AN: This chapter is on the graphic side. Just a fair warning and this story is also nearing the end believe it or not so that means there could be a possible reunion coming up very soon? So it may or may not be years before our favorite couple is back together again lol. Anyway, here's the next chapter which is two chapters combined in one.

I do not own any of the Disney characters, simply the characters I've created for this story. Enjoy!

The Betrayal Of Maldonia

Tiana's Purpose/Tiana's Sacrifice Pt 1

Several weeks flew by and Tiana was in the poolroom with her ladies enjoying the mild winter that fell upon Maldonia. The prince was asleep in his bassinet as the servants were in their bathing suits, Tiana also in hers laughed at the silly diving game the women were playing in the pool.

"I'm the best diver in here!" one servant said.

"Oh no you're not! I am!" Laughed Lydia.

Tiana rolled her eyes, sitting up. "You two have nothing on me!"

Teresa gasped. "But your majesty! You will hurt yourself!"

"Psst! I've got the okay from my physician and midwife do perform normal activity. And have been swimming my entire life, Teresa! I was a commoner before becoming a princess then queen you know!" She climbed up onto the platform and posed before her servants, some who became close all applaud for her.

"Go Tiana!"

Lydia clapped. "Yes, show Natalie and Farrah what you can do!"

Nereus was just leaving the garden with a his favourite mistress in his arm when he heard women cheering from the poolroom.

"I wonder what that wrecked is about?" he wondered.

"Oh but your highness! I thought you were desirous at the moment," the concubine reminded him.

But he raised his hand to silence her. "At the moment I'm curious...guards!" He walked into the poolroom, seeing the back of a servant in a bathing suit and all he noticed was her hour glass figure. He continued watching as she dived elegantly into the pool.

The women cheered.

Nereus completely forgot about his mistress as this mystery woman stepped out of the pool now surrounded by servant women giving her towels.

"Thank you," Tiana said, wiping her face and then hair.

Nereus's eyes widen in shock at his wife in the bathing suit. "T-Tiana...?"

She and the servants all looked the king's way, all the women but Tiana curtseyed. "Nereus..." She saw the dark lust in his eyes and her heart beat against her chest in fear.

He slowly walked over to her, taking in all that he saw before him. "Have you been caring for my son?"

She closed her eyes when he was within an inch from her face. "He's in his...his bassinet." Then felt his hand touch her cheek.

"Beautiful." He then circled her. "Very, very nice...motherhood has certainly been very well to you. Not a single flaw in sight." And stopped behind her.

The servants all watched at how uncomfortable Tiana was as the king inched his face against her left ear and placed a kiss on the lobe. "I'll see you in my suite after dinner."

The mistress frowned, envious and couldn't do anything but watch the king ask his wife and not her to lay with him tonight.

Nereus then slowly ran the back of his hand against the side of his wife's neck. "I expect to smell your scent much later...my rose." His blue eyes then went to Lydia and smirked. "Your husband needs you, Lucy, Linda or however your name is spoken...I would see what he wants."

Lydia curtseyed before leaving the room.

The dark king then stepped back, eying only his wife. "Dive for me."

She frowned. "I don't feel up to it."

Nereus chuckled. "But I am up to wanting to see you dive. So do it."

Tiana sighed, embarrassed as she slowly walked to the diving board, but not before feeling Nereus's hand slap on her backside.

He laughed. "Hurry up!"

"He always wants to put on a show," she said to herself before diving into the pool. When she swam back up clapping from him could be heard.

"Graceful," he said. "And very beautiful. I look forward to your visit."

Once Nereus left, Tiana got out of the pool. Losing interest in wanting to dive altogether.

"Looks like the king has shown an interest in you once again, Tiana," said one of the servants who handed her a couple of towels.

Tiana's happy mood was completely gone at this point to where irritation took over. "Teresa, please have the ladies leave." She sat on the chaise.

"You heard the queen, get out! All of you!" The older woman ordered sternly.

"Oh, Tiana..."

"Awe!" Many of the servants said before leaving.

The older servant closed the doors and went over to the young queen.

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"He told me that I would be no use to him after this baby..." Tiana said, hugging herself.

"Nereus is a man and as a woman you have no choice but to submit to him..." said Teresa without hesitation. "If anything you should be flattered that he's still interested. Most kings...or better yet husbands don't care to look at their wives after birthing their children."

