Summary: Amani is an orphaned heiress who’s spent most of her life raising her younger sister. T'Challa is a widowed King and Father. Neither of them is expecting much from their night at the Lotus. But the coming months have many milestones in store for these young adults. Will becoming a family be one of them?

Warnings: Suicidal thoughts, miscarriage, depression.

Masterlist || 15 || 16 || 17

“Amani!”

“No Darius please, I’m sorry,” Amani sobbed as she was shaken violently out of her dream.

“Hey, Amani it’s me, entle, it’s me.” T’Challa rocked his girlfriend as tears poured down her face.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” Amani wailed as Shuri, Amare, Ada, Okoye, and Queen Mother rushed into the room. “Shuri, Amare, take Ada to the dining room. You all start breakfast without us” Queen Ramonda ordered, helping to quiet the woman in her son’s bed. “Is Mani going to be okay?” Ada fretted as the two young adults led her out of the room. “She’s okay, she just had a bad dream,” Amare reassured, secretly grateful that T’Challa and his family were there to help shoulder the load of Amani’s night terrors. They started after her first rescue from Darius’s crutches and had faded after the older Okeke met T’Challa, but 3 months after the second attack they began terrorizing her sister again.

“Honey, breathe baby, breathe,” Ramonda soothed as her son continued to calm his girlfriend silently with his hand on her back. Almost an hour later, the king was alone once again with his sleeping girlfriend. “Kumkani,” Okoye knocked apologetically. “We are already two hours late, we must leave soon.”

“Where are you going?” Amani whispered. “I have some business in the mountains with the Jabari. I will be back before dinner. I promise.” The king caressed Amani’s cheek as her face visibly fell. “I understand,” she nodded. “I will be back as soon as I can.” The king slid from under her and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Do you ever stop and think about how much your life is like coming to America now?” Amare asked her sister as they laid together on her and T’Challa’s bed. “Not really. I mean I guess it is.”

“It totally is, and I’m so happy for you Amani. You are amazing.”

“No, I’m not.” The older sister waved away her sister’s words. “Yes, you are!” Amare rolled onto her side. “You finished raising me. Took me in during your last two years of college. Survived an abusive relationship, a kidnapping, two miscarriages, and you still are able to put a smile on Ada’s face. Everyone’s face. You are extraordinary.” Amare laid back down and took her sister’s hand in her own. “Thanks, kid,” Amani offered a small smile and squeezed her sister’s hand.

“We should get ready for dinner, T’Challa should be back soon,” Amare teased and pulled herself up from bed. “You go ahead,” Amani waved her sister on. “I’ll be there in a second, I’ve gotta use the restroom.”

Amare nodded before heading out of the room.

“My love, are you still in here?” T’Challa knocked on their bedroom door before entering to find it quiet. “Amani?” The king began to panic slightly as he moved through the space before he heard a groan from the bathroom. “Entle?” he pushed open the bathroom door to find the love of his life hunched over the toilet. “Are you alright,” he sat down on the floor and pulled her into his arms.

“I’ve been throwing up all day. I don’t know what’s wrong,” Amani sighed and snuggled into his scent. “Did it start today?”

“No, it's been a few weeks,” Amani mumbled. “Did you take another test?”

“No, I just lost a baby T’Challa, I don’t even want to think about having another one.”

“Amani, there’s no way you could be pregnant with a new baby right now.” T’Challa reminded her with a slight grin on his face. The heiress looked up in fear, “T’Challa you all said that they told you I lost the baby,” Amani sat up from his hold. “They did, but maybe it is worth having a second opinion here in Wakanda.”

“I don’t know T’Challa.”

“I know we don’t want to get our hopes up but it is best to know. Will you at least go for me?”

Amani sighed and nodded. She watched as a grin grew on her lover’s face. He looked so happy and she couldn’t understand why she didn’t want to know if her child was still living. Maybe it was easier to live with its ghost than the responsibility of having to keep it alive for six more months. She was exhausted enough trying to heal herself, she didn’t know if she could handle taking on another person’s baggage.

“My dear, are you alright?” The lunch table went quiet as Amani cleared her throat. “I’m okay, just a little tired.” Amani offered a small smile as Madiyson and Sakura eyed her suspiciously. “When does Marquis arrive?” Amani deflected the conversation back on to Madiyson and her boyfriend’s impending arrival. “He said at 4 this afternoon.” The former waitress smiled. “You think he’s gonna pop the question while you all are away together this weekend?” Shuri teased.

“I don’t know,” Madiyson blushed. “I am just excited to plan a baby shower.” Amani’s best friend smiled and rubbed her small bump. The king glanced at his girlfriend and squeezed her hand. The other occupants of the table looked on in pity as T’Challa leaned over, “Have you heard anything from the doctors?”

Amani fought back the bile in her throat and shook her head quickly. “Please,” she addressed everyone and the other future mother, “It’s okay to talk about babies. I am so excited to be an auntie,” she reassured everyone before glancing back down at her plate. The rest of breakfast went by no easier. Conversations about baby due dates, genders, engagements, and color schemes continued with everyone tiptoeing around the questions on eggshells. By the end of the ordeal, Amani was mentally drained and the family felt like they’d run a marathon of words around everyone’s feelings. Barely holding it together, the heiress quickly excused herself to the gardens to be alone.

Once she felt sure that no one had followed, a sob ripped through her chest. It’d been a week since she’d agreed to get a second opinion in Wakanda, two days since she’d convinced the doctor to let her tell the king, and ten minutes since she’d last lied to T’Challa about having the results. Her heart broke a little more every time she lied, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to keep this child. It went against everything she’d believed about herself in the past, but quite honestly, the cloud that hung over her day in and day out was large enough to make her question the safety of her child if it stayed with her.

“This was always my favorite spot to cry as well,” Amani looked up embarrassed as Ramonda joined her in the garden. She wiped her face and offered a small smile. “Please, don’t stop on my behalf. I am just here to provide some comfort if I may,” the queen joined the southern girl on the bench. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” Amani cracked a few minutes later, tears streaming down her cheeks once more.

Ramonda said nothing but pulled her closer. “It’s just like there’s this dark cloud hanging over me and I just can’t get happy. Like I should be over the moon right now-”

“Why do you think that?” The queen interrupted. “My best friend is having a baby, she could be getting engaged, I’m having a baby-”

“You’re having a baby?”

Amani felt a knife twist in her heart, she’d wanted T’Challa to know first. “I just found out. I wasn’t feeling well so T’Challa arranged for me to get a second opinion and surprise,” She exclaimed half-heartedly.

“But you’re not sure if you want to go through with the pregnancy?”

Amani sighed and shook her head.

“Does T’Challa know?”

She shook her head again, “I want to tell him, but he’s so excited. It would break his heart to hear that I don’t know if I’m going to keep the child.”

“You know, I am hearing a lot about others and very little about how you feel.”

“I just, I don’t know if this baby is safe with me,” Amani admitted reluctantly. “Amani,” the queen turned to look her in both eyes, “Have you been having thoughts about-”

“Please,” the girl begged, “I have but I can’t. Please don’t say that aloud.”

“If you have been thinking about ending your life my dear, we need to talk about it.”

Amani began crying once more, “ It terrifies me. I’ve only felt like this once and I vowed I would never go back there, and here I am and-”

“You do not owe any of us an explanation. There is no way we could imagine what you’ve been through.” Ramonda pulled the young girl in for a hug. “I would like to get you some more help though. Perhaps some that can only be found outside of the castle walls. Just think about it please my dear. As much as I want this grandchild, I want you here safe and sound to raise it.” Ramonda hugged her daughter in love and wiped a stray tear of her own.

A few minutes later she interrupted the comfortable silence that had formed, “Now, make whatever decision feels right for you, but you need to tell the child’s father. My son deserves to know. Not just about the baby, but everything.”She looked into the young woman’s eyes. Amani sighed and nodded. She could no longer avoid the inevitable.

“T’Challa, can I talk to you?” Amani fumbled with her hands upon entering her boyfriend’s office. The moon shone through his large windows and her heart fluttered as he looked up and grinned. Some of the strain of the day melting away as he laid eyes on her for the first time since breakfast this morning. The heiress’s stomach churned after, the feel of acid rising in her throat as the thought of what she was about to admit out loud to her child’s father. The king looked so ethereal, surrounded by the pale glowing halo of the moon. Who was she to deny him the chance to be an amazing father once again? “Amani? Are you alright?” the rich baritone of T’Challa’s voice pulled her back into reality. “Yeah, I’m-,” She couldn’t do this. The prospective royal felt her emotions frantically backpedaling. What’s the worst that could happen? She’d have the baby, T’Challa would continue to love them both and, sure she would probably continue letting him down but she could make him happy at least this one last time.

“My love?” the king called out once more. Worried and intrigued by what was distracting the usually laser-focused woman in front of him. “Huh? Oh, It’s fine. Nevermind. I shouldn’t have come it was stupid.” Amani backtracked and turned to head out of the door. “Hold on,” The king quickly reached out to pull her back to him. “You came all the way down to my office this late at night for something stupid?”

“It’s nothing really,” Amani hid her face knowing that she was a terrible liar when T’Challa was involved. “Okay, come on,” the king pulled her over to his desk and onto his lap. “What’s going on? Did you get the results from the doctor?” T’Challa’s face brightened once again at the prospect of knowing whether or not he should be expecting another child soon. Amani felt her heart tear in two. Tears began streaming down her face before she could stop them. “Oh,” T’Challa’s face fell,” Oh my love come here. It is not over yet okay. We will get through this. We’ll give you time to heal and if you want to, in the future once we’re married and Ada is a little older we can try again-”

Feeling her emotions getting the best of her, the former waitress decided to just blurt it out. “I’m still pregnant.” The king’s face contorted in confusion, waiting for Amani to explain the heart-wrenching sobs that were beginning to hiccup their way out of her throat. He rubbed her back in silence until she calmed slightly under his touch. “You were right, I never lost the baby, but I’m not sure that I still want to have this child T’Challa.”

Even the moon seemed to lean closer to the window as the king let out a low whistle. Amani allowed the silence to linger for a while longer before nervously ushering it along, “Please say something T’Challa.”

