CHAPTER 1

The french doors to her office had been flung open and the curtains rustled in the midday breeze. The Queen had spent her morning signing papers and reviewing the menu for next weeks state dinner with the American Ambassador.

Eleanor entered the room with a stack of papers, hardly watching her steps as she chatted amicably with the Ambassador's EA.

"Thank you again Robin, we look forward to seeing you on the 17th". Eleanor ended the call and dropped the phone on her desk.

"Your Majesty, have you settled on the menu for the Ambassadors dinner?, I've ordered some tea to be sent up and Joseph has asked for some of your time to update you on the security arrangements at the Princes' school" The words came out in a single breath and she missed the faint smile that graced her Monarch's lips at the mention of the security guard in charge of her boy's welfare.

Queen Clarisse slipped her glasses off and handed the revised menu to her dedicated young assistant.

"Thank you Eleanor, please arrange for the tea to be sent to the gazebo and tell Joseph that I will meet him there in 15 minutes"

"Of course Ma'am, thank you". With that Eleanor left the Queen to her thoughts.

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10 minutes later, a silver tea service was laid out on a small table in the gazebo overlooking the Queen's private and treasured rose garden.

"Your Majesty" Joesph bowed as he greeted Clarisse and placed a chase kiss on her extended hand. His lips burned on contact with her soft skin and he resisted the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her properly. He felt overwhelmed by the scent of the roses and that of her warm skin.

"His Majesty informs me that you have employed a new bodyguard for Prince Pierre, Joesph. I would like some background on him if you please" The Queen's voice was calm and controlled as she too suppressed the urge to stroke his stubbled cheek and whisper sweet words in his ear.

"Of course Ma'am. George is young and American - he joined the Navy when he was 18 and with their help got a degree in security and strategy operations. He has left the military when he was 25 and has spent the last few years working for a private security firm in Pyrus. Although American by birth, his grandparents were Genovian and he therefore holds a Genovian passport. I have no doubt in his ability to guard and protect the young Prince". As he spoke, Jospeh's foot brushed with Clarisse's under the table and drifted ever so slightly up to her stocking clad ankle. Although their faces remained impassive, the tea cups shook with the movement of their bodies under the table.

"I trust your judgement Jospeh, as does Rupert. As I'm sure you're aware, there is a state dinner with the American Ambassador coming up. I trust you will be there to provide additional security for my boys. They do enjoy your company". A silent understand had been made, the King would be away for the state dinner and the Queen would share the last dance with the head of security for her sons. Joesph's relationship with the two young Prince's was one that the Queen cherished. Although not a bad father, King Rupert rarely had time to spend with his sons since they had reached school age. She occasionally saw glimpses of her husbands temper in Phillipes eyes and was sorely glad for the calming influence of Joseph. The two boy's had been away at boarding school in England for the past two years and she missed them greatly.

Joseph noticed her faraway expression and pressed his foot firmly against her shin to pull her from her thoughts. "Ma'am, Clarisse. The boys are healthy and happy, they cannot wait to see you when they return to Genovia on Friday" he lowered his voice "they, like yourself, are surrounded by love and support".

Clarisse smiled at his words, forgetting herself for a moment and reaching across the table to touch his hand. The sound of approaching footsteps disturbed them and caused her to quickly reestablish her Queenly posture as Joseph rose from the table. A few knocks preempted the arrival of King Rupert's Lord Chancellor.

"Your Majesty, the King wishes to meet with you over lunch to discuss his upcoming visit to Denmark. Does that suit you Ma'am?". Charles was not a young man, his posture has beginning to stoop and his hair was greying. He had always enjoyed a strong relationship with the King, although his presence unnerved the Queen. She felt his gaze to be scrutinising her every move.

"Thank you Charles, please inform the Rupert that I will meet him at 12.30 in the dining room of his suite". Charles nodded and bowed as he turned and left the gazebo.

"I feel I must also leave Your Majesty, will you be requiring a bodyguard for your afternoon ride?" Josephs husky voice sent shivers down her spine as she nodded her assent.

Clarisse closed her eyes let her head fall into her hands as the door closed softly behind him. She could feel his lips on her hand and his leg against her thigh. How she wished they had more then these sparse moments.