A.N- First of all I would like to thank all who reviewed the first chapter. You guys were so encouraging!! I'm glad you liked it because it's the first FanFic I've ever written. In fact the first story I've ever written of this length. Sorry I'm blabbing!!

Here's chapter 2!! Enjoy...

"Your Majesty, I have cancelled all your appointments for today and have informed the staff to not allow any visitors", Charlotte told Clarisse, as the Queen finished signing the last document on her desk.

Also Princess Amelia will arrive at the palace shortly and I am relieved to inform you that the guest quarters she will occupying during her stay here are finally ready", Charlotte added.

'That was a long sentence', Clarisse thought as she looked at Charlotte with an eyebrow raised.

"Everything all right Charlotte?" she asked her flustered assistant.

"Yes of course, Your Majesty, it's just..." Charlotte began but Clarisse gave her the 'Your not very good at lying' look,

"...Now that the Princess is finally coming to Genovia, everyone is desperate to meet her. Which of course is a good thing. But...there are so many people trying to make appointments with her that I'm having trouble controlling the situation!" Charlotte almost wailed.

Clarisse smiled sympathetically at her as she came out from behind her desk to approach the woman.

"Don't stress Charlotte. Just hold them off for a couple of days, then I'll help you organize something", Clarisse promised as they left her office.

"Thank you Your Majesty", Charlotte breathed as she began to look more relaxed.

Clarisse reached over and gently rubbed the young woman's back.

"No. Thank you Charlotte", she said softly with a smile as they headed towards the front entrance of the palace.

It had been some weeks now since the Grand Ball in San Francisco. Clarisse, as well as most of the Royal staff, had arrived back in Genovia the day after Amelia was crowned Princess. Amelia herself had stayed back longer with Joseph, and a few more trusted staff, to prepare herself for her trip to Genovia.

Clarisse hoped that everything would go smoothly and that her citizens would gladly accept Amelia as one of their own. She was more concerned, however, with how Amelia would handle all the attention she will be receiving during her stay in Genovia.

This, Clarisse will just have to wait and see.

Once outside the front entrance, Clarisse could clearly see the approaching limousine. After moving gracefully down the steps, she stood beside Charlotte as the limousine pulled up in front of them.

As Joseph passed Clarisse to open Amelia's door, she felt her heart beat faster as he directed a smile her way. Immediately dismissing these feelings, she turned to the now open door.

"Welcome to Genovia, Amelia. How was your trip?" Clarisse spoke before Amelia was even out of the limo. When her head did appear through the door, her mouth was open in wonder as she stared up at the palace behind Clarisse.

Clarisse watched with a growing smile as Amelia stumbled out of the limo and stood in silence as she tried to take in her surroundings.

"Amelia?" Clarisse tried again to get her attention.

"Oh! Hi Grandma!" Amelia jumped.

"Uh...how was your trip?" Clarisse asked again, this time getting her attention.

"It was fine, great, wonderful!" Amelia answered while vigorously nodding her head.

All Clarisse could do was laugh at her overwhelmed granddaughter, before moving forward to pull her into a warm embrace.

"I'm glad to hear it. Would you like to come inside and have something to eat before you explore the palace?" Clarisse suggested more than asked.

"Oh yes please", Amelia answered.

Clarisse could see that she was over the shock of her wonderful surroundings, as she led her through the front entrance. They headed toward the dining room and Clarisse couldn't help but feel disappointed as Joseph went in the opposite direction.

"Amelia, its really not all that bad. You'll soon find your way around easily", Clarisse was trying to comfort the girl after having shown her around the palace.

Amelia had immediately calmed down after having her dinner with Clarisse, just after she had arrived. Clarisse had then taken her around the palace but soon cut it short as she watched Amelia grow weary with confusion.

They were now heading towards the suite where Amelia would be staying, as it was getting rather late into the night.

"It's like being in an entirely new city", Amelia moaned, and Clarisse had to laugh at her description.

"Yes my dear. But like a city, there is always someone around for you to ask directions", Clarisse reassured and they both laughed.

"Here we are dear", Clarisse indicated the tall cream door in front of them.

"Everything you will need is inside, as I've already shown you. Should you need any more, Sophia is there to help you".

Amelia smiled up at her and sighed.

"Thank you Grandma".

"That's perfectly alright dear. Goodnight", she smiled at her granddaughter as she entered her suite.

Clarisse herself was not tired however, so headed off towards the garden, as it was such a beautiful night.

As Clarisse wandered around the narrow paths of the huge rose garden, she couldn't help but notice the stars scattered across the sky. She breathed in deeply and immediately recognized the sweet scent of mauve roses fill her senses.

An overwhelming sense of déjà vu suddenly struck Clarisse. The memory of the Grand Ball in San Francisco came flooding into her mind.

Amelia's late arrival...her acceptance of the crown...dancing late into the night...the balcony...Joseph.

Even though she hadn't seen Joseph for the past few weeks, he had constantly sprung to her mind. Each time she thought of him, she was filled with warmth and comfort. But there was something else.

It was what she had felt on the balcony when he had taken her hand and looked deep into her eyes...

What she felt when he gave her that smile that he seemed to keep, only for her...

What she felt when they danced together with the warmth of his body so close to hers...

Suddenly, overcome with all her emotions, Clarisse collapsed onto the ground and did what she never allowed herself to do. Cried.

She wrapped her arms around herself and sobbed for all it was worth. Because she now realized what that feeling was. That unspoken, forbidden feeling that she felt for her Head of Security. Love.

Clarisse jumped slightly as a pair of warm arms wrapped around her and pulled her into a tight embrace. Pulling out of it Clarisse looked up into Josephs face with questioning eyes, but he only held her close again whispering,

"Let it out Clarisse. You weren't made to keep it all inside".

So she buried her face in his chest and cried until all her tears were spent.

When she came back to her senses, she could hear Joseph whispering soothing sounds and could feel him stroking her hair.

She slowly moved out of his embrace as he carefully wiped away the tears left on her face. Helping her to stand, he smiled at her although she could see the concern in his eyes.

"Feel better?" he lightheartedly asked, never letting go of her hand.

"Yes", she whispered, looking at the ground.

"Thank you Joseph".

She felt his hand under her chin, as he lifted her head to look into his eyes. Seeing the love they contained, she could no longer resist.

She placed her hand on the side of his face and leaned in towards him. As their lips met, all her emotions came tumbling down on her again but she no longer cared. As Joseph deepened the kiss, Clarisse let the silent tears fall. For after all that time of being alone, she finally felt safe and content as he held her in his arms.