Author's Note: Thank you all for your reviews- I wasn't sure about this story, but I'm glad you all like it… it's going to be a little different to 'Newlyweds' (maybe a little more dramatic!) but still heaps of fun!
Thank you: Kristi-Julie, Clarisse Renaldi, Captain Weirdo, addlogcon, tabby-fanny, AlternativeRocker & anyone else who reads it! You all rock!
The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!
Clarisse was feeling a little sad the next morning as they repacked their suitcases, ready to go back upstairs. She sighed heavily, and sat down on the edge of the bed. It was sill to be sentimental about a small room, her sensible side told her sternly, but it had felt like their own private hideaway, isolated from the rest of the world, something she had grown to appreciate since her marriage. She was, essentially, a shy woman, and while it had been necessary, and often enjoyable, to meet and talk to lots of people, she was more than a little relieved that she no longer was expected to that as much.
"Why the sad face?" Joe asked as he closed his suitcase and sat down next to her on the bed.
"I don't know… this has been our little hideaway for the past few days, and I know that we have to go back into the real world sometime, but…"
Joseph smiled understandingly, feeling exactly the same way as she did.
"Don't forge that we're about to go into seclusion again, out to the beach house," he said reassuringly, and Clarisse gave him a slightly more relaxed smile, but he could tell that she was still trouble.
"So… what else is wrong?"
Clarisse sighed again, wondering if she could really tell him what was bothering her- she had been thinking about it for a little while, and she had been worried about telling him.
"You're going to think I'm a little silly…" she began hesitantly before he stopped her as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"We've been through this before- although you have done some silly things over the years, I have never thought that you were silly… so, what's wrong?"
"I've been thinking about this for a little while… I'm just afraid that you might get bored being with me all the time… You have to admit that we have been practically living in each other's pockets for the past twelve months…"
She trailed off, other memories coming back to her. Rupert, towards the end of their marriage, hadn't been particularly attentive towards her (not that he had ever been overly affectionate with her), and she had begun to accept that it was normal to be alone most of the time. She had grown used to it, but she was concerned that Joseph might develop the same tendencies- she loved being in his company all the time, but maybe he didn't feel the same way…
Joseph, on the other hand, was outraged- not at Clarisse, but at Rupert, who had made her feel that being with someone all the time was unnatural. He knew it could be perceived as unhealthy that they were together all the time, but they had been side by side most of the time when he had just been her bodyguard, and nothing had changed… in fact, they had grown even closer spending so much time together…
"Why, are you sick of me?" he began cautiously, now worried himself, but now it was Clarisse's turn to reassure him.
"No darling, I love being with you all the time, but I'm just a little…"
"NO, sweetheart," Joseph said firmly, holding her tightly. "I'm NEVER going to get sick of being in your company- you are the best company I know, and you never cease to surprise, irritate…" they both grinned at that. "Or amaze me… other people might get sick of being together all the time, but I know that I won't, and I don't…" before he stopped and kissed her gently.
After he pulled away, he looked at her gently.
"Does that convince you?"
"Yes," she smiled at him. "I'm sorry if I seem a little insecure at times… this is all so new to me…"
"I know that, and I have to admit something- I love seeing your insecurities (in fact, I love you more for it), and it doesn't bother me at all…. You don't have to try to be perfect all the time with me, Clarisse, because I know you inside out… Besides, I love being with you all the time… and, think about it- we were together most of the time when we were just bodyguard and Queen, so nothing's changed, except that we're married…. Unless… you're bored with me?" he teased.
"Well…" she began before smiling, and caressing his cheek. "Never…" before he kissed her.
"I was also thinking about what it would have been like to live together before we got married… just to create a scandal…. I can just imagine some of the reactions from parliament!"
"Yes, it would have created a world class scandal," Joe agreed. "But what an imagination you have sometimes! I can see where your son and your granddaughter both inherited theirs from!"
Clarisse laughed, blushing, before sighing and standing up to stretch.
