Thank you all for your patience! Real life has been...well you know how it goes! I sincerely hope that after you finish reading, you will feel it was worth the wait (I'm pretty sure Clarisse felt that way LOL)

At any rate, thank you again for all of your kind reviews (I know I haven't had an opportunity yet to personally respond to each of you, but it is important to me and I will do so!)

Without further ado...Enjoy!


Chapter 9: It is Time

Scene: Day of Independence Day Ball

10 a.m.:

"Your Majesty, are you ready to go?" Joseph asked as he stepped into the office just as the Queen was lovingly running her hand over the diary.

Clarisse glanced up, a sentimental look on her face that was tinged with a bit of sadness. "Yes. Yes, I suppose it can't be delayed any longer."

He put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently, offering comfort and encouragement. "It's not over until she formally renounces. You mustn't give up hope."

She clasped her hand over his for a moment, taking a deep breath before she stood and faced him. "I will do my best to one last time convince her that she should follow her destiny."

Joseph cupped her cheek and kissed her on the forehead. "That is all you can do."

She shook her head slightly. "No. That's not all. I've thought a lot about what you said to me yesterday before the press conference. I was too hard on her. I jumped to conclusions and I must apologize to her for that…regardless of what decisions she makes."

The embrace came as naturally as breathing to them; strength drawn and shared in a moment of need. Finally, Joseph whispered. "This is why you are such an amazing Queen and…" he pulled back to look her in the eyes. "why you are a wonderful grandmother."

Clarisse smiled slightly and tilted her head in thanks. "I'm not so sure about that, but appreciate your kind words. Thank you, Joseph…for everything." She looked at him with a longing in her eyes that betrayed her statement from only a couple of days ago that things would have to change between them if Amelia was not willing to rule.

Joseph read the look in her eyes and softly reminded her again. "It's not over…we're not over…until she formally renounces."

They embraced again before she pulled away and said. "It is time."

**C/J**

11 a.m.:

Joseph had been busying himself by conversing with Mr. Robetuson while Clarisse spoke with Mia. He had been fiddling with his jacket, his gloves, anything to keep his mind off of what was going on inside the old fire station. Finally he saw Clarisse emerge through the door. From the looks of things, Mia had not had a change of heart and his Queen's heart appeared to be breaking. He quickly made his way to her side and placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked to the car. Instead of opening the back door, he opened the passenger door and gestured for her to get in. She looked up at him and seemed to be debating with herself. After a moment's hesitation, she lowered herself onto the seat and allowed Joseph to close the door.

He exhaled slowly as he made his way around the car to the driver's side. He would need to tread very lightly; Clarisse needed her space. He needed to be just far enough away so he could be there when she decided she needed someone…and he definitely wanted it to be him that she needed. He put the car in drive and started towards the consulate. Without saying a word, he stretched his hand out and covered hers. He wasn't sure if he was pleased or disappointed that she neither pulled away nor acknowledged the gesture. She just continued to stare at the passing scenery out her window.

A few miles into the return trip, she spoke. "Joseph."

"Yes ma'am."

"I'd like to go to the beach."

"Now, ma'am?"

"Yes. I need time to clear my head, time to think, and time to pull myself together. I find that the ocean helps me do all three."

He knew this was true. There was something about the rhythmic crashing of the waves into shore and the ebb and flow of the water off the shore that had a calming effect on her. She had spent whatever free time she could carve out of her very busy schedule at the beach after both Rupert and Philippe died. Often times, she commented about the beauty of the sun reflecting off of the water's surface like a million tiny diamonds and was awed by the fact that the moonlight created the same visual effect. Sunrises and sunsets over an ocean seemed more brilliant and breathtaking, she always said. He squeezed her hand gently. "Your wish is my command."

**C/J**

He watched her from a respectable distance. It had taken a little while to find a stretch of beach that was remote enough for his comfort level then several more minutes to contact Charlotte and reassure her that she was perfectly capable of handling a slight change in plans…and, yes, the Queen would arrive in plenty of time to perform her responsibilities for the ball…and, no, the world would not cease to revolve if the Queen diverted from her schedule for an hour or two.

Joseph listened to Charlotte as he watched Clarisse walk a little ways down the beach and stare out at the water. He finally interrupted her nervous chatter. "Charlotte. You must trust me on this. Your Queen needs this time." He listened for a moment longer. "The Queen is never late."

He smiled as he heard Charlotte recount, "Everyone else is simply early." They ended the call and he resumed his patient waiting. There was a slight breeze off the ocean and he was mesmerized by the way it tousled her short, blonde hair; the way her scarf floated effortlessly around her in the gentle wind; and the regal way she held her head high in the breeze as though challenging it and asking for its peace and strength at the same time.