The monarch ran a hand over his head before hoisting her back securely on his lap, “What do you want me to say Amani?”

“I don’t know. I mean. I don’t. I’ll just go-” She stood sadness lacing every movement.

“Did I ask you to leave Amani?” The king stopped her.

“Please stop thinking that when things get hard I’ll want to leave or that I want you to leave. I love you and that means I want to know what you are thinking at all times. I want us to talk through this okay?”

The American woman nodded as tears pooled behind her eyes again. “Okay,” she nodded as T’Challa helped her to take a seat on the elevated window seal. Once he joined her he took a moment to study her face. “What’s really going on. You adore children.”

The king wiped the newly emerging tears, remembering how sensitive Nakia was during her pregnancy as well. The slightest thing could set her off crying. Or screaming. Usually crying. “I don’t think this child is safe, T'Challa.”

A fire sizzled across the father’s features, “Darius is dead, and you know I will do anything. Anything to protect you two.”

“I know T’Challa, but it is not an outsider I am afraid of.”

“What do you mean? Has someone here threatened-”

I don’t think this baby is safe from me T’Challa. Lately, I’ve been-” Amani gulped, not ready to admit this out loud again for the second time today. “I have been having visions and daydreams about killing myself T’Challa. I can’t stop them. It’s like I'm doing, well okay at best and then they just appear. Out of nowhere.”

Tears warbled her lower lip as the king grappled with the words that had just left her mouth. “I- I don’t even feel safe from myself and I’m struggling every day to keep myself alive. The thought of adding another person I’m responsible for to the mix. It’s just too much. It’s too much T’Challa.” Amani felt the dam of her emotions crumble and she succumbed to the flood. T’Challa pulled her in close after she let the pain of her secrets flow. He knew that she had not seemed like herself lately, but he presumed it was just post-traumatic stress from her ordeal. He knew he should have pushed harder for her to seek professional help after, but she insisted she just needed time. Now she was here in his office sobbing. Admitting to having thoughts about killing herself and by consequence, their first child. For the first time in a long time, T'Challa Udaku was terrified and he had no idea what to do about it.

He hugged his girlfriend even closer as he thought about the engagement ring that was tucked away in the royal armory. He knew this was not the most appropriate time to think about needing to cancel his plans for them this Thursday but it helped keep him rooted to earth in a moment where he wanted nothing more than to spiral like the woman on his lap. Cancel engagement dinner. Consult with Diyna, head priestess of the temple. Cancel and postpone all meetings tomorrow. Find mother. Scratch that. Get Amani safely to their room and message his mother that they needed to talk as soon as possible. Pray to Bast that Okoye and Mother are not sleeping. He created a mental checklist and sighed. He had a plan of action and all he needed to do now was follow it.

Amani woke up hours later, the moon still making its slow descent across the sky. T’Challa was nowhere to be found even though she knew he’d been there when she fell asleep. Something pressed against her bladder and she sighed, moving to head to the bathroom. Her feet touched the cold stone and she groaned hoping to shuffle quickly to the bathroom and back. As her foot went to take the next step a familiar searing heat electrified her body. Her face twisted in horror as the events from years ago began to repeat themselves. “No, no, no, no please,” she chanted over and over as she sank to the floor. Her steady plea turned into a gut-wrenching wail as her second child passed over to that great beyond without her. With it went the last shreds of her sanity.

It'd been three weeks. The king paced the corridor outside of his daughter’s room. 21 days and he still had not found a way that felt appropriate to comfort his wife. The news of this miscarriage tore him apart more than he could ever begin to show, but Amani had lost it. She insisted it was punishment for having doubts about keeping their miracle baby and no matter who tried to reassure her, she wouldn’t believe anything but that she was responsible. She’d withdrawn from everyone including the monarch who finally decided to knock on Ada’s door. He made his way into the room only to be shushed by Amani, who was rocking the soon to be 6 year old to sleep. “Shh, she’s sleeping,” she crooned, watching as Ada’s chest rose and fell.”

T’Challa walked over squatting before her, heart breaking at the sight, “I know, but I was hoping to talk to you.” Amani tore her eyes from Ada to look at his chest avoiding all eye contact. She hadn’t looked him in the eyes in days. The specialist from the center thought it was a sign of devaluation. She no longer felt she was worthy of T’Challa being her partner. It was the most absurd thing he’d heard in his life. If anything, he owed her the world. “Why?” Amani uttered, turning her gaze back to the sleeping Ada. “I can’t leave the baby,” she reminded and the king nodded, looking at his school-age child in her lap. “Just for a moment,” he waved Okoye into the room. “Okoye will watch her for you.”

A few beats passed before the mother nodded, allowing Ada to be handed over to Okoye. The warrior and T’Challa breathed a sigh of relief as the king was able to lead Amani out of the room and into the hallway. “Did I mess up again?” the woman mumbled once the door was shut, separating them from Ada. “No,” the king reassured, “But I want to get you some help. So you can feel better. You’re tired and barely eating.”

Amani remained silent and the king took it as a sign to continue, “Please think about it.”

He handed over a brochure and the older sister gingerly flipped through it. For the first time in weeks, something other than Ada brought a slight smile to her face. “I thought you might like it.”

“They can help me feel better?”

The king nodded and Amani flipped through the pages once more. “What about the baby, I can’t leave her. She-”

“Will be fine.” The king reassured. “Let me take care of her, I just want you to feel better okay?”

Amani started to shake her head before letting her shoulders sink and she sighed. “Okay.”

“It’s just a month okay?” Amani hugged her little sister who had tears in her eyes. It’d been two days since she had agreed to go to a therapeutic rehabilitation center. Yesterday, T’Challa had called and luckily they still had a spot available for Amani to join them. She couldn’t deny that fear was grating on her nerves, but there was a little ember of hope burning. Maybe soon, she’d feel better than she ever had. The prospect excited her. She squeezed Amare one last time before hugging her two best friends and Ada one last time. She’d already hugged Queen mother and Shuri goodbye as they had agreed to sit in on T’Challa’s meetings so that he could escort his beloved to the center.

“Wait, someone is missing?” Amani froze looking over the people she loved who had gathered to see her off. “You said goodbye to Ada this morning,” Amare sniffled and Amani couldn’t help but pull her into another hug. This was the first time the older sister would be leaving the younger one since their parents had passed. “I know,” the business owner thought back to the tears that had defined her morning as Ada was reluctant to let her go. It had been a miracle T’Challa had convinced her to go to school at all. Though, Amani couldn’t deny that the fact that she would be missed did warm her heart.

“I meant my niece or nephew,” she smiled softly and pulled Madiyson and her prominent baby bump into a hug. Soon, they’ll be here in person for me to meet.”

Everyone looked on slightly in shock, none more so than Madisyon who had avoided showing her friend her bump since the incident a month ago now. “What?” Amani pulled back and blanched, hoping she hadn’t said anything wrong. “Nothing, I- we should get going so we can check in on time.”

Amani nodded and smiled at her family once more before allowing herself to be helped into the car. It’s only for a month,” she sighed as the car pulled away from the curb. Fighting back tears as she watched her family disappear. She hoped this month went by quickly so that she could come home, a stronger person. Ready to embrace all of the new changes that were coming her way. For the first time in months, a full-blown smile graced her features and she squeezed T’Challa’s hand. The world seemed just a bit brighter, even if only for a moment.

Summary: One person, a secret, and an ocean tore them apart. Six years later, they find their way back together. But a rekindled love, is not Redemption.

Warnings: None

Masterlist || 16 || 17 || 18

“Good morning,” Zari puts on her best smile as she walks into the family dining room. She helped Aiden into his seat beside T’Challa before sitting across the table from Alua. “Goodmorning,” The Jabari noblewoman smiles back and continues eating. Conversation flows amicably back and forth like normal and T’Challa couldn’t thank Bast enough. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Alua or Zoe, but he had no idea how this breakfast would go. Especially since he had no desire to explain the full situation to anyone outside of those who already knew. “T’Challa?” the man fell from his thought cloud back to the table. He looked around to realize all the women in his life were staring at him. “Yes?”

“I asked what you and Alua had planned for the day.” His mother repeated. “Oh, I was going to show Aiden the menagerie if you’d like to join,” the king offered before glancing at Zari, “you too Zari.” The woman looked up from the fruit she had resumed pushing around the plate, “Oh, I’d planned to head out to the market and to see my family too. I think it will be good for you and Alua to spend some time alone with Aiden. Especially since she will be joining the family soon enough,” Zari offered up a smile before turning back to her breakfast. “I would love that,” Alua chimed in hoping to break up the silence that had begun to settle over the table. “Zari, I think I’ll join you in the market and visit to your mother,” Ramonda continued around the table. “I’m assuming that you will be in your lab Shuri?” The queen raised an eyebrow. “Only with your kind blessing mother,” Shuri grinned, quickly finishing her plate. Ramonda shook her head as the princess stood to escape to her happy place, “Before you go Shuri, please get Aiden ready to head out with his father.”

“But-” the princess opened her mouth. “I’ve got it, Queen Mother,” Zari spoke, earning a grateful look from the princess. She winked in response, “I’m not going to see him the rest of the day. I want to have a little time with him before we head off.” Aiden smiled up at his mom and Ramonda shook her head but laughed nonetheless as her youngest scampered out of the room before she could insist. “Come on buddy, you finished everything you wanted?” Zari caught her son’s attention who was finishing his last piece of fruit. “Look at you! Clean plate club!” the mother grinned and tickled her son. “Look, daddy?” He raised the dish to show his father who matched his mother’s enthusiasm. “I think that earns you a ride on a rhino if the herders agree.”

Zari shot the king a look that she hoped conveyed her unease and he squeezed her hand under the table. She fought to ignore the electricity between them “It’s perfectly safe,” he reassured. “I’m trusting you,” she warned. “Let’s go get ready so you can see all the animals with Daddy.” Zari stood and escorted her son out of the room.

