A/N: Brand new story! It's a Naveen fanfic but don't press the 'Back' arrow or the 'X' box just yet. Tiana will be coming up on the next chapter. This is pretty much an introduction to his character and his life in Maldonia from age seven to age twenty. I hope you all give it a chance and please review and let me know what you all think of it so far.

As always I do not own any of the characters from 'The Princess And The Frog'; only the characters I made up. Enjoy!

A King's Heart

From A Boy To A Man

There once was a young prince by the name of Naveen. He lived a joyous life with his parents King Kabir and Queen Nagina, who made sure their son received everything money could buy. Though giving a child the best in everything would lead it to being spoiled and selfish, Naveen was the complete opposite and would even share his toys with the less fortune. It always brought him joy to know that he could make another child happy by the simplest of things. So he asked his mother and father to give all his toys away to all the poor children of Maldonia.

"But son, do you not enjoy your toys?" pondered his father Kabir.

"I would feel happier if my less fortune peers have toys to play with and clothing to keep them warm," answered a seven year old Naveen.

Kabir smiled at his son, "How noble of you, my son. But if I must ask you to keep only one gift from your mother and myself, it would be this phonograph." He rested his hand on the music box. "It would mean a great deal to us."

Naveen looked over at the music player. He's never used it before but always found it intriguing. If it meant that much to his parents then he'll keep it. "Alright. I will keep only this, papa. But I already have so many clothes, toys—

"Then I will call for some servants to pack what you do not want."

"Thank you, papa," smiled the prince.

By age fourteen Naveen was known as the most giving person of the country, catching the attention of the King of Giodonia, a weakened kingdom and a close ally to Maldonia. The king had no sons, just a daughter who he was very concerned for. He recently learned that he was ill and only had six month to live. He contacted Kabir on handing him the fallen kingdom in exchange that his daughter was provided for once he demised. Kabir agreed and a week later the king of Giodonia unexpectedly died. Kabir kept to his word, making sure that the young princess was taken care of in the Maldonian palace.

Once he learned that she was the same age as his son it got him thinking of his own country's well-being. He felt that Naveen was responsible enough take over the throne, especially for a boy of his age if something were to happen to the him, and most importantly Naveen would need a young beautiful woman by his side, and to immediately produce a male heir to secure the throne of the Maldonian family.

On completing his will, Kabir knew that all would be taken care of.

()()()()

One night, Naveen was awaken by his mother who's eyes were filled with tears.

"Naveen darling. Please wake up. Your father has fallen ill."

The young prince shot up and quickly ran out of his room and into the king's suite to see his father, face full of sweat and shivering from head to toe.

He took his father's hand feeling very puzzled and concerned.

"Papa, what is going on?"

Kabir slowly opened his eyes and despite himself put on a weak smile for his worried son, "I am going to crossover into the next world, my son."

"No!" He buried is head on his father's chest.

"Now now, my son. You mustn't cry. With you becoming king before sunrise, it is expected that you behave as a man should." His voice was stern despite weakness in his tone.

"I don't want to be king yet. I-I am afraid," he stuttered, wiping away his tears.

"Shh!" Kabir rubbed his head. "Look at me."

The prince obliged.

The king looked at his son with seriousness in his eyes, "You will be king upon my demise and you will marry the fair princess Thalia of Giodonia this upcoming afternoon. Together you two will rule Maldonia into the next generation. You've done enough training and studying as well as witnessing my past meetings to know how to handle important issues. Maldonia is your responsibility."

Naveen knew better than to defy his father so he only nodded his head. "Yes, papa. Maldonia will be my responsibility."

Kabir died right before sunrise making the young Naveen the new king of Maldonia. His mother Nagina comforted him as much as she could. She too was mourning on the loss of her husband.

"My poor little boy." She kissed him on the forehead. "This is a tragic day for us all."

Naveen was already done with his mourning, or as much as he was suppose to. His father has never cried, even on his deathbed and he refused to do so himself after embarrassing himself in the presence of such a strong-will man. So he released himself from mother's comforting embrace to look at her. He could understand her tears, she was a woman and they have emotions, as his father always told him.

"I am ready to meet my bride," Naveen said with a stern tone.

Nagina frowned. "Already? But son-

"The princess of Giodonia and I must marry this afternoon, as father left on his will mother. You know this." His tone sounding more like an order.

Nagina nodded, "You are correct." She wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, before taking his hand. "Follow me. She is at the other end of the palace."

()()()()

Naveen didn't want to marry—he's never even kissed a girl before. But his father married his mother when he was seventeen and his mother was fourteen, so it couldn't be that bad, right?

"I know that you two never met or know each other, but she will be a good wife for you. You remember your father and myself telling you about her story, yes?"

"That her father died and left papa his fallen kingdom?" asked Naveen.

