Author's Note: another long chapter, but that's how I like them!
Thank you to all my very loyal readers- Clarisse Renaldi, Captain Weirdo, Poppinswannabe, Victoria Grant, Kristi-Julie, addlogcon, tabby-fanny and anyone else who reads this- you guys all rock!
The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!
Joe was alone in the suite, BJ having left earlier, but they were meeting him downstairs at 7, when there was a knock on the door. He grinned as he walked towards the door.
"Did you decide to spend the rest of the afternoon here?" he called, before opening the door but found, instead of BJ, Clarisse standing there, smiling.
"I was planning on it, but if you were expecting someone else…" she teased with a sly smile, beginning to turn away, before Joe grabbed her hand, and pulled her into the room. His eyes widened when, in addition to Clarisse carrying a few bags, he saw the boys follow her in, both carrying a pile of bags as well.
"How much shopping did you DO?" he asked when they were alone. "You're not going to be able to wear all that in a week!"
"Some of it is yours," she said, peering into bags to see what was inside. "Some of I'll wear here, and the rest is for the beach."
"Are you going to model it for me?" he asked after she handed him several bags which contained clothes that she had carefully chosen for him. "Thank you- you didn't have to do this."
"It was my pleasure, darling," she caressed his cheek gently. "As for the modelling, maybe tomorrow- I've already done it for the girls."
"Ah, I see… did you enjoy your girls' afternoon out?"
"Yes I did- the girls were wonderful," and the tender note in her voice told Joe she had enjoyed it a great deal, and she was very fond of them. "By the way, did you know that we're having dinner with them tonight?"
"Yes- I hope you don't mind," he was almost timid, and she smiled as she sank into an empty chair.
"No I don't- I like your family very much- they're good fun… Right now, though, I could do with a cup of tea!"
"Coming right up!" he said, bending over the phone. "I've never used room service before, but I'm going to enjoy it now."
"Where's the champagne?" she asked after he hung up. "I thought it was on the table."
"It was, but I put it in the fridge for later," he said, sitting down next to her, and she rested her head on his shoulder. "What did you buy?"
"You're just going to have to wait and see, although I do have something for tonight," she smiled mysteriously, and wouldn't say another word about it.
000
It was an hour before they were due to meet BJ when Joseph stretched and switched off the massive television, causing Clarisse to turn and give him a look.
"What did you do that for?"
"I figured you need an hour to decide what you're going to wear," he smiled lazily at her, never able to resist teasing her, and she playfully slapped him on the arm.
"I don't need it- I've already got my outfit chosen, but I'm going to have a shower," she said, standing up and, with a smile at him, headed towards the bedroom, carrying three bags with her. "Oh," she added, turning in the doorway. "Don't you try and peek in the other bags!"
"Yes madam!" he mock saluted her smartly, and he could still hear her laughing as the bathroom door closed behind her.
Joe was already dressed and waiting, glancing at his watch occasionally, when he heard the bathroom door open slowly.
"You're ready early tonight, which is a miracle, my darling wife!" he joked, standing up and turning to the bedroom entrance. Any other smart comments he may have had died on his lips when he saw Clarisse standing there, looking almost shy.
She was wearing a tailored black suit with a white blouse underneath, as well as a string of pearls- she had opted not to wear high heels, as Annie had suggested, but a pair of her lower, more comfortable shoes. She looked downright sophisticated, although slightly ill at ease, and sexy… very, very sexy, Joe thought to himself.
"Well?" she said nervously when he didn't say anything, but she could see his visible approval with the way his mouth fell open. "I know I usually wear dresses or skirts, but…" she trailed off as he strode over to her, pulled her firmly into his arms, and kissed her passionately, almost causing her to swoon.
"I love it… you look very sophisticated, and… very sexy," he murmured into her ear, and she blushed before he kissed her again, his lips slowly making their way down to her neck, before he pulled away to look at her outfit again. "Did you pick it out?"
"No… Annie saw it in a window, and insisted I try it on… she also said something about… knocking your socks off…" The term slipped awkwardly off her tongue, but Joe roared with laughter.
"Typical Annie… always cheeky, but she's right- you look spectacular in that suit- in pants- and I'm very impressed!"
