Author's Note: I'm obviously on a roll with this story, but it's so much fun and I'm enjoying it... I think it's going to be longer than my other stories (and they were long!) but things will pick up speed in the later chapters!
Thanks to all my readers and reviewers... you all rock!

The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!

All too soon, it was the morning of their departure back to Genovia and Clarisse was feeling a little sad as she watched their luggage being loaded into the boot of the car, a confirmation that their honeymoon was really over. It had been such a perfect honeymoon, just her and Joseph alone together, getting to know each other better, but now they had to go home...

"Back to real life," she murmured to herself before another, happier thought struck her- yes, the honeymoon was over, but now it was the start of another journey- spending the rest of their lives together- and when she again thought of 'going home' she realized she wasn't returning to her parents house, but instead making a home with Joseph- they really were together!

"Penny for your thoughts?" she heard from behind her before she felt his arms making their way around her waist and pulling her close, gently kissing the base of her her neck, smiling when she shivered in delight- he knew that she liked that. They had talked a lot over the past few weeks but they had discovered so much about each other- he had been worried about overwhelming her with his affection and open adoration of her, but she seemed to like it and return it.

"I was just wishing that our honeymoon didn't have to end," she admitted as she leant back against him, loving the fact that she could do that and that he would always be there to catch her.

"Me too- the last three weeks have been perfect," he sighed contentedly, casting his mind back on the past weeks, alone with Clarisse.

It had been wonderful, especially seeing Clarisse really open up and blossom with him, whether when they were making love or when they were out exploring the island, her reserved nature disappearing, revealing a more playful, happy, outgoing side of her and he hoped that it wouldn't disappear when they returned to Genovia and became the Prince and Princess of Genovia.

"Now you're looking serious," he heard her say, and he was surprised to realize that she had turned in his arms so that she was facing him. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing... maybe we could come back for our first wedding anniversary," he suggested and her eyes lit up at that.

"I'd love that," she said softly before he leaned over and kissed her, the rest of the world seeming to melt away...

It wasn't until one of their bodyguards coughed discreetly that they broke away, realizing it was time for them to leave.

0

It was cool and cloudy when Genovia 1 landed at the airport, and thankfully the press weren't there as they disembarked and stepped into the car his parents had sent for them, which took them straight back to the palace.

"A quick hello, let them know we're back and then onto the house," he muttered as they stepped into the main foyer. He DID want to see his family, but he was also eager to show Clarisse their new home and settle in.

"That's not very nice, sweetheart," she reproved him with a smile. "They are your family and they haven't seen them in three weeks."

He was about to argue before he spied his parents and Rupert coming out of the library, all beaming happily.

"We thought we heard voices out here!" Henrik began jovially before stepping forward to give Clarisse a warm hug. "Welcome home, my dear... and Joe," he grinned affectionately at his younger son.

"Thank you," she blushed before she was then hugged by Alexandra and Rupert before stepping back to stand next to Joseph again.

Rupert was struck at how beautiful and radiant she looked, and how openly they glanced each other, each glance so loving he almost had to look away- she had definitely married the right brother... and while Clarisse looked more grown up, the way Joseph looked at her, the way his arm was wrapped possessively around her waist... he really was a husband now and Rupert felt a little envious.

"So, how was the honeymoon?" he asked conversationally as Henrik and Alexandra led them back into the library. "Since we didn't hear from you the entire time..." he added jokingly- they had been incommunicado for the entire honeymoon, but his parents understood.

"Wonderful," Clarisse said as she sank down on the couch she and Joseph used to spend nights cuddled up on, Joseph sitting beside her. "The weather was perfect, the villa beautiful and the view spectacular..."

"The food was delicious," Joseph added with a grin, neither of them wanting to add that they had spend a great deal of time in bed, with even their beach side activities turning passionate and they only just making it back to their villa in time.

"Sounds like you had a good time," Alexandra smiled at the happy couple, most especially Joseph. She had never seen him as happy as he was now, and she sensed a difference in him, as if a barrier had been torn down. He had always been the outgoing, carefree, crazy younger son who drank, flirted and partied, not caring about anyone else thought of him, but he had always been somewhat guarded... But now, especially since Clarisse had come onto the scene, his mother had witnessed a gradual relaxing of his boundaries and now... it had completely collapsed as he now had someone else to consider in his life, Clarisse and it was obvious he loved her more than anything.

