AN: Well I'm glad someone straightened me out about where to put my stories. I hadn't realized that there was a place to put the movie fics. Then again people must have complained a lot to get them to make two categories about Princess Diaries. Anyway I hope you like this next chapter.
Joe put the note in his pocket after he finished reading it. Slowly he stood and left the room. He looked up at the two people waiting outside the room. Both Mia and Clarisse were looking at him with curious looks. He sighed and knew he wouldn't be alone until he told them. So as he passed them he said, "Rhea has passed away."
He knew they gave each other glances before the continued to follow him. "What happened?" Clarisse asked gently.
"There was a fire."
Clarisse didn't say anything, but Joe knew exactly what was going on in her mind. He continued to walk though and they followed him still. "So those men, came here to tell you that? Couldn't they have just sent a letter?" Mia asked.
"They could have." Joe replied.
"There is something else isn't there, Joseph." Clarisse said quietly.
Joe stopped. He turned and looked at her, "Yes. She left in my care her two sons." Then he turned a walked away.
He ended up at the stables where he grabbed his horse and took off for a ride. He eventually stopped by the river. He tied his horse and sat there thinking. Joe pulled out the letter again and read it once more. He had never in his life seen Rhea be so sincere. Then again, this was a very serious letter. He had never thought it possible, but it was true.
He folded up the letter and put it back in his pocket. He looked up at the sky and watched the bright blue fade into an orange. He knew had to return to the castle eventually. Better sooner then later. Joe got back on his horse and rode back to the castle. He managed to sneak back to his room without being seen.
Joe went and lay down on his bed. He closed his eyes trying to ease himself. A couple hours later he heard the door open. "I wondered when you would come back." He did not answer Clarisse. He felt her lie beside him. "Joseph…"
"She never told me."
"Told you what?"
"Things would have been different."
"Joe, what didn't she tell you?"
He opened his eyes and turned to face Clarisse. "She has two sons."
"Yes…"
"Her youngest…"
"What about him?"
"He is only four."
Clarisse was quiet for a moment. "It has been a little more then four years since she was here hasn't it?"
"Yes."
"Then tell me what you think."
Joe stared at her for a few moments. "Its not what I think… It is what I know. He is my son."
Clarisse looked away from his eyes. "How do you know?"
"She wrote me a letter."
"I see. That's why she chose you."
"Yes."
