Author's note: here's the next chapter- hope you're enjoying it!

The Princess Diaries belongs to Disney and Meg Cabot

"So, is there anything else you want us to do?" Joseph's voice broke into Clarisse's thoughts, and she turned to look at Mia again, who was smiling teasingly at Joseph.

"Would you believe me if I said yes?" before she laughed at the look on his face. "No, there's nothing else that I need you two to do…."

"Alright, I'll just follow your grandmother around then," Joe concluded, before beginning to turn away, offering his arm to Clarisse. She wanted to take his arm, but she suddenly realised that she needed to speak to Mia in private- and he looked surprised when she shook her head.

"What have I done?" he gasped, and both Mia and Clarisse laughed.

"I'll meet you outside in a few minutes, darling. I just need to speak to Mia for a few minutes…only a few minutes, I promise," Clarisse smiled winningly at him, and he sighed heavily, pretending to be disappointed.

"I knew that it was only a matter of time before you got sick of me!" before he pretended to walk sadly towards the door. Clarisse was a little concerned that she had actually offended him, but was relieved when he turned in the doorway, gave her a small wink, and then disappeared outside.

"So?" Mia smiled at her grandmother, while Lily and the other girls discreetly took their dresses into the next room. "What's this all about….you never leave Joe's side, or vice versa..."

"It's about him, actually. I need your help…our anniversary is in three days, and I know…I know that you're incredibly busy, but I was just wondering…." Clarisse stuttered, flustered and unused to asking for help but Mia, knowing what she was trying to say, smoothly interrupted her.

"It's alright, Grandma, I know what you're trying to ask…and I would love to help you in any way that I can!"

"Good…" Clarisse smiled in relief, and began to turn away, before remembering something else. "Can this just be a secret between you and me? I don't want Joseph to find out anything about it until it's time."

"My lips are sealed," Mia said with a grin, pretending to zip her lips with her finger. "When would you like my services?"

"Not until this afternoon," Clarisse said quickly. "I realise that you have other commitments, so I will understand if you can't help."

Mia moved quickly around the desk, and stood in front of Clarisse, looking into her eyes.

"I will have the time to help you, Grandma…even if I have to cancel parliament…kidding!" she added hastily as Clarisse's eyebrows rose slightly.

"I'll see you later….maybe just after lunch will help…the boys will be out of my hair…."

"And Joseph will be with them," Clarisse finished her sentence for her, and smiled. "Yes, that would be the perfect time!"

Joseph, as always, was waiting patiently outside the door when Clarisse came out, and he walked casually to her side.

"I'm sorry, darling, but I had to speak to Mia about the dinner tonight…you know. Whether the table needs any placing…" she spoke quickly- she knew Joseph could sense the instant she had a secret, and she was covering up by talking about something he had no interest in.

"I'm sure that everything will be perfect," he said reassuringly, putting an arm around her and kissing the top of her head gently. "So, what are we doing first?" he asked as they walked down the hall towards the stairs.

"Hmmm…I think we should check the options for place settings for the reception, and then do the flowers," she said a little distractedly as they walked into the ballroom.

Although her mind was mostly on the wedding, she was also trying to come up with ideas to suggest to Mia that afternoon. She wanted Joseph to remember their first wedding anniversary forever.

"This sounds boring," Joe complained, but he still followed her into the ballroom, and stood patiently beside her as she examined one of the settings.

"I thought you might have had something else to do?" Clarisse said teasingly as she bent down to the table.

"I was only joking about needing your help with this…you can go and find Nicholas, if you want to."

"No, it's alright," Joseph amended quickly. "I'd rather spend a little time wherever you are," he sounded a little shy as she looked up to smile, touched to see him blushing a little.

"You are so sweet sometimes, did you know that?" before kissing him softly on the lips. As he leant forward for another kiss, she stopped him with her hand.

"The sooner we get this done, the sooner you can go downtown with Nicholas to get your suits…"

"And what are you going to do?"

"I don't know," she stalled with a mysterious smile. "Maybe have an afternoon nap…or maybe I'll wait for you," she added softly when she saw the disappointed look on his face.

It was just after lunch when Nicholas and Joseph, along with Nicholas's friends and his security detail, left for down town Pyrus, to collect their suits, while Clarisse made her way to Mia's suite.

