Nicholas entered his suite to find Mia throwing things out of the suitcase. "Mia?"
He ducked as a bottle of hairspray flew towards his head. He walked into the bedroom and she turned quickly.
"Do you know what I can't stand about her?"
"Mia, really..."
"Well, I'll tell you! I cannot stand when she lies to me! It's not fair! It's not that I ask much...I just ask to know what has gone on since we've been gone. She didn't even return all my calls...I must've called like twice a day at least! Ok, she's not that busy! Come on now, she couldn't have been! And what is with Grandpa? He always answers me when I ask questions! She's getting to him! She's brainwashed him to answer only when she tells him to! And another thing..."
Nicholas caught her in his arms and kissed her deeply. She relaxed for a moment but then quickly broke away. "That will not help my mood right now, Nicholas! Do you know that..."
Nicholas cut in. "What I know, Queen Amelia, is that your Grandmother and Grandfather love you very much. They would never do anything to intentionally hurt you."
Mia looked down. "Well, they sure have a bad way of showing it."
Nicholas put his hand under her chin and raised so she was looking up at him. "Mia...your Grandmother was shot. Maybe she's just had a hard time with her recovery and all."
"She has?....Oh no! I feel horrible, I shouldn't have said anything! Oh, I'm such an idiot!"
"Mia, stop! I didn't say that...I just said maybe she has and maybe that's the reason she does not want to tell you anything...so you won't worry. Because, that my dear, you do very well."
He kissed her nose and she finally smiled. "I guess I do. I should go apologize..."
She went to leave the room but Nicholas caught her arm. "It can wait until morning."And with that, he kissed her once more, causing her to agree with his decision.
Joe woke up, feeling Clarisse trembling in his arms. "Clarisse, wake up darling. It's only a dream..."He had done this for so many nights, it had become common. But this time, she wasn't waking up. "Clarisse? Clarisse...wake up!" He shook her gently, not wanting to hurt her arm. "Clarisse! Clarisse!"
Finally the trembling died down some and Clarisse's eyes popped open. "Joseph...are you there?"
Joe leaned down and kissed her. "Right here, my darling. Are you alright?"
Clarisse nodded but then the tears spilled on to her cheeks.
"Clarisse...what is it? Please, tell me what these nightmares are about! I cannot stand the way they are hurting you any longer!"
Clarisse knew it was time to tell him. This nightmare had been too real to her. "Joseph...you'd better turn on the light. And let me change out of this dress!"
He did as she suggested and then looked at her face. It was very pale and the tears were beginning to dry on her cheeks. He wiped them away and took her hand. "You wait here, I'll get you a nightgown."
He helped her change and then took her hand again. "Tell me darling...I will not be angry with you."
Clarisse took a moment to collect her thoughts and then began telling her husband the nightmare. "In the dream, I can never find you. I look all the over the palace and you're never there. When I finally think I have found the room you are in, I am taken away by...by the Viscount. He takes me to a dark room, one I've never seen before and he keeps me there, away from you. He tells me that he is the one who had me shot, that the fireworks were a diversion so no one would hear the shot. The man that was taken in for questioning because he tried to get in the Prime Minister's carriage was one of his accomplices. He was with the Viscount as well and he said that there was another man in the crowd who threw a snake into the street to spook the horse and then set off the fireworks. Oh Joseph...they wouldn't let me out to come find you! They said they would kill you! I...I didn't know how to warn you."
As more tears fell down her cheeks, Joe quickly pulled her into a tight hug. His protectiveness of her seemed to increase with every sentence she told him. He rubbed her back and spoke soothing words in her ear. "I won't ever leave you and I would never let them hurt you or take you away from me. Clarisse..." She looked up at him and he brushed the tears away. "I love you. I won't let anyone take that away."
Clarisse smiled for the first time. "I love you too."
He kissed her deeply, pulling her as close as he possibly could. She wrapped her good arm around his neck and because she couldn't lift her other arm yet, she put her hand on his chest. They leaned back so that they were on the pillows when a sharp knock was heard at the door. Joe groaned and broke from kissing Clarisse. "Do they not know what time it is?"
