Shades stood outside the King suite while the other guards were stationed at each end of the hallway per Joseph instruction. The only guards on this wing were guards that Joseph and Shades trusted with their lives. Hans and his security team were not included as they were still unsure how involved Hans was in this mess. Pierre bodyguard was standing across from Shades leaning up against the wall.

"So, how is he, truly" He asked? Normally he would not ask but he was worried about Pierre. He knew what the death of the King would do to the young man.

"Stable. How is the Crown Prince" Shades asked remaining professional by using Pierre formal title?

"The King would be proud" He said as he glanced toward the door.

"Yes, I believe he would be" Shades replied. He could not deny that Pierre had embraced his future surprisingly well. Even he was surprised at how well given all that has happened. His mind suddenly went to Charlotte and he felt that familiar feeling that he did not particularly care for, regret and jealousy. He cared for Charlotte deeply, but he was trying his hardest to let go of her. She was in love with Pierre, the Crown Prince, she would be…Queen someday, he thought.

Pierre bodyguard noticed the different emotions that flooded Shades face but chose to not say anything. He knew. They all knew. No one had to say a word.

Inside the King suite….

Pierre remained sitting silently beside his father bed. The beeping of the machines was the only noise in the room. He sighed deeply as he stood up, touched his father hand briefly and then made his way out of the room.

The King hand moved slightly but Pierre did not notice.

"Thank you" Pierre said to Shades as he made his way down the hall. His guard following him.

Shades went back inside the room, took a glance at the King whose eyes were still closed and then stepped back out shutting the door behind him.

The King moved slightly once again.

Cabin….

"Are you alright" Joseph asked as he peeked in on Clarisse who had retired for the night? Their previous attempt at "being together" pushed aside by the King waking up and Clarisse inability to be with him due to the ongoing threat to her life.

"Yes…" She smiled weakly towards the door as she looked at him.

"Do you want some tea" He asked wanting her to feel better? He knew tea always helped.

"No…thank you. I…she sighed…something stronger" She asked surprising him?

"Of-course, yeah…" He replied as he left her and went downstairs to get a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.

Clarisse watched as Joseph poured her some and handed her the glass.

"Thank you" She smiled as she took a long gulp and then made a face.

Joseph smiled, chuckling at her reaction.

"This is horrible…give me a bit more" She said as she held the glass out.

Joseph poured a bit more.

She held it in her hand, moved from the bed and sat on a chair.

Joseph followed her as he sat in another chair, pouring himself a bit. He would not get drunk of course but he felt he needed it. He was still in shock about the King waking up. And he could not deny he felt guilty for wanting the man's wife. He had thought he would be okay with becoming her lover, if she chose to but…he realized, he would not be alright with it. He wanted more. So much more.

"When can we go back" She asked breaking his thought process?

"I don't know" He answered honestly.

"We have to get back…" She said not in a boss tone of voice but in a sad, heart-broken way that tore him up inside.

"I know…I will see what we can do" He promised.

"Should I tell the boys" She asked nervously as she sipped her drink?

"That is your choice Clarisse, I can't tell you what to do about that" He said as he suddenly felt that given his feelings for her, his opinion may not be best.

"I value your opinion" She admitted as she looked at him concerned.

He remained silent.

"Joseph…" She pushed gently.

"Is it wrong of me to want that moment back" He asked as he looked at her with pained eyes?

"No…" She whispered since she knew what moment he was referring to. She had wanted it too. So much.

"I have to go back down" He said feeling guilty as he stood up and made his way to the door with the bottle and his glass.

"Thank you, Joseph…for everything" She said as she watched him turn and look at her, nod and walk out closing the door behind him.

She placed her glass down on the nightstand and covered her face with her hands. After a few moments, she went into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She knew Joseph would not agree but she had to make this call, she convinced herself as she began to dial a number, she never thought she would ever dial again. She waited anxiously and was about to give up and hang up.

"Hello" Helena answered cautiously. She did not recognize the number but thought it best to answer in case it was James.

"It's me" Clarisse forced herself to talk.

A long silence.

"Why are you calling me" Helena asked suspiciously?

"Motaz…" Clarisse admitted without disclosing any information. She was not sure who could possibly be listening in. She knew not to stay on the call for too long. Years of being protected taught her that.

"You believe him" Helena said surprised and relieved at the same time.

"I do" Clarisse said and then hung up. She held the phone tightly and thought, please do not let me regret this.

Helena found herself feeling hopeful after speaking with Clarisse. If she believed her then Joseph will to and someone will finally do something to stop James and Mabrey. She would be able to get Alex back, she thought. Deciding to share this news with Hans she called him, but it went to voicemail again. Hans, where are you, she wondered?