California…...
Phillippe spent the day worrying about his mother, his family. He knew something was wrong, something his family wasn't saying, something more than Pierre marrying Antoinette. Ever since the shooting, things had gotten more out of control and the sense of dread he's been feeling since he left Genovia has only gotten stronger.
"You okay" Helen asked concerned when she realized he was still awake?
"I'm worried about my family" He admitted.
"What are you worried about other than the obvious" She asked concerned?
"That something else is going to happen" He said although he didn't want to scare his very, pregnant wife.
Helen reached over and hugged him tight, wanting to comfort him.
Phillippe loved being held but he was very unsettled. An awful feeling in his stomach kept him up all night.
Genovia….
Henry left Arthur's house in a fury. He had known that Arthur was behind this, but he didn't want to truly believe it. No matter how many years passed, Arthur was his friend, at least he had thought he was. He now realized Arthur only cared about himself, everyone else was expendable. And that was one thing Henry could not tolerate. He would not risk the lives of his nephews. Clarisse and Rupert he had no love for but his nephews, they were innocent. Alex was just a boy, to torment him the way that Arthur orchestrated was unforgiveable. He would make sure Arthur and whoever else was behind this paid for what he'd done.
Palace….
Helena sat beside Alex who was sound asleep, she watched him, her heart full of love but the fear she had for his safety was still present. This Palace wasn't safe for him.
"Mother, is he still asleep" Antoinette asked from the doorway?
"Yes" Helena turned and faced her.
Antoinette walked in and looked at her son before smiling at her mother and stating, "I'm so happy he's home safe."
"I am too" Helena replied as she reached her hand out to her daughter.
Antoinette paused for a moment before taking her mother's hand and sitting beside her.
"Have you truly considered what your life will be like here" Helena asked her daughter?
"What do you mean" Antoinette asked concerned?
"As Princess Consort, do you know what that will mean for your life and Alex's" Helena asked?
"It means that Pierre will be my husband and Alex's…father" Antoinette replied, her eyes instantly giving away her emotions.
"No one can ever know how you truly feel, ever" Helena said making her daughter look her in the eyes.
"Can you live with that" Helena asked seriously? She didn't have time to tip toe, around her daughter, to be nice about this conversation, not after everything that had happened.
"Mother…..." Antoinette said confused.
"If something happens to Alex, can you live with that" Helena asked her voice stronger?
Antoinette staring at her mother at a loss for words.
"He's not safe here and you know that he's not. The question is, what are you going to do about it" Helena asked to the point?
"Pierre will protect him" Antoinette said defensively. She did not like where her mother was going with this!
"No, he can't. No one can. We have already seen enough here to know that" Helena said challenging her daughter.
Antoinette stared at her mother in confusion before stating, "I thought this is what you wanted. For me to be Pierre's wife, to be the future Queen."
"It was" Helena agreed.
"Was" Antoinette asked devastated? Why couldn't her mother support her, just once?
"It isn't safe here for him" Helena repeated.
"And he is all you care about" Antoinette snapped suddenly realizing what this was all about, what it's always been about.
"That isn't true. You are my daughter and I love you. But I know you. No matter what I say, you're not leaving this Palace. So, I'm asking please, protect your son. Get him out of Genovia" Helena urged her.
Without a word, Antoinette walked out of the bedroom leaving her mother and son.
Helena closed her eyes hoping her daughter would consider what she said.
Library…...
Pierre was sitting lost in thought when he heard the door open. He turned his head and saw his father entering his wheelchair. He was surprised to see him.
"I thought you retired for the night" Pierre spoke first.
"I couldn't sleep" Rupert admitted.
"Me either." Pierre replied.
Rupert poured himself a drink before asking, "you want one?"
"Sure" Pierre said as he stood up wondering why his father was being so nice to him.
Rupert poured his drink and handed it to him.
The two men sat and drank in silence.
But Pierre couldn't sit in silence any longer, taking a long gulp and swallowing as it burned going down, he asked, "do you think mother will come back?"
