A/N: Merry Christmas to all my readers and reviewers! I'm sorry I didn't get up another chapter sooner but have been flat out with work! Here I am now, though!
Thanks to all my readers and reviewers- hope u keep reading and reviewing! You all rock!
The PD don't belong to me!
0
"Have you been thinking about us?"
"Yes I have..."
"With this ring, I thee... finally... wed."
"I now pronounce you man and wife... you may kiss the bride."
0
For an instant after he opened his eyes, the images he had been dreaming about still swirling in his mind- the compassionate yet sad expression on her face that fateful evening now three days earlier; and then the moment when he had slipped the plain gold band on her finger, their eyes meeting and her expression so radiant and happy- as the sunlight filtered in through a crack in the closed curtains, Joseph felt mildly disoriented- where was he- and wondered whether he had dreamt the previous day's events (had he REALLY married Clarisse?) before two realizations struck him.
Firstly, as he looked around, he discovered that his surroundings were completely different to the surroundings he usually woke up in- the room was infinitely larger and full of light, the bed clearly more than a double bed, the sheets made of the softest silk, the furniture, from what he could see of it, was more elegant as were the pictures on the cream coloured walls.
The second realization came seconds later when he realized that he wasn't alone- there was a warm, soft body pressed up against his and when he looked down, he could see Clarisse's head resing on his chest, her eyes closed and her breathing deep and even- she clearly was still asleep- but he didn't mind. In fact, he was pleased- it gave him a chance to watch her as she slept, unaware that she was being watched, memorize her features and enjoy the relaxation and unguardedness that came with sleep.
She had always been on her guard when awake, but it hadn't been her fault- after her years on the throne, being married to Rupert and constantly being on public display, it was inevitable that she had built up a high wall around herself and her real personality, and while he (along with Charlotte and Mia) had seen more of herself than anyone else, he was looking forward to seeing her relax more often and allowing those closest to her to see more of her 'real' self.
Emboldened by thoughts of what could happen for them in the future- he was now retired and she would soon no longer officially be Queen in a week (although she would still have her royal duties as Dowager Queen and Mia's advisor) so they could do what they wanted, within reason- he shifted slightly, although careful not to disturb his sleeping beauty and then slowly, almost timidly, reached down to stroke her soft hair, still a little disbelieving at recent events... and that he was actually ALLOWED to touch her, and not in an innocent, protective yet formal and distant manner but, rather, intimately, lovingly, possessively, in ways that he had never dreamed of touching (or had dreamed of but had never dared to hope), a thought that made him nervous- he had been quite a ladies man in the past, but this was different, SHE was different, special- she was the love of his life, the most important person in his life and he didn't want to mess up what they shared... he didn't want to push her... and he couldn't even imagine how Clarisse was feeling...
Clarisse, in fact, was awake- she had been awake for quite a while already, waking up to discover that she had been resting on his chest, but she hadn't moved yet as she was too comfortable where she was, revelling in having a warm body beside her, as well as listening to his steady heartbeat and thinking about everything that had happened in the past day and night...
She and Joseph were married now, and they had made love for the first time late last night- she had been so frightened and so nervous beforehand- what if she disappointed him, what if she was too inexperienced- but then... it had been so wonderful, so passionate and so loving and she had been so overwhelmed with her emotions- the overriding one being happiness- that she had cried quietly into his chest afterwards, when she had been certain he had fallen asleep, unable to believe what had happened and that she was now free (or almost, a week would fly by in moments) to be Clarisse, a woman and, now, a wife, rather than Her Majesty, an institution and someone to be feared.
She had almost jumped out of her skin when she felt his hand slowly and almost shyly begin to stroke her hair, but she relaxed- she knew who it was and she wanted him to do that- and lay there for a little while, enjoying the sensation of being touched in a way that she hadn't been touched in a long, long time, if ever- Rupert had never stayed long afterwards and their gestures of affection were basically handkissing or the occasional kiss on the cheek, so this was very nice.
