Author's Note: I've split this chapter into two because it's going to be big… but, as usual, fun to write.

Thank you to everyone who has been reading and reviewing- I really appreciate all the reviews!

The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!

Mia's wedding day dawned fine and bright- and the sun was beginning to creep into their bedroom when Clarisse woke up. She lay there for a moment, wondering why she was awake so early, before she remembered that it was a special day- Mia was getting married!

She smiled delightedly for a moment before turning to look at Joseph, and her smile widened- he was still asleep, which as unusual, as it was usually the other way around. She wanted to lie there and watch him sleep, waiting for him to wake up so she could tease him, but she also wanted to go for a walk in the garden- she hadn't had a chance since they had arrived a couple of days ago. Even Joseph had asked:
"Why haven't you been for a walk yet? I'm surprised you haven't been before, or that you haven't gone crazy yet!"

"I know, and I want to… and yes, I'm surprised that I haven't gone crazy yet either, although it would certainly make life interesting for you!" she retorted before throwing a cushion at him.

The hallways were quiet as she walked downstairs, but she knew it wouldn't be long before the palace staff would be up, checking the final details for that day, and she quickly went outside before she could be seen. She had spent most of the last few months planning and poring over details for the wedding, and now she only wanted to enjoy the day as grandmother of the bride.

She smiled as she passed the small marquee in the garden- it was for the guests to congregate to when they came back to the palace after the ceremony, before going into the palace for dinner. It had been Mia's idea, and Clarisse had thought it was a good one, much to Mia's surprise.

"Are you sure you're alright with a marquee in your precious garden?"

"My garden may be very important, darling, but you are far more precious to me than any garden… although," she added teasingly, Mia laughing along as she knew what Clarisse was going to say. "Make sure that you tell the people setting up to make sure that they don't make too many holes in the garden."

"And if they do, then they're fired!" Mia quipped cheekily.

"Mia!" Clarisse was a little shocked, but Mia only skipped out of the door, laughing.

Clarisse smiled again at the memory before continuing to walk through the garden, stopping to smell the flowers on occasion, before finally coming to the pagoda. She sat down, looking around with pleasure- gardening had always been one of her passions, and she had always loved doing it… and it had really meant a lot to her that Joseph was trying to get involved, despite the fact he didn't like gardening at all.

The air was fresh and crisp, with the slight hint of a breeze, but it was also promising to be a warm day as Clarisse took several deep breaths in, loving the fresh air.

Early morning had always been her favourite part of the day, and she had always tried to get up early just so she could fit a walk in, enjoying the peace and quiet, before her inevitably busy day began.

As she sat there, appreciating the early morning, she suddenly heard footsteps behind her, and she turned to see Julie slowly and awkwardly making her way down the three steps towards her.

"Good morning," Julie said cheerfully as Clarisse hurried over to help her. "I hope I wasn't disturbing you…"

"No, you weren't Julie, not in the slightest."

"How are you this morning?" she asked as Clarisse helped her over to the seat, and she sat down with a groan.

"I'm fine- definitely not as sick as I assume some young women will be feeling when they wake up!" and Julie laughed in response.

"So the party continued long after I left?"

"Yes… Lily organised a stripper… but I left at midnight, so I don't know how long it continued after that… how are you?"

"I'm fine, but Patrick… the boys must have really had a wild one as Patrick passed out on the bed at about two or three o'clock this morning, and woke me…" but she sounded rather amused at the incident. "I haven't slept since, but it could also be that the baby…"

"It shouldn't be too long now," Clarisse said soothingly. "First babies are usually late, but it will be all worth it in the end."

"I know… so, how's Uncle Joe?"

"He's still asleep, but he seemed to be fine last night… he, Sebastian and, would you believe it, your father…"

"Dad- no way!"

"It's true… anyway, none of them had as much to drink as the others, thus…"

"They'll be feeling fine this morning," Julie finished her sentence for her, and they both laughed. "So… today is Mia's wedding day… how do you feel?"

"Happy, because I KNOW that this wedding is going to go ahead, with no tears, fears or disasters."

"Mia's obviously very happy with Nicholas, and you with Joe, so it will really be a celebration today," Julie said sweetly, and Clarisse squeezed her hand.

"Thank you, sweetheart, it is a celebration- especially with all the family there," and Julie blushed, before sobering up.

"I want to ask… you don't have to answer… what was Phillipe's wedding like?"

"You can ask… I don't mind…" before Clarisse looked away at the marquee for a moment. "It wasn't a major royal event, like this- they married in a civil ceremony, which was disappointing and hurtful to his father and I… and then, when they got divorced, it was almost as bad…and his father went after him, almost causing him to leave…" she looked down at her hands for a moment- she had never mentioned it to anyone, but she somehow felt a connection with Julie, she was a lot like her in a lot of ways, but she was also very fond of Annie.

