The Prime Minister's Daughter
Rolling Stone Part One
Eight months flew by quickly and just as on routine Tiana was up and out of bed on the early hours just as Naveen stumbled down to bed. They were pretty much use to their marriage of convenience. He going out every night to party and sleeping with any pretty woman who throws herself at him and her cooking in the kitchen. And now with the new chef in the kitchen, who happened to be a very handsome young Frenchman by the name of Eriq.
"Tiana, I must say that your Coq au Vin is absolute perfection!"
"Thank you, Eriq!" Tiana was flattered that one of the best chefs in the world loved the dish. "My grandmother taught me everything I know!"
The chef's blue eyes lit up in surprised. "You didn't learn this at a school?"
She shook her head. "I told you that I know what I'm doing!"
He laughed. "Yes, you definitely know what you're doing!" He then reached for a spoon.
Tiana did the same thing and their hands touched.
They looked at one another with Eriq smiling and Tiana blushing and quickly recovering.
"Oh, um, you can use that."
"No, you go ahead." He said, never letting go of her hand.
Tiana didn't pull away, feeling her heart beat against her chest. "Oh, okay..." She stared into his blue eyes.
Eriq then broke the moment when he let go of her hand. "I should be alright from here."
"What?" Tiana asked, feeling flushed.
"Its almost time for your family's dinner hour. I don't want you getting into any trouble."
Tiana sighed, forgetting once again about the dinner. "Thanks for the reminder."
"No problem!" Eriq didn't noticed the princess's sarcasm.
Tiana walked towards the door.
"Oh, and your majesty?"
She rolled her eyes. "I told you to call me by my name."
He walked over to her, standing face to face. "I know but during dinner I will call you by your title."
Tiana looked up at him before nodding. "Whatever makes you comfortable. I'll see you in a few." She walked down the hall and up the stairs while Eriq watching every step she makes.
Tiana finally made it to the dinner room ten minutes later to her mothers and father-in-law sitting at the table. Naveen was missing once again.
"I see that my son is missing again!" Kabir said, annoyed.
Eudora stood to give her daughter a hug. "Oh, Tiana! You look lovely!"
"Thank you, mama!" Tiana smiled. "Where's daddy?"
"He wasn't able to attend tonight for business reasons," Eudora said.
Tiana was a bit disappointed because she wanted her father to try tonight's dinner with her cooking it herself along with Eriq.
"Good evening everyone!" Naveen announced, walking in.
Nagina rose from her chair to hug her son. "We thought you weren't going to make it!"
"And miss dinner with my beautiful family?" He glanced at Tiana and Eudora and winked at his wife. Tiana rolled her eyes while Eudora smiled.
"It's wonderful to see you, Naveen!" Eudora gave her son-in-law a hug.
"Yes, I agree," Naveen wiggled his brow at his wife, knowing how annoyed it was to her.
Eudora released the hug and waved over her daughter. "I want to take a photo of you two newlyweds!" A servant handed her a camera as Naveen put his arm around Tiana, his hand on the small of her waist.
Nagina sighed blissfully. "You two make such a beautiful couple!"
Naveen smirked in arrogance as Tiana wanted to roll her eyes but didn't want to disappoint or embarrass her mother so her lips cracked a smile.
"Smile!" Eudora encouraged before pressing the camera button.
The camera flashed.
"One more! Naveen stand behind Tiana and hug her from behind!"
He followed instructions, his hand brushing over her forearm. "Your skin is surprisingly smooth." He whispered.
"Of course you would notice that," Tiana whispered back and gasped when feeling his lips kiss her ear.
"Smile for the camera!"
They did just that and flashed the camera went. And just as they parted Eudora stopped them again.
"Okay, one, one more! I promise!"
"Oh, Eudora!" Kabir was already hungry and anxiously waiting for the chef to arrive.
"I want one with you two kissing, but by the balcony!"
Tiana's brows furrowed as Naveen smiled, dragging her by the opened French doors. They then faced each other.
Eudora smiled. "Look out at the sunset! Isn't it lovely?"
