The Manipulative Happiness Of May & December
A Real Man Can...Dance
Another month later...
Tiana woke up later than usual and had her breakfast outside in the gazebo with her very pregnant friend and maid Gayle.
"Its such a beautiful day out Tiana!" said Gayle.
Tiana placed her bitten pineapple down on the plate and shrugged. "It's just another cloudless sunny day."
Gayle looked at the young queen and could see that she had a lot on her mind. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"What about?"
"For a few weeks now I've noticed that you seem not like yourself. Emotional actually," Gayle smiled.
Tiana frowned, puzzled. "What?"
"You know what! Could there be a little prunto or princessa causing you to be this way?" Gayle beamed.
"Oh god I hope not!" Tiana put her hand over her stomach. "The last thing I need to happen is getting knocked up by a man I don't even love."
"Not everyone marries for love," Gayle placed her hand over her growing stomach. "It took a couple of months for me and Luis to like each other, and all it took was, well, it's the reason why I'm in my current condition." she blushed.
Tiana rolled her eyes. "Well good for you."
"Did you and his highness have a quarrel?" Gayle asked.
"I wanted to have breakfast outside because I needed space from that congested dungeon Gayle! I would really appreciate it if you don't ask about it or anyone else living in it," Tiana snapped.
"I'm sorry," the maid apologized. "I'll just leave you alone."
Tiana welcomed that and finished her fruit salad with a glass of water before going for a walk in the azalea garden. She didn't want to be bothered with anyone including her dear friend and will make up for her behavior with the maid later. Emotional up and downs could probably be the from lack of sex or the fact that for the past month her husband has been openly out with concubines and didn't feel any shame whatsoever. Then there was also the herbs she was taking to prevent pregnancy. Once a month she would get her menstrual cycle that would last a day due to the birth control herbs cutting off her former five day cycle.
"You look like a lost soul in the mist of a beautiful garden," Naveen said.
Tiana look up and was startled to find Naveen suddenly so close to her. Inches away from for that matter. "How did you get here so quick?" she backed away slightly.
"I was actually calling your name and grew concern when you didn't answer," Naveen said.
"I'm sorry. I have a lot on my mind," Tiana answered honestly.
Naveen snorted. "Don't tell me you're still upset over my whorish father."
"What brings you out here?" she asked and heard him laugh. "What's so funny?"
"A young and beautiful woman like you missing an old man like my father's company? You don't know what you're really missing."
"What am I missing exactly?" she raised a skeptical brow.
He looked her up and down. "A lot."
Tiana rested a hand on her hip.
Naveen laughed. "You are very cute."
"And you are very full of yourself," she playfully shot back.
"I'll be lying to myself if I denied that fact," Naveen smirked.
Tiana rolled her eyes.
"What's with the rolling of the eyes? What did I do now?" he joked.
"I don't know," she blushed, turning away from him. "This sun is really shining this afternoon."
"Did I make the young queen blush?" he teased.
"You didn't do anything," Tiana smiled, feeling embarrassed. "All you're doing to me is making me want to get back in the palace and sew with those gossiping hens."
Naveen snorted. "Gossiping hens. That's the first time I've heard them being called that," he nodded. "I'll have to borrow that from you."
Tiana turned back to him. "Well you can use it for as many times as you want."
"Thank you," he said, staring at her, feeling the same vibe he felt every time they were together.
She returned the gaze, suddenly feeling knots in her stomach.
"There you are, my dear!" Kabir interrupted, waving a hand at one the servants holding an umbrella over his head. He looked at his young wife then at Naveen before setting his eyes back to his wife again. "Giving my wife company again, son?"
"I was out for a walk and just so happen to run into her," Naveen answered.
"Then perhaps you should finish your walk," Kabir said sternly.
He prince nodded before walking ahead but not before glancing back at Tiana once more.
Tiana forced her husband a smile. "How are you?"
"Fine now that I see the most beautiful sight before me," was his answer while circling her. "And what a beautiful sight you are, my dear."
"Thank you, your majesty," Tiana said, feeling like prized trophy.
"Did you sleep well?" he stopped behind her to place a gentle kiss on her cheek. His mustache tickled against her skin.
"I did," she closed her eyes at his icy yet gentle touch. "And you?" she opened her eyes. "Um, I meant..."
"It's quite all right, my dear. My night was very restful," Kabir took her hand to his. "Join me at the gazebo. We have a lot of catching up."
Naveen watched as his father escorted Tiana back to the gazebo and also noticed Tiana's face that was once full of fire and confidence with him has completely disappeared to coldness with his father. Despite everything he could read the hurt on her face clearly. It was a look his mother gave his father. A look most woman would give to a man who hurt her.
"My dear you seem ill," Kabir caressed Tiana's cheek with the back of his hand. "Do I have to call in a servant to contact the physician?"
