Three weeks later:
Mia and Nicholas strolled hand in hand around the streets of Paris. Two security men walked behind them, not too close. They knew that Mia never liked having them with her and liked her privacy with her new husband. Nicholas kissed her hand and put his arm around her. "Well, tomorrow, we go back to Genovia my dear. I am sure your Grandmother misses you."
"I can't believe they haven't returned our calls."
"I'm sure that she and Joe need their privacy as well, Mia."
"But still...Grandma never forgets to return my calls. She knows I worry about her."
"Maybe she wanted to get away from you for a little."
Mia playfully smacked him with her fan and then hugged him around the waist. "I'm just glad we got to spend these three weeks together. I love being here with you."
"And I with you. But, now, we have a reservation for dinner and I have a surprise for you."
Mia smiled. "And what would that be sir?"
"You'll have to wait and see. Come on..." They left to go back to the house to change for dinner. Nicholas surprised Mia with a gorgeous ruby and diamond necklace, made especially for her. They spent one last night in Paris and settled into bed, dreaming of the times they had spent together.
Joe walked out to the gardens and Maurice bounded up to him. He smiled and pet the poodle's head. "And where is your leash may I ask?"
"Right here sir!" Olivia came running up, tired and out of breath.
"Calm yourself, Olivia. What happened?"
"I'm afraid Maurice slipped his head out of the collar while I was bringing him inside. He must have heard you come out."
"Ah, I see. Well, it seems like he has calmed down." He slipped the collar back on the poodle and patted him on the head. He handed the leash to Olivia.
"Thank you, sir."
"You're welcome. I'm afraid he can be a handful sometimes. I thought Clarisse was walking him tonight."
"Oh...she was but I suggested taking him back inside. I was going to supper anyway."
"I see. And where is she?"
"She's at the gazebo."
"Thank you. I trust you can get Maurice inside now?"
"Yes sir."
"Very well. Goodnight then Olivia."
"Goodnight sir." She curtsied and left quickly, Maurice pulling her along. Joe silently made his way to the gazebo. When he saw Clarisse, he straightened up and breathed in sharply. The moonlight silloughetted her figure and accentuated her beauty. The past three weeks had been difficult for them. Clarisse's arm was healing, though very slowly and painfully. The medication worked to some degree, but was not enough. Joe was her guiding force, helping her along the way. The nightmares had been getting worse every night and it was common for her to wake up twice a night at least. After the spell three weeks ago, Joe had kept an even closer eye on her. He made sure that when she was with the people of Genovia, she did not overexert herself. She hated making him worry, but she couldn't do anything to make him back away. After regaining his composure, Joe quietly walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. She jumped a little but in turning, smiled.
"I wondered when you would find me."
"I believe Maurice and Olivia helped me in my search." He kissed her cheek and sat down next to her.
"Did you finish whatever you were doing?"
"Yes, I did. And I believe that it is now fit for the Queen to examine." Clarisse looked at him questioningly. He rubbed her arm and took her hand. "You'll see what I mean." He helped her up and she linked her left arm through his. Her right arm was in a sling for one more week. They walked slowly through the garden and back to the castle.
"Mia will be back tomorrow," Clarisse said.
"And probably with a temper. I wish you would have let me call her."
Clarisse shook her head. "She would have wanted to come back."
"Well, that is true. How are you feeling, my dear?"
"Better now that you're here."
Joe smiled and held her hand that was tucked in his arm. "You know what I mean, Clarisse. How is your arm today?"
"The Doctor said one more week and it should be mended."
"That is good news."
They walked into the castle and headed towards their suite. Charlotte met them on the way. "Excuse me, your Majesty, someone is here to see you."
"Now? Why, it's almost ten o'clock."
"Yes...I'm sorry Madame, but he was very insistent."
"Who is this man?" Joe asked, his eyes narrow with suspiscion.
"Viscount Mabrey."
Clarisse felt Joe tighten his grip around her hand. "Joseph...it's alright. I won't be long."
He let go and kissed her cheek, watching her walk off with Charlotte close behind. Instead of going to the suite, he followed to make sure his wife would be alright. The shade man also stood close by, watching the Viscount like a hawk.
