The Thrill Of It All II
The Engagement
Two weeks came and went since Derek's first dinner with Tiana and everything seemed to be all right with the two. She still didn't trust him but felt appreciated in a sense that he did enjoyed her cooking. Never nitpicking as Jacques have for the two times she made him dinner there were more and more differences she noticed between the two men.
"I was hoping we marry in June," Derek said after finishing dessert.
"That's less than two months," Tiana said.
He raised his brows. "We could do September if you like. I don't want to rush you."
Tiana snorted, standing from the table. Not convinced.
"What?" Derek smiled.
"Funny hearing you not wanting to rush me into anything. Jacques was all about getting things done as soon as possible," she remembered bitterly.
"But I'm not Jacques," Derek stood up and walked over to her, taking her hand. "I'm Derek and we actually contrast more than you realize."
Tiana looked down at his hand, several shades lighter than her beautiful brown shade before looking into his light brown eyes. He was a handsome man just like her husband, but unlike her husband she saw that the man cared. And it still wasn't enough to convince her that he was a good man.
Derek realized that he was still holding her hand and let it go. "I'm sorry."
"No, it's...um, so would you like more crumb cake?" she asked, slightly stepping away from him.
He shook his head. "No, I'm stuffed." and pulled out a small glassed box from his pocket. "I've been meaning to give this to you."
Tiana saw the box and knew what it was. "A ring?"
"A ring that meant so much that I've always kept it. Not even my ex-wife knew of it," he opened the box to a red diamond ring.
Tiana was surprised at how beautiful it was. "Its beautiful."
"Its yours," he said, getting down on one knee.
She frowned. "What are you doing?"
"I want to do this right. Its been a dream of mine," he smiled.
Tiana felt awkward as the man stared up at her.
"I will fight to my last breath for you to return my love for you. Tiana, mi vuoi sposare?"
She frowned, puzzled at what he said. "What?"
"Oh right. You only know English. I asked will you marry me in Italian," Derek explained.
Tiana suddenly felt nauseous and ran upstairs to the nearest bathroom.
Once she was done she rinsing her mouth and wondered what she just heard was for real? Did Derek propose to despite already being engaged?
"Tiana?" Derek asked from outside the bathroom.
"I'm-I'm all right Derek," she said, closing the mouthwash bottle.
"I suppose that proposal was a bit much," he put his hands in his pocket. "Would you like for me to walk you to your room?"
She shook her head. "I'm fine...really."
"Are you sure?"
Tiana was confused and walked out of the bathroom, down the stairs.
"But the ring is really important to me," he followed her.
Tiana made it to the living room and could sense him nearing her. She turned to face him. "I'm sure it is but don't waste the ring on me."
Derek pulled the box out of his pocket again while taking her hand. "I promised my grandmother that I will give this to the woman I love."
"Derek..." Tiana closed her eyes in disbelief.
"I've loved you since I was sixteen and you were fourteen..."
Tiana sighed and looked at him. "I think its time for you to go home."
"Do you not like gifts?" he asked, slightly offended.
"I love them but..." she stopped when feeling the ring slip through her ring finger.
"I appreciate the dinners every night Tiana. And as long as you are willing to cook me breakfast and dinner every day then I will love you the way a man is supposed to love a woman." he leaned over and briefly pressed his lips against her. "Buonanotte bella."
Tiana didn't understand the last bit but it sounded beautiful. She pulled away and locked the door as soon as he left. Still in disbelief at what just happened. Despite already being engaged to Derek and having dinner with him for the past two weeks he pops out a ring that belonged to his late grandmother and she threw up after hearing his proposal.
She hardly ever got nauseous over anything. Not even dealing with Jacques.
She figured that stress was the reason for her sudden sickness and knew that it was time to rest. Looking down at the beautiful red diamond ring she pulled it off and made sure to set it in her jewelry box. The last thing she'd be wearing is a ring from Derek Conti.
()()()()
Maldonia -
"I'm actually sadden with this departure," said king Salehe of Akinikyi.
"It was a pleasure having you and your family here to visit for the past two weeks," Naveen said, walking down the corridor with the older man.