Tiana tuned out the woman just as she heard her son crying. "Here I am!" She picked up her son, giving him a hug. "I'll spend the night with only you, baby. I refuse to go back to him when I don't need to."

Teresa raised her brows in concern. "But I don't think-

"You can help Lydia bring the prince's and my things back to my suite," she didn't want to hear the woman right now.

"Please consider going to the king, your majesty!" Teresa said. "You know his temper and impatience can be a danger."

"And you better consider getting out of here and having Lydia help you with my things!" Tiana snapped before storming out of the pool room with her son.

Later that night, Tiana made sure to lock both doors and the knobs with chairs. If Nereus wants her then he will have to fight for her.

()()()()

Border Of Maldonia – The Next Day

Naveen was sitting on the front porch when he heard some footsteps. He already knew who was watching him from the door, but decided to have some fun with it.

"You're staring at me again, Kobe," he said with a humoured smile.

Kobe was surprised. "I'm sorry! It's just that...well, I was wondering if you would...uh..." He raised his brows.

The boy was obviously nervous and Naveen opened his eyes, laughing. "I was messing with you!" He stood up from the swing bench.

Kobe then laughed. "My sister and grandma are in the kitchen making brunch. They should be about done!"

"It smells incredible!" Naveen got up as he stepped back inside, following the smells of breakfast all the way until he reached the kitchen.

"Did you enjoy your late morning walk?"

"I did," Naveen smiled. "Hello Ebele and Imani!"

Imani returned the smile and took Naveen's hand. "Hello Naveen. Why don't I walk you to the eating table? You will sure to be pleased with what my grandmama and myself scrapped up!"

"I appreciate a good meal. Thank you!" Naveen said, feeling the woman's callused but soft hands on his.

The older woman look at her granddaughter in disappointment. "That girl is falling hard for that man! It will only end in heartbreak for her if she gets too close."

Kobe was aware of his sister's love of men and putting her heart up her sleeve. He also witnessed her heartbreaks and none were very pretty.

As brunch began, Naveen ate just about everything including a familiar pastry.

"What is this called again?" he asked.

"Beignets for dessert!" Imani answered. "A childhood friend of mine taught me how to make these!"

Imani hated that Naveen didn't have any feelings for her other than friendship, but she wouldn't give up on him. The longer he doesn't remember Tiana, the most likely he won't really remember his life.

"This childhood friend is talented, but so is her student." Naveen added with a smile.

"Her student," Imani said with envy. "The teacher is now a queen while I'm just a commoner trying to survive."

Naveen pitied the woman and placed a hand over hers. "Cheer up, Imani! You have one more person to survive with you."

Imani felt her heart skip a beat.

"I truly value our friendship," he added.

Her heart skipped a couple of beats back.

"And this breakfast was achidonza," he stood up. "Excuse me. I'm going to wash up."

Imani sadly watched Naveen leaving the room and threw the beignet onto the ground.

"Abusing pantries isn't going to make him fall in love with you," said Ebele, who noticed how upset her granddaughter was. "Naveen pretty much told you how he feels about you."

"Don't say it!" Imani didn't want to hear it.

"Friends. And nothing more! So stop trying to start something that isn't there!" She suggested. "He's obviously remembering his old life and once he does he will leave and look for Tiana!"

"Tiana already has a husband!"

"Its pretty obvious that she doesn't love King Nereus and those rumours of him forcing her into marriage is beginning to make sense."

"Well why didn't she leave? Her husband isn't dead!" Imani then pouted.

"You know how King Nereus is! He's heartless, ruthless! If he doesn't show mercy to his own people then do you honestly believe that he does to her?"

"Serves her right for marrying him!" She said bitterly.

"I suggest you go on back with Micheal and stop trying to make something happen with a married man!"

"Micheal isn't Naveen!"

"He's a wonderful man for you! The only difference is that he isn't rich like Naveen!" She pointed out.

"That's right! I want a man to take care of me for once! Why can't I want that?" Imani asked.

"Because the man you want taking care of you is already married! And the last rich man you threw yourself all over took care of you alright!"

"Prince Nereus would've asked for my hand if I tried harder."

"Imani!" Ebele grew frustrated. "He was using you. Just as you were planning to use him."

Imani's eyes watered as she stomp out of the room, slamming her door shut.