After an undetermined length of time, she turned to him and beckoned with her eyes for him to join her. He came to stand slightly beside and behind her, just close enough so she could draw on his strength, but not too close for any ambitious reporter or lucky tourist to get a picture that would make the front page. After a few moments, she finally spoke. "Regardless of what happens tonight, I want to thank you for always being everything I need you to be. Whether it be a babysitter, chauffer, listening ear, or friend…you have never shirked your duty or gave less than one hundred and ten percent." She turned her head slightly so she could see him. "I fear I am less optimistic than you about the events of this evening; but whatever may come, I'm certain that I will fight to the end to keep the Von Trokkens from ever ruling Genovia."

His hands gently rested on her elbows and he leaned in and whispered. "WE will fight to the end. No matter the outcome of our personal relationship, I will stand by your side and fight against any who threaten the Crown of Genovia. Long live Queen Clarisse."

Clarisse hastily wiped a tear the broke free and trickled down her cheek before turning and facing him. "Thank you, Joseph."

He simply nodded and then gestured towards the car. "It is time."

**C/J**

6 p.m.:

Clarisse made her way down the long hall towards her office. It had been decided that rather than meet the press prior to the start of the festivities, she would remain there until the Princess arrived. At that point, she would make one last plea to the young woman to claim her birthright as Princess of Genovia. In a show of true faith, she even arranged for the very first tiara she wore to be ready for the Princess in the hopes that her reticence would fade and she would become the woman, Princess, and eventually the Queen she knew she could be.

6:30 p.m.:

Charlotte knocked softly on the door. "Your Majesty."

"Yes Charlotte."

"I've taken care of everything up to this point, but I'm afraid everyone is clamoring for a glimpse of the Queen."

"Has Amelia arrived?"

"Not yet, ma'am." Charlotte avoided any further answer as she was not very good at lying and didn't want to alarm the Queen.

"Thank you, Charlotte."

With a deep inhale and exhale, Clarisse smiled and went to work.

6:45 pm.

Clarisse had made her way through the receiving line. She kept looking for Joseph, but he didn't seem to be anywhere in sight. She thought that rather odd after promising only a few hours ago that they would fight together anyone who threatened the Crown of Genovia. It certainly felt like the Von Trokkens were threatening and it would all be decided tonight. Finally, she spotted Charlotte. "Do we have any problems?" She asked her.

"No everything's perfect. Perfect. It's wonderful." Why couldn't she stop talking?

Clarisse smiled at her young assistant and appreciated her trying to keep the trouble at bay. "You're not very good at lying, Charlotte."

Charlotte looked away. "No I'm not, Your Majesty." She never expected what happened next.

"But the garden looks beautiful." Clarisse offered sincerely.

The praise caused Charlotte to look back at her Queen and smile. "Thank you."

"Do you see her yet, Felix?" Joseph asked his driver as they peered through the pouring rain looking for Mia's "baby".

"Not yet, Joe…but we have to be getting close. Do you think she is really running?" Felix asked.

Joseph exhaled slowly, thinking of all that was riding on the actions of such a young woman. She may be a bit flighty, but at her core, he believed her to be the Princess that she was destined to be. "No, Felix…I believe she is headed for the consulate. Turn here and head up this hill…she knows it's the shortest way to her grandmother and the ball."

Joseph breathed a quick prayer of thanks as he saw the baby blue Mustang sitting at the top of the hill. It appeared to be empty, but he had to check. "Pull over, Felix. Honk your horn. I want her to know we're here in case she's headed out on foot."

Felix grasped Joseph's shoulder in a show of excitement as they saw Mia's very wet head pop up from the seat at the noise. "I'll get her and then you get us there as quickly as possible. Time is running out!"

7:00 p.m.:

Things were not going well. Clarisse had just been informed that Joseph had gone out after the Princess and neither could be reached due to the storm. Sebastian had advised her that the press was getting antsy and starting to complain about making their deadlines. It seemed the vultures were circling. "If she's not here in ten minutes, I'll make the announcement." Her head was starting to hurt and a lump was forming in the pit of her stomach. She worked very hard to keep from showing any frustration, irritation, and most importantly, resignation. She tried hard not to think about the fact that the outcome of perhaps the rest of her life would be determined in the next ten minutes. That seemed a little too much to process.

7:10 p.m.:

Clarisse stood when she saw Charlotte come in the room. Clarisse looked at her hopefully but was not met with a similar response. Charlotte shook her head. "No, ma'am."

She turned and looked at Sebastian, wishing things could be different and knowing he felt the same way. She took a deep breath and stated with as much regal authority as possible. "Then it's time."

