Clarisse watched from across the ballroom her husband, Rupert flirting with a woman. A young, beautiful brunette. No doubt a parliamentarian daughter or someone's wife, she thought disgusted by her husband actions. The woman was clearly falling for the King attentions and as angry as she was by her husband inability to be discreet she couldn't help but feel bad for the woman. She was in awe by him. His title and money was surely enticing for her. Rupert however grew bored easily and after a night he would move on and pay her off for her silence. She probably thought she could become the next Queen. Clarisse knew she should be more upset about the fact that this woman wanted to take her place but she wasn't. Her marriage...well...it was an arragement, they weren't in love in fact, they never have been. Feeling as though she has seen enough Clarisse glanced back at Joseph to tell him she wanted to retire for the night but the look in his eyes caught her attention. His eyes were cold and his jaw tense. No trace of the usual warmth in his eyes as he looked directly at the King. She knew Joseph well. He was angry because of the way Rupert was behaving in front of her. Joseph cared for her more then just an employee cared for their employer. He was her friend and as such was very protective of her. For an instant she thought of what it would be like if he cared for her as more then just a friend. What if she gave into her secret feelings? She never told him how she felt. What if he didn't feel the same way? What if he did? It was too risky, best to stay friends, it was safer that way. Besides, she valued his friendship more then anything. She wouldn't ever jeopardize that. She loved him to much to ever do that. She took a shaky breath as she realized that what she felt for him was in fact, love. She was in love for the first time in her life. The thought made her smile.

Rupert looked over at his wife to see if...he knew it was a long shot but she was his wife. She had to feel...something? What he saw hurt his heart. He never thought, okay not true, he knew his wife had feelings for her bodyguard but love? He never suspected that. The look in her eyes and the smile on her face was obvious, extremely obvious. His wife, the Queen of Genovia, was in love with her bodyguard.

Joseph noticed the look on the kings face. He glanced at Clarisse when he realized the king was watching her. And he saw the look. Everything in him told him to look away and not react but he couldn't hurt her like that. He loved her to much to ever hurt her. And by the look on her face, she loved him too. Against his better judgement he held her gaze, pouring his feelings out with his eyes. The intensity of the way he looked at her made her blush and look away.

Rupert caught the blush on his wife's cheeks. Joseph was in love with Clarisse too! It was subtle but obvious. He couldn't his wife and her bodyguard were in love. How long has this been going on, he wondered? And why does he care? He couldn't believe that he was actually jealous! He had beautiful, sexy women falling all over him and into his bed! Why should he care if his wife wanted another man?! After all, their marriage was arranged and their feelings for one another...well...it wasn't love. Trying to convince himself to let it go didn't work so instead he gave into his jealousy and left the woman alone and walked in a determined manner toward his wife.

Come, Rupert demanded as he passed his wife and Joseph. Clarisse turned to follow him but he stopped her. I want to speak with Joseph alone, he said his voice low but firm. Clarisse's eyes widened as she looked at Joseph. What did Rupert want with Joseph, she thought panicking? Joseph followed the king as he smiled at Clarisse trying to reassure her. Clarisse watched helplessly as they disappeared from her sight.

Clarisse waited anxiously for Joseph and Rupert to return. She danced with the parlimentarians but she was distracted with worry. The prime minister noticed her distracted and decided to step in. May I, he asked as he bowed to her? Clarisse agreed and as they danced he tried reassuring her, Joseph can take care of himself your majesty. You saw them, she said her voice low so no one else could overhear. He nodded his head yes. Rupert can be...well you know, she said concerned. Yes I now but the king is smart. He knows there is no one on his staff as good as Joseph. It will be fine, he reassured her. She nodded her head in agreement but deep inside she felt something was wrong.

