Back in her room, Clarisse discarded her maids, for she could be alone and try to think about what had just happened. She got out of her gown and changed into her white satin pyjama. Clarisse walked around in circles in her room, trying to focus. "Perhaps maybe music could help," she thought, looking at her stereo. She sat down in front of the foyer, closed her eyes and let herself being enveloped by the music that would take her away.
"Don't talk of stars burning above; if you're in love, show me. Tell me no dreams filled with desire; if you're on fire, show me. Here we are together in the middle of the night; don't talk of spring just hold me tight. Anyone who's ever been in love will tell you that this is no time for a chat! Haven't your lips longed for my touch; don't say how much, show me. Don't talk of love lasting through time; make me no undying vows, show me now! Sing me no song, read me no rhyme; don't waste my time, show me. Please don't implore, beg or beseech; don't make a speech, show me. Never do I have to hear another word; there isn't one I haven't heard. Here we are together better not to be a dream; say one more word and I'll scream! Haven't your arms hungered for mine; please don't explain, show me. Don't wait until, wrinkles and lines pop out all over my brow; show me now!"
"Damn you Joseph…" were the words she said as she slammed her hands on the table in front of her. Clarisse brought her hands to her face, sat down on the floor and broke down in tears.
"Why bother? I've been able to pull myself together all my life! But now look at me; what am I to do?" she said, wiping away her tears. What she didn't know was that Joseph had his back against her door, uncertain if he would enter or leave her alone. He couldn't bear to hear her broking down; knocked softly on the door.
"Come in" Clarisse said in a somewhat broken voice, quickly making sure there were no tears in her eyes. She immediately got up but instantly fell on the sofa when she saw it was Joseph. He saw she was clearly broking down. Was it because of what he had said or was there something bothering her mind?
She would have pushed him away when he got to her, encircling his arms around her to comfort her. Couldn't he see that his embrace was poisoning her even more? Couldn't he feel how lifeless she felt then, having no power over her body, her mind, her heart…
"I don't know what to do about everything you've told me Joseph, how dare you! How dare can you dive into my eyes, searching my soul for something I can't give you? How dare can you make me feel like this? How dare can you make me tell you that I don't know how I should feel about you as you'd be the only person who really got me…" Clarisse told him, tightening her grasp on him, crying harder. She did hurt him, he wouldn't know either. A tear escaped his eye, slowly rolling down his cheek.
"Oh, Clarisse!" Joseph said as he burdened his head in her hair. Stroking his fingers in her thin light-brown hair. He jumped when Clarisse had put her hands on the back of his neck, breathing on his skin, making Joseph shiver by the warmth of her breath on his flesh. He drew a deeper sigh when she placed her lips on his neck, just under his jaw line. Realising what was she had just done, that without any reason, she got carried away, she pulled away…
"Clarisse? A Queen? Getting carried away? Oh… tush!" she thought, loosening her hold on Joseph, getting up as fast as she could and thanked him for the tea; she didn't know what to think anymore.
A soft voice woke her; Charlotte. For a minute Clarisse was wondering if she has been dreaming or that feeling of sickness was real. Why was she on the sofa? She looked around, seemed lost.
"Is everything alright your Majesty?" Charlotte asked, fearing anything would be wrong for the Queen.
"Yes Charlotte thank you." Clarisse answered as if she wouldn't know what Charlotte was talking about.
"Of course your Majesty. The car will leave for the airport in an hour" the young woman added, bowing as she left.
Clarisse shook her head, heading toward her belonging, getting ready to leave the embassy to go back home in Genovia. She felt rather concerned for Joseph's behavior that morning; he was her head of security but she hasn't seen him of all morning.
"He left early for the airport to make sure everything is fine for the departure." Charlotte told Clarisse when she enquired where Joseph was.
She got out of the building; sat in the car and off she was to the airport. She did miss home but was more than glad she came in the United States. She arrived alone and left with an heir to the throne of Genovia "and a feeling I've never experienced before…" she added to herself.
Clarisse thought about sleeping during the flight but there was much to be done. Paperwork, paperwork and… more paperwork. Nobody except of Charlotte went near her; Joseph was obviously occupied with important matters concerning Amelia. The twelve-hour flight from San Francisco to Genovia was a nightmare. The awkwardness of the ambiance in the plane weighted much on Clarisse's shoulder.
"Charlotte… let's take a break" her Majesty asked. She needed it obviously. Charlotte couldn't do anything but agree. But what was supposed to be a small break lasted until the end of the trip back home. Still, Joseph didn't show up at the back of the plane.
"Send me Joseph, Charlotte, now" Clarisse asked, as soon as she put her foot in the palace, before heading toward her office.
"Yes your Majesty, right away." Charlotte nodded.
What was she to tell him? Clarisse wouldn't want to hurt him more than she has already. He did hurt her too, hasn't he seen that? "Would I be that impervious? Nonsense…" she thought, sitting in her chair, having a look at paper that were left on her desk when they left for America.
He didn't have the time to knock that Clarisse gave him permission to enter.
"You called for me your Majesty?" He enquired, bowing.
"Joseph, please don't, not now" she quickly replied.
"What do you want me to do Clarisse?" He asked her, his voice breaking now and then as he spoke.
