Chapter 15: The Proposal

June 13, 2006

Joseph stood outside the door of the Queen's suite. He was about to escort Clarisse to the conference room for an audience with the Prime Minister. He heard the door open. He turned to greet her.

"Good morning, Your Majesty."

"Good morning, Joseph. How are you?"

"Very well, thank you. Are you ready?"

"Yes, let's go. I have a busy schedule today. We have the official engagement of Mia and Andrew. The palace entrance will be filled with people. Is your team ready?" Clarisse asked.

"Of course, Your Majesty." Joseph replied.

"Wonderful. Let's go." Clarisse said as she began walking down the hallway.

The afternoon came quickly. The Genovian people were present in their thousands in front of the palace, waiting for the Queen. Clarisse stood before the double doors of the large front balcony, waiting for the signal to come out and address her people. Joseph waited for his guards outside, who were all over the grounds, to confirm that everything was in order. He noticed that Mia and Andrew were ready, Clarisse too. He then heard his men confirm that everything was in order. He turned to Clarisse, who nodded to him that she was ready. He spoke into his microphone to give the signal. Three taps of a stick on the ground were then heard, then one of the men announced Clarisse's arrival.

"Her Majesty Clarisse Renaldi, Queen of Genovia!"

The royal trumpet music sounded, the doors opened and Clarisse gracefully stepped out onto the balcony. Joseph and Shades followed her.

"Hello to all of you, thank you for coming in such large numbers. As you may know, my granddaughter, Princess Mia has begun dating Andrew Jacoby, Duke of Kenilworth. I am pleased to announce their engagement." Clarisse began.

She gave the people a few moments to rejoice at the news, then continued.

"A grand wedding will be held soon. Following this grand wedding, Mia will be able to take her rightful place on the throne. I will yield the crown to her..."

Clarisse was interrupted by the sounds of dismay from her people. They liked Mia, but they were clearly not ready to see their beloved Queen give up her place.

"I am very touched by your dismay, but have faith in the Princess. She will make an excellent queen. Know that I will never be far away. Amelia is my granddaughter, flesh of my flesh. I taught her everything I know. Trust me, I will not leave you in the hands of just anyone. I know I told you the coronation would be later this year, but yes, it's true, it's earlier than we had planned, but Princess Mia is ready. Mia has Genovia at heart. Trust me, trust her."

The people clearly trusted their Queen, because they applauded intensely. They were going to do as she told them. They were going to trust her. Clarisse took a step back, a sign that she was done. Joseph approached her and escorted her inside. Then three more blows of the sticks were heard and Mia had to announce. Shades escorted the Princess and her fiancé to greet the people. Joseph escorted Clarisse to her suite. As he entered the room, he saw that a tray of tea had been served. He poured a cup and handed it to Clarisse.

"You were perfect, Madame. You were reassuring and honest."

"Oh, but you heard them. They are afraid. They are not ready for change and that is normal, Mia has just arrived in Genovia. We thought we had more time for her to win their hearts, to gain their trust. »

"It will be fine. Mia is following in your footsteps, she is following your advice and your teachings, the people will realize it."

"I hope so. Thank you Joseph, you always have the right words to calm me down." She said, cupping his cheek.

"You have nothing planned tonight. Take this time to rest. You have another big day tomorrow."

"Yes. The organization of the wedding and the coronation." Clarisse confirmed.

"A date has finally been confirmed?" Joseph asked.

"Yes, a week to the day after the wedding. The dates will be announced tomorrow."

"I have to go down, we have a meeting to establish the security plan for the wedding ceremony. You call me if you need me." He said, holding his earpiece, a sign that someone was speaking to him.

"Thank you Joseph. »

June 15, 2006

Two days later, Joseph entered the Queen's suite to pick her up for a little walk in the gardens, as they were accustomed to doing. As they entered the garden, Joseph explained to the Queen the situation Mia had found herself in with Lord Nicholas in a closet. He also explained to her more precisely who young Nicholas was. He had done some research. As they went down the few stairs, Joseph took care to hold her arm, to help her down, like the perfect gentleman he had always been with her.

"She was in a closet?" Clarisse asked.

"With him, exactly." He replied.

"Oh. In your opinion, does she have the makings of a queen?" she asked him.

"Well she's young, but I've always believed in her." Joseph answered sincerely.

The wedding invitations have just been sent out. She and Andrew seem to be made for each other and I think she seems determined to marry him you know." They arrived at the gazebo in the garden. Joseph felt the urge to officially propose to Clarisse. Mia was going to take the throne sooner than expected and marriage had been discussed every second of every day since the royal engagement. He simply wanted it, he couldn't wait any longer. He hadn't brought the ring with him, but he would be sure to give it to Clarisse as soon as she accepted. They would both run into the palace to get it if necessary. He didn't think twice and let his heart guide him. He took her arm gently to make her understand that they were going to stop in the middle of the gazebo. Clarisse loved her gardens so much, it was a perfect place to ask him to marry her. He had noticed that the gardeners had left.

"Clarisse my dear, forget about the wedding for a moment."

He cleared his throat, feeling a nervousness creep over him, then he continued.

"Know that in less than a month, you will no longer be queen and I will no longer be your chief security officer."

Clarisse nodded. Joseph continued.

"I think it's time to put our friendship out in the open."

"Oh. Oh, Joseph I have..." Clarisse began.

"Yes, yes my dear, I would kneel if it weren't for my meniscus surgery." He told her smiling and taking her hand and guiding her to sit down.

"Oh Joseph, there's a wedding to plan and Mia has to earn the trust of the Genovians. And all within 30 days."

Joseph nodded, never letting go of his hand.

"Maybe it's time to think about what you need to do for yourself." He added.

"Oh." Clarisse said simply, looking away a little and taking his hand again.

Joseph felt fear invade him.

"Clarisse. My darling, please think about it. Think about it." He said as a last resort.

Clarisse saw the despair and love in his eyes.

She smiled at him and cupped his cheek.

"I'll think about it." She said, gently caressing his cheek.

Joseph had very little hope, yet he had been convinced a few minutes earlier that she would accept. But he had to admit, maybe he had been too hasty. But Clarisse's eyes had been able to relax him. She had looked at him with love. She loved him and he knew it, but he still couldn't help but be afraid.

Later, back in his room, Joseph went to his dresser. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and opened the first drawer and took out the small velvet box containing the ring he had carefully chosen for Clarisse. He opened it and looked at it. He was torn between hope and blaming himself for having been too hasty. He downed his glass in one go, calling himself stupid. After a few drinks, he finally convinced himself that hope was the best attitude to adopt. Clarisse loved him and had never stopped him when he spoke to her about the idea of making her his wife. And since in less than a month nothing would stop them from finally being together, he hoped she would accept. She just had to think of herself for once.