"I suppose it's time for us to emerge from the cocoon…"
"Yes, but just think… in 24 hours time, we'll be at the beach house, trying to lead a normal life!"
0
When they emerged from Joseph's former room, the hallways were quiet and deserted, but Joe knew that most guards would be around somewhere, hoping for a glimpse…
"I'll take these upstairs," Joe volunteered when they got to the bottom of the main stairs. He smiled at Clarisse's puzzled expression. "You should go and tell our granddaughter that we're still alive!"
"And that we're moving out," she added quietly. "What are you going to do?"
"Go and see Scott, and tell him our news!"
Clarisse smiled- he was his closest friend in the palace, although he was good mates with all of the security men- they all liked and respected him greatly.
"I suppose you'll want to know what Mia's reaction is?" she inquired with a smile.
"Yes- and I'll tell you what Scott says… so, meet you upstairs?"
"Yes," she smiled at him as he kissed her cheek- he knew that she was still rather shy about showing affection even in the palace, but she was loosening up a great deal, before heading upstairs.
Clarisse smiled after him for a moment, before heading towards Mia's study- a year ago, it had been hers, and it still felt a little strange walking in and seeing Mia sitting there, but she also knew that she really didn't miss it.
Clarisse casually strolled into the study and, sure enough, found Mia sitting at her desk, signing papers, but she looked up when she heard Clarisse's shoes on the floor, smiling happily and sitting back in her chair.
"So, how are the newlyweds? Don't tell me you've had your first argument!" she teased when she saw that Clarisse was alone. "Where's your other half?"
"Down visiting Scott for a little while," Clarisse said comfortably, sitting down in a chair opposite her granddaughter. "But we are both fine," she added with a happy smile.
"I can see that," Mia replied with a smile. "But… none of us saw you all weekend… and, for the men, it was like hunting for a rarely seen animal… did you come out of that room at all?"
"Yes we did- we were just very, very sneaky," Clarisse said with a mysterious smile, before changing the subject. "But did everyone have a good time anyway?"
"Yes… James and Charlie were going to set up a Joseph and Clarisse spotting game, but the ladies, including me, made them give that idea up. But it didn't stop them from racing past your door every hour for the past few days, until I told them to stop… They all left yesterday, rather disappointed!"
"I knew James and Charles would get up to mischief like that… By the way, who was standing outside our room on that afternoon?
"Most of us- and your friends wanted to knock, but we decided not to… we figured that we'd leave you alone- you deserved it!"
Clarisse looked at Mia for a moment, and then decided to ask her the question she had been wondering about.
"Why did you all leave the throne room when we were dancing?"
"We… or, rather I, figured that you two were so wrapped up in each other that you wouldn't have noticed anything- and I also that that, after the zoo you had been living with since you announced your plans in January, you deserved some privacy and space even from us!"
"Thank you, that was very thoughtful," Clarisse said gratefully. "We'll have to confirm our wedding ceremony to the press- it's been a topic of conversation for so long that it would be a little unfair not to say something."
"You don't have to say anything, Grandma- you and Joe are, after all, private citizens now!"
"I know that, but I still feel as though I owe them something… and there has been so much talk about it….Just something short and simple."
"So," Mia continued after they had agreed upon the statement. "Did you enjoy the wedding?"
"Yes we did… although, not the keeping us apart for 24 hours," she looked pointedly at Mia, who reddened slightly. "But, seriously, we did enjoy the wedding- it was what we had wanted, and you planned it perfectly… thank you."
"It was my pleasure to do it for you and Joe… anyway, what can I do for you?"
Clarisse took a deep breath in, wondering what Mia's reaction was going to be, before just saying it:
"We're moving out."
"What?!" Mia looked at her, stunned and shocked, and Clarisse was quick to reassure her.
"Not permanently- just for a week or so."
"But… why?" Mia looked confused.
