We've moved safely back into T territory now, but oh my is it heating up 😊 Enjoy!

CHAPTER 5

Joseph had paced his room until he was certain a hole had been worn in the carpet. Why did it take women so long to get ready? Charlotte had spirited Clarisse away over two hours ago and there'd been no word since. He looked at the clock. Still another hour to go. He was going to go crazy. A knock on his door stopped the pacing. "Who is it?"

"Charlotte."

Thank God. "Come in, please."

Charlotte entered the room in a midnight blue ballgown. The soft skirt fell to her ankles but promised plenty of room to move as she made sure every detail was perfect for the night. "Looking handsome, Joe. You just need this." She hand him a deep, purple handkerchief for the pocket of his tuxedo along with a matching cummerbund.

Joseph took them and started adding them to his attire. "I guess she finally said yes to a dress?"

The young woman's eyes sparkled. "Oh she did and, trust me, it's going to be worth your wait."

Joseph thought of Clarisse in deep purple satin and did his best not to let his thoughts grow wayward. He'd already had to take two cold showers as he allowed himself to think of Clarisse in that baby blue robe. Or, more importantly, what was under the robe. "She's always worth the wait," He smiled. He noticed she also held a box in her hands. "What' that?"

Charlotte blushed. "Your attire for the ceremony after the ball."

"My attire was selected for me?" His aggravation revived and calmed his arousal.

"Think about it, Joe. You need something specially designed."

"Why in God's name would I need a special design?"

Her fair complexion reddened even more. "Do you want to remove your boxers in front of the host of witnesses?"

Joseph collapsed onto the couch and sighed. "I suppose not." He opened up the box, almost afraid to see what was inside. He pulled out a black, silk robe and a pair of what looked to resemble boxers, but instead of the normal opening for his legs, there was a piece of material that connected the front and back and was held in place with a snap. This time his face turned red. "So, I'm supposed to just what? Reach up and unsnap this when the time comes? Do I have to unsnap her as well?"

He never imagined he'd have to be worried about the logistics of clothing on his wedding night. He preferred there be none. Of course, there was no way in hell he was going to let anyone else see any more of Clarisse than necessary. When this damned ceremony was over and they were back in the room, he made himself a promise that the clothing would go quickly. "What is she wearing?"

Charlotte walked over to the liquor cabinet and poured herself some of his scotch. He wanted to fuss, but knew she'd been working hard to make this as palatable as possible. After downing two fingers worth of the fiery liquid, she turned and faced him. "Her gown is designed to give you access to…well, wherever you want, while still allowing her to remain covered. You won't have to unsnap her as the skirt portion of the gown is designed to separate when…well, you know. We can remove the snap from yours, but thought you might like the, shall we say security, that the material offered."

Joseph chuckled. "You're right, of course. I'm sorry. This is all just so insane. Thank you, or whoever thought of and designed this."

Charlotte shrugged. "It was a joint effort between me, the ladies' maids and Jerome."

"I bet he turned red when you shared with him the specifics."

"No, actually the snap was his idea. He figured it would be the easiest to maneuver and do when the moment was upon you. I think he took some pride in coming up with the solution. You could always wear the long gown as they did in olden days," She teased.

He poured himself a small measure of the scotch. He dare not imbibe too much as he needed his wits about him. "The snap will be fine. Thank you and I'll be sure to thank Jerome, as well. I assume all the details have been attended to?"

She nodded. "Yes. After the ball, before you both go to get changed, we'll walk you through the area and describe what's going to happen. I hope you'll be pleased with what the Princess and I were able to negotiate with the Archbishop." Charlotte grinned. "She may be as good as her grandmother at negotiations…at least with the Priesthood. I think she might have intimidated him a bit."

Joseph grinned. She'd certainly convinced him in short order. "She learned from the best."

"Indeed. Once the ball is over and we walk you through what happens next, I'll be with her as escort and Shades will be with you. The next time you see her, it will be at the ceremony."

"Pretty sure I know what to do," he grumbled.

"Oh so you know all about the details of the ceremony with the Archbishop that takes place before you two will be able to start your wedding night?"

"Seriously? Isn't it enough they'll all be there in the first place?"

Charlotte shook her head. "You're missing the point of all of this."

"And that is?"

"To you this is your wedding night. To the Archbishop and the church, this is honoring a sacred tradition that's been carried out for centuries in countries where there is a monarchy. This is about blessing the union of the royal whose family will be considered the head of the church. It's a way of saying to everyone out there that this marriage is sacred, unbreakable, and protected by all the higher powers that exist." Charlotte took another small drink. "I know it's archaic, ritualistic, and downright crazy in this day and age, but since it has to be done, try to think of it as becoming part of something greater than yourself. When this is over, by the church's standards, you'll have royal standing as well."