Tiana glanced out to the purplish orange sky. It was one of her favourite times of day like her mother.
Naveen on the other hand shrugged his shoulders. "It's just the evening sky..."
"You two face each other and give each other a kiss."
Naveen looked down at his wife who looked a bit hesitant on kissing him again and as uptight as he found her, he couldn't deny her beauty. It was the best part of being married to her. So as he put his arms around her to pull her closer, he inched down to her face.
"You two are newlyweds! There's nothing to be ashamed of, Tiana!" Nagina said.
Tiana looked up at her husband and as annoying and arrogant as he acted, she couldn't deny him being incredibly handsome. But his gregarious personality made it difficult to connect with. He was always around people who generally brought him down. Parties, drugs, booze and women.
There was no way in hell she'd let his lips touch hers.
But that plan didn't go through as he quickly pressed his lips onto hers. She felt his tongue go in her mouth as he held her tighter. She eventually gave into the kiss which didn't feel so bad. It was pretty good, very good.
A soft moan escaped her mouth, enjoying the minty taste of her husband's mouth.
Naveen heard her moan and was also enthrall by the kiss and the honey taste of her tongue that he didn't notice others watching them.
"Alright you two! Save the rest for later!" Eudora joked just as Eriq and another cook pushed in the appetizers.
The kiss ended with both out of breath, Tiana putting her hand on her swollen lips looking up at Naveen who smirked at her.
"You enjoyed that as much as I did."
She brushed passed him and gasped when seeing Eriq who smiled at her.
Naveen immediately noticed the two glancing at each other and felt something he doesn't have quite often.
Jealousy.
As dinner went on with the main course and finally dessert Naveen would witness the longing glances between the two. He really didn't see what his wife saw in the chef. He wasn't anything special at all. Sure he was tall, dark and handsome but so was he! And not to mention him being the crown prince of Maldonia.
"This is the best Coq au Vin I have ever eaten!" Complimented the king. "Chef Eriq you are a genius."
"I thank you your highness, but I must give full credit to Princess Tiana!"
"Princess Tiana?" Kabir frowned, looking her way. "You were in the kitchen with the help?"
"Yes, I was!" She answered, not ashamed.
Eudora sighed, obviously embarrassed.
"No daughter-in-law of mine will cook in the kitchen with the help!"
"Please sire. Do not blame her! It was I who encouraged her—
"No, it was all my doing!" Tiana defended the chef and looked over at Naveen. "Naveen knows how much I enjoy cooking! Right Naveen?"
Naveen turned to his wife who was vulnerable at this state and couldn't let her get away with defending this guy.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Naveen said.
Tiana's eyes widen, shocked. "But we made agreement!"
"What agreement? That you will love, honour and obey me for the rest of our lives? Yes, I remember that agreement but not this one."
Tiana glared at him as Kabir pointed at the chef. "You are to never speak to the princess again. Do you understand?"
Eriq nodded. "Yes, your majesty.
"You will leave my presence this instant!"
The chef kept his head down while leaving the dinner room and without looking at Tiana who was furious at her husband.
Naveen could careless. "I don't know about you all, but I'm starving!"
Tiana rolled her eyes and didn't speak for the rest of the dinner.
"How dare you not defend me when your father was disciplining the head chef at tonight's dinner!" Tiana snapped after making it to their room once dinner was over.
Naveen looked at her in disbelief. "How dare I? You were the one giving him googly puppy dog eyes!"
"No I was not!" She denied.
"Yes you were! And he was doing the same thing! What is he to you?"
"Its none of your business!" Tiana barked.
"It is if you're my wife!" He barked back.
"Oh so not only do I have a lying, philandering husband, but also a jealous one!"
"I never said that I was jealous!"
"Then why do you even care about the relationship I have with Eriq?"
Naveen paused at the relationship status. "So you two are in a relationship now?"
Tiana realized the mistake in her wording. "Our friendship and there is nothing beyond that!"
Naveen waved in disbelief.
"Why do you care anyway?"
