Summary: A certain Queen leaves her Head of Security rather confused but makes it up to him
in the end. It would help if you have seen Princess Diaries 1 and 2.
DISCLAIMER: DISNEY AND MEG CABOT OWN THE MOVIES, BOOKS, CHARACTERS ETC. I ONLY WROTE THIS ITTY BITTY STORY. I ALSO DONT MAKE ANY MONEY FROM THIS. THIS IS JUST FOR FUN.
CHAPTER 1
Clarisse's eyes shot open when that second, loud sound of thunder went off. This was getting ridiculous. Here she was, the Queen of Genovia, lying in bed with her covers over her head. It was days before Mia's wedding to Andrew and only days after she turned down Joseph's proposal. Poor Joseph...he could have been hers.
She let out a big sigh, and threw her covers to the side, as she climbed out of bed to get her nightrobe. She knows what would calm her down and help her get some rest during this aweful storm outside--tea.
She slipped her robe on and walked over to her sitting room. Maurice seemed to be asleep so she tiptoed herself out of her suite. Stepping out, she was greeted by her security on each side of the door. They were both wondering why their Queen was up at this hour; at two in the morning. Because this was her palace, she didn't feel the need to stand there and explain herself so she simply smiled at the two men, walked down the grand staircase and disappeared into the kitchen.
Joseph got up and slipped on his robe. What was he thinking, asking his queen such a question? Was he out of his mind? This was really getting to him and he needed a drink. As he passed Clarisse's suite, he thought about going in to check on her but how would that look? Anyways, he had caused enough for now. Soon Mia will be married, Clarisse will be free to do whatever she wants and he will be moving back in with his sister in Puerto Rico. He had to retire; that's all he could do right now.
On his way to the kitchen, he noticed that the library lights were still on. Walking right in, he saw Shades sitting and writing. He joined him on the opposite sofa.
"What are you doing up? You are not on duty tonight," Joseph said as he sat down.
"Oh, just catching up on some writing since I have the night off." Shades smiled as he raised his left hand, which held a drink, to offer some to Joseph.
"I was just about to get one. Thanks," he stood up and walked around the sofa to the small bar. He then walked back to Shades, cold drink in hand, and sat down.
"Were you serious about what you said yesterday?" Shades asked while he continued writing. Joseph kept his eyes on the fireplace and sipped his drink slowly. Not hearing an answer, Shades looked over at Joseph.
"I mean, you can't possibly mean it. We all need your guidance around here. Besides, we would miss you and your bossy ways," Shades said and Joseph finally looked at him, smiled then continued staring at the fireplace. A minute later he finally spoke.
"The decision has already been made. Questions have been answered," he said quietly.
Shades wasn't sure if he should even ask but he did anyways.
"By whom?"
"By her eyes," was the cold reply he got.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Clarisse had made herself a snack and her tea was ready. The kitchen was empty but she liked it that way. However, it was getting cold, so she decided to go back to her suite after eating. Tea always helped her with everything. It simply had that affect on her.
Tea will not get him back, she thought.
How could she have done that to him? How could he have done that to her? They both have hurt the other. His heart was broken when he saw the answer in her eyes. Her heart was broken the minute he asked her to marry him. He should have known by now that her duty is to her country and not to herself, as he had put it. She wanted him but he wasn't willing to wait any longer. Now it's too late.
When she had come out of her daydreaming, she grabbed her tea and walked out of the kitchen. It was rather nice to have done something without the help of her personal Chef or any other staff member.
Walking with her head held high, towards the grand staircase, she noticed lights in the Library. Being the nosey type, she slowly walked over and peeked in. Sitting on the sofa was Shades and on the other one near the fireplace, Joseph. She noticed that both were wearing their nightrobes and Shades seemed to be writing. She couldn't make out what Joseph was holding but knowing him, it was most likely a drink. Why was he drinking past two in the morning? Was he as upset as she was? While all these thoughts took over, she didn't notice that her body was leaning against the door, causing it to open even more.
Surprised and startled, both Shades and Joseph stood up and turned around to find their queen in her nightrobe, with a drink in hand.
"Your majesty," Shades quickly spoke up,"is there something you needed?"
Still a bit shocked, she quickly covered it up with that royal attitude.
"No but thank you for asking. I'm afraid the storm woke me and I was feeling rather thursty," she responded.
Shades walked towards the door with his writing in hand.
"Yes of course, your majesty," was all he said, while he bowed and disappeared, leaving Clarisse alone with Joseph. They stood there, looking at each other, until Joseph finally broke the silence.
"Yes, well if there isn't anything you need, I will be in my room. Goodnight, your majesty," he bowed and was walking out of the library when she caught his arm.
"Joseph, please do not run away again. There are things to discuss," she pleaded, changing her tone from sounding like the queen to simply sounding like Clarisse; a difference only he could tell. He closed his eyes as her hand touched his arm, before turning around to face her. Her eyes were begging him to stay.
"Joseph, you can't run away when you are facing difficult situations," she began.
"You mean like you did?" he sounded colder than he intended to. Her eyes gave away her pain and he immediately apologized.
"I am sorry, your majesty. I shouldn't have said that."
"It's the truth, Joseph, and please use my name. I don't wish to talk to you as a queen but rather as your equal," she stepped closer.
"You are not my equal, Clarisse. That is why this is never going to work," he said as he felt her move closer to him. He can't have her step any closer otherwise he might loose control. She saw the pain in his eyes and put her hand on his cheek.
"But you are my equal. I understand that I have kept you waiting for too long but..." she was cut off by him.
"...but it will never happen. Clarisse, please understand. I understood you. I do want to spend the rest of my life with you but I have to accept the fact that it will never happen. We both have tried but..."he was cut off by her mouth. There she was, brave enough to kiss him tenderly right then and there.
"You talk too much, dear," she smiled and giggled at his confused look.
"Darling, I simply cannot loose you. I want only you. Please don't leave me, Joseph. After all, there is a wedding to be planned. After Mia's wedding, I wish to marry you. No more fights, arguements of any sort. This is ridiculous, darling. I have made up my mind." She smiled and left him, shocked and confused, in the library.
Joseph was frozen. What did she just say to him? Was he dreaming? Hallucinating? Did he die and go to Heaven?
As he stood there, wondering what was really going on, Clarisse was making her way up to her suite. She was quite pleased with herself. She wasn't sure whether it had been the tea but being near him again made it all clear. She was a fool to have declined days earlier but not anymore. Closing the door behind her, she was finally able to go back to bed and rest. She did wonder if he was still standing in the library, with that confused look on his face. Giggling at that thought, she closed her eyes and dreamt of her future husband.
Thank you for reading! This is my first fanfiction story that I was brave enough to add to this site. I hope you enjoyed it and please leave me some reviews. The next chapter will be added right away. Thank you:) -Maya