He shrugged. "I don't need that, only her."

Charlotte set the glass down. "You knew when you met her and when you fell in love that she wasn't just another woman. She's always come as a package deal. Royalty, duty, and thousands of Genovians." She grinned. "Just be grateful they aren't televising the event."

He shot her a glare but followed it with a smile. "Don't think I've not been grateful about that. There'll be enough witnesses as it is."

"Speaking of that, are you sure about Mabrey?"

Joseph nodded. "You and I both know if anyone were to question any part of this tradition and use it against her, it would be Mabrey. I intend to put an end to any hopes he might have to win her or the throne tonight."

Charlotte nodded. "Okay, and I will have Captain Kelly and his First Officer standing guard on either side of him. If he even tries to get out of his chair…"

"Have him arrested for whatever they want and throw him in jail. Make sure he understands. One move, one peep out of him and he's done for."

"Understood. So you're good? You'll meet the Queen and me at the entrance to the ballroom in about thirty minutes."

Joseph shook his head. "I will not."

"Joe…"

"I will come to her suite and escort her just as I've done to a hundred or more balls. The only difference this time is that when she's announced, I'll walk in beside her and be granted the first dance rather than the last."

Charlotte sighed. She couldn't argue with him on that point. "Okay, I'll let them know of the change and let Her Majesty know that her handsome knight will escort her to the ball."

Joseph grinned. "I like the way you think."

Twenty-five minutes later, Joseph entered the Queen's suite. She was standing in front of the fireplace looking as radiant as he'd ever seen her. The deep purple dress fell to her ankles, but the slit was evident and would allow her more than enough room to move about on the dance floor. The waist was fitted to her perfectly and accented with silver. It was the top though that captivated his attention. The bodice of the dress resembled two slashes of fabric that formed a vee shape and connected behind her neck. The neckline plunged lower and revealed more flesh than he'd been privy to seeing before earlier today when he undid her robe. The back…well, there simply wasn't one. A diamond and amethyst necklace hung enticingly between the two pieces of material that provided the covering for her breasts. Matching earrings completed the ensemble. Her tiara was small and boasted the same stones as her jewelry.

"Did I render you speechless again, my love?" Clarisse asked with a smile as she took the steps necessary to be in front of him.

His fingers traced the exposed valley on her chest. "You're not going to dance with anyone else tonight. Not dressed like this."

She smiled and reached over to produce a white silk jacket. "You know I must dance with others, as you must too. When I dance with them, however, I'll be wrapped nicely in this extra material."

He ignored the part about him having to dance with others and pulled her into a dance embrace and began leading her to the music in his head. "But when you dance with me?"

She stepped closer. "Mmm, I shall wear only this." She offered a sly grin. "At least for our final dance."

Joseph was thankful he had multiple layers of clothes on as he needed as many degrees of separation as possible between them to ensure he didn't whisk her away to a dark room and make the most of her lack of attire. "At this rate, by the time we finally get to the wedding night, I'll be so amped up that I hope I can perform."

Clarisse stepped back and offered him a worried smile. "I'm sorry, Joseph. I didn't think about that. The gown I'm wearing to the ceremony afterward is similar in style at the top. I thought it might help us get used to it by having a similar dress."

Joseph exhaled a deep breath and looked again at the dress, imagining it as a negligee. The straps of material would make it easy for him to move aside and lavish attention on her body without exposing to much of the precious flesh. It also gave him plenty of area to kiss and touch without revealing anything. To test his theory, he placed his hand on her chest and let it slide down and under the material on one side. He relished the feel of the soft skin and Clarisse's deep inhale and murmur of pleasure. His lips found her neck as he kissed his way up to her ear. "This is perfect, my love, just as you are."

Reluctantly he moved his hand. "The moment all of this is over, I intend to bring you back to your room, remove all barriers between us, and love you as no one else has ever loved you before."

Clarisse stepped fully into his embrace and kissed him passionately. His hands soothed the nerves across her back before holding her tightly. The pads of his fingers ignited the nerve endings everywhere he touched and the heat built from deep within her body. Alive and free – the only way to explain her reaction each time he touched her. Part of her couldn't even fathom the depth of emotion she would experience as she became one with the other half of her soul and heart. She couldn't believe there were still several hours before they would be back here, together…alone so she could find out firsthand what it was to experience coming completely undone and do nothing but feel. Had she ever been able to do that?