"I've never spoken about this to anyone… but, they were in love while they were married, but Helen could never reconcile herself to what was expected of her… poor girl," she murmured sympathetically. "Mia kept them close when they divorced, and Phillipe really did adore them… it just didn't work out."

She sounded a little sad for a moment, but then shook the mood off. "But he'll be there today, in a way."

"Yes he will," Julie said understandingly, before beginning to struggle to her feet. "Shall we go in and see if anyone's awake? Some people should be by now, although I highly doubt my dear husband is!"

"I think that sounds like a good idea," Clarisse stood up and helped Julie. "I will be very interested to see if my husband is awake!"

000

"About time you two showed up!" BJ joked when the two of them strolled into the formal dining room where, true to form, only the older generation was waiting (Charlie and James both looking rather ill), and no sign of Patrick, the bride, groom or their entourage. "Where have you two been? Joe was about to send out a search party!"

"We met down in the pagoda- both of us had gone for walks," Clarisse said easily, sitting down next to Marion. "We were actually wondering how the young people were feeling this morning."

"Knowing the boys, probably not very well," James surmised. "I can understand the feeling… I'm not feeling too well myself- probably all that food last night…" before the others burst out laughing.

"Neither am I," Charlie moaned from the other end of the table, causing everyone to laugh even harder, knowing what was really causing them to feel sick.

"It sounds as if you and James did as much celebrating last night as you did last year… actually, yes it does remind me of our wedding day, doesn't it, dear?" he said in an amused tone, looking over at Clarisse, who smiled in reply.

"Yes, it certainly does."

"MUST you remind us of that?" Charlie asked in a pained tone. "That was in the past!"

"I'm not going to mention it always," Joe said with a grin. "It's just till I've feel that I've had my revenge of what you two did to me on my birthday."

"It was all innocent fun!" James protested. "How were we suppose to know we'd get arrested?" causing everyone to laugh again.

"Is Pierre coming today?" Lynn asked quietly once everyone had stopped laughing, and the room fell silent as Clarisse looked at her plate.

"No, I haven't heard from him."

It was painful to realise that, despite the steps they had taken towards to reconciliation, there was still distance between them- she had forgiven him for his judgemental attitude, and had tried to keep in touch, but it was obvious… she sighed- just the thought of him make her angry, and she didn't want that on today of all days. Joe, sensing her anger, tactfully changed the subject, and she smiled gratefully over at him.

After breakfast (which was a lengthy event given that James and Charlie were there), Clarisse stood up and glanced at her watch- it was after half past nine.

"Where did all the young men stay last night?"

"I think they all crashed in a spare suite upstairs."

"Great… well, a few of you can go and wake them up… I'm going to wake the girls- would anyone like to help me? I'm sure we're going to be popular."

"I'll help," Charlotte, unlike her 'date' Scott, was feeling fine, volunteered quickly, standing up and the two of them left the room.

Mia's suite was still blanketed in darkness as Clarisse and Charlotte made their way towards Mia's bedroom, where there were sleeping bags spread out on the floor (bodies in them), and there were DVD cases, rubbish and bottles littered on the floor. The maids hadn't dared to open the curtains, but Clarisse didn't hesitate to negotiate her way through the bodies and yank open the curtains.

"Rise and shine, girls, it's time to get up! It's almost ten, and Paolo will be here at eleven!"

There was a groan from the bed, followed by a gasp of horror from Clarisse as she looked around- the suite was even messier than she had imagined.

"Why did you have to wake us up now?" Mia groaned, slowly rising to lean on her elbows as she glared at her grandmother, her hair all askew, and Clarisse couldn't help but laugh. It was obvious that it had been a wild night for the girls as well, but she wasn't all that sympathetic, although she was relieved that Mia obviously wasn't suffering from the same nerves she herself had had last year.

"Well, my dear, in case you've forgotten, you're getting married today."

There was a small silence before Mia sat upright in bed.

"That's right, I am to!" before she leapt out of bed. "Come on guys, it's time to get up!" she called, before disappearing out into the living room, Clarisse close behind.

"You don't seem to be feeling ill," Clarisse said in an amused tone, and Mia laughed as she sat down and accepted a cup of tea from one of her maids.

"Not really, Grandma- I could just imagine your horrified face if I walked down the aisle still hung over!"

"Yes, I would have been horrified," Clarisse agreed. "But it's also your wedding day, so I may have been lenient on you," she said as some of the other girls, not looking so well, staggered out, and the maids wheeled in the breakfast tray.