She was well aware that she should probably open her eyes, let him know she was awake, but somehow she didn't want to... it was strange, but she was feeling a little shy and awkward around him but didn't know why- after last night, there was a bond between them that had existed almost from the moment they had met, they both knew it and had felt it at times, but last night had strengthened the bond and it was now permanent, deeper and unbreakable, and while it excited her to know that she was finally going to be close to someone, be their only someone, it also terrified her- things were so different now...
They continued to lie there for a time, both absorbed in their own thoughts and well aware of the presence of the other, before Clarisse realized that it was getting later and later in the morning and she not only had to finally face her new husband (in a good way, she wasn't quite sure how she was feeling or how he would be feeling), but she also had to get up, breakfast, dress and head towards her study to do some work, although she really didn't feel like it- she was a newlywed, after all- but the coronation was only a week away... and she wanted to spend some time with Mia, she had barely had a chance to last night...
"Penny for your thoughts?" she heard from above her and, after she realized he had stopped stroking her hair- she looked up to see him watching her with a warm smile but with cautious eyes- he was letting her find her rhythm.
"It's nothing... how did you know I was awake?" she asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Just a guess," he teased, not wanting to tell her that he had suspected she had been awake from the moment he had looked down at her, just like he wouldn't tell her that he had felt her tears last night when she had thought he had been asleep.
"Good morning," he added gently as she slowly sat up, pulling the sheet up with her, keeping it tightly wrapped across her chest, feeling embarrassed as he watched her, finding her modesty sweet and innocent- he had seen all of her the night before, but she didn't want him to see her in daylight hours- Rupert hadn't wanted to so she assumed that he wouldn't either.
"Good morning," she said shyly, a blush forming on her cheeks as he leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips, keeping it brief.
"How are you feeling this morning?" he inquired- he could see she was feeling uncomfortable and slightly overwhelmed around her and he wanted her to feel relaxed around him, as she always had been before they were married. The only difference between what they had shared before and now was that they were married.
"I'm fine," she replied quietly- it was strange having someone in her bed again, even if it was Joseph- before she finally met his eyes. "How are you?"
"Happier than I thought I would ever be," he said honestly, not wanting to scare her but he couldn't help it- he was very, very happy- smiling tenderly at her and she blushed again before she looked around for her nightgown which, she discovered, was lying on the floor, cast aside last night when Joseph had set her down on the bed.
"So, what are the plans for today?" he inquired as she slipped out of bed, still twisted up in the sheet and, after retrieving her nightgown, quickly slipped it on before reaching her robe, hanging over a chair (again courtesy of her maids) and wrapped it around herself.
"I don't know," she looked vague, suddenly feeling torn between her ever present, often burdensome duty to her country and her duty to Joseph and herself. "I know there are a few last minute details for the coronation that I need to finalize and my usual paperwork... and, I want to see Mia..."
She was suddenly feeling unusually overwhelmed again- she had never been overwhelmed before, having usually been able to handle anything that was thrown at her, but this time... there was so much to do in the lead up to the coronation, paperwork to complete and meetings to attend, but all she really wanted to do was spend much of her time with her granddaughter and her husband...
She was looking forward to having a honeymoon with Joseph (yet the thought made her a little nervous as well) but she knew that it would have to wait until after the coronation and Mia was settled on the throne...
"Why don't we have a cup of tea and breakfast first?" he advised wisely, seeing her confusion and panic as he too climbed out of bed and reached for his pyjama bottoms. "I know the next week has thepotential to be chaotic- you have so much to do..."
"As do you... I assume that Scott will want your assistance in the lead up to the coronation, if not afterwards," she teased gently and he rolled his eyes- she was right, he probably would.
"Mmmm... anyway, breakfast is the most important meal of the day," he reminded her as they walked towards the door, his arm slipping around her satin covered waist and she laughed out loud, a rich, happy laugh that wamed his heard and made him feel easier- she was finally relaxing, although he could see that she was still feeling a little awkward around him, but he was confident that that would change...
"True, my grandmother always told me that... and then what?" she looked at him expectantly as he strolled over to unlock the doors- he could imagine that the maids would be waiting to bring in their breakfast (and see them for themselves).
"And then... you visit Mia, I'll visit Scott and, hopefully, we'll meet up for lunch?" he suggested.
