Worlds Apart

Chapter 12

Clarisse glanced up from her correspondence and smiled as Joseph again patiently helped Amelia through the dance steps with a practiced hand. Getting away from Genovia and seeing her granddaughter was just what she had needed. Amelia was a sweet girl, even if a diamond in the rough, and with all her heart Clarisse hoped her granddaughter would accept her rightful place in Genovia's history.

But, Joseph had been right- Amelia's reaction was not what Clarisse expected. She realized it was a shock for the child, and perhaps keeping the knowledge from Amelia had not been the best decision, but it did not change the fact that the girl was a princess, the legal heir to the Genovian throne, and had the whole world before her- literally.

Clarisse dreamed of taking her to Europe, of showing her the museums and wonders surrounding two thousand years of history. There was the ballet and opera, gardens and cathedrals…art and culture that was equaled nowhere else on earth! She would have Amelia dressed by the leading designers as befitted a princess and future queen. Her granddaughter would see where composers created music that inspired tears and joy, artists created works that set man's passions in visual form. They could visit castles across Europe that had housed royalty in unimaginable splendor, including ancestors of the House of Renaldi. All this and more, if Amelia would allow it.

Perhaps the girl only needed more time, as Joseph said. Perhaps by the end of the month's visit, Amelia would be pleased to accept her title and birthright. If she did not… Clarisse refused to think about it.

She caught her breath as the girl tripped, but Joseph was there, his strong arm catching Amelia as he offered encouraging words to try again. Amelia was getting on well with Joseph and Clarisse was glad. Having him looking after her granddaughter set her mind at ease.

She let her gaze follow him, taking in the way his shoulders moved under the black material of his shirt, the subtle movements of his hips. He was an excellent teacher. She hadn't known that he was a superb dancer, but when Charlotte mentioned it to her as they were planning Amelia's lessons she wasn't surprised. How had Charlotte found out? Had the young woman learned of it first hand? Was Joseph dating? If so, when would he have the time?

He was at the palace from the early hours of the morning until late in the evening nearly every day. If not, he was seeing to problems elsewhere. She knew he had put long hours into reorganizing Genovia's civil affairs, particularly in the areas of disaster response and safety. The airport commission had implemented his suggestions to improve security and General of the Militia Roldolfo Bonetti, after endless stalling and objecting, had agreed to make several changes.

Did he have a life outside of his work? What did he enjoy doing in his few off hours? She tried to imagine what hobbies could interest a man like Joseph Coraza. A sport or activity outdoors? Did he enjoy riding? That was always pleasant. Clarisse considered. Perhaps she would take up her interest in horses, again. What about reading- yes, that most certainly had to be one of his diversions. He was knowledgeable in so many subjects he had to be widely read. His advice was always sound.

Joseph's help had been invaluable to her, particularly since Rupert's death and confiding in him came naturally. On two occasions, she had asked him to accompany her into a closed session with Parliament, claiming it a security precaution when members questioned his presence, so that she could afterwards ask his opinion on the topics discuss. His answers were cautious, but had opened her eyes to other aspects of the issues. Without a doubt, he was a trusted employee….and friend.

The girl spun slowly, ending in Joseph's embrace- safely- and Amelia's smile lit up the room. Declaring lessons through for the day, Clarisse put away her papers and watched as her granddaughter ran through the house to freedom, backpack bouncing wildly, narrowly missing the jade statue that had been a gift from the people of China.

She reached to press the power button on the stereo, but a black-clad arm stopped her, surprising her, and the music began, a sensuous number that called to mind lovers deep in the shadows of moonlit gardens.

"You've been wearing black too long."

She smiled and he took her hand, gently pulling her away from the desk. For a moment, she considered resisting, citing work or simply the inappropriateness of the situation. But, they were alone and she knew Joseph meant nothing by the offer to dance other than a pleasant distraction from work; she was the queen and he was…he was her bodyguard.

