First, Thank you to all of your for your patience...I know things are a little slower than you like with updates. My explanation? My path as a published author is moving forward as I signed with an agent in the last couple of weeks. This exciting turn of events moved up the time table for the edits on my novel as well as the creation of my author website, etc. Super exciting (but also keeping me super busy! LOL)

To make it up to you, however, I am going to be hosting a fun contest soon in celebration of the new website. The winner will get to either decide details about the next chapter of 24 Hours OR tell me what they would like in a story written just for them! Stay tuned!

Thanks again for hanging with me and for being simply the: Best. Readers. Ever!


Chapter 12: Be Careful What You Wish For

8:00 a.m.

"Good morning, Gramma. What's on the agenda for today?" Mia asked quietly as she stepped into the Queen's office at exactly eight.

Clarisse looked up from her paperwork, pleasantly surprised to see her granddaughter in the office on time. "Charlotte left a copy of the schedule on your desk."

Mia walked over to the wooden desk that had represented, at least in part, her prison since she arrived. Six to seven hours a day spent reviewing paperwork, history books, Parliamentary procedure…the list went on and on. She stifled a small sigh at the two page document that outlined her activities for the day. The only item not on the list? Free time. Remembering her promise to herself to try harder, she poured a cup of tea and got started with the first item on her to do list.

An hour or so later, Mia stood and stretched. She had an idea and figured there was no better time than the present to see if it worked. Her Grandma and Charlotte had desks on the opposite side of the room, both had their heads down working hard. Joe had been silent for most of the day. Occasionally, she caught him staring at Gramma, but no lighthearted bantering was exchanged today. "Hey Charlotte?"

The blonde haired woman looked up from her desk seemingly relieved for a distraction. "Yes Princess?"

"Could you give Gramma and I a moment?"

Charlotte looked over at the Queen, "Your Majesty?"

Charlotte's voice broke into Clarisse's thoughts. She had been trying to focus all morning but had found herself staring at the same few pages for at least a couple of hours. Lack of sleep and emotional distress had combined to make sleep a stranger last night. "Yes Charlotte?"

"The Princess has requested some time alone with you. Will you excuse me for a few minutes?" Charlotte cut a look toward Joseph as she waited.

"Of course, Charlotte. I'm sure it's time for tea anyway."

"I'll be sure and bring some for you both when I return."

Mia watched as Charlotte left and Joseph stepped outside the door, closing it behind both of them. She took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. She walked over and knelt down next to Clarisse's chair, "I know we didn't really know each other very well during my younger years. I was wondering if I might share a story with you…from when I was a little girl?"

Clarisse smiled at the young woman. She was surprised as she had figured this would be a gripe session. Instead, she would learn a little more about the woman who would someday become queen. She stopped herself…she would learn more about her granddaughter. "Of course, dear, I would love that."

"You know how my mother loves to paint."

"Yes, regardless of the choices she made, I always admired her passion and artistry."

"Well, when I was about ten, she bought me a very expensive set of brushes in an effort to encourage me to take an interest in painting."

"I imagine you were wonderful at it…just like your mother."

"Well, I would get an A for effort anyway," Mia grinned. "I painted every day and used all of the brushes almost every time I painted. What I lacked in talent, I made up for with enthusiasm."

"Well, maybe you took after your father in that regard." Clarisse offered in light hearted sympathy.

"Maybe. But after a month or so, Mom finally agreed it wasn't going to be my thing. She collected the brushes she had given me. I'll never forget the look of horror on her face when she saw the condition they were in."

"What happened?" Clarisse was listening intently now.

"She started to yell at me, but realized she hadn't taught me one of the most important parts of being an artist…or of any occupation for that matter. She told me it was important to take proper care of the instruments necessary to do my job."

Clarisse nodded, "Makes sense. Without the proper tools, one cannot do a job effectively."

Mia shook her head, "It wasn't just that, Gramma. I had the proper tools, but proper care was needed too. She called it the 'sharpening the saw' principle."

