My Love, My Only, My Tiana,
I can honestly say that I have never felt more miserable in my life. I will be the first to admit that I have lived a pampered life, and so do not have much to compare it to. Still, I doubt that you will hold my feelings against me, especially now. I imagine you must feel the same way, and that in turn makes the pain inside grow stronger.
I hate that I have brought this suffering to you. I promise that I will fix this mess as quickly as I can so then we can be together once more.
I'm watching America disappear as I write this. In a few hours there will be nothing but water to look at for six more days. I wish… there are so many things I wish right now. I wish I could be with you. I wish I didn't have to leave. I wish I could even just speak with you for a moment. It's only been a few hours but I miss the sound of your voice already.
I don't know if I ever told you but I have always loved the way you speak. Even on the night we first met when I was a frog and you asked me if I wanted a kiss in that smooth sly way of yours… it was so sexy. I was already attracted to you when I saw you standing on the balcony wearing that blue dress and bathed in moonlight. But then when you spoke to me and I heard your charming American accent… well, can you blame me for wanting to kiss you?
They made the announcement that it's time for lunch, but I'm not hungry. Food makes me think of you, and I don't really want to start weeping in front of the other passengers while trying to eat whatever it is they are serving. The Captain of the ship has invited me to sit at his table, and while part of me feels guilty at ignoring his request, Kedar was also invited to dine there. I will surely be tempted to stick a fork right in that big forehead of his.
I think I will take all my meals in my cabin.
The wind is picking up and it's getting harder to keep the page flat to write on, but I'm not leaving this spot as long as I can still see some part of America. Hopefully you don't mind a few wrinkles on the paper.
It is so frustrating to me that I have to wait until landing in Maldonia to send this letter back to you. If there was a way to send you a message right now you would receive it by the end of the day. Then again, all of this is frustrating.
I'm so sorry, my love. I wanted this letter to give you hope and comfort, and all I seem to be doing is moping and complaining. I don't know what to write that will make you feel better, other than I miss you and that I will do everything I can to return to you soon.
I think I see Kedar snooping about. America has passed over the horizon, so I will retire to my cabin for the evening. I might even write you another letter if my mood becomes less sour. Even though we are apart, writing to you makes me feel close to you once again.
I am sending you all my love,
Naveen
Naveen was surprised to find his parents waiting for him when he finally arrived at the castle. When he was met at the docks with nothing special, Naveen assumed they hadn't cared to announce his arrival to anyone. He assumed he would be met with the same disregard upon arriving home. Yet here they were, practically beaming at him as he stepped down from the carriage.
In any other circumstance this would have pleased Naveen to no end. How many times had he wanted nothing more than his parents love and attention? And now that he seemed to have it, Naveen wanted nothing to do with them.
"Welcome home, son," Idhal said, hugging Naveen tight and kissing his cheeks.
"Nice to have you back, Naveen," Sunil added smiling, coming in for a hug himself.
Naveen offered half hearted hugs back, but said nothing.
"Good work, Kedar," Sunil said to the guard captain. "We couldn't have managed this without you."
Kedar practically beamed at the compliment and Naveen thought he might be sick. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Kedar replied, taking a bow. "It's always a pleasure to serve you, my king."
Naveen couldn't believe what he was seeing. How could his father put such trust in this… monster? Couldn't he see it? Naveen clenched his fists and fought the urge to shout, difficult as it was.
"Is something wrong, Naveen?" Idhal asked. "You haven't said a word. Are you not feeling well?" She pressed a cool hand to his forehead and then continued on, not waiting for an answer from him. "I'll have the servants make you a cup of tea."
He didn't want any tea, damn it, and even if he did he wouldn't want it the way the servants made it. Naveen would want it iced and sweet, like how Tiana had taught him to make it. Oh Tiana. His heart longed for her. He was in such pain and all his parents were thinking about was tea!
"I don't want any tea," Naveen said. "I want to go back to New Orleans."
"Don't start this, Naveen," Idhal said.
"I didn't start it, you did when you took me away from everything I care about!"
"Naveen, don't talk to your mother that way," Sunil said, brows furrowed.
Once more Naveen's fists clenched tight. Kedar was standing behind his father, smirking, obviously delighted by the scene unfolding before him. He wanted to punch him in the mouth.
Before Naveen could do something he really was going to regret, Idhal piped in. "I think we need to have a talk."
"Sit down, Naveen." Sunil gestured to the chair in his office. This damn chair, this damn room, this damn everything.
The last time Naveen had been in this room was when he had been cut off. He was a much different man now, so how was it that he still felt that same sinking feeling in his stomach he always had when he crossed the threshold?
