A big thank you to tengland2 and Honkytonkangel for reading and commenting :) Also thank you to anyone else who has been reading and following this story, I am nearly finished with it BUT not just yet, still got a couple more parts to go yet.
Enjoy x
ooOoo
Today's the day Amelia takes over from Clarisse.
This last week Clarisse has been even more busier getting everything ready, even sleeping out on the couch in the suite after coming up later than normal. Last night however she finished early and got to spend the evening with Joseph.
This morning he was awake before Clarisse so he ordered breakfast to be delivered up to their suite, then went and laid on the bed next to her as she stirred.
Opening her eyes she smiled "Good morning,"
He looked at her with a grin "Well hello there," he smiled while moving his hand over onto her neck as he lowered his head and kissed her "Did you sleep well?" he asked.
"I did," she nodded while moving one arm up resting it under her head while studying his face "Did you?" she asked as he nodded.
"I did too," he smiled "Well how could I not when you were actually here next to me in our bed last night," he grinned "It sure has been lonely in this HUGE bed without you this last week."
"I know, I'm sorry." she nodded while putting her other hand up, cupping his face "Well I know it won't happen again, unless I have to go away over night of course."
"Or me?" he chuckled "Though saying that, we could always go together now." he smiled at her as she nodded.
"True," she smiled as he lowered his hand to her side "Breakfast will be here soon, I thought because there are so many people rushing around downstairs, a nice quiet breakfast would suit us better." he smiled.
"Thank you," she smiled putting her hand up cupping his face again while lifting her head and kissed him "You're so thoughtful." she smiled resting her head back down as he smiled back.
Not long later the breakfast arrived, as they sat eating Clarisse went into a day dream.
"Clari?" Joseph whispered while putting his hand over hers.
Coming out the day dream she looked at him "Yeah?"
"Are you ok?" he asked then sipped his tea.
"Yeah, I was just thinking about today." she sighed "Is it really today?" she asked while slumping back in her chair.
"Yeah, it's really today." he said watching her put one of her hands up to her face "Your not having second thoughts are you?" he asked resting one of his arms on the table and put his other hand on her thigh.
She looked at him while shaking her head "No, It just hit me that it was actually happening today." she said while looking back at her plate "As of this afternoon I won't be a Queen anymore." she shrugged a little "It's a little scary," she said looking back at Joseph "And quite emotional really," she whispered.
"I can understand that," he said taking her hand and brought it up to his mouth, kissing her palm "Though you will still have a Royal title."
"I know, but after years of well you know," she said looking at him "Being busy everyday then going to nothing." she said looking back down.
"Oh don't worry, I have a lot of things planned for us to keep you busy." he smiled as she looked up at him "And I am sure Amelia would still want help with somethings," he smiled.
"I know," she nodded.
"Plus there are still all the fetes and stuff you can still attend, even though you won't be Queen anymore you still have a few Royal duties to complete." he smiled.
"I know," she nodded with a small smile "It's just going to feel weird for a while,"
"Yeah it will do," he nodded and watched her lean forward and pick up her cup "Anyway why don't you get ready and go and see Amelia?" he smiled "I'm sure she would like that, and is probably a bag of nerves right now."
"I am sure she is, I know I was." she chuckled "I can take her the old photos I found the other day."
"Yeah," he said watching her stand up and redo her robe up "Then maybe if we have time we can spend some time together before the Coronation?" he asked while putting his arm around her legs.
"Yeah," she nodded while putting her arm around his shoulders "I will need you to keep me strong and don't let me have any sort of drink before hand, or that would just make me worse." she laughed.
"Don't worry, I've hidden it all so you can't find it anyway." he laughed as she gasped "Relax Clarisse you will be fine, I promise." he smiled up at her while putting his free hand on her side.
"Ok, I'm going to get ready and check on Amelia," she said pulling away and headed over to the bedroom.
After getting dressed she grabbed the photos and headed to Amelia's suite, knocking on the door and waited.
"Come in," Amelia called out and saw Clarisse appear "Hey Grandma," she smiled while standing up as Clarisse but the box on the table.
