We're getting close to that fairytale ending…but not there yet.

CHAPTER 6

Clarisse did her best to get through the rest of the ball and still allow herself to give serious thought to Joseph's promises. Though she might not be as experienced as most women, she knew what he meant. It HAD been a long time since she had any type of intimate relationship. Add to that the nervousness of performing for an audience which tightens all muscles and heightens nerves (and not in the good way), and she now worried about that too.

Finally, it was time for the last dance. Charlotte came over and helped her remove her jacket. "Are you ready, ma'am?"

Clarisse turned and pulled Charlotte into a hug. "Thank you for everything. You are my closest female friend, and I simply would not have survived today or tonight without you by my side."

Charlotte leaned back slightly and smiled, "It is my pleasure to both serve you and be your friend. I promise to do everything I can tonight to make this as easy as possible for both of you."

The older woman squeezed her hand tightly. "No matter where your future in Genovian politics takes you, I pray we will remain friends."

"You won't get rid of me that easily. Now go dance the last dance with your husband."

Clarisse smiled, "I suppose now is as good a time as any to show them what's in store."

The words to Celine Dion's song, "I'm Everything I am Because You Loved Me" started as Clarisse made her way to the middle of the dance floor. She walked with confidence, knowing every eye was on her and her attire…or lack thereof.

Joseph met her in the middle and took her hand and bowed. "May I have this dance? Now and forever?"

She smiled and nodded before cupping his cheek and stepping into his dance embrace once again. They swayed to the music and she let the words wrap around her. She'd chosen this especially as a way to let him know how much she loved and appreciated his support over the years. The heat from his hand branded her back as he moved it lower to guide her throughout the dance. She chanced a glance at his face. His cerulean depths smoldered with intensity as they slowly moved from her face to the necklace accenting her décolletage.

As the song ended, she slowed them and whispered with a shy smile, "I'm everything I am, because you loved me."

Without even the tinkling of the glasses, she cupped his cheek and pulled him into a kiss. She felt his arms surround her and pull her closer. The way his hands held her possessively against his hard body sent a shiver of delight down her spine. It wouldn't be long now.

She couldn't stop the murmur of displeasure that escaped when his lips left hers. He offered a smoldering smile and said, "Not much longer…"

Audience or not – she was ready to finally have her wedding night with Joseph.

Instead of applause, this time as they joined hands and walked from the ballroom, the guests bowed in respect to the couple who had owned the night. Clarisse knew many, if not all, of them recognized what was to happen next and even though only the most elite in Genovia would be in the audience, they all sensed the importance of the events to come.

Once outside the doors Charlotte, Mia and Scott were waiting for them. Shades lowered his head slightly out of respect and gestured with his hand. "If you both will follow me, I'll show you the area where the ceremony will be held and then Charlotte will walk you through everything."

Clarisse maintained a strong hold on Joseph's hand. Inwardly, she feared he might change his mind and refuse to partake of the ceremony. They finally arrived at a rarely used area of the castle. Two footmen bowed and then opened the doors. They took a few steps forward and then Clarisse stopped in her tracks. "Oh my…"

"Merde…" Joseph whispered.

In the center of the room, on a raised platform was a king sized four poster bed draped in a canopy of the deepest purple Genovia lace. At the side facing the viewing area, the lace was pulled back with satin ties. The lights had been dimmed and candles were situated strategically around the room. There was a chair a few feet from the end of the bed, another at both the front and back legs of the bed on the side closest to the audience. Two overstuffed chairs were seated on a separate platform about five feet from the head of the bed. Between the two platforms was a white and gold kneeling bench. The viewing gallery appeared to hold twenty five to thirty seats.

She could hear Joseph crack his neck. "So I know where Clarisse and I will be while this whole thing is happening along with the invited guests. Who gets the chairs closest to the action?"

Clarisse cringed slightly at his tone, but understood the frustration. Charlotte stepped forward and gestured to the platform with the chairs. "Princess Amelia and the Archbishop will be seated here." She then gestured to the chair at the end of the bed. "The doctor will be there."

Joseph sighed. "Well at least he's seen you naked before."

"Joseph!" Clarisse's face heated with a blush at his statement.

"Sorry. I'm just trying to process." He squeezed her hand tighter, but she feared things were only going to get worse. "And the other two chairs right next to the bed?"

Charlotte sighed and pointed to the chair closest to her. "I'll be here and Shades will be at the opposite end."

"Okay, I'll ask since either everyone else knows or is too afraid to ask. Why?"

Clarisse decided it was time she took back some control of the situation. "Charlotte will be my personal escort and Scott will be yours. They are there should you or I need anything and to close the curtains."

Joseph shook his head. "Not sure what I might need that they could give me, but fine. So tell me what's going to happen."

Clarisse tried to focus on the rundown Charlotte was providing, but she was too busy watching Joseph and his reactions. He was right. This was insane. If it were anything but the crown of Genovia at stake, she would tell the entire country along with the Arch Bishop where they could get off and she would go on to live her life, happily ever after with Joseph.

"You both understand? Have any questions?"

When neither of them said anything, Charlotte continued. "Okay then, let's get you back to your rooms and ready to go. Ceremony starts in thirty minutes."

