Mia stood nervously in the foyer of the church. This time, however, she knew this was what she wanted. She looked around the church and was happy to see everyone she loved there. Her Mother and stepfather and new little brother, Trevor were seated next to her Grandmother and Joe. And there stood Nicholas, her knight in shining armor. He looked gorgeous and his eyes were twinkling. As Lily walked down the aisle, Charlotte stood in front of the double doors. "Your Majesty, we're ready when you are."
"I'm ready, Charlotte. I've been ready!" Charlotte smiled and nodded to the two doormen. As the wedding march began to play and the audience stood, the doors opened to reveal a beautiful Mia. Her gown was gorgeous, with intricate beading and lace woven throughout the fabric. But her eyes were on no one in the room except Nicholas. He smiled through teary eyes as she reached him and took his hands. Patrick put his arm around his new wife and son and smiled. Helen smiled back and looked at her daughter, a tear slipping out from the corner of her eye. As the young couple exchanged vows, Joe reached over and took Clarisses' hand. She squeezed his hand gently but never took her eyes off of her granddaughter.
The Archbishop smiled at the couple. "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Mia and Nicholas smiled and Nicholas gathered her in his arms and kissed her deeply. The crowd stood to its feet and applauded as Mia and Nicholas began to descend down the stairs. Mia looked over at her Grandmother and mouthed thank you before being whisked away to the carriage outside the church. After the bridesmaids were led down the aisle by their groomsmen, Joe held out his arm. "Your Majesty."
Clarisse smiled and took his arm. He led her down the aisle and out the church doors. Helen, Patrick, and Trevor followed right behind and stood by the couple as Nicholas helped Mia into the carriage. The new couple looked over, smiled, and waved as the carriage started down the road. Everyone waved back and then sighed. The wedding was over. The reception would be happening in about four hours. The parade would take the new couple all throughout Genovia.
"Well, that's it." Clarisse smiled sympathetically at Helen.
"You'll see her soon, Helen." Helen sighed.
"I know. But it seems like she's gone forever." Patrick put his arm around her and squeezed her gently.
"But, she's not. She'll always be here." Helen smiled and then took Patrick's arm as their carriage pulled up.
"We'll see you both at the palace," said Patrick.
Clarisse and Joe nodded. Joe noted the sadness in Clarisses' eyes. "You will be seeing her every day."
"Yes, yes I know. But, she's grown up now. And I have missed most of her life."
"Well, that is why she is here now and you are here. You have a long time to make it up."
"I guess you're right." A beautiful carriage pulled up, decorated with mauve roses. Clarisse gasped. "Joseph..."
"I figured the Queen deserves a special treat once in awhile." He kissed her cheek and led her down the steps. He helped her into the carriage and then got in beside, instead of standing behind her. He took her hand as they waved at the cheering crowd. Two carriages and many blocks in front, Mia and Nicholas waved at the crowd as well.
"Are you happy, Mia?" Mia smiled and kissed his cheek, gaining more cheers from the crowd.
"I've never been happier in my entire life."
Nicholas smiled back at his new wife. "Me either." They continued waving, as did the carriages behind them. Joe was still watching everyone closely as he waved at the crowd from he and Clarisses' carriage. The shade man was standing on the carriage behind them, but was talking on his radio. He was not paying attention to the crowd which caused Joe to be on edge. He held on to Clarisse's hand tightly and made sure to scan the crowd around them. He knew that the people of Genovia loved Clarisse and now him, because they had finally declared their love for each other. However, not everyone in Genovia was happy to see Mia on the throne. One in fact being Nicholas' Uncle. Joe never knew what to expect from him and was careful to watch for him in the crowd. However, he never saw him. No one did for Nicholas' Uncle was sitting at home, waiting for a phone call.
"I wonder how Joe is dealing with this," Mia said, smiling at the crowd.
Nicholas smiled and waved at another group of people before turning to look at her. "What do you mean?"
"He's used to riding behind Grandma, not with her. And he's not used to being nice to the crowd."
"He always smiled."
"Yea, but never waved!"Nicholas laughed and went back to waving at the crowd, ecstatic that he was finally married to his one true love. Clarisse was tired of waving to the people on the streets. Everyone seemed to be out today to see the new Queen and her Prince. She felt Joe squeeze her hand and she looked over quickly before returning her face to the crowd. Through a closed smile, she spoke softly.
"Everything alright?"
"Of course. Why?"
"Just making sure. You're doing well for your first time."
"Why, thank you, Your Majesty." She smiled wider and continued waving. The shade man leaned down and spoke softly yet with haste in Joe's ear.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I need to leave this carriage."