"Ah, Viscount...to what do we owe this visit?" Clarisse asked, as sweetly as possible.
The Viscount kissed her hand and sat down when she did. "Your Majesty...I have a favor to ask of you."
"And what would that be?"
"Well, you see, my nephew and I did not part on good terms. I was hoping that when he arrives back here, you could have him phone me."
"Phone you?"
"Yes, I would like to talk to him and I am afraid that he will not accept any calls from me. If you would ask him to call me, I feel that he would oblige. That way, I could talk to him. Please, your Majesty..."
"I will tell Nicholas that you asked him to call you but that is all I can do I'm afraid. I cannot force him into doing anything he does not want to."
The Viscount stood quickly. "Your Majesty! He is my nephew! I would like to speak with him!"
Clarisse stood as well, holding her ground. "If he would like to speak with you, then he will call you on his own terms...not mine."
The Viscount glared at her for a moment but she did not back down. He was about to storm out of the room when he turned to her once more. He spoke slyly and with bitterness on every word. "I do hope that your arm is healing well, Your Majesty. We wouldn't want another firecracker to go off again, now would we?"
Clarisse looked horrified, her knees buckling as she fell into her chair, Charlotte rushing to her side. The Viscount tried to leave quickly but was stopped by the Shade Man. "Excuse me, Viscount, but someone would like to see you in the foyer."
"I'm not speaking to anyone."
"Yes, you are. Follow me." The Viscount had to agree, considering the Shade Man had him by the arm.
"I demand to know who it is that wishes to speak with me! I am a man of high authority in this country and I will not be speaking to anyone who is not of that same authority!" The shade man pushed the Viscount into the foyer and backed out. "Where are you going?"
"To watch his post." The Viscount turned, fear enveloping his heart. Joe stood in front of him, arms folded across his chest, with a look of anger crossing his face.
"I have nothing to say to you. Goodnight." The Viscount moved to walk out the door but Joe stepped in front of him.
"I believe we do have something to talk about, Viscount. I seem to recall telling you, quite a long time ago, that you were not to hurt my girl."
"I have done nothing to your...girl, if you can call her that."
Joe quickly moved forward, grabbing the Viscount by his collar and slamming him up against the wall. "I also believe I told you that in 46 countries, I can do whatever I want without consequences."
That statement got the Viscount's attention. "Sir, unhand me."
Joe did not move. "You are never to come back here again, sir...If you do, I will not be held accountable as to what happens to you. Do we understand each other?"
The Viscount, for fear that his air would soon be cut off, nodded. Joe let him down quickly, so quickly that the Viscount sat instead of standing. Joe looked down at him.
"Don't ever call my wife "girl" again. She's mine." And with that, he walked away, not turning back once. The Viscount quickly made his exit, afraid that Joe would send people after him.
"Madame, can I get you anything?" Charlotte asked Clarisse. Clarisse absently shook her head no. She didn't know what to say. She was in a state of shock and fear. It was her dream...her true. In the nightmare, the Viscount was the one who had her shot. Now...he had known about the fireworks. This was not just a coincidence.
"Clarisse?"
She turned quickly, tears filling her eyes. "Joseph..."
He ran to her, carefully pulling her into his arms. Charlotte motioned that she was going to get tea and he nodded gratefully at her. He could feel Clarisse trembling beneath him. "Clarisse, my dear, everything's alright."
"No, Joseph...it's not. He said..."
Joe pulled back and cupped her face with his hands. "I heard what he said. And he won't be back ever again."
"You heard? How?"
Joe put his hands on her shoulders and sighed. He knew he shouldn't have been listening to her conversation, but it had been for the best.
"I am afraid I listened outside the door. Please...do not be angry. I just wanted to make sure that you were alright and..."
He did not have time to finish his response. Clarisse leaned down and kissed him deeply. He put his arms around her waist and began to stand from his stooped position. She followed and stood, moving as close to him as possible. She was so scared and he was the only one who made her feel safe. She broke and looked into his eyes, a single tear falling down her cheek. "Don't apologize. Thank you...for watching out for me."