Ebele ran her fingers through her hair just as Naveen approached her.

"Is everything alright here?" He asked.

She noticed the purple pendant in his hand and asked. "I found that on what was left on your uniform."

He looked down down at it. "This may sound strange, but I have a question about this...item."

"Amulets and talismans. I know someone who owns a similar gem. Her name is Odette, but she's known as Mama Odie."

Naveen raised a brow at the name. It sounded familiar. "Mama...Odie?"

Ebele smiled. "You know Mama Odie?"

"I believe I do!" He admitted.

Ebele clapped her hands. "I'm actually going over to visit her tomorrow! It would be nice if you'd join me."

Naveen shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"

Ebele wanted to help the young man remember his life more than anything. Everyone deserved true happiness. "We'll leave first thing in the morning!"

Imani overheard and couldn't let that happen. So she hurriedly ran over to her closet and pulled out an old box and opened it.

She took out a wooden figure and a lock of Naveen's hair she cut while he was asleep one night. "I won't let anyone ruin what I already worked hard to accomplish." She then walked over to a wooden bowl that was by her window. "I really need for this to work. Naveen must be mine!" She set both the wooden figure and hair into the bowl. "Dr. Facilier friends don't fail me now..."

A puff of green smoke silently exploded from the bowl, causing the strand of hair to pop out onto the floor.

Imani groaned, annoyed. "It won't work if I do it alone." She then looked out of her window to find Micheal speaking with another woman, an attractive woman. Opening the window she climbed out of it just as the woman walked away from him.

"Micheal!"

The man turned to her and the smile on her lips. "Imani! What a surprise!"

She nodded. "Yes, and I've been doing some thinking..."

Micheal's eyes brightened, knowing what she meant. "You mean it, Imani?"

She wrapped her arms over his shoulders and pressed her lips to his. "Does that answer your question?" Knowing that she had him wrapped around her finger.

"Yes...," Micheal responded, in a daze.

Imani took his hand. "Why don't I show you how much I love you...come with me!" She led him to the window leading to her bedroom.

()()()()

Maldonia – Prince's Nursery

Tiana was feeding her son for the evening just before she leave for a charity event for the underprivileged children of Maldonia and Giodonia. It was always an honour to do as much as she could to make sure the children and their families were getting whatever help they could receive since she too came from an underprivileged background and the fact that Nereus was having these people executed for not being able to pay taxes was downright inhumane.

And with her being out of the palace and Nereus' sudden last minute change of plans with Giodonia she was still free with her own life and obligations as a mother first and foremost.

"I will make it my goal for you to see how important it is to never hold your nose up at anyone. Especially at the under privileged." She told her sleeping son and gave him a kiss.

"I don't want to leave you, but I have to!"

Tiana was just laying her son in his crib when she heard the doors open and a presence behind her. She tensed up when feeling strong hands grasping her hips. Knowing exactly who it was.

"Nereus?" she asked, nervous.

The young king could sense her fear and grew more aroused. "You never told me you'd look this good." His fingers ran over the silk of her robe. "You have nothing on under this robe."

Tiana closed her eyes as his lips touched her neck. "I thought you said I'd be no use for you after our son was born."

"I lied," he turned her around to face him and wandered her frame. His hand pulled the belt from her robe, exposing her body, briefly before Tiana covered herself. Nereus saw enough and was pleased. "My son has done an excellent job on you."

Tiana took a step back. "I need to get ready to meet with Lady Rina of Riverton at the charity-

"She can wait," he stopped in front of her. "Just as I will as well." He took her hand and kissed it. "I expect you in my suite tonight. No excuses.

Tiana glared at him.

Nereus smirked. "And of course wear red."

"Please Nereus," Tiana pleaded. "You have concubines..."

He extended his hand, caressing her face. "I have you."

She turned her head away. "I don't want this."

Nereus inhaled her hair. "You're wearing rose..."

"It's all the perfumes that's in my rooms at your...your," Tiana stiffened at his lips on her neck. "...request."

Nereus moaned as his hand reached for his wife's robe belt.

"Your highness!" Called out his valet from outside the nursery. "The aid from kingdom of Conutane has arrived."

The king pulled away. "Damn woman...your way of getting to me is impressive." He then pressed his lips on her ear. "And I will have you later."