"What?"Joe fully turned his attention to the shade man and looked him angrily in the eye. Clarisse noticed the movement and turned to look as well before turning back to the crowd, trying to draw their attention away from her angry husband. She worried at why he seemed so upset.
"I apologize. Something is happening at the end of the parade with the Prime Minister. All I know is that all security have been called back to the church. I'm sorry but I have to go." At that point, the two security officers from Mia's carriage walked swiftly back to the church, trying not to draw attention to themselves. The crowd didn't care. They were just happy to see their new Queen and old Queen out amongst them. Joe turned back around after the shade man left and pulled Clarisse closer to him.
"Joseph?"
"He just left. Something's happening at the church."
Clarisse could tell that Joe's protective instincts were kicking in. "Would you like to go see what is going on?"
"No, I'm staying here. You and Mia must be protected."
"Joseph..."
"Just keep smiling and waving. The people want to see their beautiful Queen happy...so do I."Clarisse smiled at him and then did as he wished.
"This mad man wants to get in the carriage with me! Get him away!" the Prime Minister shouted. The shade man made his way to the front of the crowd that had surrounded the Prime Minister's carriage.
"What seems to be the problem?"
"This man tried to get in the carriage. I have never seen him before in my life!" The shade man looked at the scrungy man and knew something was up. He picked him up by the collar and looked him in the eye.
"What are you trying to do?"
The man answered forcefully. "I just wanted a ride."
"I don't believe you. Were you sent here by someone?"
"I'll never answer anything."
"Take him in for questioning!" The man was taken away by the police and the shade man turned to the Prime Minister and his wife. "I am so sorry for this interruption."
"Quite alright. Thank you for taking care of it so quickly." As the shade man instructed his men where to go next and what to look out for, Joe had his own ideas for watching the crowd. He would scan Clarisse's side thoroughly and then turn his head and do the same for his. He did not want anyone hurting his wife, he loved her too much. But, what he did not expect was for the horse to be spooked. The carriage lurched and Clarisse grabbed on to his arm.
"Joseph?" As the driver tried unsuccessfully to calm the horse, Joe held on to the seat in front of him and held the reins forcefully. The horse began to calm itself but reared back again at the sound of firecrackers going off. After five minutes of this, the firecrackers stopped and the horse regained its stance. Joe sat down and put his arm around Clarisse.
"Are you alright?"She looked at him with tears in her eyes.
Mia turned and looked at Nicholas. "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what? All I hear is these people screaming!" He waved at another batch of children who were throwing flowers on to the street.
"No, those pops...did you hear them?"
"Oh yes...they're just fireworks dear. Don't worry...everything is fine." He squeezed her hand gently and she smiled and returned to waving at the crowd. Joe noticed the tears in Clarisse's eyes and then looked at where her hand was. Her left hand now covered her right arm and red blood oozed from the wound.
"Clarisse!"
"Joseph...shh...please, we can't worry everyone."
"But..."
"It's alright. Just please, tell the driver to pull off the parade route at the next available street and to get us back to the castle. Please Joseph...please..." The pleading and pain in her eyes made him spring into action. He told the driver what to do and then pulled out his cell phone. He called the palace Doctor and told him to be waiting when the carriage arrived back at the castle. He put his cell phone back in its carrier and then put his arm around Clarisse. No one could see inside the carriage nor could they see the blood that was coming out of the wound on the Queen's arm. She leaned against Joe and smiled out at the crowd before looking back at him.
"Joseph...I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry for. Here..."He gently applied pressure to the wound by placing a handkerchief over it. She winced at the pain and he noticed her pale color. Blood was beginning to drip from the wound and he knew she was losing a lot of blood.
"We need to get back to the castle fast. Please, hurry!"The driver quickly manuvered the horse away from the people.
"I'm sorry sir. The next street isn't for another three blocks and the front two carriages are moving slowly." Clarisse breathed in quickly and leaned into Joe, so the people would not see the look of pain on her face. Joe tightened his embrace gently.
"It's alright, darling. We'll get you fixed up right away."
"Joseph...who would do this?"
"I don't know...but I will find out. I promise you that. Please, try and hurry this carriage along!"He was growing more worried by the minute. Clarisse's color had turned to a dull grey and she looked like she would pass out at any moment. He applied more pressure to her wound and she moaned at the pain it caused.
"I am sorry darling." People by now were beginning to wonder why the Queen was not waving.
"Hurry the carriage, please! It's an emergency!" The driver looked back for the first time and saw Clarisse and her arm.
"Your Highness!"
"Listen, she doesn't want to cause a scene so get this carriage out of the parade and back to the palace! Is that understood?"