"No, I'm okay," she said.
Kabir gave her a knowingly grin. "I can guess why you are this way with me and you mustn't worry."
She looked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean your majesty?"
He placed a hand over her tummy. "I always wanted a little princessa."
Tiana raised her brows. "You think that I'm..."
"My first wife couldn't carry another child after Naveen. My miracle son. But I've always wanted a daughter. And I know that she will be the most beautiful. Every prince and king could want to claim her for themselves."
Tiana sighed. "I think I would like to lay down."
Kabir stood up, extending his arm for her to take. "Then a servant shall escort you to your chamber my dear."
"I can walk by myself," she said.
"Nonsense!" he called out one of the available maids to walk Tiana back into her chamber.
Naveen shook his head. "And I thought you were an overbearing father. But then again she is young enough to be your daughter."
Kabir smirked at his son. "You sound jealous, son."
"Keep thinking that, father," Naveen said. "Did you enjoy your whore last night?"
The king ignored him by walking toward the palace.
"As young and attractive your young wife is I'd assume that looking for mistresses would be out of the question."
"Every man needs a change every once in a while. You know this! And the fact that my wife doesn't have any prior experience makes things a bit...boring," the king admitted arrogantly.
"You did my mother the exact same way," Naveen reminded him. "Perhaps it not you who's bored."
"What are you insinuating, son?" Kabir inquired knowingly.
Naveen shrugged. "I think you already know what I'm hinting father. Pleasing an eighteen year old woman can take a lot of work if you are lacking what she already needs. Face it! You are getting old, old man."
Kabir frowned. "And of course you have being almost twenty and the stamina of a racehorse on your side."
Naveen shrugged again with arrogance by his side.
The king glared at his son. "Do you know what I was doing when I was twenty? I was on my third year of ruling a kingdom! Holding responsibility for thousands of my citizens by making sure they remain safe at all times! I believe that I have a right to do what I please and that includes sleeping with as many women as I please. It's one of the many luxuries of being a man in power. A real man. And you my son will never be the real man that I am!"
"Yes, you are a damn great king to OUR citizens, but if taking in mistresses is what it takes to being a real man then I'll pass," he said, leaving the man outside. It was hard to respect the same man who use people as much as he helped them. Better yet blackmailing a teenage girl into marrying him.
()()()()
Later that evening was another quiet one for Tiana as she spend most of the day reading out of cookbooks and writing recipes for the cooks to try for her restaurant. At this point she had no control over it whatsoever and tried to be optimistic by doing this. By the time she was done with her own cookbook King Kabir stepped in.
"My were you a busy one," he said, looking over at all the paper at her desk. "You be sure to have someone clean that mess up." he took her hand. "Join me in my chamber my dear."
Tiana took his hand while grabbing her book. "Your highness there is something I wanted to show you," And handed him her cookbook as they began walking to his room. "It's the recipes from all the dishes my father taught me along with the new ones I mixed together."
"Hmm." Kabir said, walking through the adjoined doors.
Tiana continued. "Of course I have to show these to the cooks to try before..." she stopped when he walked over to the cold fireplace and threw the book in it. "What are you doing?"
"Getting rid of this garbage, my dear," he smiled.
She frowned and retrieved it. "This isn't garbage! I just showed you what I wanted for my restaurant!"
"You would do so to lower your tone with me!" the king warned.
"My apologies your majesty, but I worked on that book for most of the day and was looking forward to showing it to you—
"All you need to do my dear is look beautiful for me," Kabir placed his hands on her shoulders. "And beautiful you shall remain for me." he stepped over to her.
Tiana saw his lustrous eyes and knew what he wanted and stepped away from him. "I'm not in the mood."
The king smirked. "You are required to feel nothing whenever I come for you, my dear."
"And I am also required to say no whenever I want!" she then screamed when feeling the back of his hand hit her right cheek. Shocked, she stared at his now infuriated face.
"You will respect me, little girl," he grabbed her by the arm.
Tiana's eyes watered as the bruised cheek began to sting. "I'm sorry your majesty," now fearing the man.
Kabir loosen his hold and sat on his bed, glaring at her. "Now unfasten my shoes!"
She returned his glare and remained where she stood.
Kabir chuckled. "You will regret your actions if you continue to refuse my order."
Tiana then took a deep breath and walked over to him before getting down on her knees to take off his shoes and thin socks.
"Thank you, my dear," he said, looking at her.
Tiana couldn't make make eye contact and stayed on her place, waiting for whatever the king wanted from her.
"Let me see that beautiful face of yours," he requested, softly.
Refusing to look him in the eyes she moved her face up and soon felt his hand gently run over her bruised cheek. His finger then feathered over her full lips.
"Your beautiful lips..." he started. "I wonder how do you compare to my mistresses..."