She had no answer to give him. Since when would she have to explain herself? She had a duty to the people of Genovia, a duty toward her granddaughter that was to be moving to the country as soon as school ends in a year; she also had a duty to herself… At the thought, she shook her head.
"That's what I thought…" Joseph said before he left the office. Clarisse tried to hold herself but couldn't do it. After he was out of sight, she went to the door, locked it and crawled to the floor, crying, trembling. But how she has been able to get up she wouldn't know… Clarisse scolded her jacket, unlocked the door and went back to paperwork.
"Isn't it ridiculous? We've only spoke freely to each other; there is no need to make such a fuss. You must pull yourself together Clarisse. He'll probably be back being who he was "before". Everything will be fine." She thought to herself, drying her tears.
When they would look at each other, the sparkle would be gone but not entirely. Perhaps, it would be deeply hidden. They still found the way to see it remained there. They only had to find the power not to drawn…
"Your Majesty, Prime minister Motaz, Your Highness, here's the deal…" Charlotte told them as they got in the car, heading toward the orphanage that would have to close its doors if no solution would be found.
"There must be a way to help, to do something!" said Prime minister Motaz.
"Of course there is! We don't loose it Sebastian, we find it!" answered Clarisse to Motaz's desperation. They would need to find 65 millions in order to keep the orphanage alive. Yet, the money wouldn't only be applied to the institution but Amelia suggested that they create some sort of foundation that would be in place to help the families in need; need of money or even if it's only to find a babysitter… Clarisse, Sebastian and Charlotte looked at each other for a moment, looked at Amelia; she had a broad smile lighting her face.
They stayed at the orphanage for about an hour, met the children and the present reporters. They would prefer being alone with the children and the staff but it was important that the institutions had the media coverage it needed. The group had to take good note of every little detail in order to convince the parliament members to agree to the 65 million investments. Though they would have to find the money, Genovia's budget being kept on a funny way. "Her Majesty shall take care of that," Charlotte thought to herself, raising a brow at Clarisse, like if she would have known what the woman was thinking.
"We cannot have to money to save the orphanage, we don't have it!" Shouted Lord Pallimore, his remark being received with questioning looks from Her Majesty and the Prime minister.
"Perhaps let's look back at the budget shall we?" advanced Prime minister Motaz.
"The budget… Prime minister?" exclaimed Lord Fricker.
"Adjustments need to be done. Actually…" before continuing, Sebastian looks at Her Majesty for some aprovement. Clarisse did nod her head in sign of approval.
"I ask a delay of twenty-four hours, after which I shall come with a plan on the new structure for the budget!" claimed the Prime Minister.
"Meeting suspended! Prime Minister Motaz, you have twenty-four hours. Let the work begin!" Ordered Her Majesty.
Sebastian and Clarisse worked late that night, making cuts here and there in the budget. It wasn't Her Majesty's job to have a look at the numbers, but she wanted something to be done. She wondered how Mia could handle this. She called Charlotte to have Mia sent to her immediately. Amelia was almost asleep in her room…
"Do you want me to die? You know what time it is!" said Mia at the other end.
"I'm sorry Your Highness, Her Majesty's order!" Charlotte answered back.
Amelia got up and went slowly toward her grandmother's office. Instead of knocking on the door, she banged her head repeatedly on the door, to let Clarisse know how she just wanted to go to bed.
"Come in Mia." She simply said.
"Do you know what time it is?" She said toward her grandmother, as she hasn't noticed the Prime Minister's presence.
"Eh Mia, we have a guest. Please sit down and take a look at these. Would you have any suggestion?" Clarisse asked her.
" Eh… Grandma? I didn't need a sleeping pill you know…" Mia said back, which made Motaz laugh. Mia returned his smile but Clarisse was quite annoyed by her granddaughter's behavior in front of the Prime Minister, as she may have to face the same problems when she'll be Queen. Clarisse handed her the papers and she looked at them. The numbers were dancing in front of her eyes. "How could one find this much money?" she thought.
"Close your mouth Mia we are not a codfish!" Clarisse said, looking a bit embarrassed at her Prime Minister. "How could he enjoy this… this… oh, bother" she thought to herself, taking back the papers from Mia's hands.
"I'm not very good at this but it could be worth a try and you did ask me what I thought so… I'll tell you."
"Eh, Mia? Don't tell us you'll tell us something darling, just say it!" Clarisse exclaimed.
"Well, there could be some cuts here and there…" Mia said, looking at the papers and moving her head as if she would be looking at a puzzle. "How many people in Genovia have a car?" she added.
"About fifty thousand." Answered Motaz, looking at other papers.
"Fifty thousand? Oh, alright… Where to they get those?" Mia asked, unsure of where she would be getting with her point.
"At… a… car dealer Your Highness"
"I think that what Mia is trying to bring is how much is spent on the publicity for those cars." Clarisse said, smiling at her granddaughter.
"Yes, that's it, yes!"
"Publicity for transportation reaches five millions." Motaz said, clearing his throat.
"Five millions for publicity when people who buy cars already trust their reliability?" Mia asked.
"Eh, yes Your Highness. But it also comes to publicity for public transportation." Motaz added.
So the work went on. They didn't go to sleep until around 1:30AM. They've found the sixty-five millions needed to save the orphanage. Clarisse walked Mia back to her room, her arm around her shoulder. She was proud of her granddaughter.
