An hour later, Mia and Nicholas were announced to a hall of full of people, ready to party. Mia did not feel like partying, but she knew she had promised Joe she would have fun, and fun she had. Nicholas knew she was hurting, as was he. He loved the Queen very much, having grown closer to her since living in the palace for awhile. He knew that Mia promised Joe that she would remain at the party and he made the same promise to her. They did have a wonderful time with all their friends and family.
Joe watched silently from Clarisse's side as the Doctor hooked her up to a pint of blood and other various medications through IV drips. She still looked pale to him and he worried for her recovery. The Doctor left to get something to eat, Joe declining the maids offer for dinner. He held on to Clarisse's hand firmly, wanting her to feel him near. He looked out the window at the night sky and smiled at its beauty. He looked down and smiled at the other beauty surrounding him. He always marveled at how Clarisse kept herself looking so young. Even in her current condition, she still managed to be the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Olivia walked in quietly, not wanting to disturb the Queen or Joe.
"Excuse me, sir. There is someone on the phone for you. The Head of Security."
He motioned for her to move into the room and she handed him the phone quickly. She looked at the Queen, the woman she had followed around for over ten years. A tear fell down her cheek as she quietly walked away, wiping at her eyes.
"Shade Man?" Joe asked.
"Yes, sir. I am very sorry, sir, for leaving the carriage. Queen Mia said that your carriage was out of the parade. I also apologize for calling so late but we needed to question the man that was harassing the Prime Minister."
"I see. Well, I believe that it is time you sort out your priorities...sir...because the reason our carriage left the parade was to get back to the castle...so my wife, the QUEEN, could get treatment."
The shade man was silent for a moment and when he responded, his voice dropped in volume significantly. "Treatment, sir?"
"You will find nothing more out about it until after the reception tonight. It is the Queen's wish that today be for her granddaughter, not herself. As soon as the party has ended and the Queen and Prince are safely back in the castle, there will be a meeting in the ballroom with all security personnel."
"Yes, sir. Of course, sir. Is there anything you need sir?"
"Keep my granddaughter safe."
"Yes, sir."
Joe hung up and put his head in his hand. He wiped his forehead and eyes. Exhaustion was beginning to set in. Clarisse began to stir and Joe looked down at her with a smile. As her eyes opened, he kissed her forehead. "Welcome back."
"Joseph...you kept your promise."
"Of course I did."
"Have you talked to Mia?"
"Yes. And she's very worried about you."
As she was about to protest against Mia's worry, Joe held up his hand to stop her.
"However, she promised to have fun at the reception. And she said to say that she loves you and she will be here after the reception has come to a close."
Clarisse nodded and tried to move into a more comfortable position but was having difficulty. Joe gently moved her on to the pillows and she relaxed a bit.
"Thank you."
She looked down at the hand he was holding and saw all of the IV's. "What is all this?"
"The Doctor has given you some medication and some more blood. You lost too much during the procedure. But, the Doctor got the bullet out and said that your arm will heal with time."
"Where is he?"
"He just went to get something to eat. Are you hungry?"
"No, I'm fine."
She put her hand to his cheek and he leaned into her touch. "You haven't eaten all day. You should get something."
"I am fine."
"Joseph..."
"Alright. After the Doctor checks your arm once more, I will go eat something."
Clarisse smiled. "Thank you. What time is it?"
Joe looked at his watch. "Almost nine."
"Oh dear. I guess we won't make the reception then, will we?"
Joe laughed and kissed her hand. "No, my dear, we will not."
"Thank you, darling."
"For what?"
"For taking care of me."
"Oh, well, that was an order...given by Queen Mia."
Now it was Clarisse's turn to laugh. "Well, I'm glad you listened."
Joe leaned down and spoke in hushed tones. "It wouldn't have mattered. I would have carried you here myself if I needed to."
She let go of his hand and stroked his cheek. "I don't deserve you."
"Yes, you do. It is I who does not deserve you."
Clarisse blushed. "I am afraid I do not agree with that. But I do know that I love you."
"And I love you." He leaned down closer and caught her lips in a kiss. The sound of the door opening caused them to break and look up.
"I see that our patient has woken up." Clarisse reached for Joe's hand and he brought it to his lips as the Doctor walked over to the other side of her bed. "Your Highness, I just need to make sure the stitches are intact and then I will leave you for the night. Your maid will know how to contact me should anything go wrong."
"Thank you for all your help, Dr. Kensington."
"You are most welcome, Your Highness. I must say, your husband has been very helpful. I do not know anyone more attentive, not even one of my nurses."
Clarisse smiled at Joe and he returned the smile to her. "Yes, he has always been attentive it seems."
The Doctor carefully checked Clarisse's bandages and the wound. Once, he touched a particularly tender spot and Clarisse winced and gripped Joe's hand. Joe quickly looked at the Doctor, anger flashing in his eyes. "I am sorry, Your Highness. I will get you some pain medication for the morning. I am afraid I cannot get anything before that."
Joe sighed and placed his other hand overtop of Clarisse's. "It is not your fault. Thank you for all your help today."
Clarisse nodded through tears of pain. "Yes, thank you."
"I will see you both in the morning. Goodnight." He bowed slightly and walked out of the room.
"Are you alright, my dear?"
Clarisse breathed in deeply and let it out. "Yes, I am alright. Thank you. Now, will you go get something to eat?"
"Clarisse..."
"Joseph...you said you would."
"I know but...I feel it would be better if I stayed with you."
"I do not. Please, Joseph, go eat something. I will still be here when you are finished."
Joe laughed. "Yes, I guess you cannot go anywhere. Alright, my dear, I will be back shortly. Try and get some rest."
"I will." He kissed her sweetly and then quietly backed out of the room. She grimaced while trying to move into a more comfortable position. She looked over and saw her bandaged arm propped on a pillow. It hurt to move at all but she did not want to give in to the pain. She wanted to overcome it. She did not want to burden anyone with caring for her, especially her Joseph. She loved him too much to make him worry about her all the time. She gave up trying to move and fell into a restless sleep.