Disclaimer: See Part 1
Chapter 26
"Oh good, your awake," the voice to Joe's right said. Joe blinked his eyes blearily. His head pounded and his mouth was dry. He reached for the water on the bedside table.
"I'd drink it slowly if I were you. The headache will go away once you eat and drink the wine," the voice said.
Joe looked to his right and noticed the man sitting in the chair. He was dressed in…Joe shook his head, closed his eyes, reopened them…no, he was still there.
"Yes, I am still here. Yes, I am real. No, you are not going crazy. Yes, it could be the result of the wine. No…"
"Morning Joe," said Shades as he walked into the bedroom after placing the tray with bread, wine and fruit on the low table in the sitting room.
"How do you feel? Brand bothering you?" he asked.
Joe looked from Shades to the man sitting in the chair and back again.
"Something wrong, boss?" asked Shades.
After the ceremony yesterday, and their return to the castle, Joe had been given drugged wine that Micah said would relax him enough to allow him to sleep. Micah had then cleaned the brand, smoothed more of salve on it and after coaxing two more goblets of wine into Joe, had helped to put a very intoxicated and stoned Head of Security to bed.
"He can't see me."
"He can't?" asked Joe.
"Who can't, boss?" asked Shades.
"Huh?" Joe asked, confused. His head was still pounding, his thoughts fuzzy and he felt... good.
Shades looked into Joe's eyes and let loose a low whistle.
"Damn boss, you're higher than a kite," said Shades. "How do you feel?"
Joe tried to say fine but instead heard himself say, "Headache. Feels like my brain is cotton…good…I feel good."
Shades chuckled. "I can imagine."
"Think you can shower without help?" asked Shades, watching the older man as he climbed out of bed.
"Yea, I think so," Joe answered, glancing over at the chair.
"Still here," the stranger said. "Why don't you get a shower, let your young friend do whatever he needs to do and then once he leaves I'll answer any questions you may have."
Joe grunted in response. He didn't think it would be a good idea to answer the man while Shades was in the room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Shades cleaned and treated the brand while Joe lay on the massage table in the living room.
"All done Joe," he said, wiping his hands on a towel and capping the jar of salve.
"Thanks Shades," Joe said, sitting up and accepting the goblet of wine from the younger man. Joe stood, completely nude.
"No problem Joe. I'll see you later," said Shades as he gathered the remnants of Joe's breakfast, leaving the jug of wine on the table before exiting.
Once Joe heard the key in the lock turn, and he knew he was alone, he turned to look at the man sitting in one of the leather chairs.
"Who the hell are you?" Joe growled. For some reason Joe was sure this man was not a figment of his imagination or the result of the drugged wine he was drinking. How he was sure he didn't know, but he would swear on his life that this man was real. Also, he looked vaguely familiar.
The man stood, executed a perfect courtly bow, and introduced himself, "Frederick Antoine Jacques, 2nd Margrave of Delkson, and Regina Patronus Quod Paramour to Queen Marguerite Renaldi-Delkson, at your service."
Joe simply stared at the man.
Jacques smiled, not in the least surprised at Joseph's reaction. "Now sit down, Señor José Joseph Alejandro Calvera Rameriz, we have much to discuss and little time to do it in," Jacques ordered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Joseph absently ate the lunch that was delivered to him by Micah, his thoughts on the previous meeting with Frederick Jacques. According to Jacques, as he was called, those that hold or have held the position of 'regina patronus quod paramour' to the Renaldi blood were connected by their service. This connection allowed those in service to communicate with each other. How, Jacques did not know, but it enabled those who had gone before to communicate with the one serving now. And while this communication was limited to just the three days prior to acceptance by She who was served, it allowed enough time to relate information that was not included in the diaries.
While the diaries were supposed to be secured, there was always a chance that they could fall into the wrong hands, and many of the secrets those who served held were too dangerous to write down. This brief time allowed these secrets to be revealed. The secrets would die with the one who served, either at the end of his natural life, or when he was put to death at Her refusal to accept his service.
Jacques had revealed information he held on three of the most powerful families in Genovia, the Mabreys, the Palimores and the Devereauxes.
Of the three, Jacques had cautioned the Mabrey family was the most dangerous, and as they were related to the Devereaux family both bore watching. The Palimores were not dangerous but Jacques did caution that they be watched. They held quite a bit of power, power that could be used against the Crown.
For the next three days Joseph could expect visits from previous 'regina patronus quod paramour' intent on revealing secrets to him. He was also informed the visits would, and often did take a more personal turn. Those that served often used this time to impart advice and counsel to the newest member.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Two days had passed. Joseph no longer wondered if these visits were the result of his imagination or the wine. He simply accepted them.
