The Humbled Prince
Siding With You
New Orleans - Creole La Danse
After getting the children to bed and with the approval of James and Eudora, Naveen took Tiana out into the nightlife of New Orleans and so far it was just what they needed. Despite having a royal guard on their heels.
The new jazz club that opened not too long ago called, Creole La Danse was filled with jazz and every person in their twenties and thirties they could find in town. Naveen felt nostalgia for a moment from his old partying and carefree bachelor days. Before becoming a husband and father when he spotted several of the men surrounded by beautiful women who didn't seem to mind being liberal in their fashion. "Enjoying the view?" He heard his wife asking while they were in the middle of a slow dance.
"What view?" he asked, looking back at his wife who seem to be in a 'good' mood? She was smiling at him so that's promising.
"I saw you watching those men over there with those women. Was your life like that before getting married?"
"It was, but I do not miss it," Naveen answered honestly though there were times when he would think back at those days.
"Mmhm," Tiana wasn't convinced.
"We came here to have a good time," Naveen reminded her as he noticed a man in a red suit eying his wife's derriere. He glared at the man who didn't bother to budge and placed his hand on her derriere with pride and arrogance in his eyes.
Tiana frowned. "What are you doing?"
He looked back at her. "Staking my claim."
"Staking your claim?" Tiana could see a dark smirk and turned her head back at the direction that obvious caught his attention. The man lift his bright red hat and winked at her. She turned back. "Please don't tell me you're jealous."
"Just letting that fellow know that you belong to me," Naveen said as they continued dancing.
After a few moments, the man, and his group came over to disturb their dance. "Hey baby when ya done with this pretty boy you can leave with a real man!"
"Get lost, she's my wife!" Naveen spat.
The man looked Tiana up and down. "She doesn't look too happy."
"You obviously can't take a hint," Naveen made sure his wife was behind him as stood before the man who equaled him in height. "Get lost or there will be trouble."
Tiana put her hand on her husband's arm. "Naveen..." She didn't need him getting into trouble because of one person's ignorance.
The man started laughing. "What the hell kind of name is Naveen?"
Sudden the prince's guards showed up. "Is there a problem here your highness?"
"Oh, so you got somebody fighting your battles?" the man asked.
"Let's leave, Naveen!" Tiana said.
The man waved his hand. "The bitch ain't worth it!"
"And you will banned from my night club! Bitch!" Facilier exclaimed to the man as guards escorted the man in the red suit and his posse out of the club.
Tiana frowned. "Your night club?"
He bowed before Naveen and herself. "It's a pleasure and honour to have royalty in our presence...,"
Tiana knew that she was a child of God but couldn't help but to despise the man. "We should leave-
"No, no don't!" Facilier stopped them and snapped his fingers, two large men showed up and nodded their heads in respect.
Naveen whispered to his wife. "And I thought our servants were quick!"
"You two go on and have a seat at the best booth here! Everything is on the house!" He led them upstairs to a very bronze and gold metallic room.
Tiana raised a brow, not trusting him as they sat at the private table. "What's the catch?"
Facilier chuckled darkly. "What catch? I'm only respecting those above myself! Your father has done an excellent job at that his entire life."
"Naveen, I'm ready to leave!" Tiana was about to stand when he took her hand. "What?"
"Let's stay for one drink."
"Yes, one drink!" Facilier agreed and snapped his fingers. "Friends!" He shouted and two the men came with large bottles of what look like alcohol. "Wine, Whiskey, Vodka and...Champagne. All expensive and the very best! Make ya choice."
Naveen was more impressed than shocked while Tiana disapproved.
"No, thank you!"
"The little lady speaks for you now?" Facilier asked Naveen.
Naveen ignored the man. "We'll take the champagne."
Facilier gestured toward the men to set the bottle on the table. "Fill em up!"
Tiana frowned at Naveen who took both glasses.
"As I said. Everything is on the house!" Facilier smiled as two women came by his side in very revealing dresses. "My beautiful pussies need me. Y'all lovely folks enjoy the rest of ya night and come back again!"
Naveen tried his beverage and whistled. "This is almost as strong as the Maldonian champagne! I can only imagine how strong the vodka is!"
Tiana was annoyed at this point. "I can't believe you're drinking that!"
"It's Bravelia!" Naveen laughed. "Please mi benita try relaxing and having a good time. One sip. It's on the house!"
"You know it's illegal!" She exclaimed, standing up.
