The Betrayal Of Maldonia
An Heir Is Born
One and a half months later...
Tiana was in Naveen's arms as they kissed. As she tilted her head back his lips kissed her further as his strong hands lift her onto his strong frame.
'I love you, Tiana.'
'I love you, Naveen.'...
...
Tiana woke up and found a single red rose on the pillow beside hers. Picking it up and remembered having had stayed in Nereus' room every night for the past one and a half months where sometimes innocent caresses would lead to them sleeping together. There were no longer ropes and roughhousing involved. Just Nereus being a gentleman...at least for the nights and mornings waking up to a single rose beside her.
Getting out of the bed she walked toward the balcony and glanced outside at the rose garden and saw that it was obviously snowing hours earlier. The sun was now out, making the glisten shine in the garden appear picturesque.
Placing a hand over her tummy she knew that her pregnancy was well over her due date and whatever concerns she had about having the baby very early had flown out the window. Despite her stomach now at it lowest with lots of pressure pressing down between her legs, she was still up and walking. Mainly to get her labour started, but with no such luck so far she definitely didn't want to go through a Cesarian if all fails.
"You really want to stay in there!" Tiana said to her unborn child. "If things weren't so uncomfortable I would keep you in there forever, but I need for you to come out. If your father were here..."
Nereus was walking down the hall when he heard his wife's voice, speaking to their child. He found it a bit silly but listened on any way.
"...Naveen...,"
He frowned when hearing the name and at the fountain pen she was holding. Furious, he charged into the room where her eyes met his.
The action startled her. "Nereus!"
"Mentioning my brother's name again?"
Tiana saw how furious he was and couldn't deny.
He never felt more insulted. "I open my heart and emotions only to have you stomp all over it by mentioning his name?"
Tiana frowned. "Open your heart? You don't love me! Not if you have concubines! Naveen would never go to other-
"Naveen is dead! You're my wife and at any moment will be giving birth to my child! Not Naveen's!" He then laughed bitterly. "Your precious Naveen's sperm couldn't even leave you an heir to carry on with his pathetic legacy!"
"Yes, he d..." Tiana stopped herself as tears formed. "No..." And heard Nereus laugh on.
"You are pathetic, Tiana," he stepped forward and grasped her forearm. "Once my son is born you will no longer be of any use to me." He roughly released her. "Perhaps I should send you to a place where you can always dream about my brother." He then smirked darkly. "A mental institution sounds promising!"
She glared through him.
"My son doesn't need a mentally unstable mother raising him! Who knows what you're capable of!" Nereus watched her waddle over to him and chuckled. "Save your energy at birthing my son you fat whale!"
Just then, heavy knocking was heard at the door. "Sire! The family you requested to come to the palace has arrived!"
"Useless people! I will let them off easily" He left the room.
Tiana knew his meaning. "No, don't kill them!" She followed him out.
"You have no say on what I should and shouldn't do, wife!" He walked on. "Now go back and daydream about your dead lover..."
Tiana had to save the family somehow and waddled as fast as she could to the throne room where she saw Nereus hand the father of the family a small bag. "Here you go. For the entire year."
"Oh thank you your highness!" cried the man who bowed repeatedly before joining his wife and young son.
"You may leave!" He waved them off.
The family followed orders and left the palace now feeling at peace. Tiana was stunned but relieved that Nereus changed his mind.
The ringing of another coin bag interrupted her thoughts as Nereus threw a bag at a guard. He then glanced over at Tiana.
"What are you doing here?"
Tiana left the throne room with a feeling of relief and confusion. She wondered why Nereus let the family go. Did he really change? He seemed generous than normal and there were the moments they had in his suite whenever it involved their unborn baby.
He also seemed hurt when walking in on her talking about Naveen to her baby.
Whatever was the true reason for his behavior she didn't care one bit. Love is the last thing she'll ever feel for him whether or not he have changed,
()()()()
Border Of Maldonia-
Naveen walked down the dirt road with Kobe, both holding barrels of water for the week. Not much has changed in regards to his memory other than the dreams he would have of the woman. All he knew was that she has beautiful brown skin, lips and voice.
"I'm glad that you were able to fix this carriage for us to use the barrels with, Ophir!" Exclaimed Kobe, excited to not have to carry the barrels all the way back home.
"No problem, Kobe! I only wanted to take the stress off your grandmother and sister."
Kobe nodded in agreement. "Us men can handle carrying barrels."
Naveen gave the boy a pat on the head. "Don't underestimate the strength of women, Kobe!"
Kobe frowned. "They are helpless and weak!"
"According to who?"
