From Duty to Love
Author: Moggie
Rating: Pg13 T / Genre: AU. Angst. Drama. Romance / Disclaimer: I do not own Princess Diaries 1 or Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Notes: This is my first PD fic. I'm using the surname Romero because I absolutely love it. So thank you to those authors who use it and that person who thought of it.
Summary: CJR. He never expected to fall in love.
Characters: King Rupert & Queen Clarisse Renaldi / Joseph Romero / Prince Pierre & Prince Philippe Renaldi / Princess Mia Thermopolis Renaldi / Charlotte / Shades
Pierre's Prologue
He stood against the wall and listened to the activity in the room opposite. The doors were wide open and the sun shone through the large windows with warmth and colours.
His mind was trained to block out emotions and distractions, but on this day, his heart was betraying him once more. He shifted his blank stare to the marble floor. Hearing the unflawed happiness caused an ache in his chest.
"Joseph, come in here a moment please." The King's voice broke the air.
He stepped forward until he was inside the doorway. "Yes, Your Majesty?" He kept his whole focus on the King. Lately he had been concerned, for himself more so than the Royal Family. His heart had started an uncontrollable beat when he was near his Queen. Being the Head of Security, he was in constant close quarters, insuring her safety at all times, which was slowly allowing them an easy friendship.
"I need you to stand beside me in a little, debate I am having with my wife." King Rupert turned to give a smile to the Queen. "Wednesday's Pear Ball, you see, Clarisse seems to believe that her cream gown is to be worn. What do you think?" Rupert chuckled at the confused look that settled onto the mans face. "I say the peach."
"Oh Rupert, for heavens sake, I haven't worn that dress in years." Queen Clarisse laughed, teasing her husband. "I very much doubt I would even fit into it nowadays."
"Nonsense." Rupert scoffed. "Your figure-" He came to a halt at Joseph's light cough.
"If I may, Your Majesty," Joseph kept his eyes squarely on the wall above his King's shoulder. "The cream."
Rupert narrowed his eyes momentarily. "You're just saying that so you don't receive an ear bashing the next time you leave the grounds with the Queen, Joseph." He grinned and shook his head. "Fine, fine, the cream it is." He sat down beside his wife and took her hand, pressing a kiss to her skin. "You look absolutely beautiful in anything, my dear."
"Oh shush, you're embarrassing Joseph." Her eyes twinkled at her Head of Security.
"I'm sure I'm doing no such thing. Besides, I will reward Joseph for his help." Rupert twisted around on the couch and nodded to the man standing in full black. "One dance with the Queen."
"Rupert!" She scolded. "I am not a toy to be past amongst the children. I will decide who I dance with."
Rupert laughed and apologised. "I'm sorry, Clarisse. I merely wished to show the man he was indeed right to agree with his Queen."
She sighed and looked up. "I apologise Joseph, my husband has been drinking and requires sleep." She smiled when Rupert chuckled and stood.
"If that will be all, ma'am?" He bowed his head, still not moving his eyes from the glowing wall.
"Yes." She nodded. "Oh," She waited until he turned back to her. "Thank you."
"Your Majesty." He turned on his heel and returned to his post at the wall.
"Rupert you really should be careful with that, it was my grandmothers." Clarisse warned. "It is almost three, dear. Why don't you have your afternoon sleep while I see where the boys are?"
"A sleep will do me a world of good." He replaced the jewellery box made of silver, before bending to press a kiss to her cheek. "Tell Pierre I will expect him in the garden at six."
She stood. "More shooting?"
He shook his head. "Not this time, my dear. A talk. Man to man. I would like to quiz him on his female interests of late."
She smiled. "Very well, but don't tease him. He is still young in that respects, Rupert."
"I was married at his age, Clarisse." He reminded her with a knowing tilt of his head.
"Yes dear." She humoured him, giving him a hug before leaving the room.
