Okay – we're definitely treading in light "M" territory here (still pretty tame by all accounts – I mean c'mon, people are watching! LOL)

Hope you enjoy!

CHAPTER 7

Joseph bounced his leg nervously as he waited for the double doors to open. He'd been told that Clarisse was stationed at the doors on the opposite side of the room. When the signal was given, the doors would open and they would both walk toward each other and stand in front of the kneeling bench situated between the bed and the platform that would seat the Archbishop and the Princess. He'd found the courage to ask Shades about the Princess on the walk over. Royal or not, she should not be forced to either endure such a thing herself or watch her grandmother. Shades had chuckled and said that the Princess had advised that she only had eyes for the doctor…or, in this case, the top of his head. She had learned in a speech class that by staring at the tops of the audience heads, it gave the appearance of looking at them. She intended to use that device to give the illusion that she was watching the events when she only intended to catalog any potential bald spots on the aging doctor's head.

He thanked the good Lord that the Princess had found a way to appease both the monarchy and the church in this instance without causing her Grandmother undue embarrassment past what she already would have to endure.

A moment later, the strings of the orchestral music started and the doors opened. He followed the pace set by Shades, though all he wanted to do was run into her arms. Instead, he managed patience by studying her from across the room. She was bathed in candlelight that reflected off of the ivory silk robe she wore. It fell to mid-thigh and her bare legs were almost his undoing. The tips of his fingers burned to touch the softness of her skin and to lose himself in the thrill of her intimate embrace.

She wore no crown and appeared to only have simple diamond studs adorning her ears. Good, he thought. He would prefer the softness of her earlobe to a mouth full of metal. Her lips were set in a soft line. No smile, but he didn't blame her. He knew that nerves were drawn tighter than the drums on coronation day. He would need to relax her before they could even proceed too far. He'd made a vow and he intended to keep that.

Once they met at the bench, he offered a smile and whispered, "Hermosa, me reina."

Clarisse smiled and dipped her chin slightly in acknowledgement. He couldn't wait to see what rested beneath her robe. Before he got too swept away, he heard the Priest. "Kneel please."

He took her hand and guided her onto the padded bench and then took his place beside her. Something swelled deep inside of him as he realized that he actually could be beside her now. Their elbows rested on the top of the second padded shelf. He took her hand in his and held it as they both folded them into the prayer position.

"Good people of Genovia, we are here to witness the union of Her Majesty Queen Clarisse Renaldi Romero and Prince Consort Joseph Romero. Whereby, the Queen wishes to demonstrate to the Holy Church that this marriage is true and should, therefore, be blessed as a sanctified and holy marriage. As Ecclesiastes teaches us, Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. From the beginning in Genesis, our Heavenly Father commands that a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

He stepped forward and put a hand on Clarisse's head and one on Joseph's. "The church stands ready, upon consummation of the marriage, to offer both their blessing and support upon this union. Let us pray…"

Joseph bowed his head and closed his eyes but instead of listening to any more the man had to say, he took slow, deep breaths and exhaled them in a small stream. The time was near for them to begin that path toward one flesh. They'd started as one mind then eventually became one heart. Tonight was the final step in their journey. Or, perhaps, it was more the beginning.

"Amen."

Everyone responded together, "Amen."

"You may rise."

Joseph stood and helped Clarisse to her feet. He remembered from Charlotte's instructions that he was to guide Clarisse to the platform where the bed resided in grand form awaiting them. Once they'd traversed the short distance, he stood facing her, trying to remember if he was to disrobe first or she. A gentle nudge from Shades gave him the clear signal. He was first. Definitely another thing that would be different if they were alone. His hands trembled slightly as they went to the tie of his belt. He locked his gaze with hers as he slowly undid the knot and disrobed. He handed it to the other man and felt his heart swell with pride at the appreciation he saw in his bride's eyes for what was revealed to her. He hoped she continued to be pleased as the night went on.

He resumed his slow breathing as he watched Clarisse's hands go to the tie of her sash. A moment later, a generous amount of flesh was available for his perusal. She was so beautiful. They stepped out of their slippers and he felt, more than saw, their attendants retrieve them and then move back to their respective chairs.