"Obviously not."
Joe put on his robe and walked to the door. He opened it to find Charlotte in her bathrobe. "Charlotte?"
"I'm so sorry to wake you, sir, but we have a problem."
"A problem?"
"Yes sir. The Viscount Mabrey is at the door, with a court order."
"For what?"
"To search the palace."
"What?!?"
Clarisse's head snapped up when she heard Joe's angry tone. She put on her robe as quickly as she could and walked up to him. "Joseph..."
He put his arm around her and looked back at Charlotte.
"I'm afraid he has them convinced that you both are trying to overthrow the Parliament and take over the country for yourselves."
"That is preposterous!"
"Yes, Madame. However, the police would like to question both of you."
"I refuse to let them question Clarisse. I will go." Remembering her nightmare, Clarisse held on tightly to Joe's arm as he tried to leave. He looked back at her.
"I won't be long."
"You can't go."
"Darling, I must."
"No, you can't!"
Joe now understood why she was so worried. "Charlotte, would you stay with Clarisse?"
"Of course, sir."
Joe turned back to Clarisse and held her around the waist. "I won't be long and I won't let them do anything, alright?"
Clarisse knew she had to let him go. "Alright. Be careful."
"I will." He kissed her and then walked out of the room, Charlotte hiding a smile.
"Come in, Charlotte." Both women walked over and sat on the couch. "What are you smiling about, Charlotte?"
"Nothing, Your Majesty."
"I've told you before you are not a good liar."
"Yes, Your Majesty. It's just...well, you and Joe. It's just so cute!"
Clarisse laughed for the first time in a long time and patted Charlotte's leg. "Thank you, Charlotte....Oh, I hope he's alright."
"I'm sure he is, Madame. Can I get you anything?"
"No, thank you though. I just hope that Joseph is able to work through all of this with the police."
"Do not worry, Madame, all of our security personnel are in strong defense of both yourself and Sir Joseph."
"Well, that is a relief."
Out in the sitting room, the police finished questioning Joe and found that nothing the Viscount had said was true and found no need to search the palace. Joe was saying goodbye to the police and thanking them for their understanding, causing him to miss the Viscount leaving. The door to Clarisse's suite opened and both women turned in anticipation of Joe. Instead, they were surprised to see the Viscount standing in the doorway. "Your Majesty, I must ask that you come with me."
Charlotte quickly stood. "You should not be here, sir. This is the Queen's private quarters."
The Viscount moved forward slowly, a look of anger crossing his face. "Well, I am here now and the Queen must come with me!"
Clarisse now stood and motioned for Charlotte to back away but Charlotte stood her ground. "Sir, please..."
The Viscount whirled around on her and grabbed her by the arm. "You, young lady, will remain quiet!" He pushed her down on to the couch with such force that he almost pulled her arm out of its socket. She grabbed her arm in pain and bent over, leaving he and Clarisse to battle it out.
"Viscount, I will be going no where with you. This is my palace and I will kindly ask you to leave it."
"Not without you, Your Highness." He spoke with such disdain that she began to back away from him.
"Get out right now!"
He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close. "You should be mine...not that stupid security man's!"
Clarisse went to slap him with her good hand but he grabbed it and pulled it behind her back, causing her to cry out in pain. Joe was moving quickly to his suite, happy that Clarisse had finally told him her nightmare and that the Viscount was out of their lives forever. What he heard upon nearing his suite only sent his happiness ou the window. He quietly crept up to the door and was horrified by what he saw. The Viscount was trying to push Clarisse towards the bedroom and Charlotte was unable to do anything, considering the pain she must have been in. Joe quickly moved inside and grabbed the Viscount from behind, sending Clarisse flying into the desk. The police, having heard the commotion, came running and taking one look around the room, handcuffed the Viscount and moved him out quickly. Joseph ran to Clarisse and hugged her to him, her cries making his heart ache. He looked at her quickly. "Are you alright?"
