Chapter 11.

Not much happens in this chapter. Due to the last full days at work before Christmas break I have less time and inspiration. I'm sorry, I will try and get inspired over Christmas.

11. Before Joseph's trip to America

A few weeks later.

Joseph sat on the sofa in Clarisse's suite again. Ever since that first date night they continued to spend some dates together. Not every evening, just one or twice a week. They had obligations elsewhere and they just started dating anyway. Getting to know each other slowly went well.

Until now they settled for Clarisse's suite as location every time. It was safe ground, no one dared to enter the Queen's private domain without asking permission to enter and there were no cameras. During their dates they talked about everything and nothing, they shared kisses and held hands.

Joseph was content with how things were progressing. Clarisse was getting more and more comfortable during their evenings together and less nervous. He himself was struggling to keep things slow at the intimate level, but he managed great until now. Keeping everything low profile, don't overdo things, don't ruin anything. But his dreams, well…

He watched as Clarisse opened a bottle of wine again like she did every time he met her in her suite. She got the cork out at the first attempt today. It was a nice sight, but still Joseph was concerned a little. Tomorrow he would leave for America. The princess just finished her education and he would be present at the celebration ceremony and then escort her home. Clarisse was not able to attend due to parliament meetings in Genovia, so they would be separated for a week.

He could stand that separation, but he was a little nervous about how to continue once the princess was around non-stop. She would bark into any room Clarisse was in at any time without asking. She was family after all and Clarisse would pay a lot of attention to her granddaughter. So, what would become of them?

The arrival of the princess also meant that Clarisse would not be Queen much longer. A few months and then she would step down to make room for the princess. She would still be the new Queen's main advisor, but it offered perspective for something else. Something more personal. A new relationship. Until now they had avoided the subject of a serious relationship and the future that was further away then just a few weeks.

Maybe there would be a chance for them to date somewhere else. Out. Going to the theatre or have dinner in town. Show their love to the world. Joseph smiled at the idea. But then he reminded himself harshly what are you thinking! No ring, no bring! He looked away from Clarisse to his folded hands and sighted. It was everything or nothing. You can't have a relationship with royalty without being married. But how on earth could he ever court her properly if he had to do it in secret?

He sighted again. A difficult conversation was probably coming up. Not exactly what he wanted when the alternative was kissing Clarisse the whole evening.

"What's on your mind? Something troubling you?" she asked. When looking up he saw her walking towards him and handing him his glass.

"I think I want to discuss something" he murmured between sips.

Clarisse sat down and faced him, a little nervous. "Is it the lack of progress on our level of intimacy that is bordering you? I…well…I don't mind moving on a little." While talking she took his free hand and turned it, letting it rest palm down on the swell of her breast.

Joseph looked as his hand that rested on her chest, feeling the fabric of her blouse while holding his fingers still. Her train of thought was so different from his that he was dumb folded for a few seconds. He did not want to ruin this special moment, so he decided to address the serious subject about their relationship and their future later.

"I was just thinking about the events from today. But I have to admit that I long to touch you here."

While he kissed her, lips meeting, he tried to get rid of his glass somehow, trying not to spill any wine. When he succeeded both hands were free to stroke her breasts trough the fabric of her clothes. Her breast felt heavy, soft and warm. Clarisse moaned into his mouth when he found her nipples and stroked them with his thump.

His hands were pushed away and when he broke the kiss to check with her if he overstepped his boundaries, he saw her unbutton her blouse. His mind raced to a similar scenario with his one-night stand weeks ago, but he did not want to remind Clarisse of that right now and this was far better anyway. She responded to his touches so nicely, so warm, and apparently she wanted more.

A black lace bra came in sight and her nipples were hard now, showing trough the thin fabric. Not able to resist the temptation any longer Joseph brought his head down and kissed the swell of her left breast, then her right. Stroked the bottom of her breasts with his thumb while placing his mouth on the fabric, sucking on one of her nipples while her bra was still on.

His heartbeat went up fast, and he heard that Clarisse was breathing in and out quickly. It told him she liked this as much as he did. He let one of his hands travel around her body to her back, searching for the clasp of her bra when she stopped him. Her hand on his arm gently squeezing it.

"We have to stop."

While looking her in the eye and taking his hands away from her she continued "I know that I initiated this. It makes me feel…you know…but I am afraid that I won't be able to stop when we continue this. I don't want to go all the way yet."

She sighted and started to close her buttons.

"I am sorry." She stood, picked up her glass from the table and swallowed a big amount of wine.

"Don't be. We will get there together some day." Joseph said while he came to stand next to her and pulled her close.

While she rested her head against his shoulder he knew for sure. There is only one way to move forward. Marriage. My god, how to discuss that with her? He swallowed. But he also felt happy and smiled into her hair.