Author's Note: here is the next chapter. Enjoy! Please review if you would care to make this writer smile :)

Chapter 7: Private Discussions

"I hope you don't mind dining in my suite Charlotte. Joseph, as you know, has locked me up"

"Oh. He just loves you and wants to protect you. You are lucky in that way. Joe would do anything for you Clarisse"

"Yes. Well, I suppose you are right about that. It is just difficult at times however... but enough about that. How are you doing darling?"

"I'm good. Really good. Thank you Clarisse"

Clarisse paused her fork midair, looking at Charlotte. There was something different about her lately, "You're enjoying the new job then?"

"Oh yes. It has only been a couple days, but it already keeps me very busy"

"Have you decided if you will be living at The Plaza? As it was offered to you with the position?"

"Oh yes. I believe I will. Why not, right?"

"It's a lovely place. I'm sure you'll be very happy. Wilkes loves living here"

"How is he doing?"

"Naturally he is distressed about the kidnapping, but he is trying to keep a stiff upper lip. That is, as they say, the British way. I can tell that he is deeply troubled however. Which, of course, is understandable. I am however, I must admit, quite concerned about him. I do hope this all ends soon, with Nanny's safe return of course. It has been 48 hours now and I am not sure how long Wilkes can go on like this... Not to mention poor Nanny"

"Did he get the evening call yet?"

"They should be receiving it any minute. Joseph went up"

"Joe told me about the kidnappers demands. That must have you, if I may say, unsettled"

"Naturally... I just can't figure it out. Wanting Rupert's diaries might be for black mail purposes, but why the personnel files of the past nannies?"

"Perhaps this person is trying to bring to light something that went on between King Rupert and a nanny"

Clarisse visibly stiffened in her seat.

"Oh! Clarisse, I am terribly sorry. I should have never said that. I was just thinking out loud... and I am sure that I am completely wrong!"

"It is alright Charlotte. I must admit that the same thought crossed my mind. You are my friend, and I will be frank with you. Rupert did have affairs. Oh, he was very discrete of course, and he was always very respectful to me in regards to them, but it is a possibility"

"I'm sorry"

"Don't be", Clarisse said, waving a hand and picking her fork back up, "We were friends who married out of a duty to our country. Not for love. We were very fond of one another, which is more then a lot of people in arranged marriages could have said. Besides that, I have Joseph now. He more then makes up for a loveless marriage in the past. No, what bothered me more about the demands was their wanting Pierre's blood sample. That seems very odd to me, and a bit unsettling"

"It is odd... Clarisse? May I ask you something?"

"Of course darling"

"It's a bit off topic... and very personal"

"Alright"

"What was it like? Having a romantic relationship with a staff member?"

"Oh. Well... It was... Honestly? Complicated. Very complicated"

"Yes. I suspected as much. I hate complicated"

"Yes. So do I", Clarisse said with a little laugh.

"Thank you. That is all I need to know"

"Why do you ask?"

"Oh. No reason"

"Charlotte? We are very good friends are we not?"

"Of course!"

"What aren't you telling me?"

"I don't know what you mean"

"You, my girl, are still a terrible liar"

"Alright", Charlotte said with a sigh, "It is not a big deal however"

"Ok. So tell me about this little deal"

"Well... I guess I should just come out and say it"

"I find that is always best"

"I... I have a crush... on my boss"

"Oh. I see", Clarisse said with a little smile.

"It's stupid. I know that. I do! ...but whenever he is around, I just feel... warm... and confused. That has never happened to me before. I am usually so consumed by work... But now... I don't know. Sometimes

he'll just look at me and I feel like I am going to melt"

"Ah. I do believe I know what you are referring to"

"Yes. I thought you might"

"I was in a different situation as queen however. There is really no reason why you could not date your boss"

"Oh! I am sure he would not be interested! He's Victor Peabody! He could have any woman he wants. Besides, it would be a conflict of interest"

"You're a beautiful young woman. Not to mention smart, witty, caring... Why wouldn't he be interested? As far as it being a conflict of interest, I am sure you would both stay professional at work. Joseph and I were able to"

"You two had to hide your romance though. I'm not sure I would enjoy that"

"Oh, I don't know. There is something exciting about a hidden relationship. It keeps things... fresh, in a way... Sometimes I am amazed that we didn't get caught. Although it does seem that everyone knew"

"Tell me about it! I used to be terrified that someone would see Joe slip out of your suite in the early morning hours. That would be one situation that I would have had no idea how to handle. Which was rare for me"

"Oh", Clarisse said, blushing slightly, "Joseph and I... We were not lovers before we married. Not in that respect"

"Ah... Oh. I'm sorry. I am really putting my foot in my mouth tonight, aren't I? I just... I assumed... but I shouldn't have. I apologize"

"Tosh. It is fine. A lot of people probably assumed we were, but no. That is not to say that we did not...well, kiss. We certainly did, and we cuddled. We held hands, and occasionally we would... well..."