His hand went into his pocket where the watch Tiana had given him ticked steadily onward. If he concentrated closely enough on it, Naveen could even feel the pulsing of the second hand as it wound its way around the clock face.
Naveen stayed standing.
Idhal raised an eyebrow at him, but didn't say anything while she waited for the servant to finish setting up the tea things. The servant, Paadini, had been working for them for so long she didn't even need to ask how the Queen liked her tea. Cardamom and cinnamon scented the room as Paadini poured the tea (could his mother not even pour her own cup of tea?), and then bowed respectfully before leaving the room, the door closing with a soft but firm click.
Sunil was still waiting for Naveen to sit down. Naveen only stared at him.
Letting out an exasperated sigh, Sunil massaged the bridge of his nose. "So you have nothing to say for yourself?"
"I've already explained-"
"No," Sunil cut him off. "What you did was disappear for seven weeks and not even offer us one word on where you were."
"We were so worried about you," Idhal said. "We had half the national guard out looking for you. Why didn't you at least write to us?"
Naveen felt that pit in his stomach grow. He had always thought his parents would have been somewhat relieved that he was gone after all the trouble he had caused them. "I couldn't write because-"
"Because you had been turned into a frog," Sunil deadpanned.
"Yes."
"You're still sticking with that story?" Idhal asked, her hands cupped around her tea.
"It's not a story," Naveen said. "It's what really happened."
Sunil raised an eyebrow. He cupped Naveen's head and looked deep into his son's eyes. "Are you sure you didn't hit your head?"
"My head is fine," Naveen said, pulling back. "I'm telling you the truth. Look!" He held out his hand and showed his parents the scar on his palm. Though it had been some time since he had received the cut, it still looked fresh.
"Oh my baby!" Idhal cried out and took his hand in hers. She kissed his palm.
Sunil looked on in concern, examining Naveen's hand as well as he could while Idhal pressed kisses to it. "Faldi faldonza, Naveen. Does it hurt you?"
"No," Naveen lied. It did sometimes, like a spark traveling down deep into his bones. But he was angry that his parents were paying this much attention to him now, when he would have adored every second of this as a boy. All he had ever wanted growin up was for them to notice him. Now it was too little too late.
"We'll call Dr. Sachdev," Idhal stated.
"I've already seen someone about it," Naveen pipped in. No need to bring up Mama Odie to his parents. If they were having a hard time with the frog part of the story, there was no way they would believe that a 200 year old blind woman who lived in the bayou had helped him.
"An American doctor," Sunil snickered. "What do they know…." He rang a bell, and Paadini poked her head back in.
"Your Majesty?"
"Fetch Dr. Sachdev, please," Sunil said.
"There is no need," Naveen said, but Paadini had already bowed and taken her leave. Naveen glared at his parents. "Baba, I told you I saw someone already. Besides, Dr. Sachdev won't help. This is… It's magic that caused it. It's-"
"Naveen, please. Stop with these lies," Idhal said. "I, for one, have had enough of them."
"You are a grown man," Sunil added. "It's time you stopped living in a fantasy world."
"It's not a fantasy, it's the truth," Naveen said, his hand went to his pocket where his thumb brushed over the watch. "You can write to Tiana. She will tell you."
Even just the simple act of saying her name made him feel slightly better, but it went away as soon as he saw the glares his parents were giving him.
"Yes…Tiana…" Sunil said. His fingers tapped rapidly on his desk. A habit Naveen knew he only did when he was furious. "This is your… the woman you married?"
"Yes."
The king and queen shared a look. Idhal sighed. "How could you do this to us, Naveen?"
Naveen's stomach dropped. This wasn't how this was supposed to go. "Do what? You have always wanted me to settle down and get married, and now that I have, you're angry with me?"
"Getting married was supposed to make you more responsible," Sunil stated.
"But I am-!"
"This," Idhal spread her arms out wide, "is not acting responsibly."
"You don't understand."
"Then tell us, Naveen," Idhal said, her frustration growing.. "Tell us how disappearing for nearly two months is the responsible thing to do. Tell us how marrying some American nobody who just wants your money - that we have not giving back to you, by the way - is the responsible thing to do!"
"She doesn't want any money from me," Naveen said. His voice was rising higher as they argued.
"Of course she does," Sunil said, dismissively.
Naveen felt like he had been dealt a firm blow. How could his father say that? Of course she wants your money. Why else would anyone want to marry you? Sunil hadn't said it, but he may as well have. Tears stung Naveen's eyes, and he blinked them back, furiously. "Tiana doesn't care about any of that. She loves me for me. You'd know that if you talked to her for just five minutes."
