Authors Note: just a little light chapter... was a little stuck but now back on track with the next chapter.

Thanks to all my readers- you rock!
The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!

"So... what did I miss?" he asked a little later, Clarisse snuggled in his arms, his hand rubbing her back gently as they lay in the dark, neither of them really bothered about not having a light on. "Did I miss anything? How were all your visitors?"

"Well..." she began before she was interrupted by a wail over the intercom (which had been installed by Joseph so they could hear the baby, even if the nanny was there) and she sighed as she started to sit up before Joseph stopped her, switching on a light as he sat up.

"I'll go... I really want to see him," he said, sliding out of bed and slipping on his trousers before disappearing out of the room, returning a moment later with the baby resting against his chest, whimpering slightly at the unfamiliar arms.

"He's a little bigger than when I left before, but I was right about his eyes- they are the same colour as yours!" he said as he handed him to Clarisse and she began nursing him. "He doesn't remember me, though!" he joked.

"He does and he missed you too... but I've seen little looks and expressions on his face that reminded me of you," she said with a quick grin before, after he finished feeding, she handed him back to his father and Joseph began walking around the room, softly patting his back, Clarisse enjoying the scene.

"So, before this little guy here interrupted us, you were about to tell me about your guests- so, what happened?" he asked as he sat back on the bed, rocking Pierre gently.

"Well, James and Charlie came to visit and poor Charlie was so nervous about holding Pierre, he was almost shaking, but when he did hold him, he handled it well," she chuckled sympathetically as Joseph laughed, careful not to disturb his son but envisioning Charlie's nervousness about holding Pierre.

"But don't you dare tease him about it when you see him!" she chided gently, seeing a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"I won't, darling," he said reassuringly, but he was secretly planning on ribbing Charlie a little- it was just too good an opportunity to pass by.

"Anyway, they're all well- James and Lisa had a good honeymoon, they all doted on the baby and Marion and Charlie have finally set a date for their wedding- late September, I think."

"About time," he murmured and Clarisse laughed again.

"Just because YOU were married within six months of meeting your wife and even moved our wedding forward, doesn't mean that everyone else will do that too!"

"Hmm... but they have been together since college. Anyway, I'm glad they visited you, they are good friends... How did you enjoy having the girls here?"

"Yes, they were good fun- they monopolised Pierre so much I only saw him when I had to feed him, it was very cute," she chuckled. "Rupert spent a lot of time down here too," she paused, wondering whether she should say anything about her suspicions before deciding to. "I'm not quite sure, but I think there may be a little spark between Rupert and Isabel... they seemed to be flirting a lot of the time..."

"So they were probably were flirting when Allyson caught them," he said thoughtfully, still rocking his son.

"It's only a thought, but I hope it's true," she said honestly, wanting him to know she would fully support a fledgling romance between his brother and her best friend.

"I hope it's true too," he said. "I'll support them- I still can't believe he was so forgiving of us..."

"But he was and he was very happy for us so stop feeling guilty."

"I will, but..." before she stopped him with a gentle tap on the arm.

"No buts- we're happily married and have a four week old baby son, and no one is going to tear us apart."

"Alright," he smiled over at her. "I won't feel guilty again... but as for Rupert and Isabel, I think they would make a good match," before he looked down at Pierre again and smile- he was sound asleep.

"He's asleep... did you want something to eat once we put him to sleep?" he asked and Clarisse nodded as she slid out of bed and grabbed her clothes, intending on accompanying her husband and son back to the nursery.

"I hope Mrs P didn't go to too much trouble for dinner tonight," he said guiltily as, after settling Pierre back in his crib, they headed downstairs, knowing that their staff would have retired for the evening.

"I did ask her to prepare your favourite dinner, but I'm sure she left them in the oven to warm," and, sure enough, she was right and Joseph chuckled sheepishly as they sat down to their dinner, side by side at the kitchen table.

"So... how ARE you?" he asked after a moment's contented silence, looking at her intensely and she blushed under his gaze.

"I'm fine, I've just missed you so much- I don't think we've been separated once during our marriage..." she paused, remembering how lonely and sad she had felt during his absence. "It reminded me of the last time we were apart, the week before we got engaged, but this time was different, we've bonded even more after a wedding, honeymoon, pregnancy and birth of our son..."

"True, we do have a very strong bond," he said pensively- they had been through a lot in the past two years- before he noticed that she was keeping something from him. "But seriously, darling, how are you really?" and she sighed, seeing the gentle look in his eyes.