Another song started and he took the necessary steps to close the distance between them. Without her heels, he was an inch or so taller than her. His eyes closed as her hand cupped his cheek, the warmth reminding him of the bond they'd shared for decades. When he felt her thumb brush across his very dry lips, he couldn't help but lick them after. The desire to see her prompted him to open his eyes. Her upturned face begged him to kiss her and he obliged.

Just as he'd hoped, the rest of the world faded away. Clarisse, his beautiful wife, was the only person he could see. His arms slipped possessively around her and pulled her close as the kiss deepened. His pulse rate increased its tempo, leaving the slow sounds of the music far behind. Her soft skin against his and the cushion of her breasts heightened every nerve and threatened what little control he had managed to find.

He had to slow this down.

Gently ending the kiss, he smiled at her and waited for her eyes to open. Once her gaze found his, he released her from his embrace and kissed her gently on the forehead. He turned her so her back was to his front. "Close your eyes," he whispered. He didn't want her to focus on the crowd, only on him and his touch. "Just feel…"

Taking one of her hands in his, he lifted it until she could cup the back of his head. He let his fingertips trace the soft skin of her arm down from her wrist, over her shoulder, and to the center of her chest. He allowed his hand to slip under the fabric and held still for a moment as he relished the inhale and exhale of her breath as he palmed the precious weight. "Oh Joseph…" she whispered as she leaned into him. His mouth watered wanting to lavish attention on the tip now standing rigid under his palm.

Reluctantly, he removed his hand, careful not to reveal anything, before retracing his path until his hand covered hers once again. He used their joined hands to guide her lips toward his and this time, when she kissed him, some of the timidity had lessened. He was pretty sure all the sounds of pleasure were escaping from him. His lips left hers and made their way to the gentle curve of her neck. The rapid beating of her pulse spurred him on and he moved to capture the diamond studded earlobe in the heat of his kiss. Her body sagged against his and he knew she was right…they weren't going to be able to stand much longer.

"I love you," he whispered before slowly separating from her body. Once she was facing him again, he couldn't take his eyes off the rise and fall of her breasts. He needed more…now! He gestured to the bed. "Shall we?"

"In a moment," she smiled. Before he could ask or say anything, his breath caught as her hands smoothed over his chest, exploring. Of course, she had much more territory to cover as his chest was bare, but he intended to remedy that problem soon after they finally made it to the bed. He closed his eyes and focused on each touch of the pad of her fingers or the grazing of her nails anywhere she pleased. The sensations slowly carried him to a blissful place where the craziness of the day faded away.

Mia caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye of the Archbishop getting restless. She forced her gaze away from the doctor and looked at him. "What's wrong?" She whispered, trying desperately not to call any attention from the couple. Though, she noted, her Gramma was doing some exploring and focused totally on Joe and his eyes were closed, so she didn't think either of them would notice.

"What are they doing?" Thankfully, he whispered the question. Priests must know how to keep quiet, she mused.

"What do you mean?"

"He is to consummate the marriage."

Mia couldn't help but smile. "I'm pretty sure that's what they're working on."

He shook his head and started to stand up, but Mia's hand went to his arm and applied some gentle pressure.

"Your Highness?"

"This is their night, which you're forcing them to share. Leave them be and let them do this how they wish."

She noted the priest looked less than happy, but he settled back into this cushioned chair and refocused his attention to the stars of the hour. Hoping that situation was under control, she chanced a glance at Viscount Mabrey. His eyes appeared as dark as night in the candlelit room, but there was no doubt his gaze rested intently on her grandmother. She suppressed a shudder as she didn't want to even consider what he might be thinking. Instead, she noticed movement and prayed that perhaps her grandparents were making their way to the bed. Time for her to go back to counting the hairs on Doc Weston's head.

Joseph felt Clarisse's lips on his chest as her hands continued their slow exploration. He feared his legs wouldn't hold him upright much longer. He found the strength to lift his hand to her chin. "You're making me weak in the knees, my love."

"Well, we mustn't have that." She released her embrace and took his hand, moving them the short distance to the bed.

He grinned, "I suppose since Queens don't slide, I'll need to get in first."

"I think that's for the best."

He didn't care who got in first as long as they were both there. He sat on the bed before scooting to the other side. Her descent was far more graceful and the sight of her body against the dark satin heated his blood and forced him to take a few breaths to calm himself.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Shades and Charlotte stand and untie the lace. A moment later, the room darkened as the lace did its job, muting them from the outside world. He ventured a quick glance at the audience and could only see them as shadows. He trusted that was what they would see of them as well.