"Must be an American thing," Clarisse offered with a slight smile.

Mia laughed, "Maybe, but I'm pretty sure the principle works in all countries. If a lumberjack takes time out of his schedule to sharpen his saw, he can more effectively cut the wood each day, right?"

Clarisse started to see where this was going. "Yes, I suppose an argument could be made in that regard."

"No arguments, Gramma. I don't want to fight with you anymore."

"I meant…"

"I know what you meant. We're the saws, Gramma, and whether you want to believe it or not…taking a little time out of our schedules for much needed downtime will make us more effective. Just think about it." Mia stood and kissed Clarisse on the cheek then returned to her desk and started working again.

Before Clarisse could say anything further, Charlotte arrived with the tea. She noticed Joseph watching her from his post by the door, but he had yet to say much of anything this morning. She sighed again. She had to fix this.

Later in the afternoon…

"Charlotte?" Clarisse began as she stood and stretched.

"Yes ma'am."

"I've been reviewing the itinerary for tomorrow and I believe we can reschedule those items on the agenda to give ourselves a much needed three day weekend. Do you think you could get those items rescheduled?"

Charlotte's grin gave all the affirmation needed, but she followed it up with "Yes, ma'am! I'll see to it right away. Any specific plans?"

Clarisse caught Mia's eye and winked, "Oh I thought Amelia and I might sharpen our saws a bit."

Her remarks elicited a laugh from Mia, a grin from Joseph and a look of confusion from Charlotte. After giving it another moment's thought, she shrugged her shoulders, "Whatever makes you happy, Your Majesty."

Laughter filled the room and brought a respite from the tension that had been hanging heavily in the air since Mia's arrival. The afternoon passed by quickly as loose ends were tied up and appointments moved to accommodate the impromptu holiday for the royal family. Clarisse caught Joseph's eye just before they were ready to leave. She sought his face for some sign of approval at her concessions and, at the same time, berated herself for seeking it. She didn't need his acceptance…his approval…but she wanted it.

Her face lit up when she received the slightest of nods and a wink. Despite what she may try to tell herself, she was also wise enough to know that things were easier on everyone in the palace when things were right between her and Joseph.

The tired, but pleased group left the office a little after 6 pm to make their way toward the private suites. "So Gramma, what are you planning to do with your time off?" Amelia almost bounced as she walked.

"I thought I might visit the Genovian Pear Cooperative. I was hoping you would join me."

Mia wrinkled her nose up and fought not to sigh out loud. She really had thought her Gramma was going to give her a three day weekend. She should have known better. "That doesn't sound like much fun. It sounds like work disguised as a long weekend."

Clarisse smiled knowingly, "Have you ever BEEN to see the pear trees when they are in full bloom? It's quite a sight to behold. And…I thought we might do a little shopping in town on the way back to the Palace. It will only be one of your three days off and I thought it might be fun to spend some non-working time together. But, if you prefer to spend your time elsewhere, I understand."

Mia stopped walking and looked at her Gramma and then at Charlotte, "Is she telling the truth? Is it really a sight to behold or is she just using some of those wily negotiating tactics on me?"

Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief. This answer did not require her to even try to lie…something she was terrible at anyway. "Actually, Your Highness, it's quite breathtaking. Rows of stately trees adorned in the most beautiful white flowers…if you've never seen it, you shouldn't miss it. Truthfully."

Mia watched Charlotte intently. She had chosen to ask her rather than Joseph as she knew Charlotte would never be able to lie convincingly. Joe…well she was pretty sure he always had Gramma's back. She looked at her Grandmother and smiled, "As long as we don't leave before ten tomorrow, you can count me in."

Clarisse rolled her eyes, the day would be half over by then…"Ten a.m. sharp then. I promise you won't be disappointed."

With a quick hug, Mia ran off down the hallway to her first breath of freedom in weeks. "You made her day," Joseph commented with a smile.

