Rupert's Prologue.

Shuffling a stack of papers into a neat pile, he pushed them into his satchel style briefcase. "I'll need him with me, Clarisse."

"Why? You have Samuel, why would you need Joseph?"

"Because Samuel is visiting his family."

"What about Shades?"

Buckling one strap on the case, he raised his eyebrows questioningly. "Why do we call him that? He surely prefers his given name. However, I want Joseph."

"Well, you'll have to take it up with him." She checked her watch as she waited for him.

"Don't be ridiculous." The idea was preposterous. He needed a guard with him on his flight to Italy and then onwards to England. Samuel wasn't available and he had forgotten to mention it to Joseph. Though Samuel was sure to have mentioned it to his boss, no matter what his King had told him about informing the man.

"Rupert, he is the Head of Security. He is also a busy man. And right now, he is getting ready to escort Philippe to the airport."

He picked up his briefcase and placed it on the floor. "Damn, I forgot Philippe was returning to college this Fall."

"I tried to tell you last night, but you insisted on yelling at poor Pierre."

Not impressed with the reminder of his fallout, Rupert walked to the large bay windows and pushed one open. "Oh don't show that boy any sympathy, Clarisse. He is dreaming his life away with this God forsaken calling to become a priest."

"Why not listen to him. He is our son. We should stand by him, no matter what he chooses to do with his life."

"This isn't some job he can turn down. He has a duty to the Genovian people. As King, he rules the country. Guides them. Helps them. He can not and will not turn his back from that."

"You are sounding like a bully." She shook her head.

"Clarisse, please. I am angry. I feel betrayed."

Standing and walking to him, she slipped her arms around him and leaned against his broad back. It was a comforting gesture which she sometimes did when he was upset. "He is your son. And you should be happy for him. He has a duty to himself. He is not King yet. And you are not dead either. So talk to Pierre and reconcile before you alienate you oldest son."

4 Hours Later.

Having informed Shades of his imminent departure and having learned of the King's insistence that himself be placed at his side, Joseph had ensured his Majesty that with his schedule full, he couldn't possibly leave the country on short notice.

The King had reluctantly accepted that Joseph had an important job too, he had hidden the fact from Shades that he was unhappy with the arrangements. Now the King was having his afternoon sleep while the Queen took a break from looking over proposals and organising upcoming social gatherings.

Sitting down on the stone bench across from one of the large fountains in the east gardens, Clarisse looked around and sighed. It was nice to be away from papers and constant battles for ones attention.

"Are you going to answer my original question?" She spoke just loud enough for her personal guard to hear. It was the reason why she had chosen the gardens to talk. It was away from maids and secretaries and away from the everyday bustle of the palace.

Joseph stopped his retreat to a private but protective position. His polished black shoes crunched under the pebbled path as he turned to her. She had asked him what he thought of Philippe's indiscretions.

"He's young."

Not amused by the obvious answer, she sighed heavily. "He has obviously found some odd interest in these women."

Taking a moment to think about a response, he clasped his hand behind his back in a relaxed manner. "Your Majesty, Prince Philippe is barely twenty-three and is attending college abroad. He is bound to explore his sexuality while his parents are not hovering around him."

"But so many?"

He shrugged. "He's young and perhaps a little naive."

Slowly becoming exasperated, she waved her hands a little in the air. "Joseph, please show me some disapproval. I know you don't agree."

"It isn't my place, Your Majesty."

Pushing her niggling comment about them being equals as they were friends, but knowing he wouldn't listen and knowing he would state that duty came first. She would agree. Though she didn't have to like it. "I am asking your opinion. Come, sit. Tell me what you are thinking."

"To sit beside my Queen is something I can not do." His eyes looked at her with nothing but respect and love.

She looked at him for a moment before sighing. "Joseph. You are my friend. I wish to speak to this friend. Without his job shielding himself from me. Now sit down."

Inwardly grumbling at himself for falling for this woman and her persuasions, he stepped forward and moved to sit beside her. "If you wish."

"I want to hear your thoughts."

"About Philippe?" He pushed his jacket back so he wasn't sitting on it and turned his head towards her.

She looked into his eyes and instantly saw the hidden meaning. "For now, yes." She reached out and caressed his hand for a brief moment before withdrawing. "Don't shield your thoughts either."

"Okay." He nodded, carefully keeping himself from letting his guard down. "I'm disappointed in the way he carries on."