Joseph stood in the king's office and waited for the king to speak. After several long minutes the king spoke. Joseph, I value you as a member of our security. You have been an excellent employee and as such I want to promote you to Head of Security. Joseph's eyes widened. He knew the position was going to be vacant soon after all the current Head of Security was going to be retiring. After what just occurred out in the ballroom he suspected the offering of this position had more to do with Clarisse then his qualifications. The king watched him carefully and Joseph knew that if he accepted this position he would be pulled away from Clarisse. But if he declined the position the king might become suspicious of his intentions towards Clarisse. What if he relieved him of his duties if he declined?

Clarisse breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Rupert and Joseph come into the ballroom. She ended her dance and walked over to them. She had to make sure Joseph was alright. Before she could ask, Rupert took her hand and said, I belive it's our turn. He lead her out on the dance floor and took her into his arms. Clarisse tried to relax but she couldn't. She searched for Joseph and found him. In case I didn't tell you earlier you look beautiful tonight, Rupert commented. Thank you, she said wondering what was going on with him. He stopped complimenting her years ago. Why the sudden change, she thought suspicously? What did you need to speak to Joseph about? Is something wrong, she asked deciding she wanted answers now? No, nothing is wrong. I simply offered him the career opportunity of a lifetime, he said calmly. Clarisse stiffened in his embrace. What does that mean, she asked trying to maintain herself calm? I promoted Joseph to Head of Security, he said as he spun her around. Clarisse felt her breath catch, her heart ache. Rupert was taking Joseph from her, was her final thought just as the song ended.

Late evening

The palace was peaceful at this time of night. All the guests were gone. Clarisse had been escorted back to her rooms by someone else. Rupert had taken Joseph with him. She sighed deeply as she sat out on her balcony taking in the fresh air as she thought of what Rupert told her. He promoted Joseph. He was taking Joseph from her. This was just the beginning she knew. After everything she sacrificed, marrying Rupert all for the sake of duty to Genovia she was now loosing the only man she had ever loved. She couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief. As a young girl, she never knew what she was going to miss out on when she married the Prince of Genovia. She had never dated or been given the opportunity to fall in love. But now that she has fallen in love, her eyes teared, she didn't want to loose Joseph. She knew she shouldn't feel this way about a man who isn't her husband but Rupert had never been there for her like Joseph always has. He was the only person who ever helped her see there was more to life then duty. Joseph respected her and treated her like a woman. He listened to her, gave her compliments, told her when she was wrong and praised her when she was right. He was her friend and confidant. And now...she felt the hurt and resentment filling her heart she was loosng him. While Rupert was off having affairs, she had remained devoted to the people and to her vows. Her relationship with Joseph had never crossed any lines. Rupert had found yet another way to hurt her. At that thought she felt the hurt fade and anger began to consume her.

