It had been a week since he had held Clarisse in his arms, they had danced and not as a queen and her head of secruity. They had danced as a couple in love, oblivious to the world around them. He had thought of nothing else, tossing and turning at night, he soft embrace that got stronger as she relaxed into the song or maybe to him. He had decided that he would make the next move. Finding Clarisse on a Monday was easy, the office. Slipping in quietly as she spoke on the phone Joseph waited patiently.
"Good morning Joseph. How are you today?" She asked without looking up.
"Good Morning Clarisse, I am indecisive." He waited for her to raise her eyes to his in silent question to him before contuing. "I have a problem that maybe you could help with. I danced with this beautiful woman a few days ago and although i can not be sure i think that she enjoyed it as much as i and i was just wondering if she would be willing to take an evening off and join me for dinner. What do you think she would say? "
With her head down to hide the blush and smile that had crept onto her face Clarisse trhought momentarily "Where would you be taking this friend of yours? "
Not fazed by her terminology in refering to them as only friends he continued. "I believe the new resaurant in Pyrus is quite excellent, serving a variety of national foods some that as far as i remember Your Majesty rather enjoys."
"Oh Joseph...i cant possibly been seen out dating in public, how would that look especially with you." She said without thought, then her head snapped up to see the hurt in his eyes. "Oh my god Joseph i didnt mean that how it sounded I.."
"I am quite sure you didnt.. thank you Your Majesty, if that will be all there are things i must attend to." She just watched as he left cursing her inability to deal with any emotion especially around Joseph.
A few seconds later Mia bounded into the room and looked at her grandmother closely before asking "What is worng with Joe he looks like he could kill someone or cry?"
Bowing her head once again Clarisse told Mia the story of earlier. "Oh ok. Thats all!" Thinking hard about the queens situation Mia smiled. "Why cant you go ? Show the world that you are just as human as the rest of them. He loves you and i doubt he would ever let any harm come to you.."
"I know that but ..."
"Or the monarchy, he would be the perfect person to go out with, he understands the required etiquette and knows that he cant have a normal relationship with you." She smiled at the wishful look on her grandmothers face. "I think that that you should be you and stop living for what people expect as you will never reach their expectations that way. Or your own." With that she left her grandmother to think.
What was she doing listening tothe advice of her teenage granddaughter, running around the castle looking for Joseph. I will just have him brought. Sitting in her office with Charlotte close to her side Clarisse heard a whisper through Charlottes earpiece , they had found Joseph and were wondering where to bring him. From the ear piece she could also hear Joseph's comments "probably wants to tell me i am not good enough" Her heart breaking Clarisse informed Charlotte to have him brought to the library where she would meet him and take her tea.
Sitting waiting in ther library Queen Clarisse felt her heart rate increase. He walked in with a look od sheer pain in his eyes and his body so tense, anyway moving away for his body. "Joseph."
"Your Majesty" Ever polite, nodding in acknowledgement.
"Joseph, i didnt mean what i said earlier to come out that way, you have to know that i would love to date you but i cant i am a queen.."
"And i am merely as servant of the royal family, i am aware of our positions. Had i known that my affection be so wrongly placed i would never have approached you. " Still standing at full attention and looking at the wall behind her, Clarisse let go of her control momentarily and advanced.
"JOSEPH, stop hiding behind your wall of propriety" Still advancing on him she raised her hands and grabbed his shirt in her fists, he opened his mouth to speak but found it covered with her own, the force of her against him sent them both crashing against the door. As he became alive to her ministrations, her body pressed against his he rolled them so she was against the door. A few moments passed before the need for air grew and they broke apart, still gently caressing each others lips. "Does that feel like your affection is misplaced. I should not be seen dating but someone told me earlier today to live for me so what time do we leave?"
Still quite shocked and trying to regain control after her kisses Joseph could only manage "Eight".
With that she left, swaying her hips a little more than normal and with a huge smile at the fact that for once in her life she was truly desired by a man and that she held so much physical power over that same man.
Joseph watched her leave admiring the view now that she is doing just to tease me.
TBC