He kissed her forehead as she leaned against him. "I'll always watch out for you."
She smiled up at him. "I know you will."
"Well, I think that this is enough sadness for one night. Let's get you to bed. Charlotte is bringing tea." She nodded and took his hand. He led her back to the suite where Charlotte and Olivia were coming out.
"Your tea is ready, Sir, Madame," Charlotte said.
"Thank you, Charlotte...for everything." Charlotte smiled at Clarisse.
"You're most welcome, Your Majesty."
She and Olivia curtsied and left quickly, knowing Joe's plan.
"Are you ready?" Joe asked.
"For what?"
"Your surprise."
"Joseph..." she tried to protest but he held up his hand to silence her.
"I will have none of that. Close your eyes."
"Really Joseph."
"Just humor me, please." Clarisse obliged and closed her eyes as Joe led her inside. In the middle of the room was a table set for two, candles lit, and dessert ready for the couple. Mauve roses, her favorite, covered the rest of the table and room. A gold box lay by her place at the table. Joe smiled at the box, he being the only one who knew what was inside.
"Open your eyes."
And as she did, she gasped, taking in her surroundings. "Oh..Joseph..." With tears in her eyes, she hugged him. "It's beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you."
Clarisse looked at him and gave him a light kiss. "Thank you."
He led her to the table and held out her chair. They enjoyed their dessert and then Joe pointed to the box. "I believe that has your name on it."
Clarisse carefully picked up the box and opened it as best she could with one hand. She almost dropped it after seeing the necklace that was inside. "Oh my...."
He smiled as he got up and took the necklace out of the box. It was all diamonds, with one drop, two karat, diamond hanging down the center. He clasped it around her neck and kissed her cheek. "It looks beautiful on you."
She got up as quickly as she could and hugged him tight. Joe laughed. "I think that means you like it."
"Joseph...I love it. Thank you so much."
"I took a peek at your dress that is being made for the ball next week. I was told this would look very becoming on you with the dress' neckline."
"My, you have very good taste, sir."
"I do try." He kissed her deeply and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. She gave in and relaxed in his arms. This was the best way to spend a night.
Mia and Nicholas walked into the castle, followed by many maids with all the luggage. Charlotte greeted them at the door. "Ah, Queen Mia, Prince Nicholas...how was your honeymoon?"
Nicholas put his arm around Mia and smiled. look..." Mia said.
Charlotte walked over and gasped at the necklace around Mia's neck. "Oh, Your Majesty...it's gorgeous!"
Mia giggled and hugged Nicholas. "And it's all from him!"
Charlotte smiled at the newlyweds. "Well, you have nothing scheduled today, as requested."
"Thank you so much!"
"The Queen and Sir Joseph will be at dinner this evening with both of you."
"How are Grandma and Grandpa?"
Charlotte recovered quickly after her surprise at hearing Joe called Grandpa. She smiled as she responded. "Both are doing well."
"Where's Grandma?" Mia asked. "I have a present for her."
Charlotte hesitated before answering. "She is...uh..."
"Charlotte? What's wrong?" Mia asked, beginning to grow worried.
"Nothing..oh nothing, Your Majesty!"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes Madame. Her Highness is in her suite." Charlotte was the only one, other than Joe, Olivia, and the Doctor, who knew what Clarisse had gone through the night before. Her screams had woken Joe quickly and he had tried to calm her down. In the process of trying to get him off of her, she had hurt her arm and been in an excruciating amount of pain. Finally, Joe had shaken her awake from the nightmare and she had been exhausted. Olivia called the Doctor and Charlotte had helped Joe calm the trembling Queen. After such a wonderful night, Joe could only wonder what these nightmares were about. Charlotte knew he was in pain as well, as did Clarisse. She felt horrible waking him up every night by these nightmares, but she was afraid to tell him about them. She knew he would get very angry and try to fix the problem. She could not risk his life because of her nightmares.
"Oh, well, darling, why don't you go upstairs and unpack and I'll go see her," Mia said, heading towards Clarisse's suite.
