My Dear Dear Naveen,

It's only been a few hours since I finished reading all your letters, and I am still feeling a little giddy, so please forgive me if this letter rambles. I can't believe it was Kedar who kept our letters from each other. Except when I think of my few interactions with him, maybe I can. It sounds like he got his comeuppance though, so I can sleep easy tonight knowing there is one less thing to trouble you.

I can't put it into words just how happy I am, my darling, to have finally heard from you and to know how you are doing. All your letters came at once and I thought I might burst when I saw they were from you! Your handwriting is beautiful, by the way, but I'm sure you already knew that.

It really is so wonderful to finally have your letters. I hope you don't mind, but I shared some of them with Mama. She was anxious to hear about you, too. I know she has plenty of thoughts running around her head about your parents not blessing our marriage, but she's smartly keeping her lips buttoned for once. She knows I'll call her a hypocrite if she starts to complain about how long it's taking them to change their minds!

As for me, I'm trying to stay positive. This is a much more difficult situation than getting my Mama's blessing, if only for the fact that I can't even make a case for myself because I'm not there and they haven't met me. Should I write to them? Do you think that would make any difference? And if so… what would I even say? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as, obviously, between the two of us, you know them best.

In the meantime, please know that I'm sending you my thoughts, and my love. I'm sure you've also noticed by now that I also sent you some cookies. I've been racking my brain trying to come up with something I can do for you, and this was all I could come up with. I hope you like them and that they aren't stale by the time they get to you. I also don't know what your favorite flavor is (how can I not know this by now?) so I made a few different ones and hoped for the best. Please let me know how they are and which you like best so that I can 1. Make a better care package for you for next time and 2. Learn things I should know by now about my husband.

Sometimes I feel like we know each other better than anyone else in the world, and then there are other times when it feels like we hardly know each other at all. And still, even when I'm feeling like that, in my heart I know that there's no one else I'd rather spend the rest of my life with. Do you ever feel this way? Does it scare you?

I wish you were here so we could talk about it. Life is still going on somehow, but I feel empty without you. Your letters help, but they can never replace the real you.

Hurry home, Froggy.

I'm waiting for you.

All my love,

Tiana

P.S. Another thing I didn't know about you is that you're such a poet. Your letters and poems are so beautiful that they almost make me cry. In a good way though. I started thinking about what I've written to you, and all my letters feel so plain and boring compared to yours. Not that it's a competition, but I guess this is an apology of sorts.

I don't know how to write down my feelings for you. I tried to write something for this letter but I had to tear it up. I had an idea in my head of how I wanted it to sound, but somewhere between my brain and the paper everything got muddled. It wasn't at all how I had imagined it in my head.

I've come to realize since you left that I tend to show love by doing things for people. I think this is one of the reasons I feel so lost in this situation. More than anything I want to be by your side to help you through this, but since I can't I'm left with not much to do but write to you and wait.

This may sound strange but, do you have any advice on writing a romantic letter? Since the letters will be coming to you, you can tell me exactly what you want.

While I try and figure this out, please know that when I write I love you, I mean it with all my heart.

T

To my Adoring Wife,

Imagine my surprise and delight when your letter was delivered to me at breakfast this morning! I admit, even after finding out Kedar had been keeping our letters from each other, there was still a part of me that wondered if this practice would continue. How glad I am to say that it is not!

I immediately excused myself from breakfast to read your letter, and upon finishing it I find that my mood has brightened considerably. Not only because I have your letter but because of cookies! So many cookies!

You really outdid yourself, my love. They are all so delicious, and to know that it was you who made them just for me has filled my heart with such intense happiness that I almost can't sit still. But I am managing it, if only so I can write you back.

As for my favorite flavor, I don't know yours either, so we are even on that. And you can't ask me to choose because I love them all! So I suppose that is my answer, though I can already anticipate you won't be satisfied with it. Cookies in Maldonia are so different than these ones you've made, and the flavors are unlike anything else I've ever had. It must be that magic touch you seem to add to all your dishes.

In all honesty though, I couldn't possibly pick a favorite of something that you've made. I know you will think this is me just trying to flatter you, but everything here has tasted so flat and dry, I've hardly had any appetite. Until now.

I know it's not fair to ask you what your favorite is when I didn't really answer you, but please tell me. I'm desperate for any new information about you.

I am glad that you shared my letters with your mother. I miss her too, and think of her often, especially now that I am spending a lot of time with my own mother.

Ammi and Baba seem to have thawed a little towards me, but not enough to let me return to you. After we learned of Kedar's treachery Baba and I talked long into the night, and the next day Ammi and I shared a long conversation in her gardens. I think they feel guilty that our letters were kept from each other for so long, and so they are trying to make it up to me. Whatever the reason, it is nice that they are finally listening to me. They do seem to like to hear about you as well, which is good because I hardly want to talk of anything else!

I think writing to them is a wonderful idea! They can get to know you without having to go through me, which I think is part of what makes them so hesitant. It's not that I exaggerate when speaking of you, my love, only that they think I am exaggerating when I tell them how wonderful you are. When it comes right from the source, they will see that I am telling them the truth.

