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Putting the freshly made pot of tea down while pulling the chair out from under the table, Joseph took a deep breath and sat down. Pouring his tea, he made a mental note of everything that needed to be done tomorrow, as no matter how hard he tried he could not just switch off.

Hearing the door open several moments later Joseph looked up "Pierre!" He said in surprise "You are up early?"

"I could say the same about you old man." He joked, knowing it would get a laugh.

"Hey, less of the old." Joseph smiled and stood up "I've just made a fresh pot of tea, would you like some?" He asked and motioned to the teapot.

"I would love some, but please sit down. I can grab a cup." Pierre smiled and headed over to the cupboard "I'm surprised to see you down here at this hour."

"Oh you know," He started and watched as Pierre walked over to the table and poured himself a cup of hot tea "A guards work is never done." He said with a smile and sat down.

"That's true." Pierre smiled, nodding in agreement.

"I was actually just making a mental note on everything that must be done tomorrow." Joseph said and watched as Pierre sat down opposite him.

"Indeed, tomorrow is a big day. Not only for Mia, but for Mother too." Pierre said and watched as Joseph nodded while looking down "Are you really going to leave at the end of the month, Joe?" Pierre asked.

Looking up and across the table at him "I'm afraid so.. I have nothing to keep me here."

"Isn't Mother enough? You've been friends for, well, since before I was even born. She will miss you, so will Mia and the rest of the gang here too." He said, hoping that he would change his mind.

"Oh believe me your Mother is more than enough to keep me here, but she doesn't want me here." Joseph answered while staring down at his cup "So it's time to move on." He said sadly.

"Oh come on Joe, we both no that's not true." Pierre exclaimed as Joseph looked up "I know that she's been very nervous with Mia's wedding and coronation, but I know that she loves you..."

"What?" Joseph asked in surprise.

"Of course she does, she's loved you for years... everyone knew that.."

"How? How did you know?" Joseph asked.

"Well, she isn't very good at lying or hiding her feelings very well." Pierre smiled to himself and sipped his tea as Joseph looked back down at his cup "I know she's been busy most of her life," He said while placing his cup back down "But once Mia takes over, she will have more time... more time for you. Please don't go Joe, give her a chance."

"I don't know..." Joseph answered simply while placing his cup back down.

"What will you do, if you do leave?" Pierre asked a moment later.

"I would probably travel a bit." Joseph answered and looked across at him.

"She will miss you, you know?" Pierre said while standing up "All those secret smiles you both shared weren't for nothing you know... just something to think about." He said while walking over to the door and turned to look back at him "Anyway, goodnight, Joe. I will see you in a few hours." He said smiling and walked out the door.

Joseph sat watching as Pierre disappeared through the door then slowly turned to sit back at the table. Could he really stay? Or should he go? "Oh this is just too hard." He exclaimed and stood up, walking out the back doors before disappearing into the gardens.