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Chapter 20: End of an Era

The entire palace was buzzing with excitement over the coronation. The members of Parliament had arrived, representatives from the church were there, Helen, Andrew with Lady Alyssa, Nicholas…everyone was anxiously awaiting the beginning of the ceremony. Television sets were tuned in all over Genovia to see their beloved Queen transfer the power to rule the country over to her granddaughter. News of the events of last night had spread quickly and there were nervous currents running throughout the entire population.

There was a sense of calm, however, inside the royal suites. Mia had visited with Nicholas earlier in the morning and was now being tended to by her lady's maids. Paulo had already been to see Mia and was now tending to Queen Clarisse. Joseph watched as Paulo used his magic to remove any lingering signs of the stress from the last twenty four hours that Clarisse had been through. Even though she seemed more at peace today, there were still some residual shadows that would have been evident if not for the skillful work of the expert. Paulo had seemed uncharacteristically quiet as he worked. He seemed to understand the importance of what was to take place today.

"Paulo is finished, your Majesty" he announced quietly after tucking the last strands of hair into place before putting the small crown on her head.

She exhaled and turned slowly to see herself in the mirror on the dresser. Seeing proof that all evidence of what was hidden below the surface was carefully concealed, she smiled up at him. "Much better, Paulo. Thank you."

He took her hand and gently kissed it once. "The honor is all mine, your Majesty. It has been a privilege to serve you and your granddaughter today."

Paulo, along with Olivia, left to give Clarisse some time before the ceremony began. As they were leaving, Charlotte entered. "If I may have a moment of your time, your Majesty?"

She smiled at her assistant. "Of course, Charlotte, how are you feeling today?"

"Much better, thank you. As long as I don't have to run in any marathons, I should be fine."

"That is good news, indeed. And I'm certain there are no marathons on the schedule, correct?" she smiled as she asked the question.

"Yes ma'am, that is correct."

Both women stood looking at each other. Joseph sensed that perhaps he should give them a few moments alone. He stepped toward Clarisse and kissed her gently on the head. "My dear, if you don't mind, I think I'll check one last time on the security before the ceremony begins."

She recognized that he was bowing out gracefully to allow her some privacy. She cupped his cheek, "I think that's a wonderful idea. Thank you, Joseph." Her hand lingered for just a moment as she closed her eyes in silent thanks for the wonderful man that stood before her.

He turned his head and kissed her palm. "Until later then, my love." He squeezed Charlotte's shoulder and smiled at her as he exited. He knew this would be a difficult day for both women as they were saying good bye to an era. Although Charlotte would continue to serve in her official capacity, the service would be to Queen Mia rather than Clarisse.

As the door closed behind Joseph, Clarisse gestured to Charlotte. "Would you like to sit down?"

Charlotte shook her head no and tried to find the right words to say to her friend, her Queen. The tears threatened to spill from both women's eyes. "Come now, Charlotte. Paulo will not be happy if he has to come back in here to do my face again."

Their laughter broke the seriousness of the moment, "Well, we mustn't let that happen, your Majesty."

Clarisse turned very serious as she looked tenderly at her assistant. "Charlotte…I…I find I am at a loss for words to convey my thoughts at this moment."

"I understand, your Majesty."

"Yes. Yes, you always have. You have been a wonderful assistant and an even better friend. Next to Joseph, there is no one who has known and understood me as well as you have. You went well above your job requirements. I will never be able to thank you for the way you took care of me and tended to the millions of details that I could have never handled on my own. Your loyalty, devotion, and friendship…well…I am forever grateful."

"It has been my honor to serve you, your Majesty. And, although I shall enjoy serving Princess Mia…well Queen Amelia, I shall miss you terribly. I…" the tears spilled from her eyes.

Clarisse closed the space between them, putting her arms around her and drawing her into an embrace. "I certainly hope that we shall remain friends." She separated a bit from her. "As a matter of fact, I was hoping that our friendship would continue to deepen. I'm afraid I've grown quite fond of you."

"And I you, your Majesty."

"Of course, we'll have to work on you calling me by my name rather than 'your Majesty'."

"That may take some time; but perhaps some day." Charlotte backed away, took Clarisse's hand and kneeled before her. "Today, however, you are still my Queen and I have always been and will forever be your faithful servant. It has been an honor to be of service to you, your Majesty"

Charlotte touched her forehead to the back of Clarisse's hand signifying the deep love and respect she had for her Queen. Clarisse clasped her other hand over Charlotte's and pulled her to her feet. She smiled and nodded her gratitude recognizing the symbolic gesture Charlotte had just made to her. They hugged one more time before Charlotte excused herself to make the final preparations for the Eagle to fly for the last time.