"I thought you would like some company, but I see you already have some," she smiled towards Lily and Helen "Hello," she smiled as they stood up.
"Hey Clarisse," Helen smiled as they shared a hug then stood back and watched as she hugged Lily "It's so nice to see you again,"
"And you," Clarisse nodded "Are you staying long?" she asked.
"A couple weeks, if that's alright?" Helen asked.
"Oh it's not up to me, as of this afternoon this place belongs to your Daughter," she smiled "We will have to catch up though while you are here," Clarisse smiled.
"Of course, that would be nice." Helen smiled.
"Well seeing though you have company Amelia," Clarisse said turning to her "I will leave you too it." she smiled and started heading towards the door.
"Grandma wait," Amelia exclaimed as Clarisse turned back to her "Mom Lily, can you give us some time alone please?" Amelia asked.
"Of course," Helen smiled and headed out the room with Lily.
"You didn't have to do that Mia," Clarisse said while looking at her.
"I wanted to, I want to spend some time with you, alone." Amelia said sitting down and patted the seat next to her "Please?"
"Ok," Clarisse said grabbing the box and walked over sitting next to her.
"Whats in the box?" Amelia asked and watched Clarisse put one of her hands on the top of it.
"This is something special to me," Clarisse whispered trying not to get to emotional "I found them out the other day, and I know you've never seen them before." she said moving the box and put it on the coffee table in front of them "These are for you." she said pushing it along so its in front of Amelia "I know you will take good care of them," she nodded as she got upset "And will cherish them," she nodded as she started crying.
"Oh Grandma," Amelia exclaimed while putting her arms around her "It's ok," she whispered hugging her.
"No, it's ok." Clarisse nodded while grabbing a tissue "I'm ok," she nodded again while wiping her eyes and looked at her, studying her face for a few seconds "You make me so proud Amelia," Clarisse whispered "Even though they are here in spirit I really wish your Father and Grandfather were here to see this today," she nodded and looked at the box again "Open the box," she said and wiped her eyes again.
"Ok," Amelia said putting her hands over while looking at her then looked back at the box, lifting the lid to find a whole lot of family stuff inside "Oh my gosh," she moved kneeling on the floor while placing the lid down behind the box "You really want me to have this stuff?" Amelia asked while taking out a red velvet box.
"Yes," Clarisse nodded while watching her "Before you open that," Clarisse said reaching over and placed her hand on the box "You know at the start of the marriage and towards the end me and your Grandfather didn't really get on?" she asked as Amelia looked up.
"Yeah," she nodded "But you did after he let you go to be with Grandpa Joe," she asked as Clarisse nodded.
"Yeah, that's correct." Clarisse half smiled and bit her bottom lip for a second as she closed her eyes for just a second "This box comes with a family secret also."
"Grandma," Amelia whispered "What are you trying to tell me?" she watched as Clarisse slowly opened her eyes and found hers.
"Well what you don't know is," Clarisse said looking down at the velvet box then looked back up into her eyes "Me and your Grandfather Rupert, actually did break up for a couple years." she patted the box as Amelia's jaw fell "We remained married, never told anyone, well accept for Joseph and the boys of course." she whispered "We got back together a few weeks before our 25th Wedding Anniversary, though I felt so stupid to do it after all the affairs he had when we were together." she said looking back at the box "He gave me this the day after our 25th Anniversary, I have never worn it." she said looking back up into Amelia's eyes "I want you to have it,"
"How come you never wore it?" Amelia asked.
"I don't know," she shrugged "It was a nice gift, one I loved of course but it just didn't feel right." she shrugged again and made eye contact with her.
"How come you never told me before?" Amelia asked.
"I know they passed away a long time ago, but your Father and Grandfather wanted to keep it a secret until you took over." she sat back "I know it's not really important in this day and age, but because of who we were we managed to keep it a secret and no one ever found out."
"Wow," Amelia exclaimed while opening the box to see the diamond necklace Rupert had given her years ago "This is lovely," Amelia said looking back up at her "Are you sure you want me to have this?" she asked and looked back down at it.
