Chapter 3

"You know, I've lived here for most of my life, and I've never been able to do this." Clarisse splashed her feet through the water. It was cool and refreshing, almost a little chilly as they strolled northward on the shoreline. It felt good. "I suppose I haven't been able to do lots of things."
"It's not too late, Clarisse. I'd love to make up the time with you." He squeezed her hand, folded securily around his. "Besides, I am the best tour guide of the palace grounds." He smiled at her, and she to him in return.

"Oh?"

"Yes. I can show you where Lionel got lost the first time, where Marvin drove a cart into the treeline, where Lionel got lost the second time," he announced, making her laugh, "where I caught Shades and Charlotte making out at..."

"Really?" she interrupted.

"Umhum."

"You didn't tell me that." He put his arm around her shoulders now, drawing her in closer to him as they enjoyed the feel of the water on their feet and legs.

"It wasn't too long ago, besides, they don't know it," Joseph smiled, raising his brows to her.

"You are sneaky."

"I know someone else who likes to sneak around...now as I was saying, I can show you several caves here on the shoreline, all of which flood in a storm. Shades likes to explore them, he's found a few interesting things that have washed up in them."

"Like?"
"He's found a doll, needless to say she had drowned," he added, trying to sound funny. "We gave her a burial service and all."

"I had no idea my security force was so warm-hearted." Clarisse could hardly believe what she was hearing.

"You'd be surprised. They are a good bunch, Clarisse. They make merry occasionally, but it's needed to help lighten the load." He sounded more serious this time.

"I can understand that."

"Shades found a message in a bottle once."

"People actually do that?" She was realizing there was much more to life than a tiara.

"Oh yes, love. People do all sorts of things you would think were only fantasy."

"Did he read it?"
"Yes." He wasn't sure if she was ready to hear things like this.

"So..."

"It said, 'for a good time call Gwen.' and gave the number." He looked to her, wondering what her reaction would be. She stopped in her tracks, and was utterly speechless for a minute. Clarisse Renaldi let out a hardy laugh. She was so thrilled, she held her stomach, bent over with laughter.

"Shades found it amusing as well." Finally, she was able to contain herself, and caught her breath.

"I suppose he dialed the number?"

"To make a long story short, he wanted to but ended up losing it to the sea from which it came. Do you see those rocks over there?" Joseph pointed to a mass of rock, which had obviously fell from the cliff above. She nodded, looking to him for more. "Lionel got stuck in those, the first week he was here. His shoe is still in there."

"Oh, my. You all come down here often." She felt so relaxed as he shared with her.

"We make regular checks down here, also have a camera, up there," he pointed to a hollow in the rocks above. "This is an ideal place for anyone to breach the grounds. We better turn around, although the grounds cover another two miles north." He turned, switching his arm around her as she too turned. I was walking down here late one evening, about 15 years ago. Suddenly I heard the most beautiful sound," he said, watching her feet sink a little in the sand with each step.

"What kind of sound?" She was intrigued.

"It was singing. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen was there," he pointed up the cliff to where the rocks met with an open field. "She was singing." He stopped now, turning to face her. From the look she gave him, he knew she understood.

"I had no idea I had an audience."

"Would you have sung if you did?"

"Probably not."

"Your voice is lovely."

"Thank you. I know of someone else who can sing as well." She pecked his lips, and then rubbed his nose before she turned to walk again.

"Just when have you ever heard me sing?"

"In your office, late at night, several times actually."

"You never said anything."
"Neither did you."

They walked casually, enjoying the serenity of the night. Clarisse lay her head on his shoulder, feeling the subtle movements of his body as he moved. His arm tight around her shoulders, began moving up and down her back, slowly, sensually. He rubbed his nose in her hair, occasionally breathing in the life that sustained him; then placing a gentle kiss on her head.

There were times when she would just close her eyes and follow his lead. It wasn't something she was use to, for as Queen she had always been the leader. Now she was learning to follow, and there was nothing more safe than following her heart. Her heart was in the hands of the man beside her.

Joseph watched the waves as they rolled onto the shore, slipping quietly up to their feet, and retreating just as quietly. He had never felt more content in his life. Up ahead lay their abode, and his body quickened the pace as his mind raced to what surely would be a memorable night under the stars. Even now he could feel his growing desire.

"In a hurrry?" She noticed the quicken pace. Looking up, she also saw the carpet he had layed for her. She smiled, knowing what was on his mind.
"Yes. I am. I am very much looking forward to making love to my wife. Right here on the beach tonight." He honestly and proudly admitted.

"Joseph," Clarisse paused her movements, "is the camera on us?"

"No, not only did I switch it off, but I also locked it down."

"In that case..."

Clarisse turned to face him. She took a step back. Looking into his eyes, she began slipping out of the simple dress she had wore. Within a few moments, she stepped out of the fabric. To his delight, she was bare as the day she was born. She smiled to him, tossing him her dress.

"No pantyhose, as promised," she teased.

"No, I can see that." He smiled at her, a big, broad grin. "My God, Clarisse," he managed to say through his heavy breathing, "you are so beautiful, so sexy, and I want you like I have never wanted another."

"If you want me, then you have to catch me," she said as she began walking backwards, then turning and moving to a full sprint.

He lifted her dress, burying his nose in it as he watched her take off. She wouldn't get far, he knew. He could catch her, easily. Besides, Joseph knew she wanted to be caught.

When he had given her a good start, he took off after her. It was easy, like licking ice cream. He so enjoyed watching her, eyeing her body under the moonlight. His urge to taste her sweetness was overwhelming. Joseph sped up, now aching to reach out and touch her. His body took over, racing for his prize.

Several paces behind her he slowed. When he finally reached her, he scooped her up into his arms, still slowing his legs. She wiggled her body next to him, laughing and delighting in their little game.

Walking onto the plush carpet, he dropped to his knees, breathing heavy. He held onto her, not wanting to let go.

"Joseph, your knees."

"I don't care about my damn knees. Not tonight. If I suffer tomorrow, so be it. It'll be well worth it. Right now I want to play with my wife."

"Magic carpet ride?" She whispered to him before kissing him on his cheek.

"Mmm hum. Magic carpet ride, indeed." His lips caught hers, bringing them together in a smooth, solid kiss. Clarisse wrapped her arms around him as he layed her down, atop the huge velvet cushions. He tossed her dress to the side, using both arms to love this beautiful woman.