"Because my stuffy wife, you are a woman and if there were a rumour thrown around about you and infidelity then you will be hated in the eyes of Maldonia and the surrounding Tri-Kingdoms!"
"You cheat all the time!" She pointed out.
"Because I am a man! It doesn't look too bad and its expected especially when my wife literally gave me her consent."
Tiana frowned knowing how right he was. Society always looks down at women who cheat while praise men who do the same exact thing.
So Tiana plopped on her bed, covering her face with her hands as sudden emotions rushed upon her
Feeling bad, Naveen sat beside his wife. "Do not cry, mi benita! I don't kiss the women I'm with."
"Just stay away from me!" Tiana turned away from him.
"To make things better between us—
"I'm not sleeping with you!" She said in her hands.
Naveen frowned. "What? I wasn't going to ask...faldi fraldonza, woman! I wanted to tell you about the invite we had to the ball!"
She looked up at him with tear damp face. "What ball?"
"In a couple of days from now we'll be celebrating the Dançcah de Outonoh, the Autumn Dance!" Naveen said with a smile. "We have to show up together because it's one of the social events of the year. Of course if you do come we will be the best looking couple there!"
Tiana sighed. "So this is really important to you?"
"Not only for me! But for you as well! You're the new princess of Maldonia and this ball is pretty much a requirement to attend."
Tiana asked. "What time does it begin?"
"We have to be there by seven that evening," Naveen then got up and went over to the closet while Tiana sat on the bed bench. "At least we don't need to wear our Maldonian attire! With it being black tie attire and all. So I suggest you wear something...pleasing for my eyes as well as modest enough to please the old hags."
She sighed. "Old hags? Really, Naveen?"
He laughed. "You know how judgmental they are! I'm only looking after you. You, know, with you being my wife and all."
"Thanks for the heads up!" Tiana then shook her head, knowing he was full of it.
"Abinaza!" Naveen interrupted her thoughts.
She watched as he was about to step out. "Going out again?"
"Yes!"
"Wait!"
He stopped and looked back at her. "What?"
"I'll come with you," She stood up.
He raised a brow. "You're coming with me? To a nightclub?"
"Why not? I've got nothing else to do than go to bed."
Naveen smirked. "Prim and proper is actually interested in going to a nightclub?"
"There's a first time for everything!" Tiana had to see why her husband was always so interested in places like these. And perhaps this will ruin his chances of scoring woman along the way.
And going to bed at nine was also getting boring.
The nightclub Naveen brought Tiana to was booming with music, food and people doing just about everything from dancing, drinking, smoking and...
"Are those people..." Her eyes widen at what looked like a woman with her dress down at the waist, grinding on a man.
"Oh yeah!" Naveen said humourly at the couple moving up and down in a dark corner. "Panza in the open."
"There are people around..."Tiana turned her head away.
"You act as if you've never seen people having sex before!"
"I haven't and don't plan on seeing anymore of it anytime soon!"
"With enough drinks you'll loosen up in no time," Naveen said.
"What did you say?" Tiana asked.
"Oh, nothing! Nothing at all," He placed his hand on her lower back.
Just as Tiana was about to push his hand away she spotted a familiar face from afar just as he noticed her.
"Peter!"
"Tiana"
Naveen frowned when he suddenly found his wife in an embrace with a man with auburn hair and with his arms around her. He recognized the man as well, but as an enemy in his book.
"Oh, Peter! What on earth are you doing in a place like this?" Tiana asked.
"I should ask the same to you!" He responded. "Some friends brought me here to 'unwind' after dealing with a difficult but successful run in the country of—
"Quales! I remember you mentioning about it before—
"As much as I would like to spend all night watching you two reminisce on the old days I must take my wife with me and have some real fun," Naveen interrupted the two.
Peter raised a brow. "Ah if it isn't the man himself! Prince Naveen!" He then looked at the couple. "I forgot tat you married this character!"
Tiana laughed a little while Naveen wrapped an arm around her.
"I'm surprised that a woman like my wife knows something like you!"
"Something," Peter then smiled.
Tiana could definitely tell that the men weren't exactly on the best terms and stood between them both.