"Wait!" He got up. "Where are you going? We need this time together!" He took her hands and looked deep into her brown eyes. "I want to spend the rest of the night with mi benita."
Tiana couldn't deny the look on her husband's handsome face and rolled her eyes. "Ugh! Okay!"
"Good!" He gave her a kiss and handed her a coupe and watched as she tasted the drink before swallowing it down. "Good?"
"It's really good," she nodded, hating to admit it.
Naveen poured them another glass. "Let's share another dance!"
Tiana sipped half her drink before setting it down.
"What about our table?" She asked as he led them out to dance.
"Benji and Leni are both here! One for our things and the other for us! Now let's cut a rug!" Naveen pulled her in his arms as they begin doing the Lindy Hop and Charleston as soon as the next song played.
Tiana was out of breath by the time the next song came back on. A slow tune.
She rested her head on her husband's chest as they danced some more to one of their favourites.
"This is what I've been wanting for us since we got here," Naveen said to Tiana.
"Me too," Tiana then looked up at the love and lust in her husband's honey coloured eyes. "I love you."
He gave her a kiss. "I love you." They kissed some more as the singer began the song:
You sigh, the song begins;
You speak, and I hear violins -
It's magic.
The stars desert the skies,
And rush to nestle in your eyes -
It's magic.
Without a golden wand
Or mystic charms,
Fantastic things begin
When I am in your arms.
When we walk hand-in-hand,
The world becomes a wonderland -
It's magic.
How else can I explain
Those raindrops when there is no rain?
It's magic.
Why do I tell myself
These things that happen are all really true?
When, in my heart, I know the magic is
My love for you...
Tiana exhaled deeply, her heart falling in love with her husband all over again...
It's magic...
Naveen was familiar with the feeling in his heart as he danced with his wife as he fell in love with her all over again...
It's magic...
Why do I tell myself
These things that happen are all really true?
When, in my heart I know, the magic is
My love for you...
They ended the dance with Naveen making Tiana do a spin and dipping her in his arms, they finished with a kiss.
Tiana smiled as they went back to their booth. "Naveen, I'm feeling so tired."
He lightly laughed. "Not too tired I hope." Then ran his hand under her dress, touching her thigh.
"Naveen...," Tiana moaned, tiredly looking up at him.
Naveen then felt her hand brush over his arousal. He groaned as it was pressing against his trousers. "We should get out of here..." He got out of the booth and helped his wife. He made sure to pay and tip on his way out despite getting his drinks for free and was safely escorted into the car where they begin heavily kissing.
"Where to your majesty?" Asked the driver.
Naveen managed to break from the kiss and exclaimed, "My apartment!"
Tiana was very tired, drunk, aroused but not dumb. "Your apartment? I thought you sold it?"
"I rented out another one specifically for nights like this!" He said as the car pulled up in front of a building. "We're home!"
The driver opened the car door for the couple and watched in humour as Tiana lost her balance.
"To make things easier," Naveen scooped Tiana in his arms and carried her into the apartment and slamming the bedroom door shut. The guards knew that this will be a long night and begin playing records on the phonograph while Benji pulled out his deck of cards.
()()()()
Tiana stretched her arms after waking up later that morning. Unaware of the time she rolled on her back and was greeted by her husband's sweet kisses on her neck.
"Good morning," he greeted, voice deeper from the sleep.
"Mmm. Good morning to you!" She opened her eyes to see Naveen and his disheveled hair yet still looking incredibly handsome.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Well rested," she smiled at him. "What time is it?"
"Twenty minutes after noon," Naveen answered but quickly regretted being so close to Tiana as her hand accidentally slapped his forehead while getting out of bed. "Ow!"
"I can't believe we slept in! My parents are going to kill me!" She stepped into the dress, buttoning the back of it.
"Tiana, everything is fine! They understand!" Naveen said, getting out of the bed.
Tiana looked over at him, now dressed. "You spoke to them?"
"Uh, yes," he lied.
"And they're alright with us not coming back last night?"
"Of course they are!" Naveen smiled, though feeling foolish for lying to her, but really wanted to have this time together.
"We should head on back anyway! We do have children!" Tiana looked at herself in the mirror.
Naveen buttoned his trousers. "We don't need to leave right now."
"It's already the afternoon!" Tiana handed Naveen his shirt and suit jacket.
But he selfishly circled his arms around her. "I need you."