"Yes sir. Right away sir!" He hurried the horse along as quickly as he possibly could.
"Clarisse...stay awake alright? Don't fall asleep."
"I'll try...Joseph..."
"What darling?" He looked at her and saw the brightness that was always in her eyes had vanished.
"I love you."
"Clarisse...I love you too. Now, stay awake darling. Keep looking at me and don't close your eyes. It's very important for you to stay awake."
"I'll try...Ah..." The pain was increasing and a burning sensation shot through her arm. She cringed at the pain and by this time, the crowd knew something was wrong with Queen Clarisse. They kept trying to get closer but the driver told them to stay back and away from the carriage. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the driver slapped the horse with the reins and veered right, down a side street. The horse whinnied and took off at full speed, jolting the carriage which caused more pain for Clarisse. Helen and Patrick turned at hearing the horse behind them and were shocked to see the carriage fly down a side street.
"I wonder what that was all about," Patrick said.
"I hope nothing is wrong. That was Clarisse and Joe's carriage."
He kissed the side of Helen's head. "I'm sure everything's fine."
"Mia doesn't seem to think so." She saw her daughter looking back, obviously having heard the horse as well and seeing the missing carriage.
"Something's wrong." Nicholas stopped waving and looked at her.
"What do you mean?"
"Grandma and Joe's carriage...it's gone." Nicholas now turned as well and saw that his wife was right.
"Maybe she has a surprise for you and needed to get back."
"She would never leave the parade. Do you have your cell phone with you?"
"Yes but..."
"I need it."
"Mia, the people want to see their Queen. I'm sure that your Grandmother is fine."
"Nicholas...please!"He noted the fear in her eyes and gave in to her request. She waved at a few more groups of people before placing the phone call to the shade man.
"Shade Man speaking."
"This is Queen Amelia. I would like to know where my Grandmother's carriage is headed."
"Queen Amelia...Queen Clarisse's carriage is on the parade route of course, two carriages behind your own, Your Majesty."
"Are you not supposed to be supervising her carriage?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. However, I was also called to the church when your men were."
"Why are you not with her carriage? Our men came back ten minutes ago!"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I am afraid as Head of Security, I needed to direct everyone back to their places. I was not able to get back to Queen Clarisse's carriage as of yet, though I am on my way."
"Well, you are too late! The carriage is gone! It went down a side street! Something is wrong!"
"Your Majesty...I...."
"Just find out what is wrong, this instant! Call Joe on his phone! I need to know!"
"Yes, Your Majesty! Right away!" They both hung up and Mia looked at Nicholas with tears in her eyes.
"What is it darling?"
"He was not with them. They were left unprotected. Something's happened...I just know it." Joe's cell phone rang and he did not answer it. He was too worried about Clarisse. They were still fifteen minutes from the palace grounds and Clarisse was weakening by the minute.
"Here darling...let me make you more comfortable." He took off his jacket and wrapped it around her, feeling her shivering at every touch. The pain was becoming unbearable. "What else can I do, darling?"
"Just hold me..."He did as she asked, willing to do anything for her.
"We're almost there, Clarisse."
"That is good news." Joe laughed. Even in the worst of times, she always had a sense of humor.
"Yes, it is." He kissed the side of her head as she leaned into him.
"I guess Genovia is not as safe as we thought it was."
"No, it is not. But, it will be once I'm through with whoever did this." She smiled up at him.
"Sweet Joseph...you do worry too much."
"Yes, I know. But, now you know that I have reason to."
"We are almost there Sir. Five more minutes," the driver said.
"If you made it three, I'd be happier."
"Yes sir!"
"Joseph, it's not his fault. The horse can only go so fast."
"Clarisse...if I have to yell and scream at every living being in order to get you to that castle in the quickest amount of time, that is what I will do."
"How noble of you." He stroked her cheek.
"Everything will be fine."
"Mia will be worried."
"You let me handle Mia. You just concentrate on staying awake and with me, alright?"
"Alright." He leaned down and kissed her. She broke, the pain seeming to increase by the second. He pulled her closer and felt hot tears against his shirt. He tried to comfort her as much as possible but could do nothing other than hope that the Doctor was ready and waiting. They pulled through the palace gates and up to the doors. The Doctor and several maids were waiting at the entrance.
"What happened?" the Doctor asked. Joe leaned Clarisse back against the cushions and stepped out of the carriage. He then gently picked her up and turned around. The Doctor quickly looked her over. Her entire right sleeve was blood stained and her color was that of a ghost's.
"How long ago?"
"Almost a half hour," Joe answered.