Clarisse put on the jacket portion of her dress and made her way to the throne room. She spun slowly looking at all the portraits of the Renaldi monarchs who had gone before her and noted the space left for those who would come after her.

For a moment she allowed herself to swell with pride at being part of such a great tradition and for the courage she had displayed in making the decisions and sacrifices that would allow the Renaldi rule to continue.

She sighed…her sacrifices had been many. From denying herself true love for so long to almost losing herself completely to duty and the monarchy. She walked over to the throne and ran her hand over the intricate carvings. She sat, for the last time, on the throne remembering the many hours she had spent in this place. She had listened to and cared for the people of Genovia for so long…she wasn't sure how to let that go. She sat back on the throne and closed her eyes…just remembering.

She didn't hear or see him come in – had no idea how long he had been there. When she opened her eyes, he was there – kneeling before the throne. She sat up straight and looked at him with love in her eyes.

"If I may? I would like an audience with the Queen, your Majesty." He spoke quietly.

"What is your dilemma, young man?"

"I fear I have been deceiving a woman I love very much for many years now."

"I see. What was the nature of the deceit?"

"I'm afraid I was less than honest with her about my reasoning for decisions I made a long time ago. This resulted in harm to our relationship that lasted for far too many years."

"That is not good, young man. However, if the reason for your deceit was honorable…perhaps there can be restitution."

"They were most honorable, your Majesty. I deceived her to protect her. Do you think she will forgive me?"

"Hmmm, that depends. What have you brought for my table?" Her mouth curled into a small smile as she asked this question.

He smiled in return. "I'm afraid all I have is a blessing to offer – for continued prosperity and success to the Renaldi family."

"I think that is more than sufficient, my dear." She stood and practically ran into his arms. "Oh Pierre, I'm so glad you're here! I tried calling several times. I wanted to apologize for the horrible way I've treated you over the years because of your abdication. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."

Pierre relished being in his mother's arms again. He felt cherished and loved as if he was a small boy again receiving the love that only a mother can give. "Of course, Mother. All is forgiven. I'm just glad you're safe and that these men are finally behind bars."

She hugged him again. "So, let's go find Joseph. I know he would love to see you and we haven't much time before the ceremony begins."

Pierre laughed. "How do you think I found you, Mother? Joseph told me where you were."

"But, how did he know where I was? I was alone when I came here from my suite."

Pierre smiled at her, "Mother, you should know by now that you're never alone and Joseph always knows where you are – even when he's not around."

Her countenance brightened ever further as she thought of her beloved husband and the way he was always watching over her. "Indeed, my son, I should know. Come. Let's get you settled in. I'm afraid I must get to my appointed place soon or both Charlotte and Joseph will come looking for me!"

"Ah, but I thought Queens were never late, Mother." Pierre couldn't resist teasing her.

She put her arm through his as she replied, "I'm afraid that today may be the one exception, my son. Better not to chance it."

Mother and son walked out of the throne room with locked arms. Just before exiting, Clarisse turned and looked at the room with a slight sadness that, in a few hours, things would never be the same again.

A short time later, Clarisse found herself standing at the entrance way to the balcony that she would enter on and then descend the staircase in sync with Mia to the lower level where the ceremony would occur.

She gave the signal that she was ready and through the small devices that Charlotte and the security team kept in their ears, they communicated that fact to each other. Joseph was waiting with her and would remain upstairs for a short time before joining her on the main level.

She heard the cadence of the Royal Guard begin as they marched in. The excitement in the air was almost palpable. She turned and faced Joseph, taking a deep breath as he placed the formal, heavy crown on her head.

"Good luck my dear; and, may I say, it has been an honor to serve under you as your head of security." He leaned in to kiss her on the cheek and then whispered in her ear, "And, as your husband, I look forward to serving under you later tonight!"

She blushed as she thought of her upcoming honeymoon Although it wasn't like they had waited over this past week, it would be the first time they would be together without any interruptions, duty, or responsibility to get in the way. She had to admit that the thought of that frightened her more than a little; but, she would deal with that later. It was now time for Genovia to crown a new Queen. "You are incorrigible, Joseph." she replied as she swatted him playfully on the arm.

