Ok I did something completely wrong here so I will have to just say thank you so much to those of you who reviewed, I would love to thank you by name but as I said I did something wrong here. Thank you so much to Shakayla for being my fantastic beta that has edited this chappy even though she is exstreamly busy. Thank you mama, I love you!!!!

OK, just to let you know, I've gone a little AU on this now, please don't kill me!!!

Now on to the story...

Euphoric

Euphoric: This is the most fitting word for this country right now. Everyone is euphoric. The King, the Queen, the palace staff, the rest of our family and, especially Rupert are euphoric enough for the entire population. Ten days ago I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Just as when my pregnancy was announced, the flowers arrived daily; the same has happened since the birth of our daughter. The King is so happy to have a princess granddaughter because all three of his own girls married outside of their royal title. I think he hopes this little girl won't follow in her aunt's footsteps.

My pregnancy was very easy compared to my time with Pierre. I was huge this time which led to a great deal of speculation in the public and the press. Every day we would read papers sporting headlines like: "Is our lovely Crown Princess pregnant with twins?" or "Double happiness?" We found these quite amusing to read.

There were times, though, as a woman that I found it a bit difficult to find the humour in since I was the object of their articles. Rupert was very patient with me, though. "Darling, am I really that…ample?" I asked.

"No, of course not my love; of course not; you know how the press is." He comforted me.

"Yes, I know; but look at this picture. Is that really me?" I questioned.

"Darling, you know the press; they will say or do anything. Unfortunately, as you know, that comes with the territory when you're a royal." He tried again.

"Seriously though, Rupert; I am huge. Admit it!" I demanded.

"Clarisse, you are eight months pregnant!" He stated as he looked at me.

"So I'm not huge - just pregnant. Is that what you mean? I asked sternly.

"Clarisse, stop this please. What do you want me to say? Yes, you are a tad larger than you were with Pierre; no I don't mind it; and finally yes I still love you more than life itself." He said lovingly and leaned over and kissed me. We had that conversation repeatedly during most of the pregnancy…poor Rupert. He was very patient; although I didn't start pestering him until after my sixth month. I started at that point mostly because a lot of people started questioning how soon I would give birth…so when they started bothering me…I started bothering him.

We celebrated Rupert's birthday about the same time I reached the end of my second trimester. I had taken a long time selecting my dress because I wanted it to be beautiful and didn't want it to look TOO much like a maternity dress. I had been looking at drawings and sketches from a dozen dressmakers; but none of them seemed to be the one.

My aide, however, came to my rescue. I was sitting in my office looking at Monsieur Mat's sketches…they seemed so dull and not at all ladylike. "Oh why isn't there just one that would be just a little like what I'm looking for…something that won't show or hide my pregnancy, but rather will embrace it?" I questioned more to myself than anyone else.

"I don't know, your highness. Would you like me to send for other dressmakers?" My aide, Adelle, asked with the phone in hand.

"No. One of these will just have to do. Though neither are very elegant or modern. I just want something simple." I said again more to myself than her. I rose and walked towards the sitting area passing by where Adelle was sitting.

I looked down at the papers she was writing on and was stunned to find the dress I had been looking for right there on her notepad. "Adelle, there it is - the dress I'm looking for! Did you just draw this?" I asked almost in a shout.

"Yes. I just drew this to remember what you had said about the dress you wanted. I was going to pass it on to you when I was finished." She blushed.

"Oh my Adelle; had I just known that you where such a genius, I wouldn't have had to look at all those dreadful dresses; I would simply just have dictated to you what I would love and then you could draw it and have someone sew it!" I happily said.

"I'm glad to be of service, Your Highness!" She added.

From her efforts, I ended up with this perfect empire style dress that was strapless and tight over the bust area. There was a floor length flowing skirt starting right under the bust line. The skirt made the dress somewhat hide my pregnant form while still embracing it. It achieved the overall affect that I wanted. The dress was a beautiful dark orange colour with sparkling sequins covering it.

I must admit that being six months pregnant and the size I was, it didn't make it easy to get dressed…no matter how beautiful the dress might be. If my maids hadn't been so patient, I don't think I would ever have gotten dressed.

"Clarisse, darling, are you soon done?" Rupert asked from the sitting area of our suite.

"Yes. Yes. You know it's entirely your fault that this takes so long!" I shouted through door at him.

