Night Time
Chapter One
Joesph was watching everyone around him, it was the annual winter ball. Everyone was paired up with someone. He was, as usual watching in the background looking for any mishap that might occur. He had been working for the Genovian Royal Family for over twenty years.
Joesph had seen a lot of things that had changed. Sadly not everything had changed for the better, he had started working as junior security officer when their majesties were married. Joesph was amazed at the age gap between them. Her Majesty was barely 18 when she got married, His Majesty was 35. The pair had seen very little of each other before they were married.
After getting married they were still rarely near each other, except at functions, however that was the change of the palace he didn't like. After marriage and both of their of sons were born, His Majesty started having affairs left right and center,with women that were of his age, sometimes a little younger.
Joesph was appalled to hear that he never paid any attention to his wife. Her Majesty is the most beautiful and intelligent woman that he had ever met, it was very saddening to see how she always hidden her true feelings from the rest of the world.
With that in mind he took a look at her, knowing that she was wishing was anywhere but here at the ball this evening. She looked beautiful in the dress that she was wearing, he had never seen a time that she wore anything that wouldn't suit her. Her face was like a mask, it never showed it's true feelings. It didn't matter what mask she was wearing, in the end of the day Joesph could see right through it. Sadness was always etched on her beautiful face, this wasn't the life she was meant to have. It was not long before Her Majesty started to walk outside on to the balcony, he snapped into action and discreetly followed as his job entailed.
At this stage of his life, he was the Head of Security for the royal family. He was also the body guard to Her Majesty. It had got to the point that no one in the security detail wanted to have the job of looking out for Her Majesty. His staff would complain on how cold and unfeeling she was . Joesph knew that she hated someone watching on her all of the time, however he was the exception to the rule. Joesph was the only person that Her Majesty tolerated around her, after frosty beginnings they would end up to be very good friends. Joesph was probably the only friend Her Majesty had.
As he got closer to the balcony, the music from the hall started to fade. He walked closer towards Her Majesty, she was simply watching the sky until she heard footsteps. She turned around and was looking very relieved that it was only Joesph. "Good evening Your Majesty" said Joesph after a little bow. "Evening Joesph, I was wondering if anyone had noticed I was missing" replied Her Majesty. "I noticed that you were missing and I came to see if everything was alright" respectfully asked Joesph. "Everything is alright Joesph, I just needed a little bit of fresh air thats all" replied Her Majesty.
Joesph saw right through what she had said, her mask was slipping and he could see how she really was. He saw a broken woman and his heart ached for her. Her Majesty turned back towards the garden. He tentatively walked forward until he was right next to her. Her hands were desperately gripping onto the balcony, as if she was trying so desperately holding her feelings back. Joesph simply placed his hand on top of hers, praying she didn't shirk him off.
She had surprised him by clutching his hand like a life line. The both of them stayed like that until the music that was gently playing, came at an end. It was with a painful reluctance by Joesph to let go of her hand. It wouldn't be worth it to being caught in a compromising position, which would discredit Her Majesty. For His Majesty to have an affair was the norm in a high class relationship, for Her Majesty she would be condemned for it; even if their marriage was arranged.
"I think that it best if you went back to the ball, Your Majesty" sadly replied Joesph. There was a moment of silence between them, until Her Majesty softly spoke " I don't want to go back Joesph".
Joesph simply sighed when he had heard her reply, "I know that you don't want to go back, however you don't need anyone to suspect anything from you" said Joesph. "Is life ever fair Joesph?" asked Her Majesty. Joesph had to think carefully about his answer, there was very little room for error if he answered it wrong. "Define fair, Your Majesty" replied Joesph.
Her Majesty saw the hesitation from the answer from her Head of Security. "Fair could be defined as enjoying your life you have" said Her Majesty. "And your definition of unfairness?" asked Joesph.
Her Majesty simply looked at him, her eyes we a little watery but they shone very brightly and replied "Unfairness, can be described as having the life everyone envies you for, and in reality it is a walking nightmare" replied Her Majesty.
"I can possibly understand the statement of 'a walking nightmare' " said Joesph.
"I don't remember the last time that I was grateful for having the life I have" said Her Majesty.
"Why would that be?" asked Joesph.
Her Majesty didn't instantly reply to the question, she went silent as thoughts which were forbidden were running through her head. 'How in god's name do I tell the man who is next to me that, I love him and is always forever wishing that I was married to him instead of a king' Her Majesty thought frantically.
"Your Majesty" said Joesph.
From there she was broken out of her hidden thoughts, and simply looked at the man who was standing close to her. She was looking at every detail of who he was, soaking in his presence. Joesph was starting to become a little concerned to the fact Her Majesty had not said a word within a few minutes.
"Your Majesty" softly spoke Joesph, "I think it is best that you get back to the ball".
Her Majesty simply sighed and gently said "Your right, I should return back to the ball. Thank you Joesph".
"No problem, Your Majesty" replied Joesph.
Her Majesty started to walk back towards the ball.