Chapter 37

1991 June 16

It has been six months since the work on the remodelling and upgrade of security for the family wing had begun and today it is finally finished.

Clarisse, Rupert and I agree the next time one of Rupert's many relations offers to help with a remodelling at the Palace they will receive a polite refusal. Although, to be honest it wasn't the remodelling that took the longest it was the implementation of the new security measures for the Royal Couple that caused the delays. But the new entrance to the vaults from Their Majesties' suite will ensure their safety if there is a security breach at the Palace.

Access between my suite and Their Majesties' suite is also complete. The door is not even concealed; instead it blends in perfectly with the wall, and wainscoting already present. It can be secured from either side by a simple locking deadbolt if either party wishes privacy. Rupert scoffed at the idea of a lock between the rooms, but I demanded it for Clarisse's sake. I will not have her pressured into continuing my 'paramour' services. I am prepared to fulfil my service to her at any time she requests, but only at Her request.

It has also been six months since Philippe was last welcome at the Palace. Pierre has been in contact with his brother. According to him he is slowly coming to grips with not only my position but his position within the family. Pierre and I have spoken at length about Philippe, his daughter Amelia and Their Majesties. It is thanks to Pierre, and his counsel that I have not resigned my service.

But there are times, especially when Clarisse thinks she is alone, I see how difficult the estrangement between she, and her son is for her. The sadness I see in her eyes cuts me to the bone.

I am the cause of that sadness.

I know most would say it is Philippe who is the cause of her pain, but if I hadn't accepted the position offered me, or fulfilled my service to her, there would be no estrangement.

I know if I were to resign from my service it would mean my death, but if my death gave mi reina, mi alma her son back then I would gladly die.

1991 September 23

Pierre has come for a lengthy visit. He requested a leave of absence, which was granted and now he is to be at home until after the New Year.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Pierre waited for Joseph to meet him at the stables. The horses were saddled and Tomas had secured the items inside Pierre's saddlebags. Tomas said nothing about the items that he placed inside the saddlebags. He had been in the employ of the Royal Family far too long for anything to surprise him. When Joseph finally joined Pierre dressed in his customary black riding clothes Tomas wished both men a good day before leaving.

"Your Highness," greeted Joseph.

Pierre raised his eyebrow in a fair imitation of his father.

Joseph corrected himself. "Pierre."

Pierre smiled and said, "Joseph."

"Shall we?" said Pierre, indicating the horses.

Joseph nodded, and swung himself up into the saddle. He adjusted his stirrups and waited. Pierre mounted with ease, adjusted his stirrups, and with a nod to the other man urged his mount into a walk. Once clear of the stables, both men urged their mounts into a trot then allowed them their heads.

The two men rode for about an hour before Pierre came to a stop at a familiar looking grove. Pierre dismounted, secured his horse and removed the saddlebag before walking over to one of the large oaks and sitting down. After securing his mount Joseph walked over to where Pierre sat. Sitting down, Joseph waited for Pierre to speak.

"How have you been Joseph?" asked Pierre.

"Fine, but Pierre you didn't have me ride all the way out here to ask me how I am," said Joseph. "Let's cut to the chase and you tell me why you asked me out here?"

"You are correct, mi Señor," replied Pierre. Pierre reached into the saddlebag, removing a flask, a holstered Glock 17 pistol and magazine and what looked to be a letter. Pierre removed the pistol from its holster, loaded the magazine. He placed the gun next to him.

"How is my mother?" Pierre asked, opening the flask. He didn't take a drink; he passed it to Joseph and waited. Joseph took the flask, raised it to his lips, and stopped. He lowered the flask without taking a sip, replaced the cap and laid it next to him.

"Physically she is fine. Emotionally, she is…" Joseph trailed off.

Pierre nodded in understanding. His mother still felt the separation of her youngest son keenly. It was this very reason that Pierre had asked Joseph to join him this morning.

"Mi Señor duque Ramirez," began Pierre.

Joseph's eyes widened at this formal address. As 'regina patronus quod paramour' Joseph's title was now that of Duke of Pyrus, José Joseph Alejandro Calvera Ramirez, a title often associated with the ruling King or his sons but in reality the title was held only by 'regina patronus quod paramour'. Chevelair II decreed it so when he formalised the position. If no one was appointed to serve, the title was held in guardianship by the Royal Family until one who served was appointed.

"Sí, Su Alteza?"

"You have spoken of your willingness to resign your position to the bloodline in order to heal the breach between my mother and her son. Is this correct?" asked Pierre.

"Yes," said Joseph.

