Worlds Apart

Chapter 17

A quick word: Since most of this chapter (and the next) is lifted directly from Princess Diaries 2, I thought I'd better remind everyone, including the Buena Vista lawyers, that I make no claim to owning anything to do with Princess Diaries, although heaven knows I'd love to. I use these divine characters only for my amusement and in no way benefit monetarily from them. (But, your reviews are worth more than gold to me- so drop me a note!) There is no infringement intended on anyone's rights, honest!

Enough of that…

Lionel was driving him crazy.

He had tried repeatedly to put the boy off on the other agents, but they managed to weasel out of babysitting nearly every time. If he hadn't been so annoyed, Joseph would have been impressed by their resourcefulness. Yet again, he had the brooding, intense, testosterone-driven teenager trotting behind him, begging for the chance to speak with the queen.

Had it been any other intern, Joseph would have packed him off to the palace gate and let him sweat in the Genovian sun for the summer. Unfortunately, Lionel's uncle was Sebastian Motaz and Clarisse had offered to let Lionel work at the palace without his or Shade's approval and his hands were tied.

A source of heartless amusement to Shades and the other agents, Lionel had taken to wearing black and sticking to Joseph like a burr. He'd already stepped on Joseph's heels twice that morning and he could hear the kid breathing less than meter behind him at that very moment.

"Can I-"

"Wait here," Joseph ordered, pointing to a place on the carpet just in case Lionel didn't understand. Against his better judgment, Joseph hoped that if Lionel were permitted to speak to Clarisse for a moment Lionel would leave him alone. Better now than when he became rushed near Mia's coronation.

Glancing back to make sure Lionel was not following, Joseph approached Clarisse's desk.

The only bright spot Joseph could see was that Lionel was not infatuated with Mia and mooning over her like a lovesick puppy. That would have been intolerable and Joseph would be faced with booting the kid out of the palace. As it was, he would just have to put up with Lionel…until he could find a way to get rid of him.

"Ooh, you just have to read it!" the young maid exclaimed, nearly spilling her tea. Two others nodded vehemently in agreement. "It's ever so spicy!"

The girls dissolved into giggles again.

"What's it called?" Bridget asked. She didn't care to spend much time reading, but if the book were that good, she'd make an exception.

"A Conflagration of Hearts," Brigitte answered, "by Sapphirina Plezzure.

"Sapphirina Plezzure? Do you think that's one of those fake names people write under?" Olivia asked, reaching for the milk jug.

"Could be." Bridgette thought for a moment. "Then again, maybe she's French."

"Well, whoever wrote it is awfully smart. I'm reading it for the second time and I just got it last weekend," Brigette answered.

"Got what?" Miss Parker asked, maneuvering around the table in the small room. The half dozen tittering girls suddenly clammed up. Miss Parker pointed to a book on the table. "And what's that, may I ask?"

Brigitte spoke up. "It's a book that's just come out, ma'am."

"Is it good?" Miss Parker asked, admiring the powerfully built, handsome man on its cover who was naked from his hipbones up and didn't have much on below, either.

"Oh, it's wonderful!" gushed Millie, the downstairs maid.

The Head Housekeeper nodded. "Even so, girls, you'd best not be reading that on duty."

There was a chorus of assurances they wouldn't and a smiling Miss Parker sailed out, humming happily.

As soon the older woman had left, Brigitte opened the paperback. "Listen to this." The other girls leaned in closer as she began to read.

"His tanned, sinewy arms snaked themselves tightly around her slender waist, yanking her against his steely, muscled body until there was no more than a hair's breadth of air between them. Lydia struggled, but his arms were as tight as an undersized girdle about her slight form. Her squirming only made him squeeze harder and she noticed that parts of his body were now poking against her.

'My heart pounds when you are near,' he whispered huskily into her pink, shell-shaped ear. His whiskers scratched her delicate, milky cheek, sending a quiver of excitement all the way down to Lydia's pretty, painted toenails."

"Oooh! To her toes!" Bridget squealed, and the others joined in.

"Hush! There's more!" Brigitte said, waving away the interruption. She continued dramatically.

" 'I long for us to flee from the palace to some private glade ,' he persisted, his words rumbling deep in his brawny, furred chest, 'so that we may let loose our imprisoned, raging passions in unrestrained ecstasy.' "

This time, the squeals brought Gerta Cates to the door, hands on her hips. "Here now, what are you girls up to? Isn't it time you were back to your duties?"

