AN – This is the long awaited for sequel to 'You're Beautiful, It's True'. I have finally come up with a story line that will flow on all right from the previous story, so I hope it meets all expectations. I'm afraid it's not as 'happy' or cheerful as the last one, but it's what came to me.
Any references to crossroads in this story will be my interpretations or quotes from Michael Phillips fiction 'Kings Crossroads'.
Chapter 1 - A Night of Torture, A Lifetime of Suffering
Somewhere in the past…
"Please…" the woman begged, crying bitterly.
"SHUT UP!" the man spat through clenched teeth.
He tied her hands to the bedpost, despite her struggles, and shoved her legs down as she tried in vain to kick out.
"I'll…I'll do anything…anything but this…" she pleaded, pulling on the ropes tied round her wrists.
She could feel the skin tearing away but pain no longer mattered. She had to get away, escape this unthinkable situation…
"You'll do what I tell you" the man grunted, pressing his entire weight upon her as his belt fell away.
"You're mine now, and you will bow to my wishes" he breathed in her ear, causing her to tremble, both from his breath and the fear of what was to come.
Raising his head so it was just above her face, he stared into her eyes with a look of desire that caused more silent, fearful tears to stream from the woman's pleading eyes.
Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock and a painful scream tore from her throat…
Present day at the Genovian Palace…Joseph strolled down the corridor towards Clarisse's office, whistling a playful non-descript tune. As he approached the double doors, he became silent. He smiled to himself as he heard the soft melody of a song drift towards him. She must have known he was coming…
Pushing the doors open without announcing himself, Joseph moved silently inside until he was standing right behind his queen. She hadn't noticed him enter as she was humming along to the song and staring out the window.
'But it's time to face the truth…I will never be with you'"You know that song is wrong" Joseph murmured into her ear as he gently placed his hands upon her shoulders.
Clarisse jumped, just barely holding back a scream. Abruptly turning, she looked into his eyes; her own widened in fright.
"Joseph!" she scolded, features instantly switching to relief, then annoyance.
"I'm sorry Clarisse, did I frighten you?" Joseph asked, genuine concern covering his features, as he was flooded with guilt. He removed his hands from her shoulders.
Clarisse visibly relaxed, taking a deep breath before taking one of Joseph's hands in her own.
"No, it is not your fault. I just over-reacted" Clarisse looked into his eyes, forcing a smile.
"Well, as long as you are fine now" Joseph stated, still feeling guilty but letting it pass.
Joseph watched Clarisse smile genuinely as she moved away to shuffle papers atop her desk.
"Tell me, what has Her Majesty got scheduled for the next twenty minutes?" Joseph asked playfully, plans already forming in his mind.
"A meeting with Sebastian I am afraid," Clarisse said, voice full of regret.
"Why? What has my Head of Security have in mind?"
Joseph smiled as he noticed Clarisse playing along with his game.
"I thought Her Majesty should inspect the Rose garden, with my protection of course," Joseph said seriously, standing erect with hands clasped behind his back.
"Now why would I need such high rate security if I was to just inspect my own garden?" Clarisse asked, features clearly struggling to remain inquisitive.
"I have been informed that the vines have been a little overexcited of late. And besides, I never did trust those butterfly's. They are just too innocent to be trustworthy…" Joseph informed his queen, face deep in thought on the conspiracy.
Clarisse snorted most unladylike before laughing openly.
"Oh Joseph, you really are…" Clarisse drifted off, seeming to be lost for words.
"Wonderful?" Joseph suggested, "Funny? Handsome?"
"I was thinking more along the lines of 'crazy'" Clarisse chuckled, "but I must agree that you are handsome"
Joseph thrust out his chest at her words and brushed a hand over his bald head as if combing back lush hair. Raising his chin, he gave her a ridiculous grin.
"Oh Joseph!" Clarisse laughed, swatting his arm, "Do stop!"
Feigning a look of hurt, Joseph slouched down and turned to leave.
"Come back here you" Clarisse murmured before taking his arm and turning him to face her.
Joseph smiled as he looked into her eyes, enjoying the fact that she was so comfortable with playing these games with him. He could tell that she truly appreciated being just 'Clarisse' with him and not 'Your Majesty'.
"Joseph," Clarisse began, "I have a meeting now but after dinner tonight I have the rest of the night to do as I please. Perhaps that would be an appropriate time to inspect my rose garden?"
Joseph's smile grew as he wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin atop her head.
"Perfect" he whispered as he placed a kiss upon her head.
Clarisse pulled out of his embrace, ran her hand down the side of his face and dropping it to her side.
"Until then…?" Clarisse prompted, brow raised as if waiting for his acknowledgement.
"Until then I shall be all business, Your Majesty" Joseph replied, straightening up and staring over her shoulder.
Clarisse's face softened instantly and a small smile graced her lips as she picked up various documents from her desk.
"I shall see you after dinner then Joseph" Clarisse informed her Head of Security before walking out the door.
Once she was gone, Joseph allowed himself a small knowing smile as he glanced around her office.
"Until then" he murmured before turning on his heel and following her footsteps.
A.N – Well there's the first chapter. Please review and let me know what you think; your input is greatly appreciated!