The trip to Pyrus was going well, the queen had made good time with the meetings and had decided she wished to take a walk.

"No. I am sorry your majesty you can not."

"Joseph. I hate to do this but I am ordering you. Make it happen."

Turning away still chunnering under his breath Joe didn't see her amused smile or her appreciative gaze. A few minutes later, after some hasty changes to the schedule and briefings with the press and photographers, she was walking along the main street with Joseph just behind her and numerous other security spread around.

Turning slightly to talk to him. "Thank you Joseph, this is just what I needed."

When he didn't respond she stopped and turned fully to look at him, but his eyes were not on her.

"Joseph...

As she began to speak he began to run. She felt his body hit hers and turn her around. Now she was behind him. Then she heard it. Within seconds of their movement it rang out above all other sound. She didn't register the shot, she didn't see the fuss. She just saw him hit the floor as she was dragged into the limo.

"Let go of me!"

"Your majesty. You have to pay attention." Charlotte said calmly taking the queens hands in the back of the speeding limo. "There was a single shot fired, Joseph took a direct hit. The gun man was taken down."

"Is Joseph?"

"He is on his way to the hospital and theatre." She had to look away at this, everyone at the palace knew of the special friendship between the queen and her protector. Only the sobs of the usually controlled monarch made her look.

"I can't lose him without him knowing Charlotte." she tried a smile "Take me to the hospital. Now."

Her tone left no room for argument and pretty soon the speeding limo stopped outside the new hospital. Charlotte returned to the now secure waiting area. "He is out of theatre but still under sedation. The bullet lodged between two ribs. Unfortunately on its way it tore an artery and that had to be tied off." She looked down to compose herself "The next 24 hours are critical, I am so sorry your majesty."

"Its me who should be sorry, I made him let me walk, he was right as usual. Now take me to him" She couldn't remember just how many times she was told how sorry people were, how afraid she must have felt and all the time she just wanted to tell them all. I wasn't afraid. When he wrapped me in his arms, I was afraid for him not me, I LOVE HIM. But of course the queen can do no such thing but sitting at his bedside watching the rise and fall of his chest she could hold it no more.

"I need to tell you something. When you jumped in front of me today I was afraid. Afraid that I would lose you without you knowing how I feel and about what you brought to my life." She took his hand "I love you. You brought fun, love and happiness to my life. I need you."

His voice hurt from the tube and his eyes hurt from being closed for too long. Twenty two hours too long. But his heart, his heart was steady. Steady and true. "Ditto."

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6 months later.

The palace was back to normal, everything was the same but different.

They didn't walk about holding hands but he walked at her side now. The morning security briefing was now done over breakfast. He kissed her goodnight and good morning, but most importantly of all she felt safe when she fell asleep and woke up. Encased in his protective arms.