Several months later. It's Easter weekend in Genovia and Amelia's first Genovian Carnival since moving there earlier in the year.
This last month things haven't been that great at the Palace, Clarisse and Joseph have got into a number of arguments over Joe's daughter, Cara and how she's getting out of control. The latest one being last night, and as Clarisse lay trying so hard to find sleep and failing, she was surprised to find Lena stood next to the bed when she turned over.
"Lena what are you doing up?" She asked checking the time "It's 4am sweetheart."
"I know," She nodded "I couldn't get back to sleep, can I get in with you?" She asked.
"Of course you can," Clarisse whispered while lifting the sheets up, and wrapped her arm around her as she snuggled up to her.
"Where's Daddy?" Lena asked.
"I don't know darling, probably in one of the guest rooms." Clarisse whispered while closing her eyes.
"Are you going to break up?" Lena asked while looking up at her as she opened her eyes and looked down at her "I heard you arguing again last night." She said sadly.
"We aren't going to break up, we are just having a few disagreements..."
"Over Cara?" Lena asked as Clarisse looked at her.
"Yes, over Cara." She answered while hugging her tight.
"I hate her," Lena whispered.
"No you don't," Clarisse exclaimed "So don't let me hear you say that again young lady."
"I do, she's caused so many problems and she's causing you and Daddy to fight." Lena answered while looking at her.
"Darling she's your big sister, it's not nice to say such things." Clarisse said looking at her.
"But it's true, she doesn't care." Lena answered while shaking her head "She's always drinking and getting into trouble, which is making you and Daddy fight." She said getting upset "I don't like her anymore."
"Oh darling," Clarisse whispered while holding her close and kissed the top of her head.
When the alarm went off at 6am Clarisse quickly reached over and turned it of as not to wake Lena sleeping beside her. As she laid back she realized that she must of finally found sleep, if only it was for just an hour. Sighing to herself when she felt movement beside her, she slowly turned onto her back to find Rose sleeping the other side, looking up at the ceiling with a chuckle.
Then after 10 minutes she decided it was time to get up, so as the girls both slept Clarisse carefully climbed over Lena as not to wake her, then covered her back over with the quilt with a small smile.
And after getting showered and dressed she headed downstairs and got herself some breakfast, eating it and drinking coffee while going through the paper when Joseph came in.
"Morning," He said as he walked over and got a plate of breakfast.
"Good morning," She answered and watched him a second "I'm glad you are here before the children," She said as he turned slightly "I need to talk to you about Lena."
"What's wrong?" He asked fully turning to her "Is she ok?"
"She's ok, she was upset this morning though." She watched him grab some coffee then sit at the table "She told me that she hate's Cara."
"What?" He exclaimed.
"I told her it wasn't a nice thing to say, but her reply was that she's caused so much trouble and causing you and I to fight, so she doesn't like her anymore." Clarisse said while looking at him "And it got me thinking, are we being stupid for letting her behavior get to us so much that we end up arguing over it?"
"I was thinking the same thing," He nodded while looking at her "She's doing it to get a reaction from us, and is probably trying to break us up."
"Yea, that's exactly what I thought too." Clarisse nodded "So if we stop responding to her and ignore it, she will get bored?"
"Maybe," He nodded "It might just work." He said looking at her "I'm so sorry baby," He whispered while leaning over and cupped her cheek.
"So am I." She nodded while tilting her head a little "Let's not fight over her anymore."
"I totally agree to that," He nodded and lent forward "I love you." He smiled and kissed her softly before sitting back, and was about to say something else but stopped when Amelia came in.
Looking up to see them both staring at her, she looked down at herself "Oh thank god, I am wearing something." She exclaimed and looked back up at them as they both laughed "Why are you looking at me like that for?" She asked.
"No reason," Clarisse smiled at her then looked at Joseph as he lent closer to her.
"We will catch up, later on." Joseph whispered in her ear.
"Ok," Clarisse nodded and looked towards Amelia as she grabbed some breakfast "So are you looking forward to your first carnival?" She asked while picking up her cup of coffee, holding it in both hands.
"Oh I am," Amelia smiled while looking over at her then carried on getting some breakfast.
"Good," Clarisse nodded "So am I." She smiled and sipped her coffee.
A short time later Rose and Lena came down and got some breakfast, pleased to find that Joseph and Clarisse had made up.
