"My dear, the time has come to take another step towards your daughter's reign! I just found out that the bodyguard was hospitalized urgently... My contact cannot tell me why he was hospitalized but knows that his life is at risk! Joseph is in the Central Hospital, in a private room and surrounded by royal guards. The orders that the Hospital has are not to say a word… But tomorrow morning it will be in all the newspapers!" Mabrey and Pamela laughed.
"Clarisse will be completely isolated and without her favorite advisor. And are you sure your friend can be trusted?" Mabrey approached Pamela and kissed her forehead.
"Are you doubting your husband? Do you think I leave loose ends? He is an extraordinary American actor. We've known each other for over fifty years, darling. And I always told him that he should pursue a career in cinema but he didn't want to... The day he does his little theater, even you will believe him!"
"And when are we going to do this blow to Clarisse?"
"Within five weeks."
"Five weeks? But why do we have to wait for so long?"
"Because the scandal will break out a week before the arrival of the American bastard. I'm sure that Clarisse will use her summer vacation to let the Genoese get to know Amelia ... If a scandal like this breaks out a few days before... Nobody will care about the girl. Therefore, my dear wife, you will continue to be the mother of a Queen. But the new Queen will give you the prominence you deserve, my love!"
Frederica entered the room without knocking on the door and this made Mabrey deeply irritated but, for the sake of his plan, he managed to hide it and smiled.
"Mom, I just found out that Joseph was taken to the hospital by helicopter. This can only mean that it was something serious!" Frederica was visibly changed.
"And why are you so worried? This situation will only help our plan!"
"I… I'm not worried. Only I thought it was strange..."
Pamela got up and went to her daughter.
"Frederica, you told me that you didn't have any kind of feelings for him…"
"And I don't, Mom. It's just weird. It's normal for me to have some concerns, right? In fact, it's actually a good thing. I have to maintain my role as the girlfriend in love." Pamela looked at her daughter suspiciously. "What? Why are you looking at me like that? I told you I don't feel anything for him."
Mabrey put her arm around Pamela's shoulders.
"My dear Frederica, I hope you remember that there can be no mistakes in this plan… it is your Crown that is at stake!"
"Stop it, both of you! For Heaven's sake. Stop being ridiculous! I will not continue this conversation. As if I were going to fall in love with my sister's bodyguard! Honestly!"
And Frederica left the room, slamming the door hard. As soon as she left, she noticed that, immediately, the guard who followed her every step was again five meters away. How irritating the man was! It seems like everyone took the night off to annoy her! 'It's normal to be worried about Joseph… they were friends! Over the last few months, they have spent hours and hours talking.' She thought. She wouldn't be human if she didn't worry!
In Pamela's room, Mabrey was having some difficulty controlling his irritation.
"Pamela, Pamela, Pamela… If you don't control your daughter, you'll ruin everything. And even I won't be able to do anything to make you have the Throne at your disposal. You can get it into your daughter's head that there are no crushes in this game. And now I'm going to bed. I'm already in a bad mood."
"Oh my love, don't be worried. Frederica would never have any feelings for a commoner." Pamela approached Mabrey but he moved away. "I'm going to bed too."
"No. I want to be alone for a while."
Pamela looked at him, surprised and irritated.
"Very well then. You've been very irritable lately."
Mabrey didn't respond and entered the room.
C/J
When her cell phone vibrated, Clarisse immediately sat up in bed, turned on the lamp and grabbed her cell phone and glasses. 3.10am… Oh God, don't let anything bad happen to Joseph. Her hands shook as she opened the message, from Dr. Watson. "Good evening, Your Majesty . I apologize for sending you a message at this time of night, but I didn't want to miss my commitment to let you know as soon as I had any news from Sir Joseph. And I didn't want to call because I didn't want to wake you…" For him to wake me, I had to be asleep, Clarisse thought. "We were unable to stop the bleeding completely but it is significantly better, giving us a few more hours to consider the best way to treat Sir Joseph. I will contact you again during the morning, Your Majesty."
Clarisse desperately needed to sleep. She was tired, emotionally drained and felt alone. Not having Joseph around had clearly shown her that there was no doubt that her life, without him, was one of deep despair. Days filled solely with work and nights with memories of a man she had most likely loved her entire life. A man who had won her over with the kindness of an old soul. That had helped her get through all the dark phases of her life. And this man was now between life and death, in a hospital bed…
C/J
Charlotte hung up the phone and smiled... But the next moment, she panicked... She picked up the phone again...
" Shades , I need you to come to my office now."
"OK. But what happened? Is it something with the Boss ?"
"No no! From what I know, Joseph is stable. But I need you here, now!"
"Okay, okay. I'll be right there."
Almost two hours later, Charlotte was arranging the folder with the documents that had been necessary for the morning meeting, when Clarisse placed her hand on top of the folder, preventing Charlotte from continuing.
