The Nightengale dinner was a centuries old Genovian tradition. It always came right before the Regal Ball and was supposed to be a way of sharing friendship before the formal occasion. Clarisse felt comfortable in her traditions and she felt at ease going down to dinner. She was happy, that is, until Joseph walked in the room. She'd nearly forgotten that she'd asked him to go. He looked dashing in a gray buttoned down shirt and silver tie. It seemed he'd forgiven her, but she was surprised when he didn't come her way. She watched as he headed toward the Prime Minister and the unmistakable beauty that was Rosalita. She hadn't taken after her brother's physical attributes. She looked a combination of Sophia Loren and Rita Hayworth. She watched him take her hand and kiss it respectfully but to Clarisse it might have been the kiss of death. She wore a black pantsuit with sequins across her chest. It might've been a happy occasion as Clarisse had always like Rosalita but jealousy wasn't an emotion easily digested for her.

Charlotte watched from the back of the room. She was amused at the interchange. Joseph on the other hand, didn't seem to notice. The only excuse Clarisse could make to get closer was to pass by on her way to the bathroom.

"You seriously ride Harley's? I just got the Harley Night Train. She's a beauty!"

"Well it looks like the dinner's finished, why don't we go now?"

"Great I'll take you up the point and show you around. My buddies Felix, Reggie and even your brother go up there all the time."

"Sebastian just got a new ride to but he likes the Goldwings."

"I'm Harley born and bred. We'll walk over to my cottage so I can get out of these clothes. I'll show you the tattoo on my chest."

Clarisse was so flustered she dropped her wine glass.

"Oh your Majesty how are you?" Rosalita asked.

"Nice to see you Rosa. I'm fine I was just on my way to meet Lord Ericson. He's my date for the ball."

"I hope you don't plan on dancing much. Lord Ericson fell off his horse two weeks ago. He's got a full leg cast."

Clarisse had to grit her teeth as she walked away. She entered her suite and watched as Joe and Rosa drove off into the night.

"If only I could shoot him." She said to herself.

And I know I'm gonna run you off

If I don't learn to let you go

It was well after 2am when he came home. She knew it because she sat on the balcony half the night watching for him. Her stomach clenched when she saw Rosa wearing his leather jacket and following him into the cottage. Ten minutes later the lights went out in his cottage but hours later Clarisse's light was still on.

"Good morning your Majesty. Are you feeling all right?"

"Yes Charlotte, I just didn't get much sleep last night."

"It was a late night for everyone."

"And where is Joseph? He's never late."

"He called me this morning and said he was taking the day off. Shades will be here."

"I'm glad he called and notified you! He's only the head of my security and personal bodyguard." She said extremely sarcastically.

"I'm sorry ma'am."

"No Charlotte, I'm the one who should be sorry, you are more than an assistant you're my friend too. My grievances with Joseph are not your fault."

"Thank you."

"What does my schedule look like for today."

Charlotte ran down a list of items.

"Call Shelia and ask her to sit in on the meetings. She very diplomatic and can handle the inane details. Reschedule my luncheon with Lady Alicia for next Tuesday and go change into something comfortable. We're going out on the town. Tell Shades I won't require him. We can handle Philligran on our own."

Charlotte smiled. She and Clarisse had done a lot of these outings when she was married to Rupert. It was much easier than because little was required of her but Charlotte had missed their friendship. And as long as she could be a diversion from her jealousy over Joseph, she could fit nicely into the role. She only hoped that Joe wasn't getting serious about Rosalita. Clarisse was in mourning long enough when Rupert and her son had died. She'd never recover if the true love in her life disappeared.

The two ladies drove into Philligran in Charlotte's Jeep. Clarisse said the limo caused too much of a stir.

"I'd very much like to have some lunch and go shopping. Then perhaps we can take in a movie. How about Flipper's down on the dock for lunch?"

"A wonderful choice ma'am."

"I've missed the local listings for new movies so I will let you choose."

"How about Titanic? It came out a few years ago but it was so popular in Genovia that they brought it back to the Rialto."

"Perfect! I wanted to see it but I never have."

"Good, you should be happy. All the good looking men end up sleeping with the fishes."

And it was with that joke that Clarisse knew then and always, Charlotte was always on her side.