"We did... actually, this was only supposed to be a brief call in... I really want to show Clarisse the house..." before Joseph trailed off, noting the look his parents exchanged. "What?"

"Well," Rupert began awkwardly. "You know that we asked Paolo from Lichtenstein to do the plumbing?"

"Don't tell me," Joseph sighed heavily, knowing how unreliable his cousin was. "He hasn't finished yet."

"Not quite... only a couple more days, though, so you'll be in by the end of the week... but you will have to stay here until then," Alexandra said apologetically.

"That's fine," Clarisse said calmly, sensing Joseph's disappointment. "We don't mind."

"That's lucky!" Rupert said with a sly grin. "You'll be busy enough here for the next few days anyway!"

"What do you mean?" Joseph asked suspiciously.

"You have quite a few wedding presents to inventory and write thank you notes for... don't complain," Alexandra added chidingly as Joseph groaned softly. "You two are married and everyone wanted to send you something, so the least you can do is thank them! Besides, you will be able to borrow one of our secretaries to help you dictate a letter, so all you need to do is sign them!"

"Sorry, I am grateful," Joseph looked ashamed, not meaning to be ungrateful before Henrik changed the subject.

"So, are you two available for dinner tonight?"

"Yes... why?"

"Well, we thought we would have a special welcome home dinner for you, just the five of us..." as Joseph's eyes widened- they really wanted to welcome them back and he felt a little guilty for being in rush to leave the palace. "That is, if you want to..."

"Thank you, we'd love to," he replied quietly as, beside him, Clarisse squeezed his hand gently- she really hoped he wouldn't resurrect barriers around himself around anyone that wasn't her- he needed to realize that his family did love him too.

Dinner was simple and lovely with just the five of them, with even Alexandra and Henrik relaxing somewhat as Joseph (and, to a lesser extent, Clarisse) told them all about their honeymoon, and while Joe was disappointed that their home wasn't yet ready, he HAD enjoyed dinner with his family and he WAS touched at the thought of their wedding presents.

"So..." Clarisse began teasingly as they climbed the stairs hand in hand. "Shall we stay in separate suits while we're here.. you in yours and me in mine?"

She was only joking- it didn't matter which suite they stayed in, just as long as they were together.

"What do you think?" he replied just as teasingly, pressing her against the wall and kissing her tenderly, his hands fiddling with the buttons on her blouse. "Separate suites may be a good idea if we want to avoid this..." he added teasingly as his lips left her mouth and trailed kisses down her jaw to her neck.

"I think... we'll be staying in yours...TOGETHER," she responded almost dreamily, swooning slightly against him before he scooped her into his arms.

"You really like doing that, don't you?"

"I do, very much..." before he stepped into the suite, smiling at her and was about to kiss her before they both caught sight of the enormous pile of wedding presents sitting in the corner of the room.

"Oh my," she murmured as he set her down on the floor.

"Oh my indeed," he repeated before she leaned back into him, squeezing his arm gently.

"But we're very lucky..."

000

By the time Joseph's cousin had finished the plumbing, almost a week later (much to Joseph's disgust), they had unwrapped, listed and written thank you letters for all their wedding gifts and they were waiting for them at their house. Joseph was enjoying the time at the palace, but he was eager for him and Clarisse to settle into their new home... at least there, they would be free to be openly affectionate with each other, not worried about being caught by members of the palace staff, as they had been several times, caught kissing and cuddling in isolated hallways. He knew they overlooked it because they were newlyweds, but it frustrated him that he couldn't openly love his wife. He had wanted her from the moment they met, and he was anxious that neither of them retreated back into their respective shells, and Clarisse was touched when he admitted that to her.

"You are sweet... and, believe me, I don't want to go back to who I was before after everything I've experienced over the past few months... which is all thanks to you!"

Finally, the day arrived, and while Joseph had invited his parents and Rupert to accompany them, they had insisted that Clarisse should get the first tour alone.

Clarisse smiled as she watched her husband restlessly shift in his seat, the brief car trip almost too much for him, and he turned to see her smiling at him. "What?"

"I just find it amusing that you're so excited about this that you're restless... just like a little boy... but it's very endearing," he added hastily, not wanting to offend him.

"You're right about me being excited," he said almost defiantly before reaching over and taking one of her hands in his. "I just can't wait to show you the house for us to actually move in!"