An hour later Aiden was freshly bathed and dressed ready for his day. T’Challa knocked twice before entering, “You ready Aiden?” He smiled as his son ran over and hugged his legs. “Let’s go then,” He hoisted him up on his shoulders. “No daddy,” he wriggled around. “I wanna walk right now.”

“Oh?” the king raised an eyebrow and looked up at his son who was leaning over his face. The kindergartner nodded and T’Challa shrugged before setting him back down. “Why don’t you go find grandma? I wanna talk to your mom before we leave.” Aiden nodded before skirting out of the room. “No running son,” T’Challa and Zari reprimanded at the same time. The couple laughed. When the following silence became unbearable under T’Challa’s gaze Zari walked around the bed to grab her purse. “I should get-”

“Why did you do that?” the king moved closer to her cornering her against the wall. “What do you mean?” T’Challa moved even closer, practically pinning her against the wall. “You refused to go to the menagerie with us. Claiming you want Alua and me to spend time with Aiden.” the king leaned his head down so that his breath mingled with his love’s. “I- I do,” Zari stammered.

“That’s bullshit.” the king replied cooly searching her eyes. “T’Challa someone might see.”

“The door is closed.” He leaned even closer. His lips brushed Zari’s but his hands still held firmly behind his back. “If she is to become his stepmother then-”

T’Challa captured her lips in a bruising kiss and instinctively Zari wrapped her hands around his neck. The king's hands ventured to her lower back before settling on her butt and pulling them pelvis to pelvis. “He will have only one mother,” the king growled. “But Alua,” Zari started.

“Is in love with M’Baku as he is with her.”

“How can you be-”

“I asked her. We have agreed to try and figure out a way to change the agreement.” Zari looked up shocked and the king reveled in the feeling of still being in control of her body. “So your excuse stands today. Tomorrow, however, you are mine Zari.” The king searched her face for any signs of hesitation or defiance before stepping back and walking out of the room.

A few moments later, Zari caught her breath and looked at the time realizing she was probably keeping Ramonda waiting. “What is wrong with me,” she sighed, grabbing her things and making her way out of the room. A few hours later, Zari and Isha were huddled in their childhood hideout. The window seat in Zari’s bedroom was more cramped than either of them remembered but the conversation at hand was more important. “I just think we’ve missed our timing,” Zari sighed. “ I feel like you are deciding that for him, Zar. I mean you’ve only been here a few weeks. Albeit a few horribly timed weeks, but I think you should cut him some slack.”

“Yeah, but what if Bast is trying to tell us that she doesn’t approve?”

“Or she is simply testing the strength of your love. Think about it. You all have been apart for years. It is easy to fall in love with the idea of the relationship you had with T’Challa. But maybe she is making sure you can actually still love the man he has become. Not just the man he was.” Isha rubbed her friend’s back as they watched her nephew run around the backyard.

“I think I just need to give him some space. Take Aiden back to New York for a few weeks and once the marriage issue is resolved, send my baby back here until school starts.”

“If that is what you truly believe is best, then I support you. Personally, I think you’re running from the fact that you’re still in love with T’Challa.”

“I-”

Isha cut her friend off with a look, “I know you are and it’s okay. Just make sure that you are making this decision for him and Aiden, not just you being afraid to put yourself on the line.”

“So you don’t think I should give him some space to figure it out?”

“If you want to, you should. But I think you should reconsider not coming back with Aiden. I think you should come back to stay with him for the rest of the summer. Even if only to see me,” Isha added. Zari snorted as she hugged her best friend turned sister, “I missed you too Isha.”

“Okay Mister,” Zari smiled at her son as he was tucked in his covers. T’Challa had been quiet the whole time they got him ready for bed. He’d kissed Aiden goodnight and headed out claiming he had something he had to finish in his office. The mother was slightly worried about what had put him in an off mood but decided to talk to him about it after. “Tablet off? Toys away? Teeth brushed? Ears and Toes cleaned? Night light on?”

“Yes. Yes. Yes. Yep. Yes.” Aiden smiled back at his mom. “Alrighty then,” Zari pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I love you Aiden.”

“I love you too mommy,” he kissed her cheek before she headed out of the room, making sure to turn the lights out before shutting the door. Next thing she knew she was pressed against the wall with T’Challa hovering over her again. “For Bast’s sake T’Challa! What on earth are you doing?”

“I need to talk to you.”

“You couldn’t have asked me like a normal person?”

“You aren’t enjoying meeting like this? You seemed to enjoy it earlier.” The king raised an eyebrow and Zari felt heat rush to her cheeks. “What do we need to talk about?”

“Us. Zari, I want you and not as a friend. Nor as a co-parent. I want you as my wife.”

“But, you are already engaged.”

“An engagement I am trying to end. Zari, I never thought I would see you again. If I had known that just a few weeks later I would find the love of my life again, we wouldn’t be in this situation. We’d be planning an engagement party for all of our friends and family.”

The designer chuckled at the earnest truth that laced T’Challa’s insistence that they be married. “You didn’t know though. Now someone else’s life has been dragged into this mess-”

“Someone who loves another as well Zari.” The king interrupted. “I know T’Challa,” the mother looked away and bit her lip. “I love when you do that,” The king leaned in closer and Zari couldn’t hold in her laughter.

“Are you really this horny your majesty?”

“Yes.” There was no hesitation in his voice and suddenly Zari felt the wind leave her lungs. She’d expected him to joke it away but she could tell something had shifted. He was done playing games. This was no longer the 18-year-old prince she’d known intimately years ago. Before her was a man, who knew exactly what he wanted and she was what his eyes were set on.

“Oh,” her voice came out barely a whisper. “Zar, look at me,”’ the king lifted her chin. “What is keeping you from running away to elope with me right now.”

“Besides your fianceé sleeping in a guest room down the hall?” Zari chuckled and the king frowned. “You’re avoiding the question again.” He stated and felt Zari squirming even more under his gaze. “Tell me what is truly on your mind, Zari.” He asked softly, only a step above pleading. “At every step you’ve been so willing to give up on this relationship so quickly. Why?” He searched her gaze.

“A few weeks before I found out I was pregnant,” Zari started out softly, “you’d left something at my house. I came by the next day to drop it off and overheard your father speaking with one of the elders.”

[6 years ago]

Brinin Zana, The Royal City, Wakanda

The Palace

“Your majesty,” Zari froze as she heard voices coming down the hall. Not wanting to be caught leaving the Prince’s quarters unattended, she hid in an alcove close by. “Yes Semi.” King T’Chaka paused his walk to acknowledge one of the elders. “The rest of the council has asked me to speak to you about your son’s choice in a romantic partner if you will.”

“Yes,” the king gestured for the man to continue speaking. “Many of the council members are afraid of the consequences that will occur if the two decide to wed one day.”

“Wed?” Zari shook her head, “Who was thinking about marriage when college decision day was just around the corner. She prayed she could even make it through the rest of her final year of school with her head on straight.”

“As you know,” the elder continued, “The girl is not of noble blood. If the two should wed, well it simply has not been done. The elders would like you to put a stop to this relationship if at all possible. To preserve the traditions of Wakanda.”

“Is that all?” King T’Chaka glanced at the clock on the wall. “Well yes, your majesty.”

“Good. Semi, they are just children. Infatuated with each other. As you and the council are aware, children are not expected to marry as young as we were when we were younger. Both of them plan to attend college before any discussions of a family begin.”

Zari smiled, glad that the king at least seemed to understand the priorities of her and T’Challa. They weren’t even sure they’d be attending the same colleges for the next few years, let alone discussing a wedding or children. Though she and the prince had begun to explore the delightful method through which children were brought into the world. Zari fought the heat rushing to her cheeks at the mere thought of their escapades. “They are not even planning to attend the same schools as far as I understand. I highly doubt this relationship will last the separation and therefore, I will be doing nothing of the sort. My son is happy and the girl is a delight to have around. Now if they are still together in five years we will revisit the situation with both of the children involved and treated like the adults they are. Until then, my son will be allowed to enjoy this young love and it will end on its own timing.” The king dismissed the elder and continued on his walk in the hall. Leaving behind a Zari who was an odd mixture of pleased and hurt. Everyone was banking on her and T’Challa’s relationship failing? Sure she’d had her own doubts about her value in the eyes of the country as a royal, but it was different to hear your fears voiced out loud.

Present Day

“From then on, I felt like our relationship was on borrowed time. Even with Aiden it still is. The council will accept him, he is of royal blood. I am not.”

“Zar,” the king reached out wanting nothing more than to comfort the woman he could tell was seconds away from retreating from him once more. “No, T’Challa. Unless you can look me dead in the eye and tell me that the council would feel any different about us being together now than they did back then… I think it is best that Aiden and I leave for a few weeks. Just so you can sort out the marriage contract. I will send him back to spend the rest of the summer with you.”

Zari turned to walk away but T’Challa grabbed her wrist gently. “What about you?”

“I don’t know T’Challa.” Zari offered a sad smile before vanishing off down the hall.

“Come on baby, tell daddy you’ll see him soon,” Zari sighed as she watched her son sniffle his way through his hug with T’Challa. She loved how close the two had gotten and for a moment she wondered if she was doing the right thing by taking him away. It's just for a few weeks, she chastised herself. “Don’t cry son, it’s just for 14 days. Auntie Shuri taught you how to count that high. So every day, I want you to count down until I can come to get you okay.” The king wiped his son’s tears as the child nodded. “Okay,” Aiden mumbled and moved to take his mom’s hand. Ramonda, Shuri, Okoye, and Alua watched as the mother-son duo waved goodbye, T’Challa following close behind. At T’Challa’s signal, one of the Dora helped Aiden into the car while the king gently pulled Zari closer. “T'Challa, what about your family?”

“Two members of my family are leaving. They can excuse my PDA just this once.” The king gently pulled Zari even closer by her elbows so that their foreheads touch. Tears start to slip down Zari’s cheeks and the king wipes them away. “And here I thought you weren't going to miss me.” Zari chuckled and punched the king’s chest. “I do truly love you T’Challa. I just can’t fight this fight again. I want us to end on our own timing, not because the elders won’t approve.”

