Comfort
"Relax." She heard him say as his warm hands touched her shoulders.
"I'm fine, Joseph." she replied in a collected manner, as she placed her hand on the small tiara which lay on the table in the small waiting room. She had almost convinced him and then her hands betrayed her.
"You're trembling." he whispered, taking the object from her. He placed it back on the table, and took her hands in his.
"I'm sorry…I shouldn't be acting this way."
"Is there a certain way in which a Queen should act at the end of her reign?"
"I don't know." she shook her head. "I thought I would handle this better," she began. "but now…"
"Come here." he wrapped his arms around her, being careful not to mess up her dress.
She let herself fall against him, resting her head on his shoulder. She loved the feeling of his arms around her. It was the only true place of safety she had ever known. Nothing could harm her there.
A few minutes later she lifted her head.
"You've still got some time…stay there." he assured her, answering the question she was about to voice.
She quickly returned her head to his shoulder.
"Stop worrying, Darling, everything will be fine. And I'll be right there with you."
"I know. I just –I find myself wondering what's next." she admitted.
"Well, you know Mia will still need your help for a while." Joseph began, "And on the days that you won't be helping her, you'll just be able to enjoy yourself. You deserve that, you know?" He kissed her forehead. "You've given most of your life to Genovia. Now you need some time for yourself. It won't be so bad, trust me."
"Always, you know that." she reached a hand up to cup his cheek.
He held her gaze for a few minutes and then looked at his watch. "We'd better get you ready."
"Okay."
He wrapped the golden robe around her shoulders, and then reached for the tiara.
"Joseph?"
"Hmm?"
"How did you get in here?"
"You don't want to know."
"What did you do?"
"I had to bribe Shades."
"You didn't really…?"
"No." He adjusted the tiara. "But I knew you needed me." He gently tucked her hair behind her ears.
"I love you." she whispered, cupping his cheek.
He kissed her sweetly in response.
"Almost done." he picked up the crown and placed it on her head. "Beautiful!" he proclaimed.
"Thank you…for everything" she squeezed his hand lovingly.
"My pleasure." He smiled and began to walk away.
"Joseph…" she took hold of his arm. "…stay with me?"
"Of course."
He covered the hand she had wrapped around his arm with his own.
The next thing Clarisse heard was Shades announcing that "The Sparrow is taking off."
"Breathe." he whispered as he gently squeezed her fingers.
She nodded in response, knowing it was time for her to go.
"I love you. Remember that."