"I know it wasn't easy darling but at what you've just accomplished; you've saved an orphanage and on top of that, you've brought the possibility of creating a programme whose purpose would be to help the people in need. I'm… I'm p… Good job Mia!" Why couldn't Clarisse tell how she felt? Telling Mia how proud she was of what she has done.
"Thank you grandma. Well, sweet dreams!" she said as she entered her room.
"Sleep well darling." Clarisse told as she kissed her granddaughter's forehead. "I shall look for your suite to be ready soon…" she added before leaving toward her private quarters.
Since they came back from San Francisco, Clarisse's schedule had never been busier. Amelia was on her way of becoming a fine princess. When they would have guests, she would behave, act properly. As little time passed by, the young woman gained confidence in herself. Clarisse noticed it; everybody noticed it, especially Joseph, who had many talks with her. Yet Amelia could tell he was keeping some kind of secret away from her but didn't ask him about it.
"How can I just let you walk away, just let you leave without a trace? When I stand here taking every breath with you; you're the only one really knew me at all. How can you just walk away from me, when all I can do is watch you leave? 'cause we've shared the laughter and the pain, and even shared the tears; you're the only one who really knew me at all. So take a look at me now; 'cause there's just an empty space and there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face, so take a look at me now 'cause there's just an empty space, and you coming back to me is against all odds and that's what I've got to face…"
"Olivia?" Clarisse called quickly before she would collapse on the sofa. The maid rushed in.
"Your Majesty…"
"Did someone come in my suite?"
"Not that I'm not aware of Your Majesty" Olivia answered as she exited the room, leaving Clarisse alone in an almost totally dark room. As soon as the maid got out, Clarisse sat on the sofa, playing with the disc with her fingers, running them across to writing on the cover.
"Against All Odds" it read. Clarisse also found small drawing at the bottom of the disc; an arrow that pointed toward her balcony.
She opened her double French doors and held her breath as she saw Joseph standing there. Apparently he had been waiting for her.
"Don't run away, he said, I just thought we could have tea." Joseph said to her, inviting her to sit down at the small table.
"Was there something that happened Your Majesty?" he enquired.
"Aren't we doing fine with the way things are at the moment? Amelia is a marvelous princess, she shall be a fabulous Queen for Genovia, she's saved an orphanage and created a programme for the people in need… I don't think anything happened Joseph." Clarisse answered him rather coldly.
"It's… not what I meant, Clarisse and you know what I meant." He said back on her last comment. It clearly wasn't the answer he was waiting for.
"What do you want me to tell you Joseph?"
"I want you to tell me you don't feel your cheeks redden each I'd catch your glance; that you don't feel you knee buckle every time I'd have my hand on your back, leading you wherever you go. That you don't accept the fact that I'm there for Mia and ready to do everything she would ask me to do because I deeply care about her… Clarisse?" he was looking at her but all he could see was the fear that was in her eyes and that drape that would eternally hide her thoughts, her feelings.
"I… not for the moment Joseph. How dare you bring it on to me when I've managed to find a way to go with it! How dare you?" was all she could say. It wasn't her goal to hurt him but he was, more than she would know."
"I'd just want our friendship to be brought out of the shadow, that's what I want from you Clarisse." He said, leaning a bit closer and speaking in a somewhat intimate tone.
"Don't, Joseph, not now! I'd like to rest."
"Of course, YOUR MAJESTY!" he had to accentuate her title to show just a tad of how angry he was. The thought of thinking about her duty to the country escaped his mind a while ago, when he'd notice Clarisse, not the Queen. He stormed out of her room, went back to his.
"Damn you Joseph…" she felt powerless, just crawled back into her room and got on her bed where she'd lie down and cry until she'd be too tired to let another tear fall down.
"Princess Mia shall have thirty days to get married, otherwise the throne will be Lord Devereau's!" Clarisse couldn't believe what she'd just heard. She called Mia to meet her in the throne room right away but the young woman couldn't be found. Clarisse went toward the room to glance at the portraits of each Renaldi that ruled the country. She stopped her pace in front of a painting of her and Rupert. She thought about the happy times they shared and some bad ones; how awkward she felt when she's been told that she would have to marry her best friend. Clarisse couldn't protest, as she was aware of the etiquette when it comes to marriage. It was still customary in Genovia to have organized marriage. Later she would understand that her father did it to keep the bloodline.
"You wanted to see me grandma?" Mia asked as she walked it, waking Clarisse from her thoughts.
"You won't like what I would propose but see it as an opportunity. I had to… deal with the same dilemma many years ago." She calmly said to her granddaughter, who raised an eyebrow.
"Try me!"
"I was lucky to be married to Rupert, as he was my best friend…" she started saying when Mia cut her, seeing where this would be going.
"I will not accept that!" the young woman replied.
"Mia, courage is not the absence of fear…"
"… but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear… I know grandma." Mia said, looking at her father's portrait that was hanging proudly on the wall.
That night they would look at the "possibilities". Charlotte had it all organized and they were all in the multimedia room. They laughed, screamed in disgust, as the slides of every available bachelor would scroll in front of her eyes.
"His Highness Prince William of England." Announced Charlotte
"I totally accept, yes!" Mia said, rushing her words.