"You had enough of me lastnight...all night for that matter!" Tiana helped button his shirt. "We had our fun. Now it's time we get back to reality."
Naveen sighed. "Fine but may I have one more kiss?"
She smiled and granted his wish. "There."
"We'll be back here before leaving for Maldonia." Naveen told her.
"Yes, we will," she agreed.
()()()()
James and Eudora's -
"Took y'all long enough!" Eudora said.
"Sorry about that, mama," Tiana picked up Naiyah who was on the floor with her blocks.
"Hey Demetrius!" Naveen picked up his son who was playing with his wooden box car.
Eudora put her hands on her hips. "Ya daddy left for work. Church duties and I was playing mama for most of the day. The next time you stay out all night please call."
Tiana lookedover at her husband. "I thought you did call them, Naveen?"
"I attempted to call but didn't know their number?" Was his excuse.
She rolled her eyes. "I should've known."
Eudora laughed. "Oh let him alone, babycakes. He obviously needed his wife and for that I forgive you. But I do need your help in the kitchen! Ya daddy had to leave so quickly and I haven't gotten to the dishes."
"Let me change to some comfortable clothes-
"Girl, take off ya shoes then! Ya dress is dirty enough!" Eudora walked in the kitchen.
Tiana did just that before joining her mother in the kitchen.
Naveen was about to join them when he hear someone knocking on the door. When he answered it Malene was smiling from the other side.
"Good afternoon your highness!"
He returned the smile. "Malene! Just the woman I wanted to see!"
She was surprised. "Really?"
"I need you to watch Demetrius for me while I wash up!" He handed her Demetrius.
The young prince kicked his legs, wanting to stand on the floor. "I walk dadda!"
"Then you can walk!" Naveen said to his son as Malene giggled.
"He gets his sense of adventure from you!" She said.
Naveen lightly laughed. "I wouldn't take all the credit. He inherited my wife's sense of independence."
Malene was envious but kept her grin.
"Be good, son!" Naveen went to Tiana's old room, closing the door.
The nanny notice that the door didn't shut all the way and walked over to see Naveen unbuttoning his shirt. She exhale deeply at the handsome vision. Strong back, broad shoulders, nice size biceps. "Oh, Naveen..."
Tiana stepped out of the kitchen to find the nanny looking towards her bedroom. "Who are you watching?"
Malene snapped out of her gaze and curtseyed at the princess. "Your majesty."
Tiana noticed her bedroom door being slightly open and pushed it to find Naveen naked. "What are you doing?"
"I was about to take a shower...bath," he put on his robe. "Just needed my toiletries.
"Well you had a peeping tom checking you out."
"Who?"
Tiana rolled her eye. "Who do you think? Malene!"
Naveen laughed, walking out of the room for the bathroom. "You're funny"
She followed him. "I caught her watching you and you don't care?"
"I don't care because I know she wouldn't do that. She knows her place."
"She knows her place alright. On top of you!" Tiana added.
"We'll settle this now..." Naveen stepped out of the bathroom. "Malene!"
The nanny, who was pretending to be playing with Demetrius looked over at the royal couple. "Yes your highness?"
"Were you just watching me change out of my clothes?" He asked.
"No, your highness," the nanny lied.
Tiana sighed. "Of course she's going to deny! Naveen, I'm your wife! Why would I lie to you about something like that?"
Eudora heard the commotion and asked. "What is going on out here?"
"A lot!" Tiana took her son's hand. "You stay with mama now okay?"
Demetrius nodded his head.
Eudora knew that Malene had to do with it and stepped over to her. "You're not welcomed in my house!"
Malene narrowed her eyes. "I take orders from the Prince of Maldonia!"
"And you will also be taking orders from my fist!" Eudora threatened.
Naveen stepped in between both women.
Tiana didn't like what she just saw and set her daughter in the play pen, Demetrius joined her before confronting the issue.
"Why are you over there Naveen?" She asked.
"Malene has been nothing but a friend to my family her whole life! She's a good woman and I won't have you two jumping on her! Over something that I know isn't true!"
The nanny smiled.
Tiana glared at her husband. "I see how it is."
Naveen sighed. "Mi benita..."
"I'll leave," Malene walked towards the door, pretending to be upset. "I'm not needed here."
"You may continue to be my children's nanny." He confirmed firmly.
Eudora and Tiana glanced at one another.
Malene stared lovingly at the prince. "Thank you, your majesty." And left the house.
