Title: Secrets Are Out
Author: sitarra
Summary: Mia learns things about her grandmother she never would have imagined.
Rating: K
Disclaimer: I own nothing except for Blake, Christina, and the entire concept of the first story, Trials of Love.
A/N: Some parts may not add up but that's because I was too lazy and busy to go back and fix it. And a heads up, the chapters are not as long as you all are probably used to from me.
Chapter One -- Arrivals
The palace of Genovia was filled with the hustle and bustle of maids, gardeners, chefs, and chefs. They were all waiting for the arrival of Princess Mia. She was staying at the palace now, learning the ropes to becoming Genovia's next queen.
Charlotte was rushing from room to room, doing errands for the queen and over seeing actions of other people. She never realized how well she had it working directly for and with the queen. After having to assist the many workers of the palace, she had a whole new appreciation for them.
It was actually a big summer for all of them. Former Prince Pierre was coming to stay with them over the summer break as was Marie, the former queen. Why was it that the summer season always seemed their busiest?
"Charlotte, you're wanted by Her Majesty again. Seems there's a problem in one of the guest rooms," Joseph said through the headset.
Charlotte just sighed deeply and headed for the stairs. An assistant's job was never done.
"Joseph, how much longer till he gets here?" Clarisse asked anxiously as she paced the intricate tiled floor.
"It won't be much longer, Madame. He should be here momentarily," he assured her, checking his watch.
"He should be here now. I haven't seen him in almost two years. I'm anxious to see him," she rambled on, her voice distracting her. "Wasn't Mia supposed to be here first? I can't imagine what could be keeping her either. What do you suppose is keeping them? Should I be worried?"
Joseph stepped in front of her, stopping her in her pacing. He couldn't help but take her hands.
"Everything's fine. Mia's flight has landed; she will be here shortly. Pierre is coming by car; it will take him as long as it takes him," he said slowly as if speaking to a child. His clam, serene voice helped her feel at ease about the subject.
She gave him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Joseph. I hate it when I get this way."
"As do I," he agreed.
"Once I see them walk through the doors, I'll be better. But until I see them…"
Joseph tuned her out but she didn't notice. She was too busy wringing her hands in nervousness.
"She's here," Joseph announced. "The limo just pulled up."
Clarisse heaved a sigh of relief, a load being lifted off her shoulders.
"Finally." Beyond her vision, the palace doors were opening, a car door being shut, and luggage being removed from the trunk.
"Mia, I'm so happy to see you, my dear," Clarisse told the young woman as she embraced her.
"I missed you, grandma. This last week, I couldn't think about anything else but coming back to Genovia," Mia confessed.
"It's going to be a busy season," Clarisse told her, pulling back to look at her young face. "You'll be meeting some people for the first time, there will be balls to attend and host. And on top of all that, you'll be learning everything I know about being queen."
"I can't wait, either."
Palace guards walked by, each carrying luggage. A palace guard outside announced another arrival, the arrival Clarisse had been most anxious for.
Mia saw an elated spark come to her grandmother's eyes. She'd never seen that spark before. She saw Joe out of the corner of her eye. A quick look back and forth between the two and she decided to step back and see how he was doing.
"Who's here?" Mia whispered to Joe after exchanging pleasantries.
"Surely you remember hearing about her eldest son Pierre," Joe said as if common knowledge. Recognition sparked in Mia's eyes. "She always becomes somewhat of a brighter spirit when he visits. He holds a special place here in the palace. The entire staff loves him."
"So I finally get to meet the famous first son."
Pierre walked through the front doors, smiling at all he passed. Even though he hadn't been an official prince for a countless number of years, people still stopped and bowed their heads at the sight of him.
Clarisse met her son halfway, hugging him tight to her. It was an affectionate side she didn't show often but when her son came to visit, it was the only side of her that was shown.
"I missed you so much," she spoke into his ear. He wasn't much taller than her so it wasn't much of a task. "You simply must visit more often."
"I promise I'll try, mother, but you know how busy the church's schedule is. Teaching is a very demanding job at times."
"Well, at least don't let another two years go by before I see you again. It was very hard on me," she expressed, a light smile on her face he shared.
Mia watched the scene in front of her, a smile on her face and surprise in her heart.
"I've never seen this side of her before. I didn't know she could be this … affectionate," Mia whispered to Joe.
"It may seem that affection is unlike her but when it comes to her son, it's natural," Joe explained to her. "You'll find that she becomes a more pleasant person to be around."
Pierre caught sight of Joe out of the corner of his eyes as he stepped out of his mother's arms.
"Excuse me for a second while I say hello to Joseph." Clarisse watched him walk over, a smile glued on her face. There was no hesitancy as Joseph and Pierre embraced after two long years. It wasn't a long hug; they were men after all, but it was long enough to convey the joy they both felt.
"I'm glad you're back, Pierre," Joseph said. "It's dull without you around."
"Somehow I doubt that," Pierre smiled. "It's good to be back. I have news for the family as well."
"I hope it's good."
"Always is."
Clarisse moved next to Mia, the action catching the eye of Joseph and Pierre.
"And you must be the infamous Mia I've heard so much about," Pierre greeted, stepping in front of Mia. He shook her outstretched hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"It's nice to meet you, too," Mia said with sincerity in her voice. "You look different than I pictured you."
The group got a laugh out of that. Mia had been expecting him to maybe look more like her grandparents or her own father. He did look like Clarisse but definitely not like either of the other two males in the family. He looked oddly similar to someone she knew. She couldn't quite put her finger on whom though.
"How about the two of you get settled in before we get started on things and planning that needs to be done? I'd like you to begin today, Mia, on learning some tidbits about the palace and being queen."