"Continue." She too looked around them, soon focusing on the water gushing out of the fountain.

"Well, he isn't disrespectful of these women he courts. However, these courtships are brief. Sometimes only a day goes by before he brings a new lady home."

She glanced at him and frowned. "Why haven't you mentioned this to me?"

"I am but a security guard, my Queen."

She smiled faintly, loving how he would look at her when he slipped in an endearment, formal or otherwise. "Have you spoken to my son?"

He shook his head. "No."

"Pierre?"

Clearing his throat, he rubbed his hands together to bring a little warmth to them. "He mentioned it to me. I merely strayed from commenting."

Smiling at him she adjusted her shawl. "Of which you do well. I find it thoroughly frustrating at times."

He chuckled. "I apologise."

"And of course, I'd expect no less. I am lucky to have such a friend."

His hand reached out and pulled one corner of the dark red shawl over her shoulder some more. "I can't imagine you have much time to entertain friends."

She laughed ruefully. "Oh, I have plenty of time to entertain, just very little of it is on my terms, or in a relatively comfortable location."

Thinking for a moment, he searched the sky for the plane he could hear. "I believe I saw you drinking tea with Mr. Tettle, just last week."

"In the gazebo." She remembered.

"Outside the rose garden, yes."

"I would have preferred better company. Though Edwin Tettle is a charming man, he is a bore at times."

Trying to think back to when he had looked over the recent visitors lists and their histories, Joseph remembered one thing in particular. "I hear he talks about geese a lot."

"He breeds them."

"What an odd hobby."

"Isn't it." She chuckled.

Waiting to be asked another question, he looked up and down the path and then up at the sky again. When nothing came, he looked at her. "We should head back."

She shook her head. "In a moment. I just want to sit quietly and enjoy the silence."

He moved to stand, but her hand folded around his on his thigh. He settled back and squeezed her fingers.

20 Minutes Later.

"Sit down, Pierre." He said absently, turning a page in the book he was reading.

Watching and hesitantly walking towards his Father, Pierre walked the length of the room to sit in the only other armchair. "Where is Mother?"

Rupert set the book down and stood to pursue a shelf for another book. "Taking a walk around the gardens I presume."

Nodding and looking around the familiar library, he questioned. "Joe with her?"

"I assume so. He may be the Head of Security, but he is also the Queen's personal guard."

Thinking it was best to just come out with why he was here, he stood. "Have you-"

"Yes. I've taken some time to mull over your decision and I have been thinking." Rupert turned from the books and motioned for him to sit once more.

He took his seat. "I do love my country, Father."

"I know, son. And I was wrong to judge before properly listening. I was thinking as a King, not as a Father. I'm sorry."

"Do you accept that becoming a priest is what I want to do with my life?"

Sinking heavily into the armchair he had been sitting in, he nodded. "Somewhat. I may not be happy about it, Pierre, but I will stand by you."

"Thank you, Father."

Gardens.

Clarisse stood beside the fountain, looking into the lily covered water. She knew it was getting colder due to the night drawing in, but she didn't want to go inside just yet.

"Charlotte must be looking for you." Joseph pointed out from where he still sat on the stone bench.

"No doubt."

"Escaping from endless papers?"

She smiled faintly, her eyes following a small speckled frog swim across the water surface. "A moment to myself."

"Yet, I'm here." He stated. "Would you like me to go?"

"No." She said softly.

"Would you like to go inside?"

"No." She repeated, turning and perching on the fountains edge.

He watched her, his eyes holding hers from across the path. He could see her, all of her from where he sat. In his chest, he felt his heart beat hard. They had shared only a few silent moments like this one. It was like they were trying to read each others minds, seeking what they were feeling.

"Joseph." She said his name tenderly.

"I have this strange tingling in the stomach."

She nodded. "My heart is thrumming."

He sighed and closed his eyes. "I feel breathless."

Clarisse smiled and blushed. She looked down at her hands and threaded them together. "This feels so wrong, but yet so right."

"Do you think we can handle this?" He asked thickly.

Her eyes found his again and they just stared at each other. Hearing gravel give way under heavy footsteps, Joseph stood and moved closer to a small fur tree that resided a few feet from the bench. Clarisse stayed where she was, but turned to look into the water once more.

"Mother?" Pierre called out from around the corner of a wall of bushes which lead the way back to the palace.