He studied her for a moment. The blue of her gaze darkening as they realized the moment they would become one was near. A lifetime of dreams…of fantasies…all culminating in this one moment. He could wait no longer.

Clarisse saw the hunger in the depths of those intense blue eyes. His lips moving closer to her. The feel of silk gliding across her mouth, the touch of his hand against her breast, and the moan escaping from deep within her soul. She prayed it was quiet enough to be subdued by the music.

The fire of his kiss left her mouth and found the curve of her neck. She managed to keep her reaction to a gasp. As he continued his descent, she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth in order to be as quiet as possible for as long as possible. She busied herself with touching his warm skin wherever she could reach. The muscles moved under her touch and the desire to just let herself go and fully enjoy this moment…this man…was strong.

When the fabric of her bodice was moved carefully to the side, she inhaled sharply at the first touch of his mouth around the tip of her breast. "Oh Joseph…mmmm" she whispered.

Charlotte wasn't sure how much more of this she could take. Being around the Queen and Joseph had been hard enough when they were trying to hide their feelings. Now she was literally witnessing the culmination of their love less than a foot away from her. Oh she wasn't looking, but that made no difference. She'd been privy to enough moments between them and she had an active imagination. With each gasp, whisper, murmur, and moan the movie played out in her head as if she were focused completely on the couple. She'd known this was going to be hard, but she didn't trust anyone else to be this close. No. Her friend and queen deserved as much privacy as possible. As another catch in breath followed by an "mmmm" filtered into her hearing, perhaps she'd underestimated how difficult this truly was going to be. She blinked and focused again on the dark gaze of the man sitting across from her. The intent on his face was as clear as though he'd written a note asking her to meet him someplace private the moment this was over. And, make no mistake, she had every intention of doing so. Until then, she had no choice but to squeeze her legs together tighter in an effort to keep herself under control.

Joseph was in heaven or at least as close as he could be with the amount of people around him. Clarisse's hands were touching him everywhere she could reach. He continued to lavish attention to her breasts, enjoying the way her body arched in response to his caresses and kisses. The fire inside of him was burning brightly with his need to finally be one with her. It was time to move forward. While he didn't want to rush things, he also wanted to be alone - wanted to know how she'd respond when no one else was watching or listening. Wanted to love her with abandon.

He lifted his face from the fullness of her chest and kissed her luscious lips again. "Clarisse," he whispered.

A moment later her eyes fluttered open, a questioning look on her face. "Yes?"

Without wanting to speak too much, he let his hand smooth down her side, over her hip and down to the bend in her knee. He applied a little pressure to let her know what he wanted her to do. Her gaze widened as she read his intent. A moment later she nodded. He slowly lifted her knee until it gave him the access he needed. He let his caress move to the inside of her thigh. He felt her tense. Lowering his mouth closer to hers, he kissed her again. "Trust me."

He noted the rise and fall of her chest as she inhaled and exhaled slowly. "Kiss me," she whispered in return.

Happy to provide her with a distraction, he angled his head and began to kiss his wife properly and deeply as his hand moved closer to her center. After a few tentative caresses, he eased up on the kiss to make them feather light as his touch on her center deepened. He wanted to watch her face to make sure he didn't do anything to make her uncomfortable.

Her gaze locked onto his as she felt the tips of his fingers move beyond her curls to the softness they protected. She wondered if he could feel the same heat she did at his intimate touch. The breath caught in her throat as the caress deepened. A moment later she could no longer keep her eyes open as the sensations became too much. Her soul battled between letting go and letting out the verbal signals she knew Joseph craved to holding on to a small sense of privacy. She knew she had to strike a balance – had to hold on just a short time longer.

Mabrey watched with impatience as Joseph slowly made love to his Queen. His hands gripped the arms of the chair as he knew that was exactly what the man was doing. Making love to her. Anger filled his veins as he knew this had to be an effort to further torture him. This was not how these ceremonies were to go. He'd been at the first consummation ceremony of the queen. The king took the queen to the bed, moved on top of her and did his duty in front of the Archbishop and the witnesses. The whole thing had lasted less than ten minutes.

Joseph had already been at this for over thirty and hadn't even moved in position yet. What was wrong with the man? Ha! He inwardly scoffed. Perhaps the man who had captured the queen's heart wasn't man enough to take her body. This cad may be a royal by the church's standard when this was all over, but he had a long way to go to understand how royals think and how things were to be done.

