It was the week before Christmas, and Queen Clarisse Rinaldi had a million things to do. Her 20-year-old granddaughter Mia, her mother and stepfather were due to arrive that afternoon, and she was hoping to meet the plane. However, she also realized how much she had to do and probably wouldn't be able to go, so she would send Joseph in her place, as usual.
"What's next, Charlotte?" she asked her ever loyal assistant as she stepped out of the last session of parliament before Christmas.
"We need to go over plans for the party on Christmas Eve, there are letters to be signed, Prime Minister Motez and Lord Porter both would like to see you, and…."
"Princess Mia's plane lands within the hour," Clarisse finished Charlotte's sentence. "I'm sorry Charlotte, but I was hoping that I could meet her at the airport, but I obviously can't now," she sighed feeling, not for the first time, that her duty to Genovia was a burden. Charlotte looked at her for a moment and made a snap decision. Her Majesty had done so much for Genovia, and put the country ahead of her personal inclinations many times that she deserved a small break.
"Actually, Prime Minister Motez and Lord Porter want to see you tomorrow, the Christmas party plans are in fine shape, and…there aren't that many letters to sign." Clarisse smiled at her, knowing that Charlotte was rearranging her schedule for that afternoon.
"Thank you." The two women walked into her suite where a roaring fire and Maurice were waiting for her. "Could you bring the letters up here, and I'll sign them. Oh, and can you tell Joseph I need the car in half an hour?" she asked as she gave the dog a pat, and poured herself a cup of tea.
"Yes Your Majesty," Charlotte left the room as Clarisse wandered over to look out the window. She hoped that the snow would hold off until Genovia 1 landed. Since she had found out she was a princess 5 and a half years ago, Mia had alternated her Christmas holidays between Genovia and San Francisco. Clarisse was glad that Helen and Patrick were coming this year- she had another announcement for Mia. In six months, Mia would graduate from school and celebrate her 21st birthday, while preparing to become Queen. This time next year, Clarisse had every intention of stepping down- parliament was beginning to make noises that, as a royal by marriage, it was time for a 'true Rinaldi heir' to rule. She hadn't been surprised when she had been told, although a little hurt, but she was already making plans for her life after stepping down.
"Your Majesty?" someone said from behind her, and she turned to see Joseph, attired as always in black, standing in the doorway. "Charlotte tells me you're planning to meet Princess Mia at the airport?"
"Yes I am- I thought it was about time I did something that no one expected," she said, almost a little defiantly, but she didn't have to convince Joseph, who only smiled at her. "I just hope the snow holds off until they arrive- I'm rather afraid of accidents," she said anxiously, turning to look out the window again, her face clouding for a moment at the memory of the accident that had killed her youngest son, Phillipe. Joseph moved to the other side of the window, eager to dispel her mood.
"I don't think it will snow until later- the gardener feels it in his bones, "he said reassuringly and laughed at the quizzical look Clarisse shot him. "That and the television weather forecaster said tonight."
"That good," she said, relief written on her face. Joseph watched her for a moment as she sipped her tea and looked out the window. She was still a very beautiful woman, and the past tragedies of her life had only enhanced her looks, rather than aged her. He hated to see her unhappy, as he had over the years, and loved to see her when she was happy and laughing, as she was when Mia was around.
"So, is Princess Mia staying in here again? Where are Helen and Patrick staying?" Only he could get away with asking questions like that, although, in the early years, he had felt the full force of her icy blue stare, which had really only been a defence mechanism against all the people who had hurt her.
"Yes she is- her suite isn't going to be ready until May- thanks to Rupert's cousin," she rolled her eyes in disgust. "Helen and Patrick are staying in Pierre's old suite." After a few more moments of companionable silence, Joe glanced at his watch.
"Your Majesty, I think you had better get ready, the plane may be early." Clarisse turned to him with a smile.
"Why don't you call me Clarisse, when it's just the two of us? Your Majesty sounds so cold and formal- especially at Christmas," she laughed as one of her maids handed her her thick black wool coat and leather gloves.
"I'm sorry, I'll remember next time," he watched as she put on her coat. Her eyes were lit up- he could tell she was excited about Mia's arrival- she somehow made the palace seem less lonely and empty.