"Well, that's not going to happen," Idhal said, contemptuously.
It was said in such a simple tone that Naveen almost didn't register it. Now he was afraid to even breathe, but he still managed to say, "What?"
"For once, luck is on our side," Sunil stated. "Since this marriage isn't technically legal, it will make the divorce much easier to file."
Divorce? The room started to spin, and Naveen's knees buckled. He flopped down into the chair, unable to stand anymore. No, no no no. This couldn't be happening. Naveen clutched his stomach. He really was going to be sick.
"Do we even have to file a divorce for this though?" Idhal asked.
"I'm not sure," Sunil said. "That's why I sent for our lawyer. He was on holiday in France, but he'll be here in a few days to take care of this."
"No!" Naveen cried out. His parents turned to look at him, finally. It was like they had forgotten he was even there. "I don't want a divorce!"
Sunil sighed. "Naveen, you know this marriage isn't… ideal."
"Why?"
"You have to think about this politically, darling," Idhal said. She knelt by Naveen's side and stroked his hair away from his forehead. "There are much better matches out there for you, and for Maldonia."
"Tiana is the only one for me!"
"You are fixated with this Tiana," Sunil said. "Fine. I won't pretend to understand. But you and I know that you have a horrible record when it comes to women. You always lose interest after a few days."
Naveen started to interject but Sunil held up his palm and continued. "True this Tiana seems to be the longest streak yet, but be honest with yourself, Naveen - you'll forget about her when you aren't seeing her every day. You always did with the other girls. To be honest, it would be much easier if you did forget her. We want to do what's best for you, Naveen, and for Tiana, and most importantly for Maldonia." He sighed and combed his mustache with his fingers. " We need to make sure this all stays quiet while it all gets sorted out. The fire was bad enough, but if word of this got out…. we'll never be able to find you a suitable match."
Naveen couldn't stand it anymore. "I don't want anyone else!" he shouted, standing from his seat.
"Naveen-"
"No! You're not listening to me. You never listen to me! Tiana and I love each other, and there will never be anyone else for me."
"Naveen, I know-" Idhal tried to say, but Naveen cut her off.
"No, you don't know. You don't know anything about me, and you don't know anything about Tiana, so stop acting like you know what's best for us!"
Sunil stepped out from behind his desk. Though his father was only a few inches taller than Naveen, he felt like the king was towering over him. "Stop this right now, Naveen," Sunil said in that booming voice of his. "I am your father, but I am also your king, and you will do as I say."
Against his better instincts, Naveen still tried to argue. "But-"
"But nothing," Sunil said. "This discussion is over." As if to emphasize this, Sunil went back behind his desk and started to sort through his papers.
Naveen was breathing heavily. When had that started? He looked pleadingly towards Idhal, but she only shook her head. Now his tears really were threatening to spill. Naveen stormed from the room and slammed the door on the way out. In his fit of rage, he didn't even register that Kedar had been standing outside the door.
To my Darling Wife,
If you saw me today, I don't think you would be proud of me. I know I am ashamed of myself. There is something about being here that seems to bring out the worst in me, and it doesn't help that my parents don't believe a word I say.
The first thing they did when I arrived home was to scold me like a child, which in turn only made me act like one. I shouted my arguments which only seemed to solidify my parents ideas about everything that has happened.
Please don't worry though. I know once I talk to them in a calmer manner they will see the error of their ways. I will not give up on you, and on us. The thought of you is the only thing holding me together.
I wish you were here. I know it's not possible but I still like to imagine that, at night, instead of resting my head on a pillow, it's your chest, and you are holding me and stroking my hair. I really like it when you do that. Your touch is always so soft and warm - I miss it so much. I miss you so much.
I will hurry, my princess, with everything that needs to be done here. Nothing else can be done tonight, though, so I think instead I will hold the pillow to my chest and pretend it is you. When I close my eyes I can almost feel like you are here.
Stay strong, my love.
Thinking of you, always,
Naveen
Now that I am away from you,
this distance between us
such a burdensome thing,
I find I think of you in colors,
the smell of coffee as you
teach me to brew a pot,
the perfect sunlight spilling
in through the window.
I miss the way you
feel beside me.
I dream of your body
that you are sleeping in my arms.
there are so many way to say I love you
and still there are never enough.
I suppose we'll have to invent
new ones.
To my heart,
What I am learning here, is that nothing is as easy as I think it will be. Perhaps you already knew this. Actually I am sure you did - you're the smartest person I have ever met. I can imagine you reading about all of my failed attempts with an exasperated sigh, and though it pains me to disappoint you, what I wouldn't give to hear you sigh at me once more.
