Chapter 4: The Morning after Rupert's Death
Joe followed Clarisse into her suite. Clarisse sat on the lounger in the sitting room. She is still in shock thought Joe. "Clarisse, do you feel like talking about what happened last night," said Joe. "Joe, there is not much to say," she said avoiding the subject. "I believe there is. Clarisse, you do not need to protect his reputation from me. I know he raped, and assaulted you last night," Joe said with as much delicacy as possible. Clarisse just sat there and outright cried. "No, Joe we were making love, and the king had a heart attack," she said trying to sound convincing. He walked over to Clarisse, and pulled her to her feet. "Clarisse, you are not a very convincing liar. Your best friend is also your body guard, and he knows better. I am really worried about you," said Joseph lovingly.
"The evidence all points to the fact that he raped and assauted you," said Joe. "What evidence Joe there is no evidence," Clarisse is trying the run around. "Well lets see the ripped night gown, the restraints to tie you down, the marks on your hands and feet from being tied down, the gag for over your mouth, which I am sure has your saliva on it, the bruise on your cheek with a hand print, the tearing in your private area the doctor says is a sign of rape," said Joe holding her close. "Oh Joe, I am so ashamed. He came in here drunk and had his way with me. I took a shower, but I still feel his body on me," Clarisse is hysterical now. "Clarisse, you have nothing to be ashamed of. This is not your fault. He did something despicable, and I wish I could take it all away," he just hugged her all the tighter. "Joseph, please stay with me. I need someone with me," said a frightened Clarisse.
Joseph talked to Charlotte and told her to make the statement to the press. Charlotte agreed to. "Please also inform the staff that the queen wishes not to be disturbed today. She needs some time Charlotte," Joseph said showing some worry. "I will do that Joe. The queen is she okay. I saw what you did it was rape right?" Charlotte said knowingly. Joe just shook his head. "Joe, I will not tell anyone else. I care to much for my queen to let this leak out," Charlotte said assuringly.
Joe reentered the queen's suite, and sat back down next to the queen. "Clarisse, I love you," Joe whispered to her. "I love you to Joe," she said sleepily. Joe was startled. He never realized that she was not quite asleep. He picked up his queen, and carried her into her bedchamber. He went to walk out of the door. When he heard her whisper sleepily, "please don't leave Joseph." He returned to the bed. "Please lay here in bed with me. I want to be with someone who really loves me right now. Make love to me Joseph," said Clarisse with her heart laid out for him. "I have hoped for this for a long time, but I do not want to take advantage of your vulnerability Clarisse," exclaimed Joe.
She kissed him as a answer, and that was the beginning of helping her to forget Rupert.
The next morning, he was still there. Clarisse just sat up and watched the sleeping Joseph. It was a good thing to be near him. The next week would be hard on her as she had to mourn Rupert in public. 'This is going to be tough mourning someone you never loved,' she thought. Well it was time to face the country again. She had her new love though by her side. He will always be there.
Author's Note: Please review I would love some feedback. There is still a lot more to come.