When the sun began to appear on the horizon, Clarisse opened her eyes. Why does she have so much cold? And what about the wind? Did she leave the window open? She closed her eyes again and laid her head on Joseph's chest… What a weird dream. Then, she felt a kiss on her forehead and a whisper…

"Good morning, beautiful!" Said Joseph.

She opened her eyes again and lifted her head.

"What…" He put his finger on her lips.

"Shhh. They are all asleep." She looked around.

"This was not a nightmare… This is an island…"

"You are right, dear. I'm sorry…!" She leaned over and kissed him on the lips.

"Are you sure?" He pulled her closer to him.

"Yes, I am. I love you!"

"I love you too, Clarisse!" And he deepened the kiss. Silvia was awake and smile. She closed her eyes to give them some privacy…

****** C/J ******

At Genovia…

Charlotte can't stop crying.

"You must have faith, Charlotte!" Said Shades holding her.

"I have, Shades! But I'm so scared. She was like a mother to me. I just can't deal with this! This is not fair!"

Sebastian Motaz enter the Charlotte office without knocking on the door.

His eyes were red to be crying and he was visibly shaken.

"I'm sorry, Charlotte, I forgot to knock…"

"That's all right, Prime Minister. Any news?"

"Sadly yes... A Portuguese warship found part of the right wing of Genovia I, as well as several wrecks. They retrieve one of Her Majesty's suitcases. I think we have to prepare for the worst."

"NO! No, no, no! I don't believe it! She can't be dead… She…" And Charlotte fainted. Shades caught her before she hit the ground and Sebastian helped lay her on the couch.

"Charlotte? Please wake up, Charlotte…" Shades rose and pick up a glass of water to Charlotte. Slowly, she woke up.

"Are you ok?" Asked Shades.

"I… I don't know… I can't believe it!" All she can do, is cry. Then, the phone rang. Charlotte rose and answered.

"Hello…"

"Hi, Charlotte. It's Helena. Please, tell me this is not true!"

"I'm afraid so, Helena. I couldn't believe it myself."

"Ho my God! Is there anything I can do for you? Or for Amelia? She's so sweet…"

"I don't think so, Helena. But thank you for asking!"

"Charlotte, I think they survived! Deep in my heart, I know it! And how is Maria and Joseph's brothers?"

"Devastated! I'm…" Charlotte sat down and started crying again.

"Ho, Charlotte! I wish I can do anything to easy you pain, dear. If you need me, call me. I have great affection for Clarisse and Joseph and I know they're alive!"

"You're a great friend Helena. Send my regards to George, please. I call you when there was news."

"Thank you, Charlotte. Bye!"

When Charlotte hang up, Sebastian phone rang.

"It's my turn now… Hello?"

"Prime Minister!"

"Viscount? How are you?" Sebastian was truly peeved. He didn't like Artur Mabrey at all.

"I'm perfectly well, unlike Her Majesty! I'm brokenhearted but life must go on! I'm calling to ask you to call a meeting with Parliament. Her Highness is too young to take the throne and I was informed she has suicidal tendencies… So I must accept my destiny and become King. Well, only until Princess Mia reach twenty-one, of course."

Sebastian was speechless. For once in his life, he wanted to kill someone!

"Of course, Viscount. I call you later and let you know about the hour the session is about to begin."

"Thank you, Prime Minister. And I want to ask you a favor… Can you help me to persuade Charlotte working for me? It is a great…"

"I talk to her. Now, if you excuse me…"

"Of course!"

And he hand up. Charlotte and Shades hear the conversation between the two men and they both are speechless.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but this is too weird… The Viscount had an accident and do not even have a scratch… He talks as he knows they are all dead… And what are he talking about Princess Mia had 'suicidal tendencies?"

"You are absolutely right, Shades. Mabrey was a despicable man. But, unfortunately he was next in the line to the throne…"

"I've got a bad felling about Mia… Prime Minister…"

"Call me Sebastian, Charlotte. Please."

"Thank you, Sebastian. I think we must hide Amelia… I'm afraid he can hurt her… or even kill her…"

"Ho my God! You're probably right, Charlotte."

"We must protect her, at any cost. At least, until Clarisse return… I think Helena is right, they're alive!"

"Don't say that out loud, Charlotte! We must let Mabrey think we are mourning our beloved Queen. And we made our own investigation."

"You can count on me, Prime Minister!"

"You too, Shades, call me Sebastian.!"

"All right, then!"

****** C/J ******

Back to the island…

Joseph rose and put some wood into the fire, then grabbed two bananas and sat next to Clarisse.

"I can't call this a breakfast but… It's all we have."

"Thank you, my love. That's alright." She smile and kissed him on the cheek.

She sat and noticed she had two jackets.

"Joseph… I had your jacket… Why?"

"Last night, you're shivering, so I put my jacket on your back."

She looked long at him, with a great love in her eyes and smile.

"I'm a lucky lady! Thank you, dear." He smile back and looked over her shoulder.

"Good morning, Paul. Did you sleep well?"

"Good morning, Sir. Good morning Your Majesty… Clarisse. No, Sir. Not at all. I have could, thirst and hunger. My back was killing me… And the bugs… I hate bugs!"

"We must solve any of this problems today."

One by one, they all awaked. There was a chorus of good days around the fire. And for breakfast? Bananas!

"So Boss, what do we have to do today?" Asked James.