A tear sneaks out of T’Challa’s eye as he pulls Zari in for a hug. He holds her close, fearing that maybe this would be the last time they were this close. “I love you Zari,” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. She sniffled and hurried into the car before she could make a different decision.

“When you love something, sometimes you have to let it go before it can fly back to you.” Alua hugged T’Challa from the side before walking off with Shuri who patted her brother’s shoulder. “Let’s talk,” Ramonda touched her son’s shoulder and he followed her into the parlor. “You know, this might be the worst decision you have ever made.” The Queen started after they had been served a late lunch. “Esh, what have I done?”

“You let my future daughter-in-law just walk out of here. You didn’t even put up a fight.”

“Mama, you didn’t even hear what the elders said about her when we were kids. I can’t put her through that again,” the king shook his head. “Well then change the traditions.”

“I can’t do that.”

“I thought you were the king?”

“What if she says no?”

“Then you can rest,” Ramonda pulled T’Challa’s hands into her own, “Knowing that you fought for her. But if you don’t get her back now, or at least try. You will always wonder, ‘What if I had just fought for her a little harder?’”

“And Alua?

“I’m sure you can think of a way to appease the Jabari. Besides, we both know the girl is in love with M’Baku. You’ll both be happier with different people. So stop making excuses and go. Zari is the one that is about to get away.”

Summary: She learns to put herself first and he loses the best thing he ever had.

Masterlist || 4 || 5

I’m not the jealous type, I like the other guys, I wish you all the best, I’ll help you pick her dress… I’m actually happy for you. - “Wonder What she Thinks of Me” Chloe x Halle

“I can’t believe y’all are making me do this,” Zoe huffed as she dipped all three tests in the cup by the sink. “Girl please,” Sylia dismissed, “you’re lucky you got a roommate who’s an OB. I can spot a pregnant lady from a mile away.”

“And if you’re not pregnant, at least you know you aren’t,” Kenois shrugged from her position on the closed toilet. “And what if I am?” Zoe frowned, setting the tops back on each of the clear blue tests. “What do you wanna do? You wanna terminate? Give up for adoption? Keep?”

“I wanna keep it. I can financially support a baby and I’m already kind of attached to the idea of having a little me running around. I just don’t know how the father is gonna take it,” the young nurse admitted. “Who is the baby daddy?” Kenois prodded. “Is it that dude you had the one-night stand with?”

“That’s the only timeline that fits.” Zoe tapped her fingers on the counter behind her. “Well, at least it isn’t T’Challa’s. With his engagement he-“ Sylvia trailed off noticing the change in her friend's face. “Unless the one-night stand was T’Challa.” She raised an eyebrow and Zoe dropped her face into her hands.

“Zoe,” Kenois groaned.

“I know. I know. I regretted it as soon as it happened,“ She moaned. “Not that! How come you didn’t tell us!”

“You said you hadn’t heard from him in months,” Sylia frowned. “I haven’t. We had a drunken conversation when I spotted him out, I cussed him out for ghosting, he made the usual promises, and we had sex. I left before he even woke up the next morning,” Zoe shrugged. “And now you’re having an engaged man’s baby,” Kenois added.

“We don’t know that she’s pregnant yet,” Sylvia pushed back. “I thought you could spot a pregnant lady from a mile away?” Zoe teased.

“Heaux, I'm tryna help you!”Sylia kissed her teeth.

The group dissolved into laughter and Zoe raised her hands in surrender. “Besides I’d be a bad doctor if I didn’t consider that the symptoms I’m seeing couldn’t be the result of something else, like your recent switch in birth control, which you should really stop taking until we can get an official test done in the lab.”

The nurse nodded before looking at her two best friends. “What would I do without y’all?” She began tearing up and the other women pulled her into a group hug. “You’ll never have to find out, because we’ll always be here,” Kenois pulled back, wiping her friend’s tears. Sylia nodded in agreement. “We’ll be here every step of the way. I’ll deliver the baby, and Kenois will be her pediatrician until she graduates college, then we’ll all cry as we watch our baby go off and live life.”

“What if it’s a boy?” Kenois teased. The gynecologist shrugged, “He’d throw off the dynamic, but we’d make it work. Make sure he knows how to treat a woman and get him all dressed up in little suits and sweaters.” Sylia gushed.

“Y’all, I’m terrified,” Zoe whispered out, causing her friends to stop their chatter. “I mean I’m not married, my baby’s father is royalty and engaged to someone who is not me-“ Zoe paused before dropping her head between her knees, “and I kissed Michael,” she moaned. “Umm come again?”Kenois demanded with a smile covering her face. “When he took me to the club last night, we kissed,” she repeated.

“Okay, well how do you feel about it?” Sylia pried, trying to understand where her friend's head was at. “I loved it,” the nurse sighed. “I loved being with him, but this is gonna mess all that up.”

“You don’t know that,” Sylia soothed, hopping up to sit next to her friend. “And if he’s gonna stop talking to you over this, then he wasn’t the right one in the first place,” Kenois added. “Y’all are close because you communicate well. So sit him down and just talk about it. See where his head is at before you assume your friendship or relationship is over.”

“I don’t know. If I’m pregnant, it’s not just me anymore. I’ll have a child and we’ll be a package deal. He didn’t sign up for that.”

“At least give Michael a chance to prove you wrong,” Kenois frowned, wiping her friend’s tears. Zoe nodded as they heard the front door open and shut. “You expecting anybody?” Sylia looked at her two roommates who shook their heads.

“Iman! Sylia! Keni! Y’all left your door open again! Where y’all at?”

“Damn that nigga yelling like he pay rent,” Kenois laughed and shook her head. “I’ll go get him,” Zoe wiped her face and left the bathroom. “Where y’all at?” Michael yelled, bumping into Zoe as she came into the living room. “We were in my bathroom. And you just walking into people’s houses now?”

“Y’all the one with an open door policy. I just took advantage. No one was answering my calls and I was knocking on the door for ten minutes,” Michael moved around her to place takeout bags on their kitchen table, “Y’all need to stop doing that, what if I was some dude tryna do y’all harm?” He pulled Zoe-Iman into a hug and she relaxed in his embrace before he pulled away.

“Well I’d be calling the police right now, not standing in the kitchen,” Zoe smirked following him as he started pulling food out of the takeout bags. “Haha,” he deadpanned, “just try and lock the door, please. I already worry about y’all enough as is. Three black women living alone in this non-gated apartment complex. Weirdos just be walking in off the street-“

“Like you?”

Michael stopped and frowned, “You bout to make me pack up this breakfast and leave Iman.”

“I’m just kidding I’m sorry,” she walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist. He reciprocated the gesture and frowned as she finished speaking, “We’ll do better at locking the door. Your concern is noted and appreciated.”

“Why you been crying?”

Zoe blanched, remembering the cause of her tears. Michael had that magic effect, he could make her worries fade away effortlessly. “Oh,” she mumbled, looking away before he turned her face back to his. “I just wanna help Iman.” He searched her face as her muscles relaxed. Zoe cleared her throat,” I might be pregnant,” she answered. The room went silent and Michael dropped his hand from her face. “Okay, have you taken a test? You need me to get some?”

The nurse shook her head, “That’s what we were doing in the bathroom. Just waiting for the timer to go off. It’s probably gone off by now though,” she murmured. “Okay,” the actor ran his hand over his head, “You wanna go look?”

Zoe shook her head, “Not yet. I’m actually terrified to go back in there.”

She and Michael chuckled, “Do you know who the father is?”

“T’Challa.” She whispered.

“I thought you hadn’t seen him in months?”

“I haven’t, but before the disco club, we had a drunk one-night thing about two months ago. I was so embarrassed when I woke up. I left before he got up and swore I’d never tell anybody. Then I broke it off with him after the first night at the club and here we are,” she explained. Michael pulled her in for another hug and the two stood in the kitchen laying on each other just enjoying the embrace. “You know, this doesn’t change how I feel about you,” Michael started.

“Really?”

He nodded, his chin remained stationed on her head, “If we get together. I want all of you and that includes the child growing inside of you. They are a piece of you and for that, I already know I’m gonna love them. Even if we don’t work out as a couple, you and this child will always have me.”

Zoe felt tears filling her eyes and Michael laughed as she tried to hide it, “You so emotional” he laughed wiping her tears. “It’s not funny. It’s probably hormones,” she excused standing up to wipe her own tears. “It’s definitely hormones,” Sylia interjected from where she stood at the entrance to the kitchen. “All three?” Zoe asked and her friend nodded. “What do you mean?” Michael frowned. “All three of the pregnancy tests came back positive,” Sylia elaborated.

****

“You can’t see it right?” Zoe fretted checking to see if her five-month baby bump was visible in her dress. “No, but I still think you should tell him” Kenois pushed while watching her friend search for her shoes. Zoe stood up with one shoe in her hand, “And say what? I haven't seen you in 3 months but I’m having your baby. Oh and congratulations on getting married!” The nurse rolled her eyes and bent back down to slip the heel on her foot.

“He deserves to know he is going to have an heir in six months. Preferably before he gets married.” Kenois's eyes followed her friend as she moved around the room. “He made the decision to delete my number,” Zoe-Iman argued. “He wanted me out of his life so that he could curate this perfect image with this perfect bride and now I have to show up at their perfect wedding to play the perfect supportive best friend when I haven’t seen this man in months. He obviously still knows where we live so if he wanted to have me in his life he would have come by. But he didn’t. I will not put my child through the heartbreak of only having a father who will love them in secret.”

“Iman-“

“That is my final decision,” the nurse interrupted, grabbing her purse off of the bed and walking into the front room. “You’re going to regret this,” Kenois sighed, turning off the light and following her out.

“Hey hey,” Michael stood up off of the couch hugging Kenois then pulling his girlfriend in for a hug and kiss. “Hey baby,” Zoe smiled. “How’d you get in, I’m sure we double-locked the door last night,” Kenois asked, watching her friend interact with her new boo. Even though she was upset that Zoe-Iman wouldn’t tell T’Challa that they were expecting, she was very happy her friend had moved on. She’d watched the prince string her along for years, pretending he’d only wanted to be friends while doing everything a boyfriend should do. Zoe tried to explain it away, but Kenois saw the signs. She knew T’Challa would only break her girl’s heart and she was glad Michael could intervene and show Zoe what real love looked like.

