A.N- Well I'm so sorry to say that this is the last Chapter for this story. I really enjoyed writing the whole story and loved the reviews from you all. Even though this is the last chapter, I'm thinking of writing a sequel to this one but it won't come for a while. Just keep an eye out for it!
Here is the last chapter for you all…
"Clarisse?" Joseph's voice was even quieter than before.
"Mm…?" Clarisse replied as she tried to think of how long she had been sitting there in his arms. They had been talking about everything and anything, including the incident with the man.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'm terribly thirsty", he croaked.
"Oh Joseph I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed as she untangled herself from his hold.
"There must be some water here somewhere…"
She quickly searched the room but returned unsuccessful. She smiled to herself when she saw that he had been watching her every movement.
"Joseph, my love, I'm afraid we are going to have to call the nurse", she chuckled slightly at his obvious annoyance.
"Oh come now dear, it was her that gave us the privacy in the first place. Besides I think the doctor should be informed that you have woken. I think he may get angry with me for not informing him immediately", she spoke with a smile, as she felt so happy; even though their time alone had just come to an end.
"Your Majesty! No-one would ever get angry with the queen!" he croaked with an obvious teasing look in his eyes.
"Oh you've done it now!" she bent down and kissed him for the last time before pressing the button above his bed.
Straightening her robe and fixing her hair, she turned towards the door as the doctor and a couple of nurses entered with a rush. They bowed as soon as they saw her, but soon moved around her to check on Joseph.
"He would like a drink of water, so you'd best not to keep him waiting", her voice was soft and friendly but yet full of authority.
As Clarisse's nurse entered she nodded to her, acknowledging her presence before turning back to the doctor.
"I would like you to inform me of any improvements in his condition immediately", she ordered, the old queen coming back.
"And Joseph? Don't hesitate to ask these kind people for anything you might need. I will make sure everything is supplied".
"Thank you Your Majesty", he said quietly, and she was almost sure she had seen him wink.
Turning to her own nurse, Clarisse allowed herself to be escorted back to her own room, leaving her heart behind with Joseph.
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Everyone in the palace had noticed the Queen's change in character since she had arrived back at the palace. She was much happier than anyone had seen her for some years. When she smiled, her eyes showed that she truly meant it and she also laughed a lot now.
The cut on Her Majesty's face had healed completely, leaving no scar much to her delight. Her arm hadn't been as lucky however, for it was still not quite fully healed and would most likely scar, but clothing could easily cover it, so she wasn't too concerned.
Both her and Joseph were well on the mend, which made the Queen extremely happy. Especially the fact that her love for Joseph was returned with equal passion. This was the main reason behind her change in character but the palace staff didn't realize this.
The Queens high spirit had a big effect on everyone around her, for even Charlotte was more relaxed.
Amelia had enjoyed the remainder of her time with her Grandmother before she returned to America with her friends.
The Queen had taken the time to get to know Lilly and Michael so was often found in their company during her spare time. But the three youth had taken a plane back to San Francisco two days ago, leaving Her Majesty to get the palace back into its usual pattern.
So it was on this morning that Clarisse could be found at her desk in her office, finishing off the paperwork.
"Ah, finally finished", Clarisse sighed. She looked up towards her assistant.
"Charlotte, I believe I have set another record for the shortest time taken to do the paperwork".
The young woman laughed at the comment as she came forward to gather the documents together.
"Well, Your Majesty, you therefore have the remainder of the morning free", she beamed.
"And I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that Joseph is arriving back at the palace any time now".
Clarisse hoped Charlotte didn't see how truly happy that small announcement made her. It had been a few days since she had seen Joseph, so was missing him greatly already. She was also longing to have some time alone with him again as it had been many weeks since her confession in the hospital, and they had never had any time alone since.
"Let me know when he arrives Charlotte, and until then you are dismissed to do as you wish", Clarisse told the woman.
"Yes, Your Majesty", she bowed slightly before leaving the room.
Feeling extremely happy, Clarisse left her office and headed towards the library. Perhaps some light reading will calm her before Joseph arrives.
As she walked down the corridor, she couldn't help but to turn into the empty ballroom. Closing the doors behind her, she walked into the middle of the room.
Closing her eyes, she imagined herself in Joseph's arms as she began to sway slightly to imaginary music.
She was just about to get into a full dance when a familiar voice spoke in her ear.
"Now, who would you be dancing with my dear?"