Tiana suddenly grew terrified and hope that he wouldn't request her to perform oral pleasure. She's never done it but was well aware of it from her chamber ladies.
"I remember my father always suggested that the best way to silence a woman is to make her fall to her knees and suck like whore."
Tiana closed her eyes as Kabir groaned at the idea.
"But since I am a very generous man, I will forgive you just this once."
Tiana looked up at him puzzled which got a chuckle out from him.
"I'm going to Paris at the end of the week and you will join me of course," he confirmed. "You will have the most beautiful gowns, lingerie, jewelry, perfumes. I will give you all you need including your ladies to pass the time."
Tiana gave him a smile but deep inside felt disgusted. Like on their many royal trips he will shower her with everything he thought she was supposed to need. Ignoring what she really wanted to do.
"Is there anything else you want?" he asked her.
"No, your majesty," she replied softly.
"Then you may leave," he said.
Tiana rose and curtseyed before leaving her husband for her own chamber. While examining her cheek on the mirror she could see a light bruise but covered it with foundation. It was the first time her husband has ever struck her and would be sure it would be the only time.
()()()()
Paris looked absolutely beautiful from what Tiana could see. With the king by her side she wasn't able to look around as much as she wanted and couldn't express her interest in all the little restaurants, shops she read or heard about.
The dinner galas they attended to were also very beautiful yet lacked energy. She was bored and had to endure listening to the gossiping higher class women. Faking a smile at their jokes and smears about each other. Of course she was never talked about when around them, but knew of their opinions about an older mature king marrying the very young daughter of the deceased royal head chef must have been the talk of the century.
By the end of one of the days the king did come to her once, and to her pleasure it was quick. The man was tired yet still had some energy to climb on top of her, spread her knees apart and spill his seed in her before falling into a deep slumber.
But tonight he didn't come to her as he had eyes for a young blonde whore who was given to him by his fellow French ally.
Tiana knew that her husband would be very busy tonight and decided to look around the large estate they were staying in. It looked too beautiful to not walk through.
She glanced at some artwork on her small tour. Understanding some of the words thanks to her husband hiring her a tutor and made the experience more grand.
"If my father caught you out here...,"
Tiana quickly turned to see Naveen standing outside from one of the rooms she haven't discovered yet. "What are you doing in Paris?"
"My father insist I come for a learning experience," he said with a shrug. "But as usual experience is the last thing this trip turned out to be."
"I wish there was a true reason for me to be here beside being the king's wife," Tiana said.
"Is this your first time in Paris?" he asked.
She nodded. "And the last night before leaving tomorrow and all I got to show for it are the beautiful and latest fashion!"
"What were you really looking to do?" he asked.
"Visit all the restaurants, meeting some of the people and making real memories. Your father laughed it off and insist that it is best I stay inside while he wine and dine with his whore," she said bitterly.
"That isn't how a lady is suppose to speak," he teased.
Tiana rolled her eyes and walked pass him.
Naveen rushed up beside her. "Angelique is her name and yes, she is very friendly with the men in our circle," he explained. "But enough about my father and his...mistresses. It's time for us to go and see the city!"
"Us?" She raised her brows. "Are you crazy? Do you want to have us both killed?"
"Kabir won't notice a thing," he took her hand and rushed out a side door.
"Where are you taking me?" she asked, keeping up with him as best as she could.
"I know this estate like the back of my hand," he answered and within minutes they were outside. He then spotted his chauffeur. "Hey, John!"
The man saw the prince and young queen, opening the door.
"Tiana this is Johnny my driver and friend. Johnny this is, well, you know who she is!" Naveen introduced before helping her and himself into the car.
Despite feeling terrified Tiana was pretty excited. Never have she felt this way or been so anxious in her life.
"Johnny take us to the spot!" Naveen ordered, jokingly.
"Yes, sir!" he said, laughing.
"It's your majesty, dear boy!" he said in his best impression of his father, stealing a giggle from Tiana. He smiled at her, as she returned the gesture. "The shops are closed for the night, but life is just awakening in this City Of Light."
Tiana glance out the window at the beautifully lit city. Nightlife in Paris looked like a dream.
The prince scooted over to the young queen before saying, "And it's only going to get better from here."
()()()()
And so it was. The food, celebration and overall scene was how she imagined Paris to be and then some! Nightlife in the city was exactly what she needed.
"Do you want to dance?" Naveen asked.
"Oh, I don't really dance," Tiana said shyly.
"Our last dance together wasn't so bad," he wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'll show you." he kicked a leg out to the side.
Tiana laughed.
"Come on do it!" he continued the dance.
She sighed and shook her head. "All right!" and followed his lead. It was a bit confusing with the kicks but she finally got it.
"What is the name of this dance?" she asked.
"The lindyhop!" he lifted her in the air.
Tiana screamed, laughing and twirled before taking his hand again.
