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Kisses

Maria

The phone rang at three in the morning. Joseph was the first to wake up.

"Clarisse? Wake up, please. Rupert is calling to your cell phone. " Clarisse opened her eyes sleepily.

"Rupert's calling?"

"Yes darling. Wake up, please. "

Clarisse sat down on the bed and switched on the lamp on the bedside table. She grabbed the phone, took a deep breath, and answered.

"Good night, Rupert. There's something wrong with you?"

"Good night, Clarisse. I'm sorry to wake you at this hour, but I think I should tell you ... Sandra went to the hospital a while ago. "

Clarisse closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Clarisse?"

"Yes, Rupert. What do you want me to answer? I hope you stay away from the hospital ... It's the least you can do. "

Joseph sat down next to her in silence.

"I suppose Philippe's baby isn't born yet...?"

"Not yet. This is a difficult birth. Philippe is so nervous. "

Rupert laughed and Clarisse smiled too.

"I was just like that. Remember? My heart almost stopped until I heard that miraculous cry ... It was the two happiest moments of my life! " The words were spoken so softly, so sincerely, that Clarisse could not help a tear. Joseph noticed that, but he kept quiet.

"In that, we both agree ... These were the two happiest moments of my life too!"

"Oh Clarisse ... What happened to us? What happened to me? How could I let you get away? How could I have dared to hurt you so much? "

"Rupert ..."

"Please let me speak."

"Rupert, it's three in the morning and I honestly do not understand what you want to with this conversation ..."

"I know you need to rest and I also know you do not believe me, but the truth, Clarisse, is that I would give anything to go back in time. I would make everything different. And i would be the husband you deserve. I've already sent my valet to clear my schedule for the next three days. I have a grandchild to know ... " Clarisse smiled.

"Good, Rupert. I'm sure Philippe will be happy to see you. We'll talk when you get there."

"See you tomorrow, Clarisse. And believe it or not, I love you! " Clarisse closed her eyes. She waited so many years for those three words ... Joseph rose from the bed, startling Clarisse and began to dress, with his back to her. Clarisse realized at once that he had heard the whole conversation.

"See you tomorrow, Rupert. Have a nice trip. " She hung up the phone and got up, too. Feeling that Joseph was annoyed by what he heard, she approached him in silence and hugged him by the waist, leaning completely against his back. Joseph tensed but continued to dress.

"Joseph ..."

"Clarisse, do not say anything, please. I understood perfectly. " Joseph's angry tone made her drop her arms from his waist, admiring him. Then she stepped in front of him.

"But what do you understand, Joseph? What's wrong? " Clarisse put a hand on his face and tried to make him look at her. But Joseph was so jealous that he couldn't.

"Joseph?" Joseph's coldness made her feel more self-conscious. Clarisse grabbed the robe and dressed as well.

"Clarisse, do you really think I'm stupid? That I did not see how you were moved by Rupert's words? "

"Joseph, you're being unfair. I think it's perfectly normal for his words to leave me in some way, emotional. He is the father of my children! "

"And your husband!" Replied Joseph, at the door. Clarisse was speechless. She could not understand the reason for Joseph's reaction.

"Have a good night, Your Majesty." And he left, closing the door behind him. Clarisse stay beside the bed, desolate, not realizing why the coldness of the man she loved. But she did not have much time to think, for less than ten minutes later, the telephone in the room rang.

"Your Majesty, I'm sorry to wake you but Prince Philippe has just called and asks Your Majesty to go to the hospital."

"Thank you, Flora. I will get down soon. Ask the driver to bring the car. "

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Anxiety took hold of Clarisse. She was a grandmother ! Was it a boy or a girl? That did not matter. Now she just wanted to be with her son and meet a little one she pretend to spoil, for the rest of her life!

Half an hour later, Clarisse entered the limousine, slightly hurt by her failure to see Joseph, but as soon as she sat down, Joseph was immediately at her side. None of them spoke. Joseph could not stop thinking that he could be a few hours from being a father and that, thanks to Rupert, he would never be sure. Even with the DNA test, Joseph would never be sure ... Rupert will make sure it will always be Joseph's name to appear! Clarisse studied Joseph's face in silence. If he did not want to talk, she would not force him. Minutes later, they arrived at the hospital where they were expected by one of Philippe's security guards.

"Your Majesty, Prince Philippe asks you to join him in the bedroom."

"Certainly."

Clarisse and Joseph followed in silence, not oblivious to the looks of the people in the hospital. When the elevator door opened, Clarisse is welcomed with open arms by Philippe.

"It's a girl, Mother. A beautiful girl!"

"Congratulations my dear. I am so happy! "Mother and son held each other for a few minutes, without holding back their tears. Joseph stared at them without approaching, a smile on his lips. Shortly after, Philippe looked at him and released from his mother's arms, to embrace him.

