THE OTHER SLUMBER PARTY

A/N PD2 – during Mia's slumber/bridal shower.

The palace was in an uproar – 20 screaming princesses celebrating with Princess Mia prior to her wedding to Andrew Jacoby, with chaos the order of the day. All the palace staff was pressed into service to cater to the young ladies and to offer Mia an unusual, but somehow appropriate pre-wedding bash.

The night of the party Clarisse dressed in blue silk pajamas and matching jacket. Before checking in at the party she took Maurice out for a walk in the night air. As usual, Joseph was waiting for her by the fountain; it had become their nightly ritual to meet at the end of the day, using Maurice as an excuse. Sitting on a bench, feet crossed, arms behind his back, Joseph never took his eyes off her as she approached. Maurice barked, and Joseph scratched him behind the ear and took the leash from Clarisse.

"How's the party going?" he greeted her with a chaste kiss on her cheek.

"I haven't been there yet, but it sounds to me like the party's at full blast. I'm sure it won't be too long before they will be mattress surfing."

"Well, you won't want to miss that. Are you planning on showing them how it's done?"

"Oh, Joseph, I haven't done that in years. I think I'll leave the sliding to the younger set."

"As I recall, you didn't slide…"

She turned her head and smiled at him, slipping her hand in his as they walked the garden paths. They walked in silence for a while, enjoying the stars, the fragrance of the flowers, and each other's company. Maurice seemed to tire of the walk and Joseph freed him from the leash to let him run. Clarisse shook her head and said: "Silly dog, he'll get lost in the maze and then we'll have to go fetch him."

"Hmm, but in the meantime, there's one less distraction." Joseph tossed the leash on a nearby bench and then held out his arms. "Come here, my love."

She willingly stepped into his arms and let him hold her. She felt so lucky to have Joseph in her life. Nothing, no one, had ever affected her the way he had, no one had ever made her feel so alive as he did. She snuggled in closer and sighed. She heard Maurice barking in the distance and she giggled. "I know why you let him get lost in there."

"And why's that?"

"Because if he saw you holding me this way he'd likely bite you."

"It would be the last thing he'd ever do."

"Joseph!" She looked up at him in mock horror. "What a terrible thing to say."

"Clarisse that mutt and I have never seen eye to eye on anything from day one." He stopped and thought for a moment. "Except for perhaps one thing."

"And that would be?"

"We both adore our Queen."

"Ah. Well, if that's enough to save his life, then so be it."

Clarisse shivered, and Joseph put his own coat around her shoulders. "All right, let's find that dog and get you both inside before you freeze to death." To no avail, Joseph called Maurice, but he wouldn't come. Then a shrill whistle in his ear startled Joseph, and then he was surprised to see the dog jump the short hedge and run toward them.

"Your Majesty – I am shocked."

"Well, don't be. Maurice is stubborn and sometimes will only respond to a silly whistle."

"Yes. I'll have to remember that." He hooked Maurice's leash up once again and passed it to Clarisse. He took her hand in his and kissed it. Hesitantly, he asked: "Would you like me to stop by later?"

With an impish grin, Her Majesty gave him the invitation he'd hoped for. "I'd like that, Joseph."

"Until later, then." He retrieved his coat and with a slight bow he stepped back into the shadows and watched as Clarisse entered the ballroom to join Mia's party.

Joseph joined Shades in the security room, and with admiration watched his Queen fly down the ramp on the mattress - to the delight of the princesses and the palace staff. She would never cease to amaze him, he thought. Shades sat back and enjoyed the look of delight on his boss's face. Earlier, he had been watching the video feed from the garden camera, and was glad to see love finally blossoming between his mentor and the woman he loved.

Ending his rounds for the night in the kitchen, where he helped himself to milk and cookies, he took his cue from Olivia as she arrived with an empty tray from the Queen's suite. "Has Her Majesty turned in for the night, Olivia?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir. I think she's gone straight to bed, with so much excitement today I think she's quite tired."

"Very well. You get some sleep yourself. There are some busy days ahead."

"Yes, Sir. Good night."

Joseph made his way up the back stairs and down the magnificent palace hallways until he came to her door. He always insisted that she keep it locked at night, just as an extra layer of precaution. He had a key, of course, but he tried the door and it was left unlocked. He smiled, and entered the darkened room. Several candles were lit and a small fire was burning in the fireplace. He could see a bottle of champagne and glasses on the coffee table but no sign of Clarisse, until he heard her voice.

"It's not polite to keep a lady waiting, you know."

She had been stretched out on the sofa, motionless, and he hadn't seen her. Now, he quickly shut the door behind him and made his way over, dropping on one knee beside her. He quickly covered her mouth with his, and kissed her lovingly. "Am I forgiven, Your Majesty?"

"I think this once your indiscretion can be overlooked. But try to avoid such behavior again, will you?" She pulled him down again; kissing him with a passion that surprised both of them. Breaking away, he took off his jacket and shoes and lay on the sofa behind her, cradling her in his arms. Together they stared at the fire and just enjoyed their closeness.

"Do you want something to drink?"

"No. You are intoxicating enough." He buried his face in her hair.

"Joseph?"

"Um hmm."

She turned to look up at him. "If I stay here much longer I'm going to fall asleep, and that wouldn't be very comfortable in a few hours."

"You have a better idea?"

She reluctantly untangled herself from his arms and got to her feet. She held her hand out to him. "Give me a hand with the candles and the fire, will you?"

He did as she directed and then stood beside her in the darkened room, the only light coming from the moon shining in the balcony doors.

"Did you lock the door?" He teased her.

"Of course I did. The Head of Security has a fit if the Queen's door is unlocked at night. What would happen if for some unexplained reason she forgot to lock it?"

"Mmm, I'm not sure. Perhaps someone might come in, seduce her, make love to her, and remind her just how desirable she is."

"Oh, if I had known that was the case, I'd have left it unlocked years ago." She laughed, and then put her arm around him as they walked happily into the bedroom.