"My mother in law always insisted that I could never wear pants, and black was always meant for funerals…"
"Thus you've effectively shattered those two misconceptions!" he laughed as he watched her wander over to the window to look at the lights of London, admiring her figure, and he couldn't help letting out an admiring whistle, and she turned to look at him with a smile.
"You really do like it!"
"Of course I do… and I also know that I'm going to have to stick close to you tonight," he growled playfully as he walked over to her and laced his fingers through hers. "You look so glamorous and sexy that I'm afraid you'll attract every man in the room, like a bee to a honey pot."
"Fancy comparing me to a honey pot!" she burst out laughing, but then sobered up. "But don't worry, my love," she stroked his cheek. "All the men might stare at me, but I want only your approval… are you sure this suit isn't too dressy for dinner?" she looked down at herself, suddenly unsure, before she heard Joseph say:
"Clarisse," and she looked up. "It suits you to perfection, and you are not going to change."
He could understand her apprehension- it was very different to what she usually wore, and she was a shy woman who hated a lot of attention, but he meant what he said- she looked stunning, and he was proud to have her on his arm.
"But," he added as they walked towards the door. "Annie is going to be difficult to live with from now on!"
000
The expression on BJ's face when they stepped out of the elevator spoke volumes, and Joe almost laughed as his older brother seemed almost nervous around Clarisse.
"Annie said she bought something new," he said after she had stepped into the car.
"A lot of new things," Joe joked with a smile.
"Yes, but that suit is… spectacular, and she looks it."
"Yes she does," Joe agreed proudly, before stepping into the car after his wife.
At the restaurant, the men did stare, as Joe predicted, and Lynn, Julie and Annie, as well as Patrick (no Ben or Carrie, Joe noted, but they wouldn't be missed), looked momentarily stunned at Clarisse, who again felt shy, before Annie grinned triumphantly.
"You look wonderful- I was so right!"
"Yes… mostly thanks to you," Joe added in a mocking tone, holding Clarisse's chair out for her, before sitting down next to her. "Did you all do as much shopping as your aunt?"
Clarisse smiled warmly at him at the use of 'aunt' before Annie interrupted the moment.
"Not as much, but I did find I need some items before I go back to New York…"
"Need to buy, or want to buy, and need a loan?" BJ teased from his seat next to Lynn, and Annie blushed, pretending to look offended.
"Not necessarily, but a loan might be nice…" she smiled wheedlingly at BJ, and Clarisse smiled as she watched the interaction between Joseph's family. During her marriage to Rupert, and even as a child, there had been none, or very little of the jokes and obvious affection like this family was sharing and, for a moment, she felt jealous…
"Isn't that right, Clarisse?" BJ turned to her with a smile, and she realised she had been caught out day dreaming.
"I'm sorry, I missed that," Clarisse said calmly.
"Clarisse was obviously thinking about how good she looks tonight," Joe said jovially, but his hand, which was resting on her knee, squeezed gently. She knew he was only joking, but she didn't mind the ribbing- it made her feel like part of the family.
"Yes, I was," she said lightly, sipping her glass of wine. "But I did discover something else I have in common with my nieces," she smiled warmly over at Annie and Julie. "I discovered that they, as well as Lynn, enjoy shopping as much as me!"
"But they probably didn't have as many bags as you!" Joe joked and Clarisse blushed, before laughing alone with them.
It was an enjoyable family dinner- Clarisse enjoyed watching them interact, but she didn't get to observe much, as BJ (and the others), continued to draw her into the conversation. Annie, BJ and Patrick got more and more expansive as the evening wore on, while Clarisse, Lynn, Julie and Joseph stayed with water and soft drinks after their first drink.
"We're planning on coming to Genovia for Christmas," BJ said when they stood outside the restaurant, waiting for their cars, the younger generation already gone.
"Great," Clarisse said enthusiastically, before adding: "Please invite Ben, Carrie and their families as well."
0
"What a night," Clarisse sighed as she walked into the suite, and switching on a light as Joe shut and locked the door. "You thought James and Charlie were crazy… but I have to admit that your family is the same!"
"Yes but you haven't seen them at their craziest yet- Lynn and Jules are by far the steadiest… Annie and BJ..." he rolled his eyes, and didn't mention Ben and Carrie.