He saw Joseph's hand slide inside her leg. Finally some progress! He watched her body arch under the man's touch. His fingertips burned with the desire to – just once – stroke the skin that had to be the most luxurious covering for the strength he knew rested under those long legs. Many a fantasy had been played out with them wrapped around his frame as he drove in to her again and again. He'd availed himself of many women over the years – all blonde. Clarisse Renaldi though, was the one woman who was not attracted to his power, nor threatened by it. Despite countless threats against her rule, she emerged victorious time and time again. That only made him want her more.

As he continued to pay rapt attention to every move the couple made, he would have to settle for continuing to claim her in his fantasy life for alas, though he wanted her now more than ever, he could never have her.

Joseph could feel his body respond to Clarisse, the hitch in her breath, the "mmmm" that escaped as more of a sigh than an audible response, but mostly it was the moisture he felt gathering under his caress that told him it wouldn't be long now.

He allowed his fingers to circle the tiny bud of her desire. He was rewarded with the arching of her body arched as her hands clasped his arms tightly. "Joseph, please…I'm ready. Let's do this."

This time his breath hitched as she released her hold on one bicep to let her hand run down his chest and lower until nimble fingers encountered the snap working valiantly to contain the growing evidence of his desire for her. He exhaled slowly as she released him, praying he could hold on and do what everyone expected.

With the utmost care, he moved into position over her as her legs moved to accommodate him, her knees bending in an effort to protect the privacy of their joining as much as possible. He would remember to thank her for that later.

It was time.

The Archbishop exhaled slowly as he witnessed Joseph finally moving into what was traditionally the consummation position. He squirmed a bit in his seat as he had to admit he was uncomfortable with the level of intimacy he'd been forced to witness between this couple. He'd been to ceremonies over the course of his career and had presided over a few, two of which being his current Queen. He was thankful his future queen had insisted they sit in this location rather than him standing by the bed. He cast a quick side glance at her. He admitted he admired her courage as she'd never removed her gaze from the couple. He supposed as a royal she had an internal fortitude that allowed her to do things for duty that she might not otherwise do.

He focused again on the couple. Even now when consummation was eminent, Joseph waited. He was kissing her and she seemed to be basking in his attention. Truthfully, this entire experience had been quite different. Instead of a consummation, he sensed he'd been watching a display of…love? Yes, that's what this was. Love as he'd never witnessed between a monarch and their mate. Perhaps because Joseph was a commoner, he did not understand the way this ceremony was to be performed.

Sighing, he sent a prayer to heaven that this would be over soon. Perhaps he would need to speak to the powers that be if this was going to be the norm going forward. Many traditions had been changing in Genovia, maybe this would be next. He shuddered to think of the negotiating he would have to do when Queen Amelia chose her husband.

He decided it might be time to focus more on the doctor who would give the signal when consummation had occurred…finally!

Clarisse felt Joseph lift up slightly and reach between them. She held her breath as he positioned himself. She prayed this time would be different….well, would continue to be different. Joseph had shown her such tenderness, despite all the craziness of the day. Before she was thankful Rupert had finished quickly, but for Joseph…for the man she loved with all her heart, she wanted him to feel the overwhelming joy she felt at finally being at one with him. She wanted him to achieve release. She knew hers would come later. And she was fine with that.

Poised and ready, Joseph leaned forward and kissed her again. "I love you now and forever."

She used her hands to cup both of his cheeks and pulled him closer, "And I love you."

Her eyes closed as she kissed him, the only way she could be certain she didn't hold her breath. Inch by glorious inch, she felt them become one. Once he was fully seated in her loving embrace, time stood still. Long, slow breaths as she willed her body to relax and adjust to the fullness.

"Are you alright?" She heard her lover whisper.

There were a million things she could say right now, but she knew those thoughts could be shared later. Instead she whispered, "Nice and slow at first, alright?"

His heated breath caressed her neck as he whispered near her ear. "Oh nice and slow is always the way to start. This time we'll finish that way too, okay?"

Though her eyes remained closed, she smiled as she thought about other ways they might end it when they were alone. "Sounds like the perfect plan. I haven't forgotten your promise from earlier today."

With her agreement, she felt him start to move slowly in and out of her body. "Mmmm, so good."

