Author's note: Here is the final instalment of this story- again, sorry it's taken so long to post. The ending may not sound right….but that might leave it open for a sequel!

NB: I don't own the Princess Diaries or the characters- they belong to Meg Cabot and Disney.

Later that evening, the palace was lit up with lights, and noise was spilling out from every door of the palace. Downstairs, Charlotte and Sebastian Motez were overseeing the final preparations for that evening's ball, while upstairs; the mood was festive in both suites.

"So, how do you feel being Queen?" Lily, flopped in a chair, asked as Mia was checking her reflection in the mirror- she was wearing a pale pink, off the shoulder gown with short sleeves, and it emphasise her long arms and graceful neck, which she had inherited from her grandmother.

Mia was sometimes surprised at how unpreoccupied her grandmother was with her looks- she was still a very beautiful woman, and she never seemed to have to do much at all. She was as attractive and ladylike in the garden as when she was greeting guests for dinner. Mia hoped that she would be like that when she was older.

She turned to Lily, who was looking uncomfortable in a green dress that set off her eyes, and laughed.

"I've only been Queen for a couple of hours, Lil! This is only the celebration- Monday is the day when the real work begins…ask me at the end of that day!"

She was going to continue when there was a knock on the door, and Joe appeared.

"Joe! What are you doing here…and where's Grandma?"

"Still in our suite, getting dressed, but I had to come and see you for two things. One, Clarisse wants to know why she is getting an announcement when she enters the room- she was rather be entering quietly."

"She knows why, Joe, and I'm not going to change my mind," Mia grinned. Clarisse Renaldi was, deep down, a shy woman but Mia didn't want her missing out the celebrations- after all, it was her day too. "And the second reason?"

"To tell you how proud I was of you today- not only on your coronation, but for the way you have included your grandmother in everything. She sometimes needs someone, besides me, to tell her that she is still very important around here."

"I know that, Joe, and it was an honour to do all I could for her. Actually, I'm rather afraid of stepping into her shoes- she was such an inspiring and beloved ruler…everyone does love her, no matter what she thinks. But I'm going to make sure no one forgets Clarisse Renaldi Bonnell- she is one in a million."

"Indeed she is- but so are you. You two are more alike than you realise…but I'd better get back before she realises that I'm gone- I was supposed to ask Charlotte about that first question, but she referred me to you. But this was just between you and me."

"I understand…" Mia walked over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "But you are the one who makes her happy now, Joe. I see it in her eyes and smile every day."

"I'm not the only one who has the honour," Joe said simply, with a significant look in his eye, before walking out the door.

"Where were you?" Clarisse asked as he strolled casually back into the room a couple of minutes later. "I was wondering where you had disappeared to…"

She was standing by the window, and turned to face him when he came in- and Joseph stopped and gasped- Clarisse looked absolutely stunning. She was wearing an ice blue dress that fell to her feet, had sheath covering her shoulders, tiny flowers in blue and white embroidered on the bodice, and it showed off her still lovely figure. She had decided to keep jewellery to a minimum, but the tiny diamond earrings and pendant only made the dress even lovelier. Mia had insisted that she still wear her own tiara- Mia was having her own made up, with her own personal design. Clarisse had seen the design, and she had to agree it was going to suit Mia perfectly.

"Clarisse, you look absolutely…beautiful," he gasped again as she slowly walked towards him with a shy smile, and he didn't hesitate to take her into his arms and kiss her.

"Thank you," she smiled in reply. "You don't look so bad yourself," she said as she stood back to survey his tuxedo, and then laughed as she accepted his offered arm. "Do you realise that, tonight, we are going to enter as a couple- no more you having to walk behind me, or that nonsense? Tonight, you and I are actually husband and wife!"

"Yes, and I'm looking forward to it," Joe kissed her gloved hand gently before opening the door for her. He knew that they had guards that would do that for them, but he was an old fashioned man, and he liked opening the door for his wife.

"Presenting Her Majesty Queen Clarisse Renaldi Bonnell, and her husband Mr Joseph Bonnell!" came the shout, and they walked in to the sound of applause. Clarisse was blushing happily- it meant so much to her for Joseph to be accepted as her husband- while Joe was in mild shock- it seemed that more people approved of their marriage!

"See, it wasn't that bad," Clarisse murmured in an undertone as they took their places beside Nicholas, Lily, Helen and Patrick. There was a slight pause before the thumping on the floor again.

