Waiting List

Disclaimer: I do not own the original characters.

Author's Note: As Julie said yesterday: '… and the adventure and the journey continues.'

Chapter 1

"YOU WANT TO MARRY TO THE VISCOUNT?" Joseph barely could breathe, "Clarisse... Say something, please!"

"I do not want it…" she whispered, "I just… I just have to."

"This is ridiculous, why on Earth you would have to? I mean I cannot believe you are thinking on it at all… It's just a weak trying from that bastard."

"No…" she shook her head desperately, "I checked it. The Genovian Law states that a woman cannot rule the country on her own, not even if she is a widow."

"Then problem solved. We are getting married, you said 'yes'. Can you remember?"

"Of course I can, but it's not that simple Joseph. I cannot marry to anybody only to someone from Rupert's family… or I have to step down. Without that bloody Viscount no-one ever would have remembered this law, but now as it came to light my position is in danger, so if I want to stay I must marry."

"This is a nightmare."

"This is my only chance…"

"Only chance for what?"

"I have to keep the throne… I cannot let the Viscount steal it from my family."

"And that's why you just give in so easily? We had plans Clarisse! I've… I've been waiting for you nearly in my whole life and now…when we could be finally together, you simply push me aside and marry the Viscount?"

"It's my duty."

"Can you hear yourself?"

"This will be just another arranged marriage…"

"Another arranged marriage? Another ARRANGED MARRIAGE? Clarisse…you are a grown up woman, they cannot force you to get married to someone you do not want to."

"It seems you still cannot understand my life Joseph. After all these years… oh my God," she sighed desperately, "I'm a queen, not a simple woman from the street and you perfectly knew that when we started this. You said you can accept my lifestyle."

"Of course I can accept your lifestyle, but that does not mean I have to accept that you will marry to someone else! You are mine! I mean…"

"Of course I'm yours…" she stepped closer, softly touching his arm. "I was… and I will always be."

"Then marry me," he whispered,

"I cannot do that…"

"Clarisse…" he was desperate, "Please… I cannot lose you."

"Then help me…" she asked softly, "Help me to keep my country. This marriage would not last forever, just for a few months until we figure out something. Please Joseph…I'm sure we can do this together."

To be continued…