The only other big news I can share with you is that the preparations for Lawrence's trial have begun. Everyone seems to be talking about it non-stop, and whenever I think of it I find that my stomach turns in knots. I am going to have to testify.

It's not the speaking part that worries me, but I find that I am conflicted in my feelings for my former valet.

It was my past behavior that pushed him over the edge. I know that now. So in many ways, it is my own fault that he is being punished. And yet at the same time, I didn't tell him to betray me in the way that he did, so in that vein he brought it all on himself.

I also know how easily the Shadow Man could manipulate people, so was it really Lawrence's fault that he fell into the trap he did? Then again, I know that if you hadn't stopped the Shadow Man when you did, my love, that Lawrence would have been a willing accessory to a lot of pain and suffering to the people of New Orleans. Many people would have died, including myself.

And then also, I struggle because sometimes I wonder if I owe Lawrence for the simple fact that, if things hadn't worked out the way they did, we might not have met and fallen in love.

What should I do, Tiana? As the prince, my testimony will weigh more heavily than anything else presented in trial. Everything that I say, even my tone of voice, will basically decide if Lawrence goes free or is sent to prison for the rest of his life. I don't like having this weight on my shoulders, but there it is. I hate to also put this burden on you, but I am in desperate need of your help. You are the only one who could possibly understand.

Despite all my troubles I just wrote about, I just spent the last five minutes laughing because I looked over and saw that all the cookies you sent me are gone. I can't believe I ate them all while writing to you! Ravi will be upset because I promised to give him some after I finished this letter. Please, if you are able, send more so he can taste a cookie made by his loving sister-in-law.

I am missing you terribly. Not a moment goes by that I am not thinking of you. I am doing my best to return to your side soon, but I think it will have to wait for awhile. At least until Lawrence's trial is over.

Devotedly yours,

Naveen

P.S. Tiana, you are so wonderful, and I love you so much, but I can practically hear you overthinking everything halfway around the world from you. Did you really ask me what I want in a love letter from you? I don't mean to tease you, love, so here is my advice.

The secret to writing a good love letter is that it comes from the heart, and that is what you have already done. Your letters are beautiful because they come from you, so there is no need to write a fancy poem or anything like that if you don't want to. And if you are worried about expressing your feelings on paper, the simple fact that you are still writing to me after everything that has happened tells me everything I need to know.

All I want is to keep hearing from you. Well, what I really want is to be by your side and to be kissing you over and over again, but for now your letters will do. But if you do change your mind and decide to send me something like that, I would never stop you. Quite the opposite, my darling. I would enjoy it very much.

P.P.S. If you are feeling so anxious about the love letters, should I stop writing them to you?

N

Dearest Naveen,

You stinker, you ate all those cookies in one sitting!? For your sake I hope you didn't get a stomach ache, and if you did, I hope you learned your lesson and will share this time. I didn't even think of Ravi when I sent those before (I feel like a terrible sister-in-law. I don't know anything about him either) so I made some cookies specifically for him. I know I'm not being very subtle about making him like me by giving him sweets but I'm not going to take any chances. Plus, my Mama always said the easiest way to a man's heart is through his stomach!

Just make sure he doesn't ruin his appetite. I don't want your parents more upset with me than they probably are.

I decided I would write a letter to them, and I'm working on it right now. It's taking me longer than I thought it would, but I'm terrified that I'm going to write the wrong thing to them. I'll do my best to make you proud. Wish me luck, I think I'll need it.

As for my favorite flavor of cookie, I like anything that has chocolate in it. Or peanut butter. Or fruit. So okay, I can't pick a favorite either. I guess that just means we have one more thing in common, and in a weird way it makes me glad. Lately it feels like we're so different from each other, almost too different. I'm happy to find more common ground with you, even if it's something as silly as this.

Judging by how much you wrote in your last letter about Lawrence, I can tell you're feeling very anxious about it all, so I won't stall on that any longer. I've thought long and hard about it, and I asked Mama her thoughts too. I asked Louis and Lottie, and everyone had something different to say.

Lottie doesn't think Lawrence should be punished, as she thinks he was more of a pawn than anything. She said that everything worked out alright in the end, so why not let bygones be bygones. But she's always looked at the world through these rose colored glasses, and I didn't have the heart to tell her that her Daddy was going to be one of the first casualties of the Shadow Man's plan. Still after everything, it's remarkable that she doesn't hold a grudge.

Louis on the other hand, does. I think he still feels a bit angry about Ray's death, even though he was finally able to join Evangeline. With the Shadow Man gone, Louis seems to lay part of the blame on Lawrence. I've never seen Louis so angry before, and I'll admit to you here that it was scary to see.

Mama seems to have faith in the Maldonian justice system, and says that you're putting too much pressure on yourself. She says that it's the judge, and not you, who will decide Lawrence's fate, so you don't have to worry about it.

But that doesn't make any sense to me, and not just because I'm a worrier by nature. None of these answers really sit right with me, and while I don't know exactly what you're thinking right now, I don't think you'll be happy with any of them either.