"Perhaps I could make your night?" Clarisse offered quietly.

Joseph stopped short not wanting to read too much into her statement. "You have my attention."

Clarisse exhaled slowly. Things had been strained between them since her campaign started to get him to admit his love for her. "Have dinner with me in my suite tonight?"

"Only if we can have steak," Joseph winked. "Chef has been on a fish kick of late and frankly I'm tired of it."

Her laughter filled the corridor, "I shall make the request personally. Shall we say seven?"

Joseph kissed the back of her hand, "Seven it is."

^^C/J^^

The smell of grilled meat wafted through the air as Joseph opened the door to Clarisse's suite. His taste buds watered at the thought of the succulent meat filling his mouth and, ultimately, his stomach. He was certain Chef had tried to put everyone on a health kick with the fish diet…even Charlotte had complained. "Clarisse, that smells heavenly. Ah the pleasure of red meat. Thank you!"

Clarisse took in the genuine expression of excitement on his features. It made all of the cajoling and sweet talking necessary worth it. She poured a glass of wine and smiled, "You owe me, Joseph. You have no idea how hard it was to convince Chef."

Joseph's arms slipped around her waist, stalling her progress with the wine. He nuzzled the curve of her neck eliciting a small moan of satisfaction, "I shall work very hard to repay this act of kindness." He nibbled on her shoulder, making her laugh. "But right now, I'm starving!"

Clarisse enjoyed watching Joseph enjoying his dinner. Steak, medium with baked potatoes and steamed vegetables disappeared at a fairly rapid pace off of his plate. She intentionally saved some of hers, "Would you like the rest of mine, Joseph? I fear I can't eat another bite if I want to have enough room for dessert."

Joseph eyed her suspiciously, but decided not to argue. He scraped the food off of her plate and onto his then offered a half grin, "I plan on having you for dessert."

Clarisse jerked her head up to see his face. He was grinning but there was desire smoldering in his eyes. "I rather had my heart set on the caramelized pears with honey sauce."

Joseph finished the few bites she had given him and washed it down with the cabernet she had chosen. He picked up the dessert platter and grabbed her hand, "Me too."

His meaning drifted over her, warming her entire body. "Joseph…you can't be serious."

"My boss gave me a three day weekend; I intend to make the most of it. I promise to be careful. We wouldn't want the maids to think you brought your dessert to bed and made a mess."

Her heart tried to remind her head Joseph still wouldn't tell her he loved her…even though she understood at least why, she still wanted to hear the words. Her head started to agree with her heart but the desire burning in her body told everyone else to shut up. "So how do you plan to avoid that scenario?" Truthfully, she didn't care…she was simply trying to calm her racing body.

He set the dessert on the table next to her chaise lounge and disappeared into her bathroom. Moments later, he emerged with a large bath towel which he draped over the piece of furniture. Without a word, he stepped closer to her and pulled her into a searing kiss. This was going to be the best meal he had had in weeks.

She felt the kiss all the way to her toes. Heat. Passion. Need. Coursing through her veins, making her forget her name. Vaguely, she felt him unbuttoning her blouse and sending it unceremoniously to the floor. Her pants followed with a faint whisper of protest. His clothes joined hers before he guided her to the chaise lounge and into a reclining position.

Clarisse watched, her breaths deep and measured as he took a small piece of the warm fruit slices and blew a stream of cool air over to cool them slightly before placing just above her belly button. Next, came the honey sauce drizzled over the fruit and over her flesh. The warm sauce sending shivers over her entire body. The chills were quickly replaced with heat as Joseph's tongue began to slowly lick the sauce from her skin.

"Mmmm….so very sweet." Joseph repeated the process enjoying not only the sweetness on his tongue, but the sweet sounds of his lover making their way to his ears. With maddening patience, he removed every morsel of fruit and evidence of the sauce. By the time he finished the sweet treat, Clarisse's breath had become shallow. For a few moments, he allowed himself the pleasure of just looking at her, "You are so beautiful, Clarisse. I…" he stopped himself before uttering the words he believed would sentence her to…he couldn't even think about it.