Joseph had been visited by Jacques once again, Robert McNamara, and Darius Collinwood. Joe had enjoyed McNamara's and Collinwood's visit but it was clear that while Mac, as he was called had enjoyed his time in service, Collinwood had never had the chance to fulfil his service as 'quod paramour'. His Queen had no interest in allowing him to fulfil his service in that area. Collinwood had cautioned Joseph about the heartache that resulted from such a decision. And while Collinwood served for well over twenty years faithfully and with distinction he still considered his service a failure. Joseph could well understand the man's feeling of failure. He would feel the same if his Queen, his Clarisse never allowed him to fulfil his service as 'quod paramour'.
Joseph was now speaking with Marcus Kensington and Armand Fitzhugh. Fitzhugh had been 'regina patronus quod paramour' during the Viterbo Massacre. Mabrey, Delacroix and Simmons were the three families tied to the Viterbo business but there was no concrete proof to establish their guilt. Fitzhugh had been unable to carry out executions on the families; which meant the three families still retained their power in Genovia. He agreed with Fitzhugh and Marcus that the Mabreys were the ones to watch.
During their long talk Marcus and Fitzhugh were more than happy to relate tales of their Queens for Joseph. Little was left to the imagination, and by the time the two men had left Joseph was feeling the effects of the racy tales combined with the drugged wine.
Joseph glanced at the clock and noted that it was almost time for his daily massage. He hoped Angelina was not the masseuse this time. While he knew either Pierre, Shades or Micah would accompany her he didn't know if he could withstand her advances this time. Last time he had almost begged for her to bring him to release. If she offered this time he wasn't sure he would refuse.
And while he knew it wouldn't influence Her Majesty's decision, as everything that happened during this time was never revealed, he didn't know if he could or would be able to forgive himself if he allowed another woman to touch and stroke him, bringing him to completion.
Hearing the key in the door, Joseph moved to the table and lay down, adjusting his body so that his erection was flat against the table, he waited. At Angelina and Shades' greetings Joseph gritted his teeth in preparation. This was going to be a long hour.
~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*
Joseph slept deeply and woke to the sound of the key turning in the lock. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Joseph rose from the bed and headed directly to the shower. After showering he entered the living room, surprised to see His Majesty waiting for him.
"Your Majesty," Joseph knelt, his head bowed.
Joseph hadn't seen His Majesty since the ceremony. Tears filled his eyes as he knelt in front of his King. This was the man who had offered and accepted his service to the bloodline. Joseph was unable to stop his tears or the sobs that escaped him.
Rupert knelt down in front of his friend, taking him in his arms. Rocking Joseph, Rupert whispered words of solace to him as he cried. Minutes passed before Joseph was able to regain control of his emotions and Rupert released him. Joseph wiped the tears from his eyes.
"I'm sorry Your Majesty," Joseph said.
"No apology is necessary Joe," Rupert answered.
Rupert stood, helped Joseph to his feet and poured a goblet of wine for both of them, handing one to Joseph before drinking his in one long swallow. He refilled his and emptied it in two gulps before refilling it for a third time.
Rupert walked over to one of the leather chairs and sank into it gratefully. "That packs one hell of a punch," he said looking at his goblet.
"Yes, it does," Joseph agreed, concerned.
"Don't worry Joe, I know it's drugged. I am also aware of its side effects," said Rupert as he took a small sip. "We need to talk, and this is the only way I can assure there is no question of what I say being misconstrued. The wine doesn't allow for lying or omission."
Rupert took another sip of his wine.
"I want you to fulfil your position of 'quod paramour' within the year," Rupert said, not surprised at Joe's indrawn hiss of breath. Rupert held up his hand to forestall any argument from Joe. "Before you say anything I want you to understand why I am asking this of you."
"Explain," said Joe.
"I am going to die within the next ten years."
"No," said Joseph.
"Yes, my friend. Somehow I have always known I would never live to see either of my sons crowned king. Don't ask how I know, just that I do. I know that my death will be devastating to Genovia, but not as devastating as it will be to Clarisse.
Publicly, she will maintain a façade that will hide the worst of her pain, but privately she will be completely shattered. It will be up to you to support her, to offer her comfort and keep her from 'losing it'."
"Your sons..," began Joseph.
Rupert interrupted. "Our sons…our sons will be of little use. Oh, don't get me wrong, Pierre will be able to console and comfort his mother as will Philippe. But neither of them will be able to keep her from slipping into despair. Philippe will be too wrapped up in his own pain; it wouldn't surprise me if he refused to be crowned immediately. In his selfishness, he will force his mother to bear the weight of the Crown while he 'deals'," Rupert spat this word, "with his own grief. He will see little of his mother's pain.
As for Pierre, he will be a rock for Clarisse. But he cannot help her with the running of the country nor be available to her daily. His calling will prevent that. I know he will try his best to be there for her, but in the end his own responsibilities will take precedence over Genovia. And that is how it should be, for his calling is one that requires such sacrifice."
