Pierre's Prologue.

Rupert's outburst filled the room and Clarisse was slowly becoming infuriated with him. "You can not be serious!" He laughed.

"I assure you, I am." She sighed. "Please, Rupert."

"Yes. Yes. I'm sorry, my dear. This is just…" He chuckled and righted himself in his seat. "Jealously indeed."

Frowning at her husband, she shook her head. "It is something that clearly concerns him. But he understands."

Collecting himself, Rupert mopped up some spilt Brandy with his sleeve. "Clarisse, we haven't-"

"I know." She interrupted quickly.

Understanding his wife's evasion of such a topic of conversation, he nodded. "I'm sure Joe will understand."

"He does. I said that." She sighed. "It sounds ridiculous, but not from Joseph's point of view."

"My dear, we have shared a bed since we our wedding night. It wouldn't look right to change that now. Rumours would likely unravel the reason. Besides…" He shrugged and stared into his glasses. "I would feel uncomfortable."

"Things are already becoming difficult." She said sadly. "How did this happen in the first place?"

Knowing there was no real need for an answer, Rupert moved to sit beside her. Gently lifting her legs to place them across his. "Love chose you. Joe chose you. He clearly tried to fight it himself for a long time, but love won out."

Sullenly leaning her head against his shoulder, she asked softly, "Do you know what concerns me the most?"

"Tell me." He took her hand in his.

"What concerns me the most… is how I will react…" She closed her eyes.

"React?" Rupert rubbed her hands gently. "Are you worried about showing your feelings?" She nodded and looked over his shoulder. "You are afraid of not being able to control yourself when with him." He said solemnly.

Groaning at how it sounded aloud, she leaned forward and held his face in her hands. "Why is this happening!" She questioned in huffs of frustration.

Careful not to offend her seriousness by chuckling, Rupert cleared his throat. Reaching up to take her hands, he slowly rearranged them so they were holding each other comfortably as they stared into the flames of the rapidly dwindling fire.

"What if I can't do this?" She asked him.

"You mean, keeping yours and his feelings a secret?"

She sighed heavily. "No. What if I can't be the woman he loves?"

Rupert was baffled that she was looking so deeply into everything. "You question your feelings? Now?"

"No!" She exclaimed and twisted to see his face. "Goodness no, Rupert. I'm fearsome of not knowing what to do when something…"

"Intimate?" He supplied helpfully.

Trying hard not to blush, she laughed quietly to herself. "This is ridiculous. Here I am, talking about another man with my husband. And I'm blushing as I do so."

Smiling affectionately, he shrugged. "Everything will work out. Be patient with the world and the world will be patient with you."

Following Morning.

Gardens.

A routine security check of the grounds was a relatively calming start to the morning. Even though he had teams to do checks and inspections of the grounds, Joseph liked to be hands-on and equal in job distribution.

Over the last few weeks, himself and Clarisse had fewer rendezvous' in the gardens and fewer meetings in her office. Mostly this was to stave off any suspicion that had started to circulate. There was a word or two about them spending time alone together, but other than that it was all pretty clean, considering it was gossip and the palace was considerably large. Like Chinese whispers, words twist and turn with each passing, so really, the gossip wasn't too bad.

So far, the King was treating him like he always did, with teasing remarks in both his wife and his son's presence. It always used to make him feel slightly uncomfortable, and it still did. Knowing the King knew of his emotional attachment to the Queen was unsettling even more when he was invited to comment on various topics in the company of anyone who happened to be in the room.

After talking with Clarisse about some things that seemed important, like displays of affection, personal conversations and shared private moments, she made it clear that though the King was teasing him, he was completely agreeable with their friendship-relationship.

That still didn't settle Joseph's nervousness around the King himself. Not outwardly showing his discomfort and not allowing it to affect his work, Joseph tried to engage in the menial banter that the King seemed to insist they have.

"Boo." A voice came from behind and startled him. He turned at the sound of light chuckles. "Well, so much for being the best, Joseph. I was standing behind you for five minutes."

Looking over her shoulder, he noticed the ladies-maids standing on the steps of the palace, which was some distance away. The gardeners were tending to bushes and flowerbeds and across the large expanse of green lawn, was Pierre riding with a female companion.

His eyes glanced back at hers before turning and continuing his security checks. "You have a meeting in ten minutes, Your Majesty."

"I thought I would come out here for a few minutes. Besides," She fell in step with him. "it is such a lovely day."

"The spring is almost here."

She looked across the lawn. "Warmer days are coming. Soon it will be nice to have tea outside instead of my office or the library."

"Climbing the walls, ma'am?" He asked lightly.

Laughing softly and ending on a sigh, she turned her eyes towards him. "Joseph,"

"Are we entering a private conversation?" He looked at her.

"I don't know." She sighed again and turned her head away. "I feel as though we can talk about anything and everything at times, but with each new conversation we take three steps back."