"Right," Joseph said while standing up "I best get into gear and get over with the guards to check the security of the streets." He said pushing his chair under the table "See you all later." He smiled and headed out.
"What time do we..." Amelia started as Clarisse quickly got up and rushed out the room "What did I say?" She asked while looking at Rose and Lena who shrugged.
"Joe." Clarisse exclaimed and watched as he turned around.
"What's up?" He asked and watched her rush forward to him "Clari?" He asked as she stopped in front of him, raising herself a little and kissed him deeply while putting her hands up onto his neck and jaw.
Smiling against his lips as he put his hands on her back "I didn't get a chance to tell you I love you too." She whispered while looking into his eyes, feeling him move his hand up her back, placing it on the back of her head, his fingers getting tangled in her hair.
"I'm glad you got to tell me now." He smiled and started kissing her back, getting caught up in the moment when Cara came in.
"Oh look, they're at it again." She exclaimed and dropped her bag down on the table in the foyer.
"Ignore it," Joseph whispered.
"I am," Clarisse nodded as they stepped apart, and looked over at her.
"Just getting in, Cara?" Joseph asked and looked at Clarisse, kissing her cheek "See you later." He said before Cara could say anything.
"Yes of course," Clarisse nodded and watched him walk out, she looked at Cara for a second then went back into the dining room.
Cara stood confused for a few seconds then headed up to her room.
After Clarisse had a chat with the girls, she headed to her office with Charlotte to run over a few things and sign a few papers.
Then when it was time to get ready and because they were having an jousting event at this carnival Clarisse and Amelia agreed to dress for the occasion, Clarisse in a deep blue and Amelia in a deep red traditional Tudor dresses, Clarisse's was topped with a French Hood.
When Clarisse was ready she headed downstairs, and stood in the hall way checking herself in the mirror when Olivia and Erica came in.
"Wow," Erica smiled "You look beautiful." She smiled as they made their way over to her.
"Thank you," Clarisse smiled at them in the mirror then turned to them.
"It's very Queen Elizabeth I." Olivia grinned.
"That's the plan." Clarisse smiled as her Dad came in from the kitchen "Hello Dad." Clarisse smiled over at him as he looked over, then smiled.
"Gosh I didn't recognize you then for a second," He smiled while walking over as the ladies laughed "You look stunning." He smiled as they shared a hug then stepped back "Really sets of your eyes."
"Thank you." Clarisse smiled as Amelia appeared at the top of the stairs "And there's your Great Granddaughter," She said pointing to Amelia as she smiled and made her way down the stairs to them.
"I am in complete shock," Harry smiled "You both look beautiful."
"How about a photo?" Olivia smiled "Grandad, do you want to be in the middle of them?" She asked.
"Oh of course," He nodded as they laughed "And then I want one with just you two." He smiled.
"Ok," Clarisse smiled.
Taking his place between his Great Granddaughter and Daughter, he smiled for the camera then stepped away, letting them have their photo taken together just the two of them.
"Olivia," Harry smiled as she looked at him "Can you get me a copy of that photo please?" He smiled "I want to show if of to all my friends," He grinned with pride.
"Of course Grandad," Olivia smiled then kissed his cheek as Clarisse and Amelia giggled.
"Showing us of again Grandpa?" Amelia smiled.
"Of course," He smiled as Amelia hugged him.
"Ok," Joseph said coming through the door as they all turned to him "Wow," He said feeling blown away.
"What do you think Grandpa?" Amelia smiled while posing next to Clarisse.
"Beautiful." He smiled and shook his head "The car is ready when you are." He nodded.
"Ok great." Olivia smiled as she, Erica, Amelia and Harry headed down to it.
"So Queen Elizabeth," Joseph smiled while stepping closer and took Clarisse's hands.
"That was the idea," She nodded while looking down at the skirt of the dress then back up into his eyes.
"Very beautiful." He smiled while stepping closer and kissed her "Gosh if this had been years ago I would of been locked away for not being able to take my eyes off the very sexy lady." He chuckled as they looked into each others eyes.
"Good job it isn't years ago then, isn't it?" Clarisse asked while tilting her head a little with a small smile.
"Indeed." He chuckled and kissed the back of her hand "After you, my lady." He grinned.
"Why thank you, kind Sir." Clarisse smiled at him as she passed and headed out the door.
Smiling to himself he followed seconds later and headed down the stairs with her.
