A/N: This will be my final 'T' rated chapter! The next chapter and beyond will be rated 'M'. If you would like to see Tiana's gown and hairstyle for the coronation, I have it posted on my profile. I do not own PATF or Disney. Enjoy and R&R!
Because He Loves Me
Naveen's Strength Part One
Tiana walked through Naveen's bedroom after saying goodnight to Marcel. She was just about to head to the bathroom when she heard,
"Tiana! Over here!"
She turned to see Naveen laying in his and smiled. "I didn't know you were in here."
Naveen returned the grin and opened his arms, getting out of the bed. "Come here and give your very handsome husband a hug."
Tiana rolled her eyes. "Are you serious? Handsome husband?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "I think I am."
She sighed and went over to give him his hug.
"Mmm." He moaned, rubbing his hand up and down her back. "You feel really good in my arms, TiaBee"
She opened her eyes. "What did you just call me?"
He chuckled. "TiaBee."
She frowned when she heard Naveen's voice sounding more like... "Vance?" And looked up at the blonde hair man.
He laughed. "Hello, TiaBee." And tried kissing her.
"No!" She pulled out of his hold. "What have you done to my husband?"
"Naveen?" He walked up closer to her. "What are you talking about? You were with me all along."
She tried to make a run for it to the door, but Vance grabbed her by the arm pushed her onto the dresser. "Give me what I want." He lowered down to kiss her.
"No!" Tiana grabbed a hair brush and slapped it across the man's face.
"Ah shit!" He yelled in pain. "I'll take what's mine!"
Tiana ran over to the bed where she saw a hand gun. She quickly took a hold of it while Vance took the other end.
"Give me the gun, TiaBee." His blue eyes almost looked as if it were turning red.
"No!" She cried, accidentally pulling the trigger. The bullet went through Vance's neck, killing him right on the shot.
She gasped, dropping the gun to check on the fallen man. But when she went down to see him, instead she saw Naveen dead with the gunshot wound. Her heart dropped
"Naveen! No!" She cried, resting her lifeless husband's head on her lap. "Naveen..."
…
Naveen opened his eyes to see his wife tossing and turning while calling out his name. "Hey, Tiana. Wake up."
She opened her eyes to see her husband with a puzzled and concern look. She shot up to wrap her arms around him. "Oh Naveen."
He rubbed her back. "Another nightmare?"
Tiana took a deep breath before answering. "Yes..."
"Was it about Vance?" He asked.
When she didn't answer he knew her answer. "Vance would never step foot in the palace. He wouldn't even make it to the border of the country."
She pulled from the hug to press her lips onto his for a passionate kiss.
"Mmm." Naveen moaned, pulling her on top of him.
Tiana pulled from the kiss, both catching thier breaths.
"Achidonza..." Naveen said in a low husky voice. "We have four hours to spare." He tried pulling her in for another kiss, but to his disappointment Tiana stopped him.
"We don't have four hours to spare and if we did it wouldn't be doing this." She put a finger on his lips. Relieved that the nightmare was just that. A nightmare.
Naveen laughed and gave her finger a kiss. "Today is hell on earth or to other, the coronation. Which is in…" He looked at the clock and sighed. "…four hours. Noon."
"Our last time sleeping in this room." She said.
Naveen nodded, agreeing. "Replacing everything that was once in that room for the past century. There's no way in hell that we would be sharing the same bed as my parents. Tradition won't let that happen for us!" He kissed her on top of the head. "But we can postpone the ceremony so that we can always in bed all day."
Just then, a knock could be heard.
Naveen made sure that Tiana put on her robe before he told whomever to come in.
Tiana's assistant and Naveen's valet entered into the room.
"Good morning your highnesses." They both said.
Naveen groaned and looked over to his wife. "I'll see you and Marcel in a couple of hours?"
Tiana gave him a kiss before they both got out of the bed. Naveen walking with his valet and Tiana with hers.
