Title: Memories- The Fourteenth Day of the Lusty Month of May

Author: zephiey

Rating: T +

Pairing: Joseph/Clarisse, Rupert/Clarisse
Category: AU, Romance

Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Princess Diaries and its characters are the property of Disney, Buena Vista, and Meg Cabot. I make no money from this work of fiction.

Summary: When accusations are made against King Rupert, Dowager Queen Clarisse shows Genovia the true man behind the crown.

Memories

Queen Amelia tossed the paper down onto the desk in disgust, before looking over at her Grandmother. "Why are they doing this?" she asked, trying to understand why the press would attempt to smear the good name of her late Grandfather, King Rupert, 'may he rest in peace', she silently added.

"Because, my dear, there are people in Genovia and around the world who would do anything to undermine the Renaldi rule and name," explained her Grandmother, placing her teacup down on the table.

"But this…this," Mia pointed to the various papers and magazines that littered her desk, "is disgusting. He is dead, has been for over eight years and now…now..." Mia threw her hands up in the air, dropping down onto the sofa next to her grandmother. "Now they are trying to defile his memory with this…this crap! They have called him a wife abuser, a drunk, a... a philanderer…my god the only thing they haven't called him was a rapist," Mia spat in disgust.

Clarisse reached over, covered Mia's hand with hers and squeezed it gently. "My dear, it will be fine," said Clarisse.

Mia looked at her grandmother, noticed how calm she was and asked, "How can you be so calm, Grandma. They are insulting your first husband, the father of your children, my grandfather and you are sitting there serene and calm. How…why? Don't you care?"

Clarisse looked directly into Amelia's eyes. Mia saw the glint of steel in her grandmother's eyes and realized while her grandmother may appear outwardly calm she was livid!

"I am calm because I have proof, undeniable proof that every single accusation made about Rupert is completely and utterly false. By the time I am through, there will be no doubt as to the character of your Grandfather and my first husband Rupert."

Just as Clarisse finished speaking Joseph walked in, looked at Clarisse and said, "They are in the media room being prepared. Sebastian has called a session of Parliament and Charlotte is finishing up your speech."

"Then I suppose we should prepare ourselves," said Clarisse. "Come, my dear," she said to Mia, standing and waiting for Mia to do the same.

"Grandma, what is going on?" asked Mia.

"I'll explain as we change, we have…," Clarisse looked at Joseph.

"Thirty minutes," he informed his wife.

Clarisse slipped her arm through her granddaughters, Dowager Queen and Queen walked toward their suites, heads together as Clarisse explained everything to her granddaughter. Queen Amelia's laughter could be heard, along with the soft chuckles from the Dowager Queen.

Protocol demanded that the reigning Queen enter first but Amelia waved aside that protocol, stating this session of Parliament was not about protocol it was about family and as head of the Renaldi portion of the Ramirez Renaldi family, the Dowager Queen would enter first, followed by herself, and her grandfather Joseph.

Taking their seats, she on the right of her grandmother and Joseph on the left, they waited for the speech and proof that would forever prove the character of her grandfather King Rupert. Clarisse began her speech and spoke of her grandfather in loving terms, reminding everyone present of King Rupert's accomplishments, of his love for his country and his tireless efforts on behalf of Genovia. She reminded everyone of the man behind the crown and finally coming to the end of her short speech she said, "And while I know I can stand up here and speak for hours about my husband and my King there will be those watching this who would still refuse to believe that King Rupert…" Clarisse waited for the normal response to his name to end before she continued. "…was a loving husband, father and man. Instead, they would prefer to believe the lies and innuendos printed about the man. The old saying, 'seeing is believing,' is applicable in this instance so I shall let you see what no one but myself, a good friend and our sons have ever seen."

The lights in Parliament were lowered and a large LCD television was lowered, the screen blank before it was filled with the smiling face of King Rupert, looking healthy.

"Are we ready?" he asked someone out of sight. "Good, then let's get this thing started," he said. "Bonjour ma femme chérie, mon amour," Rupert said, the love he felt easily seen by everyone watching.

Clarisse's whispered, "Bonjour mari, mon amour," was picked up by the microphone she was wearing on her lapel. She squeezed Joseph's hand.

"Hola Joseph, mi amigo, mi hermano," Rupert said.

Joseph's, "Hola mi rey, mi hermano," was also picked up by Clarisse's microphone. Many in Parliament were surprised at King Rupert's greeting.