You'll catch a cold, Rupert voice rang out making her angry. She stood and turned on him, her anger flaring. Her Queen facade had taken over but the sadness was in her eyes if anyone looked close enough. That is, anyone who knew her well enough. Joseph would now how truly hurt she was. You care, she replied cooly as she walked past him and into her bedroom. Of course I care, Rupert said bothered by her remark. You have a funny way of showing it, she said remaining cool towards him. Rupert knew what this was really about. I know you are fond of Joseph but he will make an excellent Head of Security. This is for the best, he said without emotion. Best for whom, you, she questioned? The accusation in her question set off his temper. Rupert shut the balcony doors, approached her and said, best for you. In what way is this best for me? You were the one who hired him and insisted I have a personal security guard and now after all these years you're taking him from me. You're not doing this for me or even for Joseph's career so tell me the real reason, she confronted him. Fine! I'm not blind Clarisse. You have feelings for Joseph, he confronted her. Clarisse didn't respond. She was surprised he knew and that he even cared. What will parliament think, the people of Genovia, our sons, he asked in a judgemental tone? Clarisse felt something inside of her snap . She couldn't hold it back. She now realized what this was really about and it angered her. Rupert had already taken everything that mattered from her. He hired nannies and wanted her to let them raise her boys and when she refused he wanted to send them off to boarding schools. She never understood why he wanted the boys out of Genovia when she wanted to keep them home. Then she found out the truth, he was having an affair and wanted to put the boys in a boarding school in the country his mistress lived. They had barely survived that affair, it destroyed their marriage but they found a way to remain friends and now, Joseph. So now you care what parliament, the people of Genovia and our sons think?! Where was all this caring when you were out having affairs for almost our entire marriage hmmm, she asked furiously? This isn't about me. I'm doing this to protect you, he said adamant. No you're not. You're doing this for yourself, the crown even but for me, no, you never do anything for me. All you have done since Pierre and Phillipe were born is hurt me, she said as her eyes penetrated his. That's not true and besides you would have to care about me being with another woman for it to hurt, he spat angrily. Don't you dare turn this on me. You strayed from our marriage right after Pierre was born and again when Phillipe was born. You never gave us a chance, she blasted him. I have tried many times over the years to fix things between us, he blasted back. Fix things? After Phillipe was born you had so many affairs I lost track of how many there were! So what exactly have you been trying to fix, she demanded to know? Angry from the truth of her accussations and his jealousy of her relationship with Joseph, Rupert grabbed her by the arms. She wasn't sure what he was trying to do but she wanted no part of it. Don't touch me. Get your hands off of me Rupert, she shouted as she pulled away from him. You are my wife and your place is by my side, he yelled self rightously. You now as well as I do that my duty as your wife is over it has been for many, many years. However, I have always stood by my king... when he was right. This time you are wrong, she said as she met his eyes with her own. Rupert stood there shocked by her words. He couldn't believe how much she was fighting him on this. This was worse then he thought. Leave my room now. I want to be alone, she demanded. You are not thinking clearly. I did what needed to be done. You are Queen. Leave my room, she reiterated. As he walked past her he lowered his voice and said, Jospeh will be Head of Security and you will keep your distance. If you dare cross me I promise you, Joseph will pay for it. Leave him alone Rupert, Clarisse said fear now gripping her heart. She knew how Rupert could be. Don't make me fire him for trying to seduce the Queen and jeopardizing the monarchy. You know as well as I do that he will never work again or be able to stay in Genovia if that happens, Rupert threatened. You wouldn't, she gasped shocked by the extreme he was willing to go to. I would, he said as he stared into her eyes letting her know how serious he really was.

Joseph was standing outside of her room. He heard everything the king and queen said to each other. His heart broke but what hurt him the most was hearing her defend him. He had no idea what the king said to her after since he lowered his voice but by the silence afterward he knew it was nothing good. When the King opened the door, Joseph walked around the corner to avoid seeing him. Once he was gone, Joseph went back and stood outside her rooms wanting to speak to her but he worried that if they were caught, the King would take it on her. He didn't care about himself but he didn't want Clarisse hurt anymore then she already was. Deciding to leave it alone he walked away.

Months later, Spring

Clarisse sat in her garden, her mind distracted. It had been over four months since Joseph became Head of Security. Rupert took Joseph with him everytime he left the palace and went abroad. Clarisse hated him for it. Shades was placed in charge of her. Joseph trusted him completely and once slipped a note to her using Shades to deliver it. She closed her eyes and thought of the note.

Clarisse,

I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I wish things were different. Please now shades will do everything to protect you. No harm will come to you or the boys, I promise.

Joseph

Shades watched Queen Clarisse. It pained him to see her hurting. And he knew why. Joseph. There was something between them. And the king must have found out. That was why they were separated. He felt bad for the both of them.

Joseph stood on the roof overlooking the palace. He snuck out on his break to watch her. He could see how lonely she looked and it hurt him. She wouldn't let anyone else in, he knew that. She opened her heart to him and he broke it. He should of stood up for himself, her and told the king no but he couldn't. He knew that was what the king wanted. He wanted him to say no so he could send him away somewhere and keep him from Clarisse. He sighed. Clarisse didn't love Rupert. And for years he thought Rupert didn't love Clarisse. What changed? Why did Rupert separate them? Did he think they were having an affair? Did he even care? Not having answers he just stood there and continued to watch over her.