"And you are aware of the consequences that result from your resignation, correct?"

"Yes."

"And knowing this you would still take this course of action?"

"Yes," answered Joseph. Joseph picked up the pistol that sat next to Pierre. He looked down at it then at Pierre, before placing it back on the ground. "If my death would mean Philippe would return to take his rightful place as heir, and reconcile with his parents I would gladly give my life for such a result."

"Why?" another voice asked from the trees.

Joseph's head turned quickly, he was on his feet immediately, the shock on his face evident for a split second before his expression returned to normal.

"Because Su Alteza, the bloodline takes precedence over everything. And She is the foundation of the bloodline. I swore my life, my blood and my allegiance to Her. I will do whatever is necessary to protect Her and the Crown," said Joseph.

"So your choice is because of your oath?" asked Philippe, walking out from behind the trees. He had been waiting quietly for his brother and Joseph to arrive. He needed to know, and see for himself how serious Joseph was about his service.

"No, it is not just because of my oath," answered Joseph.

He took a deep breath.

"I love your parents. Both of them, but I love your mother more than my own life. She is mi alma, mi vida, and I would do anything within my power to assure her happiness. While I know she would be saddened at my death, she and your father would eventually recover. But to lose her child…you, Philippe because you cannot handle my position, that is something she would never recover from. Before I allow that to happen, before I allow her to experience the pain of never again speaking to or seeing you, I will end my service."

"So if I told you the only way I would return was if you took your own life, killed yourself, you would do so?" asked Philippe.

"Yes," answered Joseph.

"Then those are my terms," said Philippe.

"Philippe! NO!" shouted Pierre. "You can't do this."

Philippe turned to his older brother. "Those are my terms, Pierre," he said. "If I am to return then Joseph ends his service. If he does not, then I abdicate in favour of my daughter, and I leave, never to return."

"Philippe, you bâtard!" growled Pierre, grabbing his brother by the shirt front.

Joseph grabbed Pierre's hand. "Pierre,' said Joseph, his voice soft. Pierre looked at the older man.

"Joseph..," began Pierre.

"It's alright. If those are his terms then I agree to them," said Joseph.

"Those are my terms," said Philippe.

"Agreed," said Joseph. "Your mother is never to know about this meeting," Joseph added quietly.

"But.." began Pierre.

"She is never to know!" said Joseph. "You may tell your father, he will understand. He won't be happy but he will understand. But you will never mention this meeting or our terms to mi reina," said Joseph, looking directly at Philippe.

Philippe nodded his head once in agreement.

"It has been my honour and pleasure to watch both of you grow into the fine men you are today," said Joseph, looking at both Pierre and Philippe.

Taking Pierre's hand in his Joseph said, "Pierre, I am proud of you. You would have made a fine King, but you make an even better Pastor. Never forget how proud I am of you. I hope one day you will be appointed Arch-Bishop of Genovia. That would make both your parents extremely proud. My one regret is that I will not be here to witness that fine day. Vaya con Dios, mi príncipe," said Joseph, hugging the younger man before kissing him on both cheeks.

Turning to Philippe, Joseph took his hand in his and said, "Su Alteza, while we have not agreed on many things, I am proud of you. You will make a very good King. Listen to your father and learn from him. He has much to teach you. Today, you have illustrated to me your understanding of how difficult being King will be. Your decisions may be unpopular, but they will always reflect first, and foremost the importance of Genovia, and the Crown. Never forget how proud I am of you. It has been my honour to watch you grow into the man you are today."

Joseph knelt in front of Philippe. He kissed his hand before raising it to his forehead in a sign utmost respect. "Dios te bendiga y te guarde, su majestad," said Joseph before rising to his feet.

Philippe and Pierre watched as Joseph walked over to pick up the pistol where it lay on the ground.

The sound of the slide was loud in the relative quiet of the woods.

Joseph raised the gun to his temple and squeezed the trigger.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The service had been beautiful. The eulogy given by his Royal Highness, Prince Philippe was considered to be the most memorable part of the service. The honour guard performed their duties with military precision, and the wreath laid at the gravesite was filled with the Queen Clarisse rose.

At exactly 11:00 am the firing of the cannon signalled the beginning of two minutes of silence. After the end of the silence, His Majesty King Rupert accepted the salute by the Royal Horse and Rifle Guards as they paraded by the memorial. After the official parade ended, when most spectators in other countries would begin to disperse the crowds in Genovia seemed to increase. The sound of a bagpipes, drums and carnyces filled the air. The crowds seemed to surge forward as everyone wanted to see the men and women who would soon appear.