Tiana exhaled out as soon as her husband left. It will be difficult to get back into sleeping with him again. She can only hope that his obligations as king will hold him off of her again for one more night.

()()()()

Giodonia – Mama Odie and Eudora's House – The Next Day

"Ebele! Welcome!" Mama Odie gave her old friend a hug.

"Hello Odette! It's so good to see you!"

Naveen watched the two women embracing.

"Especially at our ages!" Mama Odie smiled and gasped when she saw who was with her. "Naveen baby? Is that you?"

He frowned. "Pardon me?"

Mama Odie placed her hand on her chest. "You alive!"

Ebele smiled. "So you do know him?"

"He's my grandbaby's husband!" She walked up to him. "So the family pendant did save ya life!"

"Family pendant?" Naveen stepped back a little.

Mama Odie frowned. "You don't remember? I had Tiana give you a purple pendant to wear before you left for that war."

"My granddaughter and I found him unconscious a few miles outside my home in his uniform!" Ebele added.

Mam Odie raised a suspicious brow. "So you nursed him back to health and didn't tell me?"

"I wasn't sure if it was him!"

"That doesn't matter anyway. He's alive! I've got to tell Tiana!" Mama Odie clapped her hands together.

"You know we can't contact Tiana right now!" Eudora said, walking into the room. "Hello Ebele and Naveen..." Her eyes widen when she realized who was standing in her living room. "...Naveen!"

Naveen shook his head. "I'm sorry for any confusion, but my name is Ophir."

"Ophir!" Mama Odie and Eudora both exclaimed.

"No baby! You're Naveen!" Mama Odie said.

Naveen suddenly grew annoyed and wanted to leave. "I apologize ladies but I have to go."

"Do you still have the pendent" Mama Odie asked, pointing at him.

Naveen took out the purple pendant. "This pendent?"

The older woman smiled. "Yes." She eyed the pendant. "It was for your protection and for luck! And you received both, I see!"

Eudora sighed, her eyes watered. "You and my daughter are married! You're in love with her! You don't remember Tiana?"

Naveen wasn't sure what to say. "I..."

Ebele couldn't suppress her voice any longer. "He have dreams and visions of a woman with her description!"

Eudora picked up a portrait of Tiana in her royal attire. "Here she is! Isn't she beautiful?'

Naveen saw the photo and recognized the woman. "Mi benita..."

"Yes! You would also call her that sometimes!" Eudora exclaimed happily.

Naveen studied the portrait and then suddenly collapsed on the floor.

"Naveen!" The women went to his aid.

When he opened his eyes he found the women all looking concern.

"Are you alright?" Eudora asked.

Naveen groaned, opening his eyes. "What?"

"Are you alright, baby?" she asked again.

He shook his head irritably. "No, I'm not!" And quickly got back up before heading to the front door.

"Where are you goin', baby?" Mama Odie asked.

"To Imani! She needs me!"

Ebele frowned. "Imani?"

"I love her and only her!" He declared and turned back to the women, his eyes now a reddish brown.

"Your eyes..." Eudora said, confused.

Naveen swiftly left the house. "I'm out of here!"

Mama Odie and Ebele glanced at one another.

Eudora frowned. "Did you two see his eyes? They looked strange."

"I think I know why," Ebele told them both before thinking, 'And it has my no good granddaughter all over it!'

()()()()

Maldonia- Brunch Hall –

"I would like to thank you for the invitation for this intimate meeting, Nereus," Duke Henry Barrington of Ronu said.

Nereus nodded his head, not pleased about having the Duke in his palace mainly because of his link to his brother and Tiana. He's seen the way the duke would eye his wife which is why he prevented her from coming to this brunch meeting altogether.

"It is a shame that Tiana wasn't able to make it!" spoke Henry's wife, Charlotte. A bubbly blonde who developed a close friendship to Tiana after their first ever introduction to one another.

Nereus couldn't stand her and hated that Henry even brought the woman along with him. But to hush the rumours of the estranged 'friendship' that fell apart after Naveen's death he staged this brunch and will have cameras in the room in a few moments.

"I really hope the camera is shown on my best side," Charlotte said.

Henry laughed, finding his wife's vain comment humourous. "Both of your sides are the best!"

"Oh, Henry! You always know exactly what to say!"

Nereus sighed, standing. "Duchess Charlotte why don't I call in a servant or guard to escort you to Tiana! She's in the nursery I'm assuming!"