My parents are the most stubborn people, I believe, in the world. Even more than you! (A joke, darling. You know I love your stubbornness.) With them though, I have never felt so frustrated in my entire life. Nothing I say can convince them that I am a changed man. And perhaps the worst of it is that they do not even attempt to listen to me when I make my points.
All they do is steamroll everything.
They sent a doctor to see my hand, even after I told them it would amount to nothing. Lo and behold, Dr. Sachdev said there was nothing he could do for it. My mother was shocked, but there is at least some comfort in that she didn't believe Dr. Sachdev either. She has sent for another doctor to get a second opinion.
It is all so aggravating, these people they are fetching here. They even sent for a lawyer against my wishes to discuss a divorce. Divorce! Can you imagine? I only mention it now because nothing came of it, and I didn't want you to worry. The lawyer simply stated that with no proper ceremony and no marriage license, nothing needs to be done legally. It tore me up inside to hear that, and I am fighting all the harder to return to you.
In the meantime I am trying to wait patiently for your letters. I have it all counted out on my calendar when to expect them from you. Perhaps I counted wrong, as I should have already received them a few days ago. Nevertheless, I know that as soon as I see your letters, and hopefully your picture, that my heart will fill once more.
Missing you terribly,
Naveen
My Darling,
It seems like the only person who is happy that I am back is my brother, Ravi. He clings to me so much, which is in part sweet but it also gets on my nerves sometimes. If I weren't in such a sour mood I would relish this time he wants to spend with me. I am ashamed to admit that I don't know him very well, but that also means that he doesn't know me very well. Perhaps that is one of the reasons he looks up to me so much. Surely he wouldn't if he knew me better.
I apologize, princess. I don't mean to be so melancholy in my letters to you. I brought up Ravi so you wouldn't think I was spending all my time moping around here… only most of the time. He wants me to teach him ukulele, which normally I would be delighted to do, if only to annoy my father who hates the ukulele and especially hates jazz, which I cannot even attempt to understand! It is the same argument I give over and over: if he would actually sit down and LISTEN, he would change his mind. But as always, his mind is already made up even before he even gives something a chance.
I told Ravi that I would teach him when he is older, though he is a very smart boy, and could probably learn faster than I did. Still, I can't hardly even bare to take out my ukulele to play for myself. It only reminds me of New Orleans and all that I left behind there. Here I am being melancholy again.
I know I will bounce back as soon as I read one of your letters. For some reason I am still waiting for them.
Please write to me
Naveen
Naveen hated that whenever he had to go anywhere in the castle, he had to walk past the ballroom. Whoever had designed the palace (and his parents would hate the fact that he didn't know) had decided that, yes, it's a great idea to have the ballroom be the central of everything.
At least the door had been closed, and it was now roped off. But when Naveen passed by, he could see scorch marks on the wood, and if he came close enough he could still smell the lingering scent of smoke.
He didn't even want to know what it looked like inside. So Naveen usually hurried past the room, completely aware that, if he was noticing the damaged room, everyone else in the castle also did. It filled him with shame. Why hadn't his parents fixed it yet? Was this just another way that they wanted to torture him? Well, Naveen hated to admit it, but it was working.
This morning, Naveen hurried past the ballroom, looking once more for his parents. He hoped the early hour would have them in a good mood, and open to listening to his arguments. But they weren't in the morning room where they usually took breakfast. True that it was well past morning - without a job and a reliable schedule, Naveen had taken to his old habits of sleeping late, so they had obviously moved on to the next part of their day.
Perhaps they were on the terrace, Naveen thought. Sometimes they liked to look over the gardens before spending the rest of the day in meetings or other important duties. It was as likely as anything else, so Naveen decided to try. When he stepped outside, he was all at once surprised and not at all shocked by who he found waiting there.
He should have known. "Ria," Naveen said, flatly. "What are you doing here?"
Ria turned and smiled at him. "Hello, Prince Naveen."
The way she turned towards him, the way she looked at him, the way she said his name… a few months ago it would have made him want to tease her, flirt with her, play the push and pull game they always did with each other. Now though… now he felt nothing for her.
"You didn't answer my question," Naveen said.
"Not even a hello for me?" Ria tsked and took a few steps towards him. "I expected better from you." She was toying with him. Or trying to.
Naveen took a step back, but Ria closed the distance between them. "Aren't you happy to see me?" she asked, snaking her arms around his neck.
Carefully, Naveen moved out of her embrace. "I think you should leave."