7:20 p.m.:

A sweeter sound had never crossed Clarisse's ears then her Granddaughter's "Ahem". Though she presented a frightful sight; things were made so much better with Joseph standing right behind her. He had brought the prodigal heir home! Clarisse thought it was the most beautiful sight she had ever witnessed. As Amelia came to take her place behind the podium, Clarisse took Joseph's hand and took her place…beside him. The lump was still sitting heavily in her stomach; but for the first time that day, she had the feeling that maybe…just maybe…everything would be alright.

7:25 p.m.

Joseph looked at Charlotte…things were going well.

Mia looked at her grandmother, who now had unshed tears of pride in her eyes, as she began. "So this morning when I woke up, I was Mia Thermopolis… But now, I choose to be forevermore…"

Clarisse realized in that instant that she was going to do it – she was going to become…

"Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi…Princess of Genovia."

9:55 p.m.

"You'll see to it all, Charlotte?" Joseph asked.

Charlotte smiled at Joseph. Ever since she had seen him dancing with the Queen and the subsequent change that had come over her, she had secretly been hoping that the two might find a way to spend some time alone together. If she could help in that endeavor…even better. "Consider it done, Joe. I've even seen to a few personal arrangements for the Queen to help her celebrate the night."

Joe leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks, Charlotte. You're the best. Oh, and lest I forget…the garden looks lovely."

Charlotte blushed again. "Thank you, Joe. No go…it's time!"

10:05 p.m.

The door to the Queen's suite closed behind them. Clarisse felt like she had floated on a cloud throughout most of the journey. From the moment Joseph had dismissed the security lining the halls and raised her gloved hand to his mouth, she had been in heaven. She hadn't even been able to truly feel his lips on her skin, but the tenderness in his touch had almost melted her where she stood.

She thought about the past few hours. In that short time, she had gone from resignation to exhilaration. With Mia's acceptance of her future role in the monarchy, Clarisse had felt the chains of duty loosen slightly. Her actions were still quite limited, but there was hope; and with hope, she could be patient…and she prayed that Joseph could be as well.

Joseph watched with admiration and joy as his Queen, his Clarisse, radiated with happiness as she moved about the suite. It was almost as if her happiness was too much to be contained inside her body and she had to maintain movement to keep the energy level high. When she twirled around, he couldn't resist; he stepped into her dance embrace and began moving with her. Her smile almost melted him where he stood. "You look very beautiful tonight, Clarisse."

"And you look very handsome. It's been entirely too long since you've worn your tuxedo."

"Well it is not the most comfortable thing I wear." He replied, a look of mock pain crossing his face.

"Oh and you believe these dresses I have to wear are?!" She teased.

He stopped their movement and pulled back away from her, still holding her hands. He let his gaze sweep over her entire body. His voice was deep and decidedly husky. "Trust me. It's worth it."

Clarisse felt his brazen scrutiny and her skin tingled. Her breath caught in her throat as he released one hand and used both of his to slowly remove the white glove from her left hand. He gently pulled at the end of each finger until the glove had worked loose enough to pull off. Then he carefully pulled on the fingertips until the glove slid down her arm, revealing more of her skin to his gaze.

He repeated the action on the other side and then carefully laid the gloves on the back of the couch. He laced his fingers through hers again and brought one hand to his mouth. He slowly and deliberately kissed the tips of each finger.

"Oh Joseph…" she whispered, before closing her eyes to revel in the feel of his lips on her skin again…even if it was just the tips of her fingers.

Once again, he repeated the action on the other side. When he finished, he anointed the backs of her hands and the insides of her wrists with a soft kiss as well. He couldn't believe how soft her Chanel scented skin felt to the touch of his lips.

"Joseph?"

"Yes?"

"Are you ever going to kiss me properly?"

"Do you believe it is time?"

"Oh yes…it is time."

Joseph didn't say anything further, but gently guided her in their dance until she could feel the coolness of the wall against the heated skin of her back. Their eyes met. Blue against blue, matched with a thin sheen of barely veiled desire. He lifted her hands, which were still intertwined with his above her head. He leaned in and kissed one cheek and then the other before whispering, "Then it is time."

Clarisse was overcome with so many sensations, she couldn't even focus. Joseph's body had her effectively trapped between his solid mass and the unyielding wall. Her hands were resting just above her head and she found she loved being totally in Joseph's hands and care. He kissed first one cheek and then the other; but this time she knew, with all certainty, that very soon his lips would be upon hers and she would be given her very first true taste of the man who had become such an important part of her life. She moistened her lips in anticipation.