"You didn't mention someone else who I think is very steady," she said seriously.
"Really, who?"
"You," she said simply, and he laughed as he walked over to where he was standing, and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"That's sweet, but now… I want to forget about my family, and just…" he leaned over and nuzzled her neck. "Concentrate on… the two… of us…" before he kissed her. "Did you want any champagne?"
"Not tonight… but would you like to see something I bought today?"
"If it's from what's obviously a lingerie bag, then… yes please… but can I grab a shower while you change?"
"Perfect," she smiled sultrily at him- the lingerie was what she had been planning on invading.
When Joe emerged from the shower, the room was dark, and he could just make out her outline on the bed.
"What are you doing in the dark?" he inquired, switching on the bedside light.
"So…" he turned and saw her stand up and stretch languidly and, for the second time that day, his jaw dropped- she was wearing a black lacy negligee with thin straps on her shoulders.
"Wow…" he murmured in a soft voice as she spun flirtatiously on the spot. "Did Annie help you with that?"
"She most certainly did not," she said a little indignantly as he strode around to her side of the bed. "I can choose my own lingerie, you know… I do have good taste!"
"As I've known all along, sweetheart… lucky me," he murmured before he slowly and gently pushed her back on the bed, Clarisse chuckling softly.
00000
The next week was bliss for Joe and Clarisse- they spent most of their time in the suite, ordering room service, using the spa and watching movies, virtually incommunicado from their friends, although they did have some plans involving the outside world. Clarisse hadn't been to the ballet or the theatre in years, and she was excited to discover they were both in London… Joe wasn't as thrilled though- he had been bored to tears the other few times he had been, but Clarisse had already thought about that.
"If you come with me to one session of either the ballet or the theatre, I'm sure I can miss out on the other," she said in a slightly begging tone the day after the shopping spree (Joe thoroughly approving of every outfit), and he laughed. She knew he didn't like either of them, and he was touched that she was willing to compromise.
"Well," he began mock hesitantly. "Since it's your birthday in a few weeks, and you didn't want to use my card for your spree, I'll sit through one show, and one session of ballet, but no more than that… "
Her eyes lit up when she heard his answer, and she bounced happily on the bed, like a child, and threw her arms around him.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! If there's anything you want to do…"
"You're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome!" he laughed. "So, what are we going to see?"
"The ballet is 'Swan Lake' and I'm not quite sure which show is going to be on… I can only hope we can get tickets…"
"We will… but now, I'm going to use room service, and use the spa…"
"Sounds like a plan!"
Thankfully, due to Clarisse's connections, they were able to get good tickets at both the theatre and the ballet… until they, they relaxed, and very rarely left the suite, although they went for long walks most days.
"We're very sociable people, aren't we?" he teased as they both sat in the spa, sipping champagne and watching the television set installed in the bathroom.
"I was more than sociable when I was Queen, so I'm exempt from most social niceties, but you…" she gave him a sly smile.
"I was most of those functions too, remember, so I would consider myself exempt too…" before he playfully splashed water in her direction which, with all the bubbles, wasn't much, but Clarisse instantly retaliated by kicking water directly into his face.
"Must you be so childish?" he complained, before splashing more water, now hitting her in the face.
"We should get a spa at the palace… no, at the beach house!" Joe quickly amended as they got dressed. "The beach house would better, otherwise Mia will want to use it all the time!"
"Not that I blame her," Clarisse chuckled as they stretched out on the couch, ready for an evening of watching movies. "I can't believe that we've been gone for nearly a month," she sighed. "It will be good to get back, see Mia again, and then return to the beach house… the simple life is the way for me."
"Sounds good to me, sweetheart," he said, pulling her closer.
00
Surprisingly, when they went to the ballet and the theatre, Joe, while still slightly bored, found that he actually enjoyed himself… perhaps it was because he was a guest, rather than Head of Security, constantly considering the Queen's safety, which he hadn't minded, but he always had to be on his toes… but, perhaps it was also witnessing Clarisse's obvious pleasure and delight.
"So… what did you think?" Clarisse inquired gently in the elevator on their way back to the suite- it was their last night of their stay, and Joe was already hinting that they should come back.