I'm sure you're wondering what I eventually decided, and the answer is… I don't know. Please don't be too upset with me, but I keep circling around to all different choices and I can't make up my mind on anything. All I can really offer you is some advice. I think you'll be fine as long as you tell the truth and stay true to yourself, you just have to decide what that means for you.

I'll always be here to for you to talk to, and I'll support you whatever it is you chose. I know you'll make the right decision, whatever it is.

I love you,

Tiana

P.S. Okay you're right, I was overthinking things a bit. I can't help it though. I'll keep trying to write you something though. Please bare with me, and you have to promise that if I manage to do it, you won't laugh.

P.P.S. Please don't stop writing the love notes. I really like them.

T

Tiana,

I'm having terribly naughty thoughts about you again today. I try to focus on everything I need to do here, but I keep having these delicious new ideas for what to do to you when we are alone.

I will kiss you and hold you close to me. I imagine that I lift your dress a little and then kiss your stomach. It's so warm and soft and perfect. I get hungry for you so I kiss you more and taste you and you're so delicious it only makes me want you more.

Sometimes I imagine that we have our own house, and I find you in the kitchen cooking breakfast. So I kiss your neck and your back and the backs of your knees and up your thighs and the eggs burn.

N

To Their Royal Majesties the King and Queen of Maldonia,

My name is Tiana Batiste, and I am in love with your son. I'm sure you've come to your own conclusions about me after, I assume, Naveen has told you some things. But I still wanted to write to you to explain some things and let you know me a bit more.

Firstly, I know Naveen told you the story of how we met, and I wanted to say that despite it's sounding fantastical, it is all true. There is no reason for you to believe either of us, as there is no proof, but it is the truth. If you want to hear my side of the story to compare it to Naveen's I can do that for you. You only have to ask.

I also want to emphasize that I really do love Naveen. If he was as popular with women as he said he was, this might not be the first time you've gotten a letter from someone proclaiming their love for him. I only bring it up because I wanted to let you know that, yes I know about the women, yes I know about the fire, yes I know he has been cut off. But I still love him, and I also know that he has changed.

Naveen will probably tell you that it was me who changed him, but I like to think that I only inspired him to change. I pushed him to mince mushrooms for the first time, but ever since then, everything he's done has been something he wanted to do. I know I'm supposed to be talking about myself, but from Naveen's letters, it doesn't sound like he's been given much of a chance to show you his new side.

He brought out a new side in me, too. I have this dream, you see, that one day I would open up my own restaurant. It may not seem like much to you, but it's been my whole world ever since I was a little girl. My Daddy taught me how to cook and we shared this dream together. He died before he could see it happen though, and I've been trying to make sure that our dream came true. But I let the dream consume me, and it became something else, something not healthy. I was driving people away, and I was working myself to the bone for it. Naveen has helped me come into the light again.

Maybe this isn't showing you my best sides, but I wanted to give you a realistic view of who I am. I love Naveen, and I know that there are plenty of things to work out as far as our marriage is concerned, but please know that I'm not afraid of hard work. I'm not naive in thinking that being a princess is just dancing in a ball gown and looking pretty. I may not have the experience and knowledge you are looking for in a princess, but I've worked hard my entire life, and I'm not afraid to continue doing that.

I can prove myself to you, if you'll only give me the chance.

Sincerely,

Tiana

There was something off about Lottie today, but Tiana couldn't quite put her finger on it. True that Lottie was always a bit scatterbrained, but today she seemed worse than ever. It didn't help that Tiana's mind was on other things too.

It was Tiana's birthday, and even though she had her friends and family to celebrate with her, she knew that it wasn't possible to get what she really wanted. But Lottie had invited her over for cake so Tiana put on a weary smile while she moved the food around on her plate. It was a good cake, but Tiana just wasn't in the mood. Plus she felt like she's overstayed her welcome after being here for so long.

"Maybe it's time I got going," Tiana said, standing up from her chair.

"NO!" Lottie practically screamed, then winced. "I mean, can't you stay a bit longer?" She glanced at the clock on the wall and then into the main hallway, before she started to bite her thumbnail.

Tiana pursed her lips. "I don't know, Lottie. It's awfully late. And Mama will be worried if I'm not home soon."

Lottie waved her hand in the air, dismissively. "It's your birthday, Tia! Your Mama wants you to stay out and have fun and not be cooped up all day."

Tiana just raised an eyebrow. Cooped up was exactly what she felt like. Any suggestion Tiana gave to doing something downtown or even in the backyard was quickly shot down by Lottie who seemed determined that they stay in the front room.

"Okay, wrong turn of phrase," Lottie said. "But you will stay, won't you, Tia? I feel like I hardly ever get to see you. Let's play some cards, or work on a puzzle!"

Thrilling, Tiana thought sarcastically. But there wasn't really anything wrong with a quiet night in, even if it was out of character for Lottie. And her friend really did seem to want her to stay. "Alright, but just for a bit."

Once they poured the pieces of the puzzle out on the table, Tiana saw her friend glance at the clock and then the main hallway again. "Are you waiting for something, Lottie?"

"Me? No no no no no," Lottie laughed. "I just uh… like to know what time it is! Aren't clocks just fascinating? And then when you think about the concept of time… just… wow!"

