Chapter 16

"There's nothing whatsoever wrong with me!" Clarisse sat up straight in her bed, red-faced and angry with the two men and two maids trying to pamper her mercilessly.

"THAT'S exactly what's wrong with you, Clarisse!" Rupert bellowed back at her. "You have to relax, take it easy. Damn woman, you can be stubborn."

"But I feel fine now," she whined, turning on her Queenly charms that no man could ever resist.

"AH, I see. Well you did not feel so fine an hour or so ago, now did you?"

"It was the heat, that's all"

"Yes it was, along with your family's history of high blood pressure, not to mention the stress levels around here. Clarisse, my darling, you HAVE to learn to relax." Rupert threw up his arms, looking to Joseph to help him pound some sense in this woman.

"Your Majesty, please, listen to the doctor." Joseph sat next to her in a chair, holding back the feelings he felt, wanting to hold her and comfort her. He knew she was scared. Inside that facade of hers was a woman who was frightened at the helpless feeling it had left her with earlier.

"Joseph, really, I'm fine." Clarisse tried to sound convincing, even to herself.

"I know what you need," Rupert slid himself beside her on the bed. "You need to get away for a while."

"GO AWAY!" Clarisse let out her anger once more. "You're sending me AWAY?"

"Calm down Clarisse. You're going to make yourself sick again. You need some peace and quiet, just for a little while, my dear." Rupert looked to Joseph, who was nodding directly to him.

"He's right, Your Majesty. You do need a break." Joseph hated to say it, but Rupert was right. She needed some time alone, away from everything, including him. The thought of the idea made his heart hurt, but it would be the best for her. He was certain he wanted the best for her.

Clarisse looked to Joseph, her love and lover, then to Rupert, her husband and friend. Maybe she did need some time to herself. Just the idea of having both of them was confusing to her. Maybe it was taking its toll on her body, along with being Queen. It would be hard leaving, but it was even harder to stay right now. She had not been able to bring herself to handle the situation properly, if even there was a way. Oh, she loved Joseph, and worried over him night and day. Then Rupert, who was always demanding of her in one way or another, and she wanted to please him as well. Then her boys, oh how she missed her beloved boys. First and foremost, her duties as Queen always kept her busy. Yes, leaving would be hard, but staying right now may just kill her. After all, she was just a woman underneath it all, very much human and perishable.

She looked to Rupert, who took her hand softly, then to Joseph who could do nothing but give her that soft, worried look. Silently she began to nod, closing her eyes, hoping she was making the right decision.

"Alright, but PLEASE promise me this will not get into the media. That I cannot handle."

"I'll take care of it. Go visit the boys, take some time and go anywhere you like..." Rupert trailed off.

"Yes, that's a wonderful idea. They'd be delighted to see you," Joseph added. He sounded convincing enough, although he was already missing her.

"Go anywhere you like, Clarisse. Take a month or two. It will do you good. I'll take care of things here, don't worry. I'll simply tell the truth, you're visiting with the boys." Rupert tried to reassure her that everything would be fine without her. "Not that we won't miss you, don't get me wrong. I know you have a heavy load here, Clarisse. However, you'll be no good to anyone if you are not well," he added, very seriously.

"I'll arrange for the trip, and security for you." Clarisse quickly turned to him, a scared look on her face.

"You're not going?"

"No, I'm sorry, but I cannot. Besides, I am needed here right now." Joseph tried to sound professional, knowing the maids were in earshot.

"I need him here Clarisse. It will be fine, there are plenty of men to keep you safe." Rupert looked around for the maids, then whispered, "Besides Clarisse, you need time alone, even away from Joseph right now." Clarisse nodded, knowing he was right. Still it felt like they were being torn apart for good, the pain weighing heavy in her heart. Surely that could not be good for her either.