Rupert took a long gulp, made a face and replied, "not for a while."
"She isn't coming to the wedding" Pierre said realizing his mother was not just reacting out of hurt feelings.
"No" Rupert replied simply.
Pierre looked down at his glass.
"Why are you marrying her? We know you don't love her or even like her. Tell me why" Rupert asked deciding he would try to talk to his oldest son for once without arguing or being forceful?
"For Alex and our family" Pierre admitted.
Rupert sighed and replied, "I know you were in contact with the kidnapper. And I know that is how you got Alex back."
Pierre simply nodded his head in agreement.
"They won't stop there. They will ask you for something again soon" Rupert warned him.
"I know" Pierre admitted, and he did. He wasn't in denial about that.
"I can't let them use you as a weapon against us. I hope you understand why I can't" Rupert asked?
"I understand" Pierre replied.
"When they call you, tell them you have no control or decision-making ability. Tell them that I am back in charge" Rupert said adamantly.
"I can't do that" Pierre replied shocking his father.
"What do you mean you can't do that? I am the King. I decide what is best for this Monarchy and Genovia" Rupert raised his voice.
"And who will decide what is best for our family? Remember us! Because I do. I think of everyone not just this Palace, this Country! If I tell them that, they will do something too Alex or to one of us. I can't let that happen. Not again. I'm not you. I can't just turn my back" Pierre said his voice calm but determined.
Rupert glared at his son and replied, "If you dare challenge me on this, I will exile you from Genovia and this time, your mother won't be able to save you."
Pierre put his glass down, looked his father in the eyes and stated, "I don't need my mother to save me. I'm not scared of you exiling me anymore. As a matter of fact, I know that you can't. It is time you realize Father that Genovia wants me as their future King. I'm not going anywhere."
"Good, you are finally ready to take your place" Rupert said proudly.
Pierre was shocked by his Father change of behavior.
The door opened.
Pierre came face to face with Hans. The look on Han's face let him know he overheard everything.
Walking inside the library Hans shut the door.
"He's on board, it's time to take back control" Rupert said his voice hard and controlled.
"Are you ready to do what is necessary Pierre? For the greater good" Hans asked?
"Yes, I am" Pierre said determined.
The Next Day….
California
Clarisse arrived at the consulate exhausted. She was tired and achy from the flight. She was happy that there were only a handful of workers there. She was led to her suite. Her bags were carried up and placed down by the closet. Her clothes hung up and put away in the drawers.
"You can leave that there. I only want to take a shower and go straight to bed" Clarisse stated when they attempted to put away her toiletries.
"Yes, Your Majesty" The Butler and Head Housekeeper replied in unison as they had the maids exit.
"Thank you, please a cup of tea would be appreciated" Clarisse added.
"Yes, of-course. Your Majesty" The Head Housekeeper stated. The Butler had already gone.
"I will be here for a few months possibly so please, call me Clarisse" Clarisse said feeling at ease with the woman. She liked her already.
The Head Housekeeper looked at her strangely.
Clarisse heart sank. She realized she said the wrong thing. She wasn't home. She knew the informal relationships she had back at the Palace were not what she had here. She didn't even know any of the people here. She found herself missing Charlotte and Mary, Joseph…...Joseph, her heart ached.
"I will go and shower. You can leave the tea on the table, thank you" Clarisse said deciding not to make it a big deal.
The Head Housekeeper simply nodded before exiting the bedroom.
Clarisse took out a pair of pajamas, her toiletries and headed to the bathroom for a much needed hot shower.
The Head Housekeeper made her way quickly to the Butler, knocking before she entered.
The Butler looked at her.
"I believe Her Majesty is not well. We must ensure her stay here is welcoming" the Head Housekeeper stated.
"Welcoming" The Butler asked confused?
"She asked me to…...she swallowed unsure if she should say anything, but she trusted the Butler, her friend Mr. Smith…...to call her Clarisse" She admitted.
Mr. Smith smiled and replied, "very well than you will. We must make sure Her Majesty feels at home."