Chapter Seven:

Unnecessary Trouble

It had been two weeks since Naveen abruptly left during Flag Day, and he had only called Tiana once since then. It was an understatement to know that she was beyond worried, and angry that she didn't know what to tell the children.

However, she kept busy with her daily duties to keep her mind off everything that was concerning her, but the children didn't make it any better with their constant questioning on where their father went.

"He's on business."

"Your father is out of the country."

"He will be home soon."

"I don't know how long it will be before he's back…"

Having to tuck her children in and gathering for dinner every night without their father was beginning to take a toll on the young queen and she couldn't help but to think that it was her fault for it all. She felt as if she were in the same position that she was in months ago when Naveen went on his royal tour after becoming king. It was a feeling that didn't settle with her in a good way.

"How did that sound Mama?" asked Sebastian after he finished rehearsing his piano lesson

"That was great honey. You are sounding better everyday!"

The little boy smiled at that "Do you think papa will be at my recital tomorrow?"

Tiana's heart sank "I don't know when he'll be back. You can always play for him when he's here…"

Sebastian tried to hide his disappointment as he stood from the grand piano "Okay."

"Come give mama a hug." she said as she held out her arms with him running into them "My little pianist…"

Tiana spotted Salome in the doorway as she held her son "Go on and join your brothers for your school lessons, baby."

"Aw mama!" he whined as he left before seeing his grandmother "Hello Avo!"

"Hello my Neto." she smiled as she watched him leave

Tiana closed the piano keys as she ignored the older woman.

"He looks just like my son." she began walking over to Tiana "I feel twenty years younger every time I see him…"

"What do you want Salome?"

"What?" The former queen smirked "I can't have a peaceful conversation with my daughter-in-law?"

"Now you know that our conversations are far from peaceful…" she replied "And I don't have the time today."

"Why not? Worried about Naveen?"

Tiana ignored her as she attempted to leave the room.

"Or are you worried about something else?"

Tiana stopped "What are you talking about?"

"Oh you know what I'm talking about." she smiled "It's written all over your face. Your actions, and expressions reek of guilt."

"How do you know?"

"I know everything, besides I knew that this would happen sooner or later. It's time that the truth came to light…"

Tiana froze "What are you saying?"

"You want out of your marriage…"

"What?!"

"It's alright if this life is too much for you, I'll have my lawyers draft up the paperwork and-

"Salome I don't want a divorce what are you talking about!"

"Oh. I didn't think that…"

"Right. You don't think! Stay out of my business! Now excuse me I have things to do…"

Salome felt a bit stupid as she watched the young woman leave out. She quickly realized something.

"But what are you hiding…" she whispered to herself

Tiana walked into her office happy to see that Cristobal was waiting for her.

"Good morning your majesty, I have great news!"

She smiled as she sat at her desk "Great I need to hear something good after the week I've had. Whatcha got?"

"Well you know that Berlin is the city we've chosen for the newest restaurant and we have started building immediately!" he handed her a blueprint and a book of photos

"Oh my goodness!" she flipped through the photos "This is amazing! And so soon! I didn't think that we'd get the permits on time…"

"We got it arranged sooner than expected. Tiana's Palace-Berlin will be up and running by December!"

"Marvelous!"

There was a knock on the door. "Come in!"

Duke Bermudes walked in "Oh I didn't mean to interrupt…"

"Nonsense come in!" she motioned for him to enter "Thank you Cristobal, we will meet again tomorrow."

Her assistant bowed before leaving the room.

"Hello Javier!"

"Well, it seems like you've gotten some good news."

"Yes! A new location for a new restaurant!"

"Oh really, where might I ask?"

"Berlin."

"Germany?"

"That's the one!"

"See.." she showed him the blueprints "Right in the heart of the city...near the train station. So folks can just hop off and grab a bite!"

He laughed "That's a smart tactic, get them while they are hungry…"

"That's the idea!" she said as she jotted something down in a notepad "What's brings you here?"

"Oh I just had to gather some files and documents to turn into parliament before I left for Florence. Thought I'd stop by to see everyone before my departure."

"Italy? What for?" she asked as she continued to write

"Business and to see a bit of family. I haven't see them in a couple of years so why not kill two birds with one stone…"

"That's great family is important." she said still focused on her work "I've never been to Italy."

"Never? Well you should fix that! Italy is a country that begs to be seen and explored. You and Naveen should visit with me and Ana one day."

"I'd like that. Is so good that you have time to visit family in another country."

"I know and I realize that everytime I see you and Naveen together...is he here I wanted to speak with him?"

"No" Tiana paused and sighed "He's still away.."

"Really?" said the Duke "Do you know where so that I can call him.."

Tiana started to cry as she shook her head

"Are you alright?"

The young queen shook her head "I haven't seen him in two weeks. He's only called the palace once…and that call was short."

"That's strange.." the Duke was worried "I'm sure it's not on purpose…"

"I know but it isn't like him to not call. We had an argument before he left..." she walked over to the window hugging herself "I'm worried sick and the children are too, I don't know what to do."

Tiana couldn't stop the tears from streaming down her face "I'm sorry for worrying you and bringing you into all of this." she wiped her face "You have a boat to catch.."

"No, you are my friend and I'm here for you." he grabbed a seat "My trip can wait."

She nodded her head a bit grateful that she had someone to talk to. She really didn't have many close friendships in Maldonia except for Javier and it felt good to release her feelings to someone.

…

"I can't believe you missed your boarding." Tiana welcomed his hug "Thank you. I really needed to talk to someone."

"I didn't even notice the time passing by.." the Duke smiled at that still holding her "Anytime Tiana."

"You should stay for dinner, it's the least I can do after burying you with my sorrows…"

"Don't be silly I've enjoyed talking with you."

He smiled at her as she felt his arms slowly wrap around her waist, pulling her closer against him. Tiana didn't bother to stop him as she was in a trance her eyes locked into his.

Javier looked at the queen and saw beauty in every way imaginable. She was gorgeous inside and out, and she felt perfect in his arms. He held his breath as he inched closer to her lips.

Tiana didn't bulge from his hold as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her lips barely touching his, lingering on his scent which reminded her a bit of Naveen. Naveen? She instantly broke away from the Duke confused on what just happened.

"No.." was all that she could muster up, her mind was all over the place.

Javier realized what just happened "I'm so sorry Tiana…"

She moved to the other side of her office as she started to meddle with things on her desk "No I'm sorry I shouldn't have kept you so long…"

He place his hands into his pockets "Well I guess that the dinner invite is no longer valid. I should go."

Tiana nodded her head as she opened the door for him

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Tiana closed the door resting her back against it. "What have I done?"

Salome was walking down the corridor when she spotted the Duke leaving from Tiana's office.

"Seems like I was right all along…" she smirked