"Why don't we all get something to drink?"
"Good idea!" Peter said. "On me!"
Naveen was about to walk with Tiana when he felt someone grab at his forearm.
"Hey, baby! You still owe me that dance!" Said a random flapper woman.
The prince saw the woman and did not recognize her. "Who are you?"
"Betty! Remember?"
He glanced back over at Tiana who was laughing with Peter and couldn't help but to feel jealous at how close they were together.
"Naveen!" Betty put her hand under his face and forced him to look at her. "I have nothing on underneath this dress. We can go somewhere and fuck up the night!"
Naveen glanced back at his wife was drinking out of a small glass.
"See, that drink isn't so bad!" Peter said.
Tiana nodded. "It's very fruity and has no alcohol in it."
"You caught that."
"Mhm! You know I don't drink."
"I know," Peter smiled. "Which is why I ordered the fruity soda for you!"
Tiana felt good knowing that her friend was with her. Glancing back she could see Naveen dancing with a random red head who looked to having her hands all over him. She turned back to her drink and finished it.
Peter followed her gaze and felt bad for her. "I take it being married to Naveen hasn't been the best idea."
"Hm?" Tiana asked. "Naveen can do whatever he wants. He's a man."
"Who also happens to be married and to a woman like you!" He exclaimed, sounding frustrated. "How lucky can a guy get with you? Smart, talented, courteous, graceful and beautiful." He gazed at her "Very beautiful."
She broke their eye contact to suppress old feelings she had for her friend. Feelings that ended up in heartbreak. "I appreciate the praise, but it's also partially my fault as well. I grant him permission to stray while I can live my life without the pressures of being his wife."
"Pressures of...oh!" Peter nodded, understanding. "Well as long as he isn't hurting you, but wait! What kind of marriage is that? You two have to somewhat like each other."
"We're tolerable...at least within the past hour."
Peter chuckled before downing his drink. "That bad, huh? Naveen is a bit much. Too much of everything."
A woman screamed causing both to look back to see that woman being carried off by three men with a huge grin on her face.
Tiana blinked. "Unbelievable."
Peter paid for their drinks. "Why don't I bring you back home. This place isn't for us."
"No, I'm suppose to be here with Naveen..." she looked around. "Wherever he is."
"Looks like he's busy with those women," Peter said pointed out
Tiana turned to see Naveen surrounded by four women and laughed in annoyance. "Those poor idiots. He doesn't care for any of them."
"Like he doesn't you?"
"I could careless!" Tiana picked up her pocketbook. "Take me home. As a matter of fact take me out to eat!"
Peter laughed. "Annoyance can certainly work up an appetite."
Naveen enjoyed the attention from the nameless women but he couldn't help glancing over at Tiana who seemed to be enjoying herself with Peter.
"Oh, Naveen. May I massage your thigh?" One woman asked, rubbing her hand over his inner thigh.
But Naveen didn't pay the woman any attention as his eyes was fixed on Tiana leaving with Peter. He quickly rose up causing the woman to fall over.
"Pardon me!" He said helping her up and then running after to catch up. By the time he went outside the car was driving away.
"Shit! Leni!" He called his guard.
The large man hurried to the prince. "Yes, your majesty?"
"Do you have any idea where my wife was taken?"
"She mentioned going to Palaries."
Naveen exhaled, angered. "Where's my car?"
Palaries...
"This is what I really needed, Peter. Thank you for bringing me here," Tiana said just as the waitress served them salads.
"The nightclub aren't for people like us," Peter said.
"I have to blame myself for going in the first place. I only went to irritate Naveen for blowing my friend's cover during dinner. Then had the nerve to question our relationship!"
"Your relationship with your friend? What is he a man?" Peter asked.
"Yes, the head chef name Eriq."
"Eriq? A head chef? I know a head chef name Eriq. But he's married with children."
"Oh, this Eriq isn't married or have children." Tiana said. "Anyway, can you believe that Naveen had the nerve to be jealous?" She then rolled her eyes.