As she stepped onto the balcony, her heart filled with pride at the beautiful sight her granddaughter made as she entered from the opposite side. Mia wore the customary white gown with gold accents. The white signifying, as it did in weddings, purity and a new beginning. The gold representing the royal blood which flowed through her veins. Clarisse's dress was entirely gold in color representing her reign coming full cycle and that the time had come to turn the rule over to another.

She locked eyes with Mia; and, for a moment, they stood there communicating silently all of the joy, hope, and fear over what had and would transpire as Mia took her rightful place among the Renaldi rulers.

Flashback

Clarisse stepped out of the side room and walked to the top of the stairs. Across the room, Rupert had entered in a similar manner. Although very young, he exuded a power that she found exciting and terrifying all at the same time. They had been married only two weeks earlier and had just returned from their honeymoon. Now he was being crowned King of Genovia and she, Queen. He had warned her that their reprieve from duty would be brief…she just had not realized at the time how true his words had been. From the moment she uttered the words, "I solemnly promise so to do.", her life had been changed forever – duty came first; and, often, was all that mattered. For over 40 years, there had been only duty. And now as soon as Mia uttered those same words in just a few minutes, her life would change forever again.

She mentally shook herself and smiled at Mia before they turned to head down the stairs. She took her place next to the throne and felt the weight of the crown being lifted from her head and placed on Mia's. She felt it was appropriate that it weighed so much as it symbolized the burden of duty and responsibility that came with wearing the crown. It also represented the end of her reign and the beginning of her life with Joseph.

Mia turned to look at her grandmother before speaking her oath. Clarisse beamed with pride and there was a glint of humor in her eyes as she recalled the day she told Mia she was a princess.

Flashback

"You are a princess…"

"Shut up!"

"I beg your pardon?"

Indeed they had come a long way from that day. This time Mia responded with something more appropriate than "Shut up!"

"I solemnly promise so to do." And just like that, an era ended. She felt Joseph come to stand beside her and take her arm. She decided that while it may be the end of one very long chapter in her life, she was excited about how the next chapter would be written. It was starting with a honeymoon with the man she loved more than anything else…how bad could that be? They both smiled at each other as they watched Mia make her way to the end of the Royal Guard while Genovia's national anthem was being sung by all the guests – including Lionel (who had insisted on being released so he could attend), Elsie Kentworthy (Clarisse had wanted to revoke her press pass, but Joseph had talked her out of it), and even the Von Trokens. Then the final announcement that made it official:

"Presenting her Majesty, Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi…Queen of Genovia."

Several hours later

"Good bye, Prime Minister.

Thank you for your continual support over the past several years. I would not have wanted to attempt to take on Parliament without you. It is good to know that Mia will have you by her side."

"I look forward to it. I suspect there will never be a dull moment."

Clarisse and Joseph laughed at the Prime Minister's statement especially since, they decided, he had no idea how true that statement really was.

"Well, my dear, that was the last of our honored guests." Joseph put his arm around her as they made their way from the grand ball room.

Mia walked along beside them. "So are you two leaving tonight for your honeymoon?"

"Yes."

"No."

Joseph and Clarisse responded in unison. Mia laughed, "It's good that you two have this all worked out and have communicated so well!"

"Joseph, what do you mean that we are leaving tonight? I couldn't possibly get ready in such a short time."

"Darling, you've had a lifetime to get ready; and, besides, Olivia and Priscilla have packed everything as I instructed."

"Well suppose I had something special that I wanted to bring along?" she teased.

"Then I can wait a few minutes while you run up and get it!"

"You most definitely are incorrigible! I did want to spend some time with Pierre, though."

"I've already spoken to him and he will be staying for an extended visit, so there will be plenty of time for visiting and catching up when we return."

"So I have nothing to say in this matter? Only three hours since turning the crown over to Mia and already my authority is gone."

"Oh, Gramma, you'll always be our Queen; but when it comes to your personal life, we just have to help push you in the right direction."

Clarisse made one of her faces she had become known for when she didn't like the turn of events; but, to her credit, she didn't comment further on it. Instead she locked her arms through Joseph's and Mia's and, arm in arm, the Royal family made their way back to their private suites. As the doors to the ballroom were opened to allow their exit, she tossed one quick look back at the throne sitting in the middle of the room. She looked to Mia and then to Joseph and then led them through the doors as, together, they ushered in a new era.


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