Nicholas was about to agree but Charlotte knew she needed to cut in. "I'm afraid, Your Majesty, that Her Highness is sleeping right now. Sir Joseph asked that she not be disturbed."
Mia looked at Charlotte, questions in her eyes but did not force the issue. "Um, ok. Well, then, I guess we'll see her at dinner. We'll be in our suite."
"Yes, Madame. I will make sure all your luggage is brought to the suite."
"Thank you, Charlotte," Nicholas said. Mia took Nicholas' arm and started up the steps, stopping for a moment to look at the closed door to her Grandmother's suite. With sad eyes, she turned and let Nicholas lead her up the steps. Charlotte looked after them with sadly, knowing Mia wanted to see her Grandmother. They had grown so close and the Queen's nightmares only worsened the situation. She did not want her granddaughter knowing what had been going on while she was away on her honeymoon. Charlotte quickly told the maids where to go with the luggage and then went to the Queen's suite. She knocked softly and Olivia opened the door.
"Thank you, Olivia." She walked inside and quietly into the bedroom. Joe and Clarisse were talking quietly, Joe holding tightly to Clarisse's hand. Charlotte cleared her throat and the couple looked at her. "Excuse me, Madame, Sir, but Queen Mia and Prince Nicholas have arrived."
Both faces brightened. "Oh, wonderful. Everything was fine with their trip?" Clarisse asked.
"Yes, Madame. Even the new necklace that Queen Mia received."
Clarisse looked at Joe and smiled. "It seems the men in this family all have the same idea."
Charlotte looked from Joe to Clarisse and back, not understanding what she meant. "Madame?"
"Oh, Charlotte...I will show you next week at the ball."
Charlotte smiled. "Yes Madame. Do either of you need anything?"
"We are fine, thank you," Joe answered.
"I will see you both at dinner then."
She left and went to make preparations for dinner. Joe climbed on to the bed next to Clarisse and pulled her close to him. "You think you're up to dinner tonight?"
"Of course! I have missed Mia. Even though her antics are sometimes uncharacteristic of a Queen...she still keeps amazing me."
Joe laughed and kissed the side of her head. "I must agree with you there. Now, I have some things to go over with her security guards...I will leave you to get ready." He kissed her lightly and then left the room. Olivia came and helped her dress for the evening. She was in excruciating pain after upsetting her arm the night before and needed help with tasks she was used to doing herself. However, when Joe re-entered, dressed in his tuxedo, he marveled at how wonderful she still looked. Through everything she had been through the night before, she was still the picture of poise and composure. The peach gown made her look fresh and ready for the evening. The sling on her arm was so tiny it could hardly be seen through the sheer wrap that draped her shoulders. She took Joe's arm as he kissed her cheek. "You look radiant."
"Thank you. Have you seen Mia?"
He smiled at her anxiousness. "I'm afraid not. Charlotte wanted me to inform you that the Prime Minister and his wife are here for dinner as well as members of the Parliament."
Clarisse sighed. "Never a moment of peace, is there?"
"No, there does not seem to be. However, Mia and Nicholas are waiting in the sitting room for us."
Clarisse's straight face grew into a smile. "Wonderful."
Joe escorted her out of the room and towards the sitting room. The doormen opened the door and closed it behind the couple. Mia and Nicholas turned and both smiled. "Grandma!" Mia exclaimed.
"Welcome home, my darling," Clarisse said, not able to hide her excitement any longer.
Mia quickly gave her a hug, careful of her Grandmother's arm. She had missed her so much and was sad that she had not talked to her in three weeks. She smiled at her Grandmother, tears brimming her eyelashes. "I missed you."
"I missed you too," Clarisse said.
Mia hugged her once more and then moved to Joe. Nicholas came over and gave Clarisse a kiss on the cheek. "There wasn't a day she didn't speak of you," he said.
"How nice...we spoke of both of you every day as well."
Nicholas shook Joe's hand and then took Mia's. "How was the honeymoon?" Joe asked.
"Wonderful. We have so many things to show you both....after dinner," Mia said.
Clarisse sighed. "Yes, it seems we have guests to entertain tonight."
"Just what I wanted to do when I got back home." Mia frowned and the others laughed.