"And this is why I wanted you to meet her AT the ball rather than escort her." Charlotte's teasing voice broke into the moment.

Joseph pulled away with a chuckle and a shrug. "I was rendered incapable of remembering the time when I saw her in this dress. So it's Jerome's fault."

Both Clarisse and Charlotte laughed. "Yes, let's blame him."

"Seriously, though, you two. Let's go get this party started."

Clarisse nodded. "The sooner it starts…"

Joseph helped her with her jacket and extended his arm in escort. "The sooner it ends."

"Announcing Her Majesty, Queen Clarisse Renaldi-Romero and her escort and husband, Prince Consort, Joseph Romero."

At hearing the announcement, Joseph extended his arm to escort his beautiful wife into the ballroom. Instead, she flashed him a brilliant smile and took his hand. The gesture overwhelmed him with love and gratitude. She was telling him that they would enter as husband and wife…as equals. At least as far as she was concerned. He cared little what anyone else thought. He lifted her hand, now clasped in his, to his lips and kissed it before walking together into the room. The crowd erupted with applause and he felt his face heat. He chanced a glance at Clarisse who radiated in the love of her people. He could probably learn a lot from her about being the center of attention. His thoughts flashed forward to a few hours in the future and realized he'd need a crash course before he'd be comfortable with the kind of attention they'd have on them as they took center stage…literally.

He sighed and squared his shoulders, forcing a smile to his face. He'd deal with that later. Now…now was the time to dance with his beautiful wife. As if on cue, the orchestra started and he twirled her before pulling her into his dance embrace. It was a slow, sultry song. No doubt selected by Mia. They moved as one and he lost himself in the endless ocean of her gaze along with the sway of her body. Wanting to give public affection a little warm up, he pulled her closer and turned her so her back was to him. His hands went to her hips and guided her in slow, Latin moves. She fell in sync with him and he realized in a flash that he'd made a serious error as her delectable bottom was positioned perfectly against him.

Seriously! He needed to get her alone and deal with all the sexual tension that had been brewing between them for at least five years. Needing some distance, he guided her away and initiated a twirl until she was back in the traditional dance space. Deciding to finish with flair, he led her around the dance floor showcasing her exceptional skills. He wanted her to be the star tonight. She deserved nothing less. After a few turns, the music started to fade and he guided her until she rested against his strong arm, her back arched – exposing the graceful line of her neck. He finished the dance by placing a kiss in the curve. Despite the roar of applause, he could hear her satisfied "mmmm" vibrate against his lips.

He returned her to a standing position and they took their bows. A moment later, Sebastian cut in and Amelia was standing next to him waiting her turn. He bowed to her before taking her hand to lead her in the dance. "That was pretty impressive, Joe." Mia commented as they moved in the traditional steps.

Smiling good naturedly, he explained. "Trying to get us both used to…"

"PDA," she supplied.

"PD what?"

She chuckled. "Public displays of affection."

Joseph rolled his eyes. "Yes, definitely working up to a very public display of affection."

Amelia squeezed his hand. "Charlotte did a great job with the Priest. There will at least be one layer of the finest Genovian lace dyed to royal purple between you two and the curious onlookers."

He looked up, surprise coloring his features. "Really?"

She nodded. "Really. Shades and Charlotte will be closest, but I think you can trust them to not look."

He exhaled slowly. "I really need to see this whole thing and get an understanding of all that's going to occur. The logistics of this whole night just…"

Mia added strength to the hand clasping his shoulder. "Just breathe, Joe. You focused on Gramma during that last dance and blocked out everyone else, do that tonight. Once the lace is there, forget the rest of us. Listen to the music and let it flow between both of you, creating a beautiful dance of your love."

The music ended and he leaned forward and kissed her on each cheek. "You've gotten pretty wise since I first met you."

She returned the kiss on his cheek. "I've had some great teachers."

Several more required dances kept Joseph focused on the ball as he listened to the wives of the elite comment on how beautiful Clarisse looked and how romantic all of this was. He smiled and nodded at what he prayed was the right places. It wouldn't do to create a political faux pas on his first day in the spot light.

When there was a break, he caught a glimpse of Viscount Mabrey skulking over in the corner, his gaze following Clarisse's every move. He moved in front of him to cut off his view. "So nice of you to join us, Viscount."

He harrumphed. "You left me little choice."

"You typically attend balls and other royal functions, why should this be different?" Joseph was baiting him, but for the first time, he was at least an equal to this man as far as society was concerned. He intended to press that advantage. Once the ceremony was done, according to Charlotte, he'd outrank every other man in Genovia. He suppressed a grin. That didn't appeal to him, but knowing the majority of red blooded men would be jealous that the Queen was off the market. Now that gave him all the reason he needed to go through with this. That and his beloved wife asked him to.