"Hello boys," Rupert greeted. "Stop scowling Philippe, and stop smirking at your brother Pierre, you may be grown but you will always be my boys. So deal with it as the saying goes," Rupert said, his teasing bringing chuckles from those watching. "Now you are probably wondering exactly what I am doing and why. Well, the what is, I am making a movie for all of you to enjoy. That includes you Joseph and little Amelia, along with any other grandchildren my sons see fit to give me. Yes, Pierre that was directed at you. Simply because you are a member of the clergy, you are a Lutheran minister not a Catholic priest, does not mean you cannot father a handful of babies for your mother and me to enjoy. Or in this case for your Mama and Joseph to enjoy."

"Now the why of this is twofold. When I am gone, there will be rumours and stories about me. Many will be based on the truth. I do not deny that before I married your mother I was a playboy. I enjoyed the life of a Crown Prince, and all the rewards that came with it. I can guarantee that the press will dredge up every single instance of that time of my life and plaster it across papers. If I could prevent that I would, but I cannot so I decided to create something that would counter all the trash the press will print. The other why is that I want each of you to remember our lives together. I want you to remember everything. Even the bad times, because even when we argued we were family first. So without further ado I give you us."

King Rupert faded out to be replaced by the image of a very young Clarisse and a younger Rupert.

"I don't like you!" Clarisse said.

"I'm not exactly thrilled with you either," Rupert argued back. "Why my parents think you will make me a good wife is beyond me. I like brunettes, and you are blonde. I like women who are tall and you are not. I like women who are trim. You are too…," Rupert struggled to find the right word. "…curvy. And your eyes…their blue. I like green eyes. You don't fit what I want in a wife at all," he said.

Clarisse turned to glare at Rupert. "Well, if we are listing physical preferences then allow me to assure you you don't fit my ideal man either. You are too tall. I don't like men overly tall. You are too muscular. I prefer men to be toned, without bulging muscles. I don't like men with grey in their hair. Grey hair is for old men. And your eyes are hazel. I like eyes with a single colour, not ones that can't decide on their colour," Clarisse said.

"Good, then it is decided," said Rupert. "We aren't right for each other. I'll inform my father that we don't suit and you can go back to your life and I can go back to mine."

"Good," replied Clarisse.

The scene changed to a garden party and Rupert's voice could be heard. "I still couldn't believe I listed those reasons as to why you weren't the perfect woman for me. But the only thing I can say in my defence is that my father sprung you on me with no warning and you quite literally knocked the breath out of me. You were the complete opposite of what I thought I found attractive. It didn't help that when I spoke to you I felt as nervous as a teenager did. Luckily, calmer heads prevailed and our engagement continued."

The scene shifted again, this time to the garden and a group of men speaking.

"So have you kissed her yet?" a man who looked remarkably like Lord Nicholas Devereaux asked.

"No," answered Rupert.

"She probably doesn't know how to kiss," another voice said.

"She looks too icy, too cold to know how to kiss," added another man.

The men laughed and continued to talk about Lady Clarisse and the upcoming wedding. As they spoke, they failed to realize the lady they were discussing was on the other side of the hedges. She could hear every single word they said about her. She cared little about the men's opinions. One opinion however did bother her. Deciding the best way to deal with the one opinion was to prove beyond any doubt she possessed the skills the men were maligning. She made her way over to the men. The men immediately stopped speaking when they saw her approach. She greeted each man warmly before stopping near Rupert.

"I just wanted to say goodbye. I have a few appointments," she said. She knew the men were listening to their conversation.

"I will escort you to your car," said Rupert.

"That won't be necessary," said Clarisse. "I don't want to take you away from your guests," she said, indicating the men.

"If you're sure," said Rupert.

"Yes, quite sure. But there is one thing you can do for me," said Clarisse, resting her hands on Rupert's chest.

"That is?"

"A kiss," said Clarisse. Rupert was surprised at Clarisse's request. Seeing Rupert's hesitation, Clarisse pulled Rupert's head down to hers and kissed him slowly, thoroughly exploring his mouth before ending the kiss. She wiped a smudge of lipstick off Rupert's lower lip with her thumb, stepped out of his arms, said goodbye and walked away.

Rupert watched her walk away before the scene faded again. For the next ninety minutes, Parliament and the Genovian public witnessed various glimpses into the life of the Royal Family- from the Royal Wedding, to the birth of the Princes to private moments between King Rupert and Queen Clarisse. As the show continued, Clarisse relived every moment on the screen. She covered her face in embarrassment a few times; shy at the public seeing the intimacy between her and Rupert.

"Oh no...," she whispered when the library came into view. It was dark, only the faint outline of the bookshelves visible. Mia was ready to ask what was the matter when she heard her grandmother's voice.