Spinning around, Clarisse only took a second to survey the room to make sure they were alone, before she slid her arm around his neck and kissed him deeply. Joseph moaned into her mouth, showing how much he'd missed her.
Pulling away from him, Clarisse looked into his eyes as he spoke.
"Anyone miss me?" he asked playfully, as he let her go to move off towards the sound system.
"Oh, I don't think so", she teased as she pretended to inspect her fingernails.
"It was actually rather peaceful here while you were away".
Joseph gave her a hurt look as the slow music began to play. He came forward and took her in his arms as they began to dance.
As her arm was still rather weak, Clarisse placed her hand carefully on his chest, wrapping her other arm around his shoulder. She could feel his arm tighten around her waist as they swayed together, his other hand placed over her own one that was on his chest.
They swayed slowly together in silence for some time before Joseph spoke quietly in her ear.
"Clarisse, I think I should point out that this – us – is not actually allowed. I am forbidden to be anything more than your Head of Security, although many people know that we are good friends".
Clarisse just sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'm not saying that I don't want this to work, you do understand that, don't you?" Joseph asked.
"Yes I do, my dear. You are just pointing out what I have been trying to avoid", she pulled away from him slightly so she could look into his face.
"Joseph, as long as I am Queen the concept of 'us' is not possible to be anything more than a secret. If we want to be able to share our lives together, no one must know until Amelia takes my place as Queen. Now that is a long time to keep our love a secret, especially from the palace staff; for the maids know everything!"
Joseph chuckled quietly at that but soon fell silent again.
"Can you wait for me that long Joseph?" Clarisse whispered, afraid of the answer.
"Clarisse my love, if it means that I can love and hold you as I proclaim our love to the world when its over, then I can wait forever", he whispered as he kissed her softly.
She smiled up at him as she took his hand and squeezed it gently.
"It will also mean that moments like this one will be very rare, Joseph, for we can't allow anyone to get suspicious of us".
"Yes I do realize that. I also realize that it's hard to speak to you alone, but that doesn't mean I won't take advantage of every opportunity to let you know how much I love you", his eyes twinkle with mischief.
"Oh you are such a darling!" she exclaimed as she hugged herself to him, careful of his chest, while continuing to dance.
"Only for you, my love", and he bent forward to kiss her deeply which Clarisse returned with equal passion.
As they danced together for the remainder of the song, Clarisse couldn't help but think to herself: the joy and the pain they had felt together had only pulled them closer. And that through it all, love grows.
The End.
A.N- That's it! Hope it wasn't too much of a let down because I had a bit of trouble trying to get it finished with a satisfying touch. I'd like to thank all those who reviewed.
ProperlyPrim18- I hope those kissy moments were enough for you!! Lol thanks heaps for your support!
RevSue- you have been a great reviewer all the way through, thanks for your continuing encouragement.
Lucretia Skelington- No I couldn't let them suffer any longer! I hope this ending satisfies you, although there maybe a sequel in the near future.
Aserene- I couldn't bring the man back for Joseph to kill because that would have showed that he truly loved Clarisse, and even if it didn't, Joseph would be just as bad as the man. I couldn't tarnish his wonderful character with the poison of revenge. Hope you enjoyed it anyway.
Spunkeygirl160- I loved your begging!! Hehehe! It made me laugh. I'm glad my story made you feel just as emotional as me, not to mention the characters. This nice ending was for you.
Kristin10- Yup there's gunna be more! So don't stress! Thanks for your lovely reviews!
Elvish-princess130990- Thank you for your great reviews! It's those sort of things that keep me going with these and not get bored. Good on ya!
Stoneygem- Only one nurse can know!! But we know that everyone soon finds out anyway in the second movie because they were all saying "Finally!"
But with the sequel, I might use that thought and have a few trusted people find out about them without getting them into trouble. Thank you for your support!
You're Still in Poems- what a cool name you have! Yup I sure so love cliff hangers don't I? Hehehe they are so effective and keep the reader wanting more!
Foxxy-chicca911- it was your begging that kept me updating quickly! Thank you for showing an interest in this story and watch out for the sequel.
Well I hope that covers everyone and answers some of your questions. I had to concentrate on exams for they were my last school exams ever! And I have to pass them if I want to get into teachers college next year. I'm praying for that one!
Ok just another small note. I'm working on a Harry Potter story right now, centered on Albus and Minerva. Yup I'm an ADMM fan! Don't know when I'll get it posted…but not for a while anyway.
Thanks to all once again!