"I am sure," Clarisse nodded while watching her "It shows that if you tried hard enough, you can keep a secret, well secret," she giggled with Amelia.
"Yeah," Amelia smiled while closing the box and put it down beside the box "Did you love Grandpa?" she asked while taking some photos from the box.
"I think," Clarisse said leaning forward to find the right photo and held it up "This shows I did," Clarisse smiled as Amelia took the photo "Well some of the time anyway," she smiled.
"Oh my," Amelia exclaimed while looking at the photo of her Grandparents sharing a kiss "I would never of thought in a million years I would see a photo like this?" Amelia smiled up at her "When was this?" she asked passing it to her.
"Um..." She said trying to think as Amelia went through some other photos "I think it was sometime around our 10th Wedding Anniversary, when things were good." she said putting the photo back on the coffee table.
"Aww," Amelia smiled seeing a family photo "This one is so cute, and don't James look like Uncle Pierre in this one?" she asked passing it to her.
"I thought that too when I saw it the other day," Clarisse smiled.
"I think you should give that one to Uncle Pierre," Amelia said looking at her.
"Yeah that's a nice idea," Clarisse nodded and rested it on the sofa beside her.
They stayed going through the other things in the box for a while then Clarisse headed back to her suite, and decided to have a soak in the bath.
"Clarisse," Joseph called out from the door way of the bedroom.
"I'm in the bathroom," she called back.
"Ok," he said walking over to the door "Can I come in?" he asked.
"Of course," she said looking towards the door as he walked in.
"Mmm in the bath?" he chuckled shutting the door "Fancy some company?" he asked knowing she would say no.
"If you like," she smiled up at him as he stood in surprise and laughed as he quickly got undressed "That's the fastest I have ever seen you undress," she smiled moving forward as he stepped in and sat behind her.
"Of course," he smiled while wrapping his arms around her shoulders as she moved back and rested back against him "Bath time with you, always makes me move fast." he smirked against her ear.
"Yes," she laughed "I know," she smiled.
"Did you have a nice chat with Amelia?" He asked.
"Yeah," Clarisse nodded as he took hold of her hands "I told her the secret,"
"What did she say?" he asked starting to play with her wedding ring.
"She was surprised, but was ok with it, I think." she said lifting her head "Actually she was so wrapped up in seeing the photos I can't actually remember what happened," she smiled as he laughed.
"I'm sure you will remember later," He smiled against her ear again "In other news however, your husband is very very happy right now." he smiled and kissed her neck.
"Why?" she asked.
"As we get to be alone for a while," he smiled.
"Ahh I see," she smiled.
After a few moments of silence Joseph lifted his head and nudged her.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing really, but you know now that she knows about it, I feel like a weight has been lifted and actually feel ok about her taking over now."
"Thats good," Joseph smiled as someone knocked on the door and watched Clarisse sit up and turn to him.
"Shh," Clarisse whispered to Joseph "Yeah," she called out.
"It's just me Mom," Olivia said "You in the bath?" she asked.
"Yeah, why?" Clarisse answered.
"Can I come in, I need to talk to you about something?" Olivia asked.
"Um well...can it wait till later?" Clarisse said looking at Joseph as he started smirking "Your Father is here with me," she said looking towards the door.
"Oh," Olivia answered "Ewww," she gasped "Gross." she exclaimed and rushed off.
Clarisse and Joseph couldn't help but laugh, then shared a kiss before she turned and rested back against him.
After they were ready they headed downstairs to check and make sure everything was ok, and greeted some of the guests who had arrived early. Seeing Clarisse was getting a bit nervous Joseph moved and stood in front of her with a glass of champagne.
"This will help you relax," he smiled as she took the glass.
"Relax? I am relaxed?" she answered while looking up at him as he laughed "Ok, maybe I'm not." she took a sip "I'm sorry for lying just then, I don't know what got into me." she sighed.
"It's fine," Joseph smiled stepping closer while putting one hand on her back "Everything will be fine, I promise." he whispered and kissed the side of her head.
"Mom," Pierre said coming over and stood next to them "It's nearly time, you need to go and take your place." he whispered in her ear.