Inside Clarisse's Suite

Clarisse stood and looked at herself in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman standing before her. Her skin was flushed which further highlighted the ivory silk that clung to her body. Similar to her ball gown, the negligee had a plunging vee bodice that connected at the back of her neck. The waist cinched, but only a tiny bit to provide some support. The bottom portion of the gown was swatches of silk and lace that provided covering, but would give Joseph the ability to touch her without revealing anything.

Her skin heated further at the thought of Joseph touching her below the waist. During the limited amount of physical activity they had allowed themselves, he had touched her breasts but had never ventured lower. Well, she smiled, he did like to slide his hand along her bottom. Her feminine parts tingled with the memory.

With a long inhale and exhale, Clarisse fought to calm her body. She simply had to keep some semblance of control. Didn't she? The proper part of her personality chided her that it would be too embarrassing to simply relax and enjoy whatever the night had to offer. Regardless of what happened in front of others, the anticipation for what might happen after whispered a sultry song in the depths of her soul.

She refused to think about that first time with Rupert. They were both so young. So nervous. So inexperienced. There had been no lace to give them any privacy. The Archbishop had been standing right there, watching their every move. It had simply felt wrong. She didn't blame Rupert. He was just as anxious to get it over with as she had been. A consummation, pure and simple. Her body hadn't been ready. SHE hadn't been ready. It was over in a matter of minutes and she had managed not to cry until they got back to their suite.

Rupert had been a gentleman and ran a nice, hot bath for her with scented oils and lots of bubbles to ease the discomfort. They'd simply held each other the rest of the night. As she had said to Joseph, they had figured it out in due time.

Clarisse knew, though, that her time with Joseph would be different. They were older, more experienced. Plus, the bond that brought she and Rupert together was duty and obligation, surrounded by the fondness of two very good friends.

The heat that sizzled between her and Joseph was an entirely different level. It both frightened and excited her. She prayed that the connection between them would allow the opportunity to find just the right moves for the dance they had to perform for others. Once back in their suite… Joseph's words from earlier today flooded into her thoughts, "I have served you for a lifetime, but tonight, I will worship you." That sounded like the fairytale ending she'd been wanting since this whole crazy nightmare began.

"Your Majesty?" Charlotte stepped into the dressing area. "Oh, ma'am, you look absolutely beautiful."

Clarisse blushed at the compliment and turned to see the young woman, dressed in a simple white shift, secured at the waist with a gold rope. The ensemble was completed with gold sandals. "You look far more dressed than I am."

Charlotte chuckled, "Yes ma'am."

Clarisse took her hand, "I think we should dispense with the formalities tonight, don't you?"

The younger woman nodded, "If you wish." She held out the robe for Clarisse to slip into. "This should help keep you warm until it's time."

Once the robe was on and a pair of slippers added, Clarisse led the way into the sitting room. "I think a drink is in order, though with the little bit of food I've had, that might not be a good idea."

"I can arrange to have some food at the ceremony."

"No, that won't be necessary, but perhaps some finger foods for when we return to the suite. Once my nerves subside, I'm certain I'll be ravenous."

"Of course, I'll see to it." Charlotte made a note in her phone before slipping it back into a hidden pocket. She then poured a glass of white wine and handed it to Clarisse. "Here, it's not the strong stuff, but perhaps will take the edge off."

Clarisse forced herself to sip it slowly as she stared out the window and wondered what was happening just down the hall.

In Joseph's suite…

"You got everything you need, Boss?" Shades asked as he handed Joseph a two finger pour of scotch.

Joseph nodded and accepted the glass with a chuckle. "Normally, I'd say the only thing I needed was my wife, but we both know nothing about this is normal."

Shades lifted the glass in toast. "To finding some normal."

"To finding normal."

They sipped their drink for a moment before Shades spoke again, "Seriously, though, is there anything you need?"

Joseph leaned his head back against the couch. "Honestly, I don't know that I even care about the people being there anymore…as crazy as that sounds. When I dance with Clarisse, everything else fades into the background. I'm hoping it will be the same tonight. I just…" He stopped. He really shouldn't be discussing this with anyone. It was personal and private.

"Just what?"

"It's been a long time for both of us. We've never…" His face heated at the admission.

"Never?"

"Not with each other, no."

Scott let out a low whistle. "I don't think I'd be capable of that kind of restraint. She's a beautiful woman and the love you two have for each other is obvious to those of us closest to you."

"It's because I love her so much that I didn't press the issue. She would never do anything to jeopardize the crown."

"Or would do anything to make sure it remains in the family…" Shades added.

"Exactly."

"Just take it slow. You've always been tuned into each other. I have no doubt you'll be able to communicate with each other without even really saying anything."

"You're right, of course."

The glass of amber liquid was finished before Joseph decided to make sure Shades knew what he expected. "I presume that you and Charlotte will keep your eyes off the prize this time?"

Shades laughed. "We're going to spend the time looking at each other. So if you do end up needing anything, you're going to need to say our names. Deal?"

Joseph smiled. "Deal."

The young man stood and pointed to the clock. "You all snapped up and ready to go?" He teased.

"You do know I'm still your boss and can fire your sorry butt for at least seven more days?"

Shades swallowed and then grinned. "Yeah, but you won't."

Joseph punched him. "You're right, I won't. Now let's go. I'm ready to get this over with and move the party to a more private location."