Charlotte's eyes brightened. "So she's actually here? In this palace?"

"Yes, she is!"

Henry smiled. "How is she?"

Charlotte snorted. "Tired of course! I know I was exhausted with Georgia, then David and..."

"Guards!" Nereus interrupted the duchess.

Two guards suddenly entered the room. "Yes, your highness?"

"Escort the duchess to the queen! Immediately!"

"Duchess!" Tiana said, stepping into the room, smiling. "Lottie!"

Charlotte squeaked while smiling hard. "Tia!"

Henry stood up and like Nereus, watched as the two women embraced in a hug as cameras flashed.

"My goodness, Tia! Look at you!" Charlotte took Tiana's hands and looked at her figure. "It doesn't even look like you were ever carrying a baby!"

Tiana smiled. "You look good yourself after three children!"

"I agree!" Henry added.

Nereus turned to see Henry eying both women, especially Tiana, who looked was in a dress that not even he would let her wear outside. It showed too much of her shape. He will make certain that she changes.

Henry walked over to give Tiana a hug, grinding Nereus's nerves. Its already been a stress several days with all he's had to endure. The poolroom with Tiana wasn't enough and to see her act like a whore right in his presence was insulting.

Tiana was careful to quickly end the hug as she felt her husband's eyes stabbing through her and she didn't want to deal with him later so she looked away.

"How is the baby? I need to see him!" asked Charlotte.

"The baby is actually right here with the nanny! Lenette!" Tiana called the nanny who was holding the prince, who was wearing emerald green and gold sleeper.

Charlotte gasped. "He's perfect! Oh Tia! Can I hold him?"

Tiana nodded at the nanny who then handed the prince over to the duchess. "He have the most beautiful brown skin, his hair is dark and beautiful! A perfect combination of your hair and..." she looked over at the Maldonian king. "...Nereus's."

Nereus smirked, standing beside his wife and wrapped an arm around her. "We make beautiful children."

Tiana then felt his hand run down her back until cupping at her derriere which startled her with their company in the room.

Charlotte noticed her friend looking uncomfortable and continued. "Tia, you have to show me all the baby gifts you received. "

Henry also noticed Tiana's discomfort and asked. "Are you alright, Tiana?"

Tiana looked over at the two before stepping out of Nereus's grip. "I'm fine, Henry. Um, Charlotte. Why don't I show you the baby's things right now..." And felt Nereus grasp her wrist.

"Tiana..."

She closed her eyes. "Yes?"

"I have a late meeting. I won't see you for dinner. But I expect to see you tonight. Especially since we missed each other these pass several nights before."

"Okay..." She said before he let her go.

Charlotte followed. "Tia!"

Tiana felt embarrassed and didn't say a word as they finally entered the nursery.

"You don't have to be embarrassed Tia. I know how Nereus is!" Charlotte said.

"Everyone knows how he is!" Tiana picked up a toy bear.

"I'm sure you know more about him than any of us," Charlotte added. "But at least he gave you some form of happiness."

Tiana raised a brow. "And what is that?"

"This beautiful baby."

Tiana shook her head.

Charlotte looked at the baby's eyes. "But I will say that he looks like his father. Very handsome! Yes, you look like Naveen!"

"Naveen..." Tiana looked out the window.

The duchess sighed, watching her friend. "You have that same lost look in your eyes since you lost Naveen. You use to have so such life in them. A marriage to Nereus must be difficult."

Tiana didn't want to explain, but felt the need to tell her friend her motives. "It wasn't..."

"I know that it wasn't your choice. I'm just saying what I notice. My mother had that same look after marrying my father for the second time. She loved him during their first marriage and put up with his infidelities until she left him. My brother and I was with her. My father made sure to cut everything off from us. Even not letting companies hire her for jobs or getting us accepted into schools. My mother had no choice but to take him back and remarried him. The lost look in her eyes never left. Even after he died she was still traumatized from all the pain he caused her. When she finally died I know that her soul was at ease. The lost look in her eyes were gone in her deathbed. She for the first time in a long time felt free before dying right before my eyes."

Tiana wiped the tears from her own eyes. "Oh, Lottie..."

"Don't feel bad. Their marriage taught me a lot about marriage, love, sacrifice. I'm sure if she didn't have children she would've found ways of leaving the entire country. But my father had so much control over her. He knew that she wouldn't be too far with us, the children with her..."

