XoxoxoX

Entering the palace brought a whole new set of problems. All of the doors had been locked in the evening, and keys from the outside didn't even exist for security reasons. The only door open was the one in the front, meaning that they needed to walk all the way around the building.

One of Joseph's favorite things about Clarisse was her perseverance. She was a woman who had every right to complain, and never did. She just moved forward as if no one could touch her. So walking around the building didn't bother her at all. Joseph wished he had the strength and the privacy where he could carry her, held close to him, as if his ability to pick her up off the ground could take away some of the weight she carried in her heart.

Joseph was struggling with the fact that his queen had spent at least 30 years of her life enduring abuse from her husband. He was always careful to be polite with her, to ask to touch, but now he wondered if anything he did had hurt her further. If his subtle flirting had ever been too much. He was glad that her tears warned of her distress; if they hadn't stopped, and she had been hurt, he would be blaming himself for the rest of his life.

Clarisse had never told anyone how Rupert treated her, so for now her plans were to box it back up and never speak of it again. She needed to forgive, to forget, in order to move forward with Joseph. As much as she didn't want to admit it to herself or to him, she wanted to love Joseph with all of her heart. She wanted him to be a permanent person in the most intimate parts of her life – more than he already was. In fact, she did love him, somewhere inside herself she knew that. Rupert would not take that away from her – she wouldn't let him do that.

The queen knew she deserved to let herself be with a man who loved her more than life itself. A man that she loved in the same way. Joseph would never hurt her; she was sure. He had never made her feel anything but protected.

As they walked through the front doors of the palace, sighs of relief were heard from security and of course, Charlotte. Charlotte prided herself on knowing that the queen was missing WITH Joseph and it was all going to be okay – Joseph would always keep her safe.

"Your majesty, can I get you anything?" Charlotte spoke as she and a few security guards approached the queen.

Clarisse waved them off and asked Joseph loudly if he would escort her. All she wanted was some time to talk to him about what had, and what would, happen. She asked Charlotte to go to bed, and to tell the ladies maids to do the same – she could dress herself for bed tonight, after all, she was not incapable. Charlotte raised an eyebrow at the head of security, and he grinned slightly. Ever since Charlotte had been hired, she and Joe conversed about a wide variety of topics – and she was the only one who knew of Joseph's inappropriate love for her majesty.

Joseph's grin didn't mask the sadness in his eyes, and Charlotte made a point of noting to check on him tomorrow.

Entering the room together, soaking wet, tired and hurt, Joseph helped Clarisse lay out some towels on the sofa. Clarisse went into her room to change, and promptly noticed that she had not allowed Joseph to do the same.

She emerged from her room in a silk nightgown. Something she had not worn in what felt like centuries. Joseph inhaled sharply when she walked out. He could see every curve of her body, and he fought against his thoughts; his main concern now was her emotional safety.

"Oh, Joseph. You should get out of those wet things" she said softly, with concern coloring her voice. Joseph raised his eyebrow, and she swatted at him playfully. He grinned.

"You're right. I should. But a certain lady asked me not to leave. So if you don't mind, I'll just take this off?" He pulled at his shirt and waited for her nod. She agreed and waited for him to do so, handing him a towel and sitting down next to him.

"Oh, I forgot tea…" Clarisse sounded incredibly defeated, Joseph smiled.

"I can make it, love" Clarisse stared at his exposed back, watching his muscles as he moved. A few minutes later, he brought it over and set it on the table in front of them. His method was hardly fancy, but it was effective. Clarisse cradled the cup in her hands and sighed softly, relishing in the warmth.

"Thank you, Joseph" she said, leaning over to kiss him softly.

"It's just tea, Clarisse"

"No, for everything. For being so understanding and kind" Clarisse set down her tea and leaned against his chest, "Oh! You are so cold." She jumped up and pulled the fluffy comforter off of her bed, dragging it across the room and laying it over top of him, before climbing under it herself. She leaned against him again. "Better."

"May I put my arm around you, my dear?" He asked softly.

"Oh Joseph…you don't need to ask to cuddle or kiss me anymore. I think we've passed that point…." Her voice softened, "But I know why you did. So thank you, and my answer is yes." She smiled and reveled in the feeling of his strong arm around her. He kissed her forehead. She moved her hand over his chest, feeling the beating of his heart against her fingers.

"Clarisse?" he asked, pulling her tighter, "I am so…sorry…that…he treated you…like that…"

"Joseph…none of this is your fault. None of it is anyone's fault but his. It took me a long time to decide this, but it is where I choose to place the blame." Clarisse kissed Joseph softly, and looked him in the eye. "I must move toward forgiveness, Joseph. There is no sense in being angry at him. He didn't realize what he was doing…and anyway, he's gone now…may he rest in peace…"

"You're right, but I just…I won't be him, Clarisse. Ever. If anything makes you uncomfortable, you must promise me that you will let me know. I can't hurt you in that way. I would never forgive myself.

"I promise" she sighed contentedly, closing her eyes while leaning against his chest. Joseph ran his hand absentmindedly through her hair, making trails down her neck and across her shoulders. "I would like to try again, Joseph. Someday. Soon."

Joseph felt all of his muscles stiffen at her words. He leaned down and captured her lips in a firm kiss. She smiled against him. "Kiss me more"

He happily obliged, running his hands over her back, taking her bottom lip into his mouth, kissing her as long as he could – to make up for 40 years of wanting. He pulled back to look at her, and folded her into his arms. She snuggled into him, tired and happy. He suggested that she move to the bed, and she rose from the couch, holding out her hand to Joseph. He took it, and she dragged him with her. She gently pushed him down, climbing onto him and kissing him again. Finally they settled, exhausted, and slept until morning, tangled together.