“I let him in,” Sylia replied, leaving the kitchen with two bottles of water, handing one to the actor. “But, thank you for locking the door. Gives me some peace of mind. Especially with my main man staying here too,” Michael reached for Zoe’s bump as she swatted his hand away. “Stop. I’ve got it draped just right so my bump is hidden,” the mother fussed. “Girl,” Sylia raised an eyebrow, “that’s like trying to hide a boulder under a blanket,” the woman teased and shook her head. Zoe-Iman scoffed, “Wooow,” Zoe squinted, “I just don’t want all eyes on me. I just wanna get there, play the supportive best friend, and leave. No questions and no pitiful looks from anyone who can make an educated guess. And moreover, no drama in the press. I want a clean break.”

Ima, you know y’all are having a baby right? That’s never gonna be possible,” Michael took her hand in his and squeezed. Zoe looked away biting her lip. “Unless you’re still not planning to tell him he’s having a baby?” Sylia raised an eyebrow.

“I am the one having the baby! Not him,” Zoe insisted. “Baby, you should at least give him the option to have the child in his life. Tell him now and if he cuts y’all off again it’s his loss and you never have to see him again. But him being involved in this child’s life, is not your decision to make. He should know.” Michael frowned and lifted her face to his.

“I’ll think about it. But it won’t be today. I can’t do that to his fiancée on her wedding day,” Zoe grabbed a light jacket and walked out of the apartment leaving her boyfriend, and best friends behind.

****

“You okay?” Michael whispered in his lady’s ear. His hand rested on her lower back guiding her to their seats in the grand venue. “Right as rain,” she sighed, accepting his help to sink down in the seat. “We’re gonna go find the guys,” Kenois let the couple know before she and Sylia wandered off. “You’re ruining your perfect drape,” Michael teased as he lifted her hand that had started rubbing her five-month belly. A nervous habit she’d acquired since the moment it appeared. “Thank you,” she offered a shy smile.

“You ever think about your wedding?” Michael asked. “Sometimes,” Iman shrugged.

“Well, what’s it like?” Michael nudged her shoulder.

“I don’t want anything this big, but I want to go all out for the people I love. Small guest list, but really over the top. Flowers from ceilings, dance floors, chandeliers, maybe that really good quality fake grass in some areas so I can walk around without my shoes on.”

“I don’t understand why you always wanna be barefoot,” Michael shook his head and bit his lip. The expectant woman shrugged, “It’s the country in me. My toes feel trapped in socks and shoes. You ever walked a creek?”

“Walk a creek?”

“Yeah we used to have this creek through our yard and we’d take off our shoes, roll up our pants, and wade down the stream. Just walking on the rocks.”

“With the fish and everything?” His eyes bugged. Iman laughed, “You leave them alone, they leave you alone. Besides I learned to swim in a lake, fish don’t scare me anymore.”

“You swam in lake water? Y’all wildin’,” the actor cackled. The nurse elbowed him before joining in his amusement. “It’s not that bad. At least it ain’t got sharks,” she reasoned.

“Umm-hmm, all I know is you’d have to convince me before I go hopping in a lake anytime soon.”

“We can start with creeks and work our way up. Once the little bean is old enough, I definitely wanna make it a tradition. I want Lil bean to appreciate nature and the finer luxuries in life equally.”

“Like a boujee country hybrid?”

“Exactly,” Iman smiled, “Imma take them to the camp I went to-“

“ZoeZoe,” Camden tapped the mother on her shoulder, “What’s up Mike?” he dapped him up before addressing Zoe.

“T wants to see you,” Camden sighed. Zoe felt her heart drop, “Me? Why does he want to see me?”

“Look, I wish I knew but he’s throwing a mini tantrum. I just need him to either call off the wedding or be out here at that altar in fifteen minutes and you’re the only one he’s gonna listen to.”

Zoe huffed as Michael helped her up from the seat. “You’re a lifesaver Iman,” Camden kissed her cheek as he took Michael’s position and escorted her to T’Challa’s dressing room.

“Yeah, yeah,” she sighed. “How’s the little bean?” Camden asked as they navigated the long hallways of the venue. Zoe smiled and glanced at her little baby bump, “They’re great. Their little heartbeat is easily my favorite thing to hear in the world.”

Camden smiled as she talked about her child. He, like the rest of their friend group, was ecstatic to welcome their new addition. He or she was gonna be everybody's nephew, or niece since Iman insisted it was a little girl. He was also glad that Iman moved on from his friend, he loved T, but the man was too indecisive for his own good. He’d definitely lost a jewel in choosing Nakia over Iman. Not that he didn’t like Nakia, she seemed like a really sweet woman, but T’Challa had so much history with Iman that nothing would be able to replace it. Especially now that they were having a baby.

The A&T alum stopped in front of a suite door and sighed. “This is it,” he reached for the door but paused when Zoe stopped him. “Is my bump, is it noticeable?” She bit her lip and Camden scrunched up his face. “Yeah, but why you trying to hide it?” The nurse's face said it all, “You haven’t told him?”

Camden led Zoe away from the door and into a private corridor. “I knew y’all weren’t on good terms, but Zoe you have to tell him! How would you feel if a girl had my baby and kept it from me?”

“This isn’t the same! T’Challa is a prince. T’Challa is engaged! It’s his wedding day for god's sake. I can’t ruin this day for him!” she whisper yelled. Cam sucked his teeth, “Girl, you know that man would end this whole ceremony for you in a heart-“

“No, no he wouldn’t. This whole image ordeal has changed him. Maybe in college, he would have done that but I’m not what he’s so desperately searching for. Add in a baby and I’m definitely not what he needs anymore. He’ll be fine,” Zoe insisted.

“Look I cannot force you to tell him, but if you do not, I will. And that’s a promise,” Camden cut Zoe off as she opened her mouth. The young mother sighed and walked back over to the door. She knocked twice before letting herself in. “T’Challa?”

The groom looked up as Zoe shut the door behind her. “You came,” his face softened. Zoe took a moment to see how much he’d aged in the past three months. His eyes looked tired and he hadn’t been eating well. He looked like this quarter of a year had been exam week every week. He stood and reached for her hand but she moved away. “You look nice,” she offered, looking him over quickly. “I look like a joke,” the king scoffed. The pair stared at each other in silence. “Am I making the right decision?” The prince asked.

“You’re asking me?” Zoe raised an eyebrow.

“Iman, I always ask for your advice.”

“Yes, but you do realize you’re asking me whether or not you should marry the woman whom you cut me out of your life for right?”

“I-“ the king walked over to the couch and sunk into it. “I don’t know what I’m doing anymore. I feel so lost without you by my side Iman. I want you to be the one wearing white and walking down the aisle at this white wedding-“

“That’s not what I want anymore T’Challa. You threw me away like I meant nothing to you. At her first suggestion, you erased me from your life.”

The future king stood and moved closer to her but Zoe-Iman moved in the opposite direction. “I made a mistake Iman. If I could take it back I would-“

“But you can’t.” She cut him off. “What you fail to understand is that you broke me T’Challa. You strung me along with promises of a relationship for years. Then we started being together physically and there were more promises. Then you broke my heart and didn’t even stay around to make sure it would start beating again. You just vanished, then we had that one night, and I realized I had to protect myself. Which meant leaving you behind. We both made the best decisions for ourselves at that moment. Only one of us regrets it. I want us to just be friends.”

“I can’t just be friends!”

“Well your majesty, that's your decision and your problem,” Zoe shrugged. “But I’m here now,” the prince insisted, “I’ll stay this time. I’m gonna call off this wedding to show you my promises aren’t empty.”

Zoe raised a hand to stop his rambling, “T’Challa stop. Call off this wedding because you don’t love Nakia, not because you want to prove something to me. I have already moved on, or I’m trying to,” she admitted.

“You are with somebody else? Already?”

“We were never together, T'Challa. You made that very clear,” the mother reminded, “You were dating and proposing to other women the whole time we were having sex. So don’t say anything to me about finding someone who is proud to be with me in front of everyone. Someone who loves me out loud. I am happy now, and I want that for you. It just will not be with me.”

“So that is it? There will never be anything between us in any official capacity?”

Zoe fidgeted with her hands, “I wouldn’t say that your majesty,” she rested a hand on her bump.”We will be forever linked.”

“You are pregnant?” His eyes widened as Zoe smoothed out her dress to reveal her bump. The prince looked like tears would fall any second.

“We didn’t use protection that last time in the hotel, and I was switching birth controls. But obviously, I wasn’t thinking about that when I was drunk,” Zoe rambled. “May I?” The king interrupted, gesturing towards her stomach. The nurse nodded and the king bent down running a hand over her bump biting his lip. “Zoe,” he looked up, “I have to marry the mother of my child.”

“T’Challa no,” she stepped back, “We can co-parent but I have found something else worth fighting for. I won’t marry you just because I am having your child.”

“Iman please,” the prince begged, “I can’t lose you and this child on the same day.”

“No T’Challa. Do whatever you feel necessary today, marry Nakia or not, but everyone thought you at least deserved to at least know you were having a child. I did not do this to win you back.”

“And what about you? You were not going to tell me, my love?”

“Don’t call me that,” Zoe replied, purposely ignoring his question. “Zoe-“

“Whatever decision you make about Nakia, it does not matter to me. They just thought you should know so you can decide how or if you want to be in this child’s life.”

The king stood and nodded. “I want to be there, I will be there. But it will take some time, just trust me.”

“You are not making this promise to me, you are making a promise to this child. There is nothing for me to forgive,”

“Ayy, T’Challa we gotta go man. Make a decision!” Camden banged on the door. “Just promise you will forgive me. I need you to promise-“

“What am I forgiving?”

“Just promise me,” T’Challa pleaded as he grabbed his suit jacket, pausing to kiss Zoe’s cheek. “I love you,” he cupped her cheek before hurrying out of the door.

“What’s he gonna do?” Camden asked, walking in and offering her his arm to lead her back to her seat. “I don’t know, but I told him about the baby.”

