Chapter 3: The Ball
June 19, 2001: The morning of the annual Grand Ball
Joseph entered the Queen's office, who was having a cup of tea.
"Good morning Joseph. A cup of tea?" Clarisse began.
"No thank you Majesty. I just finished a coffee."
"I will need the car this morning. I would like to go see Amelia. You were right Joseph, I was too hard on her and I want to apologize to her."
"I will drive you there with pleasure."
"Thank you Joseph. And about the ball tomorrow night, you will not be on duty. So you will be free to enjoy the evening." Clarisse smiled at him.
"Wonderful. And since I will not be on duty, I will have the luxury of making my Queen dance?" He asked in a seductive tone.
"I will be happy to accept your dance." » She replied, smiling affectionately at him.
The evening of the annual Grand Ball
Joseph had understood that Mia was going to run away. He knew deep down that Mia was going to assume her role as Princess of Genovia. He knew above all that Clarisse wanted it more than anything. So, he left as quickly as possible to look for Mia. Time was against him, but he had to succeed, for Mia, for the Genovian people, for the Renaldi clan, but especially for Clarisse. He finally found Mia and brought her back to the consulate. As he entered, he heard Clarisse making her opening speech. Charlotte helped him drive and dry Mia a little.
Joseph came out of his reverie and stepped onto the dance floor. He wanted to make the Queen dance in turn. He placed his hand on Prime Minister Mottaz's shoulder to let him know his intention. He gave up his place to him. Joseph took Clarisse's waist and hand and waltzed her around. She smiled at him. He knew that Clarisse loved her gardens, so he thought that this was the perfect place to tell Clarisse about his feelings for her. Joseph noticed Mia and Michael coming out of the room and heading towards the garden.
"They had the same idea as me, but the garden is occupied now." Joseph said, making Clarisse laugh.
He would have to find another time.
Joseph and Clarisse spent most of the evening together, dancing and laughing. Joseph didn't remember ever being as happy as he was that evening. It was now a little past midnight, and Clarisse decided to go back up to her suite. She told Joseph that she wanted to go back up, and he motioned for her to start on her way. They had left the ballroom and entered the lobby of the consulate. They were heading towards the stairs. Joseph motioned for the guards to leave them alone. He wanted to create an opportunity to have contact with Clarisse. Once the guards had left, he took Clarisse's hand, kissed it, then wrapped their arms together, so that they continued on their way arm in arm. She let him do so, which made him so happy. Arriving at the Queen's royal suite, Joseph kissed her hand again, then prepared to leave, like a good gentleman.
"Would you like to come have a cup of tea with me?" Clarisse asked.
"Yes, of course." Joseph smiled affectionately.
On the coffee table, a tray filled with a steaming kettle and a few cups had been placed there in anticipation of the Queen's return to her suite. The royal staff were very competent. Having noticed the Queen slipping away from the party, they knew she would appreciate a cup of tea before she went to sleep. Joseph motioned for Clarisse to sit down and that he would serve them himself. Clarisse watched him do so, her gaze admiring. Joseph noticed. Ever since the 'Wango' dance, as Mia had nicknamed him, there was something different between them. Joseph handed her a cup and sat down next to her on the couch.
"So, did you enjoy your evening off duty?" Clarisse asked.
"Yes, absolutely. It was the first time, I think, that I had attended a formal evening or ball, but as a guest. But I must admit that I was not completely off duty." I've been keeping a watchful eye on you all evening." He explained before taking his first sip of tea.
"Professional deformation." Clarisse laughed softly.
"Yes and no. Yes, it's certain that as head of security, and by the same token, the Queen's bodyguard, it's natural for me to protect you even without my earpiece in my ear. But it's more than that. If something happened to you, I don't think I'd recover. It's not just my job to protect you, it's also my duty."
"You're showing exemplary professionalism, Joseph."
"That's not professionalism, Your Majesty, that's love." Joseph corrected, looking Clarisse, his Queen, in the eyes.
She remained silent and only looked him in the eye. Joseph continued.
"I know you're in a special position, but can I hope that maybe one day you'll let me make you happy, love you?"
"You know very well that I can't promise you anything about that. Joseph. I am Queen of Genovia yes, but not by blood. I am scrutinized by a few envious people who are just waiting for a mistake on my part to take the Crown away from the Renaldi clan. Of course with Amelia's arrival, it gives me a little respite, but I would never risk everything I've accomplished so far. It is my duty, for my Kingdom, for the honor of the Renaldi and for Amelia. As long as Amelia has not reached 21 years old, I must stay the course, so I am not free.