"Charlotte, I want you to truly tell me why Scott wasn't here today! Is something wrong with Joseph?"
"No, Your Majesty . I didn't lie to you. Scott really needed to go and resolve an issue in person. It has nothing to do with Sir Joseph. I swear!"
"Oh Charlotte, I'm not saying you're lying. But I found it very strange that Scott had a matter to attend to at this time…"
" your Majesty , if you will allow me, I will show you immediately what this is all about."
"It's not necessary, Charlotte. I trust you!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty . But I really need you to accompany me. Please…" Clarisse looked at her suspiciously. But what was going on?
"Very well, then. Where are we going ? "
"To your personal library, Your Majesty !"
Clarisse nodded and Charlotte followed her in silence to the library. Scott was at the entrance, bowed and opened the door. Charlotte stopped at Scott's feet and Clarisse looked at them both, confused. Afterwards , she entered the library and Scott closed the door behind her. By the fireplace, Catherine was extremely nervous. Suddenly, the idea of coming to support her sister no longer seemed like the right one. Clarisse couldn't speak. She hurriedly approached Catherine, hugged her and began to cry. Catherine let her vent. The pressure on Clarisse was tremendous and she was there to wipe away her twin's tears.
"Catherine. Oh my God! I'm so glad you're here! But how did you come? And where is Robert? But let us sit down, please. You must be tired."
"I slept for almost six hours, during the flight, my dear. Robert couldn't come. His eldest daughter and son-in-law are on a mini-vacation in Mexico and he is left to take care of his grandchildren. And how could I stay at home, knowing everything that's happening to you?"
"And you left him alone with the kids because of me? Oh Catherine, he must have been upset…"
"Robert upset? Not at all! He immediately told me that he agreed with my decision to come to you! He knows how important you are to me, Clarisse."
"Oh Catherine. I do not know how to thank you! I suppose it was to pick you up at the airport that Scott wasn't at the meeting this morning…" Clarisse said with a smile.
" Well ... About that... What happened was… Just an hour before landing in Genovia , I remembered our conversation about our similarity and I panicked... How was I going to get through customs wearing a scarf in my head and sunglasses? So, I called Charlotte... And you can't imagine what happened next... When the plane landed, the Captain informed the passengers that we would have to wait on the plane for around ten minutes and only then would we be able to get out. A minute later, one of the doors opened and Scott entered with four more guards. They approached me, bowed to me and Scott said 'I hope the trip went well ma'am . Your limousine is waiting.' Oh my God, Clarisse… I felt like a Queen. You can't imagine… people looked at me in amazement, trying to understand who I was." Catherine and Clarisse laughed out loud. "On the way here, Scott gave me a wig. I thought it would be easier to put on a wig but... Anyway, when I looked in the mirror, I almost didn't recognize myself... long brown hair... scarf and sunglasses. When we entered the Palace, I was so scared, Clarisse... I was terrified of the possibility of someone thinking I looked like you and the problems that would bring to you. And after being here alone, without my wig, I was terrified because I was afraid you would be angry because I came…" Clarisse looked at her sister, picked up the phone and called Pierre.
"Good morning, Pierre. I need you to come to my library now!"
Catherine looked at Clarisse and began to feel anxious. Clarisse's expression didn't let her know if she was upset or not. Clarisse stood up and turned towards the door. Seconds later, Pierre knocked on the door and entered. Catherine was still sitting, now really nervous and not knowing what was going on.
"What's going on, Mommy? Is there anything new from Joseph?"
"No, my dear. But I want to introduce you to someone…" Catherine looked at Clarisse's smile and felt calmer. Pierre approached his mother and Catherine stood up and turned to him.
"Pierre, this is your aunt Catherine!" For a moment, Pierre looked at Catherine in amazement. They were really the same. Then, to Catherine's great astonishment, he hugged her!
"Aunt Catherine. You can't imagine the pleasure I have in meeting you. My mother talks about you so often." Catherine felt like crying.
"Prince Pierre…" Pierre and Clarisse looked at her.
"Oh no, aunt. Please don't call me Prince. I am your nephew."
"This is all new to me… Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine having a sister, a nephew and a great-niece. And for more, from royalty!" The three let out a laugh.
"Last night, mom and I almost made a video call to meet you. But since Joseph's doctors came to talk to my mother... And Uncle Robert? He did not come?"
"He couldn't come. But I can imagine his face if he heard you call him uncle!"
"I'll ask Charlotte to bring us some tea and prepare your father's suite."
"That's a great idea, Mommy. This way, the two of you can talk freely at night. And tea is also an excellent idea."
"Wait. I have a hotel booked. There's no need for you to be bothered, Clarisse."
"My dear, do you think I would allow you to stay in a hotel? You stay with me as long as you are in Genovia ."
"But I have a wig. No one will confuse me with you."