The Akinikyian king sighed, then stopped walking altogether. "Which is why I'm leaving my daughter here to stay a while longer."
Naveen frowned but nodded. "She can stay for as long as she pleases."
"Hopefully for the rest of her life," the older man added.
Naveen took the hint. "You are aware that I have no interest in marrying anytime soon?"
"I'm sure she will change your mind," he smiled.
Naveen also smiled but it wasn't so sincere. "She will always be a friend to me."
"Friendship makes a successful marriage."
"Thinking of marrying again, father?" Nyah asked, leaving one the libraries the palace held.
"Nyah," Selehe linked his arm with his daughter's. "I was speaking with my dear young friend on the prospects of marriage."
"Oh" she blushed. "Well I won't hold you two."
"No, I am to leave shortly," he winked at her. "You enjoy your stay here my beautiful daughter, and as for Naveen," he extended his hand. "I hope to come back for a wedding."
Naveen shook his hand and decided to not say another word on the topic, but now found himself alone with Nyah who stood quietly waiting for him to make any gesture. "Your father informed me of you staying a while longer?"
"Yes," she smiled at him.
Naveen could see the girl was beautiful, but lacked the fire he saw in Tiana. There he go comparing other women to Tiana again. It was time he moved on from her and try to make something work. Tiana did mention her forming a friendship with Jacques on the final the months of his life. Marriage based on friendships worked to a certain extent.
"Would you like to go for a walk?" he asked with a forced smile.
"I'd like that very much," Nyah said and they walked down the corridor and stairs leading to the Azalea Garden. "Its beautiful out here!"
"Its a popular garden," Naveen said a little too quickly, thinking of his son.
Nyah looked up at him, taking his hand. "Your highness?"
He looked down at her and said, "Call me Naveen."
"Naveen," she loved how his name sounded. In fact she loved everything about him. "Naveen..."
Daniel watched the two walking hand and hand feeling betrayed. He ran to the nearest room that possessed a telephone and called his mother, already knowing what to dial and say.
"Hello?" Tiana answered.
"I want to come home mama."
She heard the emotion in his voice and grew worried. "What is it?"
"Its daddy," he tried his hardest to suppress his tears.
"What's wrong? Is he all right?"
"Yes," tears ran down his cheeks. "Mama I want to go home."
Tiana figured he missed her just as she did with him. "Everything will be all right, baby. Would you like for me to sing you a song?"
He nodded.
"Daniel?" she asked after not hearing a response.
"Yes" he remembered that his mother wasn't physically with him.
Tiana began humming before singing softly:
When I lost faith
You believed in me
When I stumbled
You were right there
For every act of love you've done
I owe you one
There were hard times
I know we survived
Just because you stayed by my side
With all I have with all I am
I promise you all my life
Whenever the road is too long
Whenever the wind is too strong
Wherever this journey may lead to
I will be there for you
I will be there for you...
Naveen walked into the room after his brief time with Nyah and saw his son nodding off while listening to what sounded like his mother singing to him...
Through sorrow
On the darkest night
When there's heartache
Deep down inside
Just like a prayer you will be there
And I promise you all my life...
Naveen gently brought his son in his arm while using the other to hold the receiver on his ear. His heart literally skipped at the angelic sound of her voice and listened on...
Whenever the road is too long
Whenever the wind is too strong
Wherever this journey may lead to
I will be there for you
I will be there for you
I'll always be there ...
Tiana inhaled and exhaled before saying, "Are you all right now Daniel?"
"He fell asleep."
She was startled by Naveen's voice. "He sounded upset when he called."
"He misses you," Naveen said 'I miss you' he thought mentally.
"I'll be there in a few weeks. Well...um, how have you been doing?" she asked, trying to avoid any awkward silence.
"I've been great. I thought being king would be difficult to handle. Being a father is tougher than the Prime Minister of Giodonia," he said honestly.
"Mmhm," Tiana nodded. "Its the toughest job. But he is a good kid."
"He must have gotten it from you because I drove all my servants mad with running around and breaking everything."
Tiana laughed a little. "Yes, he definitely got his behavior from me." she then heard the doorbell ringing. "I better let you go. I have to finish dinner..."