"Well…" he pretended to stall. "I was still a little bored in parts, but I did enjoy some of it… especially seeing your enjoyment."
"I always loved the ballet and the theatre… but, I do appreciate that you accompanied me to both of them- I know that neither of them are your forte, but I don't want a husband who likes everything the same as me, or is culturally observant… That's too boring, and that's not you, and I didn't fall in love with someone like that- I fell in love with you… You fulfil my needs in other, more important ways, and that's what I want and need now… you are my ideal husband," she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
"So… was this a good way to celebrate your birthday, even though it's a few weeks early?"
"Oh yes," Clarisse smiled radiantly at him. "Shopping, the suite, the ballet and the theatre… I don't want anything for my actual birthday now," she said coyly but, after closing the suite door, he spun her around and put his arms around her waist.
"I don't think so, madam- that only works once, and it shouldn't have worked at all… and I'm not going to let an opportunity to spoil you slip away…" and he kissed her. "So… spa time?"
"You bet!" she smiled, reaching for his tie and pulling him gently in the direction of the bathroom.
00000
It was mid morning when they left the hotel, "a couple of tonnes heavier with all your clothes!" Joseph joked as, walking across the tarmac to the waiting plane, they saw their luggage being loaded on.
"I didn't see you complaining when I modelled them all for you," she retorted with a smile, and he laughed as she slipped her hand in his.
"Alright, you win!"
"I always do," Clarisse smiled smugly, before beginning her ascent of the plane stairs.
Clarisse slept some of the way back to Genovia, and Joe couldn't resist but watch her, despite her protestations. He found her irresistible, but this time he was relieved to see that the hotel stay had relaxed her again- she had been constantly wound up since Pierre's accident and confession, and she had had to forget about it for a while.
"I can't believe we've been away for a month… I can't wait to see Mia," she said pensively when they stepped onto the tarmac at the airport, one of the palace limousines waiting for them, Scott standing next to it.
"How's everything going?" Joe called when they were in earshot, and he smiled, welcoming at them, but he also looked grim.
"Ma'am, Her Majesty would like to see you her in her study when we get back to the palace," he said quietly and Clarisse, who had been climbing into the car, froze and turned back to look at him.
"Is something wrong?"
"You'll have to ask Her Majesty that," he replied, and Clarisse hastily climbed into the car, a gnawing feeling her stomach. The twenty minute trip seemed to take forever, and she grew even more anxious when she saw the press huddled in front of the gates.
"Uh oh," she murmured to herself as the car stopped in front of the palace steps, and they hurried inside.
Outside the closed study doors, Joseph stopped, to Clarisse's surprise.
"Aren't you coming in with me?"
"I think Mia needs to see you alone- I'll meet you upstairs later."
Clarisse was feeling a little hesitant when she knocked on the door, and then entered when bidden. Mia was sitting at Clarisse's former desk, signing papers, but she looked up with a small smile, which widened when she saw Clarisse.
"Grandma… you're wearing slacks… and black!"
Clarisse smiled- she was wearing a black, short sleeved shirt and white capri pants.
"You sound surprised," Clarisse teased as Mia stood up and walked around the desk to hug her.
"I am… you always wear dresses and skirts, but you look fantastic… and I can't wait to see the black suit you bought… Annie texted me," she explained when Clarisse looked surprised.
"Thank you," Clarisse blushed as they both sat down again. "So…" she began, seeing Mia look down, before Mia interrupted her.
"How's Uncle Pierre?"
"Back in Italy for his rehabilitation, but he seemed to be in good spirits when he left," she said omitting Pierre's confession, and the underlying bitterness and anger she still felt. "Anyway," she tried again, sensing that Mia might be avoiding the subject, and her suspicions were confirmed when Mia interrupted her again.
"How was the hotel? I hear it's one of the fanciest in England."
"It was lovely, and I'll tell you about it later… Now, don't interrupt- how are you?"
"I'm fine- busy as usual, but fine," Mia shrugged carelessly, avoiding Clarisse's eyes.
"Mia," she said softly, and Mia finally looked at her. "Tell me… what's wrong?"
"Nicholas and I broke up."
"What? When?" Clarisse was shocked to her core- when they had left a month before, they had been stronger than ever, but now…
"A couple of weeks ago."