She nodded and then looked over at Charlotte who was being helped up by Olivia.
"Charlotte..." Joe began.
"I am alright, sir. Madame, are you?" Clarisse nodded and held on to Joe tightly.
"Good. I will go make sure everyone is out of the castle for tonight."
As she went to leave, Clarisse stepped away from Joe. "Charlotte..."
Charlotte turned and walked back over. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Thank you." She put her arm around the young woman and Charlotte smiled as she hugged the Queen back.
"You're welcome Your Majesty." She let her go and smiled again before leaving quickly to attend to all the other maids who had woken up.
"Madame, Sir, do you need anything?" Olivia asked.
"No, thank you, Olivia," Joe answered.
Olivia curtsied and left quickly, closing the door behind her. Joe pulled Clarisse into another tight embrace and kissed her forehead. "It's over."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am. He will not be back ever again."
Clarisse let out a ragged breath, one she had been holding for a long time. "That's a relief. Everything is alright with the police?"
"Yes, perfectly fine. Come now, back to bed for you. We've had quite a night." Clarisse smiled and then took Joe's outstretched hand and walked back to the bedroom. She fell asleep peacefully for the first time, wrapped in his arms.
Mia woke early the next morning, hoping to see her Grandmother as soon as possible. Nicholas was already outside, riding his horse like usual. It was his morning routine. He had learned the morning after the wedding that his Mia was not in any way a morning person and he knew not to disturb her when she woke up. Mia got dressed and decided against breakfast, hurrying down the steps to her Grandmother's suite. Charlotte was outside the room, talking to Olivia.
"Charlotte? What's wrong with your arm?" Mia asked.
A bandage covered the cut she had received when the Viscount's ring caught her skin. "Oh, good morning Your Majesty! My arm? Oh, nothing. Just a little scratch. Thank you for asking though."
Mia did not believe her but she really wanted to speak with her Grandmother. "Well, alright. I need to speak with Grandma immediatley. Is she awake?"
"I am afraid that the Queen is still asleep, Your Majesty...as is Sir Joseph," Olivia answered.
Mia thought a minute and then grimaced, thinking about her Grandmother doing...that. "Oh, um, ew...."
She turned to walk away, but Charlotte, sensing what she was thinking, hurried to catch her. "No, Your Majesty! Nothing like that...some things happened after you and Prince Nicholas were asleep. The Viscount came back, unfortunately, and had the police question Sir Joseph. He told the police that he and the Queen were planning on overthrowing you and Prince Nicholas. Of course, Sir Joseph worked everything out and the Viscount was taken away in handcuffs after he tried to...um, force himself...on the Queen."
"What?!?! He did what?!?"
Charlotte bowed her head in sadness. "Yes, Your Majesty. I am afraid the Queen was feeling a little shaky so she and Sir Joseph did not get to bed at a decent time this morning."
Mia sat down on the chair next to the suite. "Why wasn't I woken up?"
"The Queen knew that you and Prince Nicholas were very tired after your trip and it was her wish that you not be disturbed."
"She never wants to disturb me...."
Charlotte shook her head. "I am sorry, Your Majesty. I could come get you when they are awake."
"No, I'll stay here. What I need to say to her is very important."
Charlotte sensed that Mia was upset so she curtsied and started to walk away. "Yes, Your Majesty. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchens working on preparations for the ball."
"Thank you, Charlotte."
Charlotte left, leaving Olivia with Mia. "Can I get you anything, Your Majesty?"
Mia smiled at Olivia. "No, I'm alright. You can have some fun if you want."
Olivia's face brightened. "My, Your Majesty, you are the third person in the past two weeks who has told me to go have fun!"
Mia laughed at the overexcited maid. "Who else has?"
"The Queen and Sir Joseph. Sir Joseph had a surprise for Queen Clarisse and I got was allowed a night off. Oh, it was wonderful Your Majesty!"