"The stories grandma and Imani would tell me for bedtime! The heroes are always men!"
Naveen suddenly remembered a story he heard from the mysterious woman in his dreams...
…
'...this woman not only lived in a time where women had no rights, but she also proved to an entire nation that women are as witted, strong and courageous as men!"
'And who is this woman's name again?'
'Fa Mulan! My Mama Odie told me about her through an old friend of hers while serving for a king a long time ago. She never exactly told me what she did for him, but I assume it was a maid'
He had to smile at how emotionally involved she got into the story. He's heard of many stories, but never one as fascinating as this one.
'I will tell our children this story and many more someday!' she said, looking up at him. 'Once we're marred, if you like I can share more with you.'
He gazed into her brown eyes. 'I look forward to when that happens.' And pressed his lips to hers...
…
Once they returned to the modest house the delicious arouma hit both their noses.
"It smells like perfection!" Naveen said, setting down the barrel.
Imani turned with a smile on her lips, loving the compliment of Ophir...Naveen. "Dinner will be ready in a half an hour, but you can try a sample!"
Kobe rolled his eyes. "You never offer me any samples!"
Imani stuck her tongue at her brother before scooping the wooden spoon into the pot. "Open your mouth, Ophir."
Naveen did as was told and instantly felt the hot soup in his mouth. "Mm! Hot but...mmm!" he swallowed. "Good gumbo!"
"The best in the tri-kingdoms!" she chimed in
"Second to Tiana!" Ebele said, hoping the name rang a bell to the man.
Naveen raised a brow at the name.
Ebele noticed. "Does the name ring a bell, Ophir?"
Imani frowned. "Of course it doesn't!"
"I didn't ask you, Imani!"
Naveen nodded. "It actually does! But I haven't the slightest idea why."
"She's the queen, you know!" Ebele said.
"Queen Tiana of Maldonia!" Kobe added.
Imani couldn't believe that the two of them were against her claiming Naveen. "Are you hungry Nav...um, Ophir?"
He could tell that there was tension between the women and decided to lighten the mood. "Of course I'm hungry! I'm never full!"
Imani laughed as Ebele went and took out bowls.
The young woman then took Naveen's by his hand and led him to a seat beside hers, as she always done since he woke up.
Ebele sighed as she grabbed a spoon.
Imani then walked over to the older woman.
"You know you really need to distance yourself from that man," Ebele whispered.
But Imani rolled her eyes and brought the bowl over to Naveen. "Eat up!" She then grabbed some handkerchiefs and put one over his lap.
Naveen laughed. "I appreciate the hospitality, Imani."
"I insist," she gazed into his honey coloured eyes.
Naveen returned them and saw the spark in her eyes.
She nodded. "I'll be back." And returned to fetch a bowl for herself.
Naveen sipped a spoonful of the gumbo and suddenly had another vision...
…
'This is the best tasting gumbo I've ever had!' he said.
'It was my daddy's recipe,' she explained, a tear rolled down her cheek.
He caressed her cheek, wiping away the tear 'What is...was your father's name?'
'James.'
…
"James!" Naveen blurted out, catching the attention of the family. Confused, he quickly apologized. "I'm sorry...I-I don't know where that came from."
But not before Ebele ask, 'Where did you think youget that name from?'
'I've had gumbo by someone and they mentioned their father is called James?"
"Tiana's father! The best gumbo cook. Hell, he was the best cook in the tri-kingdoms!" Ebele explained. "It was too bad for he daughter to lose her father. And Eudora, his wife a widow. It was a very dark place for them, but were able bounce back in a large way!" She smiled at the thought. "Her daughter married the then crown prince of Maldonia-
"Would you like some more gumbo, Ophir?" Imani interrupted her grandmother. She was furious that her own blood was betraying her by simply throwing out old stories about Tiana.
"So she married the crown prince you say?" Naveen asked.
Ebele nodded. "He became king and-
"Don't tell me. They lived happily ever after?" He asked with sarcasm.
"Yes, they do!" Imani said, glaring at her grandmother.
Kobe frowned. "But I thought that he dies-
"Shut up!" Imani scolded.
Naveen was surprised by the woman's outburst. Was she trying to avoid the story and if so then why.
Imani felt Naveen's eyes on her and returned it with a reassuring smile. "Tiana was my friend and...it was hard to see her go and...get everything..." she stopped and sighed miserably.
Naveen felt sorry for the woman and held up his bowl. "I'd like another serving of your gumbo."
She took the bowl and poured more of the soup into the bowl before returning it to him.
"Eat all you can!" Ebele said before giving her granddaughter a disapproving look. "Imani, I'd like to talk to you. Excuse me, boys!" she left the room.