"Why didn't you call me?" Clarisse cried, now feeling guilty.
"You were so worried about Pierre, I didn't want to cause you any more grief."
"Nonsense, you are my granddaughter, and I would have been there, despite Pierre… we both would have," she included Joseph in her statement. "I wish you had called me."
"Now I wish I had, but you were apparently having such a good time at the hotel…"
"Darling, you mean more to me than any hotel… so, what happened?"
Mia hesitated, before telling her a little of the argument between them, very much like the argument that had brought them to the beach house, only worse…
"He stormed out, and I haven't seen him since…" Mia began to weep quietly, and Clarisse didn't hesitate to walk around the desk and put her arms around her.
"I am so sorry, but I'm sure we can find her…"
"There's more," Mia tearfully pointed down to the desk, and Clarisse looked down to see several newspapers, the top one of which had a picture of them obviously arguing, and a headline reading: 'IT'S OVER: HER MAJESTY'S FINAL FIGHT WITH HER BEAU!"- and promising all the exclusive details of their fight.
"Someone from the press obviously found an entrance onto the grounds… they know everything," she wailed, burying her face in her hands as Clarisse perused the papers- all of them seemed to have the same story… it was not only a clear invasion of the couple's privacy, but trespassing on palace property, two things she had already let go once, but she wasn't going to do so again.
"This broke a week or so ago, and they've kept it up since," Mia said finally. "I guess they were waiting for confirmation, but, when they didn't… I…"
"I see," Clarisse said grimly.
"I'm sorry Grandma, I feel like such an idiot… I should have done something…"
"No Mia, this isn't your fault," Clarisse said firmly, lifting her chin so that she was looking up at her. "The media has already crossed this boundary once, and I let it go, but to do it again… I need to think, but if I can do something, do you trust me?"
"Yes, Grandma." Already Mia looked and sounded better now that she had told her grandmother everything.
"And don't try and keep anything like that from me again," Clarisse said, affectionately tugging on a strand of Mia's hair.
"Alright, I won't… but where's Joe? How was London?"
000
Half an hour later, having caught up on all the gossip with Mia, Clarisse left the room with the newspapers, and went upstairs. Joseph wasn't there, so it gave Clarisse a chance to sit at her now rarely used private desk, and read all the accounts in the papers, most of which were repetitive. One thing was quite clear, however- they had crossed the line with invasion of privacy and trespassing, and they had to be held accountable for what they did…
She didn't hear Joseph come in until she looked up and saw him sitting on the sofa, watching TV, with the volume down.
"I didn't hear you come in," she said with a smile, taking off her glasses and resting them on her desk. "When did you return?"
"About ten minutes ago, but you were so absorbed in your reading that I didn't want to disturb you…" She stopped smiling at the thought of what she had read.
"You heard what happened?"
"Yes, and Scott's trying to work out how they got in… How's Mia?"
"Understandably upset, but I think I have a plan."
"I never doubted that you didn't," he said, walking over to sit in the chair opposite her. "So, what is it?"
"It has two parts- firstly, I'm going to have a press conference."
"Is that such a good idea?" he asked, before she glared at him- she was furious at the press, and she wasn't going to let them get away with their disrespectful behaviour again.
"Yes it is- the press got away with it once, but not again, and they need to know it. I need to contact Sebastian… but, more importantly, I need your support."
"Of course I support you in anything… I'm just saying be careful, as whatever you say in anger, could reflect badly on you."
"I know, which is why I'm going to ask Charlotte to help me, and I'd like you to peruse my statement before hand."
"What about the second part of your plan?"
"We have to try and get Mia and Nicholas back together."
"So, you're going to talk to her, and me to Nicholas?"
"No, the other way around- I know it may seem like we're meddling, but Mia is miserable."
"He may not want to see her…" It sounded callous and cruel, and it hurt him to say it, but it could be true.
"I hope not, but we're just going to have to wait and see…."
00000
The press conference was held two days later, after extensive consultation with Charlotte, Sebastian and Joseph, all of whom approved of her idea, and they all helped with the statement but, as Clarisse wrote it, it was perfect- concise, calm and perfectly clear on what they had done wrong. Charlotte had, by Clarisse's request, also contacted Nicholas, and Clarisse was meeting him immediately after the press conference.