"Dinner? Mm. You've been doing a lot of that lately," he remembered Daniel telling him all the dishes she would prepare.
"I have. You take care and kiss Daniel for me," Tiana hated having to hang up.
"Same here and I will," Naveen said, not wanting to hang up the phone.
"Goodbye," Naveen disconnected the call and carried his son up the stairs.
"Naveen!" Nyah followed him up the stairs.
With Tiana on his mind he didn't hear the woman call his name until he made it to Daniel's door.
"Naveen!"
"I'm going to put him down for his nap, okay?" he told the girl and closed the door behind him.
Once he took off his son's shoes and tucked him in he left the room where Nyah was still waiting for him.
"He's a beautiful boy," she gazed up at him.
"Thank you," Naveen smiled a little. "I was actually going to do some paperwork in my office."
"I can watch!" she beamed.
He raised a brow. "Its going to be pretty boring. It could take hours."
"I can also help out if you need it?" she stepped up to him.
"Hmm." Naveen never been offered assistance in his paperwork besides his real assistants. "I don't know..."
"Those assistants of yours need a break every now and then," she linked her arm with his. "That way we can talk and get to know more of each other."
He didn't want to shut the girl off rudely and unlike a lot of the princesses she was very intelligent. "Why not?" And began walking down the corridor.
Nyah smiled, pleased by his acceptance and mentally said, 'I'll have him soon enough.'
()()()()
An additional month and a half went by and Tiana woke up with sudden hunger and a stuffy nose. She got up out of her bed to glance out the window and saw that it was sunny which somewhat brightened her spirits. She also saw that it was a little after seven in the morning and almost time for her son to go to bed. Its been two months all together since seeing her son and even though she spoke with him everyday she still missed him. It was time she see her baby again.
After making a trip to the midwife...
Marrying Derek will be hard enough to stomach. The last thing she needed was to get pregnant and bound to the man for life. She just couldn't trust the man or any man for that matter. What meant business to her meant using excuses for him, and she couldn't take that risk if he got her one night.
"Ah my favourite wealthy heiress has returned. How have you been?" asked an elderly gray haired deadlocked woman.
"I need protection, Madame Guinevere," answered Tiana.
"Well you know what I must do before giving you the herbs." she noticed the bigger purse she was holding.
Tiana nodded. "I remember."
"You can change in the back," the woman told her.
Tiana quickly changed into a white night gown before walking into another room and laying in a bed.
"I just cleaned the sheets so everything is very clean," Guinevere added.
"I know Madame Guinevere," Tiana knew the woman was very serious about cleanliness.
"Its been a while since your last visit," she said.
"I am a widow so I haven't had much activity," Tiana smiled.
"Ah yes, Jacques Montreuil was very busy with you. He thought he ruled the world. As men of his class often felt. Its sad that you cannot take the wealth with you."
Tiana liked the woman, but also hated whenever she took a morbid turn on the topics..
"His soul is at peace despite the troubles he caused here on earth."
"Madam Guinevere...," Tiana began.
The woman took the hint. "You seem to be at peace with yourself," she smiled at the younger woman "Relax as I check on you," she began the internal examination. "Hmm. There's activity here."
Tiana frowned, already feeling discomfort from the pressure she was feeling. "What activity?"
"When was your last menstrual cycle if you don't mind sharing?" Guinevere looked up at the younger woman.
"Um...," Tiana thought back and realized how long. "Two months ago."
"I knew it." she stood back up. "You cannot use the herbs for another seven and a half months."
Tiana sat up. "What do you mean?"
"You are with child, dear!"
She gasped, covering her mouth.
The woman smirked. "Looks like you weren't expecting this."
"I wasn't," Tiana hugged herself.
"The child is of royal blood," she confirmed to the younger woman. "I knew I sensed sweetness before your arrival."
She closed her eyes.
"You will be just fine honey. Continue to eat well and if you play your cards right your situation will only get better."
"I see my future turning out for the worse," Tiana covered her face with her hands.
"There are options to choose from." she hinted.
Tiana shook her head. "No, I can't do that!"