There was a flurry of activity as teacups were emptied, caps were replaced, and ruffled aprons were straightened before the group hurried out the door, laughing as they went. Gerta slid into a chair and poured herself a cup. Then from deep in her apron pocket, she pulled out her own copy of "A Conflagration of Hearts."

"A bit of quiet country life is what Gerta and I have dreamed of," Cates said, his footsteps matching those of Joseph on the long stretch of hallway leading to the official side of the palace. "My duties here gave me little time to fish, so in the coming years I plan to strike fear into as many trout as I can."

Joseph laughed. With the approaching changes, several staff members were planning to retire. Nearly all, however, had agreed to stay on through the transition to ease the changeover. They turned down a narrow hall.

"And what of you, sir?" Cates asked, then hurriedly added, "That is, if you don't mind my asking."

Joseph shrugged. "I don't mind you asking at all, but I can't tell you much. It's not settled, yet," he answered, not wanting to go into details.

Cates looked at him curiously, but said nothing. At that moment, a worried parlor maid rushed down the hall and breathlessly informing them that Miss Parker was about to come to blows with the florist and would one of them please come right away and rescue the gentleman. He heard Cates groan; Joseph gave Cates a grin and a wave goodbye.

Glad it wasn't his job to referee that affair, Joseph walked on, considering Cate's question. There were plans to make if he and Clarisse were to marry next fall after Mia's ascension to the throne. He would ask her as soon as possible.

Not one to pace, Joseph remained in his position in front of the door appearing calm to all those waiting impatiently around him. Clarisse should have arrived by now- she was twenty-five minutes overdue.

Giving Charlotte a mike and wire had made it much easier to coordinate movements from the queen's private apartment, an area his men normally did not enter. Still, when busy, the young woman sometimes forgot to turn it on and notify them of delays or that Clarisse was coming downstairs. Joseph hoped this was one such time and there wasn't a problem. Two more minutes and he would go check.

As if aware of his thoughts, Charlotte hurried around the corner declaring the queen was on her way and for everyone to look alive. He chuckled at Shade's sudden jump to attention.

Tonight, Joseph had ordered his men to wear suits although he was wearing a tux. With dozens of men attending to pay court to Mia, he wanted his agents to stand out. He, on the other hand, would be acting as the queen's personal guard and needed to blend in when standing near her. At least tonight, the male guests would be focusing their attention on Mia and not Clarisse. Joseph had been pleased to hear that Baron Hobbes was not invited and his forward behavior last fall had gotten him permanently marked off the royal guest list.

Clarisse floated around the corner, a vision of beauty. Ignoring everyone else, her eyes sought his and she twirled, arms open, silently asking for his approval. She came to him, hand outstretched.

"Beautiful," he said, before bending to kiss her gloved hand. In a mock serious voice he added, "But, you are late, Your Majesty."

Her eyes twinkled. "A queen is never late," she replied, teasing him in return. "Everyone else is simply early."

"Of course," he answered, just barely keeping the laughter from his voice.

Clarisse gazed at him for a moment then laid her hand on his cheek, no words necessary.

Joseph was certain of her love.

"How can they expect me to fall in love in thirty days? It's…it's a trick to get me to have an arranged marriage!" the princess exclaimed, her voice rising in panic. "It's my only choice! What kind of person agrees to an arranged marriage?"

Mia's eyes widened, immediately realizing what she had said and wishing she could take it back. "You agreed… I didn't mean…"

Clarisse looked to the full-length portrait of her and Rupert. "Yes, I did, and it turned out quite splendidly. He was my best friend and we grew very fond of each other."

Unconvinced, Mia continued unhappily. "I'm sure, Grandma, but I dream of love, not fondness."

She clasped her hands in front of her and gave Mia an understanding smile. "You don't have to do this, Mia. You don't have to become queen."

There had been no question in Clarisse's mind about whether to agree to marry Rupert Renaldi. While she had known and liked Rupert for years, the arrangements had been made by their parents. Clarisse was aware, however, that the thought might be disconcerting to a young woman brought up differently than she. But, if Mia were to have input into the selection of her husband, it might help matters. She would see that Mia did.

"…I will be up there with my father. I'm sure I want to have the chance to make a difference for my people," Mia was saying. Clarisse looked at her proudly.

