After numerous dates under the guise of getting to know the public and people the press were begining to focus there attention elsewhere. Her relationship with Joseph. At the agreed press release following a day in Ilona the questions really began.

"Your Highness, why is it that your days out are only shared with Joseph ?" Damn that Elsie Kentworthy.

"As you are all well aware my husband died. Whilst on these visits i do not wish to be surrounded by numerous security officers, i feel that i can better associate myself with my people if i have limited security and Joseph as my head of security and most experience personnel fits the role perfectly." Standing at the back of the room watching the press conference Joe thought that was a perfect answer but how wrong he was.

"Over the course of the past few months and the some fourteen dates you and Joe must have become closer. Do you think that there could be any more than friedship developing between you ?"

"I find that my relationship with Joseph has been far closer than with any other member of staff over the past years since the passing of Rupert and Phillipe. He has provided a constant support and friendship that i needed to help me cope with both tragadies. I am eternally grateful for his devotion to his country." Again the answer was vague but seemed to answer the point. She truly is amazing. Unfortunatly this wasnt sufficient for the reporters.

"Your Highness Is his devotion to his country or to you?" Sensing where this was going Joseph called Charlotte and had her interupt the conference.

"Ladies and Gentlemen there have been some issues raised with a diplomatic function that needs the Queens attention. I will keep you informed of any major changes. We thank you for your cooperation in leaving the palace in an orderly manner." Charlotte ever the professional made her way over to the monarch and dutifully followed her out.

"What needs my attention Charlotte?" Clarisse asked once in the privacy of the hall.

"Nothing your Highness, I thought that the subject of the conference had gone a little to far from the topic and that it was neccesary to stop." Joseph informed his Queen as he approached from the rear door of the press room. Unable to stop her involuntary smile Clarisse turned to look him in the eye.

"I think maybe you are right but they are now going to suspect that your feelings for me go deeper than duty. They will follow you." Her smile now became an anxious slightly worried look.

"It will be ok, i will have them hung in the courtyard by their toes." Following a little chuckle from the queen they both quickly sombred. "Are you ok withthis or would you like to cut down the amount of time we spend together for a while as to halt the rumours."

"NO. I think that would suggest we have something to cover up and truth be told i dont want to stop spending time with you." He smiled as the last part was whispered. She was beginning to open up to him and he loved her all the more for it.

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The following morning at the customary meeting between the Queen and Joseph, Charlotte burst in the door.

"I apologise for the intrusion ma'm but i think you should see this." She switched on the television and who else but Elsie Kentworthy came on screen.

"So ladies and gentlmen this is how the polls look so far. With a stagering 87 of the votes, you the Genovian public think that Joseph Elizondo is the perfect match for our Queen. The polls will remain open for a further twenty four hours before the final totals are announced." Switching the television off again, Charlotte was about to speak when the Queen asked for her and Joe to be left alone for a while. Stating she would find her when she was ready to begin for the day. "Of course your Majesty."

"I think my love you have just been given national approval. Maybe that horrid woman has done us a favour." Raising from her chair she made her way around to him.

Lacing his hands with hers and bringing them up for a tender kiss "How so ?"

"Maybe its time to let the world in on what we have?" She looked nervous like she was afraid that he would say no.

"Are you sure, you are the one with everything to lose? Is it worth it..." Looking nervous himself now he asked what had to be asked "Am I worth it ?"

Smiling and without a moments hesitation "Yes Joseph i believe you are."

"Good." Momentarily forgeting where they were he pulled her close and kissed her hard. "Then i can stand up tall and do that and make every eligable bachelor envious"

"Joseph...behave yourself...but thank you anyway." Laughing at his comment and compliment Clarisse left his warm embrace and immediately missed the comfort it gave.

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The following morning Clarisse entered her office with Charlotte on her heels to find the most beautiful display of flowers. Red and white roses dominated the display. Walking over and reading the card, tears came to her eyes. In his own scrawl it read 'One rose for every date we have been on and one white for the light that day has brought to my life. I love you always' Handing the card to Charlotte, whom Clarisse loved like a daughter she just managed "Read it". Once Charlotte had also read the card both women looked at each other, both equally effected by the message.

"If you dont mind the brashness ma'm, that is one truly love sick man."

"Yes Charlotte, one truly love sick and wonderful man." Nodding her head a few times as if to regain composure Clarisse sat and began her work.

Returning after lunch, Clarisse found a another red rose with a message attached. 'Meet me at the garage. 7pm. White suit.'

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They left once again in his sleak black Jaguar, following the same trail as their very first date, pulling up in front of Round the World. He got out and walked around to open her door and escort her inside. Thats when she noticed the difference. There was only one table set with candles and rose petals spread accross the table cloth. The room was dimmed, slow intimate music played, her mind going straight to thoughts of dancing with him. Graceful and elegant in his arms. He led her accross to the table and helped her sit, a waiter came over and asked for their drinks order which came and they just sat in silence content to be together. With a quick nod of his head Joe signalled for the music to be changed. The upbeat latin music they had danced to in the palace began to play.

"Could i have this dance, madam?" Joe asked giving her a ceremonial bow.

"Of course sir" She rose and was encased safely in his arms. Once again as when they were in the palace, their passion overtook and the steps became merely a way to communicate. Brushing each other a little longer than neccesary, holding each other closer than required. As the dance slowed CXlarisse found her voice. "Why is there only you and me here and no one else ?"

"I wanted us nsot to be disturbed this time."

"What did you do, buy out the restaurant." She asked laughing. His face remained as stoic as ever and his short reply of yes shocked her to the core. " Oh"

Dinner went by as she would expect any to, they talked about anything and everything, it didnt really matter as long as they were talking. They danced and in the privacy of this building she let lose and was Clarisse, a woman madly, truly , deeplpy in love. As the final song ended their face so close together.

"I love you" His whispered words were sweet to her ears "but...i would love you more if i could have the pleasure of holding you at night, waking with you in the morning and accompanying you through you day and those dinners you hate so much."

"She laughed "Joseph you well know that unless you ..." She turned away "..were to be married to me that is a role you can not fill. I cant be seen to entertain men in my ..." Finally understanding what he was asking she spun around. Knealing on the floor and holding a small red leather box boasting a beautiful white and yellow gold ring with embedded diamonds, was Joseph.

"I would love you even more if you would consent to marry me. I am not going to say make me the happiest man in the world because just accepting my love and giving yours in return does that. I want to be there for you at all times. Clarisse Renaldi would you consent to marrying an old man who would give the world for you."

With tears running down her face Clarisse Renaldi nodded her head emphatically and managed a whispered "yes". He stood and almost ran to where she was, placing the ring on her finger and covering her mouth with his within a few seconds. After standing around and kissing for a while, they made their way back to his car.

"I want to tell the world"she declared. Reaching for her hand he raised it to his lips and kissed it tenderly. "If you feel ready to tell the world i will be right by your side. All the way. You have me."