"Congratulations, Philippe! I feel very happy for you! "

"Thank you, Joseph. But come and meet her. Mom. You're going to be in love. " Clarisse smiled. The three entered the room. Helen had fallen asleep and the baby was in the crib.

"Mom, I'll introduce you to Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, Princess of Genovia."

Clarisse look at that baby, so small, but it filled her heart.

"Hello, my dear Amelia. I am your grandmother and I hope I can be your best friend! "And she kissed her forehead! Helen woke up in the meantime, and Philippe sat down next to her. Joseph approached Clarisse and felt his heart melt with that mini version of Philippe.

"Congratulations, Helen!" They said at the same time. Joseph smiled, and as Clarisse approached her daughter-in-law, Joseph stepped back into the doorway.

"Your father is coming tomorrow, Philippe." Helen looked immediately at him. Philippe tensed.

"You should not have convinced you to come, Mom."

"I had nothing to do with your father's decision, Philippe. But I think it's about time you two understood each other. "

"It's impossible, Mom. Nothing I do is good enough to please His Majesty. "

"Don't say that, Philippe. Your father adores you. Unfortunately, he has difficulty showing how much he likes both of you. Perhaps it is our little Amelia to soften his heart. " Philippe smiled.

"Who knows…"

The next day, Rupert drove directly from the airport to the hospital, surprising everyone. He entered the room slowly and almost in fear. Clarisse turned to see who had opened the door and got up. Philippe and Joseph had gone down to the bar for coffee.

"Rupert? I did not expect to see you already. Didn't you first go to the Consulate? " Clarisse asked in surprise. Rupert came over and kissed her on the cheek.

"I came here immediately, Clarisse. I Could not wait to meet our girl. How do you feel, Helen? " He asked as he headed for the crib.

"I feel good, Your Majesty." Helen replied shyly.

"Clarisse, she's beautiful ! Hello, little one. I am your grandfather! "Said Rupert with a huge smile, by the crib. Clarisse smiled. He was almost the man with whom he had married.

"Clarisse! I think she smiled at me! Hello, Amelia! " Clarisse got up and went to them.

"Babies do not smile after a day, Rupert," she said, amused.

"But she smiled at me!"

"Hardly!" Clarisse said with a laugh. "Do you want to pick her up? If Helen does not mind, of course. "

"Of course not, Your Majesty. It's your granddaughter! "

Clarisse smiled.

Rupert looked at her in alarm.

"I do not think I remember how to pick up a baby ..."

"Sit down and I'll put her in your arms." Rupert sat down in the chair where Clarisse stood while she took little Amelia from the cradle and leaned her against Rupert's chest. The image of Rupert, with Amelia in his arms, reminded her of Sandra and the child who was about to be born. But this was a problem she did not want to think about right now, and Joseph and Philippe's entry into the room gave her some help.

"Father?" Rupert immediately turned and smiled.

"My son ... Congratulations! Amelia is beautiful! Good afternoon, Joseph. "

"Good afternoon, Your Majesty." Joseph replied and stood by the door. Unwillingly, he envied that family ... Even with all the contradictions, even if all the setbacks, even with all the pain and suffering ... How he would like to be in Rupert's place and be his family! And part of it was ... Joseph loved Clarisse with all the strength of his being! Philippe was like a son and little Amelia ... Joseph was sure he would give his life for her, without hesitation!

During the two days that followed and with the arrival of Pierre, this family was more united than ever. For 48 hours, they forgot all the problems to enjoy little Amelia. The return to Genovia, however, was tense. No one wanted to talk about the obvious, especially since Sandra's son had been born two hours before Amelia.

"We're less than an hour away from returning to the palace, Rupert ... No matter how much it costs me, we have to talk about a problem."

Rupert dozed off beside Clarisse on the plane but immediately opened his eyes as soon as he heard Clarisse's voice. He took her hand and kissed it.

"I know, my dear. I was just trying to postpone the obvious ... And although I still can not find a solution to this situation, believe me I'll do everything to make it up to you. I want your love back. "

"Rupert, I will not have this conversation with you here."

"Of course not. I understand."

The arrival of Genovia I at the airport was awaited by many journalists, intrigued by the arrival of the royal couple. Fortunately, one journalist remembered saying that Rupert and Clarisse had gone on a secret vacation and meant only for the two of them. The image of perfect couple fit perfectly, and for the time being, the existence of a new member of the royal family, was kept secret.

Unable to wait any longer, Joseph went to the hospital to visit Sandra and the baby.

"Can I come in?"

"Of course. I was wondering when you would decide to come and see the kid. "Sandra replied dryly.

"The kid? It's your son!"

"And? So far I've only been annoying with this little rat. "Sandra replied. Joseph went to the crib and decided to ignore Sandra comment. So small! So helpless!

"What's his name?"

"I did not decide yet."

"But he was born three days ago ... Can I pick him up?"

"I don't care! Where is His Majesty? "

"I do not know and I think you have nothing to do with it!" Joseph answered, grabbing the baby.