"Uh huh," Tiana chuckled, shaking her head. "Time flies, as they say."

"Right? I knew you'd get it, Tia. You're so smart."

The phone that was mounted in the main hallway began to ring. Lottie practically screamed and puzzle pieces went everywhere.

"Let me help you, Lottie," Tiana said and got down on her knees to gather up the pieces.

"No no, it's okay really!" Lottie was trying to pick up the mess, but her frantic movements were only scattering them further. "You should answer the phone!"

"I… what?" Tiana asked.

"Go answer the phone, that's what will really help!"

Tiana shot her another questioning look. "Okay if you say so." The phone rang again and Tiana strolled over to it. It felt strange to her, she'd never really talked on the phone to anyone, not having one herself. Really the only time she had ever done it was soon after the LaBouff's had this phone installed and it was just to talk to Lottie who was calling from another phone because she was so excited about it. That had been a long time ago, and as Tiana neared the machine, she was once again struck by how easily it looked like a face.

The two bells could be the eyes, and the mouthpiece could either be a mouth or a nose depending on how you looked at it. It rang again.

"Tia hurry!" Lottie called from the other room.

"Okay, okay, hold your horses," Tiana mumbled and picked up the receiver. She held it up to her ear, feeling awkward and unsure of herself. How loud was she supposed to talk? "Um.. Hello? This is the LaBouff residence."

The operator spoke in clipped sharp tones. "I have a long distance call on the line, do you accept?"

Long distance? "I uh… just a minute." Tiana cupped her hand over the mouthpiece and called out, "Lottie, it's long distance. Should I accept?"

"YES!"

Tiana could practically picture her friend jumping up and down with excitement, and she expected to see Lottie come barreling around the corner ready to pick up the receiver and take over the call, but nothing else happened.

"Yes, I accept," Tiana said into the phone, unsure of what else to do. Everything went silent for a moment as the operator connected the call. Then Tiana heard a series of clicks. Were they connected now? Who was this mysterious person on the phone calling long distance?

"Hello?" Tiana asked tentatively.

She could have sworn she heard a soft gasp on the other end, and then a chuckle.

"Hello, princess."

Tears sprang to her eyes as every emotion seemed to flood into her. Tiana clutched the phone, afraid that she might faint or worse, accidentally hang up. "Naveen?! Is that you?"

"Who else would be calling you long distance?"

Who else indeed! She was laughing through her tears and she glanced over to the front room where Lottie was peeking out from behind the door. Lottie gave her a big smile and two thumbs up.

Tiana returned the smile with a grateful one of her own and then Lottie closed the door, allowing Tiana as much privacy as she could have when the phone was placed in the hallway.

"It's so good to hear your voice," Tiana said, sniffing. "Did you and Lottie put this together?"

Naveen laughed again and Tiana's heart swelled. Oh such a wonderful laugh he had! How she'd missed it! How could she have ever thought of anything else but the sound of him?

"I wrote her a letter saying I would try and make this call happen and to see if she could keep you by the phone. I didn't even know if it was possible it took so long to get the call connected. Even so, my princess, I'm afraid we don't have much time."

As happy as she was, fear suddenly took hold in her heart. Couldn't they stay talking on the phone forever? "We don't?"

"Can you hear how fragile the call is?"

Tiana then noticed all the clicks and crackles on the line, and she was once again struck by just how far away he was. "Yes, I hear it."

"The call could be disconnected at any time, so I'll talk fast, my love. I just wanted to say I love you, and happy birthday."

Now she was crying again. "You remembered."

"Of course I did. I remember everything about you."

"You're crazy," Tiana said, laughing, not really knowing what she was saying, only trying to take in the sound of his voice and make sure she could carry it with her always. "I love you, too. And I miss you, Naveen. I miss you so much."

"I miss you, too, Tiana." The sound of her name on his lips made shivers travel up and down her spine. How was he able to do this to her? "I wish I was there with you."

"Me too."

"Next year though, my darling. Next year I will be by your side, and for every birthday hereafter, I will be next to you celebrating as we grow older together in love."

Tiana closed her eyes when he spoke. It made it easier to picture him there by her side, smiling at her and stroking her cheek. If she concentrated hard enough she could even feel his touch there. "I'd like that very much," she said, wiping away a tear.

"Please don't cry, Tiana," Naveen said. "I didn't mean to make you sad."

"How did you know I was crying?" Tiana asked.

"I can hear you sniffling."

She had to laugh. "Sorry."

"Let's talk about happier things," Naveen said. "You're getting all my letters now, yes?"

"Yes, I am," Tiana said smiling into the phone.

"All my letters?" Naveen's voice grew lower and a bit softer, but not too soft that she couldn't hear him over the crackle of the phone.

Tiana felt her cheeks flush with heat, fully aware of which letters he was talking about. She giggled despite herself.

"I take that as a yes."

"Yes." Tiana was laughing now. "You'd better be careful with those in the future, mister, because I opened one the last one in front of my Mama!"

Naveen was laughing too. "What did she say?"

"You think I told her what was in there?" Tiana said, grinning. "I made up some excuse and hightailed it out of there before she could figure it out."