Joseph heard the small murmur of pleasure and knew he'd chosen well. He'd briefly considered moving through this part a little quicker once she was comfortable, but now he understood what she'd been telling him without saying the exact words. He'd promised earlier to worship her – and worship her he would – later – until she felt nothing but pleasure coursing through her body. For now, she was content with him achieving release and getting this show over with.

Once he sensed her body relax further, he increased his pace slightly. He opened his eyes briefly to see hers closed and a look of contentment framing her features. Satisfied that she was experiencing pleasure over pain, he focused inward again and pictured her from earlier today when he had undone her robe and witnessed her beautiful body, unhindered by clothing for the first time. He remembered the catch in her breath and the way she responded to his bold touch. And, finally, he imagined how glorious it was going to be when they were alone and he would finally hear her call out his name in pleasure.

That was enough. He jerked hard against her body as he collapsed into her embrace. Immediately, he felt her arms surround him. He'd done what was required and with as much decorum as possible, he believed.

He had no idea what came next.

There was movement at the foot of the bed. He was too tired to even look. He assumed it was the doctor signaling that consummation had occurred. Next he heard the Archbishop, "What God has joined together let no man put asunder. The church recognizes this holy union as the sacred bond between husband and wife along with the monarchy and the church."

"We did it," Clarisse whispered.

"We did." He smiled and lifted from her body enough to place a gentle kiss on her lips. "So, if Charlotte told us what happens next, I no longer remember."

Her smile widened. "Charlotte and Scott will see to the details."

As she spoke, he felt a silk blanket being pulled over their bodies, covering them at last. Once he was certain they were shielded from any gazes, he carefully disengaged from her body and moved back to her side. He noticed the spectators stand and move from their seats and begin to file out of the room. Each stopping briefly to bow before the newest royal couple in Genovia.

Once the last of them left the room, the Archbishop and Mia came to the front of the platform where Clarisse and Joseph could see them. The priest offered a slight bow while the Princess lowered her head out of respect as well. The Archbishop offered his arm in escort to the Princess and they departed without a word.

Charlotte ventured a glance at the couple. "We'll make sure everyone has left and then will return to escort you to your suite."

Clarisse noticed, through the dim lighting that Charlotte's face was flushed. While sympathetic to her plight, she was glad that she was the one closest and probably the only one who would have heard anything from the couple.

Once they were alone, she turned to Joseph and cupped his cheek. "Thank you, my love, for agreeing to such an act of insanity to help me, hopefully one last time, hold on to the throne long enough to pass it to Amelia."

His lips found hers again as his hand went under the silk blanket to make use of the privacy they'd been given. Already his fire for her was building again to a level that he knew would need to be dealt with very soon. "Can I tell you a secret?"

She chuckled. "Well, I do have top level security clearance."

"Other than a few brief moments, I thought very little of the others in the room. You were the only one in my mind."

"Mmm, now for my secret."

He nuzzled her neck, "Lucky for me, I have top level security clearance as well."

"While I certainly enjoyed the time we spent together here, my thoughts were definitely centered more on my anticipation of activities in the privacy of our suite."

He took a look around to confirm no one was there before pushing aside her gown and taking the tip of her breast in his mouth.

"Oh Joseph…" Her back arched in response as her hands went to his head to guide him as he lavished attention.

His hand slid lower seeking out the sensitive skin he longed to get lost in. Just as he started to stroke her, he felt her hand on his arm. "We can't…not here. Charlotte and Shades could be back any minute…"

The frustration in her voice reached his heart and he reluctantly pulled away from her. "I'm sorry, love. I'm very anxious to be alone with you."

Her hand cupped his cheek. "As am I, my love. As am I."

He scanned the room again. "What in the bloody hell is taking them so long?"

Clarisse sighed. "I honestly don't know."

"This is ridiculous. I am still the head of security, am I not?"

"Well, technically."

Joseph threw back the cover and walked around the bed to grab their robes. He slipped his own on and handed Clarisse hers. "Well then technically, I'll escort us back to your suite and then I'm going to lock the door…make that doors. Every single one of them."

Clarisse wanted to argue with him that they should wait, but – truth be told – she was tired of waiting for her fairytale ending. She pitied anyone who tried to detain them on their way back to her suite. She stood, put on her robe and slippers, and took his hand. "Lead the way, my love."