"He's not available because he's heir to his own throne." Charlotte said, to Mia's disappointment.
"Why is he there then?" Mia asked.
"Oh, I just love to look at him…." Charlotte said, tilting her head, dreaming.
"Oh yes, me too." Said Clarisse. They all froze and looked at her. She raised her brow and they all laughed childishly. "Such a light evening is more than welcome!" Thought Clarisse, when her smile went across the room, reaching Joseph. She immediately looked back at the slides. Mia's eyes stopped on a handsome duke named Andrew. He was slightly older than she was but not too much to feel the wedding being odd. Mia recognised he had something attractive so was whiling to meet him, getting to know him better.
Since Mia's choice was made that night, Charlotte began to organise the meetings for the two young people. They went walking by the beach since in was a sunny day. Amelia and Andrew didn't quite hit it off, but there was already something between them. Andrews came more often at the Palace, getting to know the surroundings. Within a week, Mia had agreed to his marriage proposal, though she wasn't sure of what she was doing exactly.
"Selections for Royal wedding ceremony…" could be heard from the stereo that was in the grand hall where Clarisse would choose the china and the music that would entertain the guests for the ceremony following Mia and Andrew's wedding. The music was soft, gentle… Clarisse began to dance to the rhythm of the music, turning in circles when Joseph caught her and began to dance with her. Her expression softened and she rested her head on his chest. She didn't bother if she was wrong or not, she needed comfort and he was there. Plus, he didn't backed up when she rested her head.
"Oh, Joseph… Let me rest my head on your chest until the end of time, not just for the time of a dance. If I'd tell you that I love you, would it change everything?" Clarisse thought to herself. She would have told him this very moment but she felt she would be unfair to him…
"Clarisse, have you thought about…" He asked her, almost whispering in her ear.
"Yes, I have…" she answered on such a tone that he understood that there really were no hope for them of being together. After all he had told her, after all they'd share, all they'd endured when they were "apart"…
"Oh, I understand Your Majesty!" he said as he bowed and went away. Clarisse tried to catch his hand to make him stop but he would take his hand from hers. She went to the tables, dropping her hands on it using the wall to support her back, for her not to fall in pieces on the floor.
"Your Majesty I…" said Charlotte as she was heading downstairs to continue explaining details to Clarisse but Clarisse cut her, her voice was broken, tears would soon begin to fall down to her cheeks.
"Not now Charlotte, I…"
"I understand Your Majesty." She answered back, going back to her occupations. Clarisse looked back at the china she had to choose for the dinner but couldn't get her thoughts together for the moment. She went up to her private quarters, cried herself to sleep. "This is so hard… What will I do?" she said, whispering in the darkness of her room…
"Cannot touch, cannot hold, cannot be together… Cannot love, cannot kiss, cannot have each other… Must be strong and we must let go, cannot say what our hearts must know… How can I not love you, what do I tell my heart? When do I not want you… here in my arms? How does one walks away from all of the memories? How do I not miss you when you are gone? Cannot dream, cannot share sweet and tender moments… Cannot feel how we feel; must pretend it's over! Must be brave and we must go on; must not say what we no longer long…"
"Something you wanted Your Majesty?" asked Charlotte as she entered the Queen's office.
"Yes Charlotte… Book a flight for me and Mia right away." Said Clarisse.
"Where, Your Majesty?"
"Anywhere…" answered Clarisse, exasperated.
"You said, Majesty?" Enquired Charlotte, not certain of what Clarisse wanted.
"Santorini!" exclaimed the Queen.
"Santorini? Santorini as in…" The young woman started to reply but was cut off.
"Yes, thank you Charlotte".
"I'll call right away ma'am. I'll also tell Joseph to get packed" Charlotte said as she went out of the office, heading toward her on to make the call and information Her Highness. Mia would have to cancel her meetings with Andrew.
"No!" shouted the Queen.
"No Joseph, ma'am?"
"He needs a little vacation; I've noticed there was something troubling his mind lately. Perhaps he would need to take time for himself for once… Send Shades." Asked the Queen. She didn't want to tell her secretary what was troubling Joseph's mind.
Joseph accepted this vacation with a relief. He had so much on his shoulder that he needed to let go… The first thing was Clarisse… "How did everything happen? Do I want to know?" he thought to himself while packing. As soon as he was ready, he rushed downstairs but arrived face to face with Her Majesty. He simply nodded, saying the customary "Your Majesty" and Clarisse to nod saying "Joseph" and they both went their way, which looked awkward for everyone who was witness to the moment. Mia didn't dare to say anything but silently followed her grandmother.
The ride to the airport seemed to last forever; the silence being awfully awkward. "And Joseph isn't even here!" thought Clarisse, looking at her granddaughter. "Look at her… She's… radiant! If I could tell her just how proud I am of all she went through to get there!" It was now Mia's turn to stare at her grandmother, wondering what could possibly on the woman's mind.
"Is there something wrong grandmother? You're not saying anything…" Amelia enquired.
"I was thinking about… of what you've done since we began our sessions. Mia?"
Mia's eyes had widened. Just what her grandmother could be up to?
"I want you to know that… I want to tell you that… Well… I…" Why couldn't she say it? She was only her granddaughter!
"Grandma! Shoot!" exclaimed Mia, which made Clarisse laugh.
