"And this Clarisse, is Joseph, I don't believe you two have met. He's the head of security and I've asked him to personally watch over you." Rupert said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." She said and held out her hand to him.

"The pressure is all mine Your Majesty." He bowed, took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles softly.

Rupert checked his watch as Joseph straightened up. "I have a meeting shortly so I must be off. You couldn't be any safer than with Joseph. So I'll be off." He lent in and kissed her cheek, before leaving the office.

"So how haven't we met before Joseph? I've been here for some years now, but we've never met."

"Five years," Joseph supplied. "You've been here five years. And it is my job to be close but never seen Your Majesty. I've been at every event that's been held here, and every event elsewhere too, always making sure yourself, the king, and the young princes were safe. Since you will now be taking on your own role as queen and your own projects, His Highness thought it would be wise to have me with you every step of the way."

"Will you be there every step of the way?" Her voice was soft and hopeful.

"Of course Your Majesty." He bowed again.

"Clarisse." She corrected. He stood up again and gave her a confused look. "Since we'll be around each other as much as you say, I'd like you to use my name, if you'd please."

"Of course Your Maj— Clarisse." She smiled. No one but Rupert ever called her Clarisse anymore, but it felt good to hear her name on someone else's lips other than Rupert's. As she looked him over, she heard him clear is throat to gather her attention once again. "You have an even o'clock meeting with the Prime Minister. Are you ready to leave, Clarisse?"

"Yes, I am."

"Very well." He walked over to the door and held it open for her. The only people who actually did that were the footmen, Rupert certainly didn't. As they headed for the car out front, she noticed how Joseph was always one step behind, whereas the last person who watcher her specifically on outings was always at least five steps behind, if not more. Rupert was right: she felt extremely safe with Joseph after only meeting him moments ago. As they reached the car suddenly he'd gone from a step behind her to already having the door open for her as she approached. Once she was in, he closed the door, walked around to the other side and got in himself, then they were off.

After a long day of meetings and appointments, she was so glad to finally be back at the palace. Before reaching her suite, she looked over at Joseph and he didn't look nearly as tired as she felt. "Would you care to join me for a drink Joseph?" She asked as she turned down the hall to her suite.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, but I'd better not." He said as they stopped outside he suite.

"Clarisse." She corrected. "And how come? Consider it a thank you for protecting me today."

He chuckled softly. "But it is my job to protect you everyday."

"Then it's settled. Everyday after we're done whatever it is that must be done, you'll join me for a drink." She turned and opened the door to her suite, and walked in. Then over her shoulder she asked. "Are you coming?" Against his better judgement he walked into the room and closed the door behind him. "Make yourself at home." She said as she walked over to the wooden bar on the far side of the living area of her suite. He took a seat on the couch and watched her as she looked up at him. "What will it be?"

"Whiskey please." His voice didn't waver although he still wondered if this was such a good idea. A moment later she walked over with two glasses and held one out to him. "Thank you." He said as he reached out and took the glass from him, and his fingers gently touched hers.

She nodded and took a seat next to him on the sofa. "So how long have you been here Joseph?" She asked after having taken a sip of her drink.

"His Majesty and I were friends growing up, I always protected him so later, as he was twenty, he had asked that I assume this position. I wasn't overly fond of the idea at first, I must admit, but I grew to love it. That was eight years ago now."

"Thank you for your dedication Joseph."

"I'd do anything for the crown." He said as he looked at her to find her eyes already on him.

All too soon, their glasses were empty and Joseph said, "I'd best leave so you'll be well rested for tomorrow." He stood and started to walk towards the door.

"Joseph." She called and walked towards him slowly. He turned around to her. "Thank you."

He bowed, took her hand and kissed the back of it. "My pleasure, Clarisse."

"See you in the morning?" She asked, though she knew it was a dumb question.

"Bright and early." He smiled, then left.