A/N: this chapter speaks for itself... and then there's the aftermath...
Thanks to all my readers and reviewers- you all rock!
The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me- only the story line
The ensuing days flew by quickly and while Clarisse was busier than she usually was during summer, having a few meetings during the week and perusing the papers Joseph normally did, she always spent time with her husband in the morning before returning in the evening to stay the night and, luckily, the press hadn't caught on, not that she would have dignified with a response.
Joseph too was busy, participating in intense and gruelling physiotherapy sessions as well as brief visits with the psychologist, wanting desperately to be home with his wife (although the nights in the hospital were nice) and having ready access to the kids (all of whom had been ecstatic about hearing from him, three days after the incident, that he had called them again).
He was also planning his very stern talking to to Jack- Clarisse's eye had gotten steadily blacker as the week wore on and she had been dismayed to discover several bruises on her shoulder and chest, and while Joseph hadn't said a word, he was mentally toughening up his speech for Jack.
The shooting had caused great upheaval in the country- who would shoot their monarch, many wondered; who would shoot a man who was governing the country reasonably well and, with his wife, was part of the beloved royal family? There were a number of suspects in custody, and whil there were some who were indifferent to the fates of the as yet unknown gun man or the King, the rest of the country waited with bated breath for the investigation to be completed.
Clarisse was curious, but she was more fearful of the consequences for her family when the identity was revealed- she had almost lost her husband once, she didn't want to face that again.
Joseph, on the other hand, wanted to know who it was and he couldn't understand WHY he had done it- but he wanted very much to know WHY... and he was equally confident that his family wouldn't suffer any retribution- he had obviously been the target- but he could understand his wife's fears.
"Until this is sorted out, we'll have around the clock protection- not only our bodyguards, but an additional team we've used when we've had foreign visitors, and we'll be safe," he vowed and Clarisse felt her fears being assuaged somewhat.
"I'm sure Phillipe will be thrilled- he's fascinated with security and bodyguards," she said with a wry smile, but he knew he had made the right decision and the palace crew were happy with the extra assistance.
Finally, eight days after the 'incident', the doctors agreed that Joseph was well enough to be discharged from hospital, but they made it very clear that he was still on ''leave'' from his role until at least the end of July, depending on his progression in physiotherapist, and he wouldn't be doing any official duties or paperwork until they thought it was alright.
Their words annoyed Joseph- he was fine mentally, he only had physical injuries to get over- but he was so desperate to get home and see his kids that he didn't dare complain to them or Clarisse, and he was confident that she could handle everything.
When the day finally arrived, he was already up and dressed when Clarisse returned, having snuck out earlier to ensure everything was ready for Joseph's arrival- he would stay in their suite until he was more mobile, with extra help and the daily physiotherapy.
"I see someone is ready to leave," she teased gently and he nodded, looking impatient.
"No one likes staying in hospital longer than necessary... so what's the situation downstairs?"
"Press everywhere, Darren has given them a brief statement saying you're being discharged today, but I think they want a picture of you."
"No," he shook his head vehmently. "Definitely not... can they get the car as close as possible to the exit?"
"Phillip said he will try, but... sweetheart, I think it will be inevitable that they will get a picture of you, and maybe you should therefore let the country see you... even if through the window of the car... just to let them know you're alright."
Joseph regarded her calmly for a long time, impressed by her words and ideas and he knew she was right- he had to let the country know he was alright and soon back in charge... but on his own terms.
"Fine," he said finally. "I will let the press see me, but NOT in a wheelchair, I don't want to project the image that I'm an invalid."
"You were seriously injured, though- you had three bullets removed from your body and there is damage that you need time to recover from."
"I know that!" he snapped before feeling instantly contrite. "I'm sorry, I'm just keen to get home."
"I know, she patted his uninjured shoulder gently. "We'll be leaving soon, they're just organizing the car downstairs so you don't have to move too far from the wheelchair to the car... so, what about the picture?"
"From the car, I'll hve the window down but no questions."
"I'll let Darren know so he can alert the driver..." before she slipped out of the room to do just that, glad Joseph hadn't seen HER anxiety about the press as well as the fact that she was excited as there was a surprise waiting for him at home...
0
Joseph's exit from hospital was less complicated than they expected- once the press had heard that there would be a brief opportunity for them to see their monarch as he left the hospital, they backed off enough so that Joseph was given the dignity to climb into the car without pictures being taken before, as promised, the limo stopped near where the journalists were waiting and opened his window. Questions flew from every which way and while Clarisse, from her position beside him, was glad she didn't have to deal with them, Joseph only grinned and said a few brief words, mainly to thank everyone for their support and how respectfully they had treated Her Majesty.
