Release Me

Disclaimer: I do not own the original characters.

Chapter 1

The party was stunning, everybody had a good time and Clarisse was finally relaxed a bit, because at the moment everything seemed perfect. Mia accepted her offer to being a princess on her side, so the Renaldi rule was in safe, she fulfilled her duty, and now she just had to enjoy the moment. A radiant smile appeared on her face as she recognized Joseph, who was heading towards her in the crowd.

"Good evening, Your Majesty," he bowed and kissed her hand as he reached her.

"Oh Joseph…" she just smiled at him for a few moments, "How could I say thanks for what you have done tonight?" Although he would have many ideas, he just replied simply.

"There's nothing you would have to say thanks for. I'm really glad Mia made the right decision."

"I was so worried, you know."

"Yes…but now you have to forget about your problems. So why don't we take a walk, hm?" she hesitated for a moment, knowing what could happen when they remain alone, but she could not say no.

"Lovely idea." He did not reply, only got lost in her eyes for a moment… and she felt she was in trouble.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Walking with him in the garden was something she really loved in her everyday routine, actually it was her favorite part of the day, when they could be really alone without cameras, just the two of them, strolling around freely, chatting about everything and feeling that cosy intimacy between them, what she loved so much. He often grabbed her hand when no-one could see them and they just walked hand in hand feeling utterly happy and safe in their own little world. When they reached the end of the garden, he grabbed her hand as usual and slowly drew her closer.

"You know I... I cannot forget that kiss in the ballroom." he whispered only inches from her lips.

"Me neihter Joseph, but…"

"If you would known, how many years I was waiting for this to start between us…"

"As I, believe me, but we have to stop this now..."

"I know, but... I simply cannot," he smiled mesmerized and gently stroked her cheek. "It's just wonderful and I do not want to miss a second of it."

"Me neither, but it's complicated…."

"I know, but…"

"Good Evening Your Majesty." A couple of guests greeted them as she pushed Joseph aside in time.

"Ah good evening," she immediately fall back to her queen mode. "I hope you enjoy the party."

"Yes, very much Your Majesty."

"I'm so glad," her smile was radiant. "But if you would excuse me, I have to arrange a few things. Enjoy the rest of the night," she smiled perfectly and rushed away with Joseph on her trail.

"See?" she asked and turned around abruptly as Joseph closed the door behind them in her suite. "That's my life!"

"Yes I know, but that's ok," he smiled warmly. "Clarisse, I perfectly know your lifestyle, and believe me I got used to it."

"How?! How on earth you could get used to it, when I still haven't…" she was upset now stepping to the window, looking out…

"Why don't you relax a bit? Hm?" He was standing behind her, drawing her to his embrace. "...At least when you are with me?"

"Oh, Joseph..." she sighed and finally turned around. "I'm relaxed when I'm with you…Actually you are the only one I could be relaxed with."

"Then please stay with me…"

"Joseph, you know I cannot… and it's only for a couple of months, just until Mia finishes school."

"Then why doesn't she finish it in Genovia? She could learn at the best schools…"

"Oh Joseph...You just want to come home with me," she smiled, softly touching his face.

"Of course I want it," he was kissing her hand lovingly. "I want nothing more than to be with you... I need to be with you."

"I know..." she blushed, before he kissed her lovingly and whispered between her lips, "I really hope you know that you belong to me..."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

When she opened her eyes she didn't know where she was for a moment, then she realized the sleeping Joseph next to her and suddenly everything was alive from last night. She could still felt Joseph's warm breath on her neck and the goosebumps while he kissed every inch of her body with such adoration she could not imagine it can exist. She could felt the warm breath from his half parted lips on hers as he was pressing himself into her body as if he could belong there from the beginning of times. The warm of his body, his kisses, the adoration and that deep love in his eyes...everything was before her, but she had to came back to her senses...

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Joseph could not know it was dawn or morning as he opened his eyes, but he had a wonderful feeling inside him, he was totally and extremely happy. He had the most wonderful night of his life with his Clarisse, with the woman he has loved the most in his whole life. She was the most beautiful vision he has ever seen, her soft skin, her radiant smile... and she was completely his. He turned around, wanted to wake her up with a sweet kiss, but the bed beside him was empty...

His first thought was he just dreamed the whole thing about last night, but as he looked around a smile appeared on his face, because it was her suite and her bed, so maybe she was just in the bathroom... but soon it turned out she was nowhere. As he quickly dressed up and went downstairs he realized that nearly the whole consulate was empty and soon he had to face with that she left the country without a word...

To be continued...