"Well… It may be a little hard to believe, but I have never lived without servants to cater to my every whim- my parents had them, and… obviously the palace had them as well… I think that Joseph and I both need a little space from the palace and from everything around us… Just so that we can be ourselves, without everyone watching us," Clarisse said honestly, before adding with a smile: "Besides, you wouldn't want to live with your grandparents all the time!"
"Maybe not all the time," Mia agreed teasingly, but continued to look intrigued at Clarisse's plan. "Interesting… where would you go?"
"The beach house… you know, you've seen the outside of it… it's quiet, isolated and very close to the ocean…"
Mia smiled at the contented expression on her grandmother's face, and she thought that the idea sounded great… she was rather jealous…
"That sounds perfect for the two of you, and I have to admit that I'm rather jealous at you two getting away to the beach… When were you intending on going out there?"
"Probably early tomorrow morning, to avoid the press," Clarisse said calmly, pleased that she and Joseph had discussed and planned it all the previous evening. Mia continued to look at her pensively, smiling at her.
"I like it- and I can so understand why you would want to get away from all of this… I've been in this job for a year, and I've had enough of it all- I don't know how you've done it for most of your adult life! But," she sobered up for a moment, looking a little uncomfortable.
"I know you won't like this, but I will be sending out a few boys every couple of days, just to drive past and check that everything is alright… it's just for your own protection, you understand. After me, you two are the most powerful, famous and most talked about people in Genovia, and your safety is important to me… Besides, everyone is going to be fascinated with you again after news of this second wedding breaks…"
"I understand perfectly," Clarisse said calmly, smiling at her. "But thank you for your concern, darling, and we both appreciate it."
"So, what are you planning to do when you go out the beach?"
"Apparently, just all the normal things everyone else does- cooking, cleaning, shopping, washing- things that I've never done myself!" she joked, but she had to admit that she was a little nervous- what if she was bad at them?
"Joe will show you," Mia said confidently.
"Did Pierre enjoy himself?" Clarisse had forgotten about him since they had all disappeared from the throne room, but she was now anxious to know whether he had enjoyed himself… not everyone would have warmed to his temporary return with open arms- some were still very bitter about what had happened…
"Yes he did, and he told me to tell you that he's very happy for the both of you… Grandma," she looked slightly hesitant. "What happened between you and Pierre? I had the feeling that there's still some tension between the two of you…"
"I really don't want to get into it, but we had some very heated words a few years ago… but he is a nice boy," she said carefully, not wanting Mia to know about what had happened.
"Yes, he is nice- but, whatever happened between you two, I'm sorry if you got hurt," Mia said sincerely, and Clarisse smiled, touched.
"Whatever happened, it's in the past…" she said calmly, before Mia decided to change the subject.
"Anyway, onto more something much more pleasant," Mia said with sly smile as she leaned forward onto her elbows. "How popular was that nightgown?"
"Amelia!" Clarisse blushed hotly- she was still getting used to Mia's free ways, but she had to admit that she loved that about her… it was just so much different to when she was 21, and things were usually swept under the rug… before she laughed happily.
"However… it is a beautiful nightgown, and thank you very much… to all of you who chose it."
"We were going to go a little racier, but Charlotte vetoed it…"
"I'm glad for that, but it is gorgeous."
0
"Aha! Here comes our elusive and famous groom!" were the first words Joe heard when he walked into the security room. "You are very hard to spy on, my friend!" Scott said with a grin as he and Joe sat down at the table, the other few guards glued to the computer screens.
"We're not silly- we weren't going to let you see us!" Joe laughed easily. "Maybe it was payback for keeping us apart for 24 hours!"
"Okay, so maybe we deserved that," Scott admitted ruefully. "Still, maybe all your guests wanted to spend some time with you!"
"You all had the opportunity the day before… By the way, were all of you standing outside our door on the afternoon of the wedding?" Joe asked serious, but his eyes were twinkling.
"Yes… we went to the movies, and we couldn't help but pass by that door…"
"Sure," Joe said sarcastically, before Scott continued.