"Will you allow an interview soon?" someone shouted as the window went up and Joseph paused.
"Maybe, we'll have to see, and see how quickly I recover," before the window automatically closed, blocking the press's access to the royal couple.
"I definitely haven't missed the press," he commented as the car left the grounds and turned in the direction of the palace. "That's one part I won't miss for the next month... although YOU will still have to deal with them."
"Not all the time," she said calmly. "Remember, it's summertime and we're expected to go into hiding, which means I won't be talking to the press unless strictly necessary," she said firmly, surprising both of them with her coolness. "However, today, all that matters is that you are coming home."
"Yes, that's what matters today," he agreed, reaching over for her hand. "And, hopefully, the kids can come home too."
The transfer back at the palace, while a little more complicated- there had been suggestions he stay downstairs until he was more mobile, an idea he vetoed immediately- but he was, finally, being wheeled towards their suite, Clarisse at his side, and there was a momentary pause as the doors were opened and they entered the room together before, suddenly...
"SURPRISE!" and all five children, James, Charlie, Lisa and Marion leapt out of the bedroom, a homemade banner with 'Welcome Home!" stretched across the fireplace, before the children shouted the same thing and raced towards him, pausing only when they realized he had sore spots.
"You're home!" Emily cried joyfully as she hugged his knees, the boys and twins squabbling over which side they could touch before Clarisse, seeing that Joseph was delighted but overwhelmed, quickly stepped in.
"Wait until your father is settled and then you can hug him!"
The children waited patiently as James and a bodyguard helped Joseph onto the sofa, but while Emily made an immediate beeline for him, her older siblings hung back, now as if suddenly realizing he was hurt, but before Clarisse could say anything Joseph grinned at him.
"Guys, I'm okay...you just need to be a little careful with my shoulder, side and leg... but I'm really glad to be home and see you all again..." before the twins inched closer to him, followed by Pierre and, finally, Phillipe.
"So, when can you come out riding with us?" Phillipe inquired as the four older children sprawled on the floor, Emily still glued to his legs, while the adults sat in the chairs around them.
"Not for a while," Joseph laughed ruefully. "But as soon as I can, I will... and we're going to have to find a pony for Em," he smiled warmly down at his youngest daughter, who beamed happily.
It was good to catch up with everyone- although both James and Charlie had alternated visiting him at the hospital- but soon Clarisse could see that he was tiring and it was time for him to rest. In a stroke of good timing, the girls nanny came in and announced lunch and it was also around the same time that lunchtime downstairs so everyone disappeared out of the room.
"We'll be back," James said discreetly as he followed his wife out of the room after helping Joseph into the bedroom, leaving Joseph and Clarisse alone.
"Will you be alright?" she hovered anxiously as he kicked off his shoes and rested back against the pillows on the bed.
"I'll be alright," he smiled wanly at her. "Honestly," he added as she looked at him disbelievingly. "I thought I would be back to normal straight away, but I do believe the doctors are right and it will take time to recover."
"We all told you," she caressed his cheek before sighing. "I'm definitely going to change before lunch- now I am very much looking forward to spending the next two months wearing less restrictive, less formal clothing!"
He waited until she had closed her dressing room door before he let out a heavy sigh and looked around the bedroom- it was so good to be back in the comfort of his own palace, surrounded by his family and friends... he had been so grateful that Clarisse had remained at his side- as his wife, she always would be- but seeing the children again... it suddenly struck him hard how close it had been, how close he had come to losing everything- his family, his wife, his life... so close...
He didn't realize he was crying, or that Clarisse had returned to the room until he felt the bed sink under her weight and he felt himself being gently pulled towards her, his wounds hurting but he didn't care as he buried his face into her shoulder, her own eyes filling with tears. He had been able to talk about how he was feeling, but now... his emotions had surfaced...
"Oh darling," she murmured softly, holding him tight and allowing him to vent his emotions. "Oh sweetheart..."
"I'm sorry," he said when he finally pulled away and sank back against his pillows, now thoroughly drained. "I didn't mean to... it's just that... when I saw the kids, I realized how close I came to losing everything... and not seeing them again..." he swallowed hard to prevent himself from tearing up again and she felt a strong surge of protectiveness as she ran her hand down his cheek.