"Leave?" Ria playfully pouted, giving him those big puppy dog eyes that were irresistible to almost every man in the world. Almost. "But I rushed over here as soon as I heard you were back. I thought we could… you know. Pick up where we left off before you left."
She said it so casually, like the last time they had been together hadn't been when he had almost burned down the entire castle and everyone in it. And then he had been cut off and everything had changed. Even if he hadn't fallen in love with Tiana, the memory of Ria basically ignoring his pleas for help when he thought he had lost everything still stung.
Naveen laughed unintentionally bitter. "You must be crazy."
"Well you don't have to put it like that," Ria pouted again, all sweet and charming. "You're back, so everything is back to normal. Or it would be if you would just kiss me."
"Kiss you?!" Naveen jumped back. "That is.. No that is not happening."
"Why not?" she asked, hands firmly on her hips. She cocked her head to one side and looked questioningly at Naveen. "You're not acting like yourself, you know. Everything is back to normal. I mean, you're here so I assume that little punishment you had is over. Isn't it?"
Naveen frowned, feeling his patience ebb away. "No, it isn't."
Ria blinked a few times, staring at him. "Oh. Oh, I see." Absentmindedly she twirled some of her hair around her finger. "Then you don't have….hmm"
Naveen couldn't believe he hadn't seen it sooner. She wasn't here for him, she never had been. She'd only been interested in his money. How could he have been so stupid! Blinded by her charm and beauty, Naveen had almost fallen for it too.
He'd had enough of this. "It really is time for you to leave, Ria," Naveen said.
"But I came to see how you were doing," Ria countered. "We haven't even talked, much less anything else." That gleam in her eyes made Naveen sick. "Besides, maybe I can help you get your inheritance back. Then things would really go back to normal, hmm? Wouldn't you like that?"
"No." The answer came quick, but it was the truth. Naveen's hand went to the watch in his pocket. "Things are different now, Ria. More than you'll ever know. I neither need, nor do I want you help. Now, I'm asking you again to please leave."
"You can't be serious," Ria said. "Think of what we had together, what we could have again if you just got your inheritance back."
"Get out, Ria, before I have you escorted out."
"Excuse me?"
"And when you go," Naveen said, ignoring her outburst, "don't come back. I never want to see you again. Ever."
T
If I were with you now, I would kiss you. I would hold your hand and look at you with wonder. And then, if you would let me, I would kiss you again.
And again.
And again.
N
It was dinner time, but as usual, Naveen wasn't hungry. Ever since leaving New Orleans, he seemed to have lost his appetite. Food just reminded him too much of Tiana. But it was a good opportunity to talk some more with his parents, so Naveen grinned and bared it as best he could, night after night.
At least out in the open, he didn't have to worry about loud arguments - his parents would never fight like that in front of the servants.
Naveen straightened his tie, and sat down in his usual seat at the table, but the place-setting was different. There was another seat arranged next to his. "What's all this?" Naveen asked. Was Ravi going to eat with them? Usually he ate in the nursery earlier. He was probably in bed by now, though.
"Well," Idhal said, taking her seat as the servant pulled out her chair for her. "We were thinking of hiring a new chef."
"You know how it is," Sunil added, leaning back slightly so a different servant could place the napkin on his lap. "The chef has been working here for so long, we wanted a change."
'But you hate when things change,' was all Naveen could think. He buttoned his lip though, not wanting to start something. "So why the extra plate?"
Idhal and Sunil exchanged a glance, before Naveen's mother said, "We decided to call in an expert."
"Announcing Lady Lajni, Duchess of Corvale," one of the servants declared, and in walked a young woman in her early twenties with dark olive skin and brown hair elegantly pinned in place.
"I apologize for my lateness," Lajni said, bowing before the royal family. "There was some trouble with my carriage."
"No trouble at all, my dear," Idhal said. "We were just getting started."
"Nothing too serious, I hope?" Sunil added. "We can have our stagehands take a look at the carriage for you."
"Oh that would be lovely, thank you," Lajni said with a smile.
"Naveen," Idhal said, "you remember Lajni, don't you? You met once when you were children. Before the war."
Naveen put on a grin. "Yes of course," he lied effortlessly. But in truth he couldn't remember her at all, and tried to comb through his memories. If it was before the war, he would have been young, but not too young that he wouldn't have tried kissing her if she had been willing. Naveen really hoped she hadn't been. "It's been a long time."
"Yes, it has," Lajni said. The servants had appeared again, pulling out the chair next to Naveen so she could sit down, and then placing her napkin on her lap once she had. "The King and Queen invited me here to try out the offerings from this new chef."
