Clarisse walked toward the crowd of journalists and photographers without looking at anyone. Shades walked two steps behind her, taking Joseph's place. No one asked any questions. They are so sure that's Clarisse on Joseph picture… But no… The Queen just arrived now… So, who's the mysterious lady Joseph wanted to hide? When the doors of the elevator opened, Joseph came out, bowed and kissed the back of her hand.

"Your Majesty, we're very flattered for you…"

"Joseph, you're a very important man… All of this wonderful reporters are here for you, not for me!" they both smile and leave the hall. When the elevator door's closed, Clarisse kissed him on the lips, leaving Charlotte flushed and looking at the floor and a very surprised Joseph.

"Thank you, dear!" Clarisse touched Joseph cheek with her hand. "I own you everything! It's so unfair to you… To both of us! Dear Joseph, in the next Parliament session, I will talk about us! I love you and I want you!"

"Clarisse, my love! there is nothing I want more then to be able to love you openly, but we must wait. Mia is the must important thing now…"

Clarisse was speechless… Joseph was telling her to wait? After all this years… to wait?

"Of course!" She said and turned around to Charlotte.

"I'm sorry, dear. I let myself be carried away by emotions!" Joseph understand perfectly her words…

"Ho no, Your Majesty! You deserve all the happiness. And you are made for each other!" Clarisse smile but don't say a word.

Seconds later, they arrived at the floor. Laura was the first to hug Clarisse.

"We make it! I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you, Laura! All of you! Let's hope they believe! But the most important, how is your mother?"

"Still sleeping, but the doctor said she's Ok."

"Good. I in need of a cup of tea. Charlotte, will you came with me, please?"

"Of course, Your Majesty." And both woman leave the chamber.

"Joseph, what's the matter?" Asked Isabel, concerned.

"Nothing! Nothing's wrong."

"You not told, did you?"

"No…"

"Joseph, why? You must…"

"No, Laura! I am, what I am. And that's all!"

"But she loves you! Openly! She's got the right to know!"

"I know, but…" Joseph walked toward Clarisse and Charlotte and he can sense a coldness in the air.

"Clarisse, my I have a word with you?"

"I'm sorry, Joseph but I was…"

"Clarisse, please. Give me a minute."

"your Majesty, I go to check Shades… If you need me…" Charlotte was visibly muddled. Joseph almost turn down the Queen… What was he thinking? She was willing to bring They romance out of the shadows and he say no? NO? This is an awkward situation. So, check Shades it's a very good excuse to leave the chamber…

"That's all right, Charlotte. Go." Joseph grabbed her hands but she moved away.

"What can I do for you, Joseph?"

"Clarisse, please… Don't do it… why are you acting like that?"

"Me? Acting like what? I don't want to talk about it anymore. I'll stay until your mother wake. Then I return to Genovia. You're free from your duty until your mother was fully recovered."

"Clarisse, let me explain…"

"Joseph, I'm not use to be turned down so, if you excuse me…"

"I'm not turned you down!"

"Really? Allows me to disagree. I'm feeling a fool…" In that moment the doctor call them.

"Your Majesty, Sir? Lady Maria is awake."

"Thank you!" Said Clarisse and went out the door, followed by Joseph.

Laura, Isabel and Miguel were already next to the bed. Joseph kneel and grabbed Maria's hand. Clarisse stood by him, with a smile.

"It's everything all right, my dear?" Maria looked at Clarisse and Joseph and she could feel there something wrong…

"Yes, Maria! Don't worry! We are just tiered…" And Clarisse get close Joseph. "Right, darling?"

"Of course, mama!" Then, the doors opened and all the security team of Genovia step into the room.

The first instinct was to protect Clarisse and Joseph shielded her with his own body.

"Shades?"

"I'm sorry, Sir but it's the first time I have to deal with a security team from another Queen…" Isabel, Laura and Miguel looked at Joseph and then Queen Sofia from Spain enter the room…

"Maria, dear! You scared me to death."

"Sofia, you came!" Joseph froze, Clarisse was speechless. And then the Queen Sofia turn to Joseph.

"Dear Joseph, still magnificent! Any girlf… Your Majesty?" Both Queen's looked at each other surprised. No one dare to say a word.

"Shades. Everyone leaves the room. Now!"

"Your Majesty!" Say Clarisse "I didn't expect to see you here…"

"Neither do I! Well, Maria is my husband cousin and a great friend of mine!"

"Joseph was my Head of Security and we, me and his family, usually spend the holidays at Genovia… We are old friends… with secrets! Your Majesty…"

"Please call me Sofia."

"Sofia, it was a pleasure but I must leave now. I would be delighted if you came to visit me at Genovia. Out of the records if you pleased."

"I will, Clarisse! Thank you!"

"Maria, I hope you become better soon. I would love you came to Genovia to recover. And thank you, my dear!" Maria couldn't avoid the tears.

"Thank you? What for, Your Majesty?" Clarisse squeezes her hands

"For everything, Maria! For everything…!"

Clarisse said goodbye and leave without looking back. Charlotte didn't say a word either. Clarisse was heartbroken. Now everything made sense… She was played! Played by the man she's so madly in love! Joseph managed to pick her up at the elevator.

"Your majesty…" everyone stand still…

"I'm in hurry, Joseph."

"No! You will listening to me!" And he grabbed her elbow.

"You're late! I hope that you have a lot of fun. Please, inform Charlotte when do you planning return to work. Now, get out of my way!"

Joseph swallowed hard and bowed.

The return to Genovia was quiet…