()()()()
Tiana was getting her hair styled by the royal hair stylists and never seen her hair straightened before. It reached just above her waist. A very different change from her natural curly texture that only reached just past her shoulder blades.
"You have beautiful hair your majesty." Complimented the hair stylist. "Are you sure you want me to style it to an up-do?"
"Yes." She answered.
Once the stylist was done with her, she applied a small amount of golden glitter on the top. Soon her make up team applied light foundation, fake eyelashes over her real ones as well as berry coloured lipstick onto her lips. For some odd reason she never cared for fake lashes because they always felt too heavy so they were eventually taken off and replaced with mascara. The shoes she wore was made out of solid gold but was thankful that they had soft cushion inside. Oddly enough, her gown was the last to be put on completing her entire look, her Maldonian sash was gold and part of the skirt of her gown.
All the stylists looked at her in awe.
"You are gorgicia." One of the stylist complimented in Maldonian.
Tiana looked at her appearance in the mirror and couldn't agree more. But didn't completely feel right after realizing what all of this way for. A ceremony for her husband to be crowned king and her his queen. Something she thought would never happen. She knew that she had to be the strong one today as all through their relationship Naveen has dreaded the life of royalty, the responsibilities were stressful as she already got a taste of it from being here in such a brief amount of time.
She then closed her eyes and saw Naveen's honey colour eyes gazing back at her with a small curl on his lips. He was holding their son to complete her vision, making her smile herself. Today she will try her best to keep their already strong family even stronger just by reminding him of how important this is for them, their family, their country. Just as he was there for her during the restaurant, Vance's harassments, their struggle to have children, their fight for never losing sight of what's really important. She will always be there for her husband. Through with every obstacle, no matter how difficult it will be.
"How do you feel, your majesty?" Asked one of the tailors.
Tiana smiled at her appearance. "I feel beautiful." And turned to face the women. "How do I look?"
"Like a queen, your highness." They all said and curtsied.
She could only sigh and wonder how her husband was feeling at this very moment.
()()()()
Naveen looked at his appearance through the mirror and couldn't almost recognize himself. His uniform was a lot stiffer than his prince uniform, or at least he thought it felt that way. The colour of the military uniform was royal blue with a turquoise sash going over his left shoulder. There were some medals he earned from being a member of the Maldonian Navy and from his time as prince. It wasn't as much as his father's but enough to show the world that he wasn't always the philandering party boy the media portrayed him as. It wasn't easy.
He sighed as he thought about the hardships he had to endure just to make it through the entire four years in the Navy. But there were also good times with the private parties and girlfriends that didn't mean anything to him. Which ignited his wild life. His parents would warn him of his irresponsibilities but he refused to listen. Then the day finally came when his parents finally cut him off after the press caught him in bed with four women at a high profile hotel with thousands of dollars worth of alcohol and ganjo, an herbal drug that almost ruined his life.
"Ganjo." Naveen remembered his former addiction.
His valet looked over at the prince with a raised eyebrow. "You want some ganjo, your majesty?"
"What?" He frowned at the man through the mirror. "No, that's the last thing I want." But he could remember the last time he needed one...
...
"I have warned you time after time, Naveen!" Scolded an angry Kabir.
Naveen watched as his father paced back and fourth in his office. "I was simply having the time of my life, papa!"
"The time of you life? Sleeping with countless of women, spending our money on alcohol and narcotics isn't having the time of your life. It is living irresponsibly!"
"But you're the one who encouraged me to have fun while I was away! Be a man and enjoy all the beautiful women who are willing to give themselves up to me. A very handsome Naveen, prince of Maldonia." Bragged the egotistical prince.
Kabir didn't find his son funny at all. "You are also suppose to be careful when you're out having your fun! Perhaps one of those whores called the press over to set you up you foolish young man!"
Naveen shrugged his shoulders. "Eh. Whores will be whores."
"And you have narcotics on top of that!" Kabir shouted. "I am very disappointed in you, Naveen! You are the heir to the throne-
Naveen sighed.