"Well, why don't you go down to the kitchens and tell Charlotte that I said you deserve some strawberries. You seem like you have had a lot to deal with the past few weeks."
"Oh, Your Majesty! Thank you so much!" She curtsied and then corrected herself, pointing her fingers at Mia and winking. After Mia did the same, she skipped off to the kitchens, leaving Mia to worry. She did not have to wait long because five minutes later, Joe stepped out of the suite, fully dressed and ready for the day. He looked around for Olivia but found Mia.
"Mia?"
She jumped slightly and then stood up, flinging her arms around him. "I heard about last night. I'm so sorry."
"Well, everything has been taken care of." He let her go and looked her in the eyes. "And how are you?"
Mia looked down, knowing what he was talking about. "I feel so stupid. I shouldn't have yelled at her."
"You do know that your Grandmother loves you very much."
"I know, I know! And I wasn't thinking when I told her we weren't close. I was just so mad that she wouldn't tell me anything. But, I want to apologize to her. I know she'll tell me in time but....oh, you know how I worry!"
Joe laughed. "Yes, I know all too well. You have stressed yourself out over this."
"Nicholas told me that too. You men...you're all the same."
Joe faked a look of hurt. "Well, if you're going to talk like that, I'll just be leaving..."
He went to walk away but she caught his arm. "I sent Olivia down to the kitchen to get something to eat. I wanted to be alone with Grandma. You mind?"
"No, I'll just go see how the new security plan is working. I'll be back in fifteen minutes, alright?"
"Thanks, Grandpa."
"You're welcome, Mia." He kissed the side of her head and walked away. Mia took two deep breaths and put her hand on the doorknob.
"She's just your Grandmother. You can do this. She'll understand," she spoke to herself. She took one more deep breath and walked inside. Clarisse heard the door from her desk and without looking up, began speaking.
"Joseph, would you mind asking Olivia if she could bring some tea with your coffee?"
"I don't think he would mind..."
Clarisse's head shot up quickly in surprise at hearing her granddaughter's voice. Her eyes met Mia's.
"...but since he's not here, I would be happy to."
Clarisse's eyes softened as she stood. "Mia..."
Mia held up her hand. "Just...let me speak a minute." She saw that her Grandmother was tired so she motioned for her to come over to the couch. Clarisse sat next to Mia and let her have her say. She was afraid Mia was going to be even more upset with her than the night before. "I wanted to come this morning to apologize about last night. I was way out of line, Grandma. I should never have yelled at you. I am just worried about you. I have never seen you so upset and it scared me. But, after what Charlotte told me this morning, it seems you had a right to be upset. I just wish you would've told me."
"Oh my darling, I did not mean to keep things from you. I just did not want to see you hurt. You and Nicholas have been so happy and Joseph and I did not want to spoil that mood."
Mia took Clarisse's hand in hers. "Grandma, I love you. I know we are close...can you forgive me for hurting you last night?"
"On one condition." Mia was surprised that her Grandmother had any conditions. Usually, she would just take Mia in her arms and tell her everything would be alright. But, she wanted her Grandmother back more than anything so she nodded. "That you accept my apology for not calling you when you were away or informing you of what was going on."
Mia's face broke out into a smile and she grabbed her Grandmother in a hug. "I missed you!"
"I missed you too, darling. Now..." She let her go and wiped away her granddaughter's tears. "We will have no more tears. I want to hear about your honeymoon!"
Mia giggled and snuggled up next to her grandmother, telling her every detail of what the honeymoon was like. Joe walked in fifteen minutes later and smiled at the pair. He walked up behind them, kissing both on the top of their heads. "It seems as though everything has worked out."
Clarisse smiled at Mia and then up at her husband. "Yes, it has."
He walked around, placing a tray on the coffee table. He handed Mia a glass of orange juice and poured Clarisse a cup of tea.
"How did you..." she began.
"I know you all too well, my dear," he answered. She accepted the cup and squeezed his hand. He sat down with his coffee and they had a wonderful morning, catching up on the time they lost.