"Then I suppose you should tell your king that he will be a father of two."
"King..." Tiana frowned at the woman. "How did...of course you would know"
Madame Guinevere smiled. "My sister told me that you spoke with her."
"Who's your sister?"
"Odette. Mama Odie is what everyone calls her."
Tiana wasn't surprised. The women not only looked alike but they were very much alike. Still shocked by the news of her pregnancy Tiana sat up. "I-I have to go," she got off the bed and into the dressing room to change.
"If you'd like I can give you somethin' to ease the symptoms. Such as headaches, fatigue, nausea. All natural and safe."
Tiana didn't hear what the woman said but accepted whatever she gave her before leaving.
()()()()
Daniel watched as Naveen and Nyah laughed at a joke he couldn't understand and was bored out of his mind. He missed his mother, Max and home in New Orleans. The puppies he had were fun but they weren't what he was so used to. Home and New Orleans. He glanced over at his father who looked to be enjoying himself then at Nyah with envy and deep down wanted to hit her with ball he had in his hand. A smile crept on his lips at the idea.
"I had no idea that you weren't interested in being king. What changed your mind?" Nyah asked and attentively waited for his answer.
"I was a different person at the time who wanted to travel the world and have a great time."
"And you settled in New Orleans for a while I heard," Nyah said. "Was it a woman?"
Naveen's eyes fell upon hers and smirked. "What makes you think that a woman could change my decision?"
"Because its always the case, well, most of the time," she then smirked. "You must have fell in love with this woman and wanted to take her back with you to become your queen."
Naveen thought of Tiana and how desperately he wanted her to marry him. How desperate he needed her by his side when he saved her from her own demons in the Crescent City. But then he remembered the heartache she also caused him.
"Ouch!"
Naveen turned to see Nyah rubbing her cheek. "What happened?"
She groaned. "Daniel threw a ball at my face."
He looked over at his son, sternly. "Daniel?"
"Yes daddy?" Daniel mumbled.
"Did you throw a ball at Nyah?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
Nyah smiled, standing up. "Its all right."
"No it isn't, Nyah," Naveen frowned.
"Really. I understand how he feels," she raised her hand slightly before walking over to Daniel and getting down to his level. "But I really want to be your friend Daniel."
The young boy looked into the princesses dark brown eyes. It reminded him of his mother. As a matter if fact the gentle way the young princess was speaking to him made him miss his mother even more.
"I heard that you love dogs," she said.
He couldn't help but to return the smile. "Yes, I do."
"So do I!" she said.
"Really?" Daniel asked, interested.
"Yep! And I also like sport cars and..."
Naveen watched as the two bonded very quickly before his very eyes. Princess Nyah was really handling his son the way Tiana would. Princess Nyah also had the poised yet playfulness about her, just as Tiana. But while Tiana held a lot of baggage, Nyah didn't.
"I'll show you the new car daddy just got me!" Daniel said before running back in the palace with his guard following behind.
Nyah felt her heart skip a beat at what just happened. "Oh Naveen he is perf..." she stopped when she caught him staring at her. "Are you all right?"
Naveen nodded, taking her hands. "Will you marry me?"
Nyah was surprised with the proposal. "Y-you want to marry me?"
"Yes," he kissed her hands. "If you'll have me."
The princesses beamed. "Oh Naveen! Yes!" and pressed her lips on his.
Naveen returned the kiss but could feel less genuine. Yet he also felt that he could make this work. A friendship based marriage would work and perhaps he could grow to love her someday.
After a few minutes Daniel excitedly ran outside to see his father and Nyah kissing. He was furious. "You promised!"
Naveen pulled from the kiss to see the back of his son running further into the palace.
"Daniel!" he called for him.
"Naveen!" Nyah took hold of his hand. "Darling!"
He turned back toward her. "I'm sorry Nyah but I've got to talk to him"
She let him go and watched him running back into the palace feeling relieved. "This was easier than I thought." She blissfully exhaled at the thought of becoming not just his wife, but Queen Of Maldonia. She was already aware of the king not returning her feelings but she will change that. "I will not give him up to anybody. Not even his son."
