By: Ancorns708
Rating: M (for future chapters)
Summary: This is a challenge issued by Veve she asked for role reversal so this is AU and a little OC. I say a little because I'm going to try and keep their personality's and habits the same as in the movie but I'm sure I will stray at some point.
Author's note: Thank you to Johanna-002, Veve, and RenaGraceSx for your encouragement to continue this little tale and because of your quick reviews i decided to post the next chapter since the first part was short.
What if Things Were Different
Chapter 2
Clarisse sat at her desk that was against the wall but just behind King Joseph's as she awaited his arrival this morning. Being a true Virgo she arrived promptly at seven in the morning and began working straightaway, she had always been very organized and meticulous and it was apparent that the aide before her was not. There was no system to her organization and the desk was cluttered with varies papers and notes. Clarisse however had always performed her tasks with machine like planning and accuracy which often times got on others' nerves but she had never failed and she had no plans on starting now. Filing away the last of the clutter that was on desk she heard the King enter with his head of security Tony.
His Majesty approached her desk "Well I can see you have made good use of your time this morning. I'm glad you got that mess cleaned up I can hardly stand a cluttered desk, however from this day forward I would like you to meet me in my suite promptly at seven to have breakfast as we discuss my agenda for the day, is that understood?"
"Yes your Majesty"
"Now that that is settled what is on my schedule for this morning?"
"You have a parliament session to attend from nine till noon, break for lunch, and then the ambassador of France has requested that you call him at two to discuss the plans for the upcoming ball Sir."
"Very well then, I will see you at lunch in the dining room where the three of us will go over the plans for the ball before I call the ambassador." Turning to walk to his desk he turned back to look at Tony "Tony be sure you get her an ear wig so that the two of you can communicate along with a cell phone so she can keep my schedule up to date without having to carry that damn computer around."
"Yes sir" Tony replied looking over at Clarisse "I'll have it on your desk by this evening ma'am"
"Thank you, and please call me Clarisse" she whispered
"Very well Clarisse, you can call me Tony" he smiled at her
ooOoo
The following morning at seven Clarisse knocked on the doors that lead to the King's private suite.
"Enter" he commanded
Walking into the sitting room she was shocked to find that although the room was masculine it was still warm and inviting. Coming out of the bedroom wearing a black silk robe Joseph instructed her to take a seat while the butler arranged the food. Sitting in his chair adjacent to her he said "I took the liberty of ordering for you, I hope you don't mind?"
"Of course not, I'm sure whatever your Majesty has ordered will be fine." She replied
"Miss Andrews when we are in private company please lose the formality and call me Joseph."
"Only if you call me Clarisse sir."
"Alright Clarisse" He smiled "how do you take your tea?"
"Two sugars and a little milk please" she said smiling as he passed her the cup
After they had enjoyed breakfast and covered his schedule for the day he stood and excused himself so he could dress, requesting that she remain in the sitting room and they would walk down to the office together.
While he was dressing Clarisse looked around the room admiring the vast collection books that lined the walls stopping to look at a picture that was on the fireplace smiling when she realized that it was the former queen and a young prince Joseph. Startled when she heard is voice coming from only inches behind her.
"That picture was taken just days before the assassination" he paused "she was a great lady, she would have liked you very much." He said
Her body was now acutely aware of his proximity and she knew she had to put some distance between them, so taking a step back she turned to face him smiling "well are you ready to head down?" she asked
"I suppose we should, it seems I have a lot of paperwork to cover this morning."
ooOoo
The following weeks had been spent much the same. Clarisse would meet Joseph every morning except Sunday in his suite for breakfast as they went over his schedule, then they would walk down to the office often accompanied by Tony as he addressed any security issues with the King before taking up his post. For the past three nights Clarisse and Joseph had worked late making the final preparations for the ball and the sorting out the seating arrangements for the dinner. The final table to decide upon was the one where the King would sit.
"Who else beside the Prime Minister and his wife and of course the French President and his wife would you like to have at your table?" she said never looking up
"You?" he said as her head jerked up quickly
"Me? Very funny sir" she said smiling at him "There is a seat for your date along with two extras. Is there anyone else who should be at your table?" she asked
"I wasn't trying to be funny Clarisse I would like for you to accompany me to the ball." His voice now husky
"With all due respect sir that isn't going to happen."
"Why, can you not dance?"
"I beg your pardon? I'll have you know that I dance very well." She retorted
"I know that you are not worried about etiquette because you attended the best finishing school in England and if you can dance then I don't see the problem here."
"The problem Sir is that it isn't proper protocol to have your aide at your dinner table. It's one thing to have breakfast with you in the privacy of your suite but it's another to have dinner with you in the company of distinguished socialites." She stated firmly
"So you're saying that you will have dinner with me in my suite then?" smiling brightly back at her
"I never said that!"
"Well will you have dinner with me one night…in my suite?"
"For business or pleasure?" her voice barely above a whisper
"If I was to say the latter?" he said softly
"Then I would say no, sir"
"Why? Surely you find me to be pleasant company" he questioned
"Sir I like my job and I do not make it a point to mix business with pleasure."
"I like you Clarisse, you are very down to earth and you have the ability of making people feel comfortable and at home in your company." He smiled at her "even when you're argumentative."
Blushing at his compliment "Thank you sir, but I'm still not going"
"You may not sit at my table but you will be in attendance, you are my right hand what if I need something?"
"Tony will be there sir."
"And so will you even if you stand in the shadows with security and that's final."
"Yes sir"
"Well we will just remove those seats from the table" he said looking at his watch "it's getting late, I suppose we should retire for the night, allow me to walk you to your room?"
"I'll be fine sir but thank you for the offer" she said as calmly as she could manage despite the butterflies in her stomach
Standing the pair walked over to the door putting his hand on the door knob he stopped and turned back to face Clarisse. "I want you to know that I do not give up easily" he stated looking deep into her eyes.
Staring back at him just as intently "then you should know that I do not give in easily" she whispered
~TBC~