"Make out? ...Oh god. I'm sorry!"

"No. No. That is accurate... but that is as far as it went. Joseph is nothing if not a gentleman and I was the queen. It made things a bit complicated"

"Yes. Well that must have made your wedding night all the more special... Should I have said that? That was too personal wasn't it? I am in such a state tonight. I really should just go"

Clarisse laughed at her former aid, "It is quite alright Charlotte. It was very special. It's still special. I never realized that... well, that a love life like ours was possible at our age, but it certainly is"

"Joe does seem like he would be very romantic"

"Yes. He certainly is. Perhaps Victor is as well", Clarisse said with a smile.

Clarisse's cell rang then and she quickly picked it up, "Darling? Did the kidnappers call? What happened?"

"Tell them when you call them back tomorrow that we WANT Prince Pierre's blood... or Nanny will not see the light of another day. Is that clear?", Arthur Mabrey growled at his henchman as he reported the news of the last phone call.

"Yes Sir. The other items are being sent to thee instructed location as directed though", Alexander, the Viscounts greasy, overweight henchman replied.

"Well I should hope so! Make sure you are very careful when you pick them up in the woods. We can not afford any mistakes"

"No Sir", Alexander assured him.

"How is Nanny? You are feeding her and giving her water as instructed I hope"

"Yes. Just as instructed"

"Good. Has she given you any trouble?"

"None at all. I haven't had to raise my hand to her once"

"Yes.. I would prefer that you didn't"

"I must say though... She's weird"

"How do you mean?"

"Well, I talk to her sometimes... just to pass the time, you know, and she isn't in touch with reality"

"How so?"

"Well, for one thing she talks about her parents like they are alive and young, and they'd have to be quite old if they're alive at all... but the really weird thing... She thinks it is the year 1958. Literally"

"What do you mean she thinks it is 1958? That is preposterous!"

"I know, but it's true!"

"You mustn't be giving her enough water. Make sure she is hydrated. How is the temperature in there?"

"Pretty chilly Sir. It is a dungeon. We do get some heat from the palace though. It isn't freezing or anything"

"You had better give her some extra blankets. The cold could be what is effecting her"

"Why not just move her? There is lots of other places to stash people in Genovia. It's risky sneaking around the palace grounds anyhow"

"Not if you are careful! No. I want her to stay in the Palaces Dungeon. That way when it is revealed where she was all the time she was missing, it will make palace security look like the idiots we all know them to be"

Alexander laughed a rotten laugh, "That is a good plan Sir"

"My god! When is the last time you brushed your teeth?"

Alexander quickly closed his mouth.

"Never mind. Just return to the prisoner"

THE NEXT MORNING

Wilkes turned in bed and panicked for a moment, before he remembered that Nanny had been returned safely to him and that she was currently laying beside him. He peered over at her lovely face. He could barely believe his luck. After she had been found, he had confessed his love to her, which she had returned whole heartedly. After eating a nicer dinner then Nanny had eaten in quite a while, they had returned to his suite at The Plaza. She had taken a bath in his bathroom. He had washed her hair. Afterward, unashamed, they had made love for the first time. He reached a hand over to her now and let it rest on the curve of her waist. Her pale yellow slip was cool beneath his fingers. She stirred and he instantly regretted waking her, although it had not been his intention to do so, until he saw her flash a brilliant smile over her shoulder.

"Good morning my love", he said, offering her a small kiss.

"It is a good morning. For sure, sure, sure", she said as she turned and rested herself in his arms.

"Last night was wonderful", he confessed.

"Divine, divine, divine", she said sleepily.

"I don't know about you, but I am going to want a rather large breakfast. Are you very hungry my dear?"

"Starving!"

"Perhaps we can take a bath and then order room service"

"A bath together?", she inquired.

"Well... Only if you would enjoy that of course, but I know I would"

Nanny gave him a wicked grin, which he had never seen before the last ten hours or so. He already adored it and craved more of them.

"It sounds brilliant to me love!", she replied.

He smiled at her, kissing her nose. A loud shrill was heard then.

"Darn. I forgot to shut off thee alarm. Just a moment", he said as he momentarily released her and leaned towards thee alarms clock.

He hit the off switch as he always did, but nothing happened. He hit the button again. Still nothing. A painful, deep realization began to slowly wash over him as his eyes blinked open. He looked over to thee alarm clock and switched the off button. It worked this time. He then slowly turned his head to look for Nanny. Although he knew she wouldn't be there. As he looked at the neat pillow, which had been untouched, a tear slipped down his cheek. What an amazingly painful thing a simple dream could be.