"Honestly, I'm still very tired and I've been a little down... but I guess that comes with the recovery process..."

"Oh Clarisse," he looked horrified, realizing that he probably hadn't helped by coming back and sweeping her up in his arms. "Why didn't you say anything on the phone?" he asked, suddenly feeling guilty.

"I didn't want to worry you and, besides, you won't have been able to do anything... but I AM glad you're back."

"I am too," he leaned over and kissed her. "I am sorry, I should have thought, but..." he stopped her protesting by holding up his hand. "How about I clear all of this up and we'll go back to bed and I'll give you and massage to send you off to sleep- I'll get up to the baby tonight."

"Thank you, you really are wonderful."

"Let's go," he said a little later, holding out a hand to her after he had quickly cleaned up the kitchen. "I know you want your massage."

"Of course I missed my massages as much I missed you," she pouted coyly at him and he laughed, relieved that she had opened up to him. "By the way, would you be my date to the Independence Day Ball?"

"I'd love to- I can't wait," she beamed happily at him and Joseph raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

"You can't wait to go to the ball?"

"Only because I'll be on your arm," she explained shyly and he grinned.

"I can't wait to escort you either."

000

The annual Genovian Independence Day celebrations was held to commemorate Genovia's independence from France, and the public holiday consisted of a street parade and street stalls, the King making his speech in the main square of Pyrus and culminating in the open public ball at the town hall, a busy day for the royal family especially but they never complained.

The previous year's celebrations has been Clarisse's first as a member of the royal family and a newlywed, and it had overwhelmed her- THIS year, however, she was confident it wouldn't be as intense and overwhelming, although she knew she would probably be still under intense scrutiny as everyone would want to see how she looked after having a baby five weeks ago.

"You look gorgeous!" Joseph said admiringly as they left their suite at the palace (where they were staying during the celebrations, the nurse and the baby nearby) and headed downstairs to meet his parents and Rupert, Clarisse clad in a simple cream coloured dress, coat and shoes while he was in his best navy blue suit and tie.

"Don't you ever get sick of complimenting me?" she teased (although secretly enjoying his praise) and he paused to kiss her gloved hand.

"No, and I never will," he said sincerely, believing that and she smiled as well, knowing that it was true. "Anyway," he added, kissing her hand again. "Here's to our second Independence Day as a couple, and our first as parents!"

Clarisse felt a little nervous and awkward as Joseph helped her into the open carriage opposite her in laws- really, Joseph and Rupert should be in this carriage, not her, but Rupert usually liked riding alongside the carriage ("the only time I ride a horse!"") but they all wanted Clarisse to ride with Joseph and her in laws.

"After all, we ARE the second most powerful royal married couple in Genovia!" Joseph had teased when she had turned shy the first time.

"Are you alright?" she heard him murmur from beside her and she turned to smile shyly at him, their hands meeting on the seat between them as the King and Queen watched with smiles- they were very, very much in love and they were sweet together.

"I'm fine," she murmured, her eyes sparkling as she smiled at her husband, her heart pounding in her chest- she could still hardly believe that this handsome, active man was her husband, they had a baby son together and that he loved her passionately- she loved him so, he was her first and only love...

"Don't worry," he murmured as the carriage back to move and they had to get used to the sensation of riding backwards. "We'll be back to check on him soon," he added, knowing that this was the first time she had been away from Pierre since he was born and he wanted to comfort her.

"Good," Clarisse murmured before they came into the view of the public, Rupert trotting behind them, and they began to wave as the cheers, screams and shouts suddenly assaulted their senses.

Once the parade had ended, the King's speech delivered and they had strolled through the main street, heavily guarded and looking at some of the stalls, Clarisse purchasing some lavender soap and powder, she and Joseph were whisked back to the palace and Clarisse found herself cuddling her baby boy, relieved that he was in her arms- she had missed him so much.

"Are you sure you're alright for tonight?" she heard him ask as she settled in a chair to nurse him and she looked up.

"Yes, I am... it's just that this morning was my first time away from him..."

"I know, and you have fulfilled your duty towards the crown and the people, if you want to stay home tonight," he said gently, torn between his desire to have her come with him and have her happy, which she obviously was with Pierre. "Pierre needs you."

"Yes, he may need me but you need me too, so," she concluded firmly. "I will be accompanying you, and we still have our date... unless you're trying to slip out of it..." she teased as he sat down and nuzzled her neck playfully.