Joseph waited a few beats, then stepped away from the wall and proceeded to follow his Queen.
Palace Grounds.
Prince's Pierre and Philippe mounted their mares and each adjusted themselves into a comfortable seating position.
"Pierre! Philippe!"
"Yes Mother?" Philippe turned his mare with a light pull on the reins.
"Don't ride for too long. I want to have dinner early this evening. Your Father will be leaving for the Spanish Consulate later."
Pierre looked down as his Mother descended the stone steps. They were currently at the rear of the Palace, readying to leave for a race across the grounds. His Mother had appeared from the main ballroom, obviously looking in on the decorations for the Wednesday Ball.
"Your Father wishes to speak with you before evening meal, Pierre." She patted his horse with a smile.
Pierre nodded. "Of course. Has Father laid down for his afternoon nap?"
"Yes, he has. So no loud noises on the west side of the Palace." She spoke sternly, knowing how noisy her sons can get when competing.
"Yes Mother." They chorused.
She raised her eyebrows at them before turning her head slightly, "Joseph."
Standing a good few meters away to allow privacy, Joseph appeared from behind the privet bushes and stood at the top of the steps.
"Joe!" Philippe grinned. "Come for a ride with us. You will enjoy yourself."
Joseph smiled. "I'm afraid I'm on duty."
"You are always on duty!" Philippe laughed. "Come. For an hour at least."
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. Maybe tomorrow." He turned his head to the Queen, who continued to pat her son's mare with affection. "Your Majesty?"
She nodded to Pierre and watched them turn and walk their horses to the end of the garden before turning. "Walk with my, Joseph."
"Of course." He waited and clasped his hands behind his back. When she reached the path he stood on, they turned and proceeded towards the greenhouses.
"We haven't spoken lately, Joseph." Clarisse spoke softly, looking at him. "Is something bothering you?"
He glanced at her. "There are many things bothering me, Your Majesty."
She smiled as she looked out over the gardens. "You, sir, are avoiding my question."
Joseph nodded. "I merely do not know how to answer."
"Oh, Joseph." She sighed, turning her face up against the last of the afternoon sunshine.
"Is something bothering yourself, Your Majesty?" He inquired. His heart was already doing that overactive beating and he was certain he knew what it meant, though he was trying hard to squash any such feelings that seemed to be growing inside him.
Clarisse folded her hands. "Indeed there is, Joseph. You see, I have a dilemma of sorts."
"Can I be of assistance?"
She smiled and nodded. "I think you can, though I doubt very much you will be comfortable with what I have to say."
He pulled open the door to the Rose Greenhouse, one of the Queen's favourite pastimes and one of her favourite flowers. "Then I will try my best not to be uncomfortable." He smiled, making himself stand by the wall and out of the way as he listened.
Moving to pick up a spray bottle, Clarisse spoke her concerns, her voice still soft, but serious. "I'm afraid I have reason to believe that there are feelings being left unspoken between us, Joseph." She looked over her shoulder and saw the blank expression on his face. She turned back to spraying a yellow rose.
"I have reason to believe that your silence over the past few months, and this very moment, I might add, is almost certifiable proof of my accusation." She squirted more water over the small plants which were starting life in a seeding tray. "Don't think I haven't noticed you looking at me, Joseph."
He cleared his throat almost silently. "I assure you-"
"It's quite alright to do so, Joseph." She turned to look at him.
He pulled his eyes from the back of the greenhouse and let them settle on her. "I assure you, Your Majesty, that I have tried my best to act accordingly, at all times."
"I know." She smiled, approaching him. She raised her left hand and cupped his cheek. "I know."
"I apologise-" He looked into her eyes. "I understand if you wish for me to leave your employment."
Clarisse shook her head slowly, gently caressing his face. "No, Joseph. I do not wish that. Nor do you need to apologise."
"I will try to be more invisible, Your Majesty." He vowed.