"Oh?" Naveen asked, unfolding his own napkin and smoothing it down himself.
"Lajni has become quite knowledgeable about all things food," Idhal clarified.
Naveen's hand froze in place. "Is that so?"
Lajni flushed a little. "It is a bit of a hobby."
"Hobby nothing," Sunil beamed. "You have one of the largest collections of wine I've ever seen."
"My grandfather started collecting it," Lajni explained. "I've just continued with his legacy."
"Well, it's very impressive," Idhal said. "You should really see it, Naveen."
"I'd be happy to give you a tour, sometime," Lajni said, another blush appearing on her cheeks.
Naveen didn't notice as he grinned halfheartedly once more and said he would be happy to visit, though inwardly he was wondering why having so much wine made you an expert on food. True food and wine were always paired together, and they did say that the right pairing helped bring out the flavors of the food.
His thoughts drifted, as they so often did, to Tiana, who didn't need wine to help her food shine in the way it did, and she couldn't anyway with the prohibition on alcohol making it illegal in America.
Naveen sighed and smoothed down the tablecloth. He missed cooking with her. Creating food together was so intimate. The fact that she trusted him to help her create such wonderful dishes… it was nice to be able to help and feel useful.
The first course was served. A soup that smelled delicious and made his stomach growl. Naveen cursed inwardly. It felt like a betrayal to Tiana, but he did need to eat.
"What do you think, Lajni?" Idhal asked, after taking a spoonful herself.
"This is the best lentil soup I've ever tasted!" Lajni said. "You can really taste the tamarind. The way it leaves such a tangy flavor in your mouth is exquisite."
"Such a refined palate," Sunil observed. "What a remarkable talent for a young lady. And a Duchess, at that."
Lajni beamed at the compliment. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Naveen rolled his eyes. It was obviously clear what was going on by now. His parents weren't at all subtle sometimes. Were they really trying to set him up with this woman? Did they really think that Tiana's passion for food was all that had attracted him to her? That finding another woman with the same passion would be enough to make him forget?
Naveen felt infuriated, but it wasn't Lajni's fault. He knew it would have been all his parents idea. They would have asked their allies to find someone more suitable and she had been the perfect candidate.
He put his spoon down, finding the lentil soup not at all flavorful himself. "So tell me Lajni." All eyes had turned on Naveen. His parents had such hopeful expressions on their faces, happy that he was actually taking part in the conversation with this eligible woman. "If you are so interested in food, what is your favorite dish to cook?"
She blinked, and Naveen could sense his parents groaning inwardly. "Cook?"
"Yes," Naveen continued. "Surely someone with such a sense of good food must enjoy creating it herself."
"I…I…" Lajni fumbled with her napkin, glancing to the King and Queen for help.
"Naveen," Idhal jumped to the rescue, "you know that a Duchess doesn't need to do something as common as that."
Lajni relaxed a little. "I have my own dedicated team of chefs back home who can cook any number of dishes I tell them to create. I know how to put all the best flavors together to create the perfect meal."
"But you don't do any of the actual work," Naveen said, needing to clarify this.
Lajni chuckled a little. "No, of course not."
Naveen sighed, and removed his napkin from his lap, folding it and placing it back on the table. He stood and bowed first to his parents, and then to Lajni. "I am afraid there has been a terrible misunderstanding, Lajni," he said to her. "You have been asked here under false pretenses. You're a wonderful person, who will no doubt find the perfect husband, but that man is not me."
Naveen bowed again to his parents, glaring intently at them. "If you will excuse me, I seem to have lost my appetite."
I sleep with the thought of you
with the silhouette
of a single memory, with the scent
of your touch on my skin.
If only I could lose myself in the folds
of your dress, the curl
of your hair. I long to be consumed
In the soft focus fog
of your tenderness.
My Dearest Tiana,
I started talking to Ray and Evangeline last night. I asked them to watch over you and to give you my love. Did you get their message? It gives me some comfort looking at them in the night sky knowing that you can also see them. If only we could watch them together like we used to. What must Ray think of us now? I am sure he is disappointed in me and sad that we have been separated. But he was also far away from his love for a long time, so perhaps he is more understanding than I first thought.
We will be together again, I promise you, my love. Are you worried? Is that why you haven't written? I wanted to call our Postmaster General in to ask if there had been any letters from you, but Baba said that was a waste of time and money.
"You will get the letters when they arrive," he said, and that was the end of that conversation. Talking with him is like talking with a brick wall sometimes. I feel as if I am making some chips in it though. You must trust me, princess. I know this is hard for you, to wait for me this way with no way to push forward yourself. I promise I am doing everything I can.