"Do you want me to stop writing them, then?"

Tiana twirled the phone cord around her finger. "No," she whispered. "I like them."

"What was that, princess?"

Tiana rolled her eyes, was he really teasing her now? But she had missed that too. "I said I liked them," she said more firmly.

But the only thing that answered was a few clicks and silence. Oh no. Was the line disconnected?

"-iana? Are you still there?"

"Yes! Can you hear me?"

"Not very well," Naveen replied. He sounded even further away now. There were a lot more clicks and crackles now. "There's not much time. I love you, Tiana. I love you with all my heart."

"I love you too, Naveen."

There was nothing but silence on the other end of the line.

The operator's voice chimed in, startling Tiana. The operator was much louder and clearer than Naveen had been. "I'm sorry, you've been disconnected."

"Yes," Tiana said. "I know."

To My Evangeline,

Talking with you on the phone seems to have invigorated me! I am so sorry that the call was cut short, but I am so glad that we were able to talk, even for a little while.

It was morning here when we spoke (I had spent the entire evening before tossing and turning, worrying that they would not be able to put the call through, but miracles of miracles it happened! I am trying to convince my father to give whoever was responsible a large bonus in their paycheck. We will see if this happens.) and even though I hadn't slept well, I couldn't stay still after we spoke!

Hearing you say my name, hearing you say I love you! Being able to just speak with you! It was enough to send me over the moon with happiness! Ravi and I danced around the palace, and I think everyone was glad to see me in higher spirits than I have been lately. It was when we finally stopped in front of the ballroom that I had a thought, and I feel so frustrated that I did not think of it before. It must have been you, my darling, who knocked some sense into me, like you always do.

You see, while it is true that my parents are listening to me when I speak of you, nothing else is different in their attitude towards me. I don't think they believe that I am a changed man. And really, why should they?

Tiana, I hate to admit it, but after I arrived in Maldonia, much of my behavior went back to the way it was before. NOT WITH THE WOMEN THOUGH! I cannot stress that enough. I hope you know that I would never ever do that to you.

What I mean is, that there are so many servants here who do everything for you, which only makes it easier to let them. There are a few things that I have subconsciously been doing for myself, but for the most part, the servants have been doing everything.

This is stopping now.

You should have seen their faces when word got around that I made my own bed this morning! Not very well, mind you, but I still did it! And then after breakfast when I cleared the table and brought the dishes all the way back to the kitchen to begin washing them, you would have thought that my mother had a heart attack.

But the dishes are now clean, and I plan on doing the same for lunch, and supper, and so on until we are together again. Except, no that is not quite correct because I will still be washing the dishes when we are together! And I can promise you I will be happy to do so.

I don't know if I will be able to go further into the kitchen to actually make the meals you taught me, but perhaps soon I can show off my skills there, limited though they are.

This brings me back to my thought I had. While washing the dishes and making beds are all well and good, I don't think they are enough to prove that I am a changed man. So I thought, what better way to do this than by repairing the burnt ballroom? Very smart, yes?

I opened the door to the ballroom for the first time since the fire, and it is in very poor condition. There is a lot of work to be done on it, that is for sure.

I am sure you can guess my biggest problem, my love. I haven't got the slightest clue as to how to accomplish any of this. Can you help me? I remember you said that you had plans for fixing up the sugar mill into your restaurant. Does this mean you are as talented at carpentry as you are at being a chef? For my sake I hope so because I feel completely lost.

While I wait for your reply I will do my best to clean out the rubble and get rid of the smoke damage. I need to keep busy to keep my mind off of the trial. It is set to start in three weeks, and I still haven't decided what to do. Your thoughts are ever helpful, my love, and I hope I didn't burden you too much with these problems of my own making. I will do my best to do right by you.

Your Frog Prince,

Naveen

PS I hope I haven't scared you away with thoughts of love letters and poetry. You don't have to do anything you don't want to, mi sitara lu'seinn.

I love you,

N

Dear Tiana,

We were quite surprised when our son delivered to us this message from you. Apologies for how long it took us to reply. As I'm am sure you are aware, there is a lot going on here that requires our direct attention.

I will say your tone is a bit more informal than we are used to, but it must have taken a lot of courage for you to write to use the way you did. Even before reading your letter, this has given us another clue into the person Naveen tells us he is in love with.

Naveen seems to be in high spirits lately, and he is also acting a bit differently as well. It seems we have you to thank for that.

Still, you must think us monsters for bringing Naveen back and keeping you separated. While you seem like a lovely woman, from what Naveen has told us, and from your letter, we just don't feel it's in our best interests for you two to be together at this time. Please understand that things are very complicated right now.

That's not to say that you shouldn't keep writing. I admire your spirit, and my husband does as well.

Regards,

Qu. Idhal of Maldonia

Prince of My Heart,

After our call was disconnected, I had a long talk with Lottie and she told me how you two had worked everything out so that we could talk. I'm so lucky to have a friend like her, and also to have such a wonderful husband as yourself. It was the best birthday present I've ever received. Talking with you, even just for those few minutes has lifted my spirits as well.

