Part 6

She moved slowly, sitting, noticing the blood splattered on her and the pool beneath her. Joseph wasn't moving. He layed, face down, over her legs. She turned his face and prayed that he was alive. Andre was patting her down, sort of like frisking a criminal, checking her over for injuries.

"Not me, I'm fine, get help for Joseph!"

"Who?" Andre was trying to understand her instructions.

"This man!" She was trying to hold up his head. "Hurry!"

"You want me to help one of them?"

"Do it now!"

He had often done things that he questioned for her, for both of them, but this was highly unusual. He called for medical through his microphone, and motioned to the King that he could approach.

"Clarisse, darling, are you okay?"

"I think so Rupert. I'd like to know what's been going on."

"Later darling, later, I'll fill you in on everything. You need a doctor."

"You sound as if you care."

Andre had the medics there, carefully moving Joseph onto a stretcher. Two were helping Clarisse up, and again frisking her over for injuries. She pulled away and went directly to Joseph's side.

"How is he?" she enquired.

"He's taken two hits it looks like, won't know for sure how bad until he's to the hospital."

Andre was pulling her away, trying to convince her that it was time for her to leave the scene. Clarisse suddenly turned to Rupert, "Rupert, I want the best care for that man."

"But Clarisse..."

"He saved my life, Rupert. You know that. You were here, you saw him."

"He deserves to die!"

"No, no it isn't like that Rupert. You have to listen to me. I...He...We know nothing of what's been going on here with these men. He was hired to sit with me, Rupert. That was all. He took care of me, he didn't have to, but he did. And now he's saved my life. Did any of our security do it Rupert? I want that man taken care of."

"Clarisse, if you will please come with me and get yourself taken care of, I promise you I will make certain he is well taken care of." He looked over toward Andre and nodded, affirming Clarisses' wishes.

She glanced at him once more, watching as they loaded him in the ambulance. Her heart was heavy, but somehow she knew he would be fine. He had to be.

"Clarisse, let's go." She nodded and took Ruperts extended hand.

Clarisse had refused to be taken to the hospital, assuring everyone she was fine. Rupert had insisted that she let the royal family's physician look her over. She had a few minor cuts from the fall, but most of all she suffered from an aching heart. She wanted nothing more than to be at his side, now when he needed her. Flashes of his handsome features spun through her mind as she let her maids help her bathe. She remembered his words, "I'll always be with you."

"Rupert, we need to talk." King Rupert had been waiting for her in the sitting room. He had spoken to the doctor after her examination and had been affirmed of her health.

"Clarisse," he smiled, taking her hand as she sat next to him, "I am so happy you are well."

"Are you really Rupert?"
"Yes, of course. More than you know. I have thought alot about my life, about our life these past two days. I know I haven't been a very good husband to you, but if you'll let me, I intend on changing all that. I do care very deeply for you Clarisse."

"Rupert, I...I don't know what to say. Do you really mean all that?"

"Of course."
He took her hand and pressed it against his lips. He was a lucky man. He was King of Genovia, he had everything and anything a man could want, he was healthy, but most of all he had a beautiful, intelligent woman at his side. He understood now how important that was.

They spent the rest of the night, right up until breakfast discussing the events of the past two days. He had told her everything. He spared no expense on telling her how wrong he had been, and how bad his decisions were concerning the welfare of Genovia and his family. She had listened to him the best of her ability, though most of her attention was centered on a man lying in a hospital on the other side of the city. She granted Rupert's request, and accepted his apology. She knew what Joseph wanted her to do, and she made up her mind to do it. She had also found a way, the only way, they could be together.

"Rupert, I have something to ask of you."

"Yes darling, whatever you want."

"Rupert, that man who saved me, Joseph, I want you to pardon him for any and all crimes he has committed."

"Are you sure Clarisse?"

"Yes, please, do it for me. I think he deserves our gratitude, I know he deserves mine."

"Very well. I will have it taken care of. He really took good care of you?"

"Yes, yes he did. He really only did it for the money, you can understand that."

"Oh yes, yes I can."

"And one more thing."
"Yes?"
"When he is well, I'd like to have him work here at the palace."

"I see. It's fine with me, though how do you know he will accept?"

"I don't yet, but I'd like the opportunity to ask him to be my bodyguard. I think you will agree I need one."

"I would feel better if there was someone with you at all times that I could trust to take care of you. After all, you do run off alot darling," Rupert snickered.

"No, no more running. I've had plenty of time to do alot of thinking and soul searching these past two days. I am your wife, Queen of Genovia, and I plan on acting like a Queen from now on. I promise you Rupert."

"Clarisse, you have changed."
"Do you like it?"
"I just might, although I hope you don't get too boring. I did seem to enjoy those little tirades of yours every now and then."
"Well, maybe I can dream up something to keep you occupied."

It was she that leant in for the kiss. It was a kiss to seal their agreement and friendship. She had chosen to be his wife. She would not let Joseph down.

Several minutes later, Rupert was putting her to bed. She had fallen asleep in his arms. He was so relieved to have her back. She was safe. He almost choked on his own thoughts, he did care very much for her.

"Andre, I want that cargo destroyed, and make sure it is done today. I want you to see to it personally."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"And something else, that man Joseph, what is his condition, do you know?"

"As of 6am, he was out of surgery and in stable condition. He recieved three gunshot wounds. Two in his left arm, and one in his chest, which missed any major organs. He will be fine, so I'm told."

"Good. I want guards at his door, and I want him protected from now on, understood?"
"Yes, sire."
"He is to join the ranks here when he has healed properly. Make sure he recieves the best care Andre."

"Yes, sire. Anything else?"

"Just one thing. Is it me, or is our security a little..."

"Yes, it is. My apologies, sire. We had four of our own men killed. That is my fault."

"No it isn't. It is mine. I never gave thought to how much I need you and your men. You need the best, and from now on, you will have access to anything and everything you need."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"That will be all." King Rupert sat, relaxed for the first time in days. He had done all he could to make up for his mistakes. He only hoped it was enough.

Joseph could hear their voices before he saw the faces. One man and two women. White, all in white. He was wired to machines, one had a steady beeping that was quite irritating. He looked down, noticing the bandages. His left arm was entirely wrapped and elevated. His chest was wrapped as well. He couldn't feel any pain as of yet, just very groggy.

"I was shot?"
"Yes, yes you were. Three times, but don't worry, nothing too serious. They have all been removed, none of them hitting any major tissues. You're going to be fine. You're going to need alot of rest, and we have to watch for accumulation of fluid in your chest cavity, but you should do well."

"Clarisse...the Queen...did she get hit?"

"No, from what I understand, she is fine. She was taken back to the palace. Nine others were not so fortunate. Seven were killed, and two injured, including yourself. Now rest. I'll be back to check on you in a few hours. Meanwhile there are plenty of pretty nurses to pamper you."

They left him alone, and he realized that he had never felt so alone. She was alright, and that was good. She had went back, she made the right decision. He didn't know how he could go on, but he would. Right now all he wanted to do was sleep. Sleep, to make him forget her for a few minutes.