Chapter Two

When Her Majesty had left Joesph simply sighed and thought, 'How does anyone live everyday, in so much pain'. His heart went out to her, how he wanted to just to simply hold her and tell her how much he loved her. 'If only things were so simple' the Head of Security thought.

Joesph glanced at his watch and started to walk back to the ball. On his way there he had heard some giggling in a dark area of the corridor. As his job mandated he went to investigate, only to find that it was His Majesty with one of his lovers. Hatred spread over the Head of Security like a blazing wildfire, 'He is a married man!!' Joesph thought.

It was disgusting to see him with another woman. 'No bloody wonder she thought her life was a walking nightmare' he thought.

Joesph's thoughts were put on hold as he realized that he wasn't the only one who was watching His Majesty with his lover, he had spotted Her Majesty on the far side of him watching them. His heart broke as he saw the look on her face. Her Majesty looked as white as a ghost, she looked like she was close to fainting. The one thing that would forever be ingrained into his mind was the single tear that went down her pretty face. Joesph instantly walked towards Her Majesty, without His Majesty finding out.

As soon as he got to her, the first thing he did was gently clasped his hand with hers. Her Majesty jumped at the contact, before she could say anything, Joesph simply placed a finger on her lip and whispered "He doesn't know that we are around, come Your Majesty it is best that we left". She simply nodded and then the both of them left, going towards the ball room.

While walking their hands were still clasped together, Joesph was a little worried as Her Majesty's hand started trembling. Holding her hand a little tighter. Her Majesty was in shock, she knew that her husband wasn't faithful but to be unfaithful so easily made her feel like she was nothing. It made her feel like an idiot, like being the toy doll which was never played with, which was always kept up on th highest shelf for dust to settle on it.

Her Majesty felt like she was being used, this made her feel a little faint. 'Thank god Joesph found me, I don't know what would have happened if he didn't come' she thought.

She was cherishing having Joesph so close to her. She was trying so valiantly not for the tears to fall down, the monarch didn't anyone to see her break. Joesph realized as the pair got closer to the ballroom that he would have to let go of her hand and also she was in no state to attend the ball. He took a deep breath and started to let go of Her Majesty's hand.

She felt his hand moving away and simply clasped it tighter, "Please don't, please" sobbed Her Majesty.

Joesph's heart broke for the second time that evening; he had enough. He loved this woman with all of his being and was sick and tired of not been able to do anything, so simply held her as close to him as possible. Automatically Her Majesty slipped her arms around his waist and was savoring being so close to him, and started sobbing into his chest.

He just held her, his only wish was that it didn't happen on such a sad circumstance. 'Maybe I can tell her now, just maybe' Joesph thought. He was going to tell her but, sadly he heard someone coming in the area.

"Your Majesty we have to leave quickly as someone is coming" whispered Joesph. She simply nodded as they broke apart, and allowed Joesph to lead her to her private quarters. They were not disturbed as the went to her room. As soon as they got there, the both of them simply stared at each other. There was silence until Joesph broke it, "Good night Your Majesty, sleep well". Joesph simply clasped her hand and kissed before departing, however Her Majesty stopped him from leaving. "Please don't leave" softly replied the monarch.

"Your Maj..." Joesph said before being stopped. "I have a name Joesph, it's Clarisse" said Clarisse.

"Clarisse...I don't think it is appropriate for me to call you by your name or to stay with you" sadly remarked Joesph.

"Joesph I want you to, we are friends are we not?" asked Clarisse.

"Of course we are, but there are protocols and your husband" replied Joesph.

"I know, Joesph I know. But at least call me Clarisse in private" said Clarisse.

Joesph sighed and softly replied "Of course Clarisse, it will be an honor". Yet again there was silence, until Joesph bowed and started to leave and yet again Clarisse stopped him. "Please come inside" asked Clarisse.

Joesph sighed and went into her room. Clarisse had waited for him to come into the room, then she shut the door. She gestured towards the couch that was in the lounge room, Joesph sat down on the couch. Clarisse gently sat next to him and softly said "Thank you so much for coming in, thank you for this evening". She gently cupped Joesph's cheek. "I don't know what I do without you" whispered Clarisse.

Joesph was savoring the moment, her hand was so gentle and soft. Her thumb was simply stroking the bottom of his chin. He clasped her hand and kissed her palm and he made his decision.

'It is now or never' thought Joesph.

He took a deep breath, and simply said "Clarisse Renaldi..., I love you".