"Maybe I'll cut my day short..." she said with a coy yet shy smile and he grinned as her maids entred with their breakfast tray and he walked over to hold out her chair for her, squeezing her shoulder gently as she sat down.
"That sounds perfect to me!"
0
After a long breakfast and getting dressed (Joseph joking that he would have to move the rest of his 'meagre' belongings in when he had the chance, and while she had said nothing and had blushed, he could see, judging by the joyful expression on her face, that she was pleased about him moving in), they went in their separate directions when they stepped out of the suite- Clarisse further down the hallway to Mia's suite and Joseph downstairs to the security room- although Joseph kissed her hand tenderly before they did, eliciting yet another blush from his wife, much to her disgust- she really had to get used to this!
Clarisse had assumed that Mia and Lily would be spending time with Helen and Patrick when she stepped into her suite, but she was mildly surprised when she discovered that Mia was alone, and sitting at her desk, poring over papers. Her study downstairs was not quite ready yet (thanks again to Rupert's cousin) but she didn't mind doing her small tasks in her suite- " that means that I can have a break in comfort, and rest whenever I want!"
However, she looked up with a warm smile when she heard footsteps, her expression lighting up even more when she realized who it was.
"Grandma! I didn't think I would be seeing you this morning!"
"Oh..." Clarisse blushed at her words, understanding her meaning, and looked away for a moment before meeting her granddaughter's eyes again. "Well..."
"Where's Joe?" Mia asked kindly, seeing her grandmother was slightly befuddled and not wanting to embarrass her, this was all clearly very new to her.
"Oh, he decided to visit Scott down in the security rooms... we assume that Scott will be needed his assistance in the lead up to the coronation," Clarisse said as she sat down in the chair opposite Mia and Mia sat back in her chair.
"I thought he would, only not so soon...I seriously thought that you and Joe wouldn't be seen in public for at least two or three days!" she teased, and while Clarisse blushed deeply again, she laughed as well- although the innuendo embarrassed her somewhat, she knew the young woman was thrilled for them and was only teasing them in good fun.
"Much as that idea would appeal to you and to us, there is a coronation to be planned and a country that still needs to be run...By the way, where are your guests?" she teased back and Mia laughed, more than thrilled to see her grandmother so happy and so relaxed.
The last couple of days had been a nightmare for all of them, and while Mia had been more than a little nervous and worried about marrying someone she didn't love for the sake of the country, she couldn't help but notice her grandmother's unhappiness (although she tried to hide it, for the most part successfully) and the fact that Joseph, who was usually nearby wherever her grandmother went, was nowhere near him.
She had suspected that there was something of a relationship between them (a fact that had been confirmed by the previous day's wedding as well as a few well placed questions to Charlotte and hearing the gossip from the maids) and she was so happy that they had finally taken a chance and married.
"Very true, Grandma... my guests are outside in the gardens- Lily took it upon herself to take them on a tour of the palace...but haven't you and Joe discussed going on a honeymoon?"
"Honeymoon?" she looked taken aback- she had thought about it briefly upstairs, but now that reality had set in, she knew that it wasn't at all possible..
"Yes, Grandma, a honeymoon- you know, a trip that the bride and groom take after the wedding," Mia looked at her knowingly. "You do have a few days off between now and the coronation."
"I couldn't possibly take a few days off," Clarisse sputtered indignantly. "There is still so much to be done here..."
"Not really, Grandma," Mia looked calmly. "I actually have been through the coronation plans with Charlotte this morning and she assures me that everything is under control, and I have meetings with the Archbishop and Prime Minister Motaz tomorrow."
"But there..." Clarisse protested again, stunned at how efficient her granddaughter was but secretly pleased that the girl had taken the iniative and organized things for herself- it again proved that she had the makings of a wonderful Queen.
"Grandma," Mia looked at her firmly. "The paperwork isn't going to go anywhere, and I've already started reading some of what was on your desk..." she waved at the pile in front of her. "Cheeky, I know, invading your desk like that, but I felt that you and Joe should have some time together without the complications of me or Genovia."