"We also were outside on Saturday… until Her Majesty told us to leave you alone… Did we disturb you?"
"I always knew Mia was sensible… No, you didn't disturb us, but we could hear you through the door!" Joe laughed, and then changed the subject. "So, how are the press?"
"You're still front page news, but they are getting irritated that there is no confirmation from the palace… personally, I don't think you need to say or confirm anything- you're both private citizens now…"
"True, but Clarisse is hoping that a press statement will end all this fascination with us."
"You'll be lucky if that happens," Scott sniggered. "I may think that you don't need to say anything at all, but the people seem to think that Clarisse (and now you) will always belong to the public, and that they should know everything you do and say…. Anyway, what can I do for you?"
"Besides telling you that we're alive, I also wanted to tell you that Clarisse and I are moving out."
Shades' reaction was just as Joe had expected- his mouth dropped open, and he almost fell off the chair he had been swinging on as he choked on the piece of gum he had been chewing.
"Why?" he gasped when he had recovered, and Joe laughed.
"I just thought that we needed some time away from the palace and you lot… maybe try to lead a normal life for a little while…"
"Sick of the life of luxury, hey?" Scott jeered with a grin. "My heart bleeds for you, mate, really it does! But you still are a very independent man, aren't you?"
"It's not about that… besides, I figured that it would be fun, and Clarisse is looking forward to it."
"Your wife is generally enthusiastic about anything you want to do… but, I have to admit, this is one of your crazier ideas!"
"I knew you would say that!" Joe retorted, but neither man was offended as they grinned at each other for a moment.
"So, where are you planning on going?"
"The beach house… it was Clarisse's idea," he added when Scott raised an eyebrow- even he knew that it had been Phillipe's private sanctuary. "But it's going to be a lot of fun- the cooking, cleaning, washing…"
"Sounds very romantic… But you do realise that Her Majesty will probably have a few of us calling in every few days just to check on you?"
"I've thought about that, and it's fine- just as long as you don't decide to stay for dinner!"
"With your cooking? Never…kidding!" Scott added quickly as Joe looked around for something to throw.
000
When Joe re-entered the suite, he was surprised to see Clarisse was in the bedroom, already packing, a number of suitcases spread out over the bed and the floor, and he couldn't help but laugh.
"I can see that someone is excited about this," he teased as he stood in the doorway and watched as she travelled between the bed and the wardrobe, and she stopped to smile at him.
"I'm also getting a feeling of déjà vu- didn't you have the same problem with luggage last year… why don't you ask your maids to help you?"
She paused midway to the bed, and looked at him mock haughtily.
"I thought I would start off leading a normal life properly by doing my own packing… Did you want me to yours as well?"
"No, I'll do it… how did Mia take the news?"
"She approved- she was actually rather jealous that we're going to the beach… and how did Scott react?" she asked, stopping in her packing to look at him.
"Just as I had expected- almost fell off his chair, choked on his gum, and called us both crazy!"
"Yes, I suspected Scott would do as much," Clarisse chuckled as she restarted packing again.
"Did you get a statement sorted out?"
"Yes, something very nice and simple- 'Her Majesty Queen Clarisse Renaldi Bonnell and Sir Joseph Bonnell were remarried in a quiet ceremony at the palace."
"Nice, short and sweet," Joe said approvingly as he found his suitcase among the jumble on the bed.
"Yes, and that is all we're going to say on the matter- we are now going to keep a much lower profile!"
"You really are intent on your privacy, aren't you?" Joe teased gently, and Clarisse looked at him seriously.
"Our privacy, and yes I am- I spent most of my first marriage in the public eye, under constant scrutiny, hearing my marital problems discussed and bandied about like gossip, and I've had enough of that. Our marriage is different- we're not going to be constantly observed and talked about…"
"Although we were gossiped about for most of our secret relationship," Joseph interceded gently, and she smiled slightly.
