The Humbled King

Law Of The Land Part Two

A Week Later – French Quarter

Naveen and Tiana held hands as they walked pass the various shops and stands. And even if some of the shops they could purchase from were no longer there due to the economic crisis, they were now able to shop at stands and businesses where they were not welcomed. Money was the same color despite who carried it.

Many of the business owners gave them welcoming smiles while others glared their way. Naveen being the protective husband always made sure to pay for them both. He's use to dealing men and women worse than these small-minded town people.

"If we keep this up we'll end up buying the entire city." Naveen joked.

"I doubt they'll sale us New Orleans. Maybe Louisiana."

"Yes, because New Orleans is the crescent city of the south, yes?"

Tiana nodded. "Mmhmm." She carried her purse while holding Naveen's free hand. His other was preoccupied with their recent purchases.

The valet who brought the other items in their car returned, ready to carry the next purchases to their car.

"Thank you, Sal," Naveen said after the man took the boxes and bags. He then looked down at his wife. "I don't know about you, but I am hungry!"

"Want to go back to my mama and—

"We can eat out!" Naveen suggested, pointing at an integrated restaurant. "Last time we were here this place didn't allow our kind, remember?"

Tiana looked over at the upscale restaurant. We're not welcome here to eat in the restaurant" She pointed over at the sign by the door that read: Everybody welcomed but Whites can only eat in the restaurant. Thank you.

Naveen wrinkled his nose in disgust. "We will not be eating there."

But Tiana stopped him. "I want to eat there. Lottie use to go on and on about it. Just this once."

Naveen saw the optimism in his wife's beautiful brown eyes regarding the food and sighed. Perhaps he shouldn't be so judgmental despite the owners living that way.

Taking his wife's hand they crossed the street and entered the restaurant and immediately got looks from the customers.

Charles LaBouff was sitting with two other men when he spotted the couple royal couple.

"I see royalty has found it's way to Saffras!"

Tiana heard the familiar voice and was grateful that Telese changed her mind last minute before leaving with them.

"Royalty you say?" One of the servers inquired after taking Naveen's order. He rushed over to his boss.

The middle aged man name "Bobby" with a thin mustache saw dollar signs when the waiter informed him that the King of Maldonia and his wife arrived for carryout.

"Invite them in the Diamond Hall!"

The waiter gasped, surprised but pleased. He didn't care much for royals but in this case one was at least was born and raised in his hometown and that made it all the more exciting.

"Bobby" didn't invite coloureds or non-whites to eat in his restaurant even if they were famous or wealthy. But today and today only would he have a special room for their kind. Money was money and he will give the couple the best service despite being…

"They refused and ordered to go!" Announced the waiter.

"Bobby" stormed pass the waiter and quickly rushed over to the royal couple.

"Welcome to Saffras!"

Naveen and Tiana both turned to see the average looking man in his nice suit and a fake smile in desperate need of their attention.

"Thank you," Naveen said for them both.

"I see you're ordering what I'm assume is a quick lunch. Why not spend your lunch in our diamond room?"

Charles heard the suggestion and frowned. "Oh, so you offer them the best room in the house?"

"Well, you never seemed interested Mr. Governor! I suppose…"

"I'm giving you a hard time, old friend!" Charles gave the man a slap on the back as he stood before the royal couple with an extended hand. "It is an honour to have royalty before us!"

Naveen didn't believe a word out of the man's mouth as did Tiana. But kept a neutral face.

Charles blue eyes roamed Tiana's figure appreciatively. She really did remind him of Telese right now.

Naveen didn't appreciate how the man kept eyeing his wife. "We should be heading out."

Charles glanced back over at Naveen. "Don't leave on my account."

Naveen took his wife's hand with his.

Charles smirked at the gesture. "You know that's against the law around here."

Tiana raised an annoying brow while Naveen remained cool.

"We have to think about our…citizens." He added with a smirk.

Naveen was beyond annoyed. "You're a married man. There's no need to feel insecure. Now excuse us." The couple walked around the young governor and headed out the door.

Out of desperation Charles asked, "Tiana! I um...ma'am?"

Tiana stopped and turned to the blonde haired man.

He walked over to her, careful not to step too close. "How's the family? Telese seems well off."

"Telese is happy as if our family. Thank you for asking." Was Tiana's answer before she got in the car and with Naveen not saying another word to the man, closing the car door as soon as he got in. The car drove off.

Charles laughed, despite feeling embarrassed.

The restaurant owner raised a brow. "Sounds like y'all got history with dem royal spooks."

Charles exhaled before facing his friend. "Her mother worked for my family. Her girls were childhood buddies. You know how children are. Very ignorant to the reality of the world."

The man nodded, not satisfied with the answer. "Thought she'd be one of your black whores but that was her sister…Tuttie? Tootie?"

Charles smirked, even though he was growing furious.

"No, her name was niggerish. Telli. Because she was fucking around with that fat guinea." Said a balding bartender, wiping the bar counter. "He had that gentleman's club before someone took him out."

"Gentlemen.! Why don't we get back to work. I have another meeting in an hour." Charles changed the subject.

"Don't get in too much trouble with ya spook," The owner said, making bartender chuckle.