After arriving at the carnival the family mingled with people visiting and the locals from the village and surrounding areas. Then when it was time Clarisse and Amelia took their places in the Royal box, ready for the jousting tournament.
When it was finished Clarisse and Amelia posed for photos with the jousting crew, then stood talking to them for a little while before her and Amelia moved on, walking around and checking things out with guards walking close by.
"I can't believe how much fun today has been." Amelia smiled while linking arms with Clarisse as they walked.
"Well sweetheart, just to let you know we have a few carnivals here a year." She smiled.
"Really?" Amelia asked in surprise.
"Oh yea," Clarisse nodded "We have the first one for Easter of course," She smiled at her "Then we have one around end of July, early August, the summer one." She nodded "We have one for my birthday, then one for Christmas." She smiled at her "We used to have one for Pierre's birthday but when he joined the church we thought it best to end it, we do however still have them for Philippe on his birthday." She nodded while looking down.
"Really?" Amelia asked "That must be hard."
"It was at first, we even thought about stopping it at one point but Joseph reminded us that we done it for the people of Genovia to celebrate his life as a Prince." She said looking at her "But now that you are where you should be and Princess of Genovia," She smiled "We will have them for your birthday too."
"Wow," Amelia smiled as they continued walking "I can't wait."
"Neither can I." She said as they stopped at a stand to watch people trying to win a teddy, then carried on.
"Is it you who wants these carnivals?" Amelia asked while looking at her, still holding onto her arm.
"Oh gosh no, the people of Genovia wanted them so we provide for them and take part." She smiled at her.
"That's just awesome." She smiled as they stopped again, watching people on a ride when someone appeared behind them.
"Hello Clarisse,"
Turning around Clarisse gasped when she saw who it was "What are you doing here?" She asked as Amelia looked at her then at the lady.
And just as she was about to answer Joseph came over, and once he realized who she was looking at he stepped between them.
"You have no right being here." He said.
"Mommy," Lena exclaimed while standing behind Joseph as Clarisse turned to her "I feel sick."
"Too much candy, no doubt." She said cupping her face and kissed her forehead "Come on, lets get you some water." She said and looked towards the lady before walking off with Lena and Amelia.
"Is that... is that her?" She asked.
"Yes actually she is, that's the child you disowned at the hospital." He said staring at her.
"Please I just need a few minutes," Roz said "Things have changed now, I'm married and happy."
"And?" He said.
"I want to see her." Roz asked "Please?"
"You got NO chance." He said and walked over to Clarisse and Lena, standing next to them blocking her view of Lena.
"What is she doing here Joe?" Clarisse asked him as he put his hand on the back of Lena's head.
"Don't worry, what she wants," He said looking at Lena then at Clarisse "Isn't going to happen." He said leaning closer to her and whispered in her ear "I promise." He said pulling his head back as she slowly nodded, then he looked down at Lena "How are you feeling pumpkin?"
"I still feel sick." She said and drank some more water.
"Then I think we should get you home to bed." He said.
"Oh, but I don't want to." Lena answered while looking up at them.
"Come on," Joseph said putting his arm around Clarisse's back and took hold of Lena's hand as they started walking away.
After letting the guards know that they were leaving they headed back to the Palace and whilst Joseph made sure Lena was ok in her room Clarisse got changed out of the dress.
Coming through the suite door a short time later he found Clarisse sat at the table waiting, heading over with a small smile "She told me to tell you she loves you." He said and kissed her forehead before sitting down.
"Did you tell her I loved her back?" Clarisse asked.
"Of course," He smiled and grabbed his cell from his pocket "She's out like a light, as soon as her head hit that pillow she was gone." He laughed a little.
"That I can understand, she was up rather early this morning." Clarisse nodded and rested her elbows on the table while resting her chin on her hands "What are we going to do about Roz?" She asked sadly.
"I'm just going to call my lawyer to see what can be done," He said reaching over for one of her hands "Please don't worry, if I get my way and I'm pretty sure we will, she won't ever see her." He said looking at her as she slowly nodded.
"Ok," She nodded and watched him dial the number for his lawyer.
As he talked to his lawyer Clarisse watched him the whole time, and noticing she started feeling a bit uneasy, he took hold of her hand, locking his fingers with hers and rubbed the back of it with his thumb as he talked.
"Well?" She asked as he hung up and put the phone down on the table in front of him.