As she walked inside, she found a very different scene to the one that had met her this morning- the bridesmaids had disappeared, the room had been cleaned up, and three suitcases were standing in her dressing room.

"The girls decided to go to Pyrus for some supplies," Mia said with a wry smile as Clarisse sat down on the couch and watched Mia finish her work.

"You know," Mia said thoughtfully, as she signed the last letter with a flourish. "I neve realised just how much work you actually did when you were Queen. I thought it was mostly parties and travelling!"

Clarisse couldn't help but laugh- she knew Mia was joking.

"I can see that you still have a lot to learn, my love, but you've done a wonderful job in the past year."

"Thank you," Mia stopped what she was doing, and smiled gently at her grandmother. She looked at her for a moment, before asking a question that she had been pondering for a while.

"Do you miss this at all?"

Clarisse looked pensive- she hadn't thought about it in a long time…she had other things to occupy her time now, she thought with a tender smile, and, if she was really honest, she didn't miss being Queen much at all.

"No, I don't think I do," Clarisse said honestly, looking at Mia with her wise blue eyes. "When you first ascended the throne, I did- I was worried that parliament would try and run you over…but you proved that you wouldn't let them," as they remembered Mia's strong speech at the wedding.

"But now," Clarisse continued after a pause. "I don't think I do…it was a very lonely job, even once your grandfather died, and I often wondered whether I would make it through another parliament session. But now…" she beamed happily.

"I'm much too happy to worry about all that…I do appreciate that you keep me up to date, which I wanted," she added hurriedly. "But it's not the be all and end all of my existence…I have other things I could do."

"All of which involve Joe," Mia said with a sly smile, and Clarisse just stared at her for a moment, before joining in laughing.

"You're sassing your grandma again!" she said, but didn't add anything more, as Mia leaned back in her chair.

"So…do you have any ideas about what you want to do on your anniversary?"

"I've been trying to think all morning," Clarisse said honestly. "I haven't got very far, but there's a song I want to play for him…."

"Let's listen to it, then, and then I'm sure you've got other ideas which will be perfect for the day!"

Meanwhile, Joseph was waiting for Nicholas and his friend to finish trying on their suits for the wedding. Neither Mia nor Nicholas had wanted a big wedding, but both Clarisse and Sebastian had insisted that it was going to be a state occasion.

"There are going to be a lot of important people there, and it's simply not acceptable that the Queen marries quietly," Clarisse pointed out one day, and Mia rolled her eyes.

"Yes, they want to see if their Queen will actually get down the aisle this time!" Nicholas joked from nearby, and was instantly hit with a pile of pillows. But both of them had accepted that it would be a big wedding…

"But we're going to disappear for the honeymoon!" she said defiantly, and Clarisse knew that she couldn't blame her for that.

Joe smiled as he thought of that conversation, as he and Shades stood in a corner and waited- Joe had taken less than ten minutes with his- it was the same size as the one he had worn the year before, and he was now holding it in its bag.

"It's going to be quiet in the palace, with Her Majesty gone," Shades said conversationally as they watched the young men look at their reflections. Joe sometimes still forgot that he didn't need to join Shades in the background, but he often felt more comfortable there…except when Clarisse was around. Shades was usually Mia's Head of Security but, since the Queen was back at the palace with Clarisse, he had accompanied Nicholas and Joe.

"I can't wait for the cruise in the Mediterranean, though," he added with a grin, and Joe chuckled softly.

"I bet you can't….but, unfortunately, Charlotte won't be able to accompany you," he shot a sidelong glance at Shades, who was looking at him with wide eyes.

"How did you…?"

"The maids know everything," Joe said enigmatically, before smiling. "Not only them, but Mia, who tells Clarisse, who then tells me…I'm sorry!"

"No worries," Shades shrugged. "It's pretty much palace knowledge, anyway…just like you and certain former Queen," he added with a sly smile. "Anyway, what are you and your wife going to be doing with a whole palace to yourselves for a fortnight?"

"Well…it's our anniversary the day after Mia's wedding, and I have a few ideas up my sleeve…I may need a little help executing them…Do you mind giving me a hand, just until you leave?"

"My pleasure, Joseph," Shades said formally, before grinning. "So, what you going to do?"

"Well…there are…."