"So, when is Paolo supposed to arrive?" Mia asked as Clarisse and Charlotte headed towards the door.

"In about 45 minutes or so, so I suggest that you all eat and then clean up this suite before he arrives."

They met BJ and Joseph at the bottom of the stairs.

"How did it go?" BJ asked as they headed back into the dining room.

"They're up and about- Mia's fine, but the others are feeling a little under the weather… how are the boys?"

"Scott is very cranky- a clear sign of a massive hangover- but the others were discussing whether or not to go for a job before going to Sebastian's for lunch and getting dressed."

"A house full of men, my dream come true," Sheila said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

"Oh, and the press is already camped out in front of the gates," Joe added, rolling his eyes, but Clarisse only smiled- press invasion was to be expected today.

00000

A couple of hours later, after a more hurried lunch, Clarisse was ready, and standing in front of her full length mirror, looking at her reflection. For this wedding, she had bought a new out outfit, much to her husband's horror- Why did you buy a new outfit? You've already got a whole wardrobe full of clothes!" and she retorted with "I need a new outfit for my granddaughter's wedding!"

It was an ice blue linen suit with sparkling faux jewels sewn onto the jacket, with a white blouse and matching shoes. It was very simple, but she wanted to remain in the background today- it was Mia and Nicholas's day, not hers, although she had been fortunate to enjoy two (she could never count her day with Rupert) weddings.

Paolo had, as per usual, done her hair, allowing for the small tiara she had to wear, and he had marvelled at how 'gorgeous' her hair still was at her age, going red with mortification when she gave him a look, before turning to gossip.

Joseph returned when he left, and he frowned slightly as he looked at Clarisse.

"What?" she asked alarmed.

"Nothing… I just couldn't imagine Paolo making you look even lovelier than you usually are, but he did… and it's really not fair to the bride."

"It's only hair and makeup, Joseph, and I'm sure Mia will look even better- especially when she's dressed."

"She might, or maybe the fashion competition will be serious."

"There won't be any competition- Mia will win hands down… I'm serious, I'm determined I'm going to stay in the background today."

"I beg to differ, on both counts, but we'll just have to agree to disagree."

She smiled at herself in the mirror, pleased, before she saw Joseph step into her line of vision, standing next to her, looking debonair in a tuxedo.

"Well, it's just as well I didn't believe you about Mia winning the fashion stakes hands down," he teased, wrapping his arms around her waist, and resting his chin on her shoulder. "But I will have to say it again- you shouldn't look so beautiful, it's not fair to the bride," before he nuzzled her neck.

She smiled, slightly ticklish at the sensation of his goatee on her neck, before turning to give him the once over, whistling appreciatively.

"But you aren't exactly being fair either; to the groom… you're far too handsome for your own good- I'm going to have trouble stopping women flirting with you!"

"I think it's the other way round- I'm going to be the envy of every man there… but I'm going to enjoy it, and show everyone that you're mine."

"I'm yours?" Clarisse look mock insulted. "Like a possession… I should be insulted… but I like it," her expression softened to warm and smile, and she gently touched his face before pulling away and reaching for her gloves and a small jewel box on the dressing table.

"Where are you going now?"

"I'm going to see what the bride is doing- I am her grandmother, after all… what are you going to do?"

"I'll go and see what's going on with… yes, security, before you say it, smarty pants," he added with a grin when he saw her open her mouth. "Shall I drop by and collect you when it's time to go to the church?"

"While I don't appreciate 'collecting', you'd better," she said with a playful smile. "You're supposed to be my date, and I'm not going alone… besides, just think of all the speculation the press would create if I did!"

"I could just see the headlines- 'One Queen finally married, while the other Queen's on the road to splitsville'," Joseph roared with laughter, and Clarisse laughed as well.

"We will be if you keep up comments like that!" she retorted, giving him an amused look as she headed towards the door.

000

Mia's suite was full of music and giggling, as well as bridesmaids and Helen, when Clarisse stepped into Mia's bedroom a few moments later. She couldn't see Mia through the group, so she joined Helen, who was sitting in a corner, but she had just sat down when she heard Mia call: "Grandma!"

"Yes.." Clarisse turned and the group of bridesmaids (including a disgusted looking Lily) parted to reveal Mia in her exquisite white silk and lace strapless dress. "Wow…" Clarisse murmured as tears began to well in her eyes. "You look beautiful…"

"Thank you," Mia blushed slightly as the bridesmaids and Helen snuck out of the room, closing the double doors behind them, leaving Clarisse and Mia alone.