"Yes. I supposed that would work, but I was thinking more along the lines of best friends." She raised her eyebrows at him as she pulled her hand away. "We are friends, are we not, Joseph?"
"Most definitely, Clarisse." His lips pulled up at the edges.
"That's more like it." She turned to continue lavishing her flowers. "Though, I do think a dance would be nice, with my best friend, Joseph. Wouldn't you think so?"
"I will have to buy a new tux, Your Majesty." He commented grimly. "The current one itches."
She laughed.
Wednesday.
The sounds of the Annual Pear Ball was underway. The King and Queen have yet to make their entrance, so have the Prince's. Guests from all over Genovia and the world, were milling around the ballroom and the outer large hallways. At this sort of gathering, where it entailed the Pear, which Genovia was famous for, the gardens were open to the guests.
At this moment, Joseph was making sure the double doors which would gain the entrance of the Royal Family, was clear of guests and that the various rooms designated open to guests, were properly guarded. Security guards stood in the shadows, against the walls and pillars, shielded by tuxedos and smart suits, to blend in with the crowd around them.
Waiting for his final update from the front entrance of the Palace, Joseph was nervous, though you would never know it. Doing his job was something he knew blindfolded, but the upcoming dance with the Queen was almost enough for him to make himself scarce on the falsehood of a security issue having come up.
Knowing he wouldn't get away with such a lie, he stood in front of the double doors, straight and alert, waiting for his earpiece to announce the Royals arrival.
"Joseph." A voice called from somewhere at his left shoulder.
Turning his head slightly, he answered. "Yes, Your Highness?"
Prince Philippe leant against the door as he pushed it slightly open. "Is it true?"
Looking ahead again, Joseph took in a breath. "Is what true, Your Highness?"
"That my Father is going to allow you to dance with Mother?" He asked.
His head turned slowly to see a grin on the prince's face. He could see Pierre standing behind his brother with a frown pulling at his lips. "Where did you here that?"
Philippe reached up to scratch his growing beard. "The maids know everything."
His eyebrows shot up. "I see. Yet, I do not understand why you are asking me if you already know the answer."
"We were just curious. Mother and Father are coming." Philippe closed the door.
If he wasn't nervous before, he was becoming a wreck now. Gathering his composure, he nodded to the doorman and stepped aside to allow the doors to be opened.
"Their Royal Majesty's, Rupert and Clarisse Renaldi. King and Queen of Genovia. And their son's Pierre and Philippe. Prince's of Genovia." A loud man announced.
Standing in front of the first row of guests, who had made a large space from the door into the centre of the ballroom, Joseph did his job as the Royal Family entered the room.
Watching those around him and keeping one eye on the Royals, he couldn't help the strange feeling he felt in his chest at the sight of Clarisse on her husbands arm. Though this wasn't new, as many parties and other occasions were given in the Palace and elsewhere in the world, Joseph's heart was starting to become affected by such sights.
Bowing his head as they entered, he locked away all his feelings so he could do his job. He has had to do this on more than one occasion as these thoughts and emotions grew, and now the Queen knew of those feelings.
Friends. He could easily do as she wished, but he couldn't make his growing attraction go away.
First introductions, welcomes and thanks were given before the music started and the King and Queen took the first dance to begin the evening. The Prince's each found a dancing partner and joined their parents. Joseph watched from the ranks and locked away anything that didn't belong in this ballroom.
Just over an hour gone by, the music and guests took time to dance, eat and socialise. The King was dancing with his Queen once again while Philippe was talking to a young woman Joseph knew to be Lady Jessica, daughter of a guest from one of the European countries.
"Still on duty, Joseph?" Pierre turned to stand beside him. "Do you move at all when you work, my friend?"
"Only when I see trouble, Your Highness." He scanned the room, keeping a close eye on Philippe, who seemed to be trying to coax the young lady he was speaking to, outside and into the garden. "Your brother seems quite happy. He has danced with a number of the young woman this evening."
