Hi Everyone! I know I've been away for awhile but this story called to me and demanded to be written. My muse had no choice but comply. It was inspired from watching the show Reign. When I first saw the episode where the royal couple who had just married were required to consummate their vows in public, I was a little shocked...and then curious LOL I did some more research and found that while it was typically something done in royal marriages a long time ago, there were other instances where it happened in order to prove the validity of the marriage and the sincerity of the vows.

So I got to thinking...what if Clarisse and Joseph were required to do this? How would they handle it? So my muse and I got to work and over the next several chapters we'll share the details. The first few chapters will be T and the last few will be M (I mean they are consummating vows so some adult variety story telling is required.) I did my best to honor the characters through it all though so I hope you give me some creative latitude and enjoy this version of Clarisse and Joseph's journey to their Fairytale Ending!

Chapter 1

"With this ring, I thee…." Joseph chanced a quick glance at Clarisse before settling his smiling gaze on the Archbishop, "finally…wed."

Both the Priest and Clarisse smiled in return and his soon-to-be-wife squeezed his hand a little tighter. "Then by the power granted me by the holy church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

With those words, everything he'd ever wanted stood within his grasp. He felt Clarisse move closer, her lips brushing against his unleashing a myriad of thoughts, fantasies, and dreams that could all finally come true beginning tonight.

The kiss was brief, chaste, and not surprising. Clarisse had never been highly affectionate in public. Mia's presence in her life had softened her somewhat, but she still shied away from any displays that could cause people to gossip. He was fine with that. He preferred setting about watching the ice queen melt right before him in the privacy of her suite…and her bed.

The haze of surrealness continued to surround him as they were led to the Archbishop's office for a few moments of privacy before greeting her adoring public. Once behind closed doors, he framed her face in his hands and brought her lips close for another kiss. It only took a moment before she gave in and a small moan escaped from the back of her throat. He pulled her closer and slanted his mouth across hers to deepen the connection. He felt the warmth of her hands spanning across his back signifying she was willing to get lost in this moment.

A knock on the door forced them apart. He cupped her cheek with his hand and let his thumb slide over her well-kissed lips. "I look forward to doing that again very soon," he whispered before she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"Come in," Her voice sounded stronger than she felt. Joseph's kisses…his touch…possessed the ability to drive her to distraction and beyond. That's why she'd had to be so careful all those years around him. She knew he could make her forget all duty and responsibility and simply be a woman in love with a man.

The Archbishop opened the door. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but wanted to have a moment with the Queen, if I may."

Clarisse couldn't fathom what he might want to say to her that he couldn't say in front of Joseph, but the priest had agreed to marry them without hesitation so she would agree to his request. "Of course. Joseph, would you excuse us for just a moment?"

She felt his lips on her forehead, "Your wish is my command. I'll check with Shades and Charlotte and see that the carriage is ready to go. I'll also make sure the Princess is where she should be."

Clarisse nodded. "Thank you."

Joseph nodded to the Archbishop and left the two of them alone. She noticed Joseph offered one final glance before exiting. His look spoke volumes. He was concerned about this development, but he respected her need for privacy. Always had. Always would.

Once the door was closed again, she returned her focus to the elderly man in the white and gold robes. "How may I help you?" She smiled and waited for him to speak. Something in her stomach sent signals that she wasn't going to like whatever he had to say. Her gut had rarely, if ever, been wrong.

"I'm sorry if I've brought concern to you on your wedding day. I simply wanted to determine what time I should be at the palace this evening."

It took every bit of diplomatic training she'd received to not allow the confusion she felt on the inside to display itself on her face. "You're welcome, of course, to come to the ball. I confess, I didn't think you'd be interested in attending. I will, however, ask Charlotte to add you to the guest list."

He raised his hand to stop her and offered a small smile. "I appreciate the offer, my Queen, but I'm not referring to the ball."

This time she couldn't school her features entirely as she was at a loss. "I'm sorry then, my lord, I'm unsure then to what you're referring?"

He sat in his chair, elbows on his desk, as he folded his hands, making a steeple with the index fingers. "To the consummation ceremony, of course."

All color drained from Clarisse's face. She didn't need a mirror to recognize the feeling of warmth and life leaving her body. This simply couldn't be happening.

Shouldn't be happening.

She decided to opt for diplomacy. "Surely, that isn't necessary. My granddaughter will be assuming the throne in only a week. I am not of the age to produce any additional heirs. It seems an unnecessary ritual in this circumstance. I'm certain even Parliament would agree with me on this matter." Truthfully, she wasn't sure what Parliament would say. They had proven unreliable in supporting her when she needed it most. Though they had come through for her granddaughter in a big way today.

"On the contrary, I would think those that wish the crown for themselves might take your failure to comply with a centuries old rule as their last opportunity to wrestle the throne from your family's grasp in the small time they have left. An unrecognized and, therefore, illegitimate wedding – especially given that he's not royal by blood, could provide grounds for declaring you unfit."

His words, though spoken with care and concern, reflected the harsh reality of the world she'd lived in - had fought to stay in - her entire life.

It may have been the truth, but she didn't want to hear it. Since diplomacy hadn't worked, she'd try logic. "I understand what you're saying, but given the Princess' victory with them only a short time ago, they seem open to doing away with archaic protocols that no longer feel relevant. With the advances of science and DNA to absolve any questions about royal lineage of an heir, even Amelia would have a case for not subjecting herself to such a public act."

"Even if you were willing to risk the cooperation of Parliament, I assume you're wanting your marriage to be sanctioned by the church."

Her mouth fell open at his words. He'd just married them. In front of God and well over a hundred witnesses. Was he suggesting the church wouldn't formally recognize her marriage to Joseph if she didn't comply? "You can't mean that…." Her words were more of a whisper than an accusation.

"It is how it has always been. Royals are held to a different standard and, as you know, the monarchy and the church have a longstanding partnership as it were. As the head of the church for your country, it would be unacceptable to not honor the principals on which this relationship was founded."

He was serious.

This man sitting in front of her expected her to consummate her marriage to Joseph not only in front of him, but key members of Parliament and other invited guests as well.

She'd done it before. She didn't like it then. She didn't like it now.

But Joseph…

He would hate it.

And, she feared, would never agree to it.