"I couldn't leave..." Clarisse tried again, but both women were aware that her responses were now becoming more half hearted- Clarisse honestly, deep down didn't want to be working the day after her wedding, and Mia didn't want her grandmother to miss out on the happiness she had waited almost a lifetime for and had almost lost.
"You're not going to leave the country, for heaven's sake, you're just going to take a well deserved honeymoon with your husband...You do have a duty to the country, but you have done that duty for a long, long time without a break and, personally, I think everyone who cares about you wants you and Joseph to have some well deserved time to yourselves- I know you do, especially after the month we've had... don't you think you need a break from all of this?" she cocked her head to the side, looking expectantly at Clarisse who, for once, was at a loss for words.
Yes, she did have a duty to Genovia, that had always been drummed into her and it would be hard for her to let go of that duty, even when Mia became Queen, but now things had changed, she had a husband to include in her plans and a life with him would be far happier and far less taxing than the life she had led since she was nineteen and had married the Crown Prince of Genovia.
But she WAS also sick of everything she had to do for the country, even throw away the chance of a personal life of her own, and she DID want some time to herself, with Joseph of course... the coronation was a week away, but there was a window of opportunity that she and Joseph could use for themselves...
"Well..." she hesitated as she realized that Mia was watching her, waiting for her reaction. "I suppose... we could have a couple of days break from the palace, I really would love to get away from here for a while," she admitted and Mia grinned. "But... where would we go?" It had only been a germ of an idea only minutes ago, but now it was actually going to happen... if Joseph agreed to it, of course.
"Trust me, Grandma, there are plenty of places you could go- you could go to the beach house... or the Winter Palace..."
"The beach house sounds like fun," Clarisse said with a smile- Phillipe had had bought that house years ago but it had rarely been used in the years since his death, although they had visited there when Andrew and his family had arrived for the engagement announcement but for their honeymoon... it sounded perfect...
"But... we'd have to organize security..."
"Aren't you married to the best guy in the business?"Mia looked at her knowingly and Clarisse had to laugh and nod- she WAS married to the best man in the business and she knew that he would be happy to look after her.
"Yes, I am... but what if he doesn't want to go?" she looked slightly worried and Mia chuckled.
"Joe? Not wanting to go on honeymoon with you? Not wanting to be alone with you? Come on, Grandma, surely you're not that naïve?" she teased and Clarissed laughed- Mia had a point... Joseph would love to go away with her, if only for a few days, and the more alone they were, the better...
"Alright, you have a point... but are you sure you would be alright without us here?" she looked at her in concern and Mia grinned.
"I'll be fine... I'll have Lily for another month or so, and Charlotte is always ready to lend a hand...if I do burn the palace down, I'll have to call you back but..." she paused before giggling when she saw the look of horror on her grandmother's face.
"Seriously, Grandma, I will be fine," she leaned over and rested a hand on top of her grandmother's- the left hand looked oddly bereft without the large diamond that had been given to her by her first husband, Mia's grandfather, but she had to admit that the plain gold wedding ring suited her elegant, manicured hand just as well as the other ring.
"You and Joe have done so much for me in the past month... in the past five years, in fact, and I know I wouldn't have been able to do it without you... and you both deserve to have some time to yourselves, you owe that to each other," she said sincerely, and Clarisse was so moved at her words that she stood up and walked around the desk to pull her granddaughter up and wrap her arms around her, hugging her close to her.
"Thank you, darling girl," she whispered fiercely into her ear, close to tears, before she pulled away and, with a deep breath, collected herself again.
"So," Mia added with a twinkle in her eye as she decided to make a joke- the atmosphere was far too serious on a day after a wedding and she could tell her grandmother was a little embarrassed at her display of emotion, although she welcomed it.
"There is nothing that needs doing here involving you, I'm going to go and find Lily and others anyway...so I would suggest that you go and find your husband and announce that you are going away this afternoon... or go and pack!This is your granddaughter AND your future Queen talking!"she added as Clarisse opened her mouth to protest, and the older woman only smiled lovingly at her granddaughter- she was so much like Phillipe, and she loved her dearly- before she turned and walked out of the room, now keen to find her husband...