"Presenting Her Majesty Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, Queen of Genovia!" and the doors (which had been closed after Clarisse and Joe had made their entrance) opened and in came Mia, looking radiant in a pale pink gown.

She was incredibly nervous- yes, she had entered her own twenty first birthday alone, and Clarisse had already made her entrance, but it was different now…she was Queen, and these people were paying their respects. She had heard the applause when her grandmother and Joe had entered, and she had been glad that they had finally realised how happy Grandma was, with Joe!

"She looks beautiful," Nicholas whispered to Lily, as Mia moved in the direction of the Prime Minister, and Lily watched her best friend intently for a moment.

"Yes she does- she always does," she said finally, proud of Mia and proud that she had been able to share the journey with her.

It was a couple of hours later, after another delicious meal from the palace, when Mia stood up in her place and the dining room instantly hushed up. It was amazing, Mia thought with a smile as she watched them quieten and turn towards her, how they had changed attitudes in a couple of hours. When she had been Princess, it had taken several minutes for them to be quiet and, even then, there were a few who continued to talk anyway.

"Thank you," she said with a smile as she looked around the room- Clarisse and Joe were finally sitting together, and all of them were much closer to her table than at lunchtime.

"I know its usually not traditional for a Queen, or any monarch, to make a speech when it's unnecessary, but I thought I would introduce a new custom.

I just wanted to thank you all for attending this special and momentous occasion in my life…wait, not only my life, but also the lives of my grandmother, my mother and all the people of Genovia. I know there are still those who have doubts about my ability, but I am confident that I will be able to convince them that I love Genovia, and I would do anything for this country.

But I'm also making this speech to propose a toast to my grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi Bonnell. She will undoubtedly agree that our relationship had an interesting beginning, 7 years ago, and that there were times when she wondered why I was a Princess. But without her, I don't think I would be standing up here now, as your Queen. She has been a constant and positive presence in my life, as has my mother Helen and Joseph, and I hope that I will be at least half the ruler that she has been through her reign.

She hasn't had a particularly easy time of it, you will agree, but she has continued to be selfless, generous, concerned and absolutely loyal to Genovia- and I want to tell her that we all know that, and appreciate everything she has done.

But now, it's time for her to live her life, with Joseph, her loyal husband, and so, I wish to propose a toast to their happiness….to Clarisse and Joseph," she raised her glass as everyone else followed suit, while Clarisse tried to keep the tears from falling, and Joseph squeezed her hand tightly, almost as overcome as Clarisse.

There was a pause after Mia's speech as everyone sipped their champagne and chatted, while Clarisse tried to gather her thoughts- her granddaughter had surprised her so much today- much like her father- while also reinforcing the fact that she wouldn't be forgotten, and she knew she wanted to pay tribute to her for that. She took a gulp of her champagne and, after a squeeze of Joseph's hand, stood up, and instantly the room went silent. Clarisse had never made many unplanned speeches in her life, but she knew what she was going to say tonight.

"Today is a day of celebration- today, my granddaughter, Phillipe and Helen's daughter, ascended the throne. I had never imagined this day would ever come, but now that it has…I can't imagine anyone else sitting up there other than Amelia.

As you know, my son Phillipe was meant to be King, but a terrible accident crushed that plan, so I turned to the next in line- his fifteen-year-old American daughter. As Her Majesty has said, we had a rough beginning but, as time went on, our relationship has deepened and we have become closer than I had dreamed. I knew my life would never be the same once I met Amelia, and it hasn't- she has enriched my life in so many ways, and I am proud to be able to stand here and make this speech.

"There have been some questionable moments on her journey to today…"

At this, Mia blushed and laughed, as did many others.

"But Joseph, my husband," she paused and smiled down at him. He was looking surprised- he had never seen Clarisse make a spontaneous speech before, but he loved the way she was handling this one. "And her mother, Helen, her best friend Lily, and I have never given up on her- we all knew she could do it, and here she is, ready to make her mark."

She stopped for a moment to look over at Mia, whose dark eyes were shining with unshed tears. Mia loved this speech- especially how Clarisse hadn't told anyone she was doing one, just simply stood up and started speaking.

"So today, we are honouring a new Queen, who will bring Genovia into the 21st century and beyond; someone who loves this country and will be willing to do anything for others. To Amelia!"

She hadn't intended making a toast, but it seemed like the right thing to do as everyone else stood up and held their glasses in Mia's direction. Mia, for once, was speechless and was just beaming over at Clarisse. When Clarisse sat down, Joseph leaned over and whispered in her ear

"I want to kiss you for that, but I think I'd better wait till later," and she laughed as he squeezed her hand tightly.