"Are you nervous?" Joe inquired as she straightened the jacket of her blue suit, looking at her reflection in the mirror, and she shook her head.
"No- I just want to make it clear to the press that the palace is not to be messed with, and I'm sure her father would agree."
"As we all do," he rested his hands on her shoulders, massaging slightly. "And I'm proud of you for doing this.
"She's my granddaughter, Joseph," she turned to face him. "I would do anything for her… and you… Now," she took a deep breath in. "Let's get this over and done with."
The entire press entourage of Genovia, as well as a few visiting journalists, were waiting patiently in the throne room for the former Queen. She hadn't spoken to the press since her husband's knighting the previous year, and she hadn't been all that accessible since her marriage to her former Head of Security…
Maybe that was what this was all about, some reporters surmised- maybe her marriage was over… although most of them were sceptical about that theory- Clarisse and Joe were as solid a couple as anyone could meet, and they were very much in love…
No, the general consensus was that it was something to do with the young Queen…
Just then, the side door opened, and in stepped Clarisse, followed by Joseph, Sebastian and Charlotte. Clarisse stood in front of the temporary podium, and looked around at the journalists, all standing. She had already made it quite clear that this was only to release a statement, she wouldn't be answering any questions.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming… please, take your seats."
She waited until they were all sitting, and looking at her, before she continued.
"I have called this press conference to clear up an issue that has been festering for ten days and, to my regret, I didn't know about until my husband and I returned from England… and no, I will not be answering any questions regarding that either!" she added, seeing several hands slowly rising in the silence audience.
"This conference is to tell you all how very unhappy and angry I am at the head lines in the newspapers about the supposed ending of the relationship between Her Majesty and Lord Devereaux and, more specifically, how many of the details of their argument were published."
Some of the reporters began to squirm- Clarisse didn't look angry, but the calm but icy tone of her voice told them she was severely displeased.
"Both Her Majesty and I have given the press a considerable amount of freedom in regards to photographing us, and writing articles, but that does NOT include sneaking onto private property and recording private conversations," her voice grew sharp for a moment.
"I simply do not understand, or approve, of someone recording a conversation, and then selling the tapes, which, according to my limited experience, is ethically wrong."
There was another pause, and Joseph could sense the growing discomfort in the room.
"It was a personal conversation between two people, and they didn't deserve to be eavesdropped on, or had their conversation revealed to the rest of the world… again, I am not going to confirm or deny anything that was heard within that context, that's their business, but I am not pleased that their privacy was invaded… what makes it all the worse is that it was the Queen of Genovia, and a member of parliament- and they are both owed apologies.
This is the second instance where the press has been found to trespass on palace property- the first time, I may have let it go, but this time is difference. Trespassing on protected palace grounds cannot be tolerated, in fact, it's illegal, and I have to say that, while you have been very respectful about when and where you can go, if it happens again, the Queen will have no alternative but curtail the press's access to the palace and official occasions where she is in attendance. It is not something that I would recommend," she spoke slightly louder as a murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. "But this is a warning from the palace, and from the security team.
Thank you, ladies and gentleman, for you time," and she strode back out of the room, the other three following, as the room erupted in a hive of noise and activity.
"You were fantastic," Joe said admiringly when they were finally alone, as Clarisse headed towards the side doors leading out to the pagoda- she was meeting Nicholas there. "Remind me never to get on your bad side!"
She laughed, and patted his arm reassuringly.
"Even if you ever in my bad books, as you call it, I would definitely give you the benefit of the doubt!"
They stopped in front of the door leading out to the garden, and Clarisse glanced at her watch.
"Nicholas should be here by now, and I believe Mia will be in her study… good luck."
"Good luck to you too, my dear," he squeezed her hand affectionately, and then disappeared towards Mia's study.
Clarisse wasn't at all surprised to see Nicholas, clad in a suit and tie, already waiting for her, pacing nervously.
"Your Majesty," he began when he saw her, and she waved her hand towards the chair.
"Nicholas, we are well past those formalities- it's Clarisse, remember?"
"Sorry," he mumbled, looking down at his hands as he sat down, Clarisse a little way away. "I just figured you would be on Mia's side."