He nodded. "I know how you feel."

Stopping, she turned to him. "Do you think we might… change that?"

"We could try." He checked the area around them before offering his arm to her. "Maybe a walk will help clear out those concerns and confusion."

"We can start by dropping the formalities when alone." She took his arm.

He shook his head. "I'm afraid that will be hard to accommodate. I might forget myself in another's presence. Though I can promise that with moments like this one, I will drop the title."

Smiling, she absently ran her hand up and down his forearm. Her fingers brushed against his watch, which reminded her she was running out of time. "I must go."

"Would you meet me later?" He asked boldly, staring ahead.

"I won't be free until late this evening." She informed him before giving his arm a tight squeeze and turning to return to the palace.

Palace Grounds.

Woods.

Pierre pulled on the reins to instruct his horse to slow from its canter. He waited for his riding partner to catch up. He laughed when she huffed just as much as her horse as she dismounted. "I hate you." She murmured, wrapping the reins around a thick tree branch.

"Oh, come on." He jumped down and twisted his horse's reins around the same branch. "It's not that hard of a ride. You are just out of shape."

Scowling at his teasing tone, she scooped up a handful of muddy leaves and tossed them at him. "Seven miles. Seven long miles. Half of that was galloping. I swear, my thighs are already seizing on me."

Brushing mud from his shirt, he sank onto the fallen log beside her. "You'll live."

"I'll die from pain for a week before walking normally again." She shoved his arm. "And it's all your fault."

"I didn't ask you to come riding with me." He grumbled.

Her mouth dropped open. "You liar!" She smacked him on the arm again when he chuckled. "You practically begged me."

"I did not beg. I simply played the fool."

"Oh!" She smacked him hard and he fell backwards. "Are you alright?" She laughed.

Pierre grabbed her jacket and yanked. "I'm perfectly fine." They laid there and stared up at the treetops for a few minutes of companionable silence. Sliding his hand into hers, he sighed. "Anna."

"Hmm?" She closed her eyes against the light of the sky and listened to the sounds of the birds and the light breeze.

"I spoke with my teacher when I visited Italy last week." He turned his head to the side and waited for her to do the same. After a few minutes of silence she opened her eyes. "He listened to my confession."

"What did you confess?" She asked softly.

His eyes roamed her reddened face. "That I was in love."

Her breath caught. "But, Pierre-"

"I know." He turned his head away. "A priest can not have such feelings."

"Are you considering retaking the crown?" She asked.

"No, of course not." He said quickly and looked back at her. "I still want to serve God. It is what I was called to do. I do not want to change that. It's what I want. More than anything."

She looked over his head at nothing in particular. "And this woman you love?" Her eyes darted back to his. "It is a woman, right?"

Pierre smiled. "Yes." He pushed himself up and stood. "I need to discuss my thoughts with my Father."

"That should be fun." She said sarcastically as he pulled her up.

"Come. I'll race you back to the stables."

Stumbling towards her horse in discomfort, she groaned. "I hate you."

7 Hours Later.

The King and Queen dined alone while Pierre and Anna ate in the kitchen. The large room held a sizable solid pine table in the middle of the stone floor with the kitchen units and appliances sectioned at either end of the room with a large and well used stove cooker along the wall beneath the windows. With the flat spiralling steps leading down from the hallway that entered two dining rooms, one emergency exit and two doorways that open onto the main hallway.

While all was quiet, Joseph had repaired two security cameras in the entrance hall and had a heated argument with the housekeeper. After taking his tools back to his office, he watched his security team change shifts fluidly and efficiently.

"Nice work. Just remember the security camera over the stables is on the blink." He looked over at the monitors when the door closed. Simon was getting himself settled for his shift. "Make sure Kevin checks the blind spot every time he walks his usual root."

"Sure boss." Simon nodded as he set his flask on the desk and his coat over his chair. "Want me to double check the cameras down the hall? I think I saw a loose wire."

Joseph rubbed the back of his neck as he responded. "I fixed it. Try and make sure the guys know that the system is old and they can't rely on it. They do things the old way for the time being."

Simon kicked his feet up and absently flicked through the log book. "When are we getting the new equipment?"

"When I ask for it." He grabbed his jacket and folded it over his arm. "Make sure you remind them, Simon. I do not want to be called unless something happens."

"Sure, sure. No problem boss."

Joseph stared at the young man for a second before shaking his head and leaving. He climbed the main staircase to personally check on the west side of the palace. Seeing all was calm in the glow of lamplight, he made his way back down the stairs.

Dining Room.

"You are quiet this evening."

Clarisse set her fork down. "I'm a little tired."

Dabbing his lips with his napkin, Rupert watched his wife. "You have had a rather long day. Why don't we take dessert in front of the fire? You can put your feet up." He pushed his chair back.