"I know, Catherine. But you're not staying in a hotel. I insist. And I believe they will treat you much better here."
Catherine laughed.
"Staying in a hotel or a Palace… I'm in doubt… I don't know which would be better…" And the three started laughing.
Charlotte brought the tea herself, to prevent the maids from seeing Catherine without her wig, and Clarisse introduced her to Catherine.
"Catherine, let me introduce you to Charlotte. My secretary and a true friend. Without her, I don't know what I would do! Charlotte is more valuable than all the crown jewels!" Charlotte blushed and Catherine hugged her!
"I'm so happy to meet you, Charlotte. And thank you very much for the help you gave me today. If it weren't for you, I would be in trouble!"
Catherine's cell phone rang, she looked at the screen and hung up.
"Robert…" muttered Catherine. Clarisse listened.
"Why don't you answer, darling?"
"I'm not going to be rude and attend to Robert when we're all talking…" She said a little embarrassed.
"Au contraire , aunt. It's a great opportunity for me to get to know him too."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, Catherine. Call him. Or make a video call or whatever. I don't understand these modern things…" Clarisse said, causing Pierre and Catherine to burst out laughing. Charlotte took advantage of the conversation to apologize and leave.
Seconds later, the image of Robert in pajamas appears on the phone screen .
" Baby , I was getting worried about you."
"I am sorry dear. And before you say any nonsense…" Catherine turned the screen to Clarisse.
"Good morning, Robert. It seems like it's becoming a habit for me to see you in pajamas..."
"And if I were a shy man, I would be embarrassed. Good morning Clarisse!"
"Good morning Robert." Clarisse said with a smile. "How are you? What about your daughters and grandchildren?"
"I'm fine and so are they. Jocelyn is having a painting show in Dallas, Lori and her husband are on a mini vacation and I'm with my two grandchildren who are still sleeping and thank God for that."
"Brother-in-law, I have someone to introduce you to."
"Brother-in-law…" Robert was happy with the fact that Clarisse treated him like her sister's husband and couldn't hide it.
"Good morning, Uncle Robert."
"Oh my… You called me uncle … Aren't you Prince Pierre?"
"No. I'm just Pierre!"
The four of them stayed talking and laughing for a few more minutes. Happy to be together. Happy to be a family. After finishing the phone call, Clarisse had to leave because the day's schedule was quite busy but Pierre stayed with Catherine, telling her the rest of the details of what was happening. In mid-morning, Dr. Watson called Clarisse again, asking her for a decision regarding Joseph's surgery. With her heart squeezed by fear, Clarisse decided to follow her sister's advice and authorize the surgery. Then she called Pierre and told him that Joseph was going to surgery in two hours and asked Catherine to watch it.
"Of course I'm going to be there, Clarisse. But I can't and don't know how to do anything. This is not my specialty…"
"I know I know. But I feel better knowing you're there."
Charlotte waited for Clarisse to finish the call before going to her office.
" Your Majesty , this morning, I took the liberty of going and buying this." Charlotte reached out and showed a box with two brown contact lenses. "They only serve to change the color of the eyes, Ma'am . And with the wig and surgical mask, I'm sure no one will be able to tell that Lady Catherine looks like Your Majesty ."
"What would I do without you, Charlotte…"
Pierre and Clarisse watched Charlotte 'transform' Catherine. In addition to brown contact lenses and a wig, Charlotte painted Catherine's lips in shades of red (a color Clarisse would never wear), applied foundation to her face in a shade darker than her skin and accentuated her cheekbones, giving it a more elongated appearance. Pierre was going to take Catherine to the hospital and the big test for them would be to pass through the palace, without a scarf or sunglasses. It was being a success. No one looked at Catherine suspiciously but… when they were arriving at the foyer , Pamela and Mabrey were entering and the four of them came face to face. Mabrey bowed his head slightly towards Pierre and looked lustfully at Catherine, which did not go unnoticed by Pamela.
"Prince Pierre, now that we are family, I don't know if it will be appropriate for me to continue bowing… And who is this charming lady?"
"We're not family, Mabrey." With great difficulty, Pierre greeted Pamela as if he didn't know what was going on and completely ignored Mabrey's second question.
"Good afternoon, grandmother. How is aunt Frederica? I haven't seen her…"
"It's absolutely normal that you haven't seen her... In fact, that you haven't seen any of us. Your mother is treating us as if we were servants. Your mother is ungrateful and envious…"
"Grandmother, I apologize but I don't allow you to talk about my mother like that!"
"You are always defending her. But you are very mistaken."
"Enough. I already told you that I don't allow you to talk about my mother like that."
"You are being rude to your grandmother, young man."
"Mabrey, don't get involved in matters that don't concern you. And I have more important things to do than be here wasting time!"
Pierre linked his arm with Catherine and they left the Palace, leaving Pamela and Mabrey beyond furious.