"I am- but I'm on yours too," she said quietly, and almost smiled when he gave her a dumbfounded look. "It's true- you and my granddaughter have been together for over a year, and you make her happy, so it's natural I would want the best for both of you."
"I don't know what happened- we were fine, but then…"
"I have a general idea… I just had press conference with the media to let them know how disappointed I am that they recorded you two, and then sold it to the papers."
"It doesn't matter," Nicholas said glumly. "It does, but… I didn't want our fight made for public consumption, but I'm more worried about Mia- is she alright?"
Clarisse smiled slightly- he was just as miserable without her as she was without him.
"She's upset over all of this, and she's miserable without you… Nicholas… I don't know whether you're in the mood for advice or not, but Mia can be awfully stubborn and proud, just like her father… and me," she added with a smile. "Being Queen has made her come into her own…"
"I know, and that's what I love most about her… do you think she would talk to me again?"
"Of course."
"I have a confession to make… I…I was actually going to propose to her before that argument… I was going to ask you beforehand, but I forgot…"
"That's wonderful… and I definitely give you my blessing if that's what you both want… will you…?"
"Of course… it's always been a matter of timing- Mia didn't want to overshadow you and Joe…"
"Nonsense, we've had more than our moment of fame, and now it's your turn- something for which I don't mind in the slightest."
000
Joe, meanwhile, strolled into the study and found Mia, like her grandmother before her, hard at work at her desk, but she looked up when she heard Joe's footsteps.
"Joe… where's your other half! I'm not used to seeing you two apart!" she joked, but before he could reply, she went on. "I hear that the press conference went off well."
"It did, and your grandmother was her usual stern self…"
"Yes, that side of her used to scare me until I got to know her better… where is she?"
"She had something else to do, but I figured that you need a bit of a break."
"No, I…"
"I insist," he said, leaning over and plucking the pen out of her hand, and she smiled at him.
"Now I know how you managed to coerce Grandma to have so many walks!"
"You cheeky girl, I don't know what I'm going to do with you," but it was said with affection, and she laughed as she stood up from her desk.
"Actually, I could use a break…"
They headed outside, but he was careful not to go anywhere near the pagoda.
"So, you and Nicholas…" he began awkwardly, and she shrugged.
"I don't know- I haven't see him in a week or so, so it must be over."
"Do you want it to be over?" He knew Clarisse would wince at the question, but he sensed that Mia appreciated the direct question.
"No I don't- he gave up his uncle for me, and I do love him… " she paused, blushing. "I feel silly talking about this with you."
"Don't' be- I want to help… and it's still the same Joe who saw you dripping wet in San Francisco," he teased, causing her to blush even more.
"But why do we argue so much?" she complained.
"Arguing is normal and healthy in any relationship- I know your grandmother told you about one of our fights."
"Yes, and it gave me a completely different perspective on you and her."
"It just proves that everyone- even us- fights, but don't give up on Nick, he cares about you… You know, Clarisse and I might have fought a lot over the years- even as Queen and bodyguard," he added, smiling at Mia's look of surprise. "But I loved her, no matter what and vice versa…"
"You two are so sweet together," Mia sighed, and Joseph rolled his eyes.
"You're never going to change your mind about that… but I want you to talk to Nicholas," he said sternly, and she nodded.
"Yes sir!"
000
Clarisse and Joe met each other at the doorway of their suite, both suitably pleased with their afternoon's 'work', but they only recounted their stories when they were inside.
"I think they'll talk to each other again," Joe said sagely as Clarisse kicked off her shoes and shrugged off her jacket, and sank onto the floor- her back was aching slightly, and lying on the floor often helped.
"I hope so- I'd hate to be that young again and try to figure out relationships… marriage was hard enough at that age, especially with no previous experience in relationships," Clarisse sighed as Joseph sat down next to her, before smiling mysteriously, instantly piquing Joseph's interest.
"What do you know that I don't, madam?" he teased, moving closer as she shook her head, chuckling, as he turned her around to face him, breathing on her neck, his fingers fiddling with the buttons on her blouse.
"You're not going to win… I'm not going to tell you," she said smugly as he, laughing confidently, brushed his lips down her beck, his fingers slowly unbuttoning her blouse, and he gently pushed her down onto the soft carpet, before kissing her passionately.