“And?”

“I truly don’t know. He just said it would take time. Well, he asked me to marry him then when I rejected his offer, he asked me to forgive him and wait for him.”

“Forgive him for what?” Camden asked. “I don’t know,” Zoe glanced at the altar, “but I have a feeling we are about to find out.” She gave Camden a quick hug before re-finding her seat in the venue.

****

“Well that was awkward,” Michael whispered in Zoe’s ear as he helped her settle into her seat at their assigned table. “Stop,” Zoe hit his shoulder fighting off her own laughter. He only offered a grin as he took his own seat next to her. “You feeling okay? You need anything?” The expectant mother shook her head, I’m fine. Just ready to go honestly.”

Michael nodded and wrapped an arm around her shoulder before the master of ceremonies stole their attention. After each member of the bridal party had been introduced came the moment Zoe had been dreading since T’Challa appeared at the altar in the front of the church. “Now presenting, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. T’Challa Udaku, Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess of Wakanda!” The young married couple processed in and Zoe immediately regretted even showing up. Sensing her distress, Michael wraps her hand in his own and leaned into her ear, “I can’t wait to do that with you. If you’ll let me of course.” Zoe smiled at her boyfriend and bit her lip, “You want me to have your last name?”

“Yeah if you’ll take it,” the actor grinned. Their conversation was interrupted once again by the MC as T’Challa and Nakia headed to the floor for their first dance. As the song cued up Zoe turned back to the actor, “What if I wanna hyphenate?”

“You wanna be Mrs. James-Jordan?” The actor stared. The mother took a moment to think before giggling and shaking her head, “Nah, Mrs. Jordan sounds better.”

“Damn right it does,” Michael pulled her in closer as they broke out into quiet laughter. Across the room, T’Challa’s attention was pulled to the sound of Zoe’s laughter. He never stopped dancing, but his new wife could tell that she’d lost his attention. Not wanting to make a scene, she laid her head back on his chest and sighed, hoping she’d made the right decision in bowing to her father's wishes. Sure she loved T’Challa, but she couldn’t help feeling that his heart belonged to another. He’d been doing well for the last six months leading up to the wedding but all day, it seemed that his attention had been elsewhere and the bride couldn’t help but feel neglected. She snuck a glance at the woman who her husband had been staring at all night. She was here with a man, who seemed to be her significant other. They’d been giggling and sneaking glances the whole day and Nakia found them quite adorable. She hoped that she and T’Challa would get to that point one day, including the slight baby bump she could make out under the woman’s dress. Not because it was overly noticeable, but simply because she’d been longing to see the same bulge on her own form for a few months. As the dance ended, Nakia watched the man lead the mysterious woman out of the main room onto one of the many ballroom balconies. With the couple out of the room, T’Challa’s attention turned back to her and they continued through the reception motions. After receiving her plate of food, Nakia glanced out on the balcony to see the couple slow dancing as the sunset behind them. The boyfriend had the woman’s shoes in his hands as she danced barefoot on the marble tile. She smiled to herself and made a note to try and escape to one with T’Challa before the night was over.

****

“You thought about any names?” Michael murmured as he swayed slowly to Zoe-Iman’s slow dancing playlist. All the Man I Need by Whitney Houston was pouring out of her phone as the two held each other close. “I don’t know, I’ve really only ever thought about girl names to be honest.”

“What do you like for a girl?”

“I’m between Oyne and Ellijay for her first name. But for her middle name, I love Ka’iulani.”

“That’s different,” Michael hummed. “It’s Hawaiian. It means royal sacred one. Kind of ironic given her parentage, but I’ve had it picked out for years.”

“I think it’s beautiful,” Michael pulled back and leaned down to peck her lips. Without her heels, Zoe’s 5’6 frame seemed short compared to his six-foot stature. “You want me to help you think of some boy names,” he offered as the song switched to Blue by Beyoncé. “Maybe, if T’Challa comes around I’d like to let him name it if Lil bean is a boy,” Zoe revealed. “That’s fair,” the star nodded as Zoe returned to her position on his chest, “I’m glad you told him,” Michael smiled. “Yeah, it feels better knowing that he knows.” Zoe agreed. “What made you change your mind?”

“Cam threatened to tell him if I didn’t.” Michael laughed and Zoe fought back a grin of her own. “Cam is always playing the big brother.”

“And he does it well,” Zoe sighed as the song switched to I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston. The couple settled into quiet, Michael placed a kiss on Zoe’s lips as the balcony door further down opened and interrupted their silence. “Oh, I didn’t know that the balconies were all connected,” Nakia apologized once they noticed Michael and Zoe’s music playing. T’Challa eyes were glued to the way Michael was holding Zoe, kicking himself for never dancing with her when she asked.

He recognized this song as one of her favorites and felt his heart crack even more. She was glowing with happiness and he hated that he’d never get to be the reason for it. “It’s alright,” Zoe reassured the new queen, “We should probably go eat anyway.” Zoe looked up at Michael who agreed. “Congratulations, to both of you,” Michael smiled. “You two as well,” Nakia grinned, glancing at Zoe’s tiny bump. “Sorry,” Zoe looked confused before Nakia quickly elaborated, “On the baby,” she gestured and Zoe froze as did T’Challa. If only this poor woman knew, “Oh thank you,” Michael squeezed her hand in reassurance before they grabbed her phone and headed inside.

“I think I’m ready to go,” Zoe sighed. “Aight then. You wanna wait here while I go grab our stuff from the table?” The mother nodded. With a final kiss to her forehead, Michael headed off and someone else caught her attention. “You can not leave without saying hello to your sister,” Shuri grinned. “A smile spread across Zoe’s face at the sight of the princess. The teen pulled her into a quick hug, frowning when she felt the bump, but the Queen mother joined in before she could ask any questions. “ I knew I had been dreaming of fish lately,” she whispered in Zoe’s ear before pulling back from the hug. “Hey,” Michael smiled, confusion lacing his eyes as Zoe stepped back from the queen. “Michael, this is Her Majesty Queen Ramonda, Queen Mother of Wakanda, and Her Royal Highness Shuri Udaku, Princess of Wakanda. T’Challa’s mother and sister. This is Michael B. Jordan, my boyfriend.” Zoe introduced and couldn’t miss the slight frown that ghosted Ramonda’s face. “It is so nice to meet you both,” Michael grinned, kissing both Ramonda and Shuri’s hands.

“It is nice to meet you as well. Are you all leaving?”

Zoe nodded, “Yes, the little one has worn me out for the day.” The Queen chuckled and nodded, “Yes I’m afraid they will drain your energy from now on. We should have lunch though, are you free tomorrow?” Nodding, the queen and Iman scheduled a time and place to meet up. After a quick detour to say hello to the king and goodbye to their friends, the young couple was finally able to escape the party.

You never told me what exactly happened when you went to talk to T’Challa,” Michael traced his fingers leisurely over Zoe’s arms as she lay in between his legs. “Nothing much,” she sighed. “He asked me if he should marry Nakia, and of course I wanted to cuss him out.”

Michael chuckled as Zoe continued, “Once I explained why that question was inappropriate for him to ask me, he finally revealed that he wanted to get back together and I turned him down, told him that I was pregnant, and-“ Zoe hesitated remembering what had happened next. She bit down on her lip as she felt Michael shift below her. “And what?”

“He asked me to marry him and I rejected him,” she finished. “Asked you to marry him?! Is he serious?”

“I don’t know but I flat out told him that it would never happen, I had something else worth fighting for and I wasn’t just gonna leave it behind,” she smiled up at him. “Damn right, I’m not giving you up without a fight, but are you sure it’s not a law or something?”

Zoe frowned, “I hadn’t thought about it but he’s gonna have to figure it out. Either that or I’m having two husbands.” Michael scoffed as Zoe died of laughter, “Nah, once you Mrs. Michael B Jordan I am not sharing you with anyone but Lil bean.”

*****

“And T’Challa knows about this?” King T’Chaka frowned. The royal family and Zari had been enjoying a rather peaceful lunch as Zari caught them up to speed about what had been going on for the almost two years since her visit to Wakanda. “Yes sir, I told him yesterday.”

“Yesterday? And he still married Nakia?” Shuri exclaimed. “Not that I don’t like her,” Shuri clarified under her parent’s stare. “Why did you wait so late to tell him, sweet girl?” Ramonda frowned.

Zari looked up confused, “T’Challa cut me out of his life about four months ago. Yesterday was the first time I’d seen him since then.”

“He told us that he was talking to you often.”

The mother shook her head, “I think Nakia got suspicious of how close we were and he blocked me on everything.”

“How did this happen then?” The king gestured at her bump. Zoe felt the blood rush to her face, “One day we saw each other in passing and he convinced me that he was ready to make our relationship official with you all-“

“So when you came to visit, there was something going on between the both of you?” Ramonda interrupted.

“Yes ma’am. T’Challa insisted it stay a secret-“

“Because he thought I would not approve?” Zoe nodded and the aging king sighed. “Dear girl I- We- have all always approved of you. In T’Challa’s younger years I was very adamant about him not marrying an outsider, but we all mellow with age.” The king and Zoe laughed, “I want you to know, and I believe I speak for everyone when I say, that we are all overjoyed at welcoming a new member of our family.”

Zoe teared up as Shuri, the king, and the queen all reached for her hands. “I’m sorry, I've been a bit of an emotional mess recently.”

“Totally understandable, it will only get worse as they get older.” Ramonda smiled. “Well let's celebrate!” The king clapped, “if I recall correctly, Raspberry Cheesecake is your favorite dessert?” The king smiled. Zoe-Iman wiped her eyes as a laugh tumbled out from her lips. “Yes, your majesty.”

“Please! No formalities before and none required now. You are carrying my first grandchild. Father or baba is fine with me if it is fine with you,” the older man smiled before ordering a raspberry cheesecake to be brought to the table.