He immediately pulled back the covers and got out of bed. He was going to find her. Himself. Very soon. He must come up with a plan. He worked quickly at his morning routine, and was finished in enough time to be ready long before anyone else came to hear the 10am call which the kidnappers would be making in an hours time. He was only expecting Joseph and Larry, the detective on the case, and hoped neither stayed long after the call.

He had told the kidnappers last night that they would not be giving them a sample of his nephews blood. This was Clarisse's wish, and while he understood her reasons, Wilkes was very unsure that it was a wise move. He knew this would not go over well, and he prayed that they would not take their anger out on Nanny. He sat now, his pen in hand, and tried to work out a plan of his own. He would involve no one else, and it would work. It would have to. He would risk his fortune. He would risk his life, and he would find his love.

Nanny woke that morning to an alarming site. Alexander had woke her, as usual, but this morning the man carried a needle in addition to her breakfast of stale bread and water.

"What, what, what is that?", Nanny asked, pointing to the needle.

"It's a needle. I need to take some of your blood", he said, handing her the bread, "Shimmy on over. It'll only take a second"

"I do not, not, not think so!", Nanny said, pushing herself farther back against the stone wall.

"I know how to take blood. Don't worry. Now come here"

"No, for Lord's sakes! It is probably not even sterile!"

"Listen. We can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way", Alexander said, grabbing one of her wrists and dragging her towards him a bit.

"Alright, alright", Nanny relented. Realizing she had little choice, "What is this for any'ow?"

"Don't know", he said as he slid the needle in.

"Ouch!"

"Sorry doll, but it is a needle. It pricks. There. All done"

"May I 'ave a bandage?"

"Didn't bring one. Ready for your call to the boyfriend?"

Nanny stood and walked with Alexander down to the phone they were to use. She sat at the table, her hand over her tiny wound, as she prepared herself for the sound of Wilkes' voice.

"This will be your last call to him", Alexander informed her.

"Wha- wha- why?", she asked terrified, "What is going to 'appen to me?"

"Relax. The boss just doesn't want you doing the talking any more. I'm going to take over"

Nanny nodded, as the number was dialed. Her script was slid towards her, as per usual.

"Hello?", Wilkes answered on thee other end.

"I have this mornings message", she recited dutifully, fighting, as she always did, the urge to beg him to find her, "The boss was not 'appy about your reluctance to 'and over Prince Pierre's blood. That simply will not due. You give us that blood sample or...", nanny stopped reading, having seen the next words on the page.

"Read it!", Alexander demanded.

Wilkes could hear all this on his end.

"Or you will never see Nanny alive again", she continued, "Is that understood?"

"Yes", Wilkes replied, terrified, and wanting so badly to speak to her, really speak to her, but fearing what the man on thee other end would do should he attempt it,"I understand"

"You have twenty-four 'ours to get that blood sample to the per-specified location", Nanny continued to read, "Also, I will no longer be calling you myself. My kidnappers will be making all future calls. You may speak to me again after Prince Pierre's blood has been delivered. If that does not take place... then this... is goodbye"

Wilkes felt a choking in his throat, but managed to get out "Understood. Don't hurt her"

The line went dead then. Wilkes dropped the phone. The detective stopped the tape and rewound the recording as Joseph sat beside Wilkes and put a hand on his back. Thee other officers and hotel staff had moved on. It had been three days now and there were other crimes to solve. The police were on call if something major happened and they were needed, but they could not afford to stand around Wilkes' suite for days or weeks while nothing much changed. As far as The Plaza staff went, there was really nothing for them to do, but Wilkes was humbled to have Victor Peabody promise to do anything, anything at all, to help find Nanny and return her safely.

"I am guessing they were upset about the blood sample", Joseph ventured, "They said last night that they would be speaking with the boss. What did said boss have to say about it?"

"They are threatening to take Nanny's life if the blood sample doesn't get there in twenty-four hours", Wilkes replied.

"That won't happen. We'll come up with a plan... I am going to go have a word with the Genovian Head of Security. I'll meet up with you later in the day. Alright?"

Wilkes nodded, but knew he wouldn't even be in the United States later in the day. He nodded all the same, and asked the detective if he may give him some privacy and analyze the tape down at the station today.

The detective obliged, saying before he left, "This is normal. I am sure there will be a brake in the case soon"

"Are you going to be alright while I'm away?", Joe asked, "Maybe you should go be with Clarisse"

"I will be fine", Wilkes assured him, and soon Wilkes was left alone. He then started to work on his plan. First things first, he needed to call his nephew, Prince Pierre.

"Oh! Hello Victor", Charlotte said, as she stepped out of her suite for the paper. She still had on her dressing gown and closed it self-consciously.

"Morning Ms. Kutaway", Victor replied, looking to fetch his own paper, but seeing it was not there, "What on earth?"