I still wonder though, where are your letters? This isn't like you, and I am starting to worry.
Is everything alright? Are you ill? Are you angry with me? Whatever it is, please just tell me. I miss you so much, and it's tearing me apart inside.
Please, please write to me.
I love you with all my heart,
Naveen
"Do you have those statistics, Sire?"
"Hmm." Sunil looked through the paperwork laid out before him, and then shook his head. "I thought I did. Kedar must still have them in his office. Naveen, would you go fetch him, please?"
Naveen perked up. "Gladly." Anything to get a break from another dull meeting, even if it meant dealing with Kedar.
"And Naveen?" Sunil gave him a stern look as Naveen headed towards the door. "Don't dawdle."
"Yes, Baba."
Immediately upon leaving the meeting room, Naveen felt his chest loosen and his step grow lighter. It would take about five minutes to reach Kedar's office, another minute to explain what was needed of him, add another minute for some snide remark about Naveen's lack of an office (the fact that he had an office while Naveen didn't was always brought up by the Guard Captain, much to Naveen's displeasure), and then five more minutes back to the meeting room meant that Naveen had at least twelve minutes of relative freedom to his disposal.
He didn't know if it was pathetic to be counting his minutes like this, but here he was.
Naveen knocked on the door of Kedar's office, but there was no reply from inside. Kedar must have stepped away for a moment. Naveen tried the door, to find it unlocked. What luck! He could deliver the paperwork his father needed, and not have to deal with Kedar in the process. The only problem was that Naveen didn't know where Kedar would keep such a file, but no matter. Just judging from the looks of the office, he was a very well organized man. It wouldn't take long to find.
Naveen went to the filing cabinet and opened one drawer, and then the next, moving to the next filing cabinet when he didn't find anything when he stopped. This entire cabinet was new, as was the one next to it, and the one next to that. Naveen didn't make it a habit to visit Kedar's office very much, but all of the offices in this wing of the castle all had the exact same layout - including the number of filing cabinets. It didn't take a genius to see that Kedar had started storing quite a lot of paperwork recently. But what could be in there?
The drawers weren't even labeled, which added to Naveen's unease. Everything else that he had seen was meticulously labeled and sorted. What could he be hiding? The thought popped into Naveen's head that maybe he was doing something illegal. Wouldn't that be something. But was Kedar be foolish enough to keep illegal contraband stored in his office? Perhaps. Most everyone was too afraid to come visit him here. Naveen was probably the first person besides Kedar to step into this office in years.
Curious, Naveen opened one of the drawers and gasped at what he found inside.
It was letters. Addressed, stamped, postmarked letters, all written in Naveen's own handwriting. All addressed to Tiana. "What the hell?" he whispered and started digging through the drawers.
They were all here. Letters and letters all from him, just sitting here in Kedar's office! Feeling his anger swell up, Naveen started taking all the letters and pouring them into the floor. And then he opened up the next unmarked cabinet, and he gasped again.
With a trembling hand, Naveen reached for one of the letters stored inside. It wasn't one he had written. It was from Tiana. Here was another, and then another. There were so many! Naveen almost wept with joy. She had been writing to him every day, just like she promised.
The door opened and Naveen looked up to see Kedar walk in. Kedar immediately paled upon finding Naveen surrounded by hundreds of letters.
"These are my letters," Naveen said to Kedar coldly. "What are you doing with my letters?"
Tiana!
Tiana Tiana Tiana! It is such a relief to finally have your letters in hand. The sky is blue again, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and I am singing too! I haven't sung at all since I left New Orleans, but now I can't seem to stop. For once, no one seems to blame me, which I will confess is such a relief. In fact, it seems that everyone here seems glad that my spirits have lifted.
Tiana, when I found your letters, I stared at them in disbelief. All these weeks wanting to hear from you, and the letters had been here the whole time! And then once I tore open the first envelope, it was with much difficulty that I slowed myself enough to read the words. I wanted to know everything at once.
But I am getting ahead of myself a bit. I promised I would explain everything.
Perhaps it doesn't surprise you that Kedar had taken our letters and hid them from everyone, including my parents - a fact that I am pleased to report they are very angry about.
Kedar eventually confessed that he had overheard an argument I had with my parents where they said it would be best if we forget each other and that what they were doing was best for Maldonia (a thousand apologies my love. As if I could ever forget you). Without any sort of approval, Kedar took this to mean that he would do everything he could to make sure we had no contact with each other, because he always does what is best for Maldonia.