"Spoken like a true queen," Clarisse replied. Duty and royal responsibility were more important than personal desires…even if they did involve love. They had to be.

"-Also in the news this morning: Accused by five European countries of illegal business practices and environmental protection violations, Morely Addington, the Duke of Thornfield, has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and indicated he would not cooperate in an inquiry. So far, no charges have been brought against the duke and observers say that actually proving his guilt might be difficult. The Cerneland Attorney General's only comment was that the government is looking at its options. And that's our regional European update." The tanned announcer smiled broadly into the camera and held the pose a full five seconds before continuing. "Elsie, what's cooking this morning?"

"Well, Mark, it's hot in the kitchen for the stars of the reality show "Wrestling for Euros:Oil, Mud, or Jello!"

"Charlotte, I need to speak with King Gustav," Clarisse said, looking away from the TV, her arms still folded across her chest. "Morely Addington is going to force this into the courts and if that is what he wants, we will give him a fight."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll call him first thing." Charlotte went to turn off the television set, but stopped as Elsie held up a paperback book.

"The steamy romance 'Conflagration of the Heart' has set the book market on fire! Rumor has it that Sapphirina Plezzure is the pseudonym of a first time author from here in Europe!" Elsie fanned the pages of the book, pretending to read. "Oh! This sizzles!"

"What in the world is she going on about, Charlotte?"

"A book, Your Majesty."

"A cookbook?" Clarisse asked, opening her diary to check the day's appointments.

Charlotte blushed. "No, ma'am. A romance novel."

The blonde on TV picked up a frying pan with two eggs in it and a small bottle. "It seems that many like a little hot sauce with their eggs!"

"At least she's not spreading stories about Amelia." Clarisse shook her head and put on her glasses, ready for work.

"Yes, ma'am. I think the princess' plan for the orphanage will be of great interest." Charlotte turned the TV off and joined the queen at her desk.

"Let's hope so," Clarisse replied fervently.

Stiff and silent as a statue, Shades watched as Princess Mia and the Duke of Kenilworth frolicked by the sea with an entourage of family and staff a short distance away milling about awkwardly on the sand. For the umpteenth time he pondered how he could lose Lionel and not get in trouble for it.

Seeing the boy plague Joseph for the past two weeks, he had been determined to avoid getting stuck taking care of the intern. But, Joseph had outsmarted him. Never again would he underestimate the sneakiness of his boss.

Without fail, Joseph always traveled with Queen Clarisse, and with Lionel assigned to the trip, Shades had been certain he would be free of the frosted-hair pain in the neck for the week. Then, at the very last minute he'd found himself on the royal jet, replacing Joseph. To make it worse, Joseph's final words before the hatch slammed shut had made him personally responsible for the kid.

"Should we recon the bay?" Lionel whispered, eyes darting about suspiciously. "Could be kidnappers sitting off-shore!"

Shades grit his teeth.

"Might be an underwater team just beyond the breakers."

Shades vowed vengeance on Joseph…not that he thought he could actually get the better of his boss, but it made him feel better to think about it.

"I saw this movie once-"

Searching for a way to dispose of Lionel's body unseen, Shades turned in a slow circle. Anything….a crevice…a sinkhole….but there was nothing. He gave up on the idea of murdering the boy- for the moment, at least.

"Can I do that?" Lionel asked in awe.

"No."

Despite knowing that payback from Joseph Coraza was going to be hell, he and the other agents had pulled together as one to thwart Joseph's attempts to shift the walking nuisance onto them. Their underhanded operations to avoid duty with Lionel had bordered on brilliant at times and the brotherhood had been bound by an unbreakable bond of dread.

Now, however, it was every man for himself.

In the distance, he saw Hans walking near the limo. The corner of Shade's mouth turned up in satisfaction. He had a plan.

A walk in garden was just what Clarisse needed. Not surprisingly, it had been Joseph who suggested it. He always seemed to know when she needed to get away from her desk for a few moments.

Several years before, during a frosty evening stroll to clear her head, she had realized that the walk leading to the gazebo was always clear, even of snow and ice. Always. Curious, she'd found out why from her head gardener: Joseph had ordered it.

He was such a dear friend…and more. Clarisse sighed.

Bounding past them, Maurice barked, bringing her attention back to the present.