Their bodies gently swayed as one and Clarisse let him guide her, helping her when she faltered, commanding her as they traced the intimate dance steps. Obligated to at every ball, she danced often. It was, however, never like this. As the music faded, Joseph brought her hand to his lips, kissed it, and, without a word, left.

Slowly, Clarisse walked back to the table to retrieve her work, thinking of his hand on her waist, the press of his body to hers. She could almost wish…

Clarisse drew a deep breath. It meant nothing, she reminded herself. Simply a diverting moment as acquaintances…nothing more. It could not be any more.

Frowning, Joseph glanced at his rear view mirror, again checking on the princess. There had only been a few tears, but Amelia had kept her eyes cast downward throughout the whole trip to her school and he was worried. There had been too many changes too quickly for Amelia and he had a great deal of compassion for the girl's situation. Suddenly thrust into a role she had not at all been prepared for, she was faced with a choice that would greatly impact her life and that of many others. What was she to base her decision on? Should she be expected to give an answer in only thirty days time?

The light changed and Joseph watched, waiting for traffic to pass before he made his turn. Clarisse had brought in Paolo, a simpering fool he did not trust. He'd suggested calling in another stylist, perhaps someone recommended by the wife of a diplomat residing in the city, but Clarisse had insisted. She had, however, agreed to his suggestion of confidentiality statements for Paolo and his assistants- not that Joseph believed they would honor them.

"Princess lessons," new clothing, designer purse, pumps, cosmetics…in the end, Clarisse had obtained what she sought, and Amelia was different and beautiful now. In his opinion, Amelia had been pretty before and had simply needed time to blossom. Did Amelia like the changes? Did she even want to change?

He slowed the limousine to a stop beside a line of parked cars a block away from Amelia's school then waited near the rear passenger door as the princess got out, knowing she did not like for him to help with the door. Although he was not concerned at the moment for her safety, there would come a time when she would have to understand that the agent's opening the door for her was a part of their security routine.

"Was my rear view mirror fogging up or was it getting a bit damp in the back seat?" he asked, looking away, not wanting to embarrass her. Amelia half mumbled a reply. He stole a glance at her. "Remember this- no one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

"Eleanor Roosevelt."

"Yes, another remarkable lady like yourself."

"I'll be fine, Joe, really." The princess hardly looked at him before dropping her gaze again.

He nodded in agreement, though not convinced she would be. "In that case, I will go pick up the queen and will return for you at three o'clock." For a moment, he watched her walk away, her shoulders bowed. He hoped Clarisse was not making a mistake.

"She did WHAT?"

The columned room echoing with his shout, Joseph stared at Hans. Behind the desk, Anton ran his hand across his face and thanked his Father above that he was not the one who had to tell the boss that Queen Clarisse had spent the day joy-riding with Amelia until it ended in a wreck.

Standing at attention and too scared to move, Hans took a deep breath, working up the courage to continue. "Princess Amelia took her on a tour of the city in her car and-"

Hands on his hips, Joseph prowled small area off the entranceway of the Genovian consulate. "Amelia drove the queen around San Francisco?"

"Yes, but after the accident, they rode in-"

"Accident?" He abruptly stopped pacing. "Are they alright?"

"Yeah, they're fine," Hans hurriedly assured him. "See, it seems that the brakes failed while trying to get up a hill and it rolled back and hit a streetcar-"

Hans took a step back as Joseph swore more fluently and fervently than he or Anton ever imagined their normally cool and controlled boss capable. He'd never before seen Joseph as angry as this…and he hoped to never again. Behind the desk, Anton whistled under his breath, impressed. He wondered if he should write down a few choice phrases for use later on. One was very unusual and he wondered where Coraza had picked it up. Best not to ask right now, he decided.

"But, Queen Clarisse knighted the policeman and the trolley driver, so-"

"She knighted them?"

Hans threw a quick glance at Anton hoping for some help, but got none. "Yes, sir, using the emergency brake handle since no one had a sword. So, the police aren't going to press charges against the princess for driving without a license or insurance-"

Joseph turned away with a groan, but Hans pressed on.