"I'm here." She dipped the tips of her fingers into the water and drew a wiggly line.

Pierre crunched his way over the path before coming into view. "Father told me you were in the gardens."

"A few moments of peace can help ease ones mind." She smiled up at him. "You spoke with your Father? What did he say?"

Stuffing his hands into his think jacket, he shrugged. "He's upset with me."

"That's clear to see." She stood and pulled her shawl tighter. "Walk me back? I'm sure I've hidden away for long enough."

"Charlotte has been searching the palace for you." Pierre informed her. He turned around and searched the small enclosed garden. "Father told me that Joe was with you."

"He is." She stuck her arm through his and began to walk away from the fountain.

"I see." Pierre chuckled briefly before turning mildly serious. "Well then, Philippe called and asked to speak to Joe. Something about a security blip. Whatever that means. I swear he is up to something."

"That boy is concerning me." Clarisse sighed, reaching up to rub her forehead.

Joseph followed quietly from behind. He kept a fair distance, but could hear the conversation. He had a feeling he knew what Philippe had done. It wasn't the first time he had asked to speak with him on such matters as security.

With Alec, a security guard of six years experience, as the young princes personal guard, Philippe had issues with him. It didn't have anything to do with the fact that Alec was gay, but more because Alec was under orders to background check those who come in contact with the prince. Although this was protocol, Philippe didn't like his private life being scanned and processed in such a manner.

In a few years, he would have to come to terms with how things worked. If indeed the youngest son of the King would be crowned because of Pierre's abdication, then he had a lot to learn between now and that time.

Security Office.

Relieving Kurt from his watch, Joseph sat at the desk in the corner as he reached for the phone. It took time to connect to the office in America, but he didn't mind waiting. His eyes were on the security camera monitors on the other side of the room.

Thirty small black and white monitors dominated a large table in a neat fashion. From his seat, he could see the maids leaving the King and Queen's suite. Most likely making the bed after King Rupert's afternoon sleep.

On another screen he could see the housekeeper talking to a group of cleaners. Most likely reporting what still had to be cleaned and what was completed. Almost five o'clock and most of the staff were heading home. Apart from security, cooking and waiting staff, there wouldn't be anyone left in the building until the following morning.

Spotting the King closing the door to the large library in the main corridor, Joseph could tell by the man's slow pace and attempts at lighting a cigarette, he was still upset over Pierre.

By now Pierre would be eating with his Mother, the Queen, in one of the smaller dining rooms on the west side of the palace. The west was mostly for the royal family and the east was guests and gatherings.

As his call was connected to Alec at the dorms in San Francisco, Joseph watched the King enter the dining room and approach the table. He stared at the screen avidly as his King bent to kiss his wife's cheek in greeting. A conversation was occurring, but Joseph had no idea what it was about.

"Joe?" Alec said through the receiver.

Snapping his eyes away from the monitor and gave his attention to the caller, he cleared his throat before speaking. "I got a message about Prince Philippe."

Alec snorted. "He is having a bad day. Late for lectures. Missed an exam. Turned down by a sweet thing at lunch. And finally, he caught me taking a smoke break outside his room."

Massaging his now throbbing head, Joseph sighed. "Give me the details. The whole day."

"It's nuts, Joe. We've not been here twenty-four hours and he's already being a-"

"Alec." He reprimanded sternly. He didn't approve of any such language around the Royal family, nor when being discussed privately. It was disrespectful, no matter how much they sometimes deserved it.

"Right. Sorry Joe." Alec paused to puff on his cigarette. "It all started when he ran into this cute bird…"

Joseph listened and the more he listened, the more intrigued he became. Though Alec was American and his butchery of the English language annoyed him immensely, he was thorough in his report.

"That's about it. He's sulking in his room right now. Figured I'd order a pizza and coax him out for a beer or something."

The headache was in full swing after ten minutes of listening to Alec speak, but he pushed the feeling of 'quit doing everything and sit in a quiet dark room' to the back of his mind and dealt with the issue at hand.

"Leave him be. You know how he gets when you try to be friendly with him." He advised.

Alec sighed heavily. "Yeah. Was worth a thought though. Can't hurt a guy from trying."

"You did good, Alec. Just lock up and see how things start in the morning. If his Highness tries to call me again, call my portable phone."

"Will do boss."