I could sleep at all that night, just because I was so happy! Every time I settled down to sleep, my thoughts would turn to you and then I would smile and giggle to myself and hug my pillow tight. I imagined the pillow was you and then I would start giggling all over again.

Then, of course, I also got the earrings you sent. They're the most beautiful piece of jewelry I've ever received! Not counting my necklace of course, which I wear everyday. Have I mentioned that to you before? There was a slight mishap with the chain, but it's been fixed, so I don't want you to worry about it.

I do wish our call had been longer. There are so many things we didn't get a chance to talk about. I was just so surprised to talk to you I didn't even think of them. I guess that's the good thing about these letters is that I can take my time.

But I do want to say that I love your idea of fixing up the ballroom! That's the perfect way to show your parents your true side.

I'm not a master carpenter by any means, but I have been studying it for a long time with the idea that I'd be fixing up the sugar mill. I learned everything I know from the book about home repair I sent along with this letter. I guess I don't really need it anymore since somebody else has the sugar mill now, so I'm glad someone will get some use out of it.

I went ahead and marked some pages that might be useful to you, but reading the whole thing might be beneficial. You can ignore all my other notes in it, those were obviously for the sugar mill.

I wish I could help you more, but as it is, know that I'm thinking of you and wishing you all the best. Also, I know I don't need to say this, but I will - now that you'll be working with tools and things, please be careful.

I miss you, Naveen, but it was so good to hear your voice.

I just hope it isn't too long before I can hear it again.

Yours,

Tiana

PS It's taken long enough for me to finally get down to writing this to you. I didn't want it to be too melodramatic or sappy. It's not a poem but I still wanted to write something nice to tell you how I feel so….here I go. Just bear with me.

I never expected to find someone that meant so much to me in such a short period of time. It feels funny, almost like a belly ache, but a good belly ache.

This is still all so new to me, but with you everything feels like it's in the right place. You brought fun back into my life, but that doesn't even come close to describing all that you've done for me. I think you know how much my life has changed for the better since I first met you. You are the most beautiful person I have ever known and my affection for you is boundless.

When they said distance makes the heart grow fonder, they weren't lying. I am once again reminded never to take anything for granted, especially your love, your patience, and your presence.

T

To Her Royal Majesty Queen Idhal of Maldonia,

I do understand that things are complicated, believe me. Still, I think I will keep writing to you, if you don't mind. You don't have to answer if you don't want to, as I also understand that you lead a very busy life.

I thought though, that you might enjoy playing a little chess with me. I've never played by mail, but I know it's a popular thing to do, and something tells me that you enjoy it. Each of the squares on the game board are assigned a letter and a number, so we can just write what pieces we want to move and where. I'll start.

Pawn to E4.

Your move,

Tiana

Pawn to C5.

Idhal

My Dearest Heart,

This book you sent me is marvelous! It's so helpful! You are right, it seems to have all the information I need. However, having the knowledge and having the skill are two very different things. Work on the ballroom is going slower than I had thought, but at least I can see some progress is being made.

I was right about my parents reaction. They saw me covered in dust and I swear they almost fainted. I think the last time they saw me covered in so much filth was when I was a boy and I had snuck out after a rain shower to play in the mud. At least now I have a good excuse for my mess!

We did have another argument, of course, though it wasn't long before they came around to my way of thinking. They are still very skeptical, but I know when I show them the finished ballroom it will make all the difference. I have decided to keep them out of the ballroom until all the work is done so that the transformation will be a complete shock to them. I am also hoping it will make it all the more impressive too, when it is all finished. I know I can do it, though it might take some time. I hate to ask you once more to forgive me for taking so long to get back to you, but here I am again, asking you. I think, though, that this is something I need to do. I know you'll understand.

It is nice to have all this work to do to distract me from my testimony in Lawrence's trial yesterday. My stomach was in knots as I took the stand, and was finally forced to make a decision about what to do.

I hope I made you proud. I told the truth about everything, and did not shy away from my past behavior and how it lead to Lawrence's decisions. I'm not sure this was common knowledge, but it is all that anyone seems to be talking about today. I don't even think my parents realized how cruel I was.

Now the last of my shame is out in the open. Strangely I feel cleaner about it all, as if airing all my faults has at last given me the new chance I desire.

All that is left to do now is to wait.

In the meantime, as always, I am talking with my parents about you. My mother tells me that you wrote to her. I am so impressed, darling! She still seems dismissive about our marriage, but she tells me that you are a talented chess player. What is all this about? How did you know that she enjoys playing chess? Ammi brags sometimes about how she would play on the national scale when she was younger, though I suppose the fact that she really only plays with other dignitaries means she still is.

It also doesn't surprise me at all that you are an accomplished chess player. You do well in all that you do.

Sending you all my love,

Naveen

PS Oh my darling, my love, my heart. I wept tears of joy when I read your note. It was so brave and clear it pierced my heart. I am honored, awed and deeply moved by your love which is both gentle and soft as first snow, and fierce and unshakable as steel.

Thank you, for everything.

N

My Dear Naveen,

I am proud of you. I'm proud of you for everything you're doing now, and for how far you've come! It's astonishing to me that you're the same person/frog who couldn't even mince mushrooms. And now you're fixing up an entire ballroom!