Joseph watched as her tongue slid across her own mouth, wetting it for the moment that was upon them. Breaths mingled and chests moved together in counterpoint as their lungs worked to supply oxygen. Finally the moment was upon them and he leaned forward and touched his lips to hers.

She had expected a light teasing at first as he had done before; but instead he claimed her mouth with purpose. His lips slid over hers, not demanding but with intent. She felt years of friendship deepening and growing to a new level as they shared this new height of familiarity. Her head moved slightly to allow his mouth to slant over hers and deepen the kiss. A contented "mmmm" escaped from her mouth.

Joseph became lost in the sweet taste of her kiss. He released her hands to thread his fingers through her hair, his thumbs stroking her cheeks gently. His mouth parted slightly as he kissed kiss first her top lip and then the bottom. He could feel her body respond to the more intimate gesture as she parted her lips and moved her hands to hold him tightly to her.

Their kiss danced as well as their bodies, generating energy as they tasted and teased, learning each other and basking in the glorious feel of losing yourself deeper and deeper in another. Clarisse felt his kiss become more demanding. It was as if he was asking for all that she could give. She gave herself over to the kiss, returning it with as much fervor and passion as he was giving. She understood now why he said that once he kissed her, he couldn't go back. Joseph was an intense man who gave his all to everything he did, including this kiss.

Finally, it was time, and they broke apart; the breathing labored and their hearts racing. Clarisse's eyes closed as his thumb brushed across her well kissed lips. "That was…"

"amazing." She finished for him.

"I will find it hard not to kiss you at every opportunity." He admitted. "Now that I've tasted you; I fear I may never get enough."

Clarisse leaned against the wall, still holding him close to her. "And I shall find it hard to resist you wanting to kiss me at every opportunity."

Joseph closed his eyes and leaned against her. He could feel her chest moving against his and the steady beating of her heart in time with his. "I should let you get changed so you will be more comfortable."

"The dress is rather cumbersome, isn't it?"

He stepped away to allow her to go change. She started to walk away and then stopped. "What is it, Clarisse?"

"I just noticed that Olivia wasn't here when we returned and hasn't been up to assist me. That's unusual." Then she added with a blush. "Not that I'm complaining. I much preferred your company."

Joseph smiled at her. "I asked Charlotte to instruct them to allow you some privacy to celebrate and then rest before the journey home. They were instructed that you would call if you needed them."

At that moment, Clarisse noticed the champagne that was chilling over on the end table. "It seems you've thought of everything, except who will help me out of my dress."

Joseph groaned inwardly at the thought of helping Clarisse undress. It wasn't that he found the idea distasteful, quite the contrary; rather he wasn't sure he could control himself. He was, after all, a red-blooded male. "Charlotte arranged for the champagne. I'm afraid I can't take any credit for that." He exhaled slowly. "I can help you, at least some, if you like. I don't want to be inappropriate."

Clarisse thought about his offer. Was it going too far? Would they be able to be mature adults and stop acting like pubescent teenagers? The thought of his kiss sent ripples of desire throughout her body. The thought of Joseph undressing her was almost her undoing. However, she didn't want the mood to be broken by calling Olivia to come assist her. "Perhaps if you can just assist me with the zipper, I can do the rest?"

He gave her a half grin, in an effort to keep from grinning ear to ear, and replied. "It would certainly be my pleasure to serve in that capacity."

"Seriously, Joseph…behave!" She teased.

Joseph held three fingers up. "Scouts honor."

Their mutual laughter filled the air; but the levity quickly turned to a heightened sense of awareness of each other as Clarisse stood in front of him and then turned slowly to allow him to reach her zipper. Her arms crossed in front of the dress to ensure it stayed in position once the zipper was lowered. She couldn't help but turn her head to watch as Joseph stepped closer. She held her breath as his fingers slowly explored the expanse of flesh already bared by the cut of the dress as he made his way to the zipper.

Joseph exhaled slowly as he neared the small metal tab. With painstaking slowness, he began to lower it inch by inch. Despite his promise to behave, he couldn't help leaning forward and placing small kisses on her back as he accomplished his task. "So very beautiful." He whispered.

Clarisse's eyes had closed the moment she felt the soft kisses on her back. It was so soft, so sensual, so affectionate. Unlike any tenderness she had been privy to before. Rupert had always been a considerate lover; but Joseph's touch seemed to calm and excite her all at the same time. When he had finished, she whispered her thanks and advised, "I'll just be a minute."

Joseph was thankful that he would have a few moments to compose himself while he tried not to think about her changing in the next room. "I'll pour us champagne and when you return we will drink and be merry, toasting to the prosperity of Genovia under the continued Renaldi rule."

"I'll toast to that anytime."