"That was beautiful, Clarisse," Helen said from across the table as she wiped tears from her eyes. Clarisse blushed as the official MC then announced that the dancing was about to begin.

"You have to go," Joseph murmured as they left the table, and she only held his hand tighter.

"Yes I do, and I have my dancing partner right here."

Surrounded by an enormous crowd of people, the music started to play and Mia and Sebastian, followed by Clarisse and Joseph began dancing.

"That was a beautiful speech, my love," Joseph said softly as they watched Mia and Sebastian dance. "You finally opened up- why?"
"I guess being happily in love and married would have something to do with it," Clarisse smiled affectionately at him as they watched Nicholas make his way towards Mia.

"May I have this dance, Your Majesty?" he bowed to both Sebastian and Mia, who stopped dancing. "You don't mind me cutting in, Prime Minister?"

"Of course not, Lord Devereaux!" Sebastian said easily- the first few minutes were the most symbolic, but there would plenty of opportunities to dance with Her Majesty. At the moment, it was clear to see who Mia really wanted to dance with.

"Well, at least I'm not stepping on your foot this time" she said after a pause- she had never realised how well they fitted together when dancing. She felt so comfortable in his arms…and he was a good dancer.

"Thank goodness, because I think those heels would hurt," he joked, pointing down to the silver heels she had on.

"Very funny!" She looked over at Clarisse and Joe, who were smiling at each other and seemingly oblivious to the rest of the world.

"Can you believe that speech my grandmother just made? I had no idea she was going to do it- neither did Charlotte!"

"I think it was made up on the spot, because I didn't see any paper with her…although she would have memorised it….But I don't think she had planned any speech."

"Really?" Mia looked surprised- it had sounded so much like a planned speech. But if it was impromptu, then that was all the more special because Clarisse had never liked making speeches on the spot. "I'm going to have to tell her later that that speech was very special…" She was choking up again at the thought of it, but Nicholas distracted her by gently tipping her face towards his.

"You have been so beautiful and amazing today. I never got a chance to say it to you before, but you are the one who was meant to be Queen. I was never that enthusiastic about becoming King- even when I didn't know you- I knew how much responsibility it would entail. I guess I got swept up in my uncle's plans. You are the one who was meant to be on the throne," he looked at her intensely.

"Thank you, I really appreciate that," Mia said warmly. "I just wish we could go for a walk in the garden so I can really show you my appreciation….but I think I have to dance with a few more people first."

Sure enough, both Mia and Clarisse were surrounded by admiring guests for the rest of the evening, and were on the dance floor for most of the time. Neither Nicholas or Joseph had any chance of getting anywhere near them, so they just stood back and enjoyed watching their 'girls' be the belles of the ball. Neither Mia nor Clarisse particularly wanted to dance with anyone except their men, but they smiled and chatted with their partners anyway.

"I hope that's it, Charlotte," Clarisse groaned softly as they stood beside the food laden buffet table, set up for supper.

"I think that's all for you, Clarisse. I think Her Majesty has a few more to dance with…"

"What time is it?" She was so tired she could barely think, let alone look around for a clock.

"Almost midnight."

"Midnight? No wonder I'm exhausted…where is Joseph?"

"As always, by your side," came the familiar voice from her ear, and she turned to see him standing there patiently. "I know you're tired, but I was wondering if I could have one more dance with you?"

"For you, always," she smiled happily at him- that's the only person she wanted to dance with now.

But, to her surprise, he didn't lead her out onto the dance floor. Instead, he lead her out the door, down the hallway and out onto the balcony.

"What are we…?" she began as they walked out into the balmy night air, under a clear, star filled sky.

"This is where I want to dance," he said matter of factly, deftly switching on a hidden CD player. As music filled the air, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a long, sweet kiss.

"That was for the speech," he explained when they broke apart.

"I thought so," she smiled as she relaxed into his arms, and laid her head on his chest- she loved hearing his beating heart- it always sounded so strong and comforting to her.

"Exhausted?" he asked as he softly kissed her hair- it always smelt so good to him.

"Yes- what time were we up this morning?"

"I have no idea- what with your excursion to the throne room, breakfast and then the chaotic getting ready, I didn't really look at my watch until lunchtime- when we actually had lunch."

She laughed huskily at his comment- it had been a busy morning, culminating in the coronation, but she was grateful that she hadn't missed a second of it- especially as Mia had been so intuitive and included her in every aspect….the same thing her father would have done if he had been crowned.