"Did you do something to cross the paperboy?", Charlotte asked with a grin.

"Not that I know of", Victor replied, chuckling just a bit.

"Well, you had better share mine then", she said, letting got of her gown, which she had been clutching closed and stepping across the hall to stand in front of his suite, "Which sections? Business, sports?"

"Ah, yes. Thank you", Victor replied, looking down at the paper and unintentionally viewing the dip in Charlotte's neckline of her slip, which could be seen in the center of her robe.

He looked her in the eye as she looked back up, "I can't thank you enough"

"Any time", she said retreating to her own suite, a smile on her face. Her smile faded when she turned the handle and saw that she was locked out.

"You do know those lock behind you", Victor pointed out.

"I do now", she said, turning around, humiliated.

"Come on in. We'll call down and have a spare key sent up"

Charlotte walked across and into Victor's apartment where his breakfast had obviously just arrived.

"I'm sorry. I'm intruding!"

"Nonsense. Are you hungry? I always order too much food. I guess I am still not used to my daughter Rachel not being here any longer"

"I'm alright", Charlotte replied.

"Have you eaten?"

"Well, no... but I can order my own breakfast as soon as my suite is unlocked"

Victor walked over to her purposefully, and took one of her elbows gently in his hand, "Please sit", he said softly.

Charlotte wasn't entirely sure she could speak, but somehow managed, "Alright"

They ate in silence, sitting across from one another, occasionally exchanging a small smile. Charlotte eventually relaxed and sipped her coffee as she usually would. After finishing a piece of bacon she reached for a slice of toast and found her fingers resting on top of his. They both retreated their hands quickly.

"Sorry", he said with, what was this, a slight blush.

"It was my fault", Charlotte said with a wave of her hand. Lifting, instead, a strawberry and taking a bite.

Victor once again reached for the toast, and then looked up to see her chewing her strawberry. He focused on the perfect lines of her mouth as she took another bite of the bright red fruit, and felt sensations he had forgotten he could feel whirl through his body. She licked her lips and he actually had to close his eyes. He reopened them quickly and she was staring at him. Had he been caught?

"I was, er, just thinking...", he said, trying to think quickly, "Rachel always says that you must eat strawberries with whipped cream, but you know I never touch the cream, yet I still order it. Isn't that funny?"

"A bit. Yes", Charlotte admitted, "Maybe it is something you wanted to try, but just haven't had the courage to yet"

He looked at her, wondering if she had meant something else. Was she talking about them? No. Of course not. She then dipped her strawberry in some whipped cream and ate it.

"It is good", she said with a smile, "I know her majesty insists on cream with her strawberries"

"I see. Well, if it is good enough for the queen of Genovia, perhaps I should try it as well", he said as he loaded a good amount of cream onto a strawberry and took a bit.

As he chewed he saw a big smile form on Charlotte's face.

"What?", he asked innocently, after he had swallowed and his mouth was no longer full.

"Nothing", she said, trying not to laugh, "You just have a bit of cream on your nose"

Victor discretely tried to wipe it off, but missed entirely. This sent Charlotte into a fit of laughter.

"Very funny", Victor said with a smile, prepared to stand and find a mirror.

Charlotte stood instead, bring a cloth napkin with her, "Here", she said as she bent over him innocently and wiped the cream from his nose. Her heart started to beat unbelievably fast at thee unintentional closeness. There eyes locked a moment later.

"Thank you", he replied, so quietly she could barely hear him.

She nodded in reply, but was frozen. She begged her legs to retreat, but before they could, she slowly felt his hand rest on her hip. She took a deep breath, feeling unbelievably warm. It felt as though electricity was shooting out of his fingertips upon touching her. His hand moved down her back. They looked into each others eyes, asking each other silently if this was really happening.

His face moved towards hers and she tensed for a moment, but only a moment. His lips found hers in a very slow, soft kiss. Unable to stand, she then ended up in his lap. They locked their eyes once more, before they both went in for a much deeper and more satisfying kiss. Her arms snaked up behind his neck, as his hand ran circles over her back. She opened her mouth further and his tongue found hers. She let out a moan, as the sensations began to drive her wild for him. He brought his hand up and cupped her breast, which just made her moan more... and then, suddenly, she realized what she was doing.

"Oh God!", she said jumping up.

"I... I'm so sorry Charlotte", Victor began, ashamed of his actions, as he tried to hide his obvious desire for her.

"No... I wanted it too. I just... We shouldn't have"

"Right. Of course you're right. I am so very sorry"

"Don't be. Don't be. I'm just... I'm going down to visit Clarisse. Can you have someone drop a room key off there?"

"Of course", Victor replied, and Charlotte moved swiftly out the door.

TO BE CONTINUED...