"My fault; how on earth can it be my fault that you cannot get dressed in a timely manner?" He questioned.

I came out from my dressing room and walked straight over to where he sat. Rupert kept staring at me with his mouth hanging wide open. I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes slightly before I placed a hand on my growing belly. "You are the reason for this! You try and dress with this in the way while trying to look great for your husband!"

"My…my…my Clarisse, you are stunning!" was the only response he could stutter.

"Thank you darling. I'm glad you approve. I had it made especially for this evening!" I smiled at him and caressed his cheek softly.

"If we weren't already late and you being as pregnant as you are, I would simply have to ravish you right here and now!" Rupert said in awe.

"Rupert, behave!" I scolded.

"I'm trying to Clarisse; but it seems you bring out the worst in me!" He laughed. I laughed with him, as he lightly caressed my belly. As he continued his movements, our child responded and kicked his hand, which made him smile even more.

We danced and enjoyed ourselves the entire evening; laughing and talking with friends and family. When we finally went to bed, we snuggled together in the middle. Rupert put a hand on my belly again and once again our child responded with a kick. He was humoured immensely; so he made a daily practice, for the remainder of my pregnancy, to make sure to place a hand on my growing form and receive his daily kick. He laughed happily every time.

Two weeks before my due date, we attended a dressage tournament. We didn't want to be there; but this was an annual event, and the royal family always attended. So, of course, we had to be there. The event took place in February. For the sake of the horses, the temperature was kept down; so it was a bit cold even in the heated royal box because of the cold air that still surrounded us.

"This horse ballet is as boring as watching paint dry." Rupert whispered to me after an hour.

"I know; and the cold in here is almost unbearable!" I whispered back, shivering.

"Darling, are you alright?" Rupert asked the concern evident in his voice.

"Just a little cold dear, I could use another blanket!" I added softly and watched Rupert call for another blanket and some more tea.

"Is something wrong?" The Queen asked.

"Clarisse is just cold, Mother." Rupert shared with a small smile.

"I suggest, then, that you get her some more warmth as the cold has been said to increase the possibility of a child being still born." The Queen coldly said without taking her eyes off of the course.

"Mother, how can you say that? Clarisse is nine months pregnant; she can give birth any day now." Rupert asked in a loud and shocked voice.

Shortly after his outburst, the clerk, assisted by Jacob, came with a couple of blankets and more tea; soon after I was feeling much warmer. Five hours later the tournament had reached it finale. I was encouraged as we would only have to sit through about one more hour in order to present the winners with their prizes.

"Rupert, we don't have to stay until the end, do we?" I softly inquired.

"I'm afraid so darling; unless you can come up with a really good excuse not to stay!" He chuckled at me and winked.

"Oh believe me; I can come up with a very good excuse." I said.

"I will bet you anything in the world that you cannot come up with an excuse my mother will accept as appropriate!" He challenged me with questioning eyes.

"I wouldn't say that if I were you Rupert." I warned.

"Why is that dear? Try me…what is your excuse?" He questioned, turning in his chair taking a hold of my gloved hand.

"I'm in labour." I softly shared.

"What? Here? Now?" Rupert panicked.

"Darling, would you just relax? We don't need unwanted attention right now." I calmly added.

"How long have you been in labour?" Rupert questioned as he motioned for Eric and Jacob to come over.

"I think it started when we arrived; the cold didn't help. It has just continued to progress since then and now, I believe, it is time to leave." I shared calmly as another contraction hit. I breathed slowly and made my way through it while clutching Rupert's hand, not revealing any signs of labour.

I heard Rupert ask Eric to inform the security staff of the situation so they could keep the road clear for us to pass smoothly. He also asked Jacob to bring the car up front. As they left…so did the pain of the contraction. "Rupert, I will go out now. I am hoping people will think I'm leaving for the ladies room. You follow shortly after, ok. I don't want to let everyone know what's happening right now. I have roughly six minutes to get out of here before the next pain hits, so I will see you in a short while. Please do remember to tell your mother." I reminded and gave him a soft kiss on his dumbfounded face.

"I will darling." He replied, nodding and I left with two security guards. No one suspected a thing.

I was sitting in the car, breathing calmly through another contraction when Rupert opened the door and practically threw himself inside. He took hold of my hand that was resting on the car seat. "Darling, you are amazing!" He said.

