Hello all.
I published this story on 11-29-04, and haven't updated it since 07-07-07. I recently came upon it again, re-read it, and decided it was time to update. When I was looking it over, found myself wanting to change things. Not big things, but the best way to do this was to replace all the old chapters. So here it is, brand new and shiny. Thank you so much for reading it! If you have been with this story for a while, thanks for not giving up on me. I hope you enjoy it, and let's hope I can finish it soon.
Love,
You're_Still_in_Poems
I own nothing but my mind.
The Queens Diaries
Prologue:
Nineteen-year-old Clarisse Gerard looked down the aisle at her husband-to-be Prince Rupert Renaldi. She thought how not only was she getting married to the heir to the throne of Genovia, but she was also beginning a new chapter in her life. Taught to always put her country before herself, she was the perfect candidate for the wife to the prince. Clarisse loved Genovia and would do anything for her country. In marrying Rupert she was making the biggest self-sacrifice. She found, much to her dismay, that while she and Rupert had become fast friends, love had not blossomed. She hoped that that would change and after a few years of marriage she would have the happily-ever-after fairytale-ending marriage princesses were supposed to have. She knew that she would be expected to submit to her husband, and stay a step behind him while in the public eye. She would have to care for the citizens of her country and treat each with the proper respect. It was demanded of her that she produce the future king's heir so that they may assume the throne and keep the Royal Family's bloodline going. She had the weight of the welfare of her beloved country on her shoulders.
In the following years Clarisse gave birth to her first child, who became known as Pierre. She was overwhelmed with joy and loved spending time with him. Unfortunately, the birth of their first child did not jump-start the spark between Clarisse and Rupert. Rupert's father, the current reigning monarch, had not been well for the past years and decided it was time to step down and his son was crowned. Two years later their second son, called Philippe was welcomed into their family. Motherhood was everything she could have ever wanted, and it strengthened Clarisse's companionship with Rupert. Still, deep love was not present. Clarisse began to believe that something was clearly wrong with her for not loving the father of her children the way she thought she was supposed to.
When she was thirty-seven Clarisse's bodyguard decided that it was time to retire. She was introduced to a man who introduced himself as simply "Joseph." At first he seemed very full of himself and Clarisse tended to stay away from talking with him. One night when Rupert and the boys were out on a on their annual father-and-sons weekend Clarisse ventured down to the kitchens. She found Joseph sitting at the table, staring into a mug. After making herself a cup of tea she sat with him and the two began to talk. Under his seemingly cocky exterior was a sensitive and caring man, devoted to his job and to his queen. Joseph and Clarisse soon formed a strong bond of friendship, and felt comfortable with each other, talking about everything and anything they felt. For the first time in her life, she felt that she had a true friend.
It was at this time that Clarisse's eldest son, who had just turned sixteen, was beginning to realize that his life calling was not to be king. He confided in his mother and father one night at dinner. Rupert did not understand why his son did not want to be king of Genovia; Clarisse on the other hand, sat quietly and then concluded that he could to whatever he wanted and she would always support his decision. Afterwards Philippe turned to his mother and declared that he most definitely wanted to be king.
Eight years later all hell began to break lose when Philippe was in his senior of college in America. It was also at this time that Pierre was finishing his training to become a priest, which he knew was his calling. No more than six months later, a phone call from Philippe came in from the states, and he informed his mother and father that they were going to be grandparents. They were shocked and outraged at Philippe for shaming the Renaldi name and the image projected into the public eye. To add to the horror, he announced that he had eloped with the woman (Helen was her name) and they were married. Clarisse was filled with many conflicting and confusing emotions, and everything seemed to be rushing past her in a blur, and the only person who stopped to comfort her was Joseph.
After the birth of a baby girl named Amelia, Philippe and his bride flew to Genovia to meet the family and begin their life together. Clarisse thought that though the girl seemed to be very charming and sweet, she was not right to be a future queen. The tension between the two was palpable and despite their desire to be away from each other, at Rupert's urging, Clarisse began princess lessons with Helen. Helen had a hard time composing her free spirit and submitting to the expectations of a crown. Her very tiny daughter also frequently distracted her.
Even though they were not keen to admit it, Amelia captivated Clarisse and Rupert. She was so small and perfect and stole their hearts. The opportunity to play the role of grandparents was scant, as Helen was not comfortable with them. Two months later, Philippe and Helen made their first public appearance at their engagement party. The night was a disaster and saw a huge row between the couple. She was clearly terrified of this world, and the only way she knew how to cope was to get out of it as fast as she could.
At a meeting between the family the next morning, heartache ensued. Philippe didn't want to part from his fiancée or daughter, and neither did Helen. It was clear that the two were in love, but from such vastly different worlds that they would never work. After many tears and personal sacrifices, it was decided that Helen would return to America, and the engagement would be called off. The Renaldi family would stay away so that the girl could have a simple, carefree life. So Philippe remained at home, while Helen and Amelia returned to America.
While Amelia, who Philippe and Helen called Mia, grew up she received a birthday and Christmas present from her father, and later pay for her private school. The Head of Security soon retired and left Joseph with his position. In the meantime, Rupert's health was beginning to decline. Clarisse was given the power to help her husband rule the country.
One night, Rupert who complained of chest pains, woke Clarisse. In a very short time paramedics arrived. Joseph told Clarisse that he was to escort her and her son to the hospital. After a few hours of sitting in the Emergency Room, the king was pronounced dead. Clarisse was shocked and numbed by the sudden loss of her best friend and husband. She was thankful for the support of her sons and the companionship of Joseph.
Ten months later, tragedy struck again when a fatal car accident claimed the life of a bodyguard, a driver and her youngest son. Joseph had been the bearer of bad news and Clarisse collapsed into body-wracking sobs. Joseph held her tightly on that stormy night. She was not sure how long she had cried, or how long he held her in silence, but she was grateful for it.
It was clear to the people of Genovia that their Queen would probably never be the same. They believed that the death of the King, now her son's would be the end of her. It was apparent at the funeral that it would take a long time for the wounds to heal. She had lost a child and with it her will to live.
Clarisse began to think that Pierre would have to leave the church and take the throne. When he refused, all hope seemed lost. The Renaldi reign would come to an end after almost 550 years of ruling. Then, with a glimmer of hope, her long-ignored granddaughter in California was remembered. A phone call was made to her house and Clarisse explained that there was no other hope for their family unless Amelia would take the throne. Upset that her daughter was just about to turn sixteen, Helen reluctantly agreed that it was time to tell the truth.
Two days later Mia Thermopolis headed to school where she would be sat on, laughed at, and finally vomit in public. Little did she know as she met her friend Lilly -and nearly got run over by a motorcade and limo- that her future was about to be told to her by the woman who sat inside, anxiously waiting to meet her granddaughter and reveal to her drastic life-changing news.