"Jealous? Naveen?" Peter couldn't help but to laugh. "Now that's a first! Naveen has never been jealous of another man with any of the women he's been with. I congratulate you on being the first!"
Tiana waved her hand at him.
"There you are!" Naveen walked into the private dining area and gave his wife a kiss on the cheek.
"Naveen?" Tiana was surprised to see him. "What are you doing here?"
"I should be asking you the same question," Naveen pulled in a chair, sitting beside her. He then glanced across to see a humoured Peter. "What's so funny?"
"You know what? I'm going to go to the ladies room!" Tiana rose up.
Naveen stood up as well but she brushed him off.
"I can go by myself thank you!" And stormed away, confused by her husband's behavior.
"You've got it very bad and I'm going to enjoy every second of it!" Peter said.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Naveen asked, annoyed himself.
"Your wife Tiana! You're in love with her!"
Naveen laughed. "I'm not inlove...not with her!"
"You obviously had your eyes on her all night with me!"
"That's because I know how you are!"
"I wouldn't hurt her. She's a dear friend of mine, but as a former dear friend of yours who knows you quite well. I will say that you seem quite interested. Especially when she's in the company of other men! First the chef and now me!"
"She's a married woman and I'm also trying to protect her image. She may be a stick in the mud and a daughter of an elected official, but she has no idea what's it like to be a royal. Keeping up image is simple for me! But can you see what would happen if cameras found my wife having dinner with you after leaving a night club?"
Peter nodded, understanding. "You're right. It would look bad on her." He smiled.
Naveen raised his brows at the man. "Why are you smiling?"
"You really have a it bad!"
"Because I'm looking after my wife? I'm only doing my job!"
"Sure you are! If you don't see what I'm seeing then you are as dumb as those girls who drool all over you."
Tiana left the ladies room to seeing Naveen and Peter in a heavy conversation. She hoped that her husband wasn't making any sort of threats to Peter.
"...I'm doing my job!" She heard Naveen say.
"Sure you are! If you don't see what I'm seeing then you are as dumb as those girls who drool all over you." She was puzzled by Peter's statement and asked.
"What are you two talking about?"
Naveen and Peter rose from their seats and Naveen was able to pull out Tiana's chair.
"Thank you," She glanced up at her husband who nodded.
"You're welcome."
"So what were you two discussing?" She pressed.
"You," Peter answered for them both. "Naveen was talking about driving you back home."
"Trying to get rid of me already?" She asked jokingly.
Naveen could tell that she was joking answered, "Not unless you're planning on doing the exact same thing."
She snorted.
"On that note," Peter stood up. "I'm going to wish you two a goodnight and a safe journey home!"
"Leaving already?" Tiana didn't want him to leave.
"I have a meeting to attend in the morning with the king of Genexia, who also happens to be my dear cousin. I'll see you at the ball this weekend?"
Tiana smiled, opening her mouth to speak
"We'll be there," Naveen answered for her.
Peter looked at them both before leaving. "Goodnight."
Then an awkward silence fell between the couple which was Tiana's biggest pet peeve.
"So...?" She began. "You must've gotten bored with those girls all over you."
"You seem to enjoy Peter. I had no idea you two shared a history."
"You didn't answer my question."
"What question?"
"The girls surrounding you at that club."
"Oh them?" Naveen shrugged at the thought of them "They were fans. Nothing serious. Now answer my question."
Tiana picked up her fork and started playing in her salad. "Peter and I go back to when we were children."
"You dated?" Naveen asked.
"No, well, we almost but figured it would never work out with our schedules and all. Plus I had my own dreams that didn't involve being a wife at home." She then sighed. "He wanted that since we were children believe it or not. But I also know how free spirited he also is! He's a gentleman but loves the ladies. Pretty much like you."
Naveen smirked. "So you think that I'm a gentleman?"
"Of course you are! But you are a man of independence and wants to live your life freely. I'm not the kind of woman who will give up her life for anyone or anything unless it means something to my family."
"But what if you're inlove with that man?" Naveen asked, not sure as to why he asked in the first place, but went along with it.