"It's all part of being a Queen," Clarisse replied.
"Yea, I know. Let's get this over with. Then we can discuss what's been going on here," Mia said, leading Nicholas towards the door. The two couples left the room and then headed for the dining room as they were introduced to the members of Parliament and Prime Minister. They all walked into the room and as Joe held out the chair for Clarisse, they both looked and saw the Viscount staring at them. Clarisse's breath caught in her throat and her face went pale. Nicholas and Mia, too, saw the Viscount and were surprised that he had made an appearance with the rest of the Parliament. He had not spoken to them since the wedding of Joe and Clarisse. Joe pushed in Clarisse's chair after she sat down and excused himself for a moment. He grabbed the shade man by his collar and took him into the hallway. "I thought I gave you direct orders that he was not allowed in here!"
"I'm sorry, sir, but he had a policeman accompany him with an order that he was allowed in to anything dealing with Parliament. I tried to revoke the order but it was no use."
Joe dropped his hands and sighed. "Watch him with four eyes."
"Yes, sir."
Joe composed himself and walked back in, taking his seat next to Clarisse. He reached under the table and took her hand, feeling her trembling and shaking. Her hands were freezing, mostly from fear. She looked at him and he leaned over.
"I am afraid he was allowed in because of something we could not control. As a member of Parliament, he is allowed at any event where all Parliament members are invited." Joe looked out of the corner of his eye and saw the Viscount staring at he and Clarisse. Nicholas and Mia also noticed this. They made it through dinner with nothing coming from the Viscount's mouth. Clarisse didn't touch her food, too afraid of the memories from her nightmares. After dinner, everyone retired for the evening, Nicholas and Mia following Clarisse and Joe to their suite.
The Viscount was the last to leave. He walked up behind Nicholas quickly and caught his arm. "Nicholas, may I have a word with you?"
Nicholas looked at Mia and then back at his Uncle. "I only have a moment. Excuse me, Mia." He kissed her on the cheek and then walked to the foyer with his Uncle. Joe tightened his grip around Clarisse's waist as the Viscount passed them, glaring at the Queen. She looked away and Mia noticed her fear. They walked into the suite quickly and Joe helped Clarisse on to the couch and did the same for Mia.
"I did not think the Viscount would be showing up to any more Parliament events," Mia said.
"Neither did we." Clarisse noticed the anger in Joe's eyes, anger that she had never seen before.
"Has something happened?" Mia asked, worried after Joe's bitter response.
Clarisse looked at Joe and shook her head.
"No, Mia, nothing has happened," he said.
"You both are such bad liars."
Clarisse straightened. "I beg your pardon, young lady. A Queen never lies."
"Even a Queen who is no longer ruling?"
Joe smiled and took Clarisse's hand as he sat next to her. "I am afraid your granddaughter has made a fine point."
"Joseph..."
He knew that she was going to be angry if he said anything about the Viscount and luckily, he was saved by Nicholas' entrance. Nicholas strode angrily over and took a seat next to Mia. "I apologize for that."
"What's wrong?" Mia asked.
"Nothing. Just know that the Viscount Mabrey is a poor excuse for a human being and will not be in our lives ever again."
"What?" She didn't understand what he was talking about.
"He tried to influence me to persuade you into making a motion with the Parliament. He feels that they will listen to you."
"What was the motion about?"
Nicholas looked at Clarisse and Joe then looked down. "I would rather not say."
"Would you like Joseph and I to leave you two alone?"
"No! I will end up telling both of you anyway, so spit it out Nicholas!" Mia flinched at her own haughtiness but kept her face stright. She wanted an answer.
"Mia, please..."
"Nicholas! Don't make me order you to tell me!"
Nicholas sighed. "It was a motion to remove Clarisse and Joseph from the palace because Clarisse is no longer the ruling Queen of Genovia. And...he said that she has no more influence over Genovia so she does not need protection from the palace security."
Clarisse's mouth opened slightly in shock and Joe was filled with anger, as was Mia. "That's obsurd!" she shouted.