"Josephine!" Rupert called. "Please pack Clarisse's belongings, enough for a month or two. She needs to get away by herself for awhile, and I'd like it, and so would she, I know, if you would join her on the trip." Rupert looked to the maid who had become a close friend to Clarisse now.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I'd love to join her. Don't worry about a thing, I'll take good care of her. I'll have her packed and ready to leave in a few hours." Josephine turned to go, but was halted by Rupert.

"And Josephine, please, not a word to anyone about this. Clarisse is simply going to see the boys."

"Of course. I understand." Josephine ran off, eager to pack for the trip.

"Now, I'm going to get Rachel here to help you with your bath and getting you dressed and such. We'll see you before you leave, Clarisse." Rupert placed a simple kiss to her cheek, trying to make her smile before making his exit.

"Very well." Clarisse watched Rupert slip off her bed, and then Joseph as he stood up from the chair. She couldn't think of anything to say to him, anything that she could say right now in front of the maid. Actually all she wanted was for him to hold her. Maybe it would be better like this, not being able to talk and touch before she left. Clarisse wasn't sure if she could handle saying goodbye to him.

"We'll see you downstairs," Joseph reminded her as he followed Rupert out, winking to her as he closed her door. That made her smile.

Following the corridor to the main staircase, Joseph was full of unanswered questions and heartache. Looking to Rupert, Joseph could see he had a few of his own. He had never realized until now how hard it must be for Clarisse, to be married to one man, and in love with another; not to mention they both were under one roof and cared very much for her. It was a complicated situation. He hated knowing he was giving her grief of any kind, yet he knew that the love they shared would make up for it somehow.

"You think she will be alright?" Joseph finally asked.

"I was asking myself the same question, Joseph. I wish we could have all the answers. I didn't realize how hard things have been on her lately, but now I understand. She has had a lot on her plate recently, and that's not even taking into account her personal relationships," Rupert stressed the last few words. "I should have seen it."

"No, blaming yourself will do her no good. You have to decide who to send with her, do you have a preference?"

"No, no Joseph. You decide. You know more about security than I. Besides you care as much as I do. Maybe you should send two or three however." Joseph nodded, affirming the idea.

"This will give me time to finish the cottage," Joseph spit out, unable to believe he had just thought of it. "She'll not be here to question my whereabouts all the time."

"Indeed," Rupert nodded, half laughing. "She's not one to try and sneak around on. I know that for a fact. By the way, Joseph, how is it coming along?" Rupert led them down the staircase, trying to hide his worry over his wife from Joseph.

"Just fine, a little slower than I had hoped, but now that I can work without worrying where she is, it should be finished by this winter."

"Good, good. A fine Christmas present, then?" Rupert mentioned to Joseph, knowing it would be something that no one else could give Clarisse, and that it would make her very happy. Turning to his King, Joseph could not hide the excitement in his eyes at the thought.

"Yes, yes it would."

0o0o0o0o0o0o

"Please, Clarisse, try and take it easy. There's nothing to worry about, I'll take care of everything here. Call as often as you like, but please use the time to rest." Rupert escorted her out of the main double doors, and down the red carpeted steps. She walked weary, but seemed to be in good spirits otherwise.

"Promise me something Rupert." Clarisse stopped them mid-step.

"Yes?"

"Promise me that if you need me, really need me, you'll let me know?" She knew that there were times when the King could not do without a Queen, and she had promised him that she would be his Queen, and a damn good one at that. It was a promise she didn't want to break, and one she needed to keep for herself.

"Clarisse, I could never have had a better wife and Queen than you. I am truly blessed, and yes, I promise you. If I need you, I will let you know. Otherwise, my dear, I am not to see you until the Fall, maybe?" Rupert raised his brow at her, hoping she would take as long as she needed. He would not call, that he was certain of, unless an emergency presented itself. Otherwise, he planned on being on his own. He was a grown man, and a King, surely he could manage for a season or two alone. Besides, Rupert knew that she needed this time more than anything.

"That sounds like such a very long time."