Naveen turned to his wife and knew she was furious. "Tiana-
"You get out of here as well!" She exclaimed.
"Babycakes!" Eudora didn't approve.
"Get out of here?" Naveen asked. "Mi benita-
"I don't want to see you here! You can take your nannies, guards and get the hell out of here as a matter of fact!"
Naveen frowned. "What's wrong with you?"
"I should be asking you that question!" She asked, staring into his eyes.
"What are you talking about?" Naveen returned the stare.
Eudora watched the two stare down at one another and could only do what she felt was for the best. "Naveen baby you're gonna have to pack up and leave."
He raised a brow. "All because of Malene?"
Tiana shrugged her shoulders. "You tell me."
He ran his fingers through his hair. "She's like a sister to me! We have been friends since we we were children!"
"And now you're both adults!" Tiana said. "I don't know what kind of relationship you two had before me but I refuse to share my husband with any woman!"
"What-
"And if you can't see that she obviously wants you then you really need to stay away from me and get out! You can do whatever you from here on out!" She walked around him to get to their children.
"I only wanted peace between all of us!" Naveen defended his actions.
"Well I guess you broke that by defending and believing her over me!"
Naveen didn't say another word before returning to her room to change. He then came out with luggage minutes later with his wife's hurtful and angry look in his head.
He attempted to amend thing again. "Tiana..."
She ignored him, focusing on their children.
He shook his head. "I'll be in my apartment." And tried to kiss her, but when she refused he sighed and went to the door. He looked back at her once more before leaving.
Eudora witnessed the heartbreaking scene and went over to her daughter. "Babycakes, you really have to make up with that man! I have a bad feeling."
"I really don't want to talk about him, mama," Tiana stood from the playpen. "He chose the woman who was more important and what's worse is that he trusted her word over mine! Just because they've known each other their entire lives."
"Men can be idiots. Including James."
"Daddy would never take another woman's word over yours!" Tiana said to her mother who rolled her eyes. "What? He has?"
"His baby sister Geneva was a burden and this was when you and Telese were young children. Four and a new born. To make a long story short she played with James' head on me seeing Eli behind his back and that you two were his children."
"Really?" Tiana was surprised to hear this.
"James is a man of God but have his insecurities about Eli but he knew that at the end I love him."
"What convinced him otherwise?"
"God. It all comes back to Him."
"If only Naveen could believe in Him," Tiana looked at her wedding ring.
"You knew what he was before you married him," Eudora smiled. "But what I do know is that he loves you very much. Make up with him by going over there yourself. You want to use my car since he took yours?"
"Its both our car," she corrected.
"Well why don't go take a bath, dress in something very sensual and go apologize to him!" Her mother suggested.
Tiana sighed. "Why do I have to apologize? He left!"
"You told him to!" Eudora smiled.
"He believed her over me!" Tiana exclaimed. "You knew I was telling the truth!"
"Go talk to him babycakes," Eudora suggested. "I'll watch my grand babies in the mean time."
()()()()
Solunica –
Telese was walking down the corridor when she heard her husband in what sounded like a shouting match with another man in his office. She hurried down the corridor while hearing Errol:
"It shouldn't matter, dammit!"
"Your father would not approve!"
Then silence.
Telese was about to open the door when a middle age man stormed out of the office. He saw the young queen and bowed before continuing his way down the stairs.
She walked in the room to see Errol with a glass bottle of what looked like vodka in his hand and said, "Don't you think that Helga cleans up enough of our mess?"
Errol set the bottle down. "Not if it's thrown out of the window." He turned to his wide and was thrilled to see her.
"I just so happen to see one of the court men storming out of here." She went over to him. "I could hear you two shouting all the way down the hall."
"The old bastard stepped out of his place. He may be the head of the courts, but I'm still the king," he explained, no longer heated with anger.
"Was it about an announcement regarding an heir?" She asked.
"Isn't it always about it?"
"And what did you tell him?"
"That it was none of his or anyone else's business."
"But I thought you'd share our..." She then corrected. "My situation."
"You were right about it being ours and I still feel that it isn't their business though they are suspicious. What can they do?"
Telese caressed his handsome face. "I appreciate your love and fighting for us..."
"...you and Vivian are who I live for," Errol gazed into her eyes
She gave him a kiss. "I don't like to see my man unhappy."
He brought her in his arms. "Got any suggestions on making your man happy?"
"Hmm? Some of this..." she kissed him. "Or maybe some of this..." she ran her hand over his firm manhood.