"Do not sigh at me!" Kabir snapped, walking over to him. "I have had enough of your childish antics and irresponsibility."
"Papa-
"You are now cut off from the family financially. We cannot afford to keep paying for you shaming us." The angry king backed away from his son to hold on a chair for support.
"But where would I get money from?" Asked a half concerned Naveen.
"I suppose you figure that out for yourself. Prince of Maldonia!" The king mocked him.
Naveen laughed. "I know you're joking, yes?"
"Does it look like I'm am playing a joking manner to you?" Asked the man.
He saw how serious his father was looking and the vein popping from his forehead. So he went over to his mother. "Mother, you can't possibly go along with this-
"You know your mother's words mean nothing in this discussion." Said Kabir.
Nagina looked away, with tears forming in her eyes.
"Time after time I have warned you that women could not be trusted and for money a whore threw you under the bus! Perhaps some time away from here will do you some good." Said Kabir.
"But I have no money where would I go?" Asked Naveen.
"New Orleans."
Naveen's eyes were wider than his smile. "Really? New Orleans? Achidonza!"
"But not for a good time. For work and taking the hand in marriage of a sugar mill owner's daughter."
"Ugh." Naveen groaned with disappointment. "I don't have time for marriage. I want to travel the world! Live my life!"
"Well you better find it elsewhere because it won't be from me!" Kabir warned.
()()()()
On the ship...
Naveen couldn't believe his parents cut him off and on top of that send him to New Orleans with no more than two thousand dontas, four thousand US dollars.
Looking out at the approaching city of New Orleans, Naveen wondered. "How can I live off of four thousand US dollars in such a city like New Orleans? I would spend this amount on a haircut!"
"It is time you come here under one purpose, sire." Started Lawrence, his valet. "And that is to marry Charlotte La Bouff."
Naveen sighed. "The last thing I want to do is be tied down to some dame. Do you know how many beautiful women are out there waiting for me to make them quiver in ecstasy?"
"Yes...if only I were as good looking as you." Lawrence said, shaking his head.
"Boarding New Orleans!" Shouted the announcer after the ship blew its horn.
"Achidonza!" Naveen said and leaned on his short valet. "Well Lawrence, I have a feeling that my time in New Orleans will change my life for the better."
Lawrence groaned. "One can hope."
...
And little did he know that his life did change for the better, all thanks to Tiana. When he first saw her he knew that there was something different about her, and the fact that she didn't fall at his feet just as the other women have done to him was definitely a first. She actually knocked his ego down several notches which also never happened to him before. Sure his father would throw a few verbal blows, but it never bothered him as it did with Tiana. Then there was her dream and how meaningful it was to her. And the more he saw that fire in her eyes, the more he wanted to be a part of that dream with her. When they married he felt as if his life was, but of course with life comes surprises and that's where Marcel and this new baby came into the picture. All because of Tiana. His dream, his heart, his life, his strength.
'Mi benita' He thought to himself as he looked back at his reflection, and this time, he was beginning to recognize himself again. He was still the same man who loved jazz, dance and his family. His uniform was the only thing that had changed, a sword hanging from his belt.
He took a deep inhale and exhale, now ready to face his next step in life. Becoming a king.
"Erek."
The valet bowed at the prince. "Would you like to see your stylists again, your highness?"
"No, I'm ready." He said, walking toward the door. "But how do I look?"
"You look like a king, sire." Erek said with a smile.
Naveen didn't give the man a response, he simply walked out of the room.
()()()()
"I wonder where he could be?" Tiana wondered, she sat in the royal family waiting room with Marcel, who wore his prince uniform and a nanny sitting near by. Her assistant Rachaal was fixing her dress.
When the doors open Naveen walked in the room, and smiled when he saw his wife in her gold gown.
"You look beautiful." He said, taking her hands and kissing them.
Tiana smiled and teased. "You look very handsome. But don't stick me with that sword."
Naveen laughed a little. "I'll try not to." He made Tiana do a little spin for him. "So this is what got my mother all in a rage over? This dress was made for your body." He then pulled her in his arms. "A second layer of skin...if Marcel and the servants weren't in here..."