"Yes, it most certainly is." Joe let go of Clarisse's hand and stormed out of the room. The three looked after him, worry filling Clarisse. Mia moved over and sat next to her Grandmother, touching her softly on the arm.
"Grandma?" Clarisse turned to look at her with tears in her eyes. "What has happened? What aren't you telling us?"
"It's nothing, Mia. You know how much Joseph worries."
"Grandma! Tell me what has happened since we've been away! Have you found out more in the investigation? Do they know who shot you?"
Clarisse backed away from Mia's touch, not wanting her granddaughter or grandson-in-law to know anything about the situation, for fear that they might be hurt. "No, they don't."
"Do they have any ideas?" Nicholas asked.
"I don't know," Clarisse answered.
"Grandma, why is Grandpa so upset with the Viscount?" Mia asked, getting more worried by the moment.
"He did not like what he said to Nicholas. He is very protective, you know that Amelia."
"What is he planning on doing?"
"I don't know. Amelia..please.."
"Grandma, why are you lying to me!?"Mia stood up, hands on her hips, staring at her Grandmother. Clarisse was speechless. She had no idea what to say to her granddaughter. She did not want to hurt her by filling her in on the details of the past three weeks but she also hated seeing her so angry. Nicholas stood up and after seeing Clarisse's face, put his arm around Mia.
"Calm down, Mia..."
"No! Something is going on here and I would like to be informed about it!"
"Mia, there is nothing..." Clarisse began to explain before being cut off by Mia's anger.
"Nothing? You call your behavior nothing? I see the anger in Grandpa's eyes and the fear in yours! That is not normal! That is something, not nothing!"
Clarisse still found herself at a loss for words.
"Fine! If you don't want to tell your granddaughter what is going on, then I guess we don't have as close a relationship as I thought we had. Goodnight Grandmother." And with that, she stormed out of the room, past the maids and up to her suite. Nicholas stood there, a look of bewilderment on his face.
"I am sorry. She is very tired." Clarisse nodded and looked down, not wanting him to see the tears that were threatening to fall down her cheeks. "I'll speak with her. I'm sure she didn't mean what she said, Grandma Clarisse. Goodnight."
He kissed her cheek and noticed how pale she had become. He left the room quietly and turned, only to face Joe.
"Where is Amelia?"
"She just stormed up to our suite. I am afraid I am on damage control tonight."
"What happened?"
"She believes that Clarisse is not telling her what happened while we were away. Then she said that they don't have as close a relationship as she thought they had and she walked out."
Joe rubbed his forehead and looked at Nicholas. "I am sorry about all this. This is not how Clarisse and I pictured your homecoming."
"Hey, don't worry about us. Look, I know that Clarisse would never say anything to Mia...that's just how she is. But, really, is she alright?"
Joe sighed. "If you do not tell Mia this...I will be in your debt."
Nicholas nodded.
"Clarisse has been having some difficulty with her recovery."
"Her arm isn't healing?"
"No, it is healing. It has just taken longer than expected. And she has been having some nightmares...but that is all I will tell you."
"Nightmares? About what?"
"I do not know. She will not tell me for fear that I will grow angry."
"I see. Well, I won't tell Mia but thank you for telling me. Hopefully, Grandma Clarisse will be able to tell Mia tomorrow...after things have settled down a bit."
"Yes. Well, tell Mia I said goodnight."
"I will. Goodnight sir."
"Goodnight Nicholas." Nicholas walked up the stairs and Joe quietly entered his suite. Clarisse was still sitting on the couch but her face was in her hand. He could hear her crying and quickly went to her side. "Clarisse?"
She looked up at him, tears covering her cheeks. "Joseph..."
"Oh darling..."He pulled her close and let her cry, until she had cried herself to sleep. He gently picked her up and carried her over to the bedroom. He took off her wrap and carefully removed the sling, putting her injured arm on the pillow. He took off her shoes and not wanting to wake her, covered her with the blankets, leaving her in her dress. He knew she would wake up soon enough, another nightmare invading her dreams. He changed out of his tux and climbed in next to her. She turned into his embrace and he held on to her tightly. It seemed the nightmares were not as bad when he held her close. He kissed the side of her head and fell asleep soon after.