"I understand." Joseph replied, visibly disappointed as he finished his cup of tea.
Clarisse finished her cup as well.
"But correct me if I'm wrong, you still leave the hope that in a few years at most, we could be free to love each other?
"I can't promise or guarantee you anything at this point Joseph, but I can tell you one thing, if I weren't Queen, my speech would be different." Clarisse explained as she cupped his cheek. This physical contact was the first in a series of legitimate proof of affection.
He understood exactly what she meant. She spoke like a true Queen. Not saying anything compromising, but all the while letting the clear message hang. He walked towards her, he was only 2 or 3 steps away. Then without thinking, he kissed her on the lips. A sweet kiss. Romantic and affectionate. After a few moments, the two moved away.
"I understand perfectly, Majesty. I will be patient. I will wait for you as long as it takes." He said before kissing her again.
The kiss lasted a little longer this time. Their arms were wrapped around each other and were glued to each other. They did not notice that the door opened slowly. Charlotte was about to enter, but decided to withdraw slowly so as not to disturb them. After a few moments, they separated. After about twenty minutes of conversation, they could not help it, their lips made contact again. Suddenly, Clarisse stepped back, remembering that there were cameras in her suite.
"Joseph, the cameras."
"I kicked everyone out of front of the monitors before we went up. And anyway, they are all busy with the reception downstairs." He said, proud of himself.
"Wonderful. You really think of everyone, Joseph. » She said, almost immediately returning to his arms.
The kiss was becoming more and more needy. Clarisse was putting more and more weight towards Joseph. She wanted to make him understand that she wanted him. Joseph realized the Queen's eagerness, but he wasn't sure. In fact, he didn't even dare believe it. Seeing that Joseph didn't seem to be taking her bait, Clarisse went further. She placed her hand on one of his thighs, and climbed higher and higher, towards his crotch. Joseph didn't need a drawing anymore, he understood. He grabbed her hand to stop her.
"Your Majesty, if you continue, I won't be responsible for myself anymore." He said without moving a single millimeter away from her.
"That's good, I must say. Joseph, I want it."
"Your Majesty, I, um. Are you sure?" " He asked, still millimeters from her lips.
" Don't you?" She answered with a sigh.
" If you knew how much I want it. I could kill right now I want it so much." He said in a very serious tone, making Clarisse smile.
"Um, me too." She whispered to him.
Clarisse got up from the couch and held out her hand. Joseph took her hand and she led me to her room.
"Are you sure, Majesty?"
"Yes, Joseph. I'm sure."
Joseph closed the door, for their privacy, knowing that there were no cameras in the Queen's room. Clarisse was standing, her back to him. He heard her take a deep breath. He understood that she was nervous. He walked towards her slowly.
"Majesty, you know that we don't have to."
"I know, I'm just a little nervous."
"How about a glass of champagne with strawberries. We'll settle in and just enjoy the moment. And if you'd rather we stop, at any time, I want you to tell me. Even if it will be very difficult, we'll stay good. »
"Oh Joseph, you are so thoughtful. And please, when we are both like this, just call me Clarisse. And we will be on first-name terms, okay?" She said, cupping his cheek.
"I didn't dare suggest it." He smiled.
A short while later, they were both sitting on the bed and chatting over glasses of champagne with strawberries in them. They were chatting about everything and nothing and laughing together, they were just good. At one point, Joseph felt that Clarisse no longer seemed nervous, he decided to try to get closer, as they had done several times before. He waited for them to take her sip of champagne and then put her glass down again, then he approached her. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. She welcomed the kiss. They deepened the kiss quickly. Joseph shifted some weight onto Clarisse to make her lie on her back. He hovered over her and attacked her with a million little kisses. She closed her eyes and rubbed his body. She finally started to unbutton his shirt. He quickly understood that his idea had worked. Clarisse was no longer nervous about the upcoming rapprochements, she was in the moment, however he knew that it could come back at any moment. He was ready to do anything to make her feel good. Clarisse got out of bed and walked towards the door of her closet. She took off her shoes and left them on the floor, near the closet doors. Joseph followed her with his eyes, then joined her to kiss her. Joseph had taken off his jacket and belt, without stopping kissing her. He gently pushed her towards the bed, then found the zipper on the side of Clarisse's ball gown. He opened the dress and let it slide to the floor. He then removed her panties and bra before making her lay on her back on the bed. He quickly removed all of his own remaining clothes then slowly slid Clarisse's nylons down her legs. Joseph moved away from her for a few moments to admire her. She was completely naked, lying in a bed, ready to give herself to him. She blushed instantly and pulled the bed sheets over her body. Joseph looked at her perplexed, but quickly understood.