"Mm..." Errol picked her up and cleared the desk before laying her on top of it.
"Will you two ever learn how to close a door?"
They both looked over to see Errol's older sister Diane standing by the door with a smirk on her red lips.
"I thought why don't see how my younger brother is doing and of course walk in on him doing rather well with my beautiful sister-in-law underneath!"
Telese got got off the desk.
"A man needs his wife. You of all people should know this," Errol said to his sister.
"I wish I was that lucky!" Diane looked at Telese. "Though I wouldn't want to be in your shoes. The entire kingdom has gone baby fever!"
Telese rolled her eyes. "Mmhm. Your husband isn't helping the case either."
"He isn't and what makes this hypocritical is that he's the last man to want a second child."
"How is my nephew?" Errol asked.
"Fine and full of energy. You know how six year old boys can be," she smiled. "You two will experience it when you have your own children."
Errol and Telese looked at each other. "Vivian is enough for us, Diane."
The princess looked surprised. "Oh! That's a change! I remember you always wanting a palace full of boys! If I'm not mistaken while you were keeping Telese as your secret Jane Doe you told me that she is the woman who you want to give birth to those sons."
"Things change," Errol said in a tone that told Diane to end the topic.
Diane eyed them both. "Is there something you're not sharing with me?"
Telese sighed and decided to confess. "Diane, I can't-
"We are taking our time right now," Errol interrupted, his arm around his wife's. "We're newlyweds and I'm busy as ever. A baby would be terrible timing."
Diane nodded, understanding. "That does makes sense. Well, I suppose I'd let you go back to your...desk work." She smiled at them both before leaving the office, closing the door.
Telese turned to face her husband. "Why did you interrupt me?"
"It's no one's business but ours...," he said sternly.
"...and why didn't you tell me that you wanted sons?" Telese said.
"Because it was an old dream that doesn't matter to me anymore," Errol sighed. "Damn Diane and her big mouth!"
Telese figured what she had to do. "I knew that this marriage thing was too good to be true!"
He frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"You need an heir and-
"I need no one but you as my wife!" He exclaimed. "That boy talk was a dream that wouldn't happen anyway."
"You seem like a man who would want a son to play sports with. I saw how you were with your nephew the other day and it was different than with Vivian."
"Vivian isn't into sports." Errol reminded her.
"My point exactly! Errol, a man needs a son!"
"You sound like my father with that bull shit! I don't need anybody but what I already have!" Errol raised his voice.
"It wasn't bullshit when you shared that information with your damn sister!" Telese also raised her voice. "I don't like being that one person in the way of anyone's dreams!"
"How can you be in the way of my dreams when you are my dream?" Errol caressed her face.
Telese closed her eyes and took in his words.
"Yes we're under a lot of pressure to have a child but that won't stop us from being married. I'll fight to my last breath for our marriage Telese. I need you to do the same for me. Fight with me!"
Telese opened her mouth but nothing came out. This was the first time a man has ever told her to fight for a relationship. It was usually her who wanted that person to fight. So she looked up at her husband who watched her and said, "I'll fight baby..."
Errol wrapped his strong arms around her frame and passionately pressed his lips to hers.
()()()()
Naveen's apartment -
The prince's guard opened the door for Tiana to step into the apartment. Looking around she called her husband's name, "Naveen?"
He stepped out of his room, surprised to see her. "Tiana, what are you doing here?"
"To talk," she said.
"To talk?" Naveen stepped over to her.
She inhaled the cologne he wore and shivered on the inside. She was thankful that she followed her mother's suggestion on bathing and dressing up extra seductive for him.
Naveen definitely noticed her look and attire. She was coming to make up and he was up for making up. It was always the best part to end a fight with his wife.
"There's no need to talk," Naveen took her hand and kissed it. "I've spoken to Malene already."
"You have?" Tiana raised a brow.
"Yes," he brought her in his arms.
"In your bedroom?" she asked.
"Yes?" Naveen answered and saw Tiana roll her eyes. "What? I'm thinking of terminating her. If she makes you that unhappy then its for the best."
Tiana smiled a little. "It is."
"Good," he inched to press his lips on hers. "You're my wife at the end of the day." And started kissing on her neck when she titled her head back. "She was a childhood friend."
"Shh!" she didn't want to discuss anymore on the topic. He's firing her and that's all that matters.
"I believe her and sided with you..."