"I understand..." and she did, truly- after the accident in Paris, she had had moments where she had been worried she wouldn't see her little boys and baby twins again... she had forgotten it until now, but she felt better knowing that he felt better knowing she could empathize with him.
"Do you want me to stay?" she asked after a moment and he shook his head with a smile.
"No, my love, I'll be fine...actually, I really could do with a sleep..." before he yawned and she smled as she leaned over to kiss his forehead and then stood up.
"I'll see you later... and welcome home..."
00000
Joseph's condition improved in leaps and bounds once he returned to the palace, and while the physiotherapist attributed it to his physical fitness and his determination, Joseph privately attributed it to being home with his family, a sentiment Clarisse thought possible too.
"Although your fitness and determination HAVE contributed to you becoming well again," she said gently.
While she was busy with paperwork, the occasional lunch and her charity work, the children kept Joseph occupied during his free hours, one or another always popping in at random times of the day, as did James and Charlie, who were there so often that Joseph couldn't resist joking:
"Are you two angling for places in parliament or a knighthood?" he teased and both men laughed, but Clarisse could sense they were both deeply relieved at Joseph's recovery, something Charlie quickly covered with a broad grin.
"Absolutely... Sir Charles sounds very appropriate for the chief support and best friend of His Majesty!" and while Joseph didn't comment either way, he deeply appreciated their friendship, loyalty and support, particularly where Clarisse was concerned.
His condition had improved so much over the past few weeks that, a week before Emily's sixth birthday, the doctors agreed that he would be able to resume his workload and exercise regime whenever he felt ready.
Clarisse had been genuinely delightly at the news, which he told her as soon as she had popped in to see him and she was- she now fully appreciated how hard he workd (not that she hadn't appreciated it before) and she was willing to go back to share the workload with him, as they had for ten years, give or take a few times when she had had newborns.
"That's wonderful!" she cried before another thought struck her- they hadn't had much romance in their lives for the past six weeks- but her blush informed him of what she was thinking about.
"And that... slow and steady..." and he grinned at her with the same grin she had fallen inlove with and had loved for sixteen years (if you counted the moment they had met) and she knew he was almost back to his normal self. "Maybe this afternoon..."
"I'm going for a brief stroll around the gardens and I have another meeting... but much later..." she trailed off meaningfully before she leaned over and kissed him lightly. "My meeting shouldn't take too long, so I'll see you soon..."
Jack was pleased when she requested only one bodyguard to accompany her around the gardens- her ideas had worked wonderfully- as he had barely seen her in the past month, and the shooting had convinced him that it was finally time for him to broach the subject he had been dreaming about for years, time for him to tell the Queen... Clarisse... the truth...
0
"I never realized how much I missed the gardens and gardening until I saw the garden again," Clarisse said, letting out a happy sigh as they strolled around the blooming grounds. "I'm glad the gardeners do a good job caring for it..."
"Only because YOU are always making sure they're doing their job," Jack said calmly before he spied a nearby gazebo and decided it was time. "Shall we sit down?" he offered and she nodded, suddenly a little weary after twenty minutes of examining almost everything in the garden.
They sat almost side by side in companionable silence for a time before he cleared his throat, suddenly nervous, especially more so when Clarisse was gazing at him expectantly.
"I need to speak to you about something..."
"Oh?" her curiosity was piqued by his words and his nervous expression- perhaps, at 44, he was getting married... she knew he was a good bodyguard but he needed more in his life. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, no... at least I hope not..." he looked at her eagerly, like a boy, as he moved closer and Clarisse, despite her innocence in some aspects of her life, suddenly felt a little wary, especially when she saw the expression in his eyes.
"The shooting made me realize how fleeting life is and how we should grab every opportunity when the moment strikes, so I am." he paused to take a deep breath in before he looked back at Clarisse. "I want to tell you... I care about you a great deal... every since I saw you and His Majesty announce your engagement, I thought you were a special young woman and I haven't been proven wrong yet."
"Well, I...I... I don't know what to say," she stammered, her discomfort growing by the moment.
"You've handled everything that's thrown your way with such dignity and grace- this incident, the accident in Paris, the coronation, the twins... and other things..." he was referring to the miscarriage but he was too delicate to mention it to her and she was momentarily grateful for that. "You are truly an amazing woman."
"Jack, please," she blushed, trying to think of a way of diverting him- her suspicions were growing about what he was trying to say and she didn't want him to humilate himself. "You don't have to say anything..." I don't want to hear this, she silently thought to herself.