"Ok," she said looking at him "Just give me a minute," she asked as he nodded and watched her raise her hand with the glass up.
"Are you ok?" he asked and watched as she downed the champagne.
"Clarisse are you trying to get drunk?" Joseph gasped as she handed him the glass.
"Nope, but I really needed that." she nodded and looked at him "Thank you,"
"You're welcome," he nodded and watched her walk away with Pierre.
Everyone took their places and waited.
"Sparrow is taking off." Shades nodded.
"The eagle is flying, for the last time." Charlotte added trying not to get emotional.
Joseph couldn't help but smile when he saw Clarisse emerge from one side and Amelia from the other. As they started heading down the stairs towards them Clarisse looked over at Joseph and noticed he had young Sasha with him, holding onto his hand. She smiled over at them as Joseph crouched down next to her.
They stood watching as they came to the bottom of the stairs, and the Archbishop taking Amelia's hand helping her to the Royal chair ready for her oath, she took a deep breath then smiled as she sat down.
"Madam, is Your Majesty willing to take the Oath?" he asked.
"I am willing." Amelia answered.
The Archbishop nodded with a smile and continued while taking the crown from Clarisse and turned to Amelia "Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of Genovia, according to the statutes in Parliament agreed on, and the respective laws and custom of the same?"
he asked while putting the crown down on Amelia's head "Will you, in your power, cause law and justice and mercy to be executed in all judgments?"
Amelia looked towards Clarisse as she smiled at her "I solemnly promise so to do." Amelia agreed as Joseph moved next to Clarisse with Sasha.
Passing Sasha's hand to his other, he took hold of Clarisse's hand as she looked back at him then down at Sasha as she stood smiling up at them "Hey," she whispered with a smile and looked back up at Amelia as she stood up, feeling Sasha take her other hand, Clarisse gave it a little squeeze as everyone started singing the Genovian anthem.
Amelia made her way down under the sword display, when she reached the bottom they stopped singing.
"Presenting Her Majesty Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, Queen of Genovia." The Archbishop smiled.
"So," Clarisse exclaimed while taking Amelia's hands "How do you feel?" she asked and gave her a hug.
"So weird," Amelia smiled as they stepped apart.
"She's a mini you Mom," Pierre smiled as he stood next to Amelia "She even wore your dress that you wore."
"I see," Clarisse smiled while holding onto Amelia's hands and looked down at the dress then back up at her "It fits you better than it did me," she smiled then gasped "Your wearing the necklace." she watched as Amelia looked down.
"Yea," Amelia nodded while looking back up at her "I hope that was ok?"
"Of course," Clarisse smiled while stepping forward and cupped her face "It goes well with the dress," Clarisse smiled and kissed her forehead.
"Thanks Grandma," Amelia smiled as she stepped back.
"I'm so proud of you," Pierre smiled at her as Joseph put his arm around Clarisse's back.
"Thank you Uncle Pierre," she smiled back at him then looked down at Sasha "And thank you young Sasha for coming today."
"It's ok," Sasha smiled as she took Clarisse's hand again.
"She's guest of honor," Pierre smiled.
"Of course," Clarisse smiled at him then down at Sasha.
"Thank you for letting me come today." Sasha smiled.
"Well it was only right, my biggest fan just had to be here." Clarisse smiled while leaning over a little and cupped her face for a second as Sasha grinned.
"Does this mean your my biggest fan now?" Amelia asked as Clarisse stood up straight.
"No," Sasha shook her head and took Clarisse's hand again "I'm sorry."
"Oh ok," Amelia laughed.
"Aww darling," Clarisse smiled while standing next to her "I'm your biggest fan," she kissed her cheek as she laughed.
"Thanks Grandma," Amelia smiled.
After a few moments they all sat down for a formal dinner, then headed outside for the lighting of the Coronation Ring and not long after that Clarisse and Joseph got ready to leave for the night, Clarisse stood saying her goodbyes to Sasha and Shades when Amelia came over.
"Grandma?" Amelia exclaimed as Clarisse turned to her "Your not leaving now are you?"
"Yeah we are, in a few minutes we are." Clarisse nodded.