"That leaves you Joe. It will fall to you to comfort, to console and to help Clarisse live day to day after my death," said Rupert. "I know you will be as devastated as Clarisse at my death, but I also know that you have experienced losing someone you loved above all others…"
"Elena," Joe whispered.
"Yes, Elena. You lost your wife almost twenty years ago, and I know that there isn't a day that goes by that you don't miss her. Only you will understand the pain and anguish Clarisse will experience at my death. I know from your own admission that you love Clarisse. How long have you loved her?"
"Ten years. I didn't even realize I fell in love with her all those years ago. It was just suddenly there one day. I didn't even admit it to myself until a few months ago. It was after the Swiss trip. I saw her as she waited for you in your suite..," Joe tried to stop talking but was compelled to finish.
"…dressed in only her stockings, garters and heels. I could see how wet she was, and when she caressed her breasts I wanted it to be my hands caressing her. And when she tasted herself, I wanted to feast on her."
"She tastes incredible. Like honey," said Rupert.
"Dios mío!" said Joe. He could feel his shaft become erect. He was nude and there was no way to hide his reaction to Rupert's words.
"You will soon discover how sweet she tastes," said Rupert as he licked his lips in memory of Clarisse's taste.
Silence reigned for a few minutes before Rupert spoke once more.
"I want you in her…our bed and part of our lives before my death. So when I die, she will have someone to lean on, love, and grieve with; someone who will offer more than words," said Rupert.
Joseph couldn't stop himself from asking, "Alone or together? Do you want me to make love to her alone or will we love her together?"
"Either. Both. It matters not to me," said Rupert. "I've never thought about another man joining me in bed with Clarisse, but if that is what you want, for both of us to make love to her together than I agree. Or, if you want to make love to her alone than that is acceptable also; either or both."
"What do you think Clarisse would want?" asked Joe.
"Both of us, I think," said Rupert. "I've watched her reaction when you interrupt her. I think she would be intrigued."
"Honestly?" Joseph asked.
Rupert raised his wine goblet in answer and Joe grinned. The wine allowed no lying.
"But I think we will have to use a subtle approach. We can't just show up in bed waiting for her. This is going to require a plan. A well thought out plan," said Rupert.
Joseph nodded his head in agreement and soon the two men were deep in planning the seduction of their Queen.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rupert finished off his fifth goblet of wine and helped himself to some of the bread and cheese that Shades delivered. Joe had ordered Shades to wait for His Majesty, so he could escort him to his suite once they were finished. Rupert's pupils were dilated as was his. Both men were stoned as Shades succinctly worded it. Joseph finished off his wine and poured another holding it up in question for Rupert.
"No, Joe. If I have another I won't be able to walk. And I don't relish sleeping down here in the vaults when I have a lovely bed with an even a lovelier wife waiting for me upstairs," said Rupert. He grinned unrepentantly at Joe's growl of annoyance.
"Don't worry old friend. Our plan will work and soon you will be able to claim having the same lovely Queen occupying your…our…a bed," Rupert said, his words slurred slightly.
"Jesus, that wine packs a hell of a punch," Rupert said as he popped another piece of cheese into his mouth.
"I hope you are correct about the plan," said Joseph, grabbing some cheese before Rupert ate it all.
"I am. We are scheduled for two international meetings in Brussels later in the month. They will last for two weeks. Clarisse will remain here as her schedule is filled. We will call her every night and slowly begin our seduction over the phone. By the time we get back she, and we will be ready to take the next step."
"I just hope I can survive the phone calls," said Joe.
"You and me both," Rupert said. He knew from experience how much a tease Clarisse was, Joe would learn in time. "Besides if it gets too difficult we can always fly home. After all, I am King of Genovia. I am sure no one will complain if I leave early," Rupert added grinning.
"There is that," agreed Joseph.
Rupert yawned loudly, not bothering to cover his mouth. "My friend it is time for me to go before I fall asleep down here."
Placing a hand on Joseph's shoulder he added, "Don't worry my friend. I know we are making these plans prior to her accepting you, but I know in my heart that she WILL accept you. By this time tomorrow you will be Hers officially."
"And what am I now?" Joe asked.
"Mine," answered Rupert.
"But I am more than willing to allow Her to have you. Trust in her my friend. All will be well," Rupert said, squeezing Joe's shoulder before hollering for Shades.
"Shades, allons-y! Before I fall asleep," said Rupert as he walked out of the library. Shades wished Joe a goodnight before securing the door.
Rupert slung an arm around Shades' shoulders as they walked down the corridor. Shades couldn't keep from smiling as His Majesty proceeded to sing some rather bawdy songs.
As Shades closed the elevator door, he turned to look at His Majesty who was leaning against the rear of the elevator, his arms crossed and a goofy smile on his face.
"Sir, I think you are stoned," said Shades.
"I think you are correct Shades. I think you are correct," Rupert laughed before he began to sing once again.
Shades simply shook his head.
Life at the palace was interesting to say the least.