"Alright I'll shoot… Amelia, I really am proud of what you've done so far! Never did I have a doubt that you would be a fine princess. I think you also notice all the changes as well… You'll be… a marvelous Queen for Genovia!" she said to her granddaughter. As soon as she finished, Mia sledded closer to her grandmother and held her tight.
During the flight, Clarisse and Amelia had the occasion of spending time together, talking; one discovering a bit of the other. That awkward silence that had filled the air on their way to the airport had dropped a while ago. They would talk, drink tea, etc. Even that night, after a long day visiting the island and Athena, they put their pyjamas, lied down on the couches and watched some movie that was playing on the television. Both were so tired that they fell asleep and laughed when they woke up the day after because they couldn't remember they've fallen asleep in front of the television.
"You know what I hated about school, really?" Amelia told her grandmother as she took a sip of her tea.
"I don't know Mia, tell me." Enquired Clarisse. Those small talks with her granddaughter meant a lot to her. They would talk about something, about nothing. For Clarisse, those nothings felt like more of those somethings they could talk about. She was grateful for that. As for Amelia, she was glad that she's found her grandmother; glad she and her have this connection, wherever it came from.
"It's… frustrating to understand, to feel how little you know; understand that whatever it is you do, you can never know everything!"
"We have to take the best out of it Mia. It's a vicious circle; one learns something new anytime, any moment and understands how little one knows. Then you learn more because you know you can't know everything and that makes you realise you still can't know everything…" Clarisse told her granddaughter as she would stare somewhere no one would be; in her memory. How she loved her history courses; learning about all of those civilisations. There were just so many facts to learn, to memorise, books to read, etc. Like Mia, the more she learned, the more she understood she didn't know anything. The more she understood she didn't know everything, the more she wanted to learn…
Clarisse didn't allow herself much to think about Joseph, about what happened between them; if something had ever happened… She deeply hoped he was doing fine but another part of herself wanted to look after him, find him and bring him to her so she could spend the rest of her life simply enjoying his presence. She burdened herself into books, museum visits and many more activities with Mia. Shades didn't protest as he enjoyed his time with them. Clarisse had asked him to relax while they were there, as she didn't want any additional tension to fill the air. Clarisse and Amelia could talk about the marriage.
"I like Andrew, grandmother…"
"I'm glad to hear you saying that; I was beginning to worry about where this would be going." Answered back Clarisse.
"But I don't think I love him. What would I be supposed to do?" asked Mia as she looked at pictures of her possible gowns.
"Mia, whatever choice you'll make, I'll always be proud of you. You can choose not to marry Andrew and live a comfortable life as Princess of Genovia. That, you can.
"Thank you grandmother…" Mia said, rolling her eyes, thinking about any solution that would come to her mind. Drinking tea and exchanging much laughter, they finished organizing the wedding. Still, Amelia didn't know if she wanted to go through the engagement or leave it just as it could be; she would remain Princess of Genovia.
"Something you wanted Your Majesty?" asked Charlotte as she entered the Queen's office.
"Yes Charlotte… Book a flight for me and Mia right away." Said Clarisse.
"Where, Your Majesty?"
"Anywhere…" answered Clarisse, exasperated.
"You said, Majesty?" Enquired Charlotte, not certain of what Clarisse wanted.
"Santorini!" exclaimed the Queen.
"Santorini? Santorini as in…" The young woman started to reply but was cut off.
"Yes, thank you Charlotte".
"I'll call right away ma'am. I'll also tell Joseph to get packed" Charlotte said as she went out of the office, heading toward her on to make the call and information Her Highness. Mia would have to cancel her meetings with Andrew.
"No!" shouted the Queen.
"No Joseph, ma'am?"
"He needs a little vacation; I've noticed there was something troubling his mind lately. Perhaps he would need to take time for himself for once… Send Shades." Asked the Queen. She didn't want to tell her secretary what was troubling Joseph's mind.
Joseph accepted this vacation with a relief. He had so much on his shoulder that he needed to let go… The first thing was Clarisse… "How did everything happen? Do I want to know?" he thought to himself while packing. As soon as he was ready, he rushed downstairs but arrived face to face with Her Majesty. He simply nodded, saying the customary "Your Majesty" and Clarisse to nod saying "Joseph" and they both went their way, which looked awkward for everyone who was witness to the moment. Mia didn't dare to say anything but silently followed her grandmother.
The ride to the airport seemed to last forever; the silence being awfully awkward. "And Joseph isn't even here!" thought Clarisse, looking at her granddaughter. "Look at her… She's… radiant! If I could tell her just how proud I am of all she went through to get there!" It was now Mia's turn to stare at her grandmother, wondering what could possibly on the woman's mind.
"Is there something wrong grandmother? You're not saying anything…" Amelia enquired.
"I was thinking about… of what you've done since we began our sessions. Mia?"
Mia's eyes had widened. Just what her grandmother could be up to?
"I want you to know that… I want to tell you that… Well… I…" Why couldn't she say it? She was only her granddaughter!
"Grandma! Shoot!" exclaimed Mia, which made Clarisse laugh.