The house looked even more formal from the front, although there was no garden, but Joseph was quick to reassure her as he helped her out of the car, that the house was very much like the Winter Palace inside.

"And, if you don't like any of it, we can always redecorate," he added hastily as they walked towards the front door before his wife stopped for a moment and gripped both his hands in hers.

"Darling, you don't need to sell this to me... I love it and I know I'll be happy with whatever you've decided on for the inside... this is our first home, so I love it no matter what."

Joseph blushed slightly, embarrassed at acting like a hyperactive child around his wife, before she pulled his face towards her and kissed him gently.

"Are you going to carry me over the threshold?" she teased, wanting to make him feel better, and he grinned before he scooped her up in his arms again.

Inside, they were met by the head housekeeper (thankfully not Mrs Mack) and head butler, before being introduced to the three other maids, Clarisse's ladies maids and Joseph's new valet, all of whom were slightly awed to be in the presence of royalty. Clarisse felt a little awkward about having staff cater to her every whim (she hadn't liked it when she was younger, living with her parents), but she also knew that once she and Joseph began their royal duties, they would come in very handy.

"Would you like a tour?" Joseph asked from beside her and she nodded, allowing him to take her hand and lead her towards the stairs.

He had been right- despite the outwardly formal appearance, the inside of the house was far more casual, and decorated in a very similar style to the Winter Palace. There were six bedroom upstairs, and the main suite had it's own en-suite and two dressing rooms- "perfect for us'' she said quietly- while, downstairs, there was a small library with it's own fireplace, a large living room leading out to a balcony overlooking the back of the property, and one dining room.

"It's perfect" she cried after the tour was over, Joseph waiting nervously for her verdict. "It really is!" she turned to him with a delighted look. "It's going to suit us wonderfully, and I can just imagine our children growing up here!"

"There is no garden at the moment, but we can change that," he relaxed, glad that she loved it. "We could have our own stable..."he added, his head full of ideas of how to make the place more comfortable for Clarisse, but he knew all she cared about was him being there.

"It doesn't matter about all of that... I love it!" she said enthusiastically before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him firmly on the mouth, excited that their life together was beginning... first marriage, the honeymoon and now their first home!

00000

The next few months passed by quickly and the entire family, including Joseph and Clarisse, was busy with their individual projects as well as attending events as a family, Clarisse becoming a rapidly rising star in their ranks, although she felt that she really shouldn't be.

Despite the fact they had had no notice or access to the wedding (and there had been several disgruntled headlines in the paper over that), the press had quickly fallen in love with the brand new Princess and she very rapidly became 'Genovia's Sweetheart' (much to her embarrassment and Joseph's pride) as, together, she and Joseph eclipsed even the King and Queen as the country's most photographed couple, much to Clarisse's horror. She was very fond of her parents in law, but her respect for them as her monarchs often outweighed that.

"Your parents should ALWAYS be the focus of attention, not us!" she protested one morning in April as, yet again, their presence at an event attended by everyone had overshadowed the Queen on the front page of the news paper. "It's as if we were the only ones who attended last night!"

"It's alright, my love," Joe said reassuringly, moving to stand behind her, gently massaging her shoulders before bending down to kiss her neck. "My parents understand and they don't mind, but you're very sweet to be concerned... It will all settle down eventually, and then we can lead our own lives..."

He was delighted and proud that she had settled in so well into royal life, in most part thanks to his mother ("and you!" Clarisse had said with a smile) and that his family was very fond of her, which was more than he could say for HIS in laws.

Aside from a phone call Clarisse had received from her father when they returned, her mother still hadn't relented in her disapproval of Joseph, but Clarisse didn't care anymore.

"I have you, and that's what matters," she said simply when he had pressed her about it.

So wrapped up was he in Clarisse and their happy marriage (they had had several spats but had yet to have a really serious argument) and everything they did together (she accompanied him to all his events, and they were due to visit Portugal in late June), that it wasn't until late April that Joseph realized Rupert was avoiding them. Not exactly avoiding them, but he spent less and less time with them, which surprised and hurt Joe- he HAD approved of their relationship, and had been proud to stand up as his best man as well as visiting them when they had first moved into the house, but now...

"Maybe he's just busy," Clarisse suggested when Joseph spoke to her about it. "He HAS been busy lately, attending parliament with your father and all that travelling..."

