Chapter 2

"Would you believe I had to bribe the new head of security to be able to spend some time alone with you?" Joseph watched her laugh and delighted in it. "Yes, well, I'm glad you find it amusing. Shades got quite a bonus today."

"Am I not worth it?" Clarisse questioned him, adding a hint of disappointment.

"Oh yes, my darling. What Shades doesn't know is that I was prepared to give him much, much more." Joseph eyed her as he sat down to remove his shoes and socks.

Clarisse sat beside him, taking in all that had been done for her this evening. A large, thick red carpet had been placed over the sand, and covered in huge velvet cushions and pillows. To the side sat their dinner, neatly arranged chinaware, and what looked like a bottle of champagn on ice. It had all been brought from the palace, which was just up the cliff from them. They were in a small cove, hidden from any prying eyes, including those of the staff.

Slipping off her sandals, she buried her feet in the warm sand. The sun was low in the westward sky, painting what looked to be a beautiful sunset. The only sounds were the waves washing the shoreline, and the few birds that flew overhead.

"I've never been here before," Clarisse wondered out loud.

"No wonder, it is hidden from above by the rocks."

"How did you know it was here?"

"It was my job." Joseph turned up the hem of his slacks. "I have walked the entired palace grounds at least a few hundred times. I've explored every cave and cavern, and I know all the good hiding places," Joseph admitted proudly.

"I had no idea..."
"All to make sure my Queen was safe." Joseph looked her in the eyes, in her beautiful green eyes. "I did it all for you, all these years. Everything I did was for you."

"You're only reward was knowing I was safe."

"Nonsense, you know I was paid, and paid well. But, yes, it was rewarding knowing you were safe." He was almost whispering now, ever closer to her.

"I mean the only reward I ever gave you..." Clarisse crept closer, "I think I owe you for keeping me so well protected." They were only inches apart now.

"You owe me nothing, but I'll gladly accept any reward you feel you need to give me." Their two mouths pressed together, clearly intent on showing their love for one another.

"That was a very nice reward, thank you."

"That, my love, is only the beginning. I'm afraid it may take a lifetime to properly thank you."

"Mmm, I see," pondered Joseph. "A lifetime commitment. It will be a most difficult task, but I believe I'm up to it."

"I'm sure you are," Clarisse laughed at his disposition. "Oh, Joseph, I love you. I cannot say that enough."
"I love you too, although I believe neither of us have to say it." He studied her face, her features, so soft and yet so strong. He ran his fingers down her cheek, teasing her lips, and across to the other cheek. "I knew you loved me, Clarisse. It was in your eyes. It was the way you spoke to me, the way you dressed for me, the gentle touches to my face, the way you watched me when you thought I wasn't looking. It was the way you danced with me, the way you rested against me and held me closer than any other." She layed her head on his shoulders, listening to his words she knew to be so true.

"How did you know I was watching you?"

"I felt your eyes, and the palace does have alot of mirrors." He felt her smile now.

"I loved to watch you walk the grounds.."

"Yes, I loved to watch you out there as well."

"I knew you were watching me."

"I was always watching you, even when it wasn't my duty," he admitted. He took her hand and traced tiny circles in it as they spoke.

"Everywhere I went the cameras pointed to me," she looked up to him. "I didn't mind, I knew it was you."

"How were you so certain?"

"Ah, well, I happen to know that there is no man brave enough to do that with you around."

"I see, you heard the rumors as well."

"They weren't just rumors.."

"No, no they weren't. Checking on you is one thing, but if I had caught someone really watching you, like I did, I would have killed him." Joseph half smiled at that thought.

"Joseph! Really!"

"Okay, so maybe I would have just poked his eyes out." He managed to lessen the charge as her softer side persuaded him.

"You came into my suite at night," she changed the subject as she readjusted to lie her head in his lap.

"You were awake?"

"Sometimes, but the first time I knew because of the lingering cologne."

"Security checks." He tried to sound serious, but to no avail.
"I'm sure. Was I secure?" She half laughed at her reply, feeling so remarkably free.

"Oh yes, but not as much as I would have liked." He ran his fingers through her hair. "You are secure now, here with me, close to me, like this." His voice was an heir of romance.

"You like peppermints."

"That's no secret."

"You keep them in your trousers, front left pocket. I like to watch you take one out."

"Oh, I didn't know I had an audience when I did that, or I would have moved much slower in my attempt," he said, winking to her.

"I also like the way your tongue slides over your lips every now and then while you suck on one." Clarisse added, hoping to shock him a little.

"I'm ever so happy to hear that. Maybe you'd like to share with me sometime?"

"Mmm, that would be nice. I am kind-of hungry."

"AH, dinner. Dinner is served, madam," he said, pointing to the corner filled with delicious smells.

"Yes, let's eat."

As the sun lowered even more on the horizon, Clarisse and Joseph settled themselves together for a banquet. The two sat close, never having any time alone such as this. Marveling in their new-found freedom, silverware was replaced by fingers, each feeding the other much more than food.

The air was still and the night began to play it's music. Traces of light faded over the west, as pure moonglow took over. Small waves invaded the shoreline now, as the tide reached it's high point. Under the moon, the red carpet was now a deep, dark, royal purple.

"Walk with me?" Joseph offered her his hand. Taking one last sip, Clarisse sat the glass down and accepted.

"I'd love to."

"After we walk, I'm going to take you on a magic carpet ride." Joseph grinned ever so big at the thought. Even after all these years, he could not get enough of this woman.

"I can't wait." Clarisse raised her brows, looking to the carpet laid beneath her feet.