He would intercept our letters from the post, and he kept them in his office of all places, which is where I found them. I knew something was wrong when I wasn't getting your letters, but I never suspected this kind of sabotage. If I had, I would have gone looking much sooner.
My parents are furious with Kedar. I can't tell you how nice it is to have someone else getting lectured for once, and to have it be Kedar is the icing on the cake, as you would say.
When I found the letters, Kedar came into his office and we shared a few words that I am not going to repeat here. Needless to say our argument carried through a large portion of the castle, and I am pretty sure things were going to get out of hand when my father came into the room and stopped the fight.
Baba saw all of the letters scattered about and I think that is what finally made him listen to me. He knew I had been waiting for your letters. So he had some of his guards watch over Kedar, and my father and I went into his office where for once I was able to make my case without him talking over me.
I was able to finally tell him about Kedar's horrible treatment towards you, and how he was willing to hurt you to get what he wanted. Baba was shocked to hear it, and he told me to tell you how sorry he is that you had to go through that. It was then my turn to be shocked. Baba is not one to shy away from his mistakes, but still, it is very rare to hear an apology from him.
He also apologized about the letters, but this was less heartfelt. Baba said that while he still wasn't happy about our marriage, it didn't mean that we couldn't write to each other. Despite everything, I am taking this as a good sign.
And I still haven't gotten to the best part! Kedar has been dishonorably discharged! He has become a disgrace and a fool, and I won't lie and say it hasn't been delightful to watch because it has. Despite knowing what it feels like to have an entire country disprove of your actions, I feel no sympathy towards him. It is good to see him leave. And who knows, maybe he will meet a mysterious man who turns him into a frog and he will fall in love and finally learn from his mistakes. But something like that probably only happens once in a lifetime.
It wasn't until hours after I found your letters that I was finally alone with them, but just as I was about to open the first envelope I realized that you had experienced the same waiting and worrying as I did. I hate thinking of you feeling like that, so I knew I had to send you a telegram right away, though it was terribly difficult to tear myself away from your letters.
But now at last I have taken your letters to bed with me. Does it shock you to learn that I know them all by heart now? Foolish romantic that I am, I even kiss them and hold them and kiss them again. It is you, my love, every last word. I swear I can even smell New Orleans on the paper. Your neat orderly handwriting, the thumb smudge at the bottom of one page, make me imagine every small detail of you that I have missed so very much.
If I close my eyes I can imagine myself back there with you, holding you close. It is all the more painful, then, when I open my eyes again and remember the great distance that separates us. Still, having your letters here makes the pain lessen, if only a little.
I have your picture beside me now, which has also been well kissed. You are so beautiful, Tiana. It's not that I forgot, but imagining your face and seeing it are two very different things. I can only hope it isn't much longer until I can see (and kiss) the real thing again.
I love you so much, Tiana.
Yours, forever and ever,
Naveen
There was a knock on Naveen's door as he signed the letter, and his head sprang up in surprise. Naveen had been much too excited to sleep, and so it was quite late, much too late for anyone to be knocking on his door. "Come in," he said.
Sunil opened the door.
"Oh. Hello, Baba."
"Hello, son." Sunil was dressed ready for bed in his pajamas and robe, but it seemed he couldn't sleep either. It had been quite a day.
Sunil walked over to the desk where Naveen was writing and gestured to the nearby chair. "Do you mind if I take a seat?"
"No, no. Of course not."
Sunil sighed as he settled in the chair while Naveen fidgeted at the desk. He didn't know what to do with himself. It felt so strange having his father here in his room. Usually they talked in his office, or somewhere more public like the dining areas. Naveen could only remember a handful of times Sunil had sat in that same chair. When Sunil had explained that Naveen's grandmother had passed away, when his parents told him the war was getting too close and he would have to be sent to the country to be safe. When they told him Idhal was expecting and there would be a new prince or princess in a few months.
What did Sunil have to say now? Naveen was afraid to break the awkward silence that settled between them. That by saying something he would somehow take away any progress he had made today. And it did feel like he had made some.
At last Sunil looked over at Naveen's desk, and nodded towards Tiana's picture that was proudly displayed there. "Is that Tiana?" he asked.
"Yes."
The king held out his hand. "May I see?"
Naveen handed his father the picture, and Sunil smiled softly at it. "She's very beautiful."
Naveen had to laugh at that. "Yes, I know." Hadn't he been saying that all this time? But still, it felt good to laugh, and to smile. It had been a long time since he had done either of those things.
Sunil held Naveen's gaze as he handed back the picture, his own smile growing warmer upon seeing his son's happy face. "Tell me about her."
"Really?"
Sunil nodded. "Yes. I'll… I'll listen this time."