***

“So, who was the girl from yesterday?” Nakia rubbed the last of the coconut oil on her hands into her skin before placing the lid back on the jar. “Who?” T’Challa asked, walking out of the closet buttoning the second to last button on his shirt. “The girl from the balcony. You were staring at her and her boyfriend the whole night.” Nakia stood and shrugged out of her robe to step into her outfit for the day. “Oh, you mean Zari? I wasn’t staring at her,” the prince replied, sliding into his shoes. He watched as his new wife slipped her dress over her form and turned so he could zip it up for her.

Nakia laughs, “T’Challa you were staring so hard I’m surprised the poor girl didn’t have a hole burned through her head.” The woman turned to smooth his shirt and smiled up at the frowning prince. “Aren’t wives usually upset about things like this?”

“Should I be?” Nakia suddenly frowned. “No, but it just seems like you wouldn’t like the idea of me staring at another woman.”

Nakia stepped away to slip into her shoes. “Well, I wasn’t, but you are starting to make me feel like I should be upset. She had a boyfriend, who she’s expecting a baby with. I assumed she was just a friend you had not seen in a while. Besides, you married me so I hoped I had nothing to worry about.” She grabbed her purse before turning back to her husband. “You do not have anything to worry about. She is, was, a really close friend at one point she was more than a friend.” The newly married man admitted.

“How recently was this, we’ve only been dating for a little while,” Nakia raised her eyebrow. “She was the girl whose number I deleted,” the prince sighed. Nakia set her purse down and wiped a hand over her face. “T’Challa, be honest with me. Is there any chance that the baby could be yours?”

T’Challa cleared his throat, “We will be late-”

“Do not ignore me T’Challa! I am your wife, no matter how much I am regretting this expedited engagement.”

“The child is mine.”

Nakia nodded, “And just when were you going to tell me? When the child was born and you suddenly have an heir who did not come from my womb!”

“I just found out yesterday!”

“Do your parents know?”

“I am not sure,” the future king sighed. “Then we need to tell them today, at brunch.” Nakia grabbed her clutch and walked out before turning around. “And do not even think about returning to the same bed as me tonight.”

***

Michael: I’m outside when you are ready love

Zoe-Iman smiled at the text message that dinged across her screen. She finished the last bite of her cheesecake and looked up at the family. “I really hate to leave, but I have a doctor’s appointment to get to.”

“You’re not driving, are you? We can have someone take you if you’d like?” Ramonda offered, concerned at the thought of the pregnant woman driving alone. Iman stood from the table and the rest of the family followed, “No, Michael is outside waiting to take me.”

“Good,” King T’Chaka smiled, “He sounds like a keeper.” the older man winked. “I think he is,” Zoe laughed.”Next time, you bring him to lunch as well. We want to meet him.” Ramonda grinned. “I’ll let him know,” Zari promised, “It all works out because you all have crazy schedules, we’ll schedule it ahead of time.”

“You got my American number right? So we can facetime?” Shuri double-checked. “Got it,” Zari reassured showing her where the number was saved in her phone as ‘little sister’. “When you call please make sure you talk to us as well. I wanna know everything,” Ramonda reminded Zoe and laughed.

“I promise, I’ll text Shuri an update after my appointment. Can you all make sure T’Challa receives them as well, we still don’t have any contact.”

The monarchs frowned before T’Chaka nodded, “I’ll talk to him about that as well. For now, we will make sure the messages get passed along.” Each member of the family pulled Zoe in for a hug, Ramonda pressing a kiss to her forehead before letting the girl go. She waved goodbye as some of the waitstaff cleared and replaced their table settings. Glancing down to text Michael back she walked into someone before realizing it was the prince himself, with his new wife. Nakia glanced at her husband before offering Zoe a tight smile. “Your highnesses,” Zoe-Iman bowed her head in respect. Nakia bowed her head in return, “I don’t believe we’ve officially met. I’m Zoe-Iman, but you can call me Zoe.”

“Nice to meet you,” Nakia replied, wishing that she didn’t know what she knew. “What are you doing here?” T’Challa asked. “I- your mother, she invited me to brunch, to catch up.”

“You’re already leaving?”

“I have a doctor’s appointment-”

“Is everything okay?” T’Challa interrupted looking panicked. “Yes, it's just my bi-weekly check-up.”

“You’re going alone?” Nakia interjected, not wanting T’Challa to go, but understanding she had absolutely nothing to resent this woman for. “No, my boyfriend Michael is waiting outside,” Zoe glanced at her phone that held several missed text messages, “And he’s freaking out slightly so I should probably get going. It was nice to see you both. I’ll send any news to Shuri if you’d like to hear what happens,” the expecting mother glanced up at the king. He only nodded in reply before Zoe took her cue and hightailed it out of the door.

****

“Mrs. Jordan?” the nurse called and Michael nudged his girlfriend to stand up. “You think you’re slick don’t you?” Zoe laughed as he helped her out of her seat. “Manifestation,” he winked as she slightly waddled over to the smiling woman. “Zoe-Iman you didn’t tell me you’d gotten married?!” Kenisha gasped as she led her coworker to the back. “I didn’t,” the mother rolled her eyes and hugged her friend, “Michael’s trying to be funny.”

The actor had become well known to many of the women in the office, even before he officially started dating Zoe. He’d always show up waiting to take her out to lunch, or bring her lunch on days he knew she couldn’t step away or he didn’t have much free time. “A test run huh?” she wiggled her eyebrows at Michael as he helped Zoe onto the scale. “You better believe it. It sounds good too doesn’t it?”

Kenisha laughed,” That it does. Sylia will be in in a minute. She just got back from the hospital.”

“What happened?” Zoe asked as she waddled behind the nurse into the exam room and Michael helped her onto the bed. “Girl, Peggy Johnson almost went into labor when her husband did one of them tik tok pranks on her. You know sis pregnant with her second set of twins. He needs to sit himself down somewhere. That poor woman do so much as sneeze them babies gon come flying out.” Kenisha shook her head as Zoe laughed. “Sylia just said they were Braxton-Hicks though, but I think they’re gonna keep her overnight just in case.”

Zoe nodded, “Yeah, you know twins tend to come early. Bless her heart, I couldn’t do it. I can’t imagine pushing two babies out at once. I would like my body back after this is said and done.”

Kenisha nodded as she finished setting up the room, “Yep, and this is her second set! She said at the last appointment she wants them tubes tied, sniped, and cauterized.”

“Who can blame her,” Zoe laughed. “You're not getting your tubes tied are you?” Michael rubbed his thumb in circles over Zoe’s hand. “Why? You want your chance to knock me up?” Zoe laughed but Michael nodded seriously. “At least once. I know you are already gonna have this baby, who I love as my own, but I would like a little you or me running around hopefully.”

Zoe nodded. “I know, I wasn’t going to tie them anyway. I want at least three kids.”

“Aww y’all are so cute, “Kenisha gushed before raising the ready colored marker outside of the door and heading off.

“Hey, mama!” Sylia grinned as she walked into the room a few seconds later, rubbing in her hand sanitizer. “Hey Syl,” Zoe laughed. Sylia hugged her friend and Michael before scooting over on her rolling stool. “Well, if you’ll lift your shirt, we’ll get started with the ultrasound. I live with you so no need to go over the diet and medicine formalities. Just let me know if something feels off.” Zoe nodded as the machine whirred to life and Sylia prepped her stomach with the clear cold gel. Michael pulled Zoe’s hand into his lips and pressed a kiss to it as the heartbeat filled the room. Sylia frowned at the screen before moving the wand closer to the top of Iman’s stomach. Zoe felt her stomach drop as two heartbeats filled the room.

“Why is it echoing? Michael looked between the two women. “Bakari, that’s not an echo. Zoe is having twins.”

Summary: She’s not his fiancee, but no one needs to know...

Warnings: None

Masterlist || 8 || 9 || 10

"Oh babycakes! We're so proud of you!" Sirobie's mom gushed once everyone made it inside the apartment safely, the paparazzi trapped outside of the building. "Thanks, Mama," the new college graduate smiled as all of her family members pulled her in for a hug. "Siri, Siri," Soleil tugged on her sister's gown to be picked up. "What would you like to eat?" Her father asked as he looked at nearby restaurants on his phone.

"There's a good Italian place nearby, we could order three or four family-style meals. Some of my friends from Wakanda are coming and DaNiyah and Angela's families."

"Sounds good to me," Naomi Johnson smiled as she smoothed down her daughter's hair while she played with her younger sister. "You guys get whatever you want, I haven't had anything I haven't liked since I've gone there."

"Bet, I call first pick," Ahj yelled as he jumped over Sirobie's couch to join his dad in the kitchen. "Boy if you don't stop jumping over my furniture," Sirobie fussed and her father popped her brother on the back of his head. "Ow, jeez. It's not like it won't be my apartment in a few months anyway. "Says who?" Richard Johnson questioned as he scanned the restaurant menu. "I mean I'm coming to Howard anyway, why can't I just stay here?"

"Nice try, but you've got to live on campus, your first year little brother." Sirobie laughed as her brother's cocky face fell. "Man what? I'm too pretty for communal bathrooms."

Sirobie's mother took her youngest daughter into her arms and rolled her eyes at her son. "You'll get over it."

"Just look at it as a right of passage," Sirobie shrugged, finally taking off her gown and cap. "Wait, wait," her mother frowned, "I wanna take some more pictures when the girls get here."

"Mama," the filmmaker whined. "Mama," Naomi mocked her eldest, "Just go hang it up and be ready to put it back on when everyone else gets here."

"Fine," Sirobie sighed and went into her room to hang up her gown, not before grabbing Soleil's hand as she insisted that she walk with her. "Siri, I wanna come stay with you," Soleil pouted as her sister hung her garb up in the closet. "What? You won't miss your friends at school?"

"Nope," the four-year-old shook her head. "Well what about mama and daddy, they'd miss you."

"No they won't, they'll have Ahj."

"Well, you remember how I left home and you only saw me ever so often?" the preschooler nodded. "Well, Ahj is about to do that too. Mama and daddy are gonna need you."

"Oh, but I wanna see you."

"Well how about I see if you can stay with me for a few weeks before I start working. How does that sound?" Sirobie smiled and pinned the graduation cap to her little sister's clacker balls and twists. Soleil nodded and a little grin lit up her face. "When will I get to meet Challa?"