"Do you have any doubts about Mia now?" he asked as they gently swayed to the music- he could vaguely hear the music from the ballroom, but he easily blocked it out.

"No, and I never have. I may have been questioning it, from time to time, but I never doubted her. But I included you in my speech because you have been one of her most loyal supporters," she looked seriously at him for a moment. "That speech was not only paying tribute to her, but also acknowledging those who have been behind her all the way, and that included you, Helen and Lily."

"While Mia's was a tribute to you- I think you both said beautiful things about the other, but yours was more special because you didn't even plan it until that very moment, did you?"

"I knew it!" came a voice from the door, and they turned to see Mia standing there, smiling at the two of them. "I'm sorry I'm disturbing you," she added apologetically as she walked towards them. "But I wanted to see you before you went to bed- which I know will be quite soon."

"We're glad you came out, Mia- just as long as there are no other gentlemen following you out to have another dance with me," Clarisse joked, pretending to look anxiously over her shoulder as both Mia and Joe laughed.

"Your grandmother is right, Mia. We will be heading in soon, but if you'll just excuse me…"

"No!' Mia held up a hand. "I want to talk to both of you- I really haven't had a chance to do that all day."

"You will have plenty of opportunities tomorrow, you know," Clarisse said gently, but she was touched that Mia had made a special point of coming to see them as well.

"I know, but now…there's still some magic in the air….tomorrow, I will be hard at work and I probably won't have a lot of time. I just wanted to thank you both for your support- not only for the past month, with Viscount Mabrey, but for the past seven years. I know neither of you imagined that I would ever be ready to sit on the throne- and there were people who were hoping I wouldn't- but you have been nothing but supportive to me. I have appreciated it in the past, and I do now."

"You don't have to thank us, darling," Clarisse began quietly before Mia smiled at her.

"I know I don't, but I want to. You guys have been the best support I ever could have had….and I am so happy that you were here today."

"As if we'd be anywhere else!" Joe added lightly as he looked between Clarisse and Mia- there was a vague physical resemblance between them as well as the other things he had noticed over the years. Clarisse walked over to Mia and took her hands in hers.

"We," she looked back at Joseph for endorsement, and he nodded. "Will be here as long as you need us- no matter what."

Mia gave her a hug and then walked over to give Joe a hug as well.

"Thank you- I know you will be….and now that I've seen you, I can go and find Nicholas…."

She blushed happily, and both Clarisse and Joe felt delighted that Mia had found someone whom she could rely on, as Clarisse had done with Joe, Clarisse thought to herself.

"Have a good night," Clarisse called as Mia hurried back to the doorway leading inside. Mia turned and smiled at them

"I will- and you two too!" she said with a sly smile, before disappearing behind the curtains.

"She is such a beautiful girl," Clarisse sighed as she looked after her for a moment, and then turned back to Joseph.

"Yes, and you are a beautiful woman," Joseph said tenderly as he wrapped his arms around her again and she smiled up at him

"Why are you always so generous with your compliments- especially with me?"

"Because they are the truth," he replied, kissing the top of her nose tenderly. "So…" he added, as the music continued wafting through the air. "Mrs Bonnell, what are we going to do now?"

"Hmmm….I can think of a few things we can do," she almost purred, beaming at him with a blissful smile, love radiating out of her eyes and smile.

"Oh?" Joe looked intrigued- normally she was reticent about her feelings and other personal matters, but she had seemingly blossomed in the past week…he failed to realise, but others (including Mia and Charlotte) had realised that he was the one who made her laugh, who made her be less restrained…he made her happier than she had ever thought that she could be.

"Go to bed and have a good night's sleep," she finished, and laughed as he looked disappointed. "Actually, we could stay out here for a little while longer and dance," she offered.

"Are you sure? Aren't you very tired?"

"Not really, anymore. Besides," she said as she wove her arms around his neck and leaned forward to give him a kiss. "There is no need for us to be up early in the morning!"

"Thank goodness for that!" he quipped as they began swaying again to the music.

"I love you, Mr Bonnell," she whispered into his face and he beamed down at her tenderly.

"I love you too, Mrs Bonnell."

"Mrs Bonnell….I think I like that more than 'Her Majesty'," she said thoughtfully, as he tilted her face towards his again.

"Don't forget, you will always be my Queen," and he pulled her even closer for a longer kiss.

"I think I could live with that," she murmured before kissing him again. "Does this mean we're going to live happily ever after?"

"It certainly does, my love. It certainly does."