"You wouldn't be doing anything." Tiana playfully pushed him away.
"Hi daddy!" Marcel pulled at his father's leg trouser.
"Hey there Marcel." Naveen picked him up. "Are you nervous about today?"
The toddler shook his head 'no'.
Naveen smiled as he sat his son back down on the floor before looking his wife's way. "Well I am. I actually wish this day never happened."
Tiana heart broke for her husband and caressed his face. "Well hey, it least it's temporary. Until your father gets well."
He nodded his head, agreeing with her. But had an awful feeling that it wouldn't be the case.
"Sire, it's time." Said Erek.
Naveen took a deep breath, not paying any attention to the man as his mind was clouded by a long miserable life in Maldonia.
"Naveen?" Tiana softly called out his name.
"Hmm?" His eyes went back at hers.
"It's time for us to go." She took his hand. "Duty calls."
He sighed. "Duty calls."
()()()()
Naveen was the first to walk down the aisle. He could see his father, mother, his brother and Marcel all awaiting for him at the other end of the hall along with family, friends and allies all watching him from their seats. He had to keep a straight face throughout the march and hold a very stiff posture along the way. Something that he has not done since living in the royal palace. He dreaded this life but what could he do now? His father couldn't continue to rule for now, his brother was much too young and his cousin would literally ruin Maldonia. 'Duty calls' He tried convincing himself as he finally made it to his family. He stood before his father, who remained seated in his wheelchair.
Tiana watched from a distance as her husband got down his knees, lowering his head as his father spoke Maldonian while crowing him. On the outside no one could tell how he felt about this, but she knew what was going on in his head and it hurt her to see his dreams shattering before her very eyes.
Kabir with teary eyes proudly placed the crown onto his son's head. Naveen rose back up to see his father's appreciative gaze and could wish he felt the same way.
"Now your majesty." Said Racheel. "Remember to smile with grace, walk with elegance."
Tiana put on a soft smile as the music began for her to walk out to. Her heart raced as she continued to smiled while walking, she didn't understand the concept of Naveen looking serious while she had to smile. It was silly but what could she do? It was all tradition. As she walked further down the aisle she then realized that there were hundreds of people staring her down, people who she didn't know which got her a little nervous. At least at her second wedding with Naveen she knew at least half the guests. Then out of nowhere she remembered that she had on a tight dress that was made out of pure gold and the material was beginning to weigh down on her, but she held her own and would soon reach her royal family soon enough.
Finally making it to her husband who took her hand. She walked over to Nagina and curtsied, next was Kanad, Marcel, who was held by a nanny, then Kabir and finally back to her husband where she curtsied before getting down on her knees.
Nagina handed Naveen the queen's tiara and suddenly he began speaking Maldonian, giving her the rights to becoming queen. Once he was done, he carefully helped her back up to face the audience, who applaud for the two.
"Mama! Daddy!" Marcel reached out for his parents.
Naveen picked up his already crowned son and wrapped an arm around his wife. The realization of his new position already sinking in.
()()()()
Later during the reception dinner Naveen stood with his wife and son feeling miserable about not only his new title, but having to drag them right into it with him. The four glasses of wine didn't help either. He looked down at his wife who gave him a supportive grin and could tell that she was feeling the exact same way.
"I'm sorry, Tiana." He softly apologized.
"What for?" She asked, holding Marcel's hand. "We're in this together."
"If there was one regret I made in my life..." He sighed. "...it was agreeing to taking over the crown." He confessed loud enough for only her to hear.
"Naveen..." She said as he took another glass of wine from a servant who was serving alcohol. "...you should slow down on the wine."
He downed the drink as Pierre came their way.
"The new king and queen of Maldonia." He said, looking at Tiana. "My don't you look delicious."
Naveen sighed out of annoyance and handed the empty glass to another servant. "What do you want, Pierre?"