"-and Her Majesty invited them to the ball-"

"The ball? She invited strangers off the street to the ball?" He was staring at Hans again.

"-and everyone is happy." Hans gave a nervous laugh. "All's well that ends…Well, at least they are home and unhurt." He sobered. Mr. Coraza didn't seem to have much of a sense of humor at present.

For a full minute, Joseph paced back and forth across the room, looking at the floor. He came to stand where he could see both his agents. "Where," he asked slowly, "were her guards?"

Guilt over not helping Hans earlier got to him and Anton gathered his courage. "Sir, Her Majesty said she was going to spend the day with Princess Amelia," he explained, quickly pausing for a deep breath, "so we took her to the princess' home and then…"

Joseph crossed his arms and waited for him to continue.

"…we left."

"I see," he answered softly. Hans and Anton exchanged worried grimaces. They were in for it now.

"Your Majesty, you cannot go out on your own," Joseph said, keeping his voice level. For several minutes he had been trying to impress upon the queen the risks involved in what she had done, but Clarisse seemed oblivious to it. "You cannot go out without a guard or allow the princess to drive you-"

"Oh, Joseph!" Clarisse waved a hand dismissively and went to sit behind her desk. "Mia and I needed some time together and she merely wanted to show me her hometown." She slipped her glasses on and reached for the diplomatic pouch. "Despite the one, small mishap, it was all perfectly wonderful."

And, it had been a glorious adventure for Clarisse. The minor accident did not put even a dent in her enjoyment of it at all. Clarisse felt that she and Amelia had grown closer and it had been a wise choice to skip the day's lessons. For the first time in ages, she'd had fun.

"You must have someone with you." Out in the city with only a teenage girl who was driving a broken down car… Joseph winced at the thought. Clarisse was his responsibility and even if he was not physically at her side, it did not matter- her well-being rested in his hands twenty-four hours a day. Beyond the professional accountability was his own personal concern. The thought of losing her frightened him beyond anything else he could imagine.

Clarisse picked up a folder of import agreements, not looking at him. Her words carried a touch of impatience. "Joseph, you are excellent at your work, however I assure you that-"

"You cannot go out on your own!" he repeated, coming to stand before her. She looked up, surprised at being interrupted. No one interrupted the queen.

She pressed her lips together as she listened then spoke, her words more sharp than she meant. "You have made your opinion known- and it is noted- however, I was completely safe with-"

"No!" Joseph shouted, his hands slamming down on the stack of letters she had yet to read. Several skittered across the desk and fell to the floor as he leaned forward. "You will not go out alone! You could have been injured or killed and if I am to continue as your Head of Security, you must listen to me!"

Her face paled in shock and he stepped back, appalled at what he'd done. Joseph took a deep breath, immediately wishing he could jerk back his words.

"I am sorry, Your Majesty. That was uncalled for and I apologize," he said quietly, too embarrassed by his loss of control to look at her. "Please forgive my behavior- it will not happen again."

He stood, waiting. She had every right to dismiss him for such disrespectful conduct, or, at the very least, reprimand him severely. He steeled himself as she came to stand beside him and looked up, ready to face whatever she said. Every word of her anger and displeasure was deserved.

"I'm…I'm not sure how to say this, Joseph, but you are…you are quite correct." Still pale, her voice was low and hesitant. "Going off without notifying you or your staff was totally out of line." He made to protest and she raised a hand, stopping him. "Let me finish, please. It was a foolhardy thing to do and you have every right to insist I follow your advice."

"I don't know why I…" She looked down at her hands clasped tightly together. "You know, for over fifty years I have spent every waking moment being what others expect me to be…always doing the right thing, always careful. But, today I…I rode in a convertible and ate a corn dog, and threw aside all my responsibilities for just a little while and it was..." She sighed. "Well, as I said, it was a foolish thing to do and I am sorry."

When he did not answer, Clarisse smiled sadly at him and continued quietly. "I depend on you, Joseph, more than I can say. Do not leave…please. I will listen to you."

His anger gone, Joseph saw the unshed tears and the wall of correctness and duty reforming around Clarisse. The joy he'd seen earlier in her eyes had disappeared.