"Absolutely not- I was just saying that I understand if you want to stay with the baby... I missed him too," he admitted bashfully before leaning down and pressing his lips on Pierre's soft fair head, Clarisse observing him with tears in her eyes- he was just as committed to parenthood as she was, but she knew they needed time together as a couple.

"I will be your date tonight," she said quietly, knowing that he deserved to have her at his side on one of the most important days in Genovia- she was, after all, a Princess of Genovia. "Pierre will be alright without us for a few hours."

"Alright, but I'll try to stay at your side all night," he vowed as he wound a protective arm around her, momentarily hating the duties that kept him away from his wife and son. "I also promise that we'll leave the ball as soon as possible."

0

The Ball was the highlight of the day for the people of Genovia, and the hall was packed out, everyone (both the public and parliament) wanting to be in the presence of royalty, maybe even talk to them, but curiosity for Joseph and Clarisse was at an all time high, as it had been the previous year, with everyone wanting to see the young Princess after the birth of her son and, knowing this, Joseph insisted to his parents that he and Clarisse would stay together most of the evening.

"It's fine with us, although you will be objects of curiosity," Henrik paused, smiling slightly as Joseph rolled his eyes, hating the fact that he and Clarisse were still attracting so much attention, especially now they had a baby, although he knew he would have to accept the addition attention- they were royalty, before he realized his father was still speaking.

"So, you may find it difficult to stay together," he teased, although he found it endearing that Joseph was protective of his wife.

"You look spectacular," Joseph murmured when Clarisse emerged from the bathroom in a strapless jewel encrusted ball gown, set off by her favourite tiara and the sapphire necklace and earrings Joseph had given her. "It's hard to believe you had Pierre five weeks ago!" he raved appreciatively as he wound his arms around her waist, thinking that she was even more beautiful, more curvy and more mature since the baby and he loved it.

"Thank you," she smiled gratefully at his words, knowing her body had changed since Pierre's birth, but while she had had initial concerns that Joseph wouldn't find her attractive anymore (an idea he had quickly dispelled), she had discovered that she felt comfortable with her slightly altered figure- she had always been on the thin side, something Joseph had pointed out while on their honeymoon, while expressing his concerns.

"You are far too beautiful, my love, but I'm a little worried that your slender frame may make you susceptible to illnesses, and I don't want you ill," he had said seriously, stroking her hand.

"I'll try to put on weight," she had joked to him, touched at his concern... before, back in the present, she smiled to herself- and she had, after their son had been born.

"What are you smiling at?" he looked at her quizzically and she flushed slightly.

"I was just thinking about how different I am now as to when I was your bride..."

"Not too different- you look just as happy and healthy as before!" he protested hotly.

"But still different now that I've had a baby... and how worried you were about me on our honeymoon- but I like the way I am now," she admitted shyly as he leaned over and kissed her neck gently.

"As do I," he murmured huskily before he kissed her, both of them getting carried away with the kiss before Joseph pulled away with great difficulty, well aware that they (or rather he) had vowed to be more restrained until the six week check up the following week.

"Maybe it's just as well we'll be busy tonight," he mumbled before kissing her gloved hand gently and smiling at her. "Shall we, my dear?" he proffered his arm to her.

"We shall, my love," she gave him a responding smile as she looped her arm through his and they heard a knock on the door, indicating that it was time to leave.

The King, Queen and Rupert had left in the first limousine, leaving the second car to the younger couple, although it didn't help Clarisse's anxiety- as a naturally shy young woman, it was hard for her to be stared at, talked about and talked to as the Princess of Genovia (and tonight would be even worse as people would want to know about her baby boy) but she knew it was part of the deal for marrying the man she loved.

"Don't worry," she squeezed her hand reassuringly, feeling her tremble slight as the car pulled up in front of the hall, the press awaiting their arrival. "Tonight is going to be fine- I'll be with you as much as I can..."

"I'm fine, it's just... all those people," she said honestly and he reached over to caress her cheek with his gloved hand.

"Always a scary thought, but they won't bite," he teased as the door was opened for them and the first picture the press managed to capture was of young Princess Clarisse smiling radiantly and lovingly at her husband before turning her smile towards the couple... their sweetheart was back and she looked as beautiful as ever!

Inside the hall, people were everywhere and Clarisse was jostled slightly as she and Joseph made their way towards the King, Queen and Rupert, the ball to be officially opened with the anthem, but Joe's solid form protected her from much of the shoving and she felt slightly better when, after joining his family, he squeezed her hand lightly.

