" Stephon said as he patted his head. "Can you, your brothers and mommy and daddy go ahead? Your sister and I will be along shortly."
"Even us?" Louis asked motioning to Yusuke.
"Just stay off to the side for a little bit, I want to have one more private talk with your sister before we head in," Stephon said.
Everyone quickly filed away, leaving Ema and her grandfather alone.
"I almost thought I was looking at your mother for a moment. You look so beautiful, just like her," Stephon said softy.
"I sort of feel like she's here, with me. Along with my father," Ema mentioned softly.
"I'm sure they are," Stephon said as he came closer. He held the necklace in between his fingers.
"This looks a little familiar somehow," he said.
"Well, apparently it's a gift from Queen Abigail and King Dimitri," Ema told him.
"Maybe that's it," Stephon said, "I recall a little that Abby had wanted to prepare a special jewelry set for your mother to wear on her wedding day."
Ema smiled brightly. "I'm feeling good now, but I'm sure that once we get in there, I'll lose my nerves!"
"There there," King Stephon comfort her, "I know you, I know you can handle this! Be the confident girl I've come to know and admire."
"Thank you Grandfather," Ema replied kindly. King Stephon offered him her arm and Ema looped in her arm with it and walked with him. They rounded a corner where the bulk of their family was waiting.
Yusuke and Louis came and took their positions behind the pair with the rest of their brothers in the front and their parents in the middle, the spot where Robert was supposed to have stood.
"Alright, let's get this started," Richard instructed as he led the crowd down to the ballroom doors.
"You guys ready?"
"Yeah!" a few of the guys cheered.
"I wonder if anyone heard that," Ema said.
"I kind of hope they did," Stephon replied with a smirk.
From inside the brightly lit ballroom many different guest stood or sat talking and walking around casually, doing their best to keep themselves entertained.
Suddenly the big doors open and in walked Richard and a butler.
The butler cleared his throat, "Presenting, The Young Asahina Lords, Masaomi, Ukyo, Kaname, Hikaru, Tsubaki, Azusa, Natsume, Subaru, Iori, Futo and Wataru!"
The 11 men all walked in in two lines and all bowed. They could hear several murmurs, some sounding pleased, others, not so much. As everyone raised their heads and got a chance to look around at the occupants of the room, all dressed up like one would expect to see at a event they were at.
Are we in a movie or something?" Wataru whispered.
"No, but they could make a movie about this," Masaomi whispered back as he led Wataru towards the spot they had been instructed to stand at. The other brothers followed after them.
"Next, Presenting Master Rintaro Hinat and his wife Miwa Asahina,"
Rintaro and Miwa walked into the ballroom, arms linked with their heads held high, and bowed as well. Around them they could hear murmurs as well. Most didn't sound pleasent.
"It seems most aren't happy to see you," Miwa whispered.
"Well, I am still the man that kidnapped the princess don't forget," Rintaro whispered back before leading her over to their sons.
"And finally, announcing, his royal majesty, King Stephon the 2nd of Elence, his granddaughter, and heir intended, her royal highness, Princess Ema, accompanied by her stepbrother Yusuke Asahina, and Louis, Earl of Peraton, cousin and second heir intended to the king."
Ema walked in next to her grandfather, with Yusuke behind her, and Louis behind the king.
Gasps and murmurs seemed to get louder as everyone looked at the four newcomers. It was soon joined by the sound of the country's national anthem playing. Stephon started to lead Ema down and across the the room, followed by Louis and Yusuke. As they walked, Ema could see many new faces among the guests. Some look friendly, some look board, and some looked downright mean.
Occasionally she managed to catch a glimps of a familiar face. She could see King Dimitri and his family practically in their own spot, all looking grand and royal. She could also see her brothers' different dates scattered around.
Lady Beatrice was standing with her parents who didn't look too thrilled, while Bea looked intensely happy.
Sophie was standing with her own group. The two adults she was standing closets to, Ema could only assume were her parents. Lord Markus was near her too, along with several other guests. Including a lovely looking woman who most likely his wife.