The prince began crying.

"Aw! Here's your mama!" Charlotte returned the prince to his mother.

Tiana took her son. "We're suppose to be seeing the baby's things. Not discuss unhappy marriages."

"You're right." Charlotte smiled. "So where did you get all your baby things? Custom made? Designers-

"Why do you want to know all of this? You've already got three children..." Tiana raised a brow and saw a hand on Charlotte's tummy. "Are you pregnant again?"

"Yes!" Exclaimed the blonde.

Tiana gasped. "Lottie!"

Charlotte laughed, covering her mouth with her hands. "Henry can't take his hands off of me!"

The friends spoke more on motherhood and fashion and finally food before they were interrupted by knocking at the doors. Both women rolled their eyes.

"Looks like I have to get going!" Charlotte said, giving the young queen a hug.

"It was good to see you again," Tiana returned the hug.

"Same. And good luck with teaching that beautiful prince on how to swim."

Tiana smiled. "Thanks."

"Love you!"

"Love you!"

Tiana sighed after Charlotte left. "Well Naveen. Looks like it's us two again."

The baby cooed.

"You ready for that swimming lesson?" She gave him a kiss. "Lets get dressed."

()()()()

Poolroom

Teresa watched as the queen lifted her son, who was smiling at his mother and couldn't help but to find the moment beautiful.

"Your son really loves you, your majesty."

Tiana gave her son a kiss. "He's perfect! Just like his father!"

"Don't count yourself out! He will inherit your calming nature. I've never witness any impatience from his part."

"He is calm for a baby," Tiana then stood up. "I'm taking him in the pool with me."

"Be careful your highness! The king will have my head if you twist an ankle and drop his son!" Teresa said with concern.

Tiana laughed. "I'll be fine." Just as she was about to step in the shallow end of the pool with her son the doors to the room bust open to an enraged Nereus and a nanny standing behind.

"Take my son from her!" He ordered.

Tiana held on to the infant prince. "What is the meaning of this?"

"We need to talk," he said, walking over to see his son. "Very handsome like his father..." Without hesitation he grabbed at the infant and held him in his arms. "Hello, son."

Startled by the impact the young prince began crying which annoyed the king. "Here Lenette, take my son! I have a few choice words to share with his ungrateful mother."

Teresa stepped forward. "Your highness-

"Get out, Teresa!" Nereus exclaimed.

The servant followed directions, concerned for her queen's safety.

"My son..." Tiana went after the nanny when Nereus grasped her shoulder and pushed her on the opposite direction. Tiana caught herself from falling, hitting the wall, but wasn't able to fight off Nereus as he pressed himself onto her backside.

"You thought I'd forget about you not coming to my bed these past coiple of nights?" He grabbed the bottom of her bathing suit. "And the nerve of you wearing a dress as revealing as that in front of my guests!"

"No," she whispered, not prepared to face his assault. "I'll come to you tonight...with you dealing with Giodonia, the aids from Conutane and you falling sleep-

"I'm never too busy for sex, Tiana. I have whores on a nightly basis." Nereus kissed her neck.

"I'm not ready for this..." Tiana then shuddered at his kisses. "No, Nereus..."

"Mmm. Keep saying it...," he put his hand between her legs, moving the material that covered her woman essential and began pressing against her pearl.

Tiana felt him rubbing against her and tried her best to fight him off. "No Nereus I don't want this...please..."

This turned Nereus on even more to where he lifted her leg up awkwardly while undoing his trousers. "Keep your leg up for me." He instructed.

Tiana frowned in discomfort.

"You can't hide from me now." He breathed darkly and roughly entered her.

Tiana shut her eyes tightly as he tore inside of her. The pain felt like he was ripping through her, the friction was beginning to make her skin feel as if it were on fire. Her moaning was from pain.

Lydia was walking into the room to leave more towels when she heard grunting and moaning. Thinking it were servants fooling around after Tiana left early she stepped into the room. She gasped at the royal couple before hurrying out of the room.

Nereus groped her as he continued pounding, knowing that she was in pain which aroused him to his peak.

"Tiana... Tiana...uh..." When he was finished, he pulled out, seeing blood on himself. It gave him great satisfaction.

"It was like fucking a virgin," Nereus finally said, dressing himself.

