The next week went by with more speed than Joe would have liked. He dreaded the coming of Rhea's sons, partly because he didn't know how to take care of children and partly because he wouldn't know what to tell them. Clarisse was somewhat distant and Joe could understand. The coming of those two boys and who they were coming from brought back painful memories of a past no one wants to remember. Joe gave her distance though she tried to tell him not too, he knew well that she wanted it.

The night before he didn't return to their rooms, he merely found his way onto the roof where he sat staring at the moon. Joe wasn't sure if it would be worse to stay where he was or return to the rooms. He closed his eyes and sighed. He wondered what the two would be like. Would they be like their mother? Or would they be completely the opposite? He looked back at the moon. It was in a waxing from of a crescent. It was bright and mysterious. Joe couldn't help, but feel that by the time the moon was full he would have a new problem to worry about.

He didn't remember falling asleep. Only waking to the sun rising. He inhaled deeply and shifted. His shoulders were stiff, especially where he was shot. He rolled them with unease hating the fact that he was indeed not as young as he used to be. Joe climbed back through the open window. He smiled happy that a servant didn't close the window locking him outside by accident. Slowly Joe made it through the castle heading towards the kitchens.

"Morning, Your Majesty." Joe said to Mia, who looked up and smiled.

"Joe, you know you don't have to call me that?"

"Hm? Really?"

Mia laughed. "Yeah! I thought you knew, marrying my Grandma instantly getting you first name basis."

"I see." Joe said as he reached for some cereal. Mia stared at him for a few minutes.

"Do you ever sleep?" She asked.

Joe had to laugh, then clearly lying, "No."

He sat down at the table across from her with his bowl of cereal. "I could ask the same of you. It seems every time I come in here in the morning, there you are."

"Yeah, well you know I try." Joe smiled and ate a spoon full of his breakfast.

Mia smiled for a bit and then she got serious. "I heard that there are two boys coming today."

"Yes."

"How are you dealing with it?"

Joe laughed to himself and shook his head. "How would you?"

"Ah, yes, and Grandma?"

"Not sure, we haven't spoken of it for some time."

"Will they live here?"

"That is up to you, Your Highness."

Mia laughed, "Yeah, well I think they should."

Joe nodded and finished his breakfast. Then he left the kitchen. When he returned to his rooms Clarisse had already gone and he knew she would have been. He timed it, Joe couldn't face her yet. He showered and got fresh clothes on. If Joe looked back on that morning he would not have remembered what he did. All he knew was that time flew like it had that week.

Finally Joe headed for the main entrance; it was few minutes before the boys were to arrive. He was almost there when Clarisse came in front of him. He stopped instantly. "You have been avoiding me." She said quietly.

"That is true." He would not lie to her.

"Please do not avoid me in the future."

"As you wish."

They stood there between each other like it was a face off for a fight. Joe was scared somewhat, he had never seen her give him that look, but he would be strong and not back down if she lectured him. Instead she went and hugged him. He was shocked, it wasn't what he expected, but smiling he wrapped his arms around her. Joe kissed her on the head and held her tighter. "What ever happens, I am there for you." She whispered. "I promised you that at our wedding."

Joe smiled, "So you did."

He released her as soon as he felt she wanted to. He smiled at her and wiped away a tear with his finger. He kissed her gently and then held out his elbow. She interlinked her arm and he led her to the entrance hall.


AN: Thank you all who has been reviewing, it means a lot to me. . Slight cliff hanger I will try and update sooner.