"What makes you say that?" I breathlessly questioned.

"Here you are…about to deliver our second child…and you are so calm and collected. I remember your labour with Pierre; I still have the scar. You were screaming and yelling so loud that the entire country could hear you were about to give birth and I thought I would be deaf by the time we got to the hospital." Rupert sort of laughed.

"Don't call me calm and collected too early…you might still get injured!" I smiled at him.

"I'll take the risk." He said and leaned in and gave me a small kiss. I had placed my hand on his cheek and just as he pulled back another contraction hit. My fingers instinctively curled causing me to scratch him. I, however, did not notice that until much later.

We arrived at the hospital about ten minutes later and I was wheeled into the delivery room. Rupert was, again, told to say outside. I saw his face before the door closed…it was the saddest expression I've ever seen. I took matters into my own hand and when the nurse told me that the midwife would be here in twenty minutes, I asked her to have Rupert come in. She refused at first; but then she reluctantly let him in the delivery room. He immediately rushed over to where I was. "You wanted me in here Clarisse? Is something wrong?" He asked concerned.

"No. Nothing is wrong; I just wanted you in here with me. I couldn't stand the though of having you out there being so sad." I told him.

"Oh I'm just sad that you have to go through this pain again while I have to stay out there listening to you in pain. I hate not being able to do anything for you!" He shared while caressing my hair and holding my hand.

"Don't feel sad for me going through this pain…it's forgotten as fast as lightning. I would do it again anytime; but this doesn't hurt as much as la...!" I closed my eyes and breathed heavily as I clutched Rupert's hand. He whispered encouraging words to me during the contraction.

We were abruptly interrupted when the door was thrown open and in strutted the midwife from Pierre's birth. She immediately was appalled by the presence of Rupert in my delivery room. "I'm sorry, your Highness; but you will have to leave the room now." She said while writing something down.

"I will leave in a minute." He replied looking me in the eyes.

"Not in a minute, your Highness, now. Her Highness is about ready to deliver and I will not have you in here during that time, thank you!" She rudely said.

"Darling I will be right outside. If you want me in here, please say so..."

"She will not be in charge in here; so just kiss and leave. Thank you!" The midwife interrupted. Rupert, who was too shocked to say anything, leaned over and gave me a kiss. I held on to his face not wanting him to leave.

When he opened the door, he turned around and looked at me with apologizing eyes. I saw a hand come into view and grasp his shoulder. "I will look after her Rupert; don't you worry." I heard the Queen say. I sighed happily knowing everything would be alright now.

I had just informed the midwife that I could feel the baby press downwards; and in seconds the midwife was instructing me to push. The Queen was holding my hand once again…just as she had done with Pierre. The only difference this time is that I didn't make a sound…I didn't feel the same pain this time. It did, however, take a long time getting the baby the rest of the way out.

All of the pushing on each contraction quickly tired me out. Rupert, though, gave me the renewed energy I needed when he burst into the room because he hadn't heard anything from inside for the past hour. A shocked look crossed his face when he saw what childbirth really looked like. His feet were frozen to the spot until Walter, with his eyes closed, came into the room and had to pull him away.

While he was doing that…what I needed to do was get this child out. With two more pushes, the midwife informed me that I just delivered a princess. Her news brought tears to both mine and my mother in-law's eyes. She turned euphoric when she was passed the baby. She cradled the tiny girl in her arms and seemed to have trouble giving up the little girl to me. She did relent, though, and handed me the sweet bundle as she gave me a kiss on the cheek indicating she would go get Rupert.

The midwife cleaned me up and removed everything before she left the room. Rupert opened the door, still looking a bit shocked. He walked over to my bed, "Clarisse are…are you…alright?" He asked.

"Oh poor darling, this is why God decided to have women give birth. Was it really that bad to see me bringing our daughter into this world?" I questioned.

"Yes. Yes it was. You looked like you were in so much pain but you just kept going. There was so much blood; I thought you would…daughter? Did you just say daughter?" He asked puzzled and I just nodded smiling at him.

"It is a girl! We have a girl! Oh my god, Clarisse. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. This is amazing!" He said as he jumped up and down like a four year old. I then felt his lips crash down upon mine.

When we finally broke apart, he looked down at the sleeping bundle in my arms. "Can I hold her?" He softly asked.

"Of course darling, you don't have to ask." I said and handed him our tiny girl.