Tiana couldn't stand at this point as her legs felt like jello. Her womanhood was on fire. The tears she fought so hard began falling out.

Nereus saw her and laughed. "And to think that it is only the first of many rounds I'll have with you," He got down to caress her face. "I'll see you in my bed tonight."

Tiana forced herself to stand as he was walking out the room and once the door was slammed shut, she fell onto the hard surface, breaking down in tears. The hate she had for Nereus was beyond how she felt for the deceased Facilier. A man who killed her own father. The amount of humiliation she felt through the hands of the Maldonian king has never been as painful as what she was feeling at the moment.

When she heard someone walking into room. She shook her head in terror. "Please Nereus...no more please!"

"Tiana it's me, Lydia!"

Tiana looked up to see her friend with hurt and concern in her eyes.

"Are you alright?"

"He...forced himself on me," Tiana confessed.

"I'm so sorry!" Lydia gave her a hug. "I know you never loved him."

"He told me that I wouldn't be any use to him after I gave birth," she said.

"He's asked for you..."

"He has but the situations in Giodonia and other allied countries...and his whores."

"He was distracted long enough," Lydia said, noticing the blood on the queen's legs. "Are you alright?"

"I am. I'll call the midwife once I get myself clean. "

"I'll call her in."

"And my son..." Tiana began.

"I will bring him to you!" Lydia said.

()()()()

"You should be alright, your majesty," explained the midwife. "The bleeding was caused from lack of lubrication. After childbirth the vagina could suffer from dryness which makes intercourse-

"He forced himself on me!" Tiana confessed.

The midwife paused for a moment. "Oh, Tiana..."

"He said that I would be no use for him after the baby." Tiana truly hated Nereus and should've known that wouldn't he keep his word.

"Your husband, the king is a very demanding man. Like most men in his class are they expect to always get what they want."

"I never came to him when he requested-

"I'm sure you were warned about him..."

"I was but I also thought that I wouldn't have to be with him unless we're in a press conference or gala."

"I've known King Nereus since he was born. He and King Naveen were as opposite as mirrors. While Naveen would've been patient-

"I would never deny Naveen! He was a gentleman. An honourable man. Someone I love..."

"And Nereus is still your husband. No matter how you feel about him. He isn't a good man but he still owns you as cynical as it may sound."

"Really, I don't..."

"I know you don't want to hear, but if you want to protect yourself and I mean all of yourself. You will submit. It's the only way with a sadistic man like that."

"He wants me to sleep with him tonight."

"Perhaps I can speak with him on postponing that meeting," said the midwife who heard Tiana crying. "I can always give you a natural herb for making things easier and sensitive for you. That way you will not bleed and you could enjoy his advances..."

"It's been almost a year since I've seen Naveen for the last time," Tiana admitted.

The midwife nodded. "He was a good man. A gentleman..."

"I miss him so much!"

"We all do! He was an honourable man and king!" Remembered the midwife. "He was a good boy child!"

Tiana wiped her tears. "Knowing that I'll never see him again makes everything much worse."

The midwife rubbed the young queen's back. "You know the only way to prevent this again is to-

"I know...not fight," Tiana said, trying to stand. "Ugh!"

"Let me help you!" Lydia assisted her and saw a purple bruise on the queen's left thigh. "I'll run you a bath and get the herb. Its in a tea from Jystestria"

"Jystestria?" Tiana heard of the very liberal kingdom.

"Yes, and I recommend two cups and no more of the tea. It may also effect your sleep, but with you dreaming of the late king there shouldn't be an issue."

Tiana wondered what was taking Lydia so long. "I want my baby. Can you call in Lydia to bring him in?"

"Yes, and in the meantime you take your bath. I'll also bring up your tea."

()()()()

Border Of Maldonia -

Imani watched in disappointment as the spell she tried putting together failed miserably before her eyes. Sleeping with Micheal was a waste of time...

'That was amazing, Imani!' Micheal said, out of breath. 'Especially with your grandmother leaving this morning and not worrying about making any noise.'

Imani fingered the man's buffed chest with her idea in mind. 'I need you to do something for me.'

'Anything,' he said.

She quickly got out of the bed. 'I'll make us brunch!' Pulling on her robe.

Micheal smirked, getting out of the bed to circle his muscular arms around her frame. 'You can always cook breakfast naked. Nobody else is here!' He kissed her neck.

