So here we go Chapter 3. It'll be little moments from big moments. You'll see what I mean. Enjoy and please R&R!

Though betrothed for almost 2 decades, the Crown Prince and his fiancée Clarisse had a very short formal engagement that lasted just 5 months. With the King's health unstable, the royal family felt that a short engagement would be best.

Clarisse was learning to deal with the overwhelming wedding decisions that she had to oversee and the pressure of the lessons she now received from both Madame La'Rue and Queen Margaret herself. Clarisse was given a small suite which would be hers to stay in overnight after she wed Rupert. Before the wedding it was where she or rather her future mother in-law, would meet with royal courtiers about wedding plans. Clarisse had to sit and oversee these tedious meetings though she found out quickly that the final decisions were ultimately made by Her Majesty. Though a bit annoying at first, as the wedding edged closer Clarisse felt relieved to have the decisions made for her. She did though promise that she would allow her daughter more of a say when she wed.

January 3, 1961

The royal wedding day had approached. Being in the Royal military, Joseph had to take position along the road side in his Genovian military garb. If he had a choice he would not be there at all as he would rather not see the spectacle unfold in front of him. He was happy he was not assigned to inside the church as that would have been even more painful to see. The only downside to his post was that it was chilly being January and that he had to watch her pass in the carriage on procession to the church.

All of Genovia seemed to have turned out to see the future princess wave in the carriage with her father.

Standing still Joseph looked straight out as taught to do. He couldn't help hearing the people in the crowd exclaim comments as to how beautiful she looked. As the carriage passed right in front of him he was able to steal a quick look. His heart raced when he saw her. She didn't make eye contact with him but she smiled at the people who lovingly waved back and shouted for joy. His blur of a sighting only registered a sparkling tiara and lace veil on a blonde head.

The next day he would unintentionally catch of glimpse of the newlyweds on the small black and white television that his roommate had in their cramped dormitory.

"Rupert scored big with this one. She's a damn beauty!" his roommate said out loud.

Joe didn't respond as he folded his clothes.

"Hey wait didn't you work for her family?"

Joe didn't look up. "I did."

"Man you guarded her? Lucky."

Joe smirked. "Yeah, well I don't anymore."

"Foolish man you are. I would have stayed with the family just to see her when she visits them."

"She probably won't be visiting her parents as much as you think. She'll have things to do at the palace."

"You're probably right Joe, I mean she's has a job now to keep him happy, if you know what I mean," his roommate said with a laugh. The joke however did not humor Joe at all.

April 1961

Three months had passed since the wedding.

Joseph's superb instincts and leadership skills did not go unnoticed by the General of the Royal Guard who commended him for his abilities.

Back at the palace King Edward rested his ailing body after a meeting with Parliament.

Queen Margaret had watched the session from the secret lookout and her heart ached for her husband. Seeing him sitting there in his seat next to the Prime Minister, she saw a brave older man who was trying his best to look well and able. The Queen's thoughts drifted to her son and his new wife as she exited the hidden spot.

"Oh Your Majesty there you are?" Mrs. Cutaway said surprisingly as she rounded a corner. The Queen nodded allowing her assistant to continue.

"Ma'am I thought you might like to know that their Royal Highnesses Prince Rupert and Princess Clarisse have just landed at the airport."

Queen Margaret's eyes widen as she clasped her hands together. "Splendid, thank you Clara. Oh and Clara please notify me when they have entered the palace."

"Oh course Your Majesty."

Walking back to her suite Margaret hoped that her son and new daughter in law had good news for her and her husband. If they did she knew it would ease her husband's feelings about the succession of the throne.

Forty minutes later…

After announced, Rupert walked into his father's office with Clarisse dutifully a step behind.

"Hello father and mother, we have returned," Rupert said charmingly.

"Ah Rupert! Your back!" said the Queen as she greeted her son. "It is so good to see you both," she said smiling as she scaled Clarisse's face and body with her eyes.

"How was your extended tour? Did you enjoy it?" his father asked as he slowly sat down on a sofa.

Rupert looked at Clarisse with a pleasant smile. "Ah yes we did enjoy our time traveling. Rushed and busy but enjoyable." Clarisse smiled in agreement.

"Good, good," the King said. "And you my dear, you visited many places for the first time correct?" he said acknowledging Clarisse.

"Yes Your Majesty it was wonderful to visit new places in Europe and North and South America," she said sweetly.

Rupert put a hand on her knee and laughed. "Clarisse was amazed at how many Genovian consulates and embassies we have around the world."

"Oh yes there are many," the Queen added.

"Yes, Paris, London, Buenos Aires, New York, Moscow, San Francisco…," Clarisse recalled as she counted a few on her fingers.

The royal family laughed at the young woman's amazement.

"It can be overwhelming, the constant traveling and meeting of people. I know how you must be feeling," the Queen sympathized.

"Yes, but Clarisse did well," Rupert said gushing over his new bride as he now patted her thigh.

There was a bit of an awkward silence.

"Soooo?" the Queen then said.

"Sooo what mother?" Rupert asked looking befuddled.

"So do you have anything else to tell us, some good news perhaps?" Margaret said as she and her husband cheerfully nodded.

Rupert and Clarisse looked at each other and gave a smirk. "Good news? No I don't believe… so," replied Rupert.

The Queen and King looked at each other, their hopeful smiles turning to disappointed but understanding grins.

"Oh well, then that is that," the King said as he stood up causing his family to stand as well. "Either way I am pleased you both had a safe and nice long trip." The King walked back to his desk and sat down.

"Right, well I'm sure you have things to tend to father. We'll let you get back to your work," his son said grabbing his wife's hand.

Margaret looked at her son and sadly nodded showing that the King was doing a little here and there to maintain his pride and dignity. They would play along and let him have his way as long as he didn't overdo it.

Clarisse and Rupert stood by the door hesitating to give the signal for it to be opened.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot," Rupert said as he slightly turned around to look at his parents. "December," he said and then faced forward giving the signal to the guard to open the door. His wife looked at him surprised herself.

The King looked at his wife, they both were confused. "December? What about December?" his mother asked.

The doors opened. Rupert smiled at his beautiful wife. Clarisse in return gave him a nervous sideways look.

"Well that's when your grandchild will be born of course," Rupert said smiling at his parents.

The King and Queen looked at each other with surprised faces.

"What?...Wait, wait, wait you two!" Margaret said with tender demand in her voice. Rupert and Clarisse turned around with giant smiles waiting for them to process the information.

"I thought you said you didn't have any good news?" the King asked.

"Well we don't have good news, we have wonderful news," Rupert replied as he wrapped an arm around his young wife. Clarisse forced a smile because she had thought it much too early to let others know. What if something happened, she would feel terrible for letting them down.

Queen Margaret clasped her hands together and brought them to her chin. "Oh my this is wonderful news, isn't it Edward?"

"Indeed, the best kind!" The King smiled showing a bit of relief knowing the couple could carry on the Renaldi name.

Margaret rushed over to her son and hugged him tightly. "Congratulations darling!"

She then walked over to Clarisse and placed her hands on either side of her arms. "Well done my dear, well done!"