Neither Clarisse nor Joe had a chance to meet up at all that afternoon- after discussing her plans with Mia, Clarisse had kept her and Helen company, and got involved in final wedding plans, while continuing to refuse to see Mia's wedding dress.

"I want to save the surprise for the day," was all she said.

She was surprised to find that the afternoon had passed quickly, and was only a little disappointed that Joseph hadn't come to find her, but she assumed that he had been busy with the boys. She smiled at the thought as she walked slowly back to the suite- although he spent more than enough time with Scott and the rest of the security team, he clearly preferred to spend most of his time with her, and she liked it.

She hadn't ever imagined that she would be this happy in her life, not to mention the fact she was content seeing only Joe, Mia, Charlotte and her maids during the day. After so many years of being constantly surrounded by people, she now preferred being surrounded by only those she really cared about.

She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't realise that someone was walking closely behind her. A little annoyed that security was walking so close, she turned, ready to give them a sharp word, when she realised who it was- Joseph.

"Oh!" she cried happily, before giving him a hug. "I've missed seeing you today!"

"I've missed seeing you today too," he smiled, taking her hand and they continued walking towards their suite. "I guess our nap is out of the question now?"

"Yes…and I so wanted a sleep this afternoon…still, I spent more time with Mia, which was lovely…what is the time, by the way?"

Clarisse continually marvelled at how in sync they always seemed to be, even when they had spent half a day, or even a full day apart.

"It's 5:30…what time are we supposed to be down in the ballroom?" Joe asked calmly as he followed her into the suite, before shutting the door behind him.

"I think about 7…" Clarisse said a little vaguely as she walked towards their bedroom, kicking off her shoes on the way.

"Just save me some hot water!" he called as she disappeared into the bathroom. She poked her head out to poke her tongue out at him (imagine if anyone else had seen that, she thought impishly to herself), before disappearing again.

An hour later, she was still dressing in her dressing room, and she started laughing when she realised that he was ready and waiting while she was still applying her makeup.

"How long is it going to take you to get ready?" he knocked on the door, and she chuckled softly to herself before replying.

"I'm almost ready- what time is it, by the way?"

"Half past six- we're going to have to get going soon!"

"I'll be right out," she called soothingly, and finished applying her lipstick, before smiling at her reflection in the mirror. She usually didn't look at herself in the mirror, but tonight was different- she had bought two new outfits, one for the wedding and one for tonight, and Joseph had seen neither of them.

Tonight, she was wearing a royal blue dress with sheath on her shoulders, and an embroidered bodice, with matching navy blue heels. She was wearing sapphire earrings and matching necklace (presents from Rupert, a long time ago), but her most treasured piece of jewellery was her wedding ring from Joseph. It wasn't as big or as ostentatious as the ring Rupert had given her but, she knew she much preferred this ring.

"My darling wife?" there was another knock on the door, interrupting her thoughts. "Are you going to spend all night in there?"

Clarisse couldn't help but laugh as she moved towards the door, and slowly opened it.

"About time…" he began, but the rest of the sentence died on his lips when he saw Clarisse standing there, smiling a little shyly at him.

"What do you think?" she asked a little nervously after he hadn't said anything after a moment.

He was still staring at her- he had always known how beautiful Clarisse was, and had told her so at every opportunity, but seeing her so dressed up…she was glowing…she looked so happy and peaceful…What he didn't realise was that it was love that made her look like that.

"You look…beautiful," he said finally, before taking both her hands in his, and pulling her close for a long kiss. "I…you look so…" he stammered afterwards, and she smiled wisely at him, placing a finger over his lips.

"I know what you're trying to say…and you look absolutely handsome. I bet," she said thoughtfully, as they walked towards the door. "People at the wedding are going to be saying that 'the Queen is married to the most handsome men in the world!"

"I think it will be more that Joseph is lucky to be married to the most beautiful woman in Genovia," he replied as he put an arm around her waist, and gently kissed her ear.

The rest of the group had already gathered by the time Clarisse and Joe arrived in the doorway. Mia, ever the elegant girl, gave a loud 'Woohoo!' when she saw Clarisse.

"Mia!" Clarisse said, blushing deeply, as they walked over to the table. "That's not fitting behaviour for a Queen…" but the reprimand was weak, and Mia only grinned when Clarisse finally stood in front of her.

