*Author's Note: Apologies for the long absence, but I've been busy moving.

No characters belong to me, just a few little ideas from my imagination. Characters property of Disney Meg Cabot.

Anniversary

Clarisse continued to attend to Joseph's injury with water therapy, and he was thrilled to feel the positive effects of her attentiveness. He reluctantly agreed to continue his other therapy out of his love for her. Clarisse was finding the pool sessions leaving her confused as to how far she was letting their physical relationship progress. She loved Joseph so much and wanted to give herself to him, but she also wanted to wait until she could commit to him fully; but would she ever? She played everything over in her mind. What if something were to happen that prevented them from taking that step? She knew she would regret it forever. She just questioned whether she would regret taking action more.

It was closing in on the Independence Day celebrations and Mia flew in with her mother and Patrick, plus Michael and Lily, so Clarisse had a full house and a full schedule.

On the evening of the ball, she was dressed in a beautiful pale blue ball gown and she sought out Joseph as she and Mia entered the ballroom together, but was disappointed to see Shades in his stead. The dancing started and Clarisse was kept on her feet with many partners before Mia alerted her to look behind her.

Tears filled Clarisse's eyes as she saw Joseph walking towards her, unaided and dressed to the nines. He reached her and they bowed and curtsied in turn before Joseph took Clarisse in his arms and began to slowly turn her about the room. 'Joseph...' Clarisse said quietly.
'Clean bill of health thanks to the attentions of a very special nurse.' he said with a smile.
'I would say your nurse deserves a thank you. How ever should we repay her?'
'I have some ideas.' Joseph said, eliciting a quiet laugh from his Queen.

As time ticked by to a late hour, Clarisse bid her subjects and peers goodnight before Joseph escorted her away from the ball. As she passed her by, Clarisse told Charlotte to inform her lady's maids she would not require their services any further that night.

Reminiscent of the previous year, Joseph took Clarisse's hand and slid her arm through his before escorting her up the stairs to her suite. Joseph closed the suite door and followed Clarisse down the hall. 'Would you like a drink?' she asked him.
'Already taken care of my dear.' he said as she reached the living room and stopped short at the scene before her. There were a vase of roses on her coffee table along with a chilling bottle of champagne and two crystal flutes. 'Joseph...' she said; but she was lost for words, so he approached and placed his hands on her bare shoulders. 'This evening marks-' he paused as he felt her breath hitch, fighting tears. 'Our Anniversary.' she said before turning in his arms; his hands skimmed down her arms and came to rest at her waist. 'Our Anniversary.' he said with a smile as he took both of her hands in his and lifted them, kissing them each in turn. 'Clarisse, you know that I have loved you for so long. You are extraordinary; and a year ago you made my dreams come true. I adore you, my love.' he said. Clarisse pulled her hands from his and placed them at the base of his neck, stroking her elegant fingers up to his jaw line before reaching up to kiss him.

Joseph wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him as she deepened her kiss. Her skirts rustled against him, awakening his senses from this beautiful dream as he forced himself to pull back from her. Her eyes remained closed as she revelled in this blissful moment, and Joseph could not help but lightly stroke his thumb over her lower lip. She opened her eyes to look at him. 'Joseph, I...' she stopped and her eyes closed as his fingers caressed her neck. She looked up at him again. 'I have to confess something.' she said. Joseph felt his heart contract a little; what had her so tightly wound that she was struggling to use one of her greatest powers - communication? 'There is something you have to know.' she said.
'Clarisse, you can always talk to me about anything.' he said. Clarisse lifted his hand to her mouth, brushing her lips tenderly against his fingers before looking up at him again. 'The day we met I was so scared, but so determined to go through with the arrangement that I ignored the intrigue you sparked within me. Rupert was a dear friend and I loved him as such, but our partnership was always - and remained until his death - just business. Producing heirs makes it seem so seedy now, but it was a business partnership and nothing more.'
'I know my Darling.'
'Joseph, I had to give myself to Rupert on our wedding night. It disturbs me to think on it now, but it was like a seal on a contract. Afterward I cried myself to sleep. My peers were all jealous of my becoming a Princess and I had no right to be miserable when there were so many worse off than I, but I had hoped something so personal could have been more. It should have been a gift to someone I loved.'
'Clarisse, we cannot change the past.' Joseph said with his usual understanding.
'No, you're right.' Clarisse said; and spread her hands upon his chest as she looked up into his eyes. 'I can't change the past, but I can act on the present and future.' she said. Joseph was looking into her beautiful, crystal blue eyes and seeking understanding. 'Joseph, I love you.' she said.
'And I you.' he said.
'I want to give you more. If I could give Rupert such a precious gift out of duty then I should be able to give myself fully to the man I love.' she said; her fingers flicking the buttons of his shirt open. He took her hands in his and kissed her fingers. 'Clarisse, I would never presume to expect anything from you.' he said.
'I know, and you are one of the few men I've met who does not. You see me for me, not just a decoration.'
'What makes you beautiful is so much more than meets the eye Clarisse.' he said, but stilled her hands as they resumed undressing him. She looked up at him intently. 'Joseph, my Philippe has been dead for over a year now. My baby boy is gone and he shouldn't be.' she said.
'I know my love.'
'Life is too short to waste time, to waste moments like this. I will not carry any more regrets on my shoulders. If something were to happen that would separate us then not doing this would be my biggest regret.' she explained.
'I will never leave you, Clarisse.'
'Then my dear Joseph, I ask you - even if it is just for one night - make me yours.' she said.
'Are you sure?' he asked as his fingers played at her neck.
'Certain.' she said; and sealed her declaration with a promising kiss.

*Author's Note: If you would like a follow up M Rated chapter please send me a PM