Chapter 12

"Excuse me?!... How you mean that where have I been?" she switched immediately to her indignant voice. "I think it's none of your business."

"I'm sorry Ma'am, but this is my job."

"Oh really?" she raised her eyebrows, while Joseph was truly amazed. "Then if you would do it properly, you would have realized that I went for a walk to the garden, hm?"

"I just..."

"And you are the other one," now she turned to Joseph. "I'm sick of that you're always one step behind me and I really can't believe I have no privacy even at home."

"We just..."

"No!" she held up her hand. "I don't want to hear it... just get off me, okay?" and with that she stormed inside and shut the door behind her...

"I really did not want to upset her," remarked the guy puzzled at her door.

"Don't bother with her," said Joseph, trying to hide his smile. "You know... women."

"Yeah, women..."

As she closed the door, she took a deep sigh and gave herself a moment to calm down. Thanks to her composure she got away with this tough situation, although she had a little bad feeling about her behavior... it was really not her style, but difficult times require difficult measures.

It was a long day and this was the first time she really felt tired. Being with Joseph was an euphoric state of mind, she was too happy to be tired, but now, she felt she could fall asleep right then and there, so she went straight to her bedroom and fully clothed she fell into bed...

It was nearly lunchtime when she woke up to her assistant's knocking.

"Yes?... Come in," she said on a sleepy voice and looked up tiredly.

"Excuse me Ma'am, but I think you should start to prepare, because we have to leave at 2 p.m."

"To where exactly?"

"You know, charity day and party later."

"Oh, damn it." sighed Clarisse.

"Do you need some help Ma'am?"

"No... no, thank you. Oh..." she cried and Charlotte turned back. "Could you send Shades upstairs?"

"He was in charge yesterday, so I think he's at home now."

"Oh, yes. You're right. I have to pull myself together." she murmured and got up.

"That's all, Ma'am?"

"Yes, thank you." she nodded and her assistant left her alone. After that, Clarisse took a quick shower and dressed up for the occasion, she has just finished when her husband arrived.

"Are you ready?" asked the King as he looked in at the door.

"Yes, we can go if you want. I just take my bag."

"Fine. Oh and I nearly forget... last night I popped in to discuss something, but you were nowhere." he said and she suddenly froze. "I hope that lucky guy had a better night than me..."

To be continued...