Chapter 5

Joseph paced impatiently in the front room of the suite he shared with his wife. He was anxious. She always looked amazing, but when she dressed for the ballet…well, it was always a sight to behold. He nervously fiddled with the delicate bracelet secured away in his pocket.

Finally, he heard the doors to the bedroom open and she stepped out. Instead of a formal gown, she'd opted for a "little black dress" that hit just above the knees in front and fell to tea length in the bank. Oh he'd been around balls and formal events long enough to know the terminology. One does not guard the Queen of Genovia for decades and not be forced to stand idly by while she discussed gown lengths with her tailor.

The dress was, of course, fitted to her perfectly and flattered every curve. The sweetheart neckline was just low enough to make his mouth water knowing the treasure that lay beneath the lace trimmed bodice.

"You look amazing." He shook his head. "No, not even that does you justice."

Her smile warmed his heart. "You look very handsome as well. I thought since you loved to wear black, we'd match tonight."

He stepped closer and let his fingers gently caress her jawline down the curve of her neck and over the gentle swell of her breasts. "You look far better in black than I ever have."

She blushed at his compliment. "Somehow being around you makes me feel even more beautiful."

Remembering the bracelet, he carefully retrieved it from his pocket. "I think this will match perfectly, don't you?"

Her gaze widened as she took in the diamond and ruby tennis bracelet. "Oh Joseph, it's beautiful. You shouldn't have."

He took it from her and carefully placed it on her wrist. "A man should always buy jewelry for the woman he loves." He finished his statement by lifting her now jeweled wrist and placing kisses on the underside, making his way up her arm.

"You're not trying to buy my forgiveness, are you?" She exhaled even as her eyes closed at his intimate gesture.

"I would never attempt to buy my pardon with jewelry for the woman who has access to the crown jewels. This is just my way of saying thank you for being my date to the ballet tonight." By the time he finished his sentence, he'd placed kisses all along her shoulder and had moved to the curve of her neck. He was pleased that she'd angled her head to give him full access.

"Mmmm, oh Joseph. How I love it when you say thank you." Her words ceased as his lips found hers and tempted them into a deep kiss. Clarisse's arms surrounded him in her warm embrace and held him close as she leaned her head in to further strengthen their connection. She loved this man with every fiber of her being. Finally, she eased back. "I also love it when you kiss me like that."

Joseph kissed her lips lightly, "And I love when you return my kiss with such ardor that it makes me want to forgo the ballet and take you straight to bed."

The tips of her fingers traced his soft, sensual mouth. "Anticipation makes the reward even sweeter, don't you think?"

He fought the sigh that built at her words, knowing she would not be moved. He wasn't sure if it was because she didn't want to disappoint the ballet company by not attending or if perhaps, she still wasn't entirely ready to forgive him. Either way, when they got home tonight, he was going to unleash every move he could think of to convince her to make love to him. He cupped her cheek and smiled, "Always, my love. Shall I escort you?"

She stepped back with a smile and took his arm, "Please do, my handsome husband."

The atmosphere in the limo on the ride over was a little less affectionate. Charlotte and her security guard had been assigned to ride with Clarisse and Joseph. Joseph had attempted to make conversation that would bring both women into the mix, but neither seemed ready. Finally, he decided to say what was really on his mind before they arrived at the ballet. "Look ladies, I know you both have a lot to talk about and, based on the apparent lack of your attempt at conversation this evening, you aren't quite ready to do so. But we all know that life in the palace and among our little family won't be the same until you do, so perhaps during intermission you can find some time?"

Charlotte ducked her head and blushed while Clarisse cut him a glare. He sighed, maybe even his best moves wouldn't be enough tonight to convince his wife to have some fun, but even more than that, he wanted things to be right and settled again. Finally, he shrugged and turned to stare out the window.

Once at the theater, he and Clarisse were alone for a moment. "That was unnecessary, Joseph. Charlotte and I are perfectly capable of working out our differences without your interfering."

He shook his head, "It doesn't appear so to those of us waiting for that reconciliation to occur."

"Well, I'm sorry if I'm not doing things on your timetable. I'm very hurt right now and I need to work through that before I speak with her."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why not let her see how hurt and upset you are and give her an opportunity to make things right? Presently, she's just being punished for her actions."

Clarisse straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. "Well, it's not like she's sought me out to talk about it either."

This is why he thought relationships amongst men were easier. They would just punch the other one until they felt better, they'd grab a few beers and move on with life. Women were far more complex. He took her hand to start toward the stairs that would lead to their box seat. "Perhaps you've forgotten how intimidating you can be, my love."

She stopped their progress. "There's no way I'm climbing all those stairs tonight. I'm wearing new shoes and my feet are already hurting."

Joseph glanced lower, ashamed that his gaze had never fell below her bodice. She was indeed sporting strappy sandals that, while a perfect match for the dress, did look rather uncomfortable. "You know how I feel about elevators. They're not safe."

Clarisse sighed. "Do you really think someone is just lying in wait in an elevator shaft somewhere to do me harm?"

He didn't, but that didn't stop him from worrying. "Probably not, but I'd rather not take any chances."

"And I'd rather not have my feet hurting any more than they already do. I'm taking the elevator, with or without you."

Their conversation had garnered a few curious glances from people in the area. He didn't want to cause a scene or give Elsie any fodder for her Eggs with Elsie show in the morning. "Okay, the elevator it is."

They stepped into the old fashioned elevator, which was barely more than a lift. Slow and steady. He fought to keep from grumbling that the stairs would have been faster. They hadn't been in the enclosed space more than ten seconds when the sound of gas being released echoed off the walls in the small space. "Clarisse! Cover your mouth, hold your breath if you can." He pulled the handkerchief from his tuxedo and handed it to her as he reached for the one he kept in his pocket.

He knew he hadn't acted fast enough when he watched her slump to the ground and knew he was only a breath or two behind her. A few moments later, there was only blackness.