No characters belong to me, just a few little ideas from my imagination. Characters property of Disney Meg Cabot.
Meeting
As she was led into her betrothed's office, sixteen year old Clarisse Marie Gerard hid her racing heart, shaking limbs and deep fears beneath her professional shell; just as her mother had always taught her. 'My dear.' Rupert said; immediately approaching her and placing a chaste kiss to her cheek. Rupert was a handsome man, the desire of many Genovian females, single or otherwise. However, at eight years her senior, Clarisse was keenly aware of his superior knowledge and experience of the world. She had not immediately noticed the other man, but as Rupert stepped back she saw one of the many security guards standing on ceremony, his hands clasped behind his back.
As Rupert led her forwards, she studied the man's appearance. He was maybe six inches taller than her with black hair, possibly a few years older than her but clearly still in his teens, blue eyes and...was that a small hoop in his ear? Clarisse had never seen men with piercings amongst the social circles she had been forced to move in, but rather than be disgusted as she knew her mother surely would be, she was intrigued and fascinated. 'My dear, this is Joseph, he is to be your personal bodyguard. Joseph, may I present my bride, Clarisse.' Rupert said; and Clarisse offered her hand to Joseph who quickly kissed the back of it before releasing it. 'Pleased to meet you, Joseph.' she said kindly.
'The pleasure is mine.' Joseph replied with a slight smile.
Rupert quickly regained Clarisse's attentions. 'My dear, I have a few things to do. Why don't you take a turn around the gardens with Joseph, get to know each other better? After all, you will be spending a lot of time together.' he suggested. Clarisse nodded her assent and allowed Rupert to kiss her cheek again before leaving the room with Joseph two steps behind her.
As he followed behind her, Joseph had many thoughts flitting through his mind. He knew he had been specially hired to watch over the new Princess, but he had expected a woman. This was not a woman walking in front of him, she was a girl. She was dignified; she portrayed grace, poise and confidence, but he knew that beneath all of that she must be terrified. As they stepped out into the sunshine he could not prevent the desperate need to protect from surfacing. He knew it was his job, but there was something about this girl that made him vow to protect her forever.
