"Are you sure you're okay?" Joseph asks as he rubs small circles on Clarisse's back as they approach the stairs.

"I'm more than okay, I'm wonderful. Let me answer most of the questions unless they're directed specifically to you." Clarisse says trying to shield Joseph.

"I have no problem with that." Joseph says breathing a sigh of relief. He's not ready for a giant task like a press conference quite yet, and certainly not an impromptu one such as this.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen of the Genovian Press Corps. I apologize for my reaction earlier. You all took me by surprise." Clarisse says as she reaches the reporters and photographers.

"How long has this relationship been going on? Did you cheat on King Rupert? Is this all recent or have you known about each others' feelings for a long time? Have you been intimate with him?" the reporters all ask at once.

"I will do my best to answer your questions, but be aware I will not answer all the questions I am asked." Clarisse says calmly trying not to run her hands over her face in frustration. "This relationship in this form is relatively new. It only got started in San Francisco five years ago, but didn't progress very far. No, I've never cheated on King Rupert. I think we both knew about each other's feelings, but we didn't act on them for a long time. I will not dignify that last question with a response." Clarisse says calmly.

"Your majesty, are you happy?"

"I think it would be difficult not to be happy in this situation, but I am ecstatic. We're not sure when the wedding will be yet, but when we figure it out we'll let all of you know." Clarisse says smiling for the first time since she knew the press corps had been standing there. "We need to get through my granddaughter's wedding first before I even begin to think about my own, especially since this is unexpected." Clarisse finally gets a chance to walk away and walk into the banquet to celebrate her granddaughter's engagement. "Joseph, stay close tonight." She whispers to the man standing just behind her, where he's always been. She knows that everyone in the banquet hall heard all the commotion.

"Of course, but why? It's not as if this crowd is dangerous."Joseph whispers as they enter the room. The attending guests immediately fall silent. "Oh, got it."

"Good evening everyone." Clarisse says calmly as she sits in her seat at the head of the table.

"Your majesty," the chorus echoes around the room.

"Congratulations your majesty," Sebastian says quietly as he leans towards the queen.

"Thank you, Sebastian. I needed someone to say something positive." Clarisse whispers congenially.

"It's hardly surprising. Those of us that are observant know that they've been together for years."Viscount Mabrey says viciously.

"You have no proof that that's true at all. I resent the insinuation you're making, Viscount, and I'd thank you not to do so again." Clarisse says calmly. "It not only makes Joseph and I look bad, but you're disrespecting King Rupert."

"Ooh, she's more fiery than I first thought. I can see what you like about her Joseph. She must be wonderful in bed." Viscount Mabrey say cynically.

Clarisse catches Joseph's wrist as he walks towards Viscount Mabrey. She can tell he'd love to hit him, but she also knows that cannot happen. Luckily for her Sebastian steps in to rescue her. "Viscount Mabrey I'll thank you to keep your mouth shut. If nothing else Queen Clarisse in an honourable, honest woman. She deserves none of your censure. And may I remind everyone that we're here to celebrate Princess Mia's forthcoming wedding in one week's time."

"For once I agree with Prime Minister Motaz. Can't we all just have a nice dinner?" Baron Von Troken asks.

"All I ask is that everyone here be civil for the evening." Prime Minister Motaz requests.

Clarisse silently breathes a sigh of relief. This situation could blow up into something very unpleasant if Sebastian and surprisingly Baron Von Troken hadn't stepped in and defended her.