Soon Ema and King Stephon had reached their thrones, Stephon helped Ema to sit before he turn back to the crowd. He raised his hand and immediately everyone became quite.
"My friends, my family, I thank you all for coming herr tonight," King Stephon spoke, a big powerful, booming voice. "To officially welcome my granddaughter, daughter of my own daughter, Princess Yolanda, Princess Ema."
The ballroom filled with applause.
"And also we are here to welcome the grandson of my cousin Nicollet and son of her son, Lord Walter, the late Earl of Peraton."
Louis stepped forward and the applause came up again for him as well. He and Ema looked at each other, nodding at each to indicate support for each other.
And finally, we are here to welcome the family that has been taking care of and who have embraced them as their own, their mother and father Rintaro and Miwa. As well their 12 brothers, whom I have come to look upon as my own grandsons."
Again, applause filled the room.
"I truly feel whole, as man and as a king. My family is now complete again. Thank you for joining me in this great celebration of our happy family finally together."
"To joining of family!" a voiced shouted out. It sounded like Lord Markus.
"To joining of family," several others also called out.
King Stephon smiled satisfied and sat down himself.
He looked at Ema and then at Louis.
"Well, how are you both feeling?" he asked.
"Still nervous," Ema admitted.
"Me as well, Louis whispered.
"Totally normal," Stephon assured them. He looked at the other family, "you are allowed to go about and mingle. Go on and enjoy yourselves."
"Thank you, sire," Masaomi said, as the boys started to scatted about. Ema then saw the same butler who had announced everyone come and stand just in front of the thrones.
"Announcing, the brother dukes, Lord Jackson and Lord Jared !" the butler suddenly announced. Ema looked out to see two identical men approaching.
"Ah the Mocking Jays, this ought to be interesting," King Stephon said softy.
"Huh?" Yusuke asked who was standing behind Ema's throne.
"My brother George's twin boys, Jackie and Jerrie," King Stephon quickly explained, "they practically repeat what the other says. Just watch." He turned and smiled at his nephews, "hello boys, welcome."
"Hello your Majesty!" One said as he did a grand bow.
"Yes hello your Majesty!" the other said, as he mimicked his brother's actions.
"It's so wonderful to be here!"
"Yes it's so wonderful to be here!"
"We could not be happier!"
"No we could not be happier!"
"That's just creepy!" Yusuke whispered, "even Azusa and Tsubaki never did that!"
"And you Princess Emma!"
"Oh yes, you Princess Emma!"
"We are so thrilled have you here."
"We are indeed so thrilled to have you here!"
"Thank you," Ema replied politely as she could.
"You Lord Louis!"
"Yes, Lord Louis, you as well!"
"To think you've been alive all this time!"
Yes, it's so hard to believe you've been alive this whole time!"
"We are most grateful for that!"
"We are indeed grateful!"
"Thank you so much gentlemen," Louis said.
"We hope we have a chance to speak again later."
"Yes, we do hope we may speak again later,"
"Thank you boys," Stephon said as he gestured his hand to indicate their time was up. Both Jared and Jackson bowed and walked away.
"That, was weird!" Yusuke said.
"Have they always sort of spoke like that?" Louis asked.
"Yes, one says something, the other repeated it. It was adorable when they werr little, and as they got oldet, you just sort of got used to it," King Stephon explained.
"Next!" the announcing butler exclaimed, "announcing Countess Regina of Apllalon, and her brother, the duke of Ramath, Lord Welton!"
"Ah yes, my sister Lydia's children. They're nice, but a little snobby," Stephon whispered as the pair approach.
"Hello your Majesty," both said as they bowed. Their tone right away supported King Stephon claim that they were a bit on the snobby side.
"Hello Regina, Hello Welton, it's good to see you both again," said Stephon.
"Yes, thank you," Regina replied, "it's been so long since we've last seen each other."
"Far too long for my take," ssid Wilton.
"Yes, I suppose it has," said Stephon, "but it's good to know you've two are staying busy with your carers, or so I've been told."