"True, that could be it,"" he mused, feeling better that he had confided in Clarisse.

"Besides," she added, shifting closer to him in bed, running a hand down his bare chest- their physical relationship was just as passionate as ever... they had both been concerned that things would change once they returned to Genovia, but things were just the same, if not better... they had a very strong bond that seemed to be strengthening all the time.

"You two are brothers and best friends... he's just busy, that's all, and I'm sure he'll come and see you soon..."

000

Unfortunately, Clarisse's words were so very wrong as Rupert continued to avoid them right up until his 30th birthday part in late May, but Joseph soon discovered the reason (or, rather reasons) that his ordinarily easy going brother was avoiding them.

"Guys!" Rupert called happily through the crowd (or rather tipsily, Clarisse thought) when he spied them walking through the front door.

"So glad you could come!" he added when they finally joined him, Clarisse on Joseph's arm. "I have two people that I want you to meet... This is Lady Allyson, a young lady I've been seeing for the past few months..." as a tall, auburn haired lady in her late twenties, clad in an ugly green dress and snobbish features stepped forward and nodded briefly at the young couple.

"Delighted to meet you," she sniffed, leaving no doubt that she really didn't want to meet them.

"... And this is Arthur Mabrey, who will be replacing his father in parliament," Rupert continued as a bearded, smug and serious looking man in his mid thirties stepped forward, his eyes on Clarisse.

"I'm pleased to meet the younger brother and the lady who changed her mind," he almost sneered as he put his lips on Clarisse's gloved hand, Clarisse trying to hide a shudder of revulsion as Joseph secretly seethed beside her before smiling charmingly and placing a possessive arm around her waist.

"Very pleased to meet you both... if you'll excuse us, we don't want to hold up the line," before chivvying Clarisse into the crowd.

"Joseph, I don't like either of them," she murmured worriedly and he squeezed her waist tightly.

"I know, darling, neither do I, but I don't think there's anything we can do."

The evening turned into a chore for Joseph and Clarisse- Joe because he STILL had women flirting with him, even though he was clearly married, and Clarisse because she had to dance with all the old, lecherous men in parliament, hardly given the chance to stay with her husband at all, although she felt better knowing that he was watching her.

Arthur Mabrey was just as bad as the others, eyeing her up and down with a lecherous grin, but the dance was soon over and she was gratefully making her way over to Joseph when she suddenly felt someone grab her hand and lead her back onto the dance floor.

"What the..." she began before realizing that it was Rupert smiling inanely at her, drunker than he was before.

"I'm sorry, but I had to dance with my sister before her husband claimed her for the rest of the night!"

"Well, it is your birthday," she replied calmly, almost blown away by the smell of alcohol on his breath and exuding from his pores. They danced in silence for a few moments before Rupert gazed blearily at her.

"Can I tell you something?"

"Of course," she replied, relieved to break the awkward silence between them before she felt his grip around her waist tighten as he pulled her closer to him.

"I wish I had fought harder for you," he slurred into her ear.

"Excuse me?" she faltered slightly.

"I mean... I wish I hadn't let Joseph steal you away from me... you are quite different to what you used to be... obviously a wedding and honeymoon has turned you into a woman... quite a woman..." he almost leered at her and Clarisse blushed hotly at his words, well aware of what he was saying.

But before she could say anything, or even push herself away from him, he continued:

"A very beautiful woman... adored by the country, the royal family and her husband... and a woman who could have made me very happy in many ways," he whispered into her ear as Clarisse began to fight against him. "I never thought you would turn out to be so spectacular, both physically and otherwise but you have...Maybe we could..."

Thankfully, the song suddenly changed and mortified, appalled at what he had said to her and close to tears, Clarisse yanked herself away from him, breathing heavily in disgust as he reeled away from her in search of more drinks.

She suddenly felt claustrophobic, the night suddenly ending for her and determined that Joseph would never find out about this incident, before she quietly crept across to where her mother in law was standing alone.

"Would you mind terribly if I excused my self, Your Majesty? I have a terrible headache... could you let Joseph know I've gone to bed?" she explained quietly to the older woman.

"Of course," the Queen replied, carefully regarding the young woman before she disappeared into the crowd. She had looked very upset and she suddenly wondered... she had noticed young Arthur Mabrey gazing at her with barely concealed lust and then Rupert... he had pulled her too close for comfort as she could see the young woman struggling against him... something was goin on, she thought to herself, before going in search of her younger son- Clarisse, whatever happened, deserved her husband's comfort and support...