"And for her to be provided." Nagina finished. "She is a sweet young girl, Naveen. Raised to take good care of you as a wife should to her husband. She will love you as a wife should her husband." She pressed on the romantic aspect of his soon-to-be marriage.

'Love?' Thought the prince. How can he love a person he's never met? Is it even possible?

Once they made it by the princess' chambers, Nagina let go of her son's hand. "Let me speak with her for a moment and I shall bring you in here to see her."

Naveen nodded, feeling nervous for the first time since his father's death. Everything was happening rather quickly and he didn't know if he could go through with this.

"Darling." Nagina stepped out of the room, "Thalia is ready to meet you." She opened the door. "I will be in my suite."

Naveen exhaled deeply before walking into the room which was the colour of peach. Everything was peach, even the scent. He looked around for the princess, but saw nothing but her bed, her make up table and the balcony doors open, a warm summery breeze blowing in.

"Thalia?" he softly called out, walking toward the balcony.

"Here I am, your majesty." The petite princess stood by the frame of the doors, her green eyes brighten at the sight of the young soon-to-be king. Her breath stiffen as he neared her, her heart skipping a beat at his gentlemanly manner.

He bowed before her.

"Oh no your majesty. You mustn't bow before me," she curtsied.

Naveen saw the beautiful girl before him and never felt his heart beat as quickly as it did. He's noticed attractive women before, but never knew what to do with them. His father's opinion on women were that they were there for pleasure and to produce an heir. Nothing more.

'If she is only meant to produce an heir for me, then why do I feel much more from her?'

His mother has also taught him that it was alright to love a woman, if she shares the same emotional connection then it is meant to be.

Naveen reached his hand under the princess' chin, "Do not curtsied before me, my bride."

The princess timidly looked up at the soon-to-be king, puzzled. "Why not?"

"Because a woman I love should never have to lower herself for my respect," he answered, helping her up. She stood just under his nose in height. Her silky raven hair fell pass her waist, her lips weren't full, but they weren't exactly thin either. Her tan skin colour glistened through her lavender shade dress. There was innocence in her eyes and in her heart.

Astonished by what he said, Thalia asks, "You love me, your majesty?"

He caressed her face, "If you let me...,"

She stared deeply into his honey coloured eyes, "You may have me...," She soon felt Naveen's lips against hers.

()()()()

The two were married that afternoon and spent their honeymoon on the west end of the palace. The following morning Naveen began his duty as king which was difficult to adjust at first, but once he got the hang of things it felt as if he was doing the job for many years.

As months flew by, so did the seasons and as the seasons went by so came the birth of his first born, a daughter by the name of Natalia.

The young king and queen were disappointed that Natalia wasn't a boy, but they loved her every way they could. Months later the queen was again pregnant but to the unfortunate circumstances their son was stillborn. This hurt the couple greatly, but Naveen otherwise moved on from the tragedy to focus on the well-being of the kingdom.

The royal couple would travel together when Naveen had to make business or political trips and they were pleased to finally bring along Natalia who was now two years old with them. Days before, they've also learned that they were expecting another baby and Naveen wanted to be there for the birth of their 'son' since Thalia was well into the half point of the pregnancy.

"We are almost in Genexia, my darling," said Naveen, resting his hand on his wife's growing tummy.

"I look forward to resting my back on several soft pillows, your highness." Thalia rested her head on her husband's shoulder.

"Papa! Papa!" Called out Natalia, who sat beside her mother.

Naveen laughed. "I hear you 'Lia."

()()()()

Later that day after resting up in the vacation home they were staying in, Thalia made her way into the livingroom where she found Naveen speaking with one of his advisers. Being the good and obedient wife that she was she quietly excused herself from the room,

"No Thalia. Come back here." Naveen called for her.

She timidly walked into the room to the men. "Yes your majesty?"

He didn't think it was appropriate for her to ever call him by his title, one of the flaws about her, but he would never tell her otherwise. She was trained to be a devoted wife and mother. It was in her blood. "I was thinking what a beautiful day it is outside and wanting to be a part of it." He gave her a smile.

Her eyes brightened at the opportunity.

"Why don't you and Natalia get ready and Harold will escort you both to the car and meet me at the Galentiah, it's the finest restaurant by the coast. Child friendly for our princessa."

"Oh yes your majesty!" She beamed before leaving the room.

"She's such a sweet young lady," said Jason, his valet and good friend.

"That she is." Naveen agreed. 'Too sweet' He thought.

()()()()

An hour and a half has passed since he left the vacation home and Naveen was wondering what was taking his wife so long to get to the restaurant. He was beginning to grow worry.

"You know how women are. And Thalia is no different." Jason tried to reassure the king.

"But she never takes this long to get ready. And she's not that far along in her pregnancy to slow down." Naveen pondered.

Jason laughed while rising from his seat at the table. "Then I will make some calls. But I assure you your highness that she's still at the vacation home looking for the perfect dress for you." He walked around the tables to leave the room.