Dropping the receiver onto his cradle, he pushed back in his chair and glanced at the monitors. He had been talking with Alec for the past thirty-five minutes and in that time the Royal family had moved onto dessert and coffee.

His eyes caught sight of her laughing at something her husband had said from his seat beside her. Pierre was shaking his head and grinning. The space next to him was vacant as it was Philippe's place. If he sat and watched them for much longer, he knew he would start feeling guilt and a pain that would undoubtedly spread fast through his chest.

He knew better than anyone else in the palace that it was happy families to those who didn't know the Royals that closely. But to him, probably Charlotte and maybe a few others who worked everyday with the King and Queen, it was far from happy families.

A King and his Queen reined over a country as husband and wife and Mother and Father, but truly and deeply, they were the best of friends first and husband and parents second. Husband and wife was just another title.

Joseph knew that they shared rooms and even shared their bed, no matter how much it was starting to make him feel, but under all the titles, they were soul mates bonded from childhood and a love that interweaved tightly because of their sons and their love for their country.

Still, he felt a twinge in his chest at the thought of never being able to touch her or claim her. Deep inside, he knew the answer to his question of whether or not they could handle their feelings.

She, the Queen, could handle her feelings better than most he knew. That's why he knows her answer would be yes, but his answer was completely different. It was more complex. He didn't think he could switch these feelings off so easily.

Hearing a loud bang, Joseph shot out of his seat and over to the monitors. Checking each one, he soon located the sound. Pierre skidded around the corner of one corridor in pursuit of his cat, Mr Cosmo. The cat had crashed into a suit of armour outside the main entrance to the security rooms.

Chuckling, he left the room and went to help capture Mr Cosmo. It was probably time for a bath or a flea jab. Only something like that would get the cat to shoot off.

Royal Suite.

"Is something the matter, my dear?"

Clarisse turned her eyes from the flames of the fireplace. "Hmm?" When she watched her husbands eyebrows lift in question, she smiled faintly. "I'm sorry, Rupert." She squeezed his knee.

"That's quite alright, my love. But there is something bothering you."

She sighed and looked down as his hand covered hers. "I have been thinking-" She paused and didn't continue.

Waiting for a moment, Rupert closed the book he had been reading. Pushing the volume beside him and the couch arm, he took her hand in both of his. "Clarisse, you can tell me anything. I'll listen."

She nodded slowly, but didn't say anything.

"Is is about the boys?"

"No." She frowned and shook her head. "Yes. I don't know." Turning to lean against his shoulder, she let out a troubled breath.

"I hate to see you like this." He chuckled lowly. "You're usually so full of life. Yet, you've been so quiet lately." Brushing a kiss into her hair, "Is it something I've done?"

"Oh Rupert." She sighed deeply. "It's not you. I'm worried about Philippe. I can't stop thinking about Pierre's abdication. And I-"

"Yes?"

Closing her eyes against the heat on her face from the fire, she breathed deeply, trying to clear her head. "I love you dearly, Rupert."

"And I you, my love." He smiled against her temple. "But this is clearly not what's bothering you." He listened to her breathing and her sighs of worry. Soon he glanced into the fireplace and sighed himself. "I had wondered why you were taking so many walks lately."

Clarisse stilled.

"If I hadn't been so busy with meetings and politics, I'd have noticed sooner. Still, Pierre did keep me from delving too much into what was going on about me. I was too focused on our son to have noticed that my wife was being courted by another man."

She clutched his hands as she sat up and looked into his eyes. "Rupert-"

He smiled at her and pulled his hands free to hold her face. "Believe me, I have no ill-feelings. You know we married for country and duty, not for love. Though I do love you, very much."

She sighed in relief and closed her eyes. "You should be so angry with me."

"I should." He agreed. "But I'm not."

She looked into his eyes and shook her head. "You are truly my best friend."

"We married for duty. And we have two sons. Life has been very kind to us. Though," He chuckled and kissed her forehead before pulling her against his chest to hold her. "And I say this with full support and love."

"What is it?"

He lightly stroked her back. "Joseph is a good man, but he isn't in any position to court you. While you are Queen, things can not change. Love is a strong emotion and if this love between you is strong, then it will last."

"We wait?"

"I'm afraid so."

"I think he's already afraid."

Rupert laughed. "Joe? Afraid isn't in his vocabulary." He hugged her tightly for a few minutes.

"I haven't even told him I return his feelings." She whispered.

"Then I'd tell him."

To Be Continued.