Clarisse was just about at the top of the stairs, relieved to be alone, when she heard footsteps behind her. Afraid that it was Rupert or Viscount Mabrey behind her, wishing to continue their 'plans', she took a deep breath in and steeled herself for defence, before spinning around to see... Joseph standing there.

"Clarisse?" he said after a moment as he stepped cautiously towards her, shocked at the defensive stance and look in her eyes- what on earth had happened to make her so defensive?

"Baby, are you alright?" he asked gently as Clarisse, realizing who it was, let her guard down a little.

"I'm fine, just a small headache," she attempted to smile at him... "You don't need to fuss over me... go back and enjoy the party..." but Joseph wasn't at all convinced, especially when she almost jumped back when he put an arm around her shoulders. Someone had obviously hit on her... but who?

"Actually, I'm rather tired too and it gets too boring when everyone's drunk," he said lightly as he guided her into the suite and over to the couch. His mother had been right- she was very, very upset and Alexandra informed him that she didn't expect to see either of them for the rest of the night.

"I do have my suspicions about what happened, but she has to tell you herself..."

"So," he said softly as he gripped both her hands in his- she obviously didn't want any other physical contact at the moment. "Are you going to tell me what happened in the ballroom?"

"N...n... nothing," she stammered, her eyes filling with tears as she looked away- he was looking at her so kindly and so lovingly, but how could she tell him this? Maybe she had asked for Mabrey and Rupert hitting on her...

"Clarisse, it's not nothing, and we're not going to move until you tell me the truth," he said seriously, a little hurt that she was obviously keeping something from him, but patient enough to wait until she came to him. "Please, darling, someone has obviously hurt you and I want to help you..."

She sighed shakily- obviously, Joseph wasn't going to let this go, and while she wanted to protect him from his brother, she also knew that she couldn't do this alone... she wanted to tell him, she wanted to be protected by him...

"Alright..." she turned to look at him, tears still glimmering in her eyes and Joseph leaned forward as she hesitantly began to tell her story...

There was a long silence when she finished, and she could barely stand to look up at him, but she finally plucked up the courage to, and she was relieved to see that he wasn't at all angry at her, although he did look furious...

"You're... you're not angry at me?" she asked in a small voice before he crushed her into his arms.

"Of course not, my darling, this is not your fault in the slightest... You are the innocent party in this, and I'm so very, very very sorry that this has happened..." before he trailed off broodingly, his anger at his brother and Mabrey threatening to overwhelm him.

How DARE they try and hit on his wife! How DARE they treat her like she was another one of those vacuous, insipid blondes who loved the attention! She was his wife, the love of his life, and they would not get away with this, not by a long shot...

"Joseph... he was drunk, he probably didn't know what he was saying..." Clarisse said quietly beside him, not wanting the brothers to fight, but his eyes were glittering angrily when he looked back at her.

"Believe me, sweetheart, I think he did mean those things, and I'm going to let him know that he will NEVER say anything like that again to my wife!" he almost snapped as he stood up, ready to go down and take his brother on right now, before he felt her hand on his arm.

"Joe... please don't do anything... it was a one off..."

"You DON'T want me to do anything?" he looked at her in disbelief. "Clarisse, he tried to hit on you! He insulted you and your honour, and that's something I won't allow to happen!"

"But..."

"Baby," he said hurriedly, sitting down next to her and grabbing her hands again. "You are my wife, and no one has the right to insult you like those two did tonight... please, darling, let me protect you the way I'm supposed to as your husband... I can't let this go, Clarisse, I can't..."

"I just don't want to cause any trouble..." she almost whispered.

"You won't... you did the right thing telling me, and I won't let it go too far... but I can't let every man think he had can hit on you... "

"I know," she said miserably, leaning against him and he wrapped his arms around her again. "Just... please don't do anything tonight..."

"Alright, I won't," he finally said, realizing that Clarisse was still very upset and needed him... "But, please..." he added, tipping her chin up so that she was looking into his eyes. "Please... don't keep things like this from me again... I love you so much, and I want to protect you..."

"I won't... and I love you too..." Clarisse said solemnly before cuddling up into his arms, relieved that it was all over and done with, while Joseph, while holding her tightly, was staring out the window, thinking of what he was going to say to his older brother...