"Please Rupert…," Clarisse begged, the passion in her voice unmistakable.

"Shh….darling. You are going to have to be quiet. Can you do that? Can you keep from making those sexy little noises you do…we don't want those at the ball to hear us," Rupert said his voice deep and husky as his hands pulled more moans from his wife.

"Sod the ball," gasped Clarisse, whining softly.

"Shh... mon amour," said Rupert. Soon, only the sounds of clothing rustling could be heard. The scene shifted to the hallway, where Joseph stood guarding the library doors. The audience watched as Philippe, with Pierre following walked over to speak to Joseph.

"Joseph, have you seen Mama and Papa?" Philippe asked.

"Yes," answered Joseph.

"Where?" asked Pierre. Their parents had been missing for about ten minutes and both men were wondering where they were. Their father's health was declining and so they were understandably worried. Something in Joseph's expression must have clued Pierre in. He looked at the library door then back at Joseph then the library door again.

"They're inside aren't they?" asked Pierre.

"Yes," answered Joseph.

Pierre turned to Philippe. "They're inside," said Pierre, thumbing toward the door.

"The library? What are they doing in the library?" asked Philippe. Pierre gave Philippe a look and understanding dawned.

"Not again?" Philippe said. Pierre nodded yes. "Don't they have a room?" huffed Philippe, not wanting to think about what his parents were doing in the library.

"Well, if you think about it, the whole of the Palace is theirs so…," began Pierre.

"Shut up, brother," complained Philippe, before a grin spread across his face and he tossed an arm around Pierre. "What say you we go to our hosting thing," he began. "Because I don't want to be here when they come out. There are things sons should not know about their parents," he finished. Pierre laughed, and tossed an arm around Philippe's shoulders agreeing. The two men turned to walk back to the ballroom; Pierre stopped and looked back over his shoulder. "Joseph?" he said.

"Yes?"

"Please make sure they are presentable before they return. We can't have them shocking Parliament," he said.

Joseph rolled his eyes at the request as the two men laughed, and re-entered the ballroom.

A few more scenes played before Rupert reappeared on the screen.

"Quite fond memories, weren't they my dear? Now that we have relived them, I have only a few things left to say.

Pierre, I have loved you since before you were born and I will love you until the end of time. You are my son, and while I know you would have made a great king and I would have been proud of you, I am prouder of you for following the path of your heart. However, this does not mean I do not want a few grandchildren from you," he teased. "I love you."

"Philippe. I love you. You are like me is so many ways and my heart breaks knowing that you will never love another woman as you did Helen. But I also know that the choices you made were best for your family. I had hoped to see Amelia just once more before I died but I know it will not happen. I know you will make a great king and when your daughter finally arrives in Genovia and learns of her heritage, I know she will make a great Queen. Remember, I love you, until the end of time and then some," he said.

Rupert looked intently the camera and began, "Joseph, you are my friend and my brother. I suppose many would wonder why a man with your background and training would come to work for a small country like Genovia. Most would think it was for the prestige of working for the Royal Family or for the money that the position offered but I know the true reason you came to work here. You came because I asked you to. Few men would leave everything, their home, their connections, their family's power and move halfway across the world to become Head of Security. But you did and I am indebted to you for doing so. If it had not been for you, I would have lost my son to an attacker and the most important woman in the world to an assassin's bullet. I cannot ever repay you for your loyalty. The only thing I can do is thank you. Te amo, mi amigo y hermano," he finished.

Looking directly at the camera, Rupert let his kingly mask slip and became simply a man, "Clarisse, mon amour, what can I say to you? Everything I want to say sounds trite and overused. You are my soul, the other half of me and I will love you until the end of time. And while I will love you forever, I do not want or expect you to remain unmarried for the rest of your life. You have too much love in you to waste on a memory. If you fall in love with a certain man, a man who you trust above all others, know this, you have not only my blessing but also my congratulations," he said, raising his fingers to his lips and sending a kiss to the woman he loved for over forty years.

"As for any of my grandchildren who may be watching this, I hope this gives you an idea of the man who was your grandfather. I bid you all adieu, until we meet again. Au revoir."

Silence greeted the end of the broadcast and as the lights came on, a slow clap began in Parliament. Queen Amelia, Dowager Queen Clarisse and Sir Joseph looked around at the members of Parliament, the media and the public who were present as the audience wiped their eyes, stood and cheered.

Clarisse squeezed Mia and Joseph's hands and knew there would be no more rumours printed about King Rupert.

The End