I wish I could see all the work you're putting into it, as well as the finished product. I know it'll be beautiful. This really was a great idea, and I hope that you're as pleased with yourself as I am.

And too, for doing what you did in the trial. That must have been really difficult for you, but it's one more step to proving to everyone, and to yourself, just how changed you are. And for the better, I'll add.

I'm practically bursting with pride. The fist thing I'm going to do when you come back is give you a great big kiss, just to prove it. Well, and also because I'll be very happy to see you again. I think you know that kisses can mean more than one thing.

As for the chess games with your mother, well, let me explain my reasonings. When I first wrote to your parents, it took them a long time to finally reply. It probably won't shock you to find out that, while she didn't say I couldn't keep writing to her, it didn't guarantee that she would reply, much less read what I had written. So I decided I would try and make the letters a little more interesting for her.

I hope you don't mind, but during the time when I wasn't getting your letters, I went to the library and found a book on Maldonian history. There was the cutest portrait of you when you were a boy in there! But I also learned about your mothers penchant for all things chess.

I took a chance that if I introduced the idea of us playing chess, she would have to open my letters, and she would have to reply to me if she wanted to keep playing. So far it's worked, even though she hasn't said much besides what chess pieces she wants to move.

I still keep writing to her, though, just on the off chance that she is reading what I have to say. She seems to sometimes. When I told her about how Daddy died in the war she replied with a lengthy letter (for her at least).

Now that I know a little more about what you're up against with your parents, you have even more of my sympathy. I hope it makes you feel a little better knowing that I'm fighting for us too, even if it's not much.

Love,

Tiana

Tiana

I had another dream about you last night. It seems that all of my dreams have been about you lately, and they are all very very naughty. This time we were in my bed here. Why you were here in Maldonia, I don't know, and I didn't care. I was obviously preoccupied by other things.

Like the way that you looked, naked and spread out before me. And the way your skin tasted as I kissed every inch of you. And then the way your hips moved against mine when we were joined together at last.

I woke with the sound of your moans in my ear, and I haven't been able to think of anything else since.

I feel like a fool, Tiana. We had the chance to be together and I had those ridiculous notions in my head that we should wait so that I could treat you the way that you deserve. But I would have done that for you anytime we were together, so what was I thinking?

I don't know if it would be worse if we had been together so intimately before being separated, but at least we would have memories instead of having to imagine it.

And I do imagine it. A lot. You and I, together in a soft bed. We make love and afterwards I watch your breasts rise and fall with your breath, and I wrap my arms around you. I hold you close and tell you what you already know - I love you, over and over again. Even in these dreams and imaginings, I always feel that quiet buzz of rightness that seems to happen whenever you are near.

I am missing your kisses and your touch and just you so terribly right now.

Longing for you,

Naveen

PS Do you ever think of me this way?

Naveen,

This letter is for your eyes only. I don't think you would share it but I can't stress it enough. Writing those love notes was hard enough for me, so this is on a whole other level.

I waited until Mama was asleep to write this, and even now I keep glancing at the door, afraid that she knows what I'm thinking and what I'm about to write. I feel kind of dirty writing it, but also kind of excited. Is this normal?

I do think about you that way, and I have dreams about you, too.

I know I'm hopelessly naive about all that happens between a husband and a wife, but I still think about it. I think about you, and how I feel when we kiss. I think about what we've done together, and I especially think of our time together on the couch on our wedding night.

I think about that a lot.

And then, sometimes, when I think of us doing…more, I feel… I don't know. Nervous? Anxious? Excited? All of the above? I worry because I don't know what to do, and you're like Casanova. It's not that I think you'll laugh at me but…I still worry.

And then what if I'm bad at it? The last thing I want to do is disappoint you, especially when I know how much you enjoy…this kind of thing.

Should we even be talking about this?

Thinking of you,

Tiana

Princess,

Lawrence has been found guilty of treason. I suppose in retrospect it doesn't surprise me. This doesn't happen very often, and this particular judge is happy to take any chance to appear in the history books.

The verdict came earlier this week, and you know what I did right after I found out? I pardoned Lawrence. This was the first time I have ever used my power as the prince, and I hope you will agree that it was for a worthy cause.

I have spent a long time, as you know, thinking of my relationship with Lawrence. And then when I saw him when I testified it seemed to bring it all back to me. It was all my fault that he did what he did. I pushed him to it, and though Lawrence was guilty, he didn't deserve to spend the rest of his life in jail for it.

After I pardoned him, I snuck Lawrence away, and we were at last able to talk about our past mistakes. We had a long conversation, and we both apologized for everything. It felt good to finally be able to do that, and I think Lawrence felt the same.

I told him about you, and all my work on the ballroom. He didn't seem to believe me, so I decided to show him, and you should have seen his face! He was very impressed, if I do say so myself. Part of me hoped that he would wish to help, as I could use another pair of hands, but he didn't. I suppose we're not there yet. But we might never be there, and that is alright too.

I asked Lawrence what he wanted to do next, but understandably, he had no ideas, and perhaps worst of all, no funds to do it. It was then that I realized that I had depleted his savings fund to take us to New Orleans, and I no longer felt as happy about all the good work I had done.