"I think I may get some fresh air."

Rupert paused mid-stand for a second before moving around the table to rest his hands on her shoulders. "That sounds like a refreshing idea. Clear your head and relax you." He squeezed her shoulders and kissed her cheek. "Say hello to Joseph."

"What makes you think I will see Joseph?" She asked quietly, straightening her knife and fork needlessly on her half eaten plate.

"If I remember correctly, our Head of Security has the night off. I'm sure he'll be around some place. Lurking in the shadows and so on."

Clarisse shook her head. "Are you going to continue to tease him, Rupert? I don't understand why you do it. It makes him so uncomfortable."

He stepped back to allow her room to stand. "I have my reasons."

"And yet, you tell me you are not jealous."

"Surprising as it sounds, jealously isn't one of those reasons. I know you are my wife. I know you love me. I also know you will think of your duty before thinking about love." He took her hands and pulled her against him. "Have a pleasant walk."

Pulling back from the warm hug, she chided. "Please don't tease him."

"Then, we will just become good friends, him and I." Rupert promised, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Leaving the dining room, she walked towards the end of the hall to look out over the garden. Lights glowed from the flowerbeds and the lamps lining the paths. It made the gardens look almost enchanted.

Stopping by her rooms to collect her shawl, she quietly made her way outside and into the slightly warmer night air. For weeks now she had waited on warmer weather. There was only so much one could do indoors while it rained heavily.

Walking down the path towards the small garden she had come to think of as a rather important and memorable safe haven, she listened to the noise of insects in the grass and surrounding foliage. The darkness in the corners where the lights did not reach were ideal for those who wanted to escape notice and as she passed through the garden, she saw a fox dart from the shadows and across the path.

Startled briefly, she watched the fox run speedily across the neatly cut lawn and out of sight. Pulling the shawl tighter around her shoulders to keep it from slipping, she continued her walk towards the stables where she could take a few moments to look in on her treasures.

"Good evening, Your Majesty." Kevin bowed his head as he walked along the stable path and onwards towards the lake.

"Good evening." She smiled.

Lifting the stable door latch, she slipped inside. Spying two of her horses peeking out of their stables, she grabbed a handful of sugar-beat and draped her shawl over the bench. "Now, what are you two talking about?" She smiled as Jasper whinnied and Alice kicked at her door. "Well, how nice of you to be so pleased to see me, my darlings."

Holding out her hand, she let Jasper feed on the 'beat. "I'm sure you will both feel better once you are in the field. You have been cooped up inside a long time."

"They will need the exercise to run off the sugar-beat you always feed them." Joseph leaned against the stable door.

Clarisse looked up sharply from feeding Alice her share of the 'beat. Her shocked look slipped away and melted into a warm smile. "I can spoil them. They did have Colic, so both deserve to be pampered."

"They are getting fat."

"Joseph!" She laughed, covering Alice's ears.

"It's true." He picked up the shawl as he walked towards her. "Now, if you'll allow me?" He held up the shawl and gestured it towards her.

Quickly dipping her hands into the large blue barrel of water and shaking her wet hands, she turned her back to him. "Are you taking me somewhere?"

Wrapping the shawl around her shoulders, his hands smoothed over her neck as he pulled them back. "The lake."

She felt Goosebumps rise all over where his hands had touched. "What about security?"

He took her hand in his and folded her fingers over his arm. "Kevin will be well passed the lake by now. After that, we will have some time to ourselves."

"We'll be seen." She told him.

"You seem to forget, I am the Head of Security." He caressed her hand as they walked towards the door. "I wrote the security check rosters."

"Hmm." She smiled. "I can already see this is an advantage to us."

"More so." He chuckled. "Having entrusted the chef this afternoon with a list, I have a surprise for you."

The smile vanished. "You didn't."

"Now, don't look at me like that. I didn't say anything." He sighed. "The point was, being the Head of Security gives me some power to do things others under me can not."

"Ah." She nodded, finally understanding. The fear of someone else knowing about them was quickly fading away. Turning speculative, she looked at him curiously. "What was on this list?"

"As I said, it is a surprise."

"Well," She reached out to push on the stable door. "Let's go and find out."

Joseph pushed the door and held it open as they both stepped outside.

King and Queen's Rooms.

"Father?" Pierre knocked on the partially open door. "May I speak with you?"

Rupert turned from contemplating the flames and waved his son to come in. "What is it, son?"

Tentatively sitting on the large couch, he stared at his hands nervously. "I've made a decision."

"About?" Rupert set his untouched glass on the fireplace mantle.

"I'm going to be a Pastor." He quickly continued. "I've already spoken with my teacher and he agrees."

Frowning in thought, Rupert absently picked up a book from the side table as he walked towards his armchair. After settling into it, he relaxed. "What made you change your mind and when?" He asked calmly.