"Move her inside quickly. Queen Clarisse, everything will be fine." The maids all looked at each other with tears in their eyes. They loved their Queen dearly and hated seeing her in pain. The Queen's personal maid opened the door quickly and Joe hurried her inside the suite. He gently laid her on the bed and held her left hand tightly. The Doctor examined her right arm, finding the bullet still inside.
"I am afraid that the bullet has lodged itself in your arm, Your Highness. I will need to numb the area in order to remove it. Also, I will give you a small amount of anesthesia to make you more comfortable. Will that be alright?"Clarisse looked at Joe and, after he nodded, she turned back to the Doctor.
"That will be fine, thank you." The Doctor began removing supplies from his bag and soon was ready to remove the bullet. Joe sat down on the bed next to his wife as the Doctor injected her with the anesthesia.
"Joseph..."
"I'll be right here, my dear. I won't leave."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"Good...."And with that, she succumbed to the medication and closed her eyes in sleep. The Doctor cut into Clarisse's arm and with tweezers, removed the bullet and some damaged tissue surrounding it. He was afraid, however, of all the blood that she was losing. He had to sew up some arteries that the bullet had damaged which finally stopped all the bleeding. He closed the incision and looked up. Joe had never left her side during the hour it took to remove the bullet. He was looking at his wife's face when he felt the Doctor's eyes on him.
"How is she?"
"Well, her arm will heal in time. What I am worried about is how much blood she lost. I would like to call the hospital and have some extra sent over, just in case."
"Fine. I will have one of the maids show you the phone."
"Thank you. She will not be waking up for another hour or so. You should probably call the Queen and let her know why you will not be at the reception."
"Thank you, that is a good idea." The Doctor began to leave when Joe called him back. "Doctor Kensington...."
"Yes sir?"
"Thank you very much for all you've done for my wife."
"You're very welcome sir. Anything for you and the Queen." Joe nodded at him and the Doctor left to call the hospital. Joe picked up his phone and saw that there were over 15 missed calls. He decided to call Mia first. The parade was about to be over and Mia was worried sick. On the outside, she smiled and waved at the crowd, but on the inside, she was screaming with fear. She knew something had happened to her Grandmother and the fact that Joe was not answering his phone did not make her feel any more at ease. The shade man had taken over her carriage, feeling it was his duty after losing the Queen's carriage. Nicholas' phone rang in Mia's lap and she quickly answered it.
"Grandma?"
"No, Mia, it is me."
"Joe! We've been trying to call you for over an hour! Where are you? What is going on?"
"Amelia, calm down. You don't want to make a scene. This is exactly the reason I did not call you before. Your Grandmother did not want a scene at the parade. This is your day."
"What is wrong, Joe? You sound so upset."
"I am Mia. I need you to promise me something."
"Of course."
"I mean it, Mia. No screaming at what I tell you."
"Alright, alright, I promise. Now tell me."
"Your Grandmother and I are back at the palace. Did you hear the fireworks that happened during the parade?"
"Yes, I wondered where they came from."
"We all did. The horse had been spooked by something so I stood to help the driver. That is when the fireworks went off, causing the horse to become even more distressed. After the noise died down, the horse was fine. I sat back down next to your Grandmother and found that it was not only fireworks that were shot off."
Mia's breath caught in her throat. "Joe....what do you mean?"
"Mia...your Grandmother was shot." Mia surpressed a sob and found she had no voice to respond. She placed a hand over her mouth and Nicholas put his arm around her.
"What is it?" he asked. Mia shook her head, still listening to Joe's explanation.
"It was in her right arm. She will be fine. The Doctor just removed the bullet and is calling for more blood from the hospital. I am afraid we will not be able to make it to the reception."
"Joe...that's fine. How is she? Is she alright?"
"She has not yet woken up from the procedure. The Doctor said her arm will heal in time."
"I am so sorry..."
"Mia, you are the Queen of Genovia and this is your wedding day. Your Grandmother and I wish you to have the best day possible. We love you and want you to enjoy yourself. So, do not say anything about this to your people. Just say that we were occupied. They can make up their own conclusions from there. This is your day, Mia. Not ours."
"Alright, I won't say anything. But tell her I love her and will come see her after the reception."
"Of course I will."
"Take care of her...please."
"I always do."
"Thank you, Joe."
"You have a wonderful time and we will see you tonight."
"Alright. I love you."
"And I you. Goodbye Mia."
"Bye." She handed the phone back to Nicholas and he looked at her worridly.
"What happened?"
"I'll tell you at the reception hall. We need to be alone for a few minutes anyway."
Nicholas took her hand and kissed it. Then, they both went back to waving to the people of Genovia.