CHAPTER 2

The next morning Joseph found Clarisse in her office, signing papers again. He knocked on the open door and saw her say,
"You may come in."

"Good morning, your majesty. May I have a word?" he bowed. Clarisse took her glasses off and chuckled.

"You know what to call me, Joseph. I believe I have made myself quite clear," she motioned for him to sit down in the chair across from her desk. He sat down and cleared his throat.

"Very well then, Clarisse," she smiled at that and leaned back in her chair.

"What is on your mind, Joseph?" she asked, searching his eyes.

"I have been wondering what in the world happened last night?" he asked, still a bit confused. She smiled broadly.

"Whatever do you mean, dear?" She loved to tease. He leaned forward a bit.

"Clarisse, you accepted my proposal and I am finding it hard to believe."

"It is not that difficult, Joseph. I realized what I was loosing, listened to my heart and accepted. What seems to be the problem?" she smiled.

"It was just a big surprise. I was not expecting it," he leaned back in his chair. She stood up, leaned across her desk a bit and tried to sound as seductive as she could.

"Well, my dear, expect many surprises when you become a married man." With that she walked over to him, as he swallowed hard, and placed a soft kiss onto his cheek. He gladly accepted it by standing up and kissing the back of her hand.

"Now if you'll excuse me, there are two weddings to be planned," she winked and walked out of her office, in search of her granddaughter.

Joseph was checking the security system but couldn't seem to get Clarisse out of his mind for one moment. What has gotten into her? Whatever it was, he sure as hell wasn't going to complain now. Once the check-up was complete, he left the security room and walked towards the front entrance of the palace. He stopped at the doors when he saw Princess Mia with Andrew, talking and hugging on the stairs. He decided it would be best to go back inside and let them talk. He would make sure to tell Mia that Nicholas didn't set her up at the lake. Joseph just couldn't believe that those two were caught cuddling by the lake. Mia had suspected Nicholas right away but the maids said otherwise. The maids really do know everything.

As he walked back inside, he accidently bumped into Clarisse.

"Oh I am sorry, Clarisse," he quickly caught her upper arm as she stumbled.

"It's nice bumping into you too, Joseph," she laughed.

He could feel his cheeks redden. She smiled and stood there, watching him turn red. She loved having that affect on a man like him. A man who never shows emotion in public. A man who always seems so tough. He noticed her watching and finally cleared his throat.

"Is there anything you need?" he asked. Her cheeks reddened and he smiled, knowing what she was thinking. Bringing her glance up to look at him again, she said, "Yes. I am looking for Mia but can't seem to find her anywhere."

"She is outside with Andrew..." Clarisse started to walk outside but he caught her arm,"...but I wouldn't go out there just now," he said and walked her back inside.

"Thank you for the warning. Joseph, I wonder if we could speak in private?" she asked.

"Of course," he replied and led her out into the garden; one of her favorite places, if not the favorite place in Genovia. They walked in silence, his arms by his sides and hers clasped infront of her. They walked to the gazebo and sat down.

"How odd. This is where you proposed,"she smiled at him. They were sitting in the same exact places when he asked her to bring their friendship out of the shadows. He looked around a bit and smiled.

"Indeed."

She placed her hand on his and began.

"I am sure you must be thinking that I've gone completely mad. I apologize for causing confusion, Joseph," he was about to interrupt but she continued. "You are, and have always been, my one true love. That may sound cheesy, as Mia puts it, but it's true. I am so in love and I refuse to let you get away. Yes, I have a duty to my country. Yes, it has been drilled into me my whole life. For once I have come to my senses and am finally listening to my heart. As you've said before, perhaps it's time to consider the duty I have to myself."

Joseph sat there, holding her hand, and smiling at her. She always knew just what to say.

"Very well said, my dear. You can deliver quite a speech. I understand and thank you for making it all clear. I'm sure you knew how confused I have been," he laughed lightly and she smiled, staring down at their entwined hands. He continued caressing her hand with his thumb.

"I admire your honesty. You are priceless, my darling. However...," he stopped and she looked at him, fearing the worst,"...you owe me a dance. I'm afraid this will not work without a dance," he smiled and she found herself breathing again. She then stood up and gladly accepted his open arms. Her hands found the back of his neck as his encircled her, curvy and rather lovely, waist. He closed his eyes as she rested her head against his chest. Oh, how she loved that black shirt and leather jacket. Oh and that cologne. She was in his arms at last.

Thank you for reading! I am currently working on Chapter 3 and it will be up as soon as possible. Please leave reviews and I hope you liked it. :) -Maya