Checking the Queen's hotel suite was routine, but it wasn't a regular thing for Joseph to secretly touch Clarisse's bed linen. It was black, which would make a sensual contrast to her ivory skin. Joseph was excited as well as nervous.

OoOoOoO

After San Francisco Clarisse had told Joseph that the moment she had realised she could sense his nearness she'd admitted to herself that he might be more than a friend. She had also said that she loved to feel his gaze on her.

´I am glad that you take pleasure from me being engaged in my favourite pastime,´ he had replied.

Standing guard while the Queen and a Spanish minister were negotiating Joseph had the opportunity to indulge in watching his lovely Clarisse. He was aware that she was playing His Excellency but other than that he barely noticed what was going on. When he suddenly found himself on the roof terrace where Her Majesty and the minister were stretching their legs, he told himself to get a grip and to stop rehearsing the pleasures he would bestow on his beloved.

He wanted to prove that having sex with Clarisse would be the embodiment of love.

Everything needed to be perfect tonight. They would dance. They would kiss and touch. He would nibble her earlobe and make her sigh. He would – Get a grip!

A servant entered carrying a tray. The Queen poured the minister tea. Joseph registered that the Spaniard had a sweet tooth and then his mind drifted to which of the CDs he had brought would be best suited for background music. Which underpants should he wear?

The Queen laughed at something the minister said.

Oh look at her! Joseph's eyes drifted from her pencil skirt to the V line of her ruby red bolero.

So poised, so elegant. So professional. Wasn't she nervous at all? He intensified his gaze and had the satisfaction to see her tug a lock of hair behind her ear.

OoOoOoO

Both Joseph and Clarisse had long anticipated being lovers.

They both knew that when you look forward to something you are bound to be disappointed. They both were thrilled to learn that everything was just how they had imagined it to be and more.

His muscled body. Her silkily skin.

His tenderness. Her blissful expression.

His groans. Her moans.

His pleas. Her demands.

Their passion. Their love.

OoOoOoO

Their night in Spain, perfect as it had been, did not tempt Clarisse to recklessly make love to Joseph in her suite at the castle. Joseph understood. Their relationship may not be out in the open but he no longer doubted that one day it would be. Until then he was capable of cherishing small things, such as walking behind his poised lady and enjoying the sway of her hips.

Six weeks after the trip to Madrid the Queen – according to plan – travelled to London to do some shopping. She didn't care for the art galleries and expensive warehouses she honoured with her presence. She cared for Joseph. Caressing Joseph. Kissing Joseph. Mounting Joseph. Feeling his weight on top of her. Talking to him in the afterglow of making love. Fantasizing about their future.

Once Amelia was secure in her role as queen of Genovia, then …