"Yes, I've been working on my latest fashion show. I'm sure my designs will once again be the must have in all of Elence."
"Where's I have once again come up with best if car design, that anyone who's anyone will have to be seen in," Wilton quickly said.
"Good, you both have done well," Stephon said. The two beamed with pride. Then they turned their attention to Ema.
"Hello Princess Emma, how wonderful to see you," said Regina.
"Yes, we are as thrilled as everyone else is with your return," Wilton added, "and that you've replaced Robert as next in line."
"Yes thank you," Ema said, "I hope I can live up to the expectations."
"How sure are you that you's want to succeed your Grandfather?" Regina asked.
"I feel confident in the idea," Ema replied.
"You, uh sure you're up to the task?" Wilton also asked.
"We shall have to see," Ema kept insisting as politely as she could.
"Because there's no shame with the idea of not taking up the mantle," Regina quickly said.
"Yes, I mean you're so young and inexperienced and new," Wilton continued, "that somebody that would be more suited can definitely take up the task."
"Am I correct in assuming that if Chi and I both refuse to become queen or king, one of you would be the next in line?" Louis asked.
"Well we'd be one of the top runners," said Wilton.
"With me a little further up, given I'm older," Regina mentioned.
"Yes, but I'm a male," said Wilton.
"That no longer means anything!" his sister snapped.
"I appreciate your offer, and I hope the house of council takes all that into consideration should Louis and I not step up to be rulers ourselves," said Ema, "thank you."
"Yes thank you, we shall talk later I'm sure," Stephon urged gesturing them away.
"Thank you sire," both siblings said as they bowed and headed away.
"Should have known once Robert was out of the picture, they'd both make an attempt for the crown themselves," the king muttered once they were gone. He looked at Louis, "the only reason they didn't before and Yolanda had to go for your father was because Robert managed to scare them away. In addition to being snobby, they're also extremely vain. And both only want the throne to make themselves feel good about them individually. I don't think they'd do well as rulers."
Ema had to nod her head. The brife meeting was practically enough to support everything her grandfather had just said about them.
"Announcing, his Lordship, Father Howard, the 2nd!"
"Ah!" Stephon said happily. "The only one of my siblings' children I actually like. My other brother Howard's son, Howard Junior."
Ema looked out as man with bushy blong hair and matching beard dressed all in black with the exception of a white collar approaching. He gracefully bowed before the king.
"Your majesty," he said, "it is an honor to once again be in your precense. I apologize that I have not been here more oftan before, but my work does keep me rather tied up."
"Of course Howard, you are a true man of god after all," King Stephon said, "arise please."
Howard did so and then turn to Ema, bowing his head. "And you Princess Ema, I am truly humble and filled with happiness to see you placed properly at your place at your grandfather's side."
"Thank you good sir," Ema replied kindly.
"And you, my lord Louis, hoe thrilled am I to see you alive and well, carrying on your parents' spirits."
"Thank you kindly," said Louis.
Howard nodded before he cast a glance towards Rintaro and Miwa.
"Your majesty, may I have this opportunity to make a confession in regards to Rintaro, and your daughter Princess Yolanda's disappearance."
Rintaro suddenly looked alarmed. "Howard, no!"
Howard however, held up his hand. "No, it's time I made my confession in my part in the whole fiascos." He looked at his uncle, "your Majesty, I too help aid in your daughter, Princess Yolanda's disappearance. I had a few missionary friends in Japan at the time and I asked them help set up a new identity for her to assume while she was in hiding."
"I see," Stephon said a little sternly.
"Howard, you didn't have to," Rintaro once again tried to speak up.
"Rintaro, you don't need to take keep the soul blame in this no more," Howard continued, "I only stayed out of your lives once you were gone so no one could use me to find her. Your majesty, I do humbly ask for your forgiveness."
"I suppose, you always the best out of your cousins," Stephon assured him though he still sounded bitter.
"I also have another bit of info to share with you," Howard mentioned, "before Princess Yolanda left, I did see to it that she and her beloved Kenji were married in the eyes of the lord by myself, with Rintaro as a witness." At that Howard pulled out a piece of paper from inside his shirt, and handed it to the king.