Imani followed.
Naveen watched her leave, wondering if the conversation was about him.
"I think my sister likes you," Kobe confessed.
"Does she?" Naveen asked, already aware.
"Do you like her?"
"She's a nice woman, and a great friend."
"She won't like that," Kobe said, humoured.
Imani followed Ebele outside and asked. "What do you want?"
"You really are making a fool out of yourself with that boy!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!"
"You've been trying to make a move on him for the last several months and yet he is still distant with you because he thinks of his wife!"
"He doesn't even remember her!"
"You love the attention of men so much that you always ruin it for yourself! You've been through this route before! With then Prince Nereus a year ago!"
"Nereus never had another woman!" Imani argued.
"But he had women! And hurt you very bad when you opened yourself too much to him!"
"Naveen is different!"
"Obviously and very much in love with Tiana!"
"Tiana!" Imani exclaimed bitterly. "She did everything right!"
"She did! She had a dream and-
"With that she got the world! She got Naveen and now even Nereus! Both brothers adore her! The way they look at her..." Imani then pouted. "But Naveen...Ophir will love me! I just know it will-
"Don't end up getting yourself hurt! King Naveen Ophir will remember who he is someday!"
"He won't and I will make sure it remains that way!" Imani said darkly.
Ebele raised a suspicious brow. "What is that suppose to mean?"
"Don't worry about it," Imani began walking back in until Ebele grabbed her hand.
"Please don't use dark magic again. It will only make things worse for you!" She said with concern for her granddaughter.
Imani looked inside to see Naveen and Kobe collecting the bowls from the table. "He's mine now."
"No baby he isn't!" Ebele said.
But the young woman walked in the house. "Hi, Ophir!" She smiled. "Why don't I take care of that!"
"I got it," Naveen carried the bowls into the kitchen. There was something natural about him bringing the kitchen. Maybe he did this with his dream woman.
Imani watched as he set the dishes into the sink. "Hey, I was wondering if you like to sit out with me tonight."
Naveen turned to the woman and couldn't deny her invitation. It was a nice night out for this time of the year and he never got any alone time with her since being here. "I'd like that."
()()()()
They sat on the front porch, Naveen resting his forearms on the banister and looking up at the clear starry night sky while Imani watched from the swing. Imani eyed deeply at his physic, milking in the broad shoulders, his strong back and then there were a few times when she got to see him without his shirt. What a sight of perfection it was. His powerful muscles were obviously there, not a single flaw took over this man. His arms were like a drawing from God himself, powerful and would give anything to feel them against her body. His hands running over body while they were making love would send her over the edge...
She swallowed hard and exhaled at the thought.
It was hard to deny that she's a virgin because she clearly wasn't. She made the mistake of giving up her body in exchange for love which always ended in failure. Naveen, or Ophir will be the last man this time. He has to be! Micheal, Julian, Timothy, Vladimir, Jacob, Nereus, Devon were all the men in her life before breaking her heart, well Micheal never exactly broke her heart, but he wasn't good enough. Naveen was and will do anything to claim him.
"What a sight!" She heard Naveen say up at the stars.
The stars always got him to feeling closer to himself and the woman in his dreams were always a part of it. His love, his benita...
Her beautiful brown arms circled around him from behind as her head rested on his back.
'I'm enjoying our time together,' she whispered.
Naveen placed his hands over hers. 'This day was long but I'm glad to be here with you.' He then took her hand before facing her, not able to see her eyes, just her mouth. 'I can't see your eyes.'
She smiled. 'What?' And inched up to him. 'I need for you to kiss me.'
He could never resist this woman and pressed his lips to hers...
…
When Naveen opened his eyes he found himself kissing Imani and gasped, pulling himself away. "I'm sorry!"
Imani shook her head, stepping up to him. "No, don't apologize."
"I should. I...this was a mistake!" He ran his fingers through his hair.
"No, it wasn't Nav...Ophir!" She corrected herself before throwing herself at him, pressing her lips onto his.
Naveen pulled back only for her mouth to be on his again and had to use his full strength to push her away. "No, Imani!" He breathe.
But Imani shook her head. "Please, Ophir. I-I-
"I don't want to confused you in any form or way," Naveen interrupted apologetically. "But my heart is...it isn't free. "
Imani swallowed the lump in her throat. "How do you know that?"
He stared at her. "I just do," And sighed. "And if I were selfish I would've kept kissing you and taking advantage of you. But I can't ever hurt you that way. Especially after everything your family has done for me."
Imani's eyes watered before running back in the house.
Naveen felt a sense of remorse as he glanced up at the stars once more.