Pierre nodded, sipping his champagne. "He has quite a following. I'm afraid he has been stealing away several daughters to the fountain."
Joseph stretched his fingers, which were folded behind his back. "Three, to be exact. Though none seem to mind him leaving them to search out someone new."
"Come now, Joseph, I can not believe you are still standing here and letting him get away with it. It is obvious you do not approve."
Sighing and leaning his head slightly towards the young man, he said in a neutral tone, "It is not my place to say anything on such matters, Your Highness."
Pierre raised an eyebrow in agreement as he watched his young brother return from the garden with Lady Jessica, who looked slightly pink around the cheeks. "We are friends, Joseph?"
"Yes, Your Highness." Joseph answered with a slight nod.
"And you have known me since your first day in the palace?"
He nodded again. "Two years and eighteen days, Your Highness."
"So exact." Pierre chuckled. "Then I believe, as friends, Joseph, I would be honoured in any opinion you might have on any matter that I mention."
"Your Highness?" Joseph questioned, confused.
Pierre turned so his back was to his brother's next quest. "I am going to be speaking with Father this evening, on a matter that will most likely anger him greatly. I wish to ask your opinion."
Breathing deeply, Joseph looked around the room as he spoke. "My young prince, if you have something to tell your Father, it is unwise to tell me. Yet," He continued when he heard Pierre's crestfallen sigh. "I will listen."
3 Hours Later.
Pulling back his crisp white cuff, he checked the time and consciously straightened his jacket before stepping around a small group of parliament members speaking with the King. He nodded his head when Rupert looked up and raised his champagne glass at him in silent approval.
Joseph approached the Spanish Ambassador and the Queen. He lightly touched the Ambassador's shoulder and cleared his throat. "May I cut in?"
"Of course." The Spanish Ambassador bowed as the Queen dipped her head formally.
Bowing to his Queen, Joseph stepped closer and gently took her hand in his and placed his other hand on her waist. His hold was so light, he barely felt anything but the silky fabric of her dress.
"You need to hold me a little tighter, Joseph." Clarisse told him quietly and squeezed his hand.
A small smile twittered across his face. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I have never dance with such an audience before. Nor have I danced with a Queen."
Several minutes of dancing in silence and equally enjoying each others company, Clarisse smiled. "You are a divine dancer, Joseph." She then lightly laughed, her head dipping forward. "You haven't even stepped on a toe."
Turning them perfectly in time with the other dancing couples, he smiled. "The song has only just started, ma'am. Give me time, you might have a bruised toe or three to remember."
"Oh Joseph, you are quite funny."
Slowly moving his thumb over her waist, he chuckled.
Clarisse smiled. Finally able to catch his eyes with hers when he looked at her as he spoke. "Well," She sighed with a smile. "I am certainly glad you didn't hide all evening. I thought I might have to send Rupert to locate you."
He chuckled as he carefully adjusted his right hand on her waist. "I can not imagine that. A King sent by the Queen herself. Just to find me."
"Don't get used to thinking such things, sir." She raised an eyebrow in mock consternation.
"Never." He said in jest. "I would never dream of making my Queen wait. Lest of all when a dance is suggested."
She smiled at him, her complexion and the lights of the room making her glow. It erased the humour and replaced it with something else. After looking into his eyes for a short time, she looked away. If she hadn't composed herself, she would have blushed.
11.13pm.
Carefully releasing a sigh of contentment as he walked down the hallway, he couldn't help but play the same thoughts over in his mind. The dance and the innocent flirting with each other as they danced. It was almost too good to be true. It was definitely something he would never forget.
Making his way around the corner towards the Queen's suite, he nodded to one of his men every time he passed by. With guards placed on all floors of the palace during the day, and only a skeleton crew at night, it was easier for Joseph to keep an eye on everything with updates every half hour.