"Clarisse, don't cover yourself like that. You are intoxicatingly beautiful. Can't you see it?"
"I've gotten older. My body isn't what it used to be."
"Well, I may not be able to comment on your body in the past, but today, Clarisse, you're so beautiful. And if I may say so, so very desirable, so very sexy. I'm very very very excited by what I see." He said, gently removing the sheet during his last sentence.
"Oh Joseph." Clarisse said simply, accepting Joseph's kiss.
As the foreplay continued, Joseph moved lower and lower on Clarisse's body. Reaching her thighs, he rubbed them gently, to signal her to give him room. She spread them, thinking he was going to settle into the cradle of her thighs, but was taken aback when she realized he was bringing his face closer to them. She sat up.
"What's wrong, Clarisse?" Joseph asked.
"I... umm.. I apologize. Umm, actually no one has ever, umm.."
"I understand Clarisse. Do you allow me to do it?"
"Umm..." She hesitated.
"Let me introduce you to this pleasure. Trust me, you'll see it's worth it."
She nodded positively. Joseph caressed her thighs and spread them gently. He then coated his face. He knew she was nervous about this pleasure procedure. He gave light butterfly kisses on the inside of her thighs, then quickly placed his tongue exactly where it was needed for her to feel pleasure. She let out a loud moan of pleasure, but also of surprise. Joseph proceeded. He swirled his tongue around her clitoris. Clarisse grabbed the pillows near her, the pleasure intoxicating her. After a few moments, she was screaming Joseph's name, then he saw the signs that she was on the verge of orgasm. He increased the pressure and speed of his tongue movements. Clarisse came a few seconds later. Joseph, proud of himself, gave a soft kiss on her mound, then went back up next to her. He watched her come down from her orgasm.
"So, satisfied to have allowed me?" He asked, smiling.
"Oh my god, Joseph, that was..." Clarisse said, not finding a word powerful enough to describe.
He simply smiled at her, before kissing her.
"Come on, come here now." She ordered him.
Joseph obeyed and settled into the cradle of her thighs. Slowly, he coated his member with the liquid, natural lubricant, evacuated by Clarisse, a few moments before, then he entered. Millimeter by millimeter, Joseph entered slowly for two reasons. First, he knew she hadn't hosted anyone in a while already, and second, he wanted to enjoy every moment of their first connection. After he was fully inside, he looked at her. She smiled at him, satisfied.
"I love you so much Clarisse."
"I love you so much Joseph."
He began to rock inside her. After several thrusts inside her, he couldn't help but think that she was much more deliciously welcoming than he had imagined. He felt her tighten around him, so he helped her reach her second orgasm a little. Without ever stopping, he found her clitoris with his thumb and stimulated it. His efforts quickly paid off, because Clarisse came again. He felt her come on his shaft, which brought him to the edge. A few more thrusts, then he came too, releasing his seed inside her.
"Oh Clarisse, that was absolutely divine." Joseph said before kissing her and pulling out of her body.
Joseph lay down next to her. He was lying on his side and leaning on the pillow. He stroked Clarisse's arm.
"Joseph, that was wonderful." I suspected you were good, but I never would have imagined that."
"Oh, because Her Majesty was speculating on my performance in bed?" He teased her before kissing her lips.
"I couldn't help it." She smiled.
Later, Joseph had subtly left the Queen's suite, at least, he thought so, he hadn't noticed Charlotte in the opposite hallway who was smiling happily. She was so happy for the Queen and Joseph. She had always been sure that they were in love with each other.
When he arrived in his room, Joseph simply couldn't believe it. Clarisse had given herself to him. It was definitely one of the happiest days of his life. He ended up going to sleep, peacefully, the image and scent of Clarisse in his head more than ever.
The next morning, Joseph was in front of the security monitors, in the small room accessible from the entrance hall of the consulate. He checked that everything was in order, taking his coffee, as usual. He finished his cup then looked at the time on his watch, it showed 8:03. He put his cup down and headed towards the Queen's suite.