"No, I want to say this...you are a truly a wonderful woman and a very good Queen..." he prudently forgot to mention her other role as Joseph's wife. "And..." he paused to breathe in again- this was harder than he thought, after so many years of planning and hoping. "...I'm crazy about you and I want you to come away with me, away from Genovia."
There was a long, uncomfortable silence between them before Clarisse managed to come out with:
"What?"
"I love you and I want you to come away with me..." he blurted out again before, suddenly seized by a fit of enthusiasm, he leaned over and pressed his lips on hers... he was kissing her... but his lips were only on hers for a micro second before she shoved him away with surprising ferociousness and strength and slapped him across the face with just as much force.
"How DARE you?" she hissed, standing up and glaring down at him. "How DARE you kiss the Queen of Genovia like that?"
"I'm... I'm sorry... I thought..." he stammered, taken aback at her reaction and ire but hopeful that he had simply pushed her too hard when she wasn't ready.
"You thought wrong... on both counts! Jack, I am a MARRIED woman and I am married to the KING! How could you even consider broaching this with me? I am married for life, we rule a country together and we have a family together!"
"You shouldn't have married him... you deserve a much simpler, less stressful life..."
"Who are YOU to say what I do or don't deserve? You don't know anything about me, but you should know that I want to be with Joseph, not that it's any of your business!"
"We've been friends for a long time, and I've seen you in your most vulnerable moments..." but the moment the words slipped out, he knew he had made a mistake, especially when her blue eyes began sparkling dangerously, her lips thinning with displeasure.
"You, Mr Bonnell, are forgetting your place and making assumptions about someone, ME, you barely know," she said coldly. "I have NO intention of leaving my husband and children for you!"
He suddenly felt hopeless- this hadn't worked out the way he had planned... she was angry, he couldn't understand why, but he was threatening her very way of life, her family and her marriage...
"Clarisse..." he tried again, moving forward but she she just as quickly stepped backwards, hands held up in front of her.
"No, not Clarisse... please don't call me that anymore, it's not appropriate... not anymore... I should never have encouraged a friendship between us, I was vulnerable at the time..."
She felt sorry for him in a way, she was fond of him, in a way, but definitely not in the way she loved her husband... he was her world...
"You sound like you regret it."
"You were very kind to me when I needed it, and I will always be grateful for that, but this cannot go on anymore, not like it was."
"What are you saying?" he looked at her with stormy eyes- not only had she rejected him but he was now about to lose his access to her. He wouldn't get over his feelings for her for a long time, but he still wanted to be near her, even if they were just friends."
"I'm saying... I cannot reciprocate your feelings for me and I will not leave my husband and family for anything in the world... I'm sorry," she said simply, calmly and a little sadly- he had been a good bodyguard but now that was all over, she couldn't possibly have him anywhere near her or the children now she knew what he felt, and as for Joseph...
She couldn't even begin to imagine his reaction to this- he had been suspicious for a long time and her black eye hadn't made him any happier about Jack being near her, but he hadn't said anything... but this... she was more than a little afraid to consider his reaction...he would more than hit the roof- he could possibly get physical with him.
"What about my job?"
"We'll have to see... it isn't appropriate for you to be anywhere near me anymore..."
"You can't do that!" he cried, moving towards her but she stood her ground and he stopped when he realized she was serious and that there were bodyguards and cameras only metres away that could see if he went too close to her.
"I'm sorry, I have to... it doesn't mean that you will lose your position here at the palace, but I would appreciate it if you could keep your distance from me..."
She was almost out of the gazebo, in fact she was stepping down onto the grass before she suddenly stopped and turned back towards him.
"You asked ME to go away with you...how would my children have factored into that decision?"
"They could have come..." he said weakly and she couldn't help but laugh harshly.
"Are you seriously that naïve? Could you have seen Joseph allowing his children, children of royal blood, to leave the palace and the country? Did you really consider the children, MY children, in your plans?"
The silence that followed told her that he hadn't considered them at all, or that he even thought or liked them...
A chill suddenly crept into her heart- all his interest and solicitiousness while she had been expecting the girls had been aimed towards her; all his pretended interest in their doings had been a way to impress her...just the thought of them anywhere near him made her feel sick... they had only been a means to an end, the end being her...
ALL of this had been about her and she suddenly didn't want to be anywhere near him, or even at the palace... this was all her fault, and at the thought of Joseph, she suddenly felt sick... she couldn't keep this from him, but she was dreading what he would say and do... this was all her fault...