Clarisse had been watching him…watching her. It no longer made her self-conscious…people had been looking at her every move for almost her entire life. With Joseph, it was different. There was an intensity and appreciation that made her feel loved and more appreciated than if a thousand subjects were kneeling before her. They only served and loved as long as she fit into the perfect little mold they had cast for her. Joseph wanted her…flaws and all. Her breath caught as his admission of love almost slipped out of those perfect lips. She caught his face between her hands and brought his lips to hers, kissing him softly. "I know," she whispered.

"Come with me to bed?" Joseph asked, his sapphire eyes drowning in a pool of their own desire.

"I haven't had my dessert yet." Clarisse pushed gently against him to come to a standing position. She grabbed the honey sauce and walked toward the bed.

"Clarisse?"

"Are you coming?"

Joseph stopped in his tracks as her eyes, dark with need and desire, smoldered and spread a fire through his veins that would not easily die out. Whether he ever spoke the words aloud or not, his love for the woman standing a few feet away from him would never end. He smiled in response to her question, "You keep looking at me like that and I will be coming long before either of us are ready."

A blush crept over her entire body as she caught the meaning of his words. Her voice slipped into the low, seductive timber she reserved only for him. "I suggest you delay no further and join me."

A few strides later, he was next to her side allowing himself to be lowered on the towel spread across the bed. His eyes closed as he felt her return the favor of enjoying a generous portion of the honey sauce with his body as the serving plate.

"Mmmm…very good. I don't want to miss a taste of the pears though." She moved away to retrieve the other dish, "Don't go anywhere."

Joseph's eye lids felt too heavy to even try to open them, "A National emergency couldn't tear me away from your bed at the moment, my Queen." A moment later he felt the warm fruit come into contact with the same area he had first tasted on Clarisse. Her lips moving over his skin and her sounds of enjoyment pulled his body taut with need. "Clarisse…please…"

She finished the fruit and kissed his abdomen, "I'm almost done…just a little more sauce."

Pressure. Wonderful – Excruciating - Nerve-tingling. Pressure…the only words he could fathom as he felt the warm sauce and her smooth tongue caressing his body.

Clarisse focused on every movement, every sound…every breath coming from the man below her. What had possessed her to do this, she couldn't be sure. All she knew was at this moment, his pleasure was of the utmost importance to her. Thoughts of Rupert tried to insinuate themselves into the present. She stopped the thoughts before they could take hold of her mind. His memory was NOT welcome here and she would not allow his negative influence to invade this moment of happiness for her. Instead, she concentrated her efforts…enjoying the sounds of pleasure filling the room from the man who had filled her life and now…filled her heart.

"Clarisse…please…stop…need you…" It wasn't romantic…barely coherent, but dear lord – it was the best he could do under the circumstances.

Her body literally hummed with need. "I need you too, Joseph. I've missed you…missed us."

Joseph kissed her with fervor…relishing the feel of her nails anchoring in his shoulders, keeping her body close to his. The taste of pears and honey filled his mouth as his tongue joined hers.

An involuntary shiver of pleasure swept over Clarisse at the thought of being intimate with Joseph again. She had missed him…had missed the closeness. When she was with Joseph like this, she didn't have to think about anyone else…no duty, no responsibility…just the two of them. Moments later the ability to even think passed as her world splintered into a thousand points of light. Oh yes…she had definitely missed this.

"So?" Clarisse asked with a smile.

He kissed the shoulder closest to his face as he rested in her arms, "So…what?"

"Did I make your night?"

He chuckled and pulled her body closer to his, holding her tightly, "My night…my week…my everything."