"Good morning your Majesty."
"Good morning Joseph." Clarisse smiled at him.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Very well, thank you." She replied, cupping his cheek.
"So, breakfast is served downstairs and the Princess is waiting for you there."
"Is Amelia here already?" Clarisse asked, visibly happy.
"She was determined." He smiled at him.
He led her to the dining room, where Mia was waiting for her.
"Grandma!" Mia enthused.
"Amelia, I'm glad you're here. I thought you weren't supposed to come until 11:00." »
"Yes, but I wanted to come earlier. I can't wait to prepare for my trip to Genovia. And I'm only coming to join you in 6 days, after my exams. I'm going to miss you. For almost 3 weeks, I've seen you every day."
"Oh Amelia." Clarisse began before taking her little girl in her arms. "I'm going to miss you too, my darling."
Shortly after, the two separated and headed towards the large table.
Joseph guided the Queen, his hand on the small of her back. He had started doing this since their Wango. Before, he placed his protective arm in the same place, but at a distance of at least ten centimeters from the Queen's back. Now, he allowed himself a little closer. Always remaining proper. Officially, no one was to notice the budding relationship between the Queen and her head of security. Joseph moved a few steps away and took the guard position. Clarisse turned her head to him and smiled.
"Joseph, join us. You have been an undeniable support for Amelia these past weeks. And without you, she would not have been able to be here last night and the future of the kingdom would certainly have been different. We owe you a lot." Clarisse explained.
"I only did my job, your Majesty."
"Don't be so modest Joe." Mia added.
Joseph looked at Clarisse, who gave him an approving nod. Joseph nodded and went to sit in the seat next to Clarisse.
Clarisse noticed Charlotte in the library office.
"Charlotte, you will join us too." Clarisse added.
"No, let's see." Charlotte replied.
"Yes, go." Clarisse laughed.
Joseph looked at his Queen with an admiring gaze. She was a humane and fair boss.
Clarisse had spent the day with Amelia. Joseph was never far away. And this time, he made sure to drive Mia and the Queen himself wherever they wanted to go. Last time, a police car had brought them back.
The next day, around 10am, Clarisse and her Genovia section team all boarded Genovia One. Clarisse always took advantage of her flights in Genovia One to work a little. Joseph was sitting behind her, diagonally, two rows further. He often looked at her, yes because it was his job to keep an eye on her, but also because he liked to look at her.
A few days later, Joseph entered the Queen's office with a determined step. He leaned toward her, to speak to her privately.
"Your Majesty, I need to speak to you, would it be possible to have an audience with you?"
"Yes, is it a question of security?" Clarisse asked.
"Yes, in a way."
"Very well then, would you be available for tea later? We'll kill two birds with one stone."
"Okay." Joseph smiled as he took a seat a few steps away.
Later, at tea time, Joseph knocked on the door of the Queen's suite. She was waiting for him on one of the sofas in the living room of her suite.
"Hello Joseph, please have a seat."
"Thank you your Majesty."
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Clarisse asked.
"About what happened in San Francisco. Actually, I just want to know what to expect. What are we going to do now? And please, don't tell me we have to act as if nothing happened."
"I thought we were going to talk about a security issue."
"It is, your Majesty. We're talking about my mental safety here." Joseph joked, just to lighten the mood, which made Clarisse smile.
"I see. Obviously, we mustn't spread the word about what happened in America. You know how fragile the Renaldi reign is. It's true that with Amelia's arrival, things are getting better, but still. I have to be vigilant."
"I know, and I understand perfectly. So we'll act as if this conversation and its sweet moments never happened." Joseph changed his mind, understanding, but sad.
"I never said we had to forget the events in San Francisco though." Clarisse corrected in her queenly tone.
Joseph gave her a questioning look.
"I can't promise you anything, you know that, but I can tell you that once Amelia is crowned Queen, I'll be freer." She told him before cupping his cheek.
"I see. In the meantime, am I allowed to steal kisses from you when we're alone and I've made sure to clear the security room for a few minutes?"
She smiled at him in response, and he understood. Joseph stepped forward and kissed her tenderly. He wrapped his arms around her. She did the same around his neck. The kiss lasted a long time. They eventually pulled away. They had points to discuss for Mia's arrival the next day and the Princess crowning.