"Exactly, and that's why I'm determined that we keep everything behind closed doors… this time is for us, and we deserve it!"
"Yes we do," Joseph agreed as he walked over and gave her a hug.
He knew that she was serious about their marriage being out of the public eye, and he couldn't really blame her after the disaster that was her first marriage. He himself preferred it that way, but if Clarisse had wanted to publicise it, he would have followed her… but it was a testament of how seriously she took their relationship, and how much she cared, that she was firm about boundaries and privacy.
0
It was after dinner when Joseph checked up on his wife, and laughed- she still hadn't finished packing! He had packed two suitcases and a bag in half an hour, before disappearing to do a couple of things, but Clarisse was still going strong.
"Yes, I definitely remember that we've been through this before!" Joe joked as he surveyed the room, the bed barely visible underneath the suitcases, before Clarisse threw a pillow at him. "Couldn't the maids…"
"No… besides, I'm finished," she smiled smugly, closing the lid on the suitcase in front of her.
"And the final tally?" he asked as she began hanging clothes back up in the wardrobe.
"Five suitcases, and 2 bags, smarty pants," Clarisse shot back quickly, and he laughed as he went back out into the living room, Clarisse following, before he turned to face her, mischief sparkling in her eyes.
"Do you realise that, in the time it's taken you to pack five suitcases, I've packed two, and a bag, and managed a) to organise a car; b) make sure the house is secure; and c) 'borrow' equipment and food from the kitchen… incidentally, we might have to go shopping tomorrow!"
"Aren't you clever, my love?" Clarisse crooned as she stepped towards him, and wrapped her arms around his neck before kissing him. "I know I married you for a reason… your efficiency and organisational skills!"
"I had to be organised when I was your bodyguard," he retorted, and she began laughing as he nuzzled her neck playfully.
Jus then, they were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door, and then Mia bounced in.
"I figured you guys would be going to bed soon, so I just thought I would drop by and tell you that I hope you have fun!"
"Thank you Mia," Joe said mock formally. 'If we're ever in Pyrus, we will be sure to drop by and see you."
"Visiting your own home?" Mia laughed. "You know, I'd better let security know that if you show up, they shouldn't let you in… or they could arrest you!"
"Mia!" Clarisse gasped, shocked, as Mia roared with laughter. "That wouldn't be very funny at all!"
"Not for you, maybe, but it would be for me!" Mia grinned. "By the way, if you leave your suitcases…"
"Five in your grandmother's case," Joe interceded quickly, and Clarisse threw a mock glare at him. "Honestly, you Renaldi women really take too much sometimes!"
"Fine, all your suitcases," Mia continued, ignoring his comment with a grin. "Outside the doors, the guys will pack them in the car for you… They've already packed your wedding presents in there… we figured you might as well open them there!"
"Wedding presents?" Clarisse and Joe looked at each other, and then over at Mia. "We didn't ask for any gifts!"
Mia only shrugged and smiled smugly. "I don't know….Anyway, have fun… You know," she said musingly. "I miss my independent college days… I know you've never had this, Grandma, so I really hope you enjoy yourselves… and I'm sure that Joe will show you all the ropes!"
"Yes, I'm sure he will," Clarisse smiled over at Joseph, before looking back at Mia. "But, I will give you a call every few days, just to let you know how we are."
"You don't have to do that!"
"I don't mind, and I would prefer that…"
"Just so that you can check up on me, I know… that's your real reason," Mia said cheekily, before hugging them both and disappearing out of the room, calling:
"Have fun!"
"She's like a hurricane, that girl," Joe said, watching where she had disappeared for a moment, and Clarisse smiled as she wove her arms around his waist.
"But you love her anyway," she teased, and he grinned over at her.
"You know me too well… But she did have one good suggestion…"
"Oh, what's that?"
"That we should get an early night… that is, if we can find the bed underneath all your suitcases!" he said smartly, narrowly missing a playful slap from his wife.