"He told me that her lawyer had been touch with him this morning, and because of how she dealt with it when she left her in the hospital, she has no rights what so ever." He said and kissed the back of her hand "When Lena is old enough and she wants to see her birth Mom then it's up to her to, but until then it's up to us if we want to allow her to see her or not."
"That's great news." Clarisse nodded while looking at him.
"It is indeed." He nodded while studying her face as she looked at him "Your so beautiful you know that?" He asked with a small smile.
"So you tell me," She gave him a small smile as he reached his hand over, pushing her hair back behind her ear and cupped her cheek, gently running his thumb over her lips.
"That's because its true," He whispered while leaning over and kissed her a couple times "I missed you last night." He whispered while making her stand up and smiled up at her as she straddled him on the chair.
"I missed you too," She smiled while locking her arms around his neck as they shared a deep kiss.
After a few minutes of sharing kisses and whispering love to each other Joseph looked at her, studying her face as he ran his hands up and down her back.
"What?" She asked with a smile and arched her back a little as he cupped her bum.
"I'm just thinking how very lucky I am to have you as my lady," He grinned "And I can't for you to become Mrs Elizondo again." He grinned and kissed her a couple times while moving his hands up her back, under her blouse.
"I can't either," She whispered after a few seconds "When will that be, by the way?"
"Ahh it's a surprise," He grinned and started kissing her again just as his phone started ringing "Ignore it." He whispered and carried on.
"No Joe, come on it may be one of the children." She said reaching back to grab his phone as he carried on kissing her "Joe come on," She giggled as he started kissing her neck "I will answer it if you don't."
"Go right ahead," He smirked against her jaw while placing his hands firmly on her back as he kissed up and down her neck.
"Joseph," She said and pressed answer "Whoops, I answered it." She laughed and put the phone to her ear "Hello, Joseph's phone." She smiled while placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Hello I take it this is Her Royal Highness?"
"Yes," Clarisse answered with a nod "Whose this?" She asked while looking at Joseph.
"It's Officer Paul, down at the Police station."
"Um... Ok." She said while looking at Joseph as he raised his eyebrow and watched her put her hand up to her mouth, telling him to be quiet "What can we do for you?"
"Is Mr Elizondo there, I need to talk with him."
"Of course, I will just get him for you." She answered and covered the phone with her hand "It's Officer Paul from the Police station." She said and passed him the phone with a small shrug "Wouldn't tell me what's going on."
"Ok," He said and took the call, and after a few seconds he made Clarisse stand up which took her by surprise.
After a few minutes he hung up "What's going on?" She asked and watched him walk over to the suite door "Joseph," She called out as she followed him into the hall.
"I need to go to the station," He snapped and hurried down the stairs.
"Why?" She called from the top while placing her hands on the banister.
"Cara has been arrested for drink driving," He answered while looking up at her as she gasped.
"What?" She exclaimed.
"Stay here, I need to go down and see what I can do." He said shaking his head and walked out.
Clarisse tapped her hand on the banister a couple times then looked down the hall before heading downstairs to get some coffee. A couple hours later Pierre, Amelia and Rose all arrived home from the carnival.
"Hello all," Clarisse smiled while turning to them coming in the kitchen, smiling as they each kissed her "Did you all have fun?" She asked and turned to them.
"Yeah we did, you missed a laugh." Amelia smiled "The guards told us you and Grandpa brought Lena home as she wasn't well?"
"Is she feeling better now?" Rose asked and sipped her water.
"I don't know, she's currently sleeping." She answered and sipped her coffee.
"Ahh," Rose nodded "Where's Daddy?" She asked.
"I was just going to ask the same thing." Pierre said while sitting down and sipped his coffee.
"Um..." Clarisse said looking at them "He had to go and do a thing in town,"
"Oh, we didn't see him." Amelia answered.
"No it was the other side of town." She nodded a little and checked the time.
"Oh ok." Amelia nodded "Me and Rose were talking on the way home, and wondered if it would be alright if we stayed up and watched a movie in the movie room tonight?"
"You have remembered we need to get up early tomorrow for Church?" Clarisse asked.
"We have and we will be able to." Rose smiled "Please can we?"
"As long as you can get up and don't stay up to late then I don't see a problem." She smiled and stood up.
"Yes," Rose smiled and high five with Amelia as they both laughed.
"I'm going to go up and check on Lena," Clarisse smiled and headed out the room.
Reaching the stairs she jumped when Pierre called her and rushed over.