Ema looked over and realized it was a marriage certificate. King Stephon nodded is head in satisfaction.
"I thank you for this Howard," he said, "this will ensure there will be no difficulties in Ema succeeding me should she chose to."
"Of course, your Majesty," Howard said. He smiled towards Ema and her parents.
"Howard you shouldn't have done that," Rintaro kept insisting.
"No my friend, it's time I went and confess to my sins, rather than just let you take all the blame," Howard assured him. "Now then, I was told one of your brothers from Japan is. Buddhist monk, Princess Ema."
"Yes, Kaname," Ema said. She gestured to where her brother was standing with Elizabeth.
"Wonderful," said Howard, "I do so enjoy meeting religious leaders of different faiths."
"Did he seriously help you sneak my mother away, Papa?" Ema asked her dad.
"Yes, but not too much after we left Elence. He and his missionary friends helped us create a fake identity, Yuki, for her to go by while she lived there. That and he legally married her and your real father so you and any brothers or sisters you might have had would have be legitimate heirs to the throne. After he was done with all of that, we all agree to cut ties so that no one could use him as way to find Yolanda until she was ready. Of course that seemed to backfire after both your parents died."
"Yes, well," King Stephon muttered before looking back at the announcing butler. "Who's next?"
"Announcing Lord Markus and family!" the butler exclaimed as Markus and his big family including Sofie all approached and bowed.
"Hello again your Majesty, and Princess Ema, and lord Louis," Markus said, "may I have the honor of introducing my family. My immediate family, my wife Lady Henrietta, my two sons Markus Jr. and Timothy, and our nice/adopted daughter Wendy. Along with their different spouses and our many grandchildren."
"Oh and don't forget a great-child," Henrietta mentioned as she moved aside and let a couple come forward with the woman holding a small infant in a yellow and pink gown sound asleep.
"Ah yes, the baby! Little Keeley!" King Stephon said said he rose a little from his seat to get a better look at her. "I've been wanting to see her in person. Can't believe you're a grandfather Tim."
"Neither can we," Marku's son Tim spoke holding his wife hand.
Louis meanwhile looked at Sophie's parents and noticed both looked excited to see him.
"Um, your Majesty? Grandfather?" he asked, "may I have your permission to speak to Lady Sophie's parents in private?"
"Yes, of course," Stephon allowed, "we have this covered don't we Ema?"
"Yes Grandfather," Ema assured him, nodding to Louis.
Louis bowed his head before walking off with Sophie and her parents. Markus and the rest of his family all bowed as the all backed away gracefully.
Louis walked along with Sophie and her mom and dad until they managed to come to a more secluded area of the ballroom.
"So Lord Luke and Lady Wendy," Louis started to say.
"Oh no, none of that lord and lady thing with us, just Luke and Wendy will do for us," Luke immediately insisted.
"Or Luk-luk as he called you as a baby," his wife teased.
"Luk-luk?" Louis also said.
"That was what how you said my name when you were little," Luke explained.
"I assume Sophie and Uncle Markus told you about us and your parents?" Wendy asked.
"Yes, they told me how you were all good friends," Louis said.
"Oh more than that," Wendy said, "we were practically family. We were even your godparents. When we all thought you had died, it almost felt like we had lost our own son."
"That's why we're beyond happy to see you alive and doing so well for yourself!" said Luke. "And beyond that, to see you being an heir to the throne!"
"Yes, I hope I don't end up making a mess of things with that," Louis said.
"Nah, you're too much like your dad. I can tell. Even not being raised royal, I'd say you have what it takes," Luke insisted.
"And in besides, you may not even end up as king," Wendy said, looking back at Ema and the king, "your sister's young and full of life, just like her mother. I'm sure she'll want to have a child in general and that'll mean she'll have an actual heir herself before you."
"That's true, Chi will make a great mother," Louis agreed.