Pierre straightened his back and looked at his Father. "While I was in Italy, I went to confession. My teacher was my confider." Hesitating as he spoke, he shifted his eyes towards the fire. "I am in love, Father. This way I can follow my heart completely. I will not have to choose between the two. I can have both."

"And… where is this love you speak of?"

Swallowing, Pierre stood and moved to stand where his Father had a few minutes ago in front of the fire. "At this moment, sleeping in the guest room."

Rupert snapped his book shut. "What?"

He nodded. "I haven't told her, so please don't get upset."

"I will get upset!" Rupert said heatedly, but mellowed considerably when Pierre picked up his discarded and untouched glass of Bourbon and swallowed the lot in one go. "Have you spoken to your Mother about this?"

Pierre shook his head as he turned to refill his glass. "I wanted to inform you first. Mother-"

"Your Mother will not be as hard to tell. I understand." Rupert sighed and rubbed his face. "Why is it that so many changes are happening in such a short time?" He asked himself quietly.

"Changes?" Pierre inquired having obviously heard his Father. Seeing that he wasn't going to be answered, he thought it was a good idea to make his leave and find his Mother. "I will bid you goodnight, Father." He paused before moving to leave. "Thank you for listening."

Rupert nodded as he set his book on the side table. "Believe it or not, Pierre, I only want what is best for you. I want you to follow your heart, but please think hard about this."

"I have, Father. Goodnight."

Still sitting in his chair long after Pierre left, Rupert's thoughts were multiplying. At this moment, somewhere on the palace grounds, Joseph was wooing Clarisse. Shaking his head at the thought, he sighed. Joseph wasn't wooing her, he was just as scared as she was and neither of them wanted to ruin what was promising to be a great friendship. If they took their friendship to another level, Rupert knew that they wouldn't put themselves before their country.

When Rupert hired Joseph, he was looking for the best there was in security. He wanted his family to be safe and he wanted his wife to be safe most of all. Without Clarisse, he would be lost and without his son's, he wouldn't know how to cope. Though he loved his wife completely, he still understood the duty in which she is passionate about upholding. She was truly a Godsend to him and he couldn't have chosen a better person to love and rule with.

He knew what true love was, for he had been in love, the love he could see in Joseph's eyes when with Clarisse. Be it a long time ago, before marrying Clarisse, it was not meant to work. He was young at the time and he was to become King. As a young man he had befriended a girl who was not from an upper-class family of which he was not even allowed to associate with. Back then things were different, so now with Clarisse's feelings and Joseph's, he felt he understood the two and wanted to help them.

With Pierre's newest revelation, Rupert wasn't sure he could take anymore surprises. But with Pierre's decision, he could have a family and still produce an heir, which made it that more accepting. Rupert's only hope now was that Philippe behaved himself in America and took the news of him becoming King with calmed ease after being told as a boy that it was Pierre's duty to take the crown.

"Dear God what a mess." He grumbled to himself.

Lake.

Joseph's eyes followed the square of melon as it was plucked from the small container. It's journey continued upwards until smooth lips parted to allow access to the juicy fruit. As she chewed, he watched her.

"Is there something on your mind?" He asked.

She placed another piece of melon into her mouth and chewed slowly.

He reached into a slightly larger container and moved closer to her. "I gather you didn't eat much during dinner."

She watched as he leaned onto his right arm a little behind her as he held up a square of kiwi. Eyeing him for a moment, she slowly opened her mouth for him.

Completely absorbed by her lips as they sucked in the kiwi, he found another fruit. A slice of banana was soon waiting for her to swallow, but as soon as she turned her head further towards him, she wrapped her fingers around his wrist and pushed his hand towards his own mouth. She watched in the same way he had and became just as lost.

"Joseph." She whispered, falling forward.

The leather of his jacket creaked as he swayed towards her. His lips brushed against hers and held for a dreamy second before he tilted his head to the side to merge his mouth with hers. He heard and felt her sigh as it left her lips. "Mi amor." He whispered into the kiss as his Spanish heart rapidly thumped against his chest.

Clarisse smiled and tilted her head when his lips journeyed across her cheek towards her neck. "Hmm, Joseph…" She brought her hand up to cup the back of his head. "I have this wonderful feeling when you speak Spanish."

Chuckling against her skin, he gently guided her backwards. Once she was laying on the blanket, he was free to move his left hand over hers where it was caressing his neck. Turning his head to press a kiss into her palm, he sighed. "Mi querido."

"Mmm, I like hearing you say that."

"I shall be sure to use it often in only your presence, my darling." He smiled against her hand. "My love, my heart." He kissed her fingers when she curled them around his.

Simply enjoying the moment for what it was, a special meeting of souls, she relaxed into his arms and looked out across the water. Forgetting the world, she thought of what a future with this man could mean.

To Be Continued.