"To simply congratulate you two." Pierre's eyes wondered on Tiana before returning to his cousin's. "You must feel incredibly powerful to know that you are now a king of an entire country."
Tiana hated the sound of Pierre's voice, she would take the weight of her dress and morning sickness over hearing him any day.
"My nephew, niece and great nephew!" Said Naveen's aunt Jasmine.
Pierre was surprised to see the woman. "Mother! I didn't know that you came!"
"I would never miss Naveen becoming king." She hugged her nephew. "My younger brother was right."
"How are you doing, Aunt Jasmine?" Asked Naveen.
"I am superb!" She then gave Tiana a hug and stood back to get a better look at her. "Oh I love modern queens! You are stunning, magnificenta (magnificent), scrumptious!"
Tiana smiled. "Thank you, Jasmine."
Marcel hid behind his mother as the woman approached him. "Hello cutie."
The toddler went to his mother's side.
Jasmine laughed. "He will get use to me someday! It was good to see you both." She said, taking Pierre's hand.
"What are you doing?" He frowned.
"You're coming with me!" She winked at the couple before dragging her son away with her as if he was a child about to be scolded.
Naveen sighed again, catching Tiana's attention. "Naveen, if you want to, we can le-
His lips interrupted hers in a kiss. "Excuse me." And walked right out of the ballroom.
Tiana was about to go after him when she remembered that Marcel was still with her. So she decided to give him his space. Hearing his small confession sadden her, but him drinking is what really concerned her because he just left without telling her where he was heading to. She could only hope to speak with him about it later before he does something that could do more harm for him than good later.
"Mama." Marcel lightly tapped at his mother thigh for attention.
"Yes, baby?" She asked.
"Where did daddy go?"
"Daddy needed some time for himself." She said, giving her son a small and hopeful smile.
But the young prince was aware that something wasn't right. "Why?"
Tiana sadly sighed. Not knowing how to answer the simple question.
"Is daddy sad, mama?" He asked with raised eyebrows.
"He just needed some alone, baby." She looked around until she spotted a table full of treats. "Why don't we get some ice cream, okay?"
Marcel nodded his head as he and his mother walked over to the ice cream table.
()()()()
Naveen sat in the gazebo house using scotch on the rocks as his temporary antidepressant. The wine he down earlier was strong, but not enough to help him escape his pain of officially being crowned king.
Erek his valet watched as the young king drowned his sorrows. He partly blamed himself for suggesting the beverage. "Is that all, sire?"
He shook his head and slammed the small glass onto the table. "Another round."
The valet followed orders and poured more of the liquor into the glass. "How old is this beverage?"
Naveen shrugged. "Fifty, sixty years old? How should I know?" And he downed the shot.
Erek raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Naveen saw the gesture and slurred out. "What?"
"Don't you think that you should be returning back to the reception before it ends, your highness?"
He simply waved his hand at the man before downing another glass. "Why don't you leave me to drink in peace?"
"You've been gone for nearly two hours and her majesty is awfully worried about you. While putting away your sword and belt she came over to me asking many questions on your whereabouts."
Naveen pushed the empty glass away as he rested his head on the marble table. "You didn't tell her where I was?"
"Well, I didn't think that you'd want her to see you this way."
He rose his head up to look at the man in disbelief. "To see me this way? What the hell does that suppose to mean?"
The valet grew nervous and regretted his answer. "I apologize, your majesty. Her majesty would love to see you-
"GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!" Naveen scolded the man.
Erek bowed before leaving the king alone in the large candle lit room.
Naveen let out a sigh as he thought about Tiana and how disappointed she would be if he did see him this way. So he got up from the his chair and decided to rest on the couch where he pulled out a locket from his pocket. Opening it he saw his favourite picture of him, Tiana and Marcel during one of their happy times in New Orleans. He now had a love/hate relationship with the city, but he truly appreciated the normal life he once had with his small family. The life that was stolen by what he thought of was the curse of the royals.
"I love you both." He kissed the picture before drifting off to a quick and deep slumber.
()()()()