"I'm going home to my lovely wife who has a roast ready for me to devour." He put on his hat. "Gentlemen?" And left the restaurant.

His driver quickly opened the door for the governor, closed the door and asked, "Where to, sir?"

Charles took off his hat and actually thought about it for a moment before answering, "Eudora's. It's on the way to my father's."

"I can't believe that Cals is no more!" Tiana was actually sadden to see the closed café. "The economy has been really bad here."

"Yes, but I am still certain that you leaving is what caused that diner to shut down." Naveen eased a kiss behind her neck.

Tiana lightly bit her bottom lip.

Naveen and Tiana were in their own world reminiscing their courting days and how different their lives were at that point.

"It seems like a lifetime ago since I've lived here. Going to work like everybody else, trying to make it in this unfair world…" Tiana remembered. "My mind was so caught up in the restaurant that I didn't realize how much more important love and family is."

"And stopping and smelling the roses from time to time," Naveen added then took her hand. "Let us dance!"

Tiana raised her brows and laughed. "We just ate and there's no music playing."

"Then we can make our own," Naveen wrapped an arm around her, slowly pulling her onto him and like magic, music started playing. Both turned to a street band who played a slow ballad. The evening sky made the setting all the picturesque.

Naveen immediately recognized the song.

Your eyes of blue, your kisses too,

I never knew what they could do.

I can't believe that you're in love with me.

9You're telling ev'ry one I know

I'm on your mind each place we go

They can't believe that you're in love with me.

I have always placed you far above me.

I just can't imagine that you love me.

And after all is said and done,

To think that I'm the lucky one.

I can't believe that you're in love with me.

A small crowd applaud at the couple causing Tiana to blush while Naveen loved every second of the attention.

"Mr. Center Of Attention." She teased.

He flashed her his best and charming grin. "What can I say, we're loved everywhere we go."

Tiana shook her head in humour. Not surprised at all by his love of putting on a show.

Naveen's arms pulled her to him, pressing his lips onto hers.

Several whistles were heard as they ended their osculation.

Tiana heard her husband moan and saw the lust in his honey coloured eyes.

"You do things to me, mi benita…a stir in my chest, heart and…head." He admitted. "Achidonza…"

Tiana rolled her eyes at his flirtation. "Seriously, Naveen?" She was back on her feet as a little girl approached them.

"Hi, my mama told me to come ova and give you a hug."

Tiana smiled and without hesitation she gave the little girl a warm hug. Being a royal these requests came naturally.

Naveen being a royal himself and a survivor of a failed assassination attempt was hesitant and did not like how freehearted his wife was being, but how could he prevent her from hugging a child?

With his hand on her lower back, letting her know that it was time for them to leave was when Tiana and the girl ended their embrace.

The young girl thanked the queen and hopped back over to her mother who was just as thrilled and gasped when she found some dollars in her hand.

Tiana smiled, easing the little girl money the way her uncles and aunts use to do. Naveen was aware as well.

"Giving more of the people our money?" He teased.

"Is there a problem?" She asked in a teasing manner herself.

"Of course there isn't, mi benita." He held her hand as they neared their awaiting car down the street. "Where to now?"

Naveen smiled. "To kiss my wife goodnight."

Charles remained in his car as it sat outside James and Eudora's main house. The house stood out a bit since the renovations and with the curtains opened, he could easily spot who he was really looking for. Telese.

His heart skipped a couple beats when he saw Telese in her royal blue day dress. She was in the middle of talking to someone but didn't care to learn who. His blue eyes were only on her.

Telese stood before her father and suddenly felt a coldness run down her back.

James noticed. "Are you cold?"

She shook her head. "No, maybe I'm just tired."

He gave her back a gentle pat. "I'll have Errol bring you something. Go on and sit down, babypie."

Telese almost followed ordered when she felt like she was being watched, nervous she hurried by the window and found nothing but other houses across the street and the normal cars and bikes that were usually out there.

So she opened the front door and stepped out onto the front porch and noticed a beautiful black Mercedes Pullman parked behind two older, non useable cars as if it wasn't trying to get noticed.

Charles knew she spotted his car, it obviously stood out like her mother's house in this part of town and cursed himself.

"Telese!"

Errol called out as he stepped out onto the front porch with a cup of tea.

"Baby, why are you out here by yourself?"

Telese was grateful to see her husband while taking the cup. "Do you see that Mercedes across the street behind those old cars?" She pointed out.

Errol followed her finger and shrugged. "That's nothing. I ordered more security and bought a limousine for our date tomorrow."

Telese couldn't believe him. "Seriously?"

Errol eased an arm around her while taking the tea cup and setting it on the table. "Can't take many chances especially in this part of the country."

Telese stood on her tip toes. "As long as you're here I feel safe enough." And pressed her lips to his.

Charles was obviously jealous when he saw the two kissing passionately and remembered what it was like to be on Errol's end, tasting every inch of his woman's mouth. Her soft breasts pressed against his hard chest.

He exhaled deeply at the memories. They were almost as vivid as his dreams of her.

"Get me out here." He said as soon as they stepped back inside. At least his wife was at home with his favorite roast hot and ready for him.

It was the only thing hot in their marriage.

The featured song in this chapter is titled "I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me" by Billie Holliday.