"Daniel!" Naveen caught up with the young boy who was hiding in a guest bedroom. "Hey, Daniel—
"I hate you!" the young boy said covering his ears with his hands.
"You don't mean that," Naveen was slightly hurt.
"I want to go home! I want my mama!" he said.
Naveen sat on the floor beside his son. "Daniel..."
The young boy tried suppressing his tears but couldn't and began crying.
Naveen sighed. He hated seeing his son cry but chances of him and Tiana getting back together were impossible at this point and he had to move on.
"I wanted you and mama to marry!" he said through his tears. "Not Nyah!" he then stood up and pushed at his father's arm before leaving the room for his own.
Naveen sighed again, heartbroken. "I wanted that as well, Daniel...you have no idea..."
()()()()
New Orleans -
"Dinner was lovely," Derek complimented, wiping the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief.
Tiana nodded. "I'm glad you liked it." She didn't bother looking up at him.
Derek noticed that she was silent during the entire dinner and asked, "Are you all right?" When she didn't answer he repeated himself.
"Yes?" she looked up at him.
"You're really quiet tonight," he said.
"I'm fine," she stood up and began collecting the plates on the table. "Would you like some more fruit punch?"
"No," he shook his head, watching her leave the room. He offered to help but she always refused so decided to not bother. Someday during their marriage he was going to help regardless.
When she came out he quickly rose up and picked up his briefcase.
Tiana stopped by a mirror and watched him opening his case and taking out another glass box. This was was much bigger than the last one. "What's that?" Hoping that it wasn't more jewelry.
He smiled, opening it to reveal a necklace with a large red diamond surrounded by white diamonds.
Tiana gasped at the sight of the necklace. "Derek..."
"This also belonged to mi nonna, my grandmother and had it passed down to me before she died. Ever since I saw you at the Christmas dinner I dreamed of giving this to you as an engagement gift."
Tiana felt the cold necklace against her skin and stared at her reflection before touching it. It was cold much like her feelings for the man who pressed his lips on her temple.
"This marriage won't be bad Tiana. I will never mistreat you the way Jacques did with you." he slowly wrapped his arms around her. "And unlike Jacques, I am a bit more patient than he is." He kissed her neck but stopped when the touch made her tense. "I'm sorry my sweet kiwi. I promise to never hurt you." he let her go.
Tiana closed her eyes at his promise but knew that even if he did treated her kindly she could never trust him. And as for the baby she was carrying...she didn't want to think of his reaction once he learned.
Derek walked around to face his fiancee, cupping her chin with his hand so that she could look into his eyes. "Sei bella," he whispered while staring at her in awe.
She didn't understand what he said but remained silent. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed again at his forwardness.
"My father is Italian and speak the language. He wanted me to speak it as well and..." he leaned over to kiss her cheek. "He would love to meet you."
"Derek," Tiana began while stepping away from him. "This is suppose to be a business arrangement. You're overdoing it with the romance."
"Why can't we make it romantic," Derek said with optimism. "Began as business partners and innamorarsi..."
"I didn't understand that last part," Tiana said.
"Fall in love," he took her hand and kissed it.
Tiana sighed, slowly pulling her hand away. "I'm doing this for my son."
Derek smirked. "And someday you will be crazy about me!" he looked her up and down.
She rolled her eyes, now annoyed. "Goodnight, Derek."
He smirked. "Goodnight, my sweet kiwi."
She hated the nickname but if it got him out then she was more than thrilled. When he left she was ready to go to bed until she remembered.
"I forgot to tell him about going to Maldonia in a couple of days!" she groaned and waved her hand. "I'll tell him tomorrow."
()()()()
A/N: Not the end...yeah, I know! But the end is very near and who knows how that will play out! Will Naveen end up marrying Princess Nyah and will Tiana marry Derek who seems to be a nice guy right now?
Also, my Italian isn't all that great so blame my cousin if there are some errors! She's pretty good at it and helped me out with the simple terms/words. The next chapter should be up soon...not sure since I'm still working on it. And the song featured on this chapter is by Jessica Andrews called "I Will Be There For You" if anyone is interested.
Until then...Ciao!