I then had it in my mind that I would somehow pay him back, but with no job and still no inheritance, I was obviously lacking in the money to do so. I was getting ready to write to you to ask your advice, when I began to look around my room, and I realized that I didn't need half of the things I had in here.

So I sold them.

It turns out that people will pay an almost alarming amount of money for royal regalia. I was able to earn enough money to pay Lawrence back for the trip and then some. I wanted to give him some help in his new life, wherever it is he goes. I wish him all the best, and I hope that you are still proud of me.

It wasn't until after all of this that I realized I had acted without my parents permission and I braced myself waiting for their anger to come. Shockingly, however, it didn't. They seemed altogether pleased, and Baba even said that he had never been more proud to call me his son.

It was an emotional evening, that was for sure, and all in all, I think it has moved things forward in our favor. Still, I for one, am glad that I can put this all behind me to focus on more important things.

Like you. And me. In bed.

Sweetheart, of course it's normal to be nervous and excited when you think of us together. I get excited too, when I think of it. I get very excited. But I don't want you to worry too much, my love. I know it will be your first time, so I'll show you what to do. I will do everything I can to make it perfect for you.

Also, it is impossible to be bad at it, so you can stop that thinking right there. And you could never disappoint me. Ever. As much as I adore the thought of us making passionate love to each other, all I really want is for us to be together.

I'm very glad that you told me all of this, and we should absolutely talk about it. We are married, despite what everyone else has to say about it. So please, Tiana, tell me if you are still worried, or if you have questions. Or if you have any other dirty thoughts that you wish to share with me. I would love to hear any and all of those.

I'll see you in my dreams tonight,

Naveen

To my Wonderful, Amazing, Extraordinary Husband Whom I am Extremely Proud of!

Naveen, words can't describe just how proud I am of you! I know I've said it before, but I'll say it a thousand more times if I have to, and if I know you, which I think I do, you won't tire of hearing it.

And it sounds like your parents are proud of you too! Which only makes me more proud! The only thing that could make this better is if we were together so we could celebrate properly. Since you're the party expert, I'd let you decide, of course, but I have some idea of how you'd like to do that.

As to what we were talking about before, I do have questions, but I'm not sure how to ask. Please be patient with me. I do feel a little better about all of it though. And I'm sure you'll like to hear that I'm having more dreams about you than ever.

I love you so much. Keep up the good work.

Proudly yours,

Tiana

Mi sitara lu'seinn,

After all this time can you believe that I actually managed to restore the burnt ballroom? Well, I did!

Oh, Tiana, I wish you could see it. I want to share this accomplishment with you so much. I never would have made it this far without your guidance, your patience, your teachings, and your love. Everything that I have managed to do here is in part because of you. That's why I am christening it Tiana's Ballroom. Sounds catchy, yes?

Though, perhaps don't get too excited about it, as I might be the only one who calls it that. Still, know that it is all dedicated to you.

If only you could see it, though, my darling. Baba and Ammi were shocked to the core when I opened the doors for them to see. They can't stop smiling, and neither can I. Baba even slyly suggested that we have a small party to celebrate the completion of the project.

It was then my turn to be shocked because Baba hates parties! He only goes to them if it is absolutely necessary for him to be there. So the fact that he wants to have one at all, is some kind of miracle.

And guess what? The party is scheduled for tonight! Normally I would finish my letter to you after the party to tell you how it went, but the mail is scheduled to go out in the morning, and I don't want to miss the deadline. I have a feeling it is going to be a late night.

Not because of dancing though, so if you were getting jealous you don't have to. I don't want to dance with anyone except you. No, it is because Baba is planning on giving a speech, and I know he will mention me in it. Perhaps he wants to show me off? Or perhaps just the new room, but either way I know I will be answering a lot of questions.

I have to go, princess. It is time to get ready for everything.

I miss you. I'll be thinking of you all night. I wish you were here.

Love always,

Naveen

PS. TIANA. TIANA. It it is later. After the party. I can't. I can't think. I'm so happy. My hand is shaking and I am trying to steady it so the ink doesn't smear bUT I AM SO HAPPY. Oh my love I AM COMING BACK TO YOU!

Here, I switched to a pencil so maybe that will be better and I can explain what happened. My mind is all a whirl and I can hardly sit still.

Let me begin again.

Late into the party, Baba and Ammi took me aside to Baba's office. I was ready for another lecture, but then they began to say just how proud they are of me, and how differently I am acting now. Then they started to talk about you, and what a good influence you seem to have been on me. Ammi even mentioned how much she is enjoying your chess games and said that she hasn't enjoyed playing against someone as much in years.

And then they said that while they still weren't sure about our marriage, they did want to meet with you to discuss it. IN PERSON!

I won't lie. I broke down and wept, and now I am crying again.

My parents need to organize their schedules, and we need to look over the boat schedules and get our passports ready, so it will still be a few weeks but it is coming!

Soon you will be back in my arms and I can tell you all my thoughts instead of writing them in these horrid letters and I can kiss you again and again and again.

I am already counting the hours.

N