After the anthem (and a few words from His Majesty), the King led his wife out on the dance floor, followed by Rupert and a cousin and Joseph and Clarisse, and she couldn't help but giggle nervously, feeling very conspicuous.

"What's so funny, Princess Clarisse?" her husband teased gently.

"Nothing, just everyone is staring at us and it makes me feel a little self conscious..."

"Not to worry- at least everyone approves of my date... unlike the other ones I have brought... not that I ever had too many girlfriends," he said hastily, not wanting to offend his wife.

"How many did you bright? Should I be worried?" she teased.

"Not at all, my love- now I only have one date, and she is far more attractive than any of my other girlfriends..."

"I see..." she said quietly, but her eyes were sparkling with mischief before they realized the song had changed and Henrik was approaching for his dance with his daughter in law.

"Save the last dance for me," he murmured into her ear before stepping aside for his father...

0

The evening dragged by for both of them, Joseph especially since his father had been right and she had hardly seen her all night, although they both spent much of the night on the dance floor, and he kept a close eye on her, knowing that most of the men found her even more attractive now and he could see it... but he was almost staring when Arthur Mabrey (who had escorted Lady Allyson to the ball) approached her, intent on dancing with her, a strange expression on his face.

"Watch him," Rupert, who had been standing with Joseph, muttered and Joseph barely nodded, his eyes on them and slowly began moving in their direction.

"You look beautiful tonight, Your Royal Highness," Mabrey said gallantly as Clarisse accepted his request for a dance and allowed him to place his hands on her. "Marriage and a new baby must suit you."

"Thank you," she said quietly, hiding her revulsion at being touched by him.

"I hope Joseph is treating you right," he said softly, his grip on her waist tightening. "A beautiful woman like you deserves to have the best."
"Joseph is the best," Clarisse said staunchly, determined to keep her cool. "He's wonderful."

"Good, good.. but have you thought that MAYBE you married the wrong man?"

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, the Renaldi men are good catches, so good on you for ensnaring one..." Clarisse turned icy at the word 'ensnare'. "But there are other men who, while may be a little older, may be better and may teach you more, which may help you in the future..."

He reached over to brush her flushed cheek with his hand, pulling her closer as she began to struggle against him, before she suddenly felt him being pulled away from her and she saw that Joseph was holding his jacket lapels, anger radiating from every pore.

"What do you think you are doing?" Mabrey asked in surprise,

"I saw the way you were holding my wife, and let me tell you, don't you ever step that close to her again!" he snarled as a group of people began to crowd around them.

"We were only dancing!" Mabrey protested, looking slightly taken aback at his angry adversary.

"No, you were intimidating her, and you will never do that again!"

"Are you going to ban me from dancing with your wife?"

"I will if you do that again... I know what you're like, Arthur, and I don't want my wife exposed to your disgusting attitude!" Joseph said softly, surprisingly calm but itching to deck the man.

"I didn't treat her badly, I was just saying how marriage and a new baby really does suit her," Mabrey almost sneered, angering Joseph even more. "Honestly Joe, I would think that you would be getting used to your wife attracting all men... she is very beautiful, and I would rather think you would be complimented that a lot of men desire her..."

"Are you insinuating that you hitting on my wife is her fault and that I should be proud of all of you leeches thinking that you can treat her like that?"

"No, but..." before, thoroughly annoyed and finally having the proof he needed, Joseph punched him, causing Arthur Mabrey to stagger back into the crowd before falling onto the floor.

"Because of what you just said, you will stay away from my wife," Joseph snarled as he towered over the older man. "You are not to be trusted around her..." before he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the crowd as the rest of the crowd dispersed, leaving Mabrey sitting on the floor.

"Are you alright, sweetheart?" he asked anxiously as they made their way to a solitary corner and Clarisse smiled gently, her eyes softening at his look.

"I'm fine... he is such a creep, but I'm glad you saved me..." although she wasn't as shaken up as she had been before- she was getting used to it.

"I thought he was up to something, but now he knows that I mean business," he said fiercely before he lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed them. "Now he will have to stay away from you... and I hope that the other men will take note of that..."

"Good... but thank you... my hero..." before she snuggled in for a hug.

"It's almost ten o'clock...how about we call it a night?" she heard him murmur into her ear and she looked up at him with a radiant smile.

"I think that's a wonderful idea... I know that there's someone who probably will want to see us..."

"I think so too..."