Clarisse can actually hear the ramble going on in the next room, although every wall in the palace is padder to provide discretion and calm, her sons always had-have a way of making scandalous noises. From the moment they stepped in that room, she knew they are there. The mere existence of both her boys in the palace grounds sends a signal, almost like a certain warmth that makes her know their presence.

Her life turned 360 degrees when Phillip fell ill and hanged on to dear life, even went to a coma for 6 months, with Pierre gone and his abdication to the throne, Clarisse knew that the line of the Renaldi's is threatened to is when she found Amelia, to make the long story short, Mia became queen and miraculously despite what the doctors told her, Phillip recovered.

Now, Phillip fully recovered, Mia crowned, everything seems to fall into its places.

Everything, except... well, her own heart.

How long could she love from a distance? From a two step falling behind distance? Is it time for her to discover the feelings she has for the man who, for the better and worst part of her life has become her rock and hard place?

a soft knock pulled Clarisse back from her revelrie.

she took her time to pick up the pen and continued signing another document before saying the trademark soft and regal

"come in.."

She didnt even bother to look up, because as soon as the door opened up a crack the very familiar smell wafted through the whole room stealing her again from reality. The masculine smell of his sweat, not that she would care to admit that she remembers the smell of his sweat. Joseph.

"Time for tea, Madamme"

His voice, oh that sultry voice and his darn accent. The way he could roll those words around his tongue and turn every simple line into seductive phrases, Clarisse is getting all tingly.

"Ah, the cavalry arrives. Who called you this time Joseph?"

Clarisse stoppes her ministrations and motioned for Joseph to sit at the chair in from of her desk.

Joseph thought that she could never be more beautiful than under the afternoon light. When the sun hangs low from behind her, casting a soft romantic shade, partially projecting a silhoutte of marvelous beauty.

heaven.

"Not called. textmessage. from someone calling himself "Awesome Phil", begging me to pry his mother away from her desk."

Clarisse couldnt help but bite her lips to prevent a laugh to escape, nonetheless the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth undoubtedly spoke of amazement.

"This mother of this awesome Phil character, why does she needs prying for?"

"health issues I supppose."

"Im fine Joseph."

"Clarisse, please. you are working too hard-"

"Mia n-"

"is very capable of these things, she takes after her grandmother you see? Let her be her own queen."

Clarisse smiled at Joseph, knowing that she might as well lose this round to offered her hand to Joseph which he gladly received.

"Its time for tea isnt it Joseph?"

"Yes ma'am, just next door. The royal princes will join you."

"What have you been up to today Joseph?"

"I was enjoying peace and quiet up until the request for cavalry arrived. My boys offered me a beer before sending me to the lions den."

He received a playfull swat in the shoulder from the queen who's eyes are sparkling with glee. He loved moments like this when she can just be Clarisse the woman, not the Queen or Queen Regent.

Joseph escorted Clarisse towards the entertainment door when he accidentally stubbed his toe on a corner of a table.

"Madre de Dios! Estúpido hijo de un arma !"

The security detailed for the Queen Regent standing by her office's door both winced at the hiss coming from their boss.

"You know I speak Spanish dont you?"

Clarisse couldnt help but be amused at how adorable Joseph looked rubbing his foot, wincing in pain and loosing patience.

"¿Cómo fue que aparecen de repente? Maldita sea!"

"It has been there for the last 200 years dear Joseph."

Meanwhile, on the other room-

Phillip is lying down on the sofa while Pierre is draped over a setee in the corner of the room, both their eyes pinned on the ceiling not noticing the soft click of the door.

And the silent entrance of their mother and Joseph.

"Bond with her Phil. show Mia a side of her father she's never known."

Clarisse knew that both father and daughter are still struggling to put their relationship into a more intimate level. And she cant help but feel responsible.

"how can I Pear? How does a father and his child bond? The closest father and child bonding experience I have is with Joe the Spanish Suave', basketball, gambling with that silly card game bourett, rough housing, playing security. To which I am gratefull by the way..."

Joseph checked his own heart from what he heard, he always had a special place in his heart for the princes, but today was a confirmation that they return that feeling too. He felt the queen's grip conveying a thank you in its silent way. Her smile, teary and sweet.

"stop for a moment brother, I have a question.. When we were young, we are at Joe's heel 24/7, correct?"

"go on..."

"are we the reason why he lost his hair?"

"Talking about my bald head of security is treason."

Phillip fell off the sofa laughing, Even Pierre who is now sitting properly is doubling over laughing.

"Your sons are cheeky your Majesty."

"Oh so they are MY sons when they are laughing at you, but they are YOUR boys when you are drinking beer together?"

Joseph shook his head as he lead Clarisse towards the sofa where Phillip has managed to arrange himself as he leaned forward to give their mother a peck on the cheek.

"Hello Mama."

"Hello my darling."

Pierre sauntered towards his mother and kissed her on the forehead.

"Lovelier everyday your Majesty."

"Ever the gallant one, my child."

Joseph knew that for Clarisse, first and foremost, she is mother first then Queen next, he knew how she loved her sons more than her own life and he knew that little moments like these makes her very happy and fulfilled.

Making him happier.