"Alright I'll shoot… Amelia, I really am proud of what you've done so far! Never did I have a doubt that you would be a fine princess. I think you also notice all the changes as well… You'll be… a marvelous Queen for Genovia!" she said to her granddaughter. As soon as she finished, Mia sledded closer to her grandmother and held her tight.
During the flight, Clarisse and Amelia had the occasion of spending time together, talking; one discovering a bit of the other. That awkward silence that had filled the air on their way to the airport had dropped a while ago. They would talk, drink tea, etc. Even that night, after a long day visiting the island and Athena, they put their pyjamas, lied down on the couches and watched some movie that was playing on the television. Both were so tired that they fell asleep and laughed when they woke up the day after because they couldn't remember they've fallen asleep in front of the television.
"You know what I hated about school, really?" Amelia told her grandmother as she took a sip of her tea.
"I don't know Mia, tell me." Enquired Clarisse. Those small talks with her granddaughter meant a lot to her. They would talk about something, about nothing. For Clarisse, those nothings felt like more of those somethings they could talk about. She was grateful for that. As for Amelia, she was glad that she's found her grandmother; glad she and her have this connection, wherever it came from.
"It's… frustrating to understand, to feel how little you know; understand that whatever it is you do, you can never know everything!"
"We have to take the best out of it Mia. It's a vicious circle; one learns something new anytime, any moment and understands how little one knows. Then you learn more because you know you can't know everything and that makes you realise you still can't know everything…" Clarisse told her granddaughter as she would stare somewhere no one would be; in her memory. How she loved her history courses; learning about all of those civilisations. There were just so many facts to learn, to memorise, books to read, etc. Like Mia, the more she learned, the more she understood she didn't know anything. The more she understood she didn't know everything, the more she wanted to learn…
Clarisse didn't allow herself much to think about Joseph, about what happened between them; if something had ever happened… She deeply hoped he was doing fine but another part of herself wanted to look after him, find him and bring him to her so she could spend the rest of her life simply enjoying his presence. She burdened herself into books, museum visits and many more activities with Mia. Shades didn't protest as he enjoyed his time with them. Clarisse had asked him to relax while they were there, as she didn't want any additional tension to fill the air. Clarisse and Amelia could talk about the marriage.
"I like Andrew, grandmother…"
"I'm glad to hear you saying that; I was beginning to worry about where this would be going." Answered back Clarisse.
"But I don't think I love him. What would I be supposed to do?" asked Mia as she looked at pictures of her possible gowns.
"Mia, whatever choice you'll make, I'll always be proud of you. You can choose not to marry Andrew and live a comfortable life as Princess of Genovia. That, you can.
"Thank you grandmother…" Mia said, rolling her eyes, thinking about any solution that would come to her mind. Drinking tea and exchanging much laughter, they finished organizing the wedding. Still, Amelia didn't know if she wanted to go through the engagement or leave it just as it could be; she would remain Princess of Genovia.
"Can you believe I have to get married today Fat Louis? … Neither can I!" Said Mia as she started to get ready for her wedding. HER WEDDING! She was nervous but Lily was there to help her go through last minute details. It didn't take her long to be ready. She went to Clarisse's quarters for her benediction and they all left for the church.
Amelia wanted to run away but she remembered her grandmother's words that the choice was hers after all; she could become the Queen of Genovia by marrying Andrew or remain Princess of Genovia. Whatever choice she would have to do would have to come from her heart. Clarisse had chosen duty over love. Even if she would never have admitted it, she was in love and because she chose duty first, she lost the only man she's ever loved.
Mia sensed that Andrew was as nervous as she was. She went to him after almost running through the aisle…
"Everyone deserves the chance to find true love, right?" Mia started, starring at Andrew.
"Well, yes…" He answered her.
"Including us?" she asked, handing him the ring had had given to her.
With the help of Prime Minister Motaz, Amelia proposed a motion as any future Queen of Genovian would have the right to rule with or without a husband. The motion was accepted. Mia had reached another step in her process and Clarisse's duty for Genovia would end the day she would pass the crown to her Amelia…
"Lionel?" she asked, looking behind her for the young security guard. He stepped forward and she took his earphone set and asked for Charlotte to have a word with her grandmother.
"Grandma, it doesn't mean if I don't have my fairytale you can't have yours!" she simply said to her grandmother, who would now be the Queen mother. Clarisse looked around her, smiled at Charlotte who fainted not to have heard a word of what Mia had just said to her. Then she turned toward Joseph…
"Joseph?" she started, nervous as ever but yet she had found the way of hiding it. "Dear, dear Joseph…" she continued. He raised a brow at her. "Just what would it be now?" he thought to himself. He step forward and bowed lightly.
"Your Majesty." His eyes were dark, almost lifeless.
"Would I… Would I be too late to ask you to accept my hand in marriage?"
He grinned a little, his expression never softened; he thought for a few seconds...
"I thought you'd never ask…" He answered, handing his top hat and gloves to Shades, who was standing at the other side of the door. "You're in charge now; I am going to a wedding!" his eyes softened as he offered his arm to Clarisse and she took it. How the feeling of his heart stopping to beat as she touched him was invading him. They just looked at each other and smiled. They were there, finally!
He had every trouble to put a feet forward of the other, he was taken away, walking her through the aisle toward the archbishop. Clarisse felt his nervousness because she was as nervous as he was but somewhat she just thought it felt right. But would all of these people have to be starring at them?