"Nope." Tiana answered.
He was surprised by her answer. "Interesting."
She raised her brows, curious. "And why is that?"
"I've never been in love but from what I heard if the couple is inlove they would find a way to mend whatever they care for and work it out as a team." Naveen explained.
"Compromise," Tiana understood his meaning.
"Exactly!" He agreed.
"If he's worth it. I've went out on some dates and none have proven me any worth to compromise. But then again I'm just so focused that its hard for me to really go through with it."
"Are you ready to return home?" Naveen asked, ready to leave.
"Yes," Tiana answered, relieved.
"You didn't have to walk me to my, our room," Tiana said with a smile.
Naveen opened the doors. "I insist. And I'm not really in the mood to going back out."
"Bored?"
"Tired." He unbuttoned his shirt
Tiana raise a brow. "So you're staying in here for the rest of the night?"
"Yes. But I'm sleeping in that couch."
"The lounge chairs is a lot more comfortable." She suggested.
"Thanks for the suggestion," He walked to the bathroom.
Tiana couldn't help but to eye his chest and arms which were very impressive. He may have been a wild partier but he also knew how to take care of his body.
The shower running interrupted her thoughts causing her to gasp.
Did he bring a change of clothes with him?
Her questions were answered when he waked back in with a towel around his waist.
Her eyes widen causing Naveen to smirk. "Like what you see?"
She quickly turned away. "You really have no shame."
"What? I've gotten complaints before."
She rolled her eyes, standing. "I'm going to take a bath," She grabbed her night gown and rushed into the bathroom.
Naveen chuckled but not before eyeing her derriere. One of his favourite assets from his wife. She may an uptight good girl, but she also have some spirit and spunk in her. Tonight she even showed a light side when she joked in form of a question.
Being married to her for eight months hasn't been the worse thing except she having no interest in sleeping with him.
Not that it was important.
He did need to fix their marriage and at least form some kind of alliance with her. And for her to stay away from men. He didn't get why he became so angry whenever she was around other men. She's extremely beautiful and carries herself as graceful as any woman he's ever been with. The more he thought about her the more he realized how interested he was in her.
"Ooh I needed that!" Tiana walked out in a satin night gown before slipping on her matching robe.
"You look beautiful." Naveen said from the chaise lounge chair across the room.
She smiled. "Thank you. You look...half naked.
Naveen glanced down at his pajama bottoms and being shirtless. "Half dressed and I appreciate whatever compliment your eyes and mouth has given me."
Tiana rolled her eyes.
"I knew you were going to do that," Naveen teased.
"The things you say make me do that," Tiana sat at her vanity and opened up a bottle of body lotion.
Naveen watched as she applied some on her arms. "Smells good. What is that vanilla..."
"Jasmine Vanilla," She corrected, slightly lifting her leg to apply some there.
Naveen watched for a second, thankful for not wearing a shirt. He felt a bit heated and had to look away. While getting up he grabbed a pillow from the bed before going back to the other side of the room on his chaise lounge couch.
Tiana closed the bottle and stood before looking back at her husband. "Comfortable?"
"It's not the bed, but it's good enough."
She smiled, sitting on the bed.
"Why are you smiling?"
"I don't know. I guess I'm not used to sleeping in the same room as you."
Naveen laid back, his head on his hands. "There's a first time for everything I suppose."
"I suppose," Tiana got in the bed noticing how huge it was for the first time. If they were somewhat closer she'd let him sleep in it. Far on the other end that is. "Well, goodnight! I'm going to sleep."
"Goodnight." Naveen said, watching her turn off her lap on the nightstand knowing he wouldn't be falling asleep anytime soon and wondering why did he even come back home with her.
'You've got it really bad'
He shook his head at Peter's words. "No I do not."
"What was that, Naveen?" Tiana asked.
"Heh. Don't let those bedbugs bite," Naveen said and could sense her eye rolling.
"Just to let you know I did rolled my eyes." She confirmed with humour in her tone.
Naveen smiled. "You wouldn't be you if you didn't, mi benita."