The weeks went by, with almost weekly visits from Rupert and Clarisse to the United States. It was not easy, but Joseph had managed to think of a way they are not discovered.

Joseph and Clarisse never spoke again of what happened on the night of Amelia's birth, and their relationship had returned to a friendship and professional relationship.

Clarisse only knew Sandra's baby through the photographs that Joseph showed her. A charming baby, with brown hair and blue eyes.

"Little Frederic is getting prettier, Joseph."

"You're right, Clarisse. The truth is that I created a very strong bond with him. I'm going to talk to her again today because of the test, but the truth is that I think I'll pass it on without having the test. "

"Joseph, if you want so much to be sure, why don't you do the test without anyone knowing? Only you and the baby. You take a DNA sample from him to an independent lab out of the country so they do not know you. At least you throw the doubts away once and for all. "

"You're right, Clarisse. That's what I'm going to do. In just over an hour I'm in Barcelona and I have a friend who solves this in a few days! "

Clarisse smiled.

"It feels so good to see you happy, Joseph!"

"And I could still be happier but ..." And he winked. Clarisse blushed and lowered her eyes. "You will deal with this. You deserve all the happiness in the world, Joseph! "

Almost a week later, Joseph burst into Clarisse's office but Charlotte's presence made him slow down the enthusiasm.

"Your Majesty, may I have a word with you?"

"Certainly, Joseph. Charlotte, give us a few minutes, please. "

"I'll get you some tea, Majesty."

As soon as the door closed, Joseph ran to Clarisse, grabbed her hands, pulled her to him and hugged her.

"The son is mine, Clarisse. Mine! "And without thinking he kissed her. And how Clarisse missed his kisses. The kiss was so strong, so intense, it left both panting, desperate for air. Joseph was the first to break the silence.

"I'm sorry ..." Clarisse put a finger to his lips to silence him.

"Shhh ... Do not apologize. I missed your kisses. Besides, you were celebrating! " Joseph smiled and slowly let go.

"I'm so happy, Clarisse!"

"And I'm so happy for you, Joseph! It's your dream! And I know you'll be a wonderful father! "

"I'm going to demand that she let me register Frederic today." And without a second thought, he went to Sandra's room.

"You're not allowed in my room without being announced, are you listening?" Sandra yelled furiously.

"Certainly. I apologize. I come to get you to go to the city. "

"For what?" Sandra asked in amazement.

"We have to go and register my son!"

Sandra started to laugh.

"You're really pathetic. He's not your son, idiot. Frederic is Rupert's son. Do you think I would want a child of yours? "And she laughed.

"I'm sorry, but Frederic is MY son!" And he put the DNA test result on the table in front of her. Sandra grabbed the paper and began to read, horrified.

"It can not be ... It can not be! This is not possible! " She shouted and tore the paper.

"Don't worry. It's just a copy. "

"It's not possible!" And she dropped to the couch.

"Get ready. I'll pick you up after lunch! "

Sandra had to think fast ...

"Today I can't. Tomorrow after lunch. "

"All right then!" Joseph went to give Frederic a kiss and left. Sandra was devastated. How was it possible? Without the DNA test, Rupert was under constant threat of scandal. With this test, Sandra lost all the trumps she had. The life of a queen in the palace was over. Joseph had destroyed her whole future! But he was not going to laugh!

The next day, immediately after lunch, Joseph knocked on the door of Sandra's room without a reply. He knocked once more, and as Sandra did not answer, he opened the door.

"Sandra?" Joseph looked around, and on the tea table was an envelope with his name on it. With a tightness in his heart, Joseph grabbed the envelope and opened it.

"YOU HAVE NO SON! I HATE YOU! STAY AWAY FROM ME! DESPICABLE MAN! "

Joseph was pretty sure he died a little at that time. He opened all the wardrobes, all the drawers, searched the bathroom ... She left and took Frederic!

"No, no, no, no ... NO !" What began in a whisper, ended in a guttural cry that was heard almost throughout all the palace.

"My boy!" Joseph leaned against the wall, let himself slip to the floor and wept as never before. Clarisse was about to enter the office with Charlotte when she heard the scream. Frightened, they looked at each other.

"What was that?"

"I do not know, Your Majesty."

"It sounded like Joseph's voice," Clarisse said almost in fear. One of the guards stationed at the entrance to the office replied.

"Forgive me for daring, Your Majesty, but Sir Joseph was down a while ago... I think for his ex-wife's room ..."

Clarisse started walking toward Sandra's room, and Charlotte followed. Clarisse came down the stairs almost running, and her heart broke when she saw Joseph. Without thinking, she sat down next to him and pulled him into her arms, cradling him. Charlotte grabbed Sandra's letter and handed it to Clarisse.

Joseph was the mirror of despair. His silent tears drenched Clarisse's shirt.

"She took my son, Clarisse!"

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Thank you so much,

Maria