Joseph took great delight in feeling the weight of Clarisse's hand on his. They were walking toward the archbishop... The idea, the reality of the moment still hadn't cross his mind. Joseph was walking Clarisse through the aisle... He felt light-headed but there were so many interrogations in his mind that he didn't know what to think. "Is there really something to think about right now?" he thought to himself, trying to smile to Clarisse but failed miserably. "It'll be alright." She thought. "Oh Joseph, how could I hide it for so long?" she added to herself. As he caught her glance, he couldn't help but notice the reflection of light in her sparkling eyes.
After what seemed to be a moment that went as fast as a wink, they've reached the archbishop. Joseph wouldn't let go of her hand as the archbishop pronounced the union. She didn't want him to let her walk away again.
"You may kiss the bride." Said the archbishop to Joseph, leaning a bit toward him, a smile forming on his lips since he knew how Joseph loved Clarisse for a long time. "The poor man must have dreamed of touching her heart." The archbishop thought to himself.
Joseph smiled back but as much as he wanted to lean forward toward Clarisse to capture her lips he has dreamed about for so long but he couldn't move an inch. He was certain he would be pinched and brought back to reality. It was Clarisse who made the move. "To hell with the embarrassment of my making the move." She thought for a second before making a step toward Joseph, her face slowly leaning closer to his, to the point where she could feel is breath on her skin. It would be his cue. Joseph closed his eyes and leant forward, his lips lightly brushing Clarisse's.
"Oh dear God, I'm kissing her!" he thought as their light and soft kiss began to make them loose their senses but the stopped, thinking that perhaps they should keep the rest of the excitement of their first kiss for themselves. Both stepping away, they exchanged a glance. Clarisse smiled as her cheeks reddened and she escaped a deep breathe. Joseph was in another world. God knew where he was…
Together they marched through the aisle once more, walking toward the exit, where a car was waiting for them. On their way back, the witnesses would just look and be in awe, not willing to speak one word. They were wondering if what had just happened really happened… Did Her Majesty have just wed her head of security? Had Clarisse just being married to Joseph?
"What have just happened?" Joseph asked her, as they got into the car, more puzzled than he has ever been. Clarisse simply smiled at him, took his hand and leant closer to whisper to his ears:
'We've… hum… We've just been married, Joseph…" The warmth of her breath, the intimacy of her tone made him shivers. Noticing his reaction, she gently squeezed his hand more tightly with hers. He turned his head, facing her. His look was serious, almost emotionless but yet there was a hint of love in his eyes. Her soft smile dropped when she looked in his eyes. That moment seemed as if the world had stopped…
They had to stop by the palace to exchange the luggage for the honeymoon since it was Mia and Andrew's suitcases that were in the trunk. Clarisse went toward her quarters while Joseph went toward his room. "What do I have to bring?" they both thought. Joseph didn't have any casual clothes and as Clarisse browsed her wardrobe, she realised that she had absolutely no idea as to what she would have to wear. "What will I wear for that party?" she thought to herself, going through the countless evening gowns she possessed. Her hand finally reached, in the back, a classy yet simple black dress. She picked the dress and placed it on her bed before going back to her closet. Her cheeks reddened as she thought about what she would have to wear for… "Tonight".
Clarisse never did wear anything fancy or burlesque for the first night so she took her usual white satin pyjama. Yet she'd never thought about the fact that she and Joseph would be sleeping in the same bed. The idea made her blush deeply but Clarisse would admit to herself that she'd be longing for his touch of love. She longed to know what love really feels like, what it is to wake up next to the person you love and the person that loves you. Without paying too much attention to what she was doing, she began to cry but wiped the tears away as soon as she realised she was crying.
"Oh no you don't! You're supposed to be happy silly!" she said, laughing at herself. Actually, she couldn't remember the last time she would have cried of joy. Philippe and Pierre's birth... She finished packing and went downstairs back to the car.
Joseph picked a few pants, shirts and ties. All in black… He had no idea as to what he would have to bring. What would he have to wear tonight when they'll be all alone? Then again he had no idea. Would they really have to do what was expected from them tonight? The thought of brushing her skin made him grin. He accelerated his packing and went downstairs toward the car, ready to leave for the party.
During the ride from the palace to the reception, not a sound could be heard at the back of the car. Clarisse and Joseph would simply hold their hands, their fingers entwined and they would exchange a glance. Clarisse couldn't hold it; when he would dive into her eyes, she would turn her head away and blush. She had to let him dive into her soul; she had to open to him. What was she scared about? Why wouldn't she let someone see Clarisse? "He had already seen you!" She thought to herself as she looked back at him. He was still starring at her. Noticing her blush and thinking that perhaps if could help to relax a bit – who was he after, thinking about making her relax a bit when, after all he was probably more nervous than she was – to brush her cheek with his finger, tenderly. He leant closer and executed his move. Instead of helping her relax, she blushed more. That reaction made him smile; he would never tell her that seeing her go weak under his touch warmed his heart; she wouldn't accept the fact that someone could catch her off-guard, knock her defenses down.