"So…" he teased as her fingers began to unbutton his shirt. "Now are you going to tell me?"
"No…" but it sounded weak as he kissed her again (this time with rising passion), momentarily running his hands through her hair, before he refocused on her blouse. He was just about to push it off her shoulders, leaving her exposed to his hands (which she could never resist), when she vaguely heard a sharp knock on the door.
"Oh no… just a minute!" Clarisse called, sitting up straight, vaguely disoriented, beforeshe hastily began to button her shirt up again as Joe, beside her, did the same.
Her cheeks flushed as she realised that they had almost been caught in the throes of passion… it was just as well it hadn't gone any further… that was another reason why she preferred the beach house now… more privacy…
"Come in!" she finally called, hoping it hadn't been too long a pause, as they both stood up, and in bounced Mia, hand in hand with Nicholas.
"Hi… are we interrupting something?" Mia asked, a little unsurely, her eyes moving from Clarisse's mussed hair and flushed cheeks, to Joseph's askew shirt, not buttoned up properly. "Uh oh… I think… we have," she smiled slyly at the both of them, causing Clarisse to blush even more… Mia was smarter than she had realised…
"Never mind that," she said hastily, smoothing down her blouse. "How can we help you?"
"We just wanted to thank you for the press conference this morning, and talking to us… You two are very sneaky, but are so wise… that's why we're always going to come to you for advice…." Joe laughed.
"It was our pleasure, dear," Clarisse said in a slightly thick tone, still slightly befuddled, before she cleared her throat and tried again.
"Anyway," Mia said with a smile. "You two have been a great help, and… obviously, we're back together… and we have some news for you…"
She held out her left hand for them to see, and Clarisse saw a diamond ring sparkling on her ring finger… Nicholas certainly hadn't wasted any time, but she was happy for them… they deserved it…
"We're engaged!"
"Congratulations, darling!" Clarisse cried immediately, almost in tears, before pulling Mia in for a firm hug, before moving onto Nicholas.
"Yes, congratulations you two," Joe added, hugging Mia after Clarisse, and shaking hands with Nicholas, now knowing what Clarisse had been trying. "That's really excellent news!"
"We're going to keep it a secret for a few weeks, serves the press right, but we wanted you two to know first."
"And we appreciate that," Joe said as he put an arm around Clarisse- he was very proud of Mia, and he knew that she would be very happy with Nicholas. "I guess we're not going to be newlyweds for very much longer, then!" he teased, and the four of them laughed.
"You still will be for a while, we're not planning anything until next year… I think….Anyway, we've got to go and call Mom, but we thought we'd call in… although maybe not such a good idea at the time," Mia added with an impish, significant grin, and Clarisse blushed again, before ignoring the hint.
"Congratulations… and we'll have to have to have some celebratory drinks tonight!"
"We will… and you'll have to help me plan an engagement party!" Mia said, hugging both of them again, before they disappeared out the door.
"So that was what you were hiding from me," Joe said teasingly as Clarisse sank down onto the couch, too happy for words.
"Yes, and because of your tricks, we almost got caught…!" she wagged her finger at him, but she wasn't angry at him- she was a little embarrassed at that, but Mia had far outweighed it with her news.
"Well, I have a solution to that," he walked over and loudly locked the door. "Now no one will be able to get in without giving us time to prepare…"
"I am really, really happy for them," she said as he sat down next to her, and she squeezed his hand tightly. "She's definitely going to be happy."
"Yes she is… we really are good at giving advice, aren't we?"
"I suppose we are… now," she turned to him with a cunning smile. "Where were we…. Before we were interrupted?"
"I know…" he chuckled as he leaned over and kissed her. "But maybe we should go into the bedroom…"
"Maybe, maybe not…" she smiled slyly as she slid back down onto the floor. "But I was more than happy here… unless you…"
"Oh no, Your Majesty," he replied in a low voice as he joined her on the floor. "I'm happy here as well… now… I think I was just about to do this…" He leant over to kiss her, his hand slowly moving back towards the buttons on her blouse.
"And I was doing this…" she added, reclining back on the floor, pulling him down with her…