She opened her eyes and broke from his hold. "You believe her and sided with me? What does that even mean?"
"You're my wife so I chose you! My friends mean a lot to me but you will always win!" Naveen was confused when she headed to the door. "What did I say?"
"Nothing!" Tiana slammed the door.
Naveen hurried after her outside the apartment. "Tiana! Wait!" He stopped her.
"I was a fool to come here!" She walked out of the building and got into the car before driving off.
Naveen cursed to himself. "Why does this woman have to be so damn stubborn?" He returned to his apartment with his guard Benji rightbehind him.
"Perhaps its how you said it your majesty! You never tell a woman that you side with her and yet not believe her?"
"I never said I didn't believe her!" Naveen exclaimed.
"It sounded like you did," the guard said.
Naveen plopped on the couch and sighed. Realizing how insensitive he sounded. "Now what am I going to do?"
"Apologize? Send her flowers?"
"She wont even listen to me."
"Then make her listen! You know how to pull all stops at making everything about romance when it comes to her! I've seen you do it many times before!"
Naveen knew his friend and guard was right and rose up from the couch. "I think I know what to do!"
()()()()
"I don't think she'll want to speak with you Naveen. She's already put the kids to bed and she said she was turning in early," Eudora explained to him while setting the flowers he send her daughter in a vase.
"She has to hear me out!" Naveen said as James stepped into the house.
"Hey Naveen," he went over to give his wife a kiss. "Hello baby."
"Hello yourself."
He noticed his son-in-law standing outside his daughter's bedroom door. "What's going on here?"
"Just martial fighting. Nothing serious," Eudora told him, handing her husband the newspaper.
Tiana opened the door to see her husband looking awful. "What?"
"I want to apologize for sounding like a heartless bastard."
"Too little too late," Tiana she was about to close the door when he put his arm on the door. "Move."
"Not until you hear me out."
She groaned, stepping out of the room. "We'll talk outside." She walked out onto the front porch.
Naveen followed and put a hand in his pocket. "I know that you're angry with me and I understand!"
"Goodnight Naveen!" She quickly returned back in the house, locking the door.
Naveen sighed, now frustrated and decided to get him a drink before heading home.
At Creole La Danse he desperately needed a strong drink but with alcohol being illegal he settled for Coca-Cola. It wouldn't get him drunk but it was strong enough when drinking it.
"My royal friend came back...alone this time," Facilier smiled, darkly.
Naveen looked over to see the man in his purple tux and hair slick with grease while holding a gold and platinumscepter with gaudy purple gems. It looked tacky but it worked for him. He seemed charismatic enough even though he was well hated by Tiana and her family.
"Sit with me tonight. I've got all the strong liquor."
Naveen paid the bartender before following Facilier who brought him into the bronze metallic room. He chose vodka as his first drink.
"Yes, the best seat in the house!" Facilier gestured over to some attractive women who looked thirsty with lust. "Make ya choice. One, two or three?"
Naveen looked at all the women who were all shades of brown but one stood out to him. A darker hue woman who he obviously found very attractive, much darker than Tiana and wasn't afraid to expose her smaller but obvious cleavage. What made her stood out was the fact that her hair was cut shorter than the rest. Even his.
Facilier followed the prince's gaze. "This midnight African beauty is called Océane."
"Océane," Naveen repeated as the woman smiled at him. "Beautiful name."
The woman only smiled.
Facilier watched in humour. "She doesn't speak English so that makes everything better,"
Naveen nodded and drank his beverage. "This is good!"
"The finest imported from Russia!" Facilier bragged. "You want more?"
Naveen raised a hand, shaking his head. "I think two glasses will be enough. I have to drive home!"
"Oh to hell with home, boy! Live!" Facilier had one of his men pour another glass.
Five glasses later and Naveen was drunk and missing his wife very much.
"What's the problem pretty boy? You got Océane here waitin' for ya."
The prince glanced at the beauty who ran her hand up his thigh before cupping the crotch of his pants.
"What are you...doing..." He took her hand off his before getting up. "I should be getting out of here, Facilier," he pulled out some money and threw it at the table. "To cover the vodka."
"What about the women?"
"I need to rest off this liquor," he said and left the room.
Facilier looked furious. "Friends! Get him!"
As Naveen was leaving the club he now regretted the irrational decision of drinking because he couldn't drive back to his apartment.
"Merdi!" He cussed, looking around.