"It'll go by faster than it seems. Take care, Clarisse." Rupert kissed her gently on her cheek, and again took her arm to escort her down the steps to the awaiting limo.

Sitting on the seat, she finally let go of Rupert's hand. She watched him back away as the door was being closed. Clarisse held out her hand, stopping the door before it shut.

"Rupert?"

"What's the matter, darling?" Clarisse motioned for him to come close, needing to speak privately to him.

"Where's Joseph? He promised he'd be here." She looked around, making sure she had not missed him.

"You'll not miss him, trust me." Rupert nodded to her, amusing himself with the confused look on her face. "Trust me," he assured her again as the door closed between them.

0o0o0o0o0o

By the time the limo had pulled up beside Genovia one, Clarisse did not know whether to fume with anger or break down and cry. He had not seen her off, as he said he would just this morning in her room. She had looked and looked, seeing masses of faces as the limo drove the streets of the city, but no Joseph. The only time she saw his face was in her mind.

Beginning to feel quite ill now, Clarisse boarded the jet, and took her regular seat. Josephine put away their in-fight baggage, and made sure her Queen was comfortable and ready for take off. She couldn't help but notice Clarisse's flushed face and red eyes.

"Your Majesty?"

"Oh, I'm fine Josephine. Just finding it hard to leave for so long." She had told her the truth, after all it did upset her very much. She just left out a most important part.

"Very well. If you need anything..."
"I know, thank you." Clarisse watched the terminal begin to slowly outside her window. It was a sight she had watched many times before. This time it seemed different.

"Oh, Your Majesty! I almost forgot.." Josephine reached over the seat in front of her, handing her Queen a sealed envelope. "I was asked to give this to you once we boarded."

Clarisse took the pale envelope, sliding her nail under the seal to open it. Noticing the signature at the bottom first, her spirits automatically lifted, bringing a sigh of relief from her heart. He didn't forget her. He had wanted to be there. She composed herself, and began reading.

Clarisse

The pilot has been given instructions to fly over a large field near the palace before it heads north. It is there I will see you, and say what I must. I could never just let you leave, my love. I will be counting the days until you return to me. Please rest, make yourself well again. I cannot live without you now. You are my life.

There was something I wanted to give you tonight. Since you cannot be here, then I have sent it with you. Look in your right jacket pocket. This belongs to you now, with my heart.

Joseph

Clarisse dug in her pocket, wondering how and when he had slipped something in there. She pulled out a small black box, very befitting of Joseph, she thought. Making sure no one was looking, she opened it, revealing a pearled cameo. She picked it up, watching the chain follow out of the box. Smiling to herself, she placed it around her neck.

It was then she noticed the small note in the bottom. Picking it up, she read on.

C

This was my grandmothers, then my mothers; all the women who have held my heart. Now it belongs to you, and only you. My love always, J

The slight banking of the jet brought to mind the first note. Clarisse looked out the window, spying the palace and its breathtaking view. She scanned the ground, looking for something...anything. How was she going to see him from here?

Again the plane banked, bringing to view the most amazing sight she had ever saw. There on the ground was somehow written in huge lettering, "I LOVE YOU CLARISSE". She almost laughed at the happiness it brought. Yes, she could see it. She knew it was him. Yes, it was him, the small dot at the end of the field moving. It was him. She knew it. The tears that came were full of hope and happiness, and yet somehow still carried an aire of grief and despair. It was then that she realize she could handle it, she could carry both. She wanted to.

She watched until the lettering was long out of sight, and the plane too high to make out anything other than land or sea. If this had to be, then somehow she would make the best of it, until she could be home again with those she loved, and those who loved her.

0o0o0o0o0o0o

When the jet had all but fully disappeared in the blue sky, Joseph sank to the damp earth. Somehow he knew she had seen him, and she was smiling from the sky. Somehow he knew she would be fine. Somehow he felt it had already been an eternity without her. Somehow...somehow he would wait for her. He would keep himself busy, working and laboring for his love.