"If there was one wish. It would be to remember about this woman in my dreams. And why is she so important to me." He then returned into the house as well. Hoping that everything would be somewhat better in the morning.
As he later slept a newborn appeared along with his benita in the dream. Just then, he saw a sight of himself standing over her in emerald and gold royal attire.
'My son is perfect...'
Naveen watched as the woman refused to even look at the royal robed version of himself while he took the baby in his arms.
'Perfect.'
Naveen noticed how unhappy the woman looked based on her body language and wondered why.
'You're no longer any use to me, my rose...'
His rose?
'I've got my son and my kingdom is secure!'
Naveen opened his eyes as puzzled as ever at the dream. Then a flash of light flashed from the nightstand beside his bed. Curious he got out of the bed and saw it flash again. He was hesitant to open the drawer until the glowing stopped. As he pulled out the drawer, he found a beautiful purple pendant as it dimly glowed. As he picked it up with his own hand, more visions hit him one by one in a flash.
The first was of what looked like himself holding a pillow over a man who appeared to be his father. The next was of him with a woman who didn't appear to be the woman in his dreams and the next is of him dragging the woman of his dreams into a room before slamming the door, and finally was of the woman of his dreams with her eyes closed. It was the first time he got to see her face though her eyes shut before the visions faded away.
Naveen threw the pendant across the room completely dismayed. "What just happened?"
()()()()
Maldonia -
Tiana heard heavy knocking at her door and found Lydia out of breath. "Tiana! The king had that poor family murdered!"
She looked up, shocked. "What?"
"That family who he gave money to for their taxes were burned alive in their home!"
"Oh no!" Tiana carefully stood up. "Where did you learn this?"
"My husband was there to witness it!"
Tiana frowned. "That bastard!" and went pass the servant
"Wait, Tiana!" Lydia shouted, now regretting her decision in telling the queen.
Tiana went on until making it to Nereus's suite and bustingb into the bedroom of Nereus while he was kissing a concubine in his bed.
Nereus stopped kissing the woman who had bruises on her arms and legs with tear stained eyes.
"Tiana, what are you doing here?" He asked, hated being interrupted during sex.
"Why did you kill that family?" She exclaimed.
"Get out of here! Can't you see I'm busy?"
"Why did you burn that family alive?" She pressed again, feeling tightness in her tummy.
"They didn't pay their taxes! So they had to die!" Nereus pinned the concubine's arms onto the bed. "Get out of my suite or I'll have the guards escort you out!" He warned.
"They were poor!" Tiana was furious.
"Not my problem now get out!" He barked, getting out of the bed, naked and all then pushed her out the room, locking the door.
Tiana caught herself and suddenly felt a dull sharp pain in her lower back.
Lydia gasped. "Tiana..."
"Oh!" The queen begin slowly walking down the hall as the pain remained.
A nearby guard noticed and hurried over to her. "Your majesty. Are you alright?"
She nodded her head. "I just need to lay down."
"Do you need to be carried or have a wheelchair provided for you?" He asked.
"No, I...ah!" She felt a sharp contraction and fell on her knees.
The guard immediately went to help her, lifting her in his arms.
"Tiana, you're in labour!" Lydia said. "Tolns, please send the queen-
"Lydia!" Tiana interrupted. "I'm fine! Tolns. I can't...oh!" She placed her hand on her lower abdomen. "Take me to the birthing room and Lydia call the midwife and physician immediately!" The pressure between her legs were getting worse by the second.
()()()()
Four Hours Later-King's Suite
"Sire! The queen is in labour and giving birth at this moment!"
Nereus was in bed when he heard his valet. He groaned, regretting his choice in drinking too much wine with the concubine whom he had sent away as soon as he grew tired of.
"Where is the queen?" He asked.
"In the birthing room!" The valet answered.
The king waved his hand, laying back down. "Then let me know when she gives birth."
"But she's pushing at the moment and it is tradition for the king to be there-
The dark king opened the door. "I said leave! I'm tired." And slammed the door shut.
()()()()
Birthing room -
"Ahh!" Tiana screamed as she pushed the baby out of her some more.
"Good Tiana!" Encouraged the doctor.
"One more push!" The midwife also encouraged.
Tiana did just that and soon heard a squealing baby.
"It's a boy!" The doctor exclaimed happily.
Tiana was too exhausted to even celebrate. But once the now blanket new born was in her arms, she forgot all about her exhaustion.
A head full of dark straight hair and light tan skin, her son was here, and she was in love.
"He looks exactly like his daddy...," she whispered with teary eyes.
"He does," Dr. Kei agreed.