A hand grasped at his shoulder and by instinct, Naveen elbowed the man who cupped his arm.
"No need to attack your highness."
"Benji!" Naveen smiled, facing him. "I'm glad to see you."
"Only I know your defense techniques!" The guard smiled. "Needed a drink?"
"Yeah," he handed the man his car key and was soon riding down to his apartment.
"So I take it that the princess is still upset?"
"Very," he said before almost passing out.
"Naveen! You're okay?" Benji asked, concerned.
"Ugh! I think one of Facilier's women slipped something in my drink."
"Your secret is safe with me!" Benji as they pulled up at the apartment. "I'll help you as much as I can."
Naveen shook his head. "I got it," he carefully walked up the stairs with the guard behind him. When e safely made it to his living room he walked to his bedroom. "Goodnight Benji!"
"Goodnight sire!"
After closing the door he immediately spotted Melene in his room with what looked like in Tiana's lingerie. He frowned in disgust.
"Hello Naveen," she said, raising the nightgown from the hem.
"Malene, what are you doing? Put on some clothes and get out of my room!"
The nanny shook her head. "No Naveen. I want you and I'm not leaving until I have you!"
Naveen backed away to the door, his hand on the knob. "Tiana was right about you!"
"Of course she is! Who wouldn't want you? I appreciate you standing up for me. But you have to choose Naveen. Me or her!" She took off the nightgown, exposing her nude body. "Come to me, Naveen." She ran her hands over her breasts. "Do you not miss me?"
"No," Naveen then opened the door. "But I'm sure your husband does." The door hitting the wall caught the guard's attention.
Malene's eyes widen. "Benji is in your apartment? No Naveen! Do not tell him!"
"It's too little too late, Malene!" Naveen stood to the side so that his guard could come in. The man looked devastated.
"Malene! How could you do this?"
The nanny picked up her nightgown, slipping it back on and running over to her husband. "Please forgive me, Benji!"
The guard glared at his wife. "I gave up a promotion for you! I gave up everything for you!"
Malene fell to her knees, hugging his legs. "Please Benji.! I love only you!"
"And yet you were trying to throw yourself over the prince of Maldonia!" He took her hands off of him. "We are over!"
She looked up at the guard with bloodshot eyes. "Where will I go? I have no family!"
"You are no longer my concern! I could careless!" He bowed to Naveen before leaving the room, wiping away the moist from his own eyes.
"No..." Malene cried hysterically on the bedroom floor.
Naveen actually felt sorry for the woman, his childhood friend and one of his faceless flings. But she did this to herself and he had to remain stern, "You may still ride back with us to Maldonia, but no longer as a staff member. Once you hit Maldonia's soil your items will be sent to you—
"Why did you have to bring my husband into this?" Malene asked. "Now I have nothing! Nothing!"
"A life lesson is learned, Malene. You also broke your own marriage vows when you came on to me. This is all I will say on this topic. You are relieved of your nanny duties." He turned on is heel and left the nanny in the room to change back into her clothes. He'd hope she had some dignity and commonsense to at least do that.
()()()()
That night after cleaning the kitchen and living roomand taking an unsuccessful relaxing bath she sat on the front porch to think. The breezy warm air was welcoming and got her to thinking about spending nights like this in Naveen's arms. A man she didn't want to think of.
"Ugh! Stupid men!" She said and saw his car pull up. "Speak of the devil..."
Naveen stopped the car and saw his wife standing on the porch in her white night gown. Her arms were exposed and couldn't help but to notice how fuller her breasts look in the gown and how it hugged her hips. She never exposed herself this much unless she just finished a bath. Her hair down and her face as fresh and natural with the youthfulness that will never fade. He couldn't stop thinking about her when he was away in his apartment and the night club. Though the women there were beautiful none could outshine the vision before him.
The same vision who could be dwindling away from him due to his own naivety.
"What are you doing here?" she asked him.
"To tell you how right you were about Malene," he walked up the porch and got down on one knee.
"Tiana you were right all along about Malene and I was the gullible fool. And as a man who loves his wife more than his own self I ask for your forgiveness!"
Tiana yawned, pretending to not care. "Couldn't you have waited until tomorrow morning?"
"I had to see you!" He said, not caring if he looked a like crazed nut desperately needing his wife's love and forgiveness. "As a prince I tried to look from a neutral perspective and it all backfired. I also ended up losing everything most important to me!"
"You sure did," Tiana stood before him, her arms crossed.