He brought his other hand to take her chin and make her lean forward toward him. Clarisse felt her knees buckle; fortunately she wasn't standing. Inside she felt like laughing but somehow she held her serious face. There was only a shy smile forming on her lips. As Joseph was bringing her face closer to his, she closed her eyes; he smiled and leant forward. Their mouth seemed to hesitate, as they were not even one inch from on another. With a bit of impatience, Clarisse was the one to close the remaining distance and placed her lips against his.
Their lips moved to an unknown melody… As her hand went to rest on the back of his neck to bring him closer to her, she trembled and ended their kiss, pulling back and looked at a mesmerised Joseph that was only inches away from her. She'd never seen that look but recognised the familiar sparkle he'd have every time he would be looking at her. Why did break the kiss she wouldn't know but she saw that he didn't want it to and. Joseph felt his inner senses awaking slowly to her intoxicating lips. He knew Clarisse didn't know what to do, how to act. "I've never been in love… until today." She would say. Joseph closed the gap and captured his lips with hers, which made her escape a soft moan in his mouth. "This is promising..." he thought for a moment. Once again, she pulled back and tried to catch her breath. She looked intensely at him, as if she would be saying: "Oh God, Joseph, what are you doing to me?"
It was her that firmly crushed her lips against his, feeling a raw of passion suddenly. Joseph simply put his arms around her, pulling her closer to him. He would have wanted this moment never to end but they've reached their destination. Joseph got out of the car first, took a quick look around him to find that the only person that were there were photographs and journalists. Shaking his head, he offered his hand to Clarisse to help her out of the vehicle. He automatically brought his hand near her back, to let her know she was safe, that he has his eyes everywhere around. Clarisse stopped her pace, turned around to face him.
"What are you doing?" she asked him.
"My job!" he answered, still looking around, making sure the ground was safe. Then he realised what she meant.
"Your job? She replied. Hum, she said, smiling broadly but her smile dropped to show her serious face. Walk with me…" Hand in hand they walked together toward the reception where people were waiting for them to enter.
"Your Highness, Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Lord Joseph Romero of Genovia!" At the announcement, the people raised front their chair and acclaimed warmly the newlyweds. Clarisse, whose cheeks reddened, and Joseph exchanged a quick glance and smiled to the present guests, who bowed as they walked toward the table of honour. Out of the crowd, Clarisse saw Amelia who stepped in front of everyone, to receive a warm embrace from her grandmother, who whispered to her ear:
"Thank you my love…" Clarisse said. Mia smiled but her eyes were questioning. Had the Queen, her grandmother, Clarisse Renaldi, just say "thank you"? And… "my love"? Mia shook her head, thinking it would be better if she would simply cherish those few words.
Everybody took their places and waited for Clarisse to make the sign for them to sit. The waiters came to bring the first. Mia rose from her chair and hit her flute with her knife, which broke the flute. She smiled shyly and cleared her throat.
"Ahem… I don't think I would have seen this day coming but I'm certainly glad it did. I would think that we all knew that there was a sparkle between you two, before you did. I've got to know you, grandma and got to know you Joseph and I couldn't think of two people more perfect for the other. We look at you and… it just… fits! To the bride and groom! Now kiss her Joseph!" Clarisse's cheeks had reddened with Mia's speech and everybody was suddenly shouting for them to kiss. What was that behavior? Clarisse and Joseph exchanged a glance and were smiling broadly. Joseph leant forward Clarisse and tenderly kissed her cheek, thinking that, perhaps, it wouldn't be appropriate to kiss her – oh so soft - lips. To his
touch, Clarisse chuckled.
They went through the dinner without many interruptions; a course followed the other. After the dessert, when the tables were cleaned, the orchestra began to play a waltz. Joseph got up and asked Clarisse to dance.
"Madam, would you do me the honour of a dance?" Joseph asked her, presenting his hand to her.
"I'd be delighted, Sir" she answered. He led her to the center of the ballroom and extended his hand to reach her back. They've danced before, all right but Clarisse felt his touch being different. As his hand rested on her body, she dropped her smile and gazed toward him, the feeling of love awakens her inner hidden senses. Joseph smiled at her and waltz her through the dance floor, bringing her closer, passing his nose through her hair, breathing her delicate perfume. It was out of etiquette but he just couldn't help it.
They were silent, again, on their way to the airport. They would have to talk; there were many things to be discussed but for the moment, they wanted to embrace the tranquility. Tranquility? If their hearts would be drums there would be some infernal noise at the back of the car. Both didn't know how to act toward the other. Clarisse had separated herself from the world for far too long and Joseph, as much as he wanted to share even the smallest contact with her, he didn't want to scare her either by rushing things.
It didn't take long for the plane to take off. The flight shall last about two hours… Without thinking, Clarisse was the first to talk.
"What are you thinking about?" She asks Joseph, seeing him looking outside the window.
"To be honest, I don't know Clarisse." Was his answer. The tone he used warmed her heart; she felt some kind of easiness in it. They both smiled. Clarisse brought her head to place it on Joseph's shoulder and closed her eyes as she let out a sigh. Joseph had his hand on the top of her head; striking her hair with his fingers, enjoying the softness of her hair, how thin and light they feel, he then leant forward and kissed her forehead. Joseph adjusted himself in the seat and placed his head on Clarisse's; she was asleep. He played with his fingers in her hair before he fell asleep as well. They were awoken by the captain's announcement that they would be landing so they needed to buckle up.