Clarisse watched as Mia informed the press that she would accept her role as the Princess of Genovia, smiling as the crowd gathered in front of the podium cheered. Mia turned to smile at her grandmother, and Clarisse grinned back. As Mia left the stage, Charlotte rushed her off to her room in order to get her ready for the first dance. Clarisse gave the parting words and hurried off the stage in pursuit of Charlotte and Mia. As she hurried down the hall, she passed Joseph, who trailed after her.
"Crazy night Your Majesty?" Joseph asked inquisitively.
"Oh Joseph, you have no idea. I feel as though I could collapse right here and now." Clarisse said smiling.
"To bad you have a previous engagement." Joseph said smiling. They stopped outside the door to Mia's suite, and Clarisse turned to face Joseph.
"Thank you for finding her Joseph, it means the world to me. How can I ever repay you?"
"You are my Queen, that is enough on its own." Joseph reached for her hand and kissed it tenderly, letting his lips linger. Clarisse blushed as he raised his eyes to meet hers. "Joseph…"
"Save me a dance." And with that he walked back the way they had come, back towards the ballroom and the guests. Clarisse watched him go, rubbing her hand and smiling. As he rounded the corner and disappeared, she let herself into the suite. She turned to face the inside of the room and found quite a site. The maids were running around trying to find god knows who and doing god knows what, and Charlotte was trying to calm a hyper ventilating Mia. Clarisse hurried to Mia's side, "Darling! What ever is the matter?"
"Oh Grandma! I can't do this! I'm not ready to rule the country; you've seen me in front of the press! I'm a spaz, and Michael's not coming and it's all my fault! Ugh!!!!!" Mia wrapped her arms around Clarisse and Clarisse held her tight.
"You were incredible tonight Mia. The press loved you and so did the crowd. And as for you ruling the country, I happen to think you will do an amazing job."
"You really think so?" Mia asked hesitantly
"I really think so, darling." Clarisse said softly, smiling at Mia. Clarisse squeezed Mia's hand and stood up. "Now, I believe we have a ball to attend." Mia stood up, wiping the tears from her eyes, "Yes, we do." They exited hand in hand, with Charlotte following behind them.
The reached the double doors and Clarisse turned to Mia, "I want you to go in there and show the people of Genovia who the real Mia is. I want you to know that even if Michael isn't in there or something goes wrong, that I will always love you."
"Thanks Grandma!" Mia said, her voice quivering. Clarisse held out her arm and Mia place hers on top of it. The double doors opened and together they entered the Grand Ballroom. Clarisse twirled around the ballroom with Prime Minister Motav as Mia scanned the crowd for any sign of Michael. Suddenly he was standing in front of her smiling and holding out his hand. She took it, and he led her out on to the dance floor. The two couples waltzed around the room until they were joined by Mia's mother and her boyfriend and other couples from around the room. The night wore on as Clarisse danced with one dignitary after another, but she never found herself in the arms of the man she loved.