^^C/J^^

1 day later after the tour of the Genovian Pear Cooperative

"Well Gramma, as much as I hate to admit it, the pear trees were pretty awesome." Mia confessed as she slid her arm into Clarisse's as they made their way back to the car.

Clarisse smiled knowingly, "Told you so."

"Your grandmother is rarely wrong," Joseph chuckled at Clarisse's raised eyebrow at his words.

"Rarely?"

"No one's perfect, Gramma…and you were a few minutes late this morning." Mia couldn't help teasing her Grandmother when she practically ran…or hastened as Clarisse so accurately termed it…into the foyer a few minutes after ten.

This time Joseph received a slight glare, "I didn't get much sleep last night, Amelia, and as I explained this morning…it takes me a little longer to get ready than it does you and Joseph.

Mia grinned from ear to ear, "You oversleep too, Joe? That's…interesting."

"Don't let your imagination run away with you, Princess. I believe Her Majesty was simply stating a known fact…it takes her a long time to get ready in the morning." He winked at Mia.

"Both of you should stop talking and enjoy the scenery before we get into Pyrus for shopping."

Joseph loved the slight blush on her face…he loved when she got flustered and tried to hide it. And when the blush was from arousal…he loved that she made no attempt to hide that from him. Deciding to pass the time remembering their dinner and dessert last night, he answered "Of course, Your Majesty… I'm hoping to see some bees making honey. I've developed quite a fondness for the tasty nectar of late."

Mia watched the exchange and her grandmother's blush deepen further. She turned her attention to gaze out the window to hide her smirk. Oh yeah, there was something definitely going on between those two.

2:30 p.m. Main Street – Pyrus, Genovia.

Joseph stood, eyes alert as the two most important women in his life milled about the outdoor market. He was accustomed to watching and waiting…had spent the greater part of his life doing exactly that. He had a gift for being able to stand still for hours on end and remain vigilant. In his younger days serving in the military, he had been known for his alert attentiveness. Between missions, his team members would try to sneak up on him or pull a prank while he was on guard duty…they never succeeded. Joseph had always taken the responsibility he had for the lives of those around him very seriously.

It was this attention to detail that kept returning his focus to a middle aged man paying undue attention to Clarisse and Mia. After the initial excitement of an impromptu shopping trip by the Queen and Princess, a few handshakes and curtsies…everyone had resumed their normal activities – giving the two women the opportunity to have some semblance of "normal" in their day. This man, though appearing to be busy with various tasks across the street, had spent a great deal of time staring…not a curious stare...a malevolent, evil glare.

"Joseph, we're ready to head home…we are all shopped out!" Clarisse smiled as she walked the short distance toward her security guard. The hair on the back of her neck stood as the vibes radiating off of him screamed danger and warning. His focus seemed intent on something…or someone across the road. The moment she cleared the market area, into the open she understood why.

Time stood still as the sequence of events unfolded: She witnessed the man reach into his coat, the glint of the weapon catching in the late afternoon sun; the loud crack of gunfire disturbing the normal sounds of the street; and the simultaneous impact of Joseph's into her body as he pushed her to the ground as his cry of pain rang through her ears…breaking not her eardrum, but her heart.

Vaguely she heard the local police shouting and screaming orders. Shades, who had doubled as driver and security for the Princess was lying on the ground a few feet away…a frightened but alive Mia being held to the ground by his strong arm…his body shielding hers. None of that mattered, though, as she held Joseph close to her body, fighting the tears threatening as she tried to comfort him. There was no doubt he had been hit, even if she hadn't been able to feel the warm flow of his blood seeping into her silk blouse…she would have known. "Don't you leave me," she whispered in his ear. "Don't you dare!"

She heard the ambulance siren getting closer, "Hold on, Joseph. Hold on."

Mia and Shades were over her now, trying to get her to let go and shielding their bodies from the curious crowd. Just as the ambulance arrived, she heard his voice. Though weak and quiet, she would never forget the words he uttered to her before they lifted him away.

"I love you."

tbc