"How are you feeling now?" Clarisse asked, sitting on the edge of Mia's bed as Mia twirled in front of the mirror again. "Obviously much better than you were this morning!" she teased.

"Yes I am… and I'm definitely not as terrified as I was two years ago," although she giggled nervously.

"It's normal- what you're about to do is a big step."

"I know… but, anyway, look at you," Mia turned and whistled, giving Clarisse such an intense look that she blushed. "You look absolutely stunning yourself, and I'm sure that Joe would have said the same thing."

"He did,' Clarisse said, going redder. "But today isn't about me…"

"It might be hard not to be," Mia joked, and Clarisse had to look away in embarrassment. It was still hard to hear praise, even though Joseph literally showered her in compliments, finding it cute when she blushed, but annoyed at Rupert, but Clarisse was still shy.

"Anyway," Clarisse said, changing the subject, as she reached for the jewel case beside her. "Have you fulfilled the saying 'something old, something new…?"

"Almost, except something old…"

"I thought so, which is why I'm giving you this," she teased, handing her the box, and Mia looked at her, curiosity in her eyes, before opening the box and gasping:

"Grandma, these are gorgeous!" holding up a string of cultured pearls. "Are these…?"

"Real, yes, but I didn't get them from Joseph or your grandfather- my grandmother gave them to me on my 21st birthday, and I should have given them to you on your birthday…"

"It doesn't matter when you were supposed to give them to me, Grandma, they're gorgeous… can you help me put them on?"

"Of course," Mia turned her back towards Clarisse, and she clasped the necklace around her neck, feeling a little nostalgic.

"What are you looking so thoughtful about, Grandma?"

"I was just thinking about how today is your wedding day, and how I hope that you and Nicholas will be very happy together… I can still remember when you told me about Nicholas…"

*********************

Paolo had just done Clarisse's hair, and had just left when Mia, her hair already done, almost floated into the room, still clad in her silk bathrobe, startling Clarisse.

"What are you doing here?" she asked in surprise. "I was going to come and see you once I was dressed!"

"I thought I'd save you the trip," Mia was surprisingly relaxed as she flopped onto the couch. "Where's Joe?"

"Talking to the new Head of Security about today," Clarisse said, sitting down opposite her. "You're very calm today."

"I am, and I know I'm ready for this… but that's now why I cam to see you…it's…" Mia suddenly turned coy, piquing Clarisse's interest instantly. "It's about Nicholas."


"Have you heard from him?" Clarisse asked immediately, understanding the importance of this- for the past week, despite her excitement over the coronation, Mia had been miserable. She hadn't shown it, of course, but Clarisse could sense it.

"Yes- he somehow managed to evade the press and security to find me in the throne room."


"And…" Clarisse encouraged- Mia usually wasn't this elusive or shy.

"And… he got down on his knee, you know like…"

"Yes, like the day of the infamous chicken incident," Clarisse said impatiently. "Amelia, you're being deliberately vague with me- what happened next?"

"Well…" Mia was almost puce with embarrassment. "He said 'I'm in love with a Queen to be' and he wanted to know if I felt the same way."

"What did you say?"

"Do you have a chicken for my table?' and Clarisse laughed out loud. "But I was teasing… oh, Grandma… I think I might have a chance with him… not that I'm thinking of marriage or anything… but…"

Mia was beginning to babble with nervous excitement, so Clarisse leaned over and pressed a warm hand on top of hers.

"You don't need to think about that now- just enjoy the unfolding of a brand new relationship with Lord Devereaux… see where it takes you…"


"But probably not as long as you and Joe let yours develop?" Mia teased, and Clarisse laughed ruefully.

"You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"


"Of course not!"

********************

"You were deliberately teasing me that day, weren't you?" Clarisse looked at Mia intently, and Mia blushed.

"Maybe I was, but you looked so funny, sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for news, that I just couldn't resist."

"You're just like your father, you know that?" she teased affectionately, and Mia smiled as well, before, after a moment, the smile disappeared and she looked at Clarisse seriously.

"You still miss him a lot, don't you?"

"Yes I do, and I always will- no parent should ever have to bury a child. But I do know that he would be so happy today, and would have loved to have walked you down the aisle."

"Are you annoyed Pierre isn't here today?" Mia asked quietly- she herself was angry that he hadn't come, or even bothered to reply to the invitation, but she would never let Clarisse know that.

"A little, but it's up to him," she shrugged, disguising her pain. "But…"

"Don't worry, Grandma, it's going to be fun anyway… I just can't believe that Nicholas and I are getting married!"

"Yes," Clarisse said softly as Mia looked at her reflection in the mirror. "Yes, you're getting married today."