"Hi there, little one; welcome to the world. Even though you caused your beautiful mother a lot of pain, you are most welcome." Rupert cooed, smiling.

"It wasn't as bad as the first time." I softly added while watching our daughter wrap her tiny hand around her father's finger.

"Well I'm sorry I burst in the way I did, darling; but I thought something was terribly wrong. I hadn't heard you scream like you did with Pierre." He said not looking at me, but down at our daughter.

"It doesn't matter, Rupert; besides seeing your face that way renewed my energy to push even harder to get her out." I tiredly said and stifled a yawn.

"See you've tired your mother out completely. I'm glad I could help Clarisse." He said and leaned down and gave me another kiss.

"I just wish that you could have been in here with me and experience this phenomenon when a child is brought into the world." I softly said, smiling at father and daughter.

"Some day, Clarisse, some day." He said as the door opened and in came the doctors, nurses, midwives and, of course, Charles Beaufrere. Congratulations were given and thanks for giving Genovia a new princess. I also saw the Queen standing quietly at the back of the room. I caught her eye and mouthed a 'thank you' and she simply smiled at me.

"Congratulation, your highness, and thank you for giving Genovia a new little princess; I have a press release ready or do you wish to do it differently this time?" Charles asked.

"Oh I don't know. Rupert do you want to make the announcement to the press or will a press release do fine this time as well?" I turned my head and looked at Rupert who was still holding our daughter and rocking her slightly.

"I will not hand this girl over until she is hungry; so a press release will do fine!" Rupert said sending me one of those blinding smiles he always uses when he is confident and more than happy.

"Do you wish to read this one as well your Highness?" Charles asked me and handed me the paper, I took it and read.

A Princess is born

On Saturday February

Weight: 3150 grs., length: 50 cm.

Mother and child are doing fine.

C. Beaufrere
Chief of the Court of
TRH The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Genovia

The press release was perfect just as it had been last time. Since her birth, the country has gone pink. A member of Parliament even suggested that we change our national symbol, our flag, from the blue, white and green flag to a pink one. Additionally, I don't think there are any more pink flowers in Genovia; every single one must be here at the palace. Rupert brings me a new pink rose every day.

The most challenging part of this was our trip home from the hospital, Rupert arrived early in the morning with Pierre on one arm and the pink rose. When we were leaving, the press was in full force. Everyone wanted to see our beautiful girl and everyone wanted to know her name. While they got their pictures, they will have to wait for the name.

Pierre was having fun with all the photographers and kept waving to them. He also wanted some attention from his mother, so half way through the hospital lobby, we had to switch. This caused the cameras go off even more. Rupert was very generous with showing off our daughter and more than happy to be more in the spotlight, I think.

Once we were finally seated in the car, we relaxed. "BABY!" Pierre screamed.

"Yes darling that is a baby; your baby sister." I told him while running a finger over her forehead.

"He has been waiting for this all morning…wanting to see his Mama." Rupert shared, while looking at our sleeping daughter.

"Oh how sweet! Have you thought about a name Rupert?" I asked wanting to know if he had decided on something.

"Yes I have and I hope you approve. We honoured our fathers with Pierre and so we here have the chance to honour our mothers. You mentioned a name that has lodged itself firmly in my head for the past few months." He said cleverly.

"Rupert, what is the name?" I asked impatiently.

"Christelle! Maud Theresa Christelle Gerard Renaldi." He said and looked at me.

"That is beautiful Rupert, I love it!" I kissed him and looked down at our sleeping daughter in her father's arms and then down to Pierre, who was drifting off in mine.

We were almost home when our daughter woke up with a cry that would have raised a dead man. She was hungry. She has a huge appetite and she sleeps well. This is fortunate so there have not been too many sleepless nights so far; but, then again, she is only ten days old. We look forward to enjoying our two children to the fullest until we, once again, will have to return to our duties.

We both know that either the royal family or Parliament will at some point crave another heir to the throne since a girl is most likely to marry outside of her own country. As a result, another male heir will be desired. I find it terrible to be thinking about these things only ten days after our daughter's birth…but I suppose that it is part of my duty and that I eventually will learn to live with it.

I just don't think that Clarisse and Rupert would be happy with just two children, so in my world they have more, if you don't like this please let me know and I will see what I can do about it!!!! Please read and review!!!! Thank you!!!!