Chapter eight

She had no idea how long she had slept. Being alone when she woke somehow bothered her, and she called his name. "Joseph. Joseph!" She heard no reply, and became anxious. Where was he? He had told her he would be within the sound of her voice. She had trusted him to be. "Joseph!"

"I'm here." The covering over her moved slightly as he crawled in on his knees. "Are you okay?" He looked at her, worried from the sound of her voice.

"I was...just afraid. You weren't here when I woke." She looked down, somewhat ashamed of herself for not really trusting wholeheartedly in him.

He nodded in understanding. In his mind, she had every right to be scared. Even though the worse was over, neither one of them had no idea of what was to come. They were not safe and sound yet. However they were together. That was more than a plus. It was a miracle.

"So, how are you feeling now?" He dropped beside her, offering her the canteen. She accepted, sitting up on her own, but not without a hindrance of pain from her arm.

"Thank you." She drank, clearly dehydrated.

"Slow down. There's plenty. We also have some wine." She raised her brow as he raised the bottle to emphasis his point. "Room service brought it up," he added, trying to lighten the mood. It worked. He was rewarded greatly with a bright smile across her face. "I also found us a few things to snack on, so if you're hungry?"

"Ah, maybe later."

"Later, okay."

"Joseph?" She looked straight at him with a seriousness only a Queen could carry.

"Yes Clarisse?"

"What now? What kind of plan do you have?" She knew he would have a plan of some sort. It was his job, and even if it were not, Joseph was just that kind of man. The kind you can depend on, no matter what the circumstances.

"Well, as I told you, we have to hike it out of here. When we start out depends on you." He looked to her now.

"I can't walk..."

"I know, I'll carry you."

"Carry me? Joseph, I..."

"It's the only way, Clarisse. We'll just have to take it nice and slow. Trust me."

Those last two words made her feel guilty. Just minutes ago she had questioned the trust she had in him. Although she didn't understand why. Never had she done that before. Joseph would never leave her. She swallowed hard, vowing to fully trust him from now on.

"I want to get home as soon as possible Joseph."

"So do I." He fully agreed with her. He usually enjoyed camping, but this was too much.

"Can we leave tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" He let out a loud sigh, racking his brain for an honest answer. "Well, if madam wants to leave tomorrow, then so be it. However," he stressed, "it will depend on the weather. I will not take you out until it clears, and it does look like it's clearing nicely." He lifted the corner of the chute to show her the rain had stopped, and several rays of sun were now finding their way to the ground. "Now, let's see about wrapping that arm and foot of yours."

Joseph reached across to a large, black satchel which Clarisse recognized as the first aid kit from Genovia One. It looked rough on the outside, but still sealed.

"Let's immobilize that arm first." Clarisse was holding it still and close to her. "I'll be as gentle as I can, but keep in mind I am not a doctor, I am your head of security."

"And you're use to sending someone to the doctor rather than playing one." She had heard him say that on more than one occasion. "I know."

"You know me too well, it seems."

"And that's bad?" He lifted her arm, causing her to wince.

"Not bad, just...scary. I've never had anyone know me so well." He slowly lifted the sleeve, thankful that it was too large for her anyway.

Rummaging through the bag, he pulled out several items securely packaged in plastic. He again turned to her, opening one. With one swift movement, but as easily as he could, Joseph slipped on some sort of brace, which was clearly laden with metal to keep her arm straight.

The pain cursed her once more, and she breathed deeply, squeezing and pulling at the handful of blanket she held. The worst had to be over.

"Sorry, but it had to go on."

"I know. Joseph...you changed my clothes." She had wondered for some time, but was sure he would have let no one else. It plagued her mind, for she was almost certain it brought her some kind of relief to know it was him. He drew intense feelings from deep within her, and Clarisse had felt them for some time. She knew what it was, she just questioned how it should be handled, especially while she was still Queen.

"I did," he said simply. "I sent everyone else on, and stayed to look for you myself." He slipped the sling over her arm, and wrapped it around her shoulder and neck. "I would have done it myself regardless of who was here," he answered honestly, looking her directly in the eyes.

For a few minutes they connected. It was just Clarisse and Joseph, alone in the world. It was, and they were.

"How does that feel?" He broke the silence.

"Fine, thank you."

"Now, your ankle. I know your arm has to be broke, but I can't tell much about your ankle, other than knowing it's pretty bad." He lifted it from under the sleeping bag, and propped it up slightly on his own leg. "The only thing I can do for it is to wrap it tightly."

"I wouldn't want anyone else to do those kinds of things for me." Clarisse wasn't sure why she said it, but she knew where it came from. She reached over with her good arm, and placed it on his shoulder. Another look came between them, and suddenly they were closing in on each other.

Their lips pressed together snugly. She squeezed his shoulder, and he caressed her cheek as they enjoyed the benefits of discovery and solitude. Even the worst of situations can bring out something wonderful.

"I have to wrap your ankle," he parted from her. Clarisse nodded, giving him a small smile.

"I'd have no one else do it," she added.

"Have I ever told you how much I appreciate you not being picky?" She giggled as he circled the bandage around her ankle carefully. "I mean, since you have so many choices, especially out here..."

"Joseph, who do I insist on guarding my private chambers?"

"Ah, me."

"Who do I insist on guarding any of the crown jewels?"

"Your head of security, of course."

"Who is the only person who has keys to everything in the palace, and who is the only employee that I will have tea with?"

"That would be Joseph, your head of security." He smiled, knowing where she was going now. He continued to wrap, making sure it wasn't to tight.

"You also eat my food from MY plate, drink MY tea, use MY bath, ride MY horse, make yourself at home in MY suite, and most importantly you take care of my heart. I think I am picky, don't you?" She watched him gently finish, pulling the sock over the bandage. It felt stiff, but better.

Joseph closed the satchel, and threw it in the corner where it was sure to stay dry. Crawling back up to her, he laid on his elbow, looking at her. It was minutes before he could speak.

"I'm glad you're picky. I'd allow no one else to touch you."

"I know."

"Hungry?"

"No, I just want to lie here some more." She leaned back, letting him take her in his arms. Pulling the blanket up, he held her close and let himself relax with her.

It was only late afternoon, and Joseph had plenty of time to prepare to hit the trail tomorrow. It was going to be rough, for both of them, and he was worried for her. His arms held her tighter. Right now he was going to let himself put the worry out of his mind. She was alright, she was alive, and she was in his arms.