"I hardly know Amelia and she's all I have left now, Joseph. If I lose her…"

Joseph took her hand and felt her fingers tighten around his. They were cold. At that moment, more than anything else, Joseph wanted to take her in his arms and protect her from any further heartache. Instead, he gave her his handkerchief and patted her hand. "You won't lose her, Your Majesty. She is family."

"I do hope you're right." She wiped her eyes and made no effort to pull her hand away. Neither spoke and the silence lengthened until it become awkward. He let her hand go.

"So…you liked the corn dog?" he asked, forcing his words to be light. She half shrugged and smiled as a last tear slipped down her cheek. "Then, my queen, we shall simply have to get you out more often to sample new cuisine."

"Oh, Joseph," Clarisse said, laughing and sniffling at the same time. She took his arm and squeezed it. "You are so good to me."

Joseph smiled and led her toward the French doors and the garden beyond. "Tell me, Your Majesty- have you ever tried tacos?"

Under the ballroom's glittering chandelier, the room buzzed with the voices of dozens of guests waiting for the double doors to open. They would shortly, he knew. A minute earlier, he'd left Clarisse and the princess and entered the ballroom by a side door to take his position just inside the entranceway, to the left. The vantage point placed him close to the queen as she entered then provided an unobstructed view of her and the room as she moved toward to her guests.

Across the room, Darrell, a new guard who was on his first trip abroad with them, held his post near the musician's stand. Hans and Mel, a guard trainee who was serving as a driver on this trip, were positioned out front. Anton, on the other side of the double doors, would move about the perimeter of the room, keeping an eye on Princess Mia, and free Joseph to cover the queen.

Earlier, he'd almost thought the evening lost. The idea had never occurred to him that the princess would try to run away. When he realized she was, he only knew that he had to find her, and that he could not let Clarisse down. He doubted if any princess had ever accepted a royal tiara dressed in sodden jeans and sweatshirt.

He was very proud of Mia. His faith in her had never wavered and he was certain her confidence would grow and she would one day become as fine a ruler as her grandmother. He only hoped that she was allowed to be herself and not forced into what others expected.

The doors opened and the voices hushed as the queen and princess was announced. Joseph bowed then turned to watch them move to the center of the room. He knew of everyone in attendance; it was a small guest list. Prime Minister Motaz stepped up to the queen, doing the honor of the first dance in the late king's stead. Joseph's brow creased as he watched the princess glance around as if wondering what to do then smoothed as she held her hand out for her friend Michael.

The joy of young love, Joseph thought, as Michael hesitantly took Mia in his arms and the floor became crowded with couples.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. Would that he could do the same and simply reach for Clarisse's hand. The dance after Mia's lesson that day had been wonderful- a brief, golden moment in his memory- but knew it could be only that. He was Clarisse's employee…a man born of ill parentage with no chance of becoming anything more than a commoner…and she was a queen.

His words to Mia suddenly came back to him- "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

The quotation echoing in his mind, he watched as Motaz swung her around sedately. Joseph followed the pair, his attention on no one else but his queen …

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

…and then stepped forward to place a hand on the prime minister's shoulder.

"May I?"

Sebastian Motaz smiled approvingly and bowed, offering him Clarisse's hand. He took it gently and placed his hand on her waist. They moved slowly together and if anyone gave a second glance to the queen dancing with her guard, neither of them noticed or cared. It was as close to heaven as Joseph had ever been. Clarisse smiled and he could not help but wonder if it were possible she felt anything for him, hoping against all odds that she did. As the waltz was coming to an end, he saw the princess slip out the door with her beau, and all too soon the music stopped.

He stepped back and bowed, letting go her hand just as a dignitary approached, giving Joseph a disdainful look, and asked her to dance. Joseph retreated to the side, in the shadows, to watch over his queen. He could not press Clarisse, but in time he hoped she would come to realize that he cared for her and she would one day return his feelings.

Until that day came, no matter how long it took, he would simply have to be patient.