After a couple of hours of dancing and a few beverage breaks they went out and danced some more. Naveen was very impressed at how quick Tiana learned the steps.
"You are a very good dancer," he complimented.
She suppressed the urge to blush as the music slowed down. "Well you're a great teacher."
Naveen was grateful that the lights were low enough for no one to recognize them. It gave the prince the chance to pull her closer against him and as he predicted, she felt good in his arms. Never did he wanted a woman as much as he wanted Tiana at this moment. Or was it during their very first dance? He decided that it was always her but his ego on being the ultimate bachelor blew it for him. When they both lost a parent what did he do? Take the comfort of drinking and women instead of connecting with Tiana and taking her away from Maldonia and his father. And now she had to endure in a marriage with the king when he could've prevented it with his protection.
He inhaled her vanilla scent as they continued the dance. At this moment and in his own world, Tiana belonged to him. She was his and only his by right and not force.
Tiana rested her head against the Maldonian prince's chest and noticed how different it felt from the king's. Both were strong but Naveen's was more toned, muscular while Kabir's had some tone yet it also felt softer, especially around the abdomens. And the way Naveen held her was different from Kabir who was possessive. The prince's strong arms was the perfect fit for her, his shoulders were broader and again, stronger than her husband's. Their scents were also different. Her husband had a sweet tobacco earthy scent mixed with the cologne he uses while Naveen was sweet and earthy mixed with his cologne. She exhaled deeply and pretended that Naveen was the man who she was really suppose to be with. A man who accepted her cooking and ideas! Who will support the decisions she would make about her restaurant. One who will love and respect her as she will him.
She blushed at the thought of Naveen being that man. He seemed to be the complete opposite of his father, but what made it terrifying was the fact that the same man she's fantasizing about is her husband's son. The heir and first in line to the throne.
"Tiana," she heard Naveen whisper.
"Hmm?" she looked up at him and felt her heart skip a beat at the way he gazed at her with passion, not caring if they were in a dark room full of people.
The longer she stared up at the prince the more she noticed how similar her husband and Naveen were in features. It was almost terrifying.
But that feeling completely went away once he pressed his lips gently against hers; She accepted and followed his lead.
Naveen then pulled from the kiss and took her hand. "Follow me..." leading her up some stairs until reaching what looked like a rooftop. Her eyes brightened at the millions of stars in the sky. The city lights were obviously seen, but the stars seem to have out shown them, looking like diamonds, glistening down over them.
"It's beautiful out here," Tiana said.
"Not as beautiful as you are," Naveen stepped over to her and caressed her face as she closed her brown eyes. Her lips were full and inviting. He had to taste her again and he did.
Tiana felt his tongue in her mouth and definitely felt the difference in Naveen's kisses. He was passionate, romantic. She literally melted in his arms.
They went on this way for a long time, or at least it felt that way with them both. When it was time for them to come up for air the kiss ended.
Tiana exhaled wrapping her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest again. She knew this night was about to end but didn't want it to.
"I have to get you back to the estate," he said regretfully.
"I know," she whispered. "But I don't want this night to end."
Naveen sighed. "Me neither. But I don't want you getting into trouble."
Tiana agreed. The last thing she needed was an angry husband.
Naveen then cupped her chin with her hand. "But I would like one more kiss. That is if you don't mind."
Tiana gazed into his honey coloured eyes and pressed her lips onto his.
The prince knew how he felt for the young queen. He knew since the night they danced for that first time.
Love.
His mother told him that it would hit him when he least expect it. It would also be his biggest heartbreak if he didn't do anything about it.
He deepened the kiss and heard a moan from Tiana letting him know that she too was enjoying their osculation.
Again he regretfully ended the kiss but held her in his arms. She would be his until the moment his father takes her again. The one man she was legally bound to. Trapped from manipulation.
"We should leave," Naveen finally said, gazing into her beautiful sad brown eyes. "It's almost dawn."
She widen her eyes. "How do you know?"
He pointed behind her and she gasped when seeing the pinkish purple sky. "Tiana?"
She turned back to him, "Yes..." and welcomed another kiss from him.
()()()()
As she made it back to her bedroom she kicked off her heels and ran quickly into the bathroom to soak in the warm bathtub she ran for herself. After the bath she dressed in a silk gown and slipped into bed. The bath helped sooth the soreness in her feet from all the dancing but it was all worth it. And the kiss from Naveen...
Tiana blushed again and even giggled. Something she's never done.
Was she falling for him?
"No, I can't be," Tiana said to herself. "It was one night and he could get back to flirting with whomever again."
If that was case then why did she feel so good whenever she's with him? So natural? So real?
So in love?
She's heard from her own father that love will hit her when she least expect it. But she didn't expect to fall so hard in love with the king's son.
"Naveen...," she sighed and closed her eyes. Sleep could help. It always does. And once again she welcomed it.
()()()()