"I'm sorry, Grandma, but you look so beautiful… I just had to give you a compliment!"

"Thank you, my dear," Clarisse said with a smile, looking around the room and smiling at everyone else. Although most of parliament would have loved to attend the dinner, Mia had made it clear that it was only for close family and friends- Sebastian and Sheila was considered close friends.

"So, shall we sit down?" Mia waved her arms at the long table set for 14, and everyone began looking for their place settings. Mia had thoughtfully placed Joe and Clarisse next to each other, with Mia at the head of their end (Nicholas at the other), and sitting opposite Sebastian and Sheila, with Helen and Patrick close by.

"Are you going to have an early night tonight, Mia?" Joe asked Mia, who grinned impishly in reply.

"No…the girls have got a few movies out, and we're going to play some games…Grandma, are you coming?"

"What?" Clarisse hadn't heard her mention a party before. "I don't think so, Mia…I think it might be better for you girls…"

"But Mom's coming, and so is Sheila and Charlotte," Mia finished, smiling winningly at Clarisse, who was beginning to weaken.

"I'll come…but what are the men supposed to be doing?" Mia shrugged.

"I don't know…I think Nick was talking about playing poker or something…So Joe will be there…what's the point of sitting in the suite by yourself?" Mia wheedled, and Clarisse finally had to acquiesce.

It was a delicious and enjoyable dinner, and it was the type of occasion that Clarisse now preferred- not too big, and with the most important people present. She had watched Mia throughout the meal, and she was genuinely delighted to see how radiantly happy she was- this marriage was meant to be. She was also pleased to see how more confident and relaxed Mia was in her new role- after a year on the throne, she was definitely in charge, and not letting anyone else boss her around!

"Come on, Grandma…it's time to go!" Mia broke into her thoughts as she stood up and, at the other end, the other girls stood up quickly.

"Sorry…ah, yes," Clarisse said before turning to Joseph. "I'll see you later," she murmured softly under her breath, before kissing him on the cheek and then standing up to leave with the others.

"You are going to have fun tonight, Grandma!" Mia was saying as they walked towards the door.

"Just as long as you don't have me doing anything ridiculous!" was the last thing Joseph heard her say before they disappeared out the door.

It was just after midnight when Clarisse quietly opened the door to the suite, and tried to tiptoe in quietly. However, just as she was closing the door, the light from the bedroom came on, and Joe emerged from the bedroom, clad in his pyjama bottoms.

"Where have you been, young lady?" he pretended to look at her sternly, before smiling and stepping aside as Clarisse walked past him, and sat down heavily on the bed.

"What a night! I never imagined that young women were so wild, but…" she sighed, and then laughed, remembering some of the outrageous stunts and questions the girls had been asking each other.

"I guess the sleepover was very tame compared to tonight?" Joseph inquired, as she slowly took off her shoes.

"Very tame," Clarisse affirmed with a laugh, as she remembered how one girl was dared to run down the hallway in a towel, which she did. All Helen, Sheila and herself could do was watch in amusement…It had been a girls evening, but she was very touched that Mia had thought to include them in her plans, although they hadn't participated very much.

"All that matters is that you were here!" Mia beamed happily when Clarisse decided to bow out for the night.

"And I think they were going to stay up all night- I can only imagine what they were going to get up to when we left!" Clarisse chuckled as she finished undressing, and getting into bed beside Joseph. "But what about you? Don't tell me the poker game finished early?"

"Well it finished early for me- I think Nicholas and his friends were going to keep playing, but I thought I'd come back, just in case you came back early."

"Really?" Clarisse beamed at him, and ran a hand down the side of his face before leaning in for a kiss.

"So I guess the next few days are going to be hectic?" Joseph said as he turned off the light, and the room was blanketed in darkness.

"Yes it will be…but it's going to be worth it," Clarisse said with a soft smile, not only thinking of Mia's wedding, but the surprises she had planned for Joseph for their anniversary.

"By the way, could we go out for dinner on our anniversary…there's a special place I haven't been to for a while," Joseph said after a pause.

"That sounds fine to me….do you have any other plans for the rest of the day?"

"Not really- just as long as you and I are together, that's all that matters."

"That's all that matters," Clarisse repeated softly to herself, with a smile that no one could see.