The engagement of Andrew and Mia had been formally announced earlier that morning and there were nonstop requests all day for interviews and photo sessions. She'd been obliged to take congratulatory calls from numerous governments and friends for most of the afternoon, and there were more to return this evening.

With plans being finalized for the wedding in less than four week's time and Mia's coronation shortly thereafter, her schedule would be even more strenuous than before. There were briefings and interviews to hold, scheduled travel and appearances to change, and official notifications to prepare for foreign governments. Too, several of the staff had indicated they would be leaving during the fall. She would have to make time to discuss staffing with Mia- what to look for in those she surrounded herself. It was very important to have the right people.

One matter, however, was not troubling her; Joseph, of course, would be staying with Amelia as her Head of Security and remain at the palace. This meant she would continue to see him, although not daily as she had for so many years. Clarisse felt disappointment at the thought.

And how would it be when, in order not to overshadow her granddaughter, she moved away to another castle… and not see him for weeks?

But, the present gave her enough difficulties to deal with.

"She was found in a closet?" she repeated, keeping her voice low. By now, she had hoped Mia could avoid getting herself in difficult situations. That, unfortunately, had not proven to be. Even worse, it had involved Lord Devereaux.

"With him- yes."

This was potentially more embarrassing than the beach party fiasco; Mia was now an engaged woman. Clarisse wrung her hands worriedly as they made their way down the walk, past gardeners trimming the hedges in preparation for the coming garden party. She didn't notice as a grinning Miguel quietly waved his workers away, leaving them alone.

"Do you think she has the makings of a queen?" She finally asked, giving voice to her doubt and fear. Other than Joseph Coraza, there was not another soul on earth she would have asked that question.

"She's young, but I've always believed in her," he replied honestly.

"I just…" Clarisse waved a hand in agitation. "The invitations have all been sent out!"

What would they do if Mia called the wedding off and Lord Devereaux became king? Viscount Mabrey was friends with that odious Duke of Thornfield- without a doubt he would have Addington involved in Genovian politics. Clarisse shuddered.

"Yes, I know," Joseph replied.

"She and Andrew make a fine pair-" she continued, trying to convince herself there was nothing to worry about. They simply had to marry!

"Yes. I-"

"She's very set on it." Amelia knew her duty, but she needed to be more circumspect in her behavior. The press would have a field day if they found out!

"Yes, yes," Joseph answered impatiently. "Clarisse, my dear, forget the wedding for a moment."

He led her up the handful of steps into the gazebo and faced her, clearing his throat. "In less than a month, you will no longer be queen."

Clarisse nodded in agreement, her hands clasped in front of her, between them. Obviously, Joseph had something serious on his mind and she turned her full attention to him. She had learned long ago that matters of security were not to be taken lightly.

"And I will no longer be your head of security."

"Yes," Clarisse concurred, thankful again he would be working for Mia. She wondered what he was leading to. In his stead as head of security, Joseph would appoint one of his agents to see to her arrangements. Surely, by now he knew she trusted him implicitly and would approve any decisions he made.

"I think it's time we bring our friendship out of the shadows," he continued carefully.

Clarisse's mouth opened in surprise. She shook her head slightly. "Oh, Joseph, I…"

"Yes," Joseph broke in, taking her hand in his with a smile. "Yes, my dear, I would kneel if not for my knee replacement."

Laughing nervously, she sat at his gesture and he joined her on the bench, waiting. Clarisse tried to organize her thoughts. She thoroughly enjoyed their moments together and the thought of becoming closer to him was appealing, but…

"Oh, Joseph, there's a wedding to be planned. Mia needs to win over the people of Genovia… all in less than thirty days!"

Joseph nodded.

She knew he was aware of her concerns for her granddaughter and Genovia and that they were her priority and always would be- he understood.

"My duties are clear," she continued. "Mia needs me and there are so many improvements yet to make for my people and so little time."

His smile dimmed as he watched her, and after a moment he spoke." Perhaps it's time to consider the duty you have to yourself."

"Oh!" The full impact of what Joseph was asking hit her. She'd not expected this at all! Clarisse pulled her hand away, not knowing what to say. He was asking her to…

How could she possibly give him an answer at that very moment- what would she say? There were so many things to consider! Mia…the country...her responsibilities… She tried to speak, but no words would come.

"Clarisse, my darling, please think about it," Joseph said solemnly, reading the hesitation in her heart. "Please?"

She touched his cheek fondly for a moment then pulled her hand away. "I will."