Naveen saw the blank stare in her eyes and couldn't read what was behind. It actually terrified him. "So I'm too late?"
Tiana thought back on her conversation with her mother about her father finding God as the reason to believe her and in a way He could've been the reason for Naveen finding about Malene.
She shook her head. "No, it isn't too late."
Naveen got up before her with hopefulness in his honey coloured eyes and seeing the same in hers. "It isn't?"
"Just don't do it again!" Tiana poked him on the chest.
"I won't..." He leaned over to kiss her. "So I have your forgiveness?"
"Yes," she answered and closed in the small gap between to seal the kiss.
They remained kissing for a while until thunder interrupted them, startling Tiana. Naveen held her protectively. "I know how I want to spend my final few days in New Orleans."
She rested her head on his chest. "How would you like to spend it?" Already knowing the answer.
"With my beautiful wife and children," he cupped her chin with his hand and brought her lips back to his.
The mist along with the wind picking up hit the couple who laughed and went further into the porch to prevent getting wet. They watched the mist soon turning into heavy down pouring along with lightning flashing.
Naveen kissed for on the head. As the strong wind blew through their hair. "We should get inside. The storm is getting worse."
They walked back into the house and returned to Tiana's old room where both children were still asleep. They cuddled in the bed sharing kisses while listening to the hail tapping on the windows and pavements.
It felt good to have his wife back in his arms and was thrilled to have their children in the room with them. When they weren't up and picking up everything they could get their little chubby hands on.
"I love you, mi benita," Naveen whispered, planting another kiss on her right temple.
"You better!" Tiana smiled and gasped when he pinched her derriere.
"I do and will for the rest of my life."
Tiana ran her had over his now exposed chest and hard abs. "I love you, too by the way. Especially when you talk like that."
Naveen knew she was joking on the last part and rolled over so that he was over her.
She raised a brow. "You know the children are in here." She felt his hand rub up her thigh. "Naveen..."
"If they can sleep through this storm, they can sleep through anything," he moved his hand between her legs.
Tiana sharply inhaled when he brushed his thumb over her pearl. She regretfully whispered "Not here..."
Naveen sighed and went back to her side, rubbing his hand over her outer thigh. "We'll take a trip to the apartment tomorrow."
"We'll do that," she put an arm over his torso. "For now we can lay together."
Naveen rested his hand on Tiana's hip "For now."
()()()()
A week later...
"We really enjoyed y'all staying here!" Eudora gave her daughter and son-in-law a hug. "You have to come back soon." She wiped her tears with a handkerchief.
"We'll try," Tiana promised. "But you know how busy things can get."
"Which is why we'll be coming back out there!" James gave his daughter a hug. "I love you babycakes."
"I love you too, daddy."
James extended his hand to Naveen. "You keep taking care of my daughter and grandchildren."
"Will do..." Naveen accepted the handshake. "...and you take care of this beautiful woman." Making Eudora smile.
"Been doing it for over twenty years, son!" James then picked up his grandson. "You are a big little man!"
"Bye granddeh"
"See you later Demetrius!" He kissed the boy on the cheek while Eudora did the same with Naiyah.
As soon they finished their goodbyes Naveen, Tiana and their children were back on the ship, heading home.
"I'm going to miss New Orleans but I'm ready to sleep in my own bed," Tiana said.
"And after that we'll have to face more tabloid news of our troubled marriage." Naveen circled his arms around her.
Tiana rolled her eyes. "Don't remind me."
He laughed. "At least we know that it isn't true."
"At least," she agreed and gave him a kiss.
()()()()
Maldonia – Kabir's Office
"So it was Malene all along?" Naveen asked his father.
"That damn reporter confessed as soon as I brought up the attorneys. I will have the guards escort her out of this palace at once.
"I already fired her and had her things sent to her," Naveen told his father.
Kabir was dealing with enough and waved his hand. "I won't ask!"
"Will that be all?" he asked his father.
"Yes! I have to finish up these signatures."
Naveen gladly left the office and was warmly welcomed by his wife as soon as he made it to their suite.
"It's about time you come back." She kissed on his neck.
Naveen laughed. "I was gone for ten minutes."
"Ten minutes too long!" She pushed him on the bed, climbing on top of him.
Naveen ran his hands up and down her thighs. "Achidonza..."
()()()()
A/N: Four more chapters until the end!
The song Naveen and Tiana danced to was called, "It's Magic" and is posted on my profile.