Imani rolled her eyes. 'Can you throw that hair that's on the table into the bowl for me? I forgot to do it!'

Micheal raised a brow. 'Hair?' and spotted it on the table. 'Who's hair is this?'

Imani turned to face him. 'Don't you want me to make you breakfast?' disrobing herself.

Micheal was so distracted that he picked up the hair and pout it in the bowl.

She smiled. 'You like sausage or ham?'...

...

"Ugh!"

She then plopped on her bed and began crying just as the front door to her home opened.

"Imani! Where are you!"

Her eyes shot open by the booming sound of Naveen's voice. Wiping away her tears, she rushed out of the room where she was engulfed in his strong arms.

"My love!"

Her eyes widen, shocked. "Ophir?"

He set her down and pulled her in for a kiss.

Shocked, Imani didn't know how to react until she then realized that her spell did work. Pleased she happily returned the kiss.

"I love you, Imani!" He said through their kisses.

Imani laughed. "I love you, too!"

"Marry me!" Naveen exclaimed.

"Yes!" She screamed.

Ebele walked into the house just as she heard the proposal and was stunned to see the two kissing. "What are you two doing?"

Imani pulled form the kiss with a huge grin on her lips. "We're getting married, grandma!"

Naveen turned to the older woman, smiling himself. "I love your granddaughter, Ebele. And I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

Ebele saw his reddish brown eyes now knowing that dark magic was behind his sudden decision. She grabbed Imani's wrist. "Come with me!"

"Wait!" Naveen said, following them,.

Ebele glared at him while pointing her finger, stopping him. "This is between me and my granddaughter!"

As they walked in the kitchen Imani laughed in satisfaction.

"What the hell did you do?" Ebele asked.

"Whatever it took to claim Naveen for myself!"

"This will not work at the end! You do know that?"

"Just face it, grandma! I won!" Imani said boldly. "Now if you excuse me I'm going to plan a wedding with my fiance!"

"You marry that man and you are no longer welcome in this house! Or family!" Ebele threatened.

Imani raised her brows. "Grandma!"

"You might as well change your name because you will be a disgrace to our family name! We don't believe in black magic and whomever you went to will want something in return," she then looked the young woman up and down. "Unless you've already given to him!"

"Then I guess it will be worth it for me since the man I went to is already dead!"

"If it makes you happy," Ebele said. "But don't be surprise when this little plan blow up in your face! One man is not worth whatever morals you still have!"

Imani narrowed her eyes before storming out the kitchen. "No one is going to ruin the life I deserve with Naveen!" She then walked over to him.

"Imani! My love!" He circled his arms around her.

"We'll be leaving tonight," she said.

Naveen frowned. "To where?"

Imani caressed his chiseled jaw. "I know a place."

()()()()

Patras, Maldonia

"What is this place?" asked Naveen, curious as to why Imani brought him to an apartment in the middle of what looked like a very busy city.

"This was my residence before I moved back in with my grandmother.," she answered, turning on the light. "We can live here."

Naveen then turned and brought her in his arms. "I love you."

Imani smiled, staring into his eyes which looked obviously different, but she didn't care. He was under her spell and belonged to her. "I love you, too!" She pressed her lips on his. "Make love to me." She pulled from the kiss, taking his hand with hers as they headed to the bedroom. Imani laid back on the bed as Naveen joined her. "Give me a son..."

Naveen ran his hand over her cheek, seeing lust in his dream girl's eyes. "Before marriage?"

She frowned. "What?"

"You told me how important it is in your culture to hold off consummation until after you're married."

Imani noticed his reddish brown eyes changing to solid red, but still didn't want to lose him. "I change my mind, Ophir. I want a son."

Naveen gazed at the woman's face, seeing Tiana instead. "Then I will give you a son, mi benita..."

Imani returned his gaze, remembering Facilier's exact words on the spell...

'You will win his heart just as he will picture the love of his life in his...'

...

Imani was so caught up in her plan to win the next man that she fell in love with heart. That at the end of all the sacrifice and scheming, Tiana was still the one woman in Naveen's heart.

"Mi benita, mi Tiana"

Her eyes welled as he entered her. As she was making love to him. He was making love to Tiana. In her mind she could hear Facilier's voice:

'You will win his heart just as he will picture the love of his life in his.'