"What's going on?" He asked and put his hands on top of hers on the banister.
"What do you mean what's going on?" She asked while shaking her head "Nothings going on."
"Mom? You're lying." He said raising his eyebrow and watched her sigh "Come on what's going on?"
"It's Cara," Clarisse whispered "She got arrested for drink driving, Joe is down at the Police station trying to sort the mess out."
"What?" He exclaimed and felt Clarisse's hand cover his mouth.
"Shhh." She whispered and removed her hand "I don't want Mia or Rose to find out, not yet." She added as he nodded.
"How could she be so stupid." He whispered just as the door opened, making them both look towards it to find Joseph coming in with Cara.
"Now get up to your room and stay there," He snapped and watched her look at him.
"You can't tell me what to do?" She answered as Clarisse walked back down the couple of steps and stood next to Pierre as he put his hand on the top of her back.
"Funny I believe I just did," He said putting his hands on his hips "After what you've done Cara I wouldn't mess with me right now." He said as Rose and Amelia appeared at the kitchen door "Now get up stairs already." He said getting angry and pointed up the stairs.
"What's going on?" Rose asked while walking over and stood next to Pierre and Clarisse as everyone looked at her.
"Your big sister got busted for drink driving." Joseph said looking over at her as her jaw fell "Luckily she didn't hurt anyone, but that's not the point." He snapped.
"Is this true?" Rose asked while moving slowly in front of Clarisse.
"Yes," Cara nodded slowly and looked at her as Clarisse put her hands on Rose's shoulders.
"What's happened to you?" Rose whispered "You've changed so much, You're not the big sister I once called my hero anymore." She snapped and rushed up the stairs as she started crying.
"Rose," Clarisse called after her then looked back at Joseph and Cara as Amelia ran after her.
"See what you've done?" Joseph asked "You are ripping this family apart." He looked at her as she looked down "You have not only let us down, you have let yourself down, you have brought shame on this family." He said shaking his head "Oh get out of my sight, I can't even look at you right now." He snapped and walked into the living room, slamming the door behind him, making everyone jump.
And as Pierre and Clarisse looked at each other, Cara ran upstairs.
"You check on Dad while I go and check on Rose and Amelia." Pierre whispered.
"Ok," Clarisse nodded and walked over to the living room as Pierre walked up the stairs.
Walking into the living room slowly she found Joseph sat on the edge of the couch, his elbows resting on his knees, head in hands, crying.
"Oh Joe." Clarisse whispered while walking over and sat next to him, putting her arm around his shoulders "Come here," She whispered as he turned to her.
"What have I done wrong for her to do something so stupid." He cried and buried his face in her shoulder as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
"You haven't done anything," Clarisse whispered while rubbing his back and closed her eyes, her heart breaking.
Staying like that for what felt like a life time to Joseph before the door opened, both looking up to see Harry walking in with his head down, not realizing that they were in there.
"Dad," Clarisse exclaimed while jumping up as Joseph turned the other way and wiped his eyes.
"Oh hey darling," He smiled as she stood in front of him then looked over at Joseph "Is everything alright?" He asked looking back at Clarisse.
"It's a long story," She said looking at him as he nodded.
"Sorry I didn't mean to interrupt, I thought you were all still at the carnival." He nodded and started walking back out the door.
"Sorry Daddy," Clarisse whispered "I will come find you in a bit."
"No need darling," He nodded "Stay here with Joe." He gave her a small smile as she nodded and closed the door up.
"I'm sorry for crying, I really don't know where that came from." Joseph said while watching Clarisse move and sit next to him.
"Shh it's ok," Clarisse whispered while putting her hands up, cupping his face and wiped away his stray tears with her thumbs "You don't have to say sorry to me," She whispered while tilting her head a little "I'm here for times like this remember." She nodded as he laughed a little "Come here," She whispered as he moved forward and wrapped their arms around each other "And you cried because she hurt you, she's hurt all of us." She whispered and rubbed his back as he nodded, then buried his face in the crook of her neck.
"I'm glad I have you when life throws times like this at us." He whispered and lifted his head.
"So am I glad to have you." She smiled while cupping his face "Now why don't we go and check on Rose?" She stood up as he nodded.
"Ok," He stood up "Thank you so much Clari." He whispered as she turned and looked at him.
"It's not a problem, sweetheart." She smiled and took his hand as they headed out the living room.