A/N Set during PD2. Two and a half days before Mia's wedding, Joseph dances with Clarisse in the ballroom. Just before she turns down his proposal there is a tender moment that is missing. Here's what I think it would have looked like uncut.
"With only two and half days left, Olivia, I'm beginning to feel rather frantic. Would you take Maurice out for me please, I have to check the orchestra selections."
"And they've asked you to approve a place setting for the reception, Your Majesty."
"Very well."
Clarisse switched on the stereo and the music began. The first selection was a waltz, one of her favorites, and after a cursory glance at some of the place settings she turned her full attention to the music. She walked to the center of the ballroom and hesitantly began to dance with an imaginary partner.
In the garden, Joseph had noticed Olivia taking Maurice for his evening walk and came inside to find out what was keeping Clarisse from their nightly rendezvous. He smiled to himself as he saw her dancing alone, and quickly moved to take her in his arms as she turned. Seeing her complete delight he beamed down at her and expertly led her through the dance they knew so well.
Joseph and Clarisse had been dancing together at public occasions for so many years that Clarisse had lost count. But she remembered their first private dance when he boldly beckoned her into his arms at the consulate in San Francisco. That afternoon the woman in her awakened as she began to recognize the feelings she held for him in her heart. Tonight was much like that afternoon five years ago, just the two of them, alone, dancing and silently sharing the love that they felt for one another.
Clarisse marveled at the calming effect this man had on her. Only moments ago she had felt frantic, but being in his arms slowed the world down until it was only she and Joseph. She laid her head on his shoulder and he smiled. This was a side of the Queen of Genovia that only he was privileged to see, and it delighted him.
"You stood me up in the garden tonight."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Joseph. One thing after another seems to keep popping up to do, and we're running out of time." Her eyes pleaded with him to understand. "I do hope you'll forgive me."
"Of course, my dear. I understand. Is there anything I can do to help?"
She shook her head. "Just you being here for me is enough." She paused as he led her through a series of complex steps. "Do you like this piece of music?" she asked.
"It's nice. Although I enjoy Spanish music much better, it's more sensual, more intimate."
"But not very appropriate for a wedding reception."
"I beg to differ, Your Majesty. It's perfect music for a couple in love."
"You forget, Joseph. Mia and Andrew aren't in love."
"I wasn't talking about them."
A pause. "Oh. I see."
He felt her stiffen a bit and the first thought that he had made a critical error crept into his mind. He tried to shake it off and live in the present moment; after all, the woman he loved was in his arms where he'd wanted her for countless years.
"Clarisse, I realize now it was inconsiderate of me to propose to you when everything has been so chaotic lately. I shouldn't have added to your burdens, I should have been helping relieve them." He felt her relax and he slowed their dance.
"Knowing how much you love me isn't a burden, Joseph" she told him quietly. "I count on you, your strength, your wisdom, and because of you I get through each day in one piece." She lifted her head and smiled at him, and he kissed her forehead lightly.
She settled back in his arms, her head resting once again on his shoulder. The last three weeks had been hard on him. He'd gone through the motions, he'd done his job above and beyond the call of duty, but now he had to know what she was feeling.
"Have you been thinking about us?"
The music changed, and she stopped dancing. Lifting her head a look of sorrow washed over her face. He felt like he'd been kicked in the stomach.
"Yes, I have."
"I see. If you'll excuse me."
He had to get out of there, and fast. He needed to pound something, to scream, to make the pain growing inside him stop. In his worst moments he hadn't imagined she'd refuse him, but it was happening right in front of his eyes. He let go of her and walked away.
"No! Joseph! You had to know what I was going to say." She reached out to stop him, catching his arm, begging him to listen. She was upset, confused, and she scrambled to make him understand. "Mia needs me now, more than ever before, and, it's the Monarchy, I mean as Queen it's my responsibility, you know how it is…"
"You were never just my queen, Clarisse, you were the someone that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. But if you prefer that I see you first and foremost as my Queen, I shall oblige." Hurt was in his eyes and it broke her heart to know she was the cause of his pain.
"No, Joseph…" She reached up to touch his face but his demeanor stopped her cold.
"Your Majesty."
He turned and walked out of the ballroom. Just like that it was over. It was not at all how she had planned to tell him. She wasn't even sure that she was going to say no until it came out of her mouth moments ago. She had planned on asking him to wait until Mia's future as Queen became more secure, then the two of them could talk about where their relationship was going. It was over now, and done, and she still had to help Mia prepare for her wedding to Andrew in two and a half days. How would she ever survive this without him, she wondered with no small amount of sadness.