As if on cue, his earpiece sounded static for a second before one of the guards voices came through clearly. Joseph stopped his forward momentum as he listened. It only took him a heartbeat to move again when he was informed that his presence was required at the west side.
Jogging up the hallway and through the outer suite doors, he heard shouting from within the main living area of the large and expansive suite.
"It is your duty!" Rupert stated firmly, his voice rising. "Your duty is to your country! You will stop this foolish idea of yours at once and take your place as King!"
Joseph stepped into the room quietly and waited by the door. He took deep breathes to calm his racing heart.
"Father, listen to me." Pierre pleaded.
"I have listened enough!" Rupert bellowed, barely keeping his temper in check any longer. "I cannot believe you would turn you back-"
"I am not!" The young prince cried out in despair.
Turning away from his son to cross the room, Rupert poured himself a large scotch. "I will not listen to another word. You will be King. It is your birthright."
"I do not want to be King, Father. Please."
Clarisse sat on the couch in front of the fire, which snapped and crackled before her. She had her head turned down and her hands clasped together in her lap. She was still dressed in her gown, but her shoes were cast to her side.
Joseph kept to the wall and stood ready to intervene at any time. He was the Head of Security and his job was to protect the Royal Family, even from themselves if it came to be that way.
"Where did you get this… this stupid idea that you were not meant to be King?" Rupert questioned harshly, turning to his oldest son.
Pierre spread his arms out wide before dropping them to his sides. "It's not stupid, Father. I have had these thoughts for a long time. I've known that becoming King was not what I was born to be."
"Don't talk such nonsense." Rupert scoffed. "You are my first born. My son. You are the heir to the thrown. You will be crowned King and that's all there is to it."
"No." Pierre said firmly, though he shook under his Father's harsh glare.
"No?"
He shook his head. "No, Father. I will abdicate the crown to Philippe. I am going to become a priest and that's all there is to it."
Clarisse jumped at the sound of a glass smashing into pieces and the fire flaring upwards momentarily. She turned her head to her husband. "Rupert." She reprimanded.
Ignoring his wife, he pointed a finger at his son. "I will not have you mention this to me again. You alone will be crowned when the time comes. Get these foolish notions out of your head."
Watching the door slam shut behind the King, Joseph waited.
"Mother?" Pierre moved from the window to kneel before Clarisse. He took her hands in his and looked into her eyes. "I don't do this to disgrace you. I swear it."
She nodded and pulled one up to cup his cheek. "I know, Pierre. All I want for you is to follow your heart. If doing so leads you away from the crown, then so be it."
"But Father-"
"He is upset. Give him some time to think." She advised, brushing her fingers through his dark hair affectionately.
Pierre sighed and bowed his head. "That's what Joe told me."
Startled that he had been brought into the conversation, Joseph stared straight ahead.
"Joe?" Clarisse turned her head to look at her security guard. She contemplated him for a moment, though sensing him avoiding her eyes as she watched him. "Pierre," She said softly as she turned her attention back to him. "Get some sleep, my son. We will talk some more in the morning." She kissed his forehead.
10 Minutes Later.
"Please close the door, Joseph. I believe we need to talk, you and I." She instructed.
Hesitating for only a second, he turned to the open door and pushed it closed. Hearing the click, he returned to his position by the door.
"Do you have something to tell me, Joseph?"
"Only one thing, Your Majesty." He said confidently.
She adjusted her skirt. "Speak it."
Keeping straight and staring ahead, he spoke with innocence. "You look absolutely beautiful this evening, my Queen."
Her shoulders drooped slightly, the complement taking the breath from her lungs. "Thank you."
"I speak the truth." He said after a moment. "I also wish not to disclose anything that was told to me in confidence, Your Majesty. I would not be doing my job efficiently if I did so, and I would not be a very good friend also."
Clarisse accepted his words and nodded. "Thank you for listening to him, Joseph. He obviously trusts you very much."
"He is a good man."
To Be Continued.