With only two and a half days left before the wedding the whole situation was more than she could bear. Joseph had walked away from her, out the door and effectively out of her life. It was her fault, duty over love was all she knew how to do, and this time it was costing her dearly. Why, when she was finally in a position to have it all, was she walking away from the man who loved her, and whom she loved more than life itself? She couldn't think straight; she couldn't reconcile in her mind her own actions. It was just too much to take all at once.

She stumbled up the stairs and to her suite, closing the door behind her and collapsing on the other side. The tears fell, and sobs racked her body. She forced herself to get up, her mind telling her that the only way through this mess was to get a drink, or two. Tonight it was likely to be the entire bottle; and she didn't care. The liquid gave her comfort, it calmed her, brought her a sense of peace and tranquility. It made her forget. Forget that she was queen, and more importantly, forget him.

0-0-0-

Joseph wandered around the palace grounds for hours, hands stuffed in his pockets, eyes bleary from tears. There was definitely something wrong with Clarisse, he had not misread her feelings for him that badly, surely to goodness. The love they'd shared over the years had blossomed and grown until both had confessed undying love and devotion to the other. Now, out of the blue, she'd pushed him away with a flimsy excuse. Of course Mia needed her grandmother, and so too did Genovia, but the two didn't need her exclusively. It was ridiculous. Clarisse hadn't been herself lately, what was going on with her anyway? Perhaps he shouldn't give her space tonight, he should go right up there and force her to listen to some sense.

It wouldn't work. He knew her too well to believe that. Once Clarisse Renaldi had made up her mind about something she seldom changed it. He sighed, knowing that it was no use. Time to start making plans for himself. He'd have to leave, and it might as well be sooner as later.