Evening

Clarisse sat at the dining table with Rupert and their sons. They were done with dinner and now eating dessert and making small talk. Pierre and Phillipe both noticed how tense things were between their parents and how sad their mother was. Mama, are you okay, Pierre asked concerned? Yes Pierre, I'm fine, she lied and tried to smile. Are you sad because Joe got promoted to Head of Security and he's never around anymore, Phillipe asked innocently? Clarisse felt her heart clench, she didn't respond quick enough. Why would you ask that? Your mother is happy for Joseph. After all he is an excellent EMPLOYEE, Rupert emphasized, and deserved this promotion. Clarisse closed her eyes for a second as a response to Rupert's callous statement. Phillipe picked up on his mother's pain instantly. He was tired of his father hurting his mother. She never challenged him but he would. He was done just standing by and allowing this to happen, pretending they were a happy family. Joe is more then just an EMPLOYEE father. He is our friend and we love...Phillipe, don't, Clarisse begged, her voice breaking with pain. She knew how the boys felt about Joseph. They had often told her how they wished he been their father since he was so involved in their lives and showed them affection. Showed her affection and respect. What did you say, Rupert yelled angrily as he stood up? Leave him alone Rupert, Clarisse said now upset as she stood up making sure she was in front of their son. Leave us, now, Rupert yelled at Phillipe. Phillipe stood up angrily ready to challenge his father but before he could respond Pierre intervened. Don't, it will just make it worse for her, he whispered. Phillipe and Pierre looked at their mother. Go, the both of you, she insisted. Phillipe and Pierre left the room. Do you see what this has done? Even our sons know, he accussed her. Yes our sons know that Joseph wasn't just a bodyguard, an EMPLOYEE. He was their friend, my best friend, she spat. I am your husband, your King and best friend. I am their father and friend. Joseph is an EMPLOYEE, are we clear on that, he said coldly. Oh, I think we are quite clear on a lot of things, my King, she said as she looked into his eyes with a coldness he had never experienced before.

It's wrong the way he treats her, Phillipe said angrily as he walked to the kitchen with Pierre. I know it is, Pierre agreed. I don't understand why she stays, Phillipe stated getting more upset. Your highness you shouldn't say things like that out in the open, Joseph said surprising them both. Joe, you have to go to mama. Father is furious, Phillipe begged him. Joseph looked at Pierre who nodded his head in agreement. Joseph left the kitchen and headed towards the dining room. His heart beating fast in his chest. God help me but if he hurts her, I'll kill him. And then get killed from treason, his mind yelled at him as he walked in. To his surpise, the dinning room was empty.

Clarisse went for a walk in her garden to clear her mind. She knew that things were slowly getting worse and if she wasn't careful Rupert would send Joseph away for good. She had a weak moment in front of the boys. She vowed not to do that again. She couldn't bare loosing Joseph for good. You can do this, she scolded herself. Clarisse? She turned quickly at the sound of her name but it wasn't Joseph it was Rupert. Leave me alone, please, she said as turned to walk away. We can't keep this up. Things have to change, he said firmly. She looked at him and said, they already have, as she walked away.

Summer

Depression, that was what she was in. She knew it but couldn't shake it. She tried hard to get over what she was feeling. She laid on her bed, crying. She had just found out accidently by the maids that an attractive, young, Spanish woman had visited Jospeh last night and didn't leave until morning. They joked about how sexy he was and how good of a lover he must be. And how lucky that woman was to have a real man like Joseph. It angered her to hear them talk about Joseph, her Joseph, in that way. But the truth was it shred her heart to pieces to know that Joseph had taken on a lover.

Clarisse eventually, slowly got out of bed, showered and dressed. She went out to her garden and sat. She felt deeply sad and more alone then ever. The only man she had ever loved, her best friend was being kept from her and now he's found someone and is moving on. And she couldn't blame him. She wasn't in a position to tell him how she felt. She was married to the King and she had a duty to her country. She was trapped.