The malice in Mabrey's black, soulless eyes made him reconsider allowing him to attend the ceremony later. "Do you take pleasure in forcing my hand in this?"

Joseph moved into his personal space. "I take pleasure in making sure you know, without a doubt, that the throne of Genovia and the woman who sits upon it, will NEVER be yours. So tonight, Viscount, you will watch me make love to Clarisse and leave no doubt to the church, the Archbishop, the power players in Genovia and, most importantly, you that this marriage is real. You will then serve your present and future monarch with a humble attitude or you risk my wrath. Is that clear?"

"Joseph?" Clarisse appeared next to him and placed her hand on his arm. "Is everything is alright?"

Viscount Mabrey bowed, "Your Majesty. Congratulations on your marriage."

He watched as she pulled herself to her full height and nodded. "Thank you, Arthur." With no further acknowledgement, she turned her attention to Joseph. "Dance with me?"

They'd just made it to the center of the dance floor when they heard glasses being tapped with what sounded like silverware. They turned to find Mia standing and holding a glass high and leading the noise. "Amelia?"

"I'm guessing this isn't a tradition in Genovia, but in America when someone taps their glass, the happy couple has to kiss. Don't worry though, I've told them that we have to keep it to just a few times. Don't want to wear you out too early." She laughed and ignored the look her Grandmother was sending her way.

The sound resumed and Joseph cupped Clarisse's cheek to turn her glare away from Mia and onto him. "Kiss me, my love?" To encourage her, he let his thumb slide across her soft lips.

The scowl melted and a smile emerged. "I will oblige her this time, but I suggest we not make a habit of following her fancies."

His face filled with merriment and his heart with a warmth that made him believe anything was possible. "No fancy following…got it."

He cupped her face in his hands and brought her closer for a kiss. The moment her lips touched his, the rest of the world, the clinking glasses, the people sharing their special day…all faded away and she became the sole focus of his existence. He felt her grip on his biceps as he deepened the kiss slightly. While he wanted to kiss her with abandon, that would have to wait. He angled his head to slant his mouth across hers as her hands slid to his back, pulling him closer. A moment later, she pulled away with a smile and, once again, to thunderous applause. "That was some kiss, mister."

"You inspire me." He turned and nodded to the crowd. "You've had your kiss, now let's dance."

The music started and she was in his arms. "Do you think they're going to applause like that tonight?"

Clarisse laughed. "Pretty sure of yourself, aren't you?"

Realizing how his question sounded, he joined her in the laughter. "Actually, not at all. This whole thing has me totally out of sorts." He pulled her closer and grew serious. "I do promise to do my best to make this a wonderful night for you."

She stepped closer and laced her fingers behind his neck. "Simply being allowed to finally be with you and to openly express our love is all I need to make this the best night of my life. Everything else will work out in due time."

His movements slowed as he studied her closely. "I know we probably should have had this conversation earlier, but I'm not sure it would have been appropriate."

"What, my love?"

He looked around them to make sure no one was close enough to overhear. Once he was assured, he whispered. "I don't know what your prior experience entailed, but I make this vow to you. I promise that allowing you to experience and enjoy all that a physical relationship between a man and woman can provide is my goal, tonight and forever."

He watched as she blinked back the moisture gathering in those crystalline blue eyes. "That sounds heavenly and terrifying all at the same time."

"Why terrifying?" That wasn't the response he'd expected and was both curious and afraid to hear the answer.

She shrugged and offered a small smile. "I'm not sure that I ever have…fully experienced all that it has to offer. As such, doing so with an audience frightens me."

Joseph wished there was someone…anyone that was around for the first time Clarisse endured this primitive ritual so he could get some insight without having to ask her. Would the Doc know? If so, would he share? He'd warned him not to hurt her, but other than that piece of already understood wisdom, the Doc offered precious little insight or advice. He leaned forward enough to kiss her tenderly on the forehead. "Perhaps we'll save the full unleashing of my prowess until we are alone, hmmm?"

His words accomplished the goal and made her smile much brighter this time. "I shall look forward to that."

He twirled her before pulling her close again. "Before that, we both will do what we can to make the experience pleasant." His face turned serious. "I won't hurt you, no matter what."

"You could never hurt me."

With a gentle kiss, he ended the conversation, but his thoughts continued. Making sure her body was ready for a consummation after so many years would be important. He just had no idea how he could do that with any level of privacy. After all, everyone would be watching.