"But.." Amelia exclaimed while taking her hands "You can't leave yet? I still need you here."
"Amelia I'm only going for the night," Clarisse answered as she saw relief wash over Amelia's face "I'm not moving yet darling," she laughed a little while hugging her.
"Oh thank god, I thought you were moving now." Amelia whispered.
"No, not for a little while yet darling," Clarisse smiled while lifting her head back "We will be back in the morning, ok?" she asked.
"Ok," she hugged her again "Thank you Grandma."
She pulled apart and walked away with Sasha as Clarisse watched her then turned to Joseph as he stood next to her while putting his had on her back.
"Ready?" he asked.
"I am," Clarisse nodded as he took her hand.
She said goodbye to the girls then headed off with Joseph, leaving the young ones at the Palace to celebrate.
Joseph stood next to the french doors leading onto their balcony watching Clarisse as she stood with her hands on the balustrade for a little while then slowly walked over, wrapping his arms around her shoulders as she came out of her day dream and turned her head a little to him as he kissed her cheek.
"What's wrong?" he whispered and watched her look back out into the distance.
"I was just thinking," she whispered.
"Well do you want to start thinking inside because you are freezing," he said turning her around to face him and felt her cheeks "You are froze," he said taking her hands "Come on I have lit the fire," he said leading her back into the bedroom and shut the doors behind them.
"I am fine Joseph," she sighed as he led her over to the fire place and watched as he put some cushions down for them to sit on.
"I don't care, you can't be standing out there till you freeze you will end up sick," he said sitting down and pulled her down on the cushion next to him.
"I won't get sick," she sighed while looking at him "You worry to much."
"Yes because that's me, you worry too you know." he said cupping her cheek for a second then took her hands rubbing them in his "What was you thinking about?"
"Today," she said looking into the fireplace "And how beautiful Amelia looked." she said looking back at him "She will make a fine Queen, don't you think?"
"She will," he smiled "She was taught by the best after all," he smiled at her "I'm proud of you, you know that?" he whispered as she looked down "Hey," he said reaching over and pushed her hair back so he could see her face "Clarisse,"
She slowly looked up "I'm fine," she nodded "Honestly." she moved closer and snuggled up to him "It's just going to be weird for a while." she sighed while closing her eyes.
"I know," he nodded and wrapped his arms around her shoulders and started playing with her hair "I love you so much Clarisse," he whispered.
"I love you too," she whispered back.
"Now because this is our first official night in this place," he said as she tipped her head back "How about we call it a day and go to bed?" he asked with a cheeky smile.
"Ok," she moved and knelt next to him "Or we could stay here?" she moved and straddled him.
"Oh well that sounds interesting," he smiled while putting his hands on her sides and started kissing her as she locked her arms around his neck.
"Joe," Clarisse whispered and felt him move behind her "Are you awake?" she asked.
"Mmm, what's wrong," he whispered against her shoulder and kissed it.
"Nothing," she said turning onto her back and looked at him as he opened his eyes "I just wanted to tell you something," she smiled while putting her hand up placing two of her fingers gently on his lips while studying his face.
"What's that?" he asked and kissed her fingers while moving the blanket over them a little more.
"Thank you for standing by me over the last few years, and for waiting for me while I was married to Rupert." she smiled as he nodded "I love you."
"I love you too," he said kissing her a couple times "You're welcome also." he smiled while moving his arm over, resting it on the floor behind her arm and gently brushed her hair back from her face "I didn't hurt you did I?"
She smiled while shaking her head "You could never hurt me," she giggled as he moved his hand over her chest "It was weird doing it on the floor, but was romantic though." she smiled towards the fireplace then looked back at him.
"You were beautiful in the light of the fire," he whispered and brushed his lips against hers.
"So were you," she smiled moving her hand onto his neck and kissed him "Next time though," she started as he raised his eyebrows "Can we do it in the bed?" she asked.
"With Pleasure," he smiled with a nod.
"Thank you." she smiled and turned back onto her side, looking into the fireplace as the fire raged in front of them.
Seconds later Joseph snuggled up to her back, watching the fire with her, both falling to sleep not long after.