Naveen sighed, sipping on some wine and hoping that his friend was right about Thalia still looking through dresses back at the house, but there was something in his gut that made him think otherwise. She was always so obedient to him, even when he preferred for her to be herself around him.

"Your highness?"

He turned to look up at Jason's grim face. "Jason, what is it?"

"May I speak with you outside? Away from these people" He asked.

"No, you may speak with me here." Naveen was confused as to why the man wanted to speak with him outside.

"Very well then." Jason sighed. "Queen Thalia and Princess Natalia were in a accident."

"Wait—what did you just say?" Naveen didn't think he heard his friend right. "My wife and daughter were in an accident?"

Jason hated sharing such tragic news. "Yes sir."

"Are they alright? Where are they? What hospital are they staying in?" Naveen asked, his heart feeling heavier by the second.

"They are in the hospital morgue, your majesty."

Naveen's eyes widen in shock. "No."

"I am truly sorry. If you want me to-

Naveen got up to leave the restaurant, the valet following close behind.

"Your majesty!"

Naveen didn't hear a word from the man as he walked outside. Not noticing the ongoing traffic.

"Your highness!" Shouted the valet.

A guard who was standing beside the royal car hurried and pulled the king from getting hit by the moving cars. "Are you alright, your majesty?"

"I have to see them." Was all that came out of his mouth. "My wife and child. I must see them." His voice cracked.

()()()()

A week has passed on and the funerals have since came and gone. The entire kingdom mourned heavily for the loss of their queen and princess. Naveen thought that his people were foolish to mourn and encouraged them to move on with their lives by continuing to work and care for their own families. He went on to his duties as king, requesting as much work as he could handle.

The many more months that flew by they were found to be restless for the seventeen year old king. He pushed away all who cared for him in his walking life and soon found himself to not think of his Thalia and Natalia, until remembering his daughter's birthday has fallen the day before. They were the only two people who helped him moved on from his father's death; now with the two gone he had no one to comfort him. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to comfort.

"Naveen darling."

He looked up to see his mother closing the door behind herself.

"Get out!" He barked.

"I know that you do not want anyone near you, but it has been almost a year since we've lost our angels-

"Leave." He cut her off.

"But you must move on with your life! Thalia would want this." Nagina pleaded.

"If you do not leave then I will banish you from this kingdom," Naveen said coldly.

Nagina saw those familiar eyes she once feared from her husband, who grew cold after performing her duty on giving him a son. Now to see her own son give her the exact same look broke her heart. "I am your mother, and I love you dearly. Please for those who love you, try to let us help."

"I don't need your help." Naveen spat. "Now leave."

Nagina put her hand on the phonograph and sighed, "Your father would've been very proud of how strong you've made this kingdom, Naveen. Do you know what helped him whenever he was upset? Music."

Naveen looked at his mother and shook his head, "Nothing can help me right now."

Nagina went over to her son and kissed him on top of the head, "You are so much like your father." She gave his shoulders a light pat. "And as handsome as he was at this age."

Naveen sighed, now feeling guilty. "I apologize for my outbursts."

"Do not apologize, son. I completely understand how you feel and to let you know that it is alright to cry."

"Kings don't cry," he reminded her.

"Spoken just like your father," Nagina shook her head. "But I hope that you do consider playing this thing...," she gestured to the phonograph. "Music can do wonders for the soul." And with that, she left the room.

The young king stared at the phonograph for a long moment before getting up to put a record in. The needle scratched onto the spinning record and out came the slow jazz music from the music player. He will admit that he was a lot like his father, but musically they were polar opposites. While his father listened to opera, he preferred jazz.

The music was sounding good so he kept it on while finishing up his work. It would happen like this for the next two years where he listen to his music and just as is mother told him, it did wonders for him. Leading him out of his study and palace to visit jazz clubs within the country and business trips; though he wasn't satisfied with the singers or musicians on each club. He wanted more and will get that for his twentieth birthday.

He deserved it after all the heartbreak he's endured.

"So you're just suddenly leaving?" asked a surprised Nagina. "What about your kingdom?"

Naveen ignored his mother. He knew she meant well, but he was more than aware of how secure his country was. He was once out of the country for almost a year on business without any problems surfacing.

"New Orleans is much too far away, son. I hear they have voodoo spells and wild madwomen living there."

Naveen laughed at his mother's concern, "You worry too much mother. I need this time away. To find myself again."

"Why can't you find yourself here, in Maldonia?" She asked.

He went over to his mother and gave her a loving embrace. "Because I believe that there is more to life then being a king."

Nagina sighed, returning the hug. "If New Orleans will help bring my son back to the man that he was then I wish you a safe trip, my son."

Naveen kissed her on the forehead. "Graci, mama."

()()()()

A/N: 'Graci' is Maldonian for 'Thank you.'