Joseph was about to answer but Harry spoke first.

"We must separate ourselves and spread throughout the island in order to keep watch if any ship passes by."

"What? You're crazy! You don't know the island… If you want to go to the other side of the island all alone, be my guest! We need water, food and shelter… So I'm not going spend an all day watching the sea!"

"James right, Harry!" Said Joseph. "We need water, food and shelter. In that order! I think we can make a pile with dry wood and kindling. We go and search for some plastic because it makes a very dark smoke. If any of us saw a ship, we lit immediately the pile. Do you agree?"

"I think so!" Said Harry but then he turned to James…

"And who are you to talk to me in such manner?" Harry was furious.

"Harry, please. That's not what James means to say. We are all tiered and discussing doesn't take us anywhere. We must start creating conditions for living because we will stay here for along time…"

"Excuse me? Why are you saying that, Joseph? We must find a way to leave this island. I don't want to stay here any longer, do you hear me?" Cried Ruth.

"none of us, want that! I'm sure they are looking for us, but in the wrong place. I don't know where we are… All I know is we are far from the route."

"So we have to get out of here by ourselves."

"Care to tell me how? Do you planning swim? Or do you think the boat withstands a large trip?" Joseph was starting to get angry.

"I guess you're not very interested in leaving this island..."

"Ruth, don't be ridiculous. I'm tired of your nonsenses!"

"Nonsenses… Really, Joseph? That's funny… When you meddle in my bed, you do not say it."

An awkward silence invaded the group. Silvia, Agnes and James looked covertly to Clarisse.

"You really like to do silly figure, don't you?"

"You're so rude!"

"Maybe I am, but just because I was stupid enough to date you forty years ago! I did not involve myself with you again even if you were the last woman on earth! Did you understand me? Now, leave me alone, please!"

"Hummm ... I get it ... You say that because you're in front of her!"

"Ruth! I…" Clarisse grabbed his arm and pull him to her.

"Let her talk… It's no use…"

"You're right. I'm sorry!" He kissed her forehead and smile.

"well, the most important thing right now is water." He said.

"Yes, and I need a bath!"

"So do I, Clarisse. I can't take it anymore!" Agnes rose. "Let's go to the lake?"

"It's a very good idea. Let's go!" Said Harry.

They all stood up and grabbed the bottles to get more water. As they walked to the center of the island, the vegetation became denser and the floor was covered with leaves, sticks and stones. The trees were so high that in some places they cover the sun. Suddenly, a little ahead of them, spent a boar squealing what causes most of the group was scared.

"What a shock! It was a wild boar?" Clarisse asked.

"Yes, it was! We have to hunt one of these."

"You're right, Joseph. But how?" Said Michael trying to figure it out how to do it.

"I don't know! But we must!" And Joseph laughs.

Twenty minutes later, they reach the lake.

"This is beautiful! And the water is so clean. I can see the bottom!" Clarisse was fascinated.

"Can we swim?" Asked Silvia.

"I think so. Can we, Joseph?" Michael looked at Joseph. He was dying to dive but he wanted to show Harry, Joseph's is on command!

"I think so, Michael!"

"Well, lady's first!" And he grabbed Silvia and threw to the lake with her in his arms, what made her let out a scream. Everyone laughed, even Ruth.

Seconds later, they all swim at the lake. It was a blessing to be able to take the salt of clothing and body.

"Can we drink this water?"

"Only after boiling, Paul."

"Boiling? But how?" Asked Harry.

"We can do it with our bottles."

"Don't be stupid, girl. How can you boil the water in a bottle of plastic?"

"Ruth, don't talk to her like that!" Said Clarisse.

"Shut up!" Ruth was furious with Clarisse. Joseph did not hide the preference that had to the Queen and that makes her full of anger. She needed allies ... and a plan.

"Paul, can you help me, please?" Paul's jaw dropped… It was really Ruth who was asking for help? To him?

"Of course." And Paul swam up next to her.

"Please, can you check on my back… I think I have a bug in there…" And, seductively, she unbuttoned two buttons of her blouse and pulled it back, for him to have better access to her back. Paul gulped and looked.

"I don't think you… there is nothing on your back, Your Highness."

"Please, Paul, call Ruth. And thank you so much."

"You're welcome… Ruth!" Paul blushed slightly.

When they left the lake, with the sodden clothes, all agree that they had to make a schedule for the baths. They laid on the rocks for a while, trying to dry clothes the most.

"Joseph?"

"Yes, Michael?"

"Can I make my shelter next to you?" Clarisse laugh.

"Of course, neighbor. It's a pleasure. But, did Silvia want that too?"

Silvia blushed deeply…

"Me? Why are you asking me that?"

"What? Please, Silvia, don't made me make two shelters, please! I'm a nice guy, I swear!"

"Alright, I'm sorry! It will be a pleasure!"

"Uff, that was close!" Laughed Michael.

"I'll start now to build a few traps to put at the river. Then I start the shelter." Said Joseph.

"Very good idea!" Said Harry, approaching the two man. "I was thinking go to the rocks and pick some mussel. What do you think?"

"Very well, Harry! Where are you thinking in building your shelter?"

"Near the palm trees. It's the best. And you, Joseph?"

"A little further back. Between the forest and palm trees."

"Alright then. Let's start the work!" Harry was not going to let a commoner give orders. He needed allies ... and a plan.