Part 8

She looked gorgeous in her glittering navy blue ball gown and tiara. After many weeks of recuperation and rest, she was back to herself again and perhaps a bit more ready to enjoy life than before the accident. This was her first official function since being released from the hospital, and while still doing some physiotherapy, was ahead of schedule on her way to a full recovery.

Joseph, handsome in his tuxedo, a mauve rose in his lapel, held her hand tightly as the limousine travelled away from the Theatre District across the city to the Japanese Embassy. The first portion of the evening had been a recital from some of the most talented young musicians from Japan, and now the Ambassador was holding a reception in their honour. Clarisse had not yet been to their Embassy on this trip to America, and nothing would deter her from keeping the promise to visit she had made to the Ambassador.

Joseph had been watching Clarisse closely all evening, ready to take her home at the first sign of fatigue. She had done well, and even seemed to be enjoying herself.

Clarisse turned from gazing out the car window to look at Joseph.

"Isn't it about time?"

He looked confused. "Time? Time for what?"

She grinned. "Time for you to ask me how I am. It's been nearly five minutes."

He smiled back, covering her hand with his free one. "I just want to be sure you're alright. I didn't realize I was being so protective."

"I'm enjoying all the attention, believe me. But I am doing fine, and it feels good to be out and about again."

Joseph brought her hand to his lips. "Everyone has been so happy to see you tonight, my dear. You've been the star of the evening."

"Oh, don't be silly."

She turned to look out the window again, very conscious of the man beside her, and very conscious of her hand in his. Her son, Pierre, visiting since the accident, had been scheduled to accompany her to this engagement, but at the last moment had been called back to his church in Genovia. Since Doctor's orders stated she had to have an escort Joseph had gladly agreed to take his place, and Clarisse was thrilled about the change. The Ambassador had been more than willing to accommodate Joseph as a guest, so quickly so, that Clarisse believed that Charlotte and the Ambassador's assistant had talked offline about the budding relationship the Queen of Genovia had with her Head of Security.

They were entering the gates of the Embassy and Joseph placed a quick kiss on Clarisse's cheek before the door opened. "Don't overdo" were his words of caution before they were ushered out of the limousine and into the reception.

Clarisse had felt up to only one dance, with Joseph of course, who held her tightly in his arms. He had insisted that she sit for much of the reception, as many people wanted to greet her and wish her well. He stood by, always where she could see him until he could tell that she'd had enough polite small talk for one evening. He had always marvelled how she could suffer such events with grace and poise. Tonight, in spite of the discomfort she must be feeling from her injuries, she had made every guest feel special and appreciated for their kinds words. She was simply amazing; and beautiful. He sighed, wondering what the hell he was doing feeling this way about her.

She looked over at him and slowly winked. One more guest and she would make her exit. She couldn't wait to get out of here, not because of the company, the music or the food, but because she just wanted to be alone with Joseph. He had been her protector, her confidant, her jewel, these past weeks, and her feelings were growing deeper for him with every passing day.

At last, he rescued her from the line of admirers.

"Your Majesty, would you like to get some air for a few moments?"

"Yes, Joseph. I believe I would enjoy that, thank you."

He guided her through the throng of people, not letting anyone stop their departure. The attendants opened the terrace doors for them, allowing them to pass, then closing the doors firmly behind them. Joseph had done some looking around the grounds earlier and had a course of action in mind.

He offered his arm and led her down the path, past the fountains, the rose bushes, the statues, past all of it until they came to the most special place in the entire garden. He looked at Clarisse, who had gasped in amazement and stood staring at the beauty of artificial nature before her.

"I thought you might like to see this."

"It's so beautiful! How did you know this was here?"

He turned to face her, gently slipping his arms around her waist. "The Ambassador suggested I bring you here, and when I saw it for myself earlier I knew you'd love it."

The waterfall was spectacular. At least thirty feet high, the water spilled over boulders and greenery, finally pooling at the bottom. The indirect lighting made the water sparkle in blues and greens. It seemed to Clarisse that they were in a tropical forest, just the two of them and she decided she never wanted to leave.

They stood together, in each other's arms, staring at the beauty around them. They listened to the water splash over the rocks, and gazed at the thousands of tiny lights. Joseph tightened his hold on her and brought her close to him. He whispered in her ear "It's not even half as beautiful as you are tonight."

Even in the darkness he could tell she was blushing and he smiled to himself. This woman had become everything to him. Not only was she his Queen, she was the love of his life. After looking for her all his life, he had long since abandoned the notion that he was going to find her, and there she had been there all along, right under his nose. 'You are a lucky man, Joseph', he thought to himself.

After the goodbyes were said to their hosts, Joseph escorted Clarisse to the waiting limousine for the trip back to the consulate. With the privacy screen in place he took her in his arms and held her gently and tenderly. She snuggled in close to him, her head resting on his shoulder.

"Joseph?" her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Um hmm."

"Tonight was wonderful, thank you."

"How often does a guy like me get to dance with a beautiful girl, kiss her in front of a waterfall, and take her home? I'll be the one thanking you, my darling."

She squeezed his hand. 'You are a lucky lady, Clarisse', she thought to herself.

Joseph sat by the fireplace in Her Majesty's suite. He glanced at his watch: 12:45 in the morning. She'd asked him to wait and disappeared into her dressing room. He took off his jacket and bow tie and slipped off his shoes. He'd waited for her before, and it could be a long time before she returned, he might as well be comfortable.

She emerged hesitantly into the near dark sitting room, seeing Joseph sitting by the fire. He glanced up, and his face registered first surprise and then delight. She blushed again and moved over to him as he stood, his arms open ready for her. He held her tightly, the soft folds of the silk negligee running through his hands. Neither spoke for several moments, until Joseph placed a kiss on her forehead and then spoke.

"You look even more beautiful than you did earlier."

She stepped back from him and smiled. Taking his hand in hers she began to move toward the bedroom door.

"I was wondering, what would you like for breakfast?"

THE END