Tiana felt bittersweet at the thought of holding her son. Just a little over nine months before his father was holding her in his arms before leaving to fight with his men in order for her and their people to continue living the life they deserved. Freedom.
The midwife smiled. "He is such a large and healthy looking newborn for being full-term! The king and his brother were born a solid nine pounds each!"
Tiana's eyes widen. "Nine pound twins? My goodness!" She gazed down at the new born who blinked at his mother as she smiled at him. "I love you so much..."
"The king will certainly be pleased when he learns he has a son!" said the midwife.
Tiana then rolled her eyes.
Dr. Kei chuckled. "I will leave you three! Tiana, the midwife will be here for the rest of your stay before transferring you to your suite. If you need me, I will be in my office. Waiting for your service."
Tiana was touched by how caring the doctor was with her. "Thank you, Dr. Kei! For everything."
"Thank you, Tiana," Dr. Kei gave her a friendly wink before leaving the room.
The midwife also felt protected of the queen and watched as the mother and son bonded some more through feeding. "You are a beautiful mother, your majesty."
Tiana smiled. "He's a wonderful son. Just like his father wa...is."
Despite being loyal to the king, the midwife couldn't stand Nereus and knew that he wasn't the father of the newborn...possibility. She hope that King Naveen did manahe to father the baby. "Once the prince is asleep I suggest you rest as well! I will examine you once more and I have something for the pain from Mama Odie. It's natural and will burn for a second, but it really works!"
Tiana was pleased that the staff was able to keep her connection with her family even though Nereus forbid it. It was heartbreaking not to have her mother and grandmother with her at the end of her pregnancy. She was certain that they would be giving her motherly advice left and right.
The baby eventually fell sleep and as soon as the quick examination was over and she once she returned to her suite, Tiana was able to rest herself...
Then a flash of light appeared before her.
The first image was of Naveen dancing with a woman under the stars and it clearly wasn't her. Next was Naveen getting down on one knee before this woman and the final vision was of Naveen holding a baby...
She suddenly woke up, feeling her heart pounding against her chest.
"Why did I just dream that?"
()()()()
Later that day in her suite, Tiana set her sleeping son in his crib and went to use the bathroom. The pads the midwife offered her were very helpful as well as the bottle of water she offered with the cleaning. After she was done, she went back to the bedroom to find Nereus holding her son.
"Perfect," he said proudly. "You will be a powerful king just like your papa someday, Nereus the second."
She frowned, sitting on her bed. "Nereus the second?"
Nereus smirked before looking over at her. "I believe that I'm a fair man. I've given you my ring, given you a son and my heart before you broke it."
Tiana didn't bother returning his glance.
"He will be named after my brother, Naveen, but we will call him Nereus since unlike Naveen...this is my boy!" Nereus continued to stare down at his wife. "And I already know what you are doing my rose. You need not flatter yourself. You will no longer be of any use for me." His blue eyes looked her up and down. "Your body isn't worth my attention...I have beautiful women for that." He then returned to his son. "You will be showered with the best of all including the best of women!"
Tiana closed her eyes and sighed in annoyance at his childish way of attempting to hurt her feelings. She was thankful that her husband was vain and conceited. And with the bump in her abdomen, much smaller than it was during pregnancy, she will now be free to raising her son. Her way.
"But until that day comes the only women you will be around is your mother and nanny!" Said the king.
The newborn started crying and Nereus set him back in his crib. Without giving Tiana a glance he opened the doors to her room and said, "Go feed it!" And slammed the doors shut.
Tiana quickly got out of the bed, almost forgetting that she just gave birth hours before, feeling some soreness, but thanks to the cream Mama Odie provided the midwife to give her.
"There, there man. Mama got you!" She lifted him in her arms and brought him back to bed with her. "Mama needs to get someone to bring your crib closer to my bed. I'm still so sore." She felt differently mentally and physically, and it was expected as her doctor and midwife warned her. As she fed her son she thought more about her husband Naveen and how joyous it would've been for him to see his son this very moment.
With Nereus having an heir meant that the throne is his and safe for their family. It would've been the same for Naveen but he would feel actual love for their child. She was thankful that her son has his father's name.
"Naveen," she kissed the baby. "Your papa would've been so happy. He had dreams about you, you know!"
The new born prince instantly fell asleep leaving Tiana to watching him. "I promise to protect you from becoming Nereus." She swallowed the emotional lump in her throat. "You will be exactly like your daddy. Good, loyal, fair, generous, loving and a powerful leader!" She gave him a kiss after putting her sore breast back in her gown. "I love you, Naveen." And looked up as a tear ran down her right cheek. "Both of you."
()()()()