"Your father always said that he knew what a great mother Princess Yolanda would make and how wonderful her children would be. He assumed rightly that he'd never be king. He was just willingly to stand in as a bumper for Robert," said Luke, "of course he did sometimes talk about what he'd like to do if he somehow became king and you after."
"I think there was a part of him that wouldn't have minded seeing you as king," Wendy said.
"I bet every parent wouldn't mind seeing their child as such," Louis said.
"You, know, we're going to be here for a while before we have to go back to work," Wendy started to relate, "we love to have you come to our home. We have many things that belong to you and your parents that you're more than welcome to claim. Plus, we have a few home movies of you and them we think you might like."
"Thank you," Louis said happily. That made him actually filled with joy over the idea of seeing his parents actually moving and talking. Maybe it would give me more understanding of who they were.
He looked at Sophie and held her hand.
"I see you two are getting closer too," said Wendy.
"Yes, I was made aware of your hopes for the two of us," Louis said, still gazing at Sophie happily.
"She and your mother wanted. I could have cared less! Same with your father!" Luke insisted.
That earn a giggle from his wife and daughter.
"Well, I am happy to meet more family that can help me reconnect with my old life. As long as I don't lose track of my current life," said Louis.
"Oh yes, you'll have to tell us about your family that raised you. We're very curious about them," said Wendy.
"Everyone is," said Luke. "They're probably more interesting than most of the members of your royal family."
"The kind of people your mother would have trusted with her son," Wendy said.
"You're too kind madam," Louis said as he managed to look out at his brothers mingling among the guests.
"...and I'm sure I'll be able to dance with your son later, ma'am," Ema said as her grandfather managed to gesture the latest guest away.
"Someone was a little desperate," Stephon muttered.
Ema looked at Yusuke who was slightly glaring at the woman and her son leaving.
"Don't worry about it," she whispered.
"You've had five offer so far!" Yusuke whispered back.
"Well I am the princess, it's only natural," Ema reminded him. She heard Yusuke grunt.
"Announcing Princess Lilac and her family," the announcing butler suddenly shouted. Lady Lilac was rolled towards King Stephon and Ema, with Owen, Andrew and a few other people.
"Hello King Stephon," Owen said, "Princess Ema, these are some of our other cousins."
"Welcome," Ema greeted.
"So who has Great-Granny confused you for?" one of the other cousins asked amused.
"Queen Katherine, have you met my daughter-in-law Gina?" Lady Lilac muttered.
The woman moved a little closer to Ema and whispered, "she didn't get along well with my grandmother."
Ema nodded, before she addressed Lady Lilac, "how have you been feeling lately Aunt Lilac?"
"Well , just tired. I feel ike I could do with a nice long rest," the old woman replied. She was starting to look a little worn out.
"Well, I hope you are able to get your rest peacefully," said Ema.
"Thank you, my dear," Lady Lilac said kindly.
"Come along Granny, let's get you someplace more peacful," Andrew said as he pushed the wheelchair away. A few of Lady Lilac's family followed after the pair, while a few lingered behind with Owen.
"Is she doing alright?" King Stephon asked.
"Well, we don't know. It seems as thoug she's finally letting go of something she's been holding on to for some time," Owen explained.
"Hmm, well hopefully she'll be at peace regardless," said Ema.
"We're hoping," Owen said as he and the rest of his relatives bid good bye and headed off.
Her granddaughter looked at Rintaro.
"Hi Rintaro," she said in a sligh seductive tone.
"Uh, Hi Countess," Rintaro said as he tried looking away.
"What, no Theresa?" she asked.
"Um, well," Rintaro sputtered.
"Okay then," Countess Theresa said as she gave a little wave and strolled away.
"So she's the one that nothing happened with?" Miwa asked.
Rintaro merely cleared his throat.
"Was there anyone else Grandfather?" Ema asked, "I was kind of hoping to go out among the crowd and met some of the other guests."
"I think we're almost done," King Stephon said, looking at his butler, "well?"
"It appears no, sire," he started to say.
"What, no intro for me?"
Ema and everyone around her gasped as Robert seemed to suddenly appear approaching them.