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Joseph stepped in, stopping dead when he set eyes on Mia, who had turned away from the mirror.

"Wow."

"That's exactly what Grandma said when she saw me!" Mia laughed. "But do you have any other adjectives in your vocabulary?"

"Alright… beautiful, really beautiful," he said softly, walking over and taking her hand in his, lifting it to his lips, causing her to blush.

"You are such a gentleman, Joe, and a sweet talker… now I know why Grandma married you… speaking of, doesn't your wife look just as stunning?"

"Yes, she does," Joe turned and looked directly at Clarisse. "The other women there today are going to be very envious- you both look so beautiful!"

Clarisse met his eyes and smiled- he was really very sweet at times- before she glanced at her watch and stood up- it was time for them to leave for the church as she and Joseph were greeting guests with Sebastian and Sheila.

"We'll see you at the church," Clarisse walked over and pressed Mia's hand warmly as Joe disappeared out the door. "You do look beautiful…" she paused, wondering what to do- give her some advice, a hug, anything, before Mia, realising her conundrum, impulsively wrapped her arms around her, murmuring:

"Thank you."

"What for, you silly girl?"

"For just believing in me, and never giving up," Mia said simply, pulling away to look at her.

"Of course I would always believe in you," Clarisse said briskly, looking down to blink away tears before looking up again. "You're my granddaughter, and we've always believed in you- that's not going to change, despite all the scrapes you managed to get yourself into!" she teased, and Mia looked at her tearfully.

"But look at you now," Clarisse gently caressed Mia's cheek. "Queen of Genovia, and about to take the next step in life- marriage."

They smiled at each other for a moment, completely in synch, before there was a gentle tap on the door, and Joseph poked his head around.

"I hate to interrupt but Clarisse, my dear, we need to be at the church very soon."

"Don't worry Grandma," Mia gripped Clarisse's hand for a moment. "I will be at the church, and there will definitely be NO disasters or surprises this time!"

"I certainly hope not!" but there was a loving note in Clarisse's voice.

000

"She does look stunning," Joe said again as the car left the palace- there was no press at the gates as all of them were at the church. "In fact, she looks even lovelier than she did the first time."

"The first time, she was rushed into an arranged marriage after a month long courtship… this time, they've been together nearly two years… and she definitely knows what she's getting into, which would help."

"Yes it would help… so, the wedding is definitely going ahead?"

"Undoubtedly," she smiled at him.

There was a small pause as she looked out the window before Joe decided to broach a subject he had often thought about, but had never wanted to ask about till now.

"Were you nervous when you married Rupert?" He tried to sound casual, but deep down, he was a little jealous.

"Nervous… and I felt that I was about to enter a cage for the rest of my life, that my life was over. I told Mia that I had no choice, maybe even that I wanted to do it, but there was a moment when I was going to run away… Anyway, I was also thinking about the gamut of emotions I experienced over three weddings."

"Three weddings? You've had three weddings?" Joe pretended to be shocked.

"Yes I have… and two of them were with you, remember?" she leaned over and gently slapped his cheek playfully.

"Ow!" he pretended to massage his cheek, but trapped her hand in his. "Anyway… what were these emotions you were talking about?"

"Just that… I was terrified the first time; the second time I was very depressed, and then… it was a dream come true… and the third time, I was so unbelievably nervous but happy… but I feel very married now… are you happy?"

"Almost too much so," he smiled over at her, and then looked out the window. "Anyway, madam, I do believe we've made it to the church… and the crowds are far bigger than the first time!"

He got out of the car first and, after a brief wave at the crowds, hurried around to Clarisse's side of the car, and helped her out. When he held out his arm for her to take, she shook her head slightly before lacing her gloved fingers through his.

"I'm not walking behind you, then?" he teased gently, hiding his surprise at them holding hands in public- she was usually show hesitant…

"Don't you dare," she said as she waved to the highly excited crowds with her free hand as he led her up the stairs to the church entrance. "Besides, I just saw your expression when I took your hand- why were you so surprised?"

"It's just that you're usually so shy…"

"I know, but it's time for a change now, and… holding hands is hardly showing too much… no one outside the palace or our friends have seen our rings… it would be different if we were kissing…"

"You have changed, but it's a good thing… anyway, I though husbands of Queens were supposed to walk behind them?"

"I'm not longer Queen, so you don't have to… and I would have changed that stupid protocol long before hand, although I know Mia will anyway…" as they paused in the doorway. "So, are you ready to greet 200 guests?" she teased.

"Who are going to be checking to see if you and I are still happy and together… definitely," he said sarcastically, hiding the fact that he was a little nervous…..