First to arrive were the Royal banners. They fluttered in the breeze and were carried by four members of the Rifle Guards dressed in ancient Gaul costume. After the banners came the pipers, the horns and the drummers dressed the same. But it was the arrival of the security force led by the Royal Head of Security that caused the most excitement.

Every member of Security was dressed in ancient dress. They wore arm bands, and neck torques in heavy beaten gold. Those with pierced ears wore heavy gold hoops in their ears. Those with hair wore their hair either plaited or dressed in a particular manner. Those without hair wore gold circlets on their heads. Every member wore bracae, with leather garters that crisscrossed their boots to their knees. The men were bare-chested with a cloak fastened across their shoulder and the women wore tunics with cloaks. Each carried a spear, a shield, a sword and daggers sheathed in their boots.

The procession stopped directly in front of the reviewing stand and turned as one. With split second precision they all knelt.

With one voice, they swore an oath of fealty to the Genovian crown, and the Renaldi family.

The cheers from the crowds almost drowned out the end of the oath.

Rising to their feet, Security waited as the Royal Family entered their carriages. Four members of Security each took a place behind a member of the Royal Family. Signalling their readiness, the pipers, drummers and horns began to play, and as one the whole group headed back to the Palace. Many members of Security were bombarded with phone numbers, and flowers as they flanked the Royal Carriages.

"I think our Head of Security enjoys this yearly tradition too much," remarked Rupert, looking as his wife. "All these women throwing phone numbers his way," teased Rupert.

"I think you might be correct," replied Clarisse as she glanced back at Joseph.

"Yes, I enjoy it. But I pass the phone numbers on," said Joseph. "I don't need them. Not now," he added in a husky undertone.

Rupert laughed as Clarisse blushed.

"Shades?"

"Yes sir," Shades answered Rupert.

"Are you ready for your first official state trip?" asked Rupert.

"Yes sir, I am," answered Shades. Joseph was allowing Shades to head the security team accompanying His Majesty on his trip to Italy. If all went well, and Rupert was satisfied with Shades' performance, Shades would slowly begin to take over as head for His Majesty's security team. This would leave Joseph as Her Majesty's personal bodyguard, something Rupert wanted to happen as soon as possible.

As the carriages pulled into the Palace and stopped, Joseph and Shades both alighted before Their Majesties. Holding his hand out, Joseph helped Clarisse, then Rupert down from the carriage while Shades stood at attention. As soon as all the members of the Royal Family were standing at the Palace steps, and the carriages were removed Security came to attention.

Her Majesty stepped forward. "I want to thank all of you for your support and protection. I also want to thank each of you for your vow to the Crown but most of all to the Renaldi family. The Renaldi family pledges our fidelity and support to you, Iam quod insquequo terminus of vicis."

The loud cry of 'Vive le Roi et la Reine!' and '¡Viva el Rey y la Reina!' resounded from the security force.

Joseph let his security force cheer for a bit before he issued the command of Atención!.

Security fell silent, and immediately came to attention. Joseph then turned to Their Majesties and saluted, his actions mimicked by the security members With the salute returned Joseph did an about face, and dismissed his team. The men and women of Security quickly entered the Palace, and proceeded down to the vaults to return their dress, jewellery and weapons.

No one wanted to incur the wrath of Micah, the Royal Curator for failure to return even one item. While Security agreed their boss was intimidating, everyone agreed Micah, with all his knowledge of ancient torture methods was right scary.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

1991 November 18

Philippe asked me to join him in a nightcap which I accepted. He broached the subject once again about the incident in September. Again I told him not to worry about it, that I understood why he did what he did.

He fails to understand that my respect for him increased ten-fold after that incident. Few men would have the boldness to not only demand my death but prepare an elaborate plan to facilitate my death. And even though the gun was not loaded, neither Pierre or I knew that, it mattered little in the scheme of things.

1992 June 14

That dammed Italian is back!

Constantine Notte is back in Genovia!

Clarisse has invited the hijo de soltera to stay at the Palace. She has given him one of the rooms in the West Wing, and has invited him dine with she and Rupert tonight.

To say mi Rey is not happy is an understatement. I offered to introduce the Italian personally to the armoury in the vaults but Rupert declined. He said She would be upset and unfortunately, both of us do our best to keep her from becoming upset.

I complained to Rupert about the unfairness of it all. A man should be allowed to hang, eviscerate or simply murder any rivals for his lady love. Rupert agrees completely.

Too bad Clarisse views such behaviour as unacceptable.