A.N: My dear readers, here is another chapter in my rapidly growing fiction EHIT. Thank you for all reviews so far, I try to reply to every one so I am sorry if I miss someone. It doesn't mean you are any less loved! I would just like to thank Monker for her support in writing this fiction, and her constant encouragement in everything. Her help has definitely been that of behind the scenes!

Chapter 13:

Joseph had soon found Carlo sitting in the security headquarters, a cup of strong coffee in his hand. He had convinced him to take a walk in the gardens where they finally addressed the matter of Diego's death.

They discussed all it had meant to both of them, and how it had (and still did) affected their lives. They both agreed that they would never forget that night for the rest of their lives, but also that they needed to forgive themselves. Joseph was able to help Carlo with his self-forgiveness, as he had been there so many times before. He had practiced self-forgiveness with all times involving Diego's death, his mother's death, and even Solana and Luca's death.

It had been a long process for him, as he explained for the first time to Carlo, but he had finally moved on and was now able to face all of his past without any regret or self-blame. He explained all this to Carlo, and shared all of the fears he had ever had about those moments in his history. And Carlo listened, taking in every word; he knew it was time to heal.

So they finally faced one of their worst moments in their life, together. They were not alone, and they knew they could fight anything, including past horrors.

Carlo was finally healed, and Joseph was able to be at peace for his friend.

Joseph then left his friend alone to gather his thoughts whilst he reported back to Her Majesty, just as he had promised.

OoOoOoOo

"How did it go, Joseph?" Her Majesty asked, once her assistant had left the room, leaving them alone.

"Very well, thank you, Ma'am," Joseph replied appreciatively, his hands clasped behind his back, and standing erect before her desk.

"Excellent!" Queen Clarisse exclaimed, leaning back in her chair and looking up at Joseph with a smile.

"Now tell me, how did your talk with Pierre go?" She then asked, taking on a motherly look, but seeming unaware of her blatant adoration.

"That also went very well, ma'am, as we developed an excellent sense of trust. Somehow I feel he will come to me for advice more often now. Which is very good as he will have someone outside his family to help guide him, and in turn stop the strain between him and His Majesty," Joseph explained cheerfully.

"Yes, I do believe he will and I trust you to be a wonderful role model, so I have no qualm in the matter," Her Majesty complimented subtly.

Joseph smiled, bowing his head in thanks and respect. He really had developed a good relationship with Her Majesty, more than he thought was possible from when he met her for the first time all those years ago.

"You are dismissed for the remainder of the day, Joseph. I suggest you go and report to Melas so he can give you something to do for the rest of the afternoon," Queen Clarisse then commanded, returning to her business at hand.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Joseph bowed slightly before leaving the room silently.

As he walked down the corridor to the security head quarters, Joseph couldn't help but reflect on what he had accomplished since arriving at the Genovian Palace those five years ago.

He had created so many new friendships, acquired the position of security for Her Majesty, and become the role model for Their Highnesses Pierre and Phillippe. Something that at a glance appeared to be nothing, but upon close inspection was really quite magnificent. Joseph finally felt he had a new family that would support him through all, and would always be there.

The advances in his career were excellent enough. He had started out as just His Majesties translator and back-up security, but had slowly climbed up to part of the security team, then up even further to one of the top. He was now just below Head of Security, Melas, alongside Carlo.

At first, Joseph had felt guilty at being promoted so fast at the palace, after Carlo had been working there for some years before him. But then Carlo was already as high up that he could possibly be without taking Melas' job, and was also delighted that Joseph was finally working by his side, that Joseph soon dismissed the guilt. He had, after all, worked for it, so should just be thankful his hard work had been recognized.

But his career advances didn't even compare in his mind to the advances in relationships he'd made. If he was to analyze his years at the palace, and identify the most successful aspect of them, he would honestly have to say that is was building his relationship with Her Majesty.

Queen Clarisse had always been so kind, understanding, equalizing, and humorous with Joseph, that he had developed a pure sense of admiration towards her. She truly was almost the wisest woman he had ever met; so much so that she competed with Solana. But Solana would always be in that special place in his heart, one which Queen Clarisse could not fill.

But it was not just in this manner that Queen Clarisse was his success at the palace, but in the fact that she introduced him to her boys. She was the one whom asked Joseph to get involved with the Prince's lives, and to help them where she could not. She saw a need in her children, and went to the closest source that would meet that need; Joseph. Although she knew that what they really needed was the understanding of their father, she also saw that Joseph was the only way to help them receive that. Queen Clarisse understood, and saw often, just how much King Rupert loved his sons, but also that he was not the most accepting of change. He could provide the love they needed, but not the understanding. Queen Clarisse believed that Joseph was going to be the bridge between the gaps. Joseph prayed she was correct.

Walking up to the security room, Joseph felt his heart warm at the joy this Royal family had brought into his life. He pushed open the door and pulled himself back to report to Melas. Today had been a good day.

OoOoOoOo

Joseph had spent the past hour in the security room doing paperwork with Melas, before handing it over to His Majesties' assistant, and taking a brief walk in the palace gardens before dinner.

He had just rounded the corner towards the glass house, when he heard Her Majesty laughing from somewhere to the left. Curious at what she was doing outside at this time and not in her office, Joseph veered off to the left in search of his monarch.

Winding through the rose scented paths, Joseph listened intently for another voice, to give him a sign as to whom was with Queen Clarisse, and if it was one of the Prince's.

Just as Joseph turned another tight bend, he looked up to see Her Majesty sitting up in the gazebo with King Rupert. They were sitting opposite each other and both laughing majestically at something one or the other had said. They looked completely comfortable and happy in each others presence.

Joseph smiled; just as a man and wife should be.

Just before Joseph turned to leave to give them some privacy, he was stopped in his turn to watch as King Rupert jumped to his feet and extended his hand towards Her Majesty.

He could not hear their voices, but watched as Queen Clarisse accepted her husbands hand before rising and standing before him. They then proceeded to move together before dancing slowly in circles in the middle of the gazebo.

Joseph's smile grew; those two really were unique.

Joseph finally turned and made his way back to the palace without a sound. He didn't want to break the moment his monarch's were having alone in the gazebo, whether it was safe to leave them alone or not. They hardly had a moment together, let alone a moment alone, and Joseph thought they needed to keep their relationship strong so as to help their boys, the young Prince's. If they expected their country to run through interdependence, then they could at least model it for the country through their own family.

Joseph chuckled to himself as he entered the palace unseen; Queen Clarisse really was quite the romantic.

A.N: So how was that chapter my dear readers? Wasn't the brief interaction between Queen Clarisse and King Rupert just the sweetest? I always thought they would be so dear together. Please leave me a review and make my day!