Sirobie froze as her little sister giggled at her reflection with the too big hat on. For a moment, she'd forgotten that Soleil had met and instantly loved the king over the phone. "I wanna see his big house."

"I don't know soso," the big sister sighed.

"Are you sad?"

"Yeah, just a little."

"Cause you miss Challa?"

"Yeah, but it's more complicated than that little one."

What's compicated?"

"It means it's hard to understand munchkin."

The little girl nodded but the doorbell interrupted her before she could ask another question. "Let's go see who's at the door huh?"

"Okay!" the little girl bounced out of the room and Sirobie sighed.

"Eshe! Kasigo!" Sirobie's face lit up as two of her former lady's maids turned friends took off their coats at the door. "My lady," Eshe greeted and both of the women dropped into a curtsy. "Please. Just Sirobie. I'm back to being a normal person again." The former student clarified as her mother, father, and brother looked at her like she had grown two heads. Soleil however, was beaming at the thought that her older sister might be a real-life princess.

"Siri! Are you a princess!"

"No-"

"Respectfully, Lady Sirobie, you will always be our princess." Eshe smiled and Kasigo nodded in agreement. Sirobie blushed and Soleil squealed. "Does this mean I am a princess too?"

"Well of course little one," Kasigo curtsied before Soleil and Eshe followed suit. "Ehse, Kasigo, this is my little sister, Soleil. My parents Richard and Naomi Johnson. And my little brother Ahj."

"A pleasure to meet you all," the two women nodded. "You as well. Thank you for taking care of my baby while she was away." Mrs. Johnson smiled and hugged each of the ladies. "It was our pleasure," Eshe reassured the women. "It is lovely to meet you both as well, but would anyone mind explaining why you are calling my daughter a princess?" Richard Johnson interrupted the exchange.

"Why don't we all sit down first?" Naomi pushed her family towards the couches. " Well Daddy, remember when you called and I said that I was being well taken care of, and not doing anything illegal?"

The father raised an eyebrow and Sirobie knew she needed to get to the point quickly. "The future Queen of Wakanda went missing abruptly, Princess Kamyra, and since apparently, we are doppelgangers for each other, the royal family paid me to be a stand-in until they could locate her. Hence, Kasigo and Eshe, my former lady's maids."

"Yes, we know that your daughter is not a true royal family member, but she is just as graceful, well-spoken, intelligent, kind, caring, funny, and beautiful as any of the best ones we have ever met. Everyone loved her during her time in the country." Eshe elaborated.

"Therefore, we continue to honor her by calling her by her title. Given by the Queen Mother and the king themselves." Kasigo finished. Everyone turned to Sirobie's father and brother, "So the king at the press conference, he was telling the truth?"

Except for the part he omitted where they asked me to stand in," Sirobie nodded.

"Why did he lie?"

"It is complicated Daddy. There is a lot going on in Wakanda and he did it for my safety."

Richard sighed and looked around the room. "Well, this is not how I envisioned this night going." Everyone laughed as the father glanced down at his phone. " I am just glad you are home safe baby girl. I am so proud of you. You're my princess too." The father and daughter embraced. "Thank you, Daddy."

"Come on Ahj. Let's go grab this food." The two men shrugged back on their coats but before opening the door her father paused, "When will I get to meet this king?"

"You already did Daddy. T'Challa."

"Sirobie Johnson, you had me on the phone calling a king by his first name?"

"Daddy, he told me to. I couldn't exactly tell you who he was."

"Jesus Christ the situations y'all put me in," Richard grumbled as he and Ahj headed out the door. The women left behind could do nothing but laugh. Once the quiet settled over the apartment again, Eshe hopped up and grabbed a box she had placed on the floor near her coat. "We brought gifts. The first one is from Queen Mother and Princess Shuri."

Sirobie beamed at the mention of Ramonda and Shuri's names. "They send their regrets that they couldn't make it to your graduation in person."

"I will have to send a card back with you two," Sirobie beamed and carefully unwrapped the intricate vibranium box. Pressing her finger to the lock scanner she gasped as a tiara emerged from the dark purple velvet lining of the box. "Oh my goodness," Sirobie breathed in awe of the delicate tiara. "They thought you might like a more western-style tiara with a little Wakanda flair," Kasigo revealed. In the center of the tiara was a heart-shaped herb and lined on each side of the crown, surrounded by diamond-encrusted leaves was the flower of each of the tribes. "I love it so much," The graduate fought back tears but started laughing when she noticed how big her little sister's eyes had grown. "Don't laugh at my baby," Naomi Johnson laughed and accepted the crown from her eldest so that she and the youngest could admire it.

"They also sent a card but requested that you wait until you are alone to read it." Eshe handed over an envelope. Sirobie nodded and moved on to the next gift in Eshe's hands. "This one is from us, Lesedi too. She is sorry she could not make it."

"She is here in spirit." Sirobie smiled and felt the grin grow even larger as she realized it was a scrapbook of her time in Wakanda. "Guys," she sniffled as she flipped through page after page or her getting ready for balls and dinners, dates with T'Challa, painting, sketching, hanging out with Shuri, and taking tea with the queen. The last photo was one of her putting the finishing touches on T'Challa's portrait. Her engagement ring glistened on her left finger in the sun. "I love it. I didn't even know you guys were taking photos," Sirobie grinned.

"We remembered you saying you used to love scrapbooking, so we thought that one day, you might want some of your memories from Wakanda." Kasigo smiled, "It was Lesedi's idea."

"I'll have to write her a personal thank you." Sirobie wiped her eyes. "Angela and DaNiyah's families will probably be here soon. I should go get dressed again."

"I wanna go!" Soleil beamed. "We'll help as well." Kasigo and Eshe followed Amani into her room and Naomi Johnson laughed.

Eshe worked deftly to fashion Sirobie's hair into an updo and the woman smiled, missing the expertise of her friend. "Siri," Soleil squirmed in her sister's lap, "you should wear your tiara!"

"Maybe later Soso," Siriobie smiled. "No, we actually promised the queen you'd take a picture and we'd send it to her. We can do it quickly before everyone else gets here."

"Yay!" Soleil beamed and Sirobie shook her head as the Tiara was pulled and pinned gracefully to her updo. "Wow, you look just like a princess." The four-year-old gasped. Amani stood and placed Soleil on the ground before admiring her reflection in the mirror. The milk chocolate silk of one of her Wakandan dinner gowns complimented her skin beautifully and the tiara and the Updo finished the facade. It did indeed look like she was staring at the reflection of a princess. "I- I have no words," she breathed and reached up to make sure she was still looking at her own reflection. I haven't looked like this in so long. Sometimes it feels like a dream."

"I assure you it was not a dream," Eshe hugged her as Kasigo took Soleil's little hand in her own. A knock pulled them all out of her reverent silence, "Ro, someone is here and wants to see you-"

Naomi Johnson paused as she looked at her oldest child for the first time dressed like the princess she'd always been to her mother. "Oh, my baby," tears pooled in her eyes and Sirobie giggled and pulled her mom in for a hug. "Oh, you look absolutely stunning. You ladies are masters of your craft," the mother praised and the women bowed their heads in gratitude.

"Oh yes," suddenly Mrs. Johnson remembered why she had come in the room, "Someone is here to see you. They're in the living room."

Sirobie frowned as Kasigo and Eshe realized who had joined them. "Okay, let me take off the-"

"No! I want pictures before you take down all of their hard work. Leave it alone until you come back."

"Mama," Sirobie found herself whining once more but Naomi Johnson ignored it. "Go on, shoo."

"Mama!" the artist stumbled before she felt some familiar hands steady her. "Entle." She turned and came face to face with the man she thought she would never see again. "Your majesty," She stepped out of his reach and his face fell. "You look breathtaking," the king cleared his throat, fighting the urge to freeze. The vision in front of him did nothing to stop help.

Siriobie found herself blushing before straightening her face once more, "What do you want your majesty?"

"Please Sirobie. You know that it will always be T'Challa to you."

"Your majesty-"

"You aren't wearing your ring," the king interrupted. He felt his heart drop at the thought that she had completely written the two of them being together off forever. "I couldn't exactly wear it to my highly televised graduation where everyone wanted a photo of me could I?" Sirobie sneered, anger at the reminder of the hurt he'd caused returning. "Sirobie, there is nothing I can ever say that will make up for what I have done, but I am truly sorry. I just wanted to keep you safe."

"I know T'Challa, but you blew up my life. I don't even know if I still have a job if we're being honest. The key to being on a film set is secrecy. They can't have a crew member and cast being stalked by paparazzi."

"I found the information on your job and called. I personally explained and smoothed everything over." Sirobie felt her mouth fall wide open, "Well explained everything except the part where I am madly in love with you. I did not think that it was appropriate for-"

"T'Challa, you didn't have to do that."

"Yes, I did. I know how badly you want this job. This career. I refuse to be the reason that is stolen from you. No matter how much I truly just want you to move back to Wakanda with me."

"I couldn't either way T'Challa. I couldn't watch you marry and have kids with-"

"We were able to break the contract. I won't be marrying anyone anytime soon."

"What?"

"Kamyra's family tried to have me murdered. She and I got married and then annulled it right after. She's going off to college to get her degree."

"Oh." Sirobie struggled to wrap her mind around the news that had just rushed from the king's lips.

"Sirobie," the king got down on one knee again, "I know that you are not ready for marriage or settling down right now, and I would not be happy forcing you into this lifestyle without you getting to live your own life first, but I am in love with you. Have been since I first laid eyes on you painting on the terrace. I want to see where this goes."

"What exactly are you asking T'Challa?"

"Sirobie Johnson, will you be my girlfriend?"

"We've got a lot to figure out. Including how to clear the air internationally, but, I would love to be your girlfriend T'Challa Udaku." Sirobie beamed as the king swept her up into a bridal carry. "T'Challa put me down!" she laughed. "Yay!" Soleil burst out of her sister's room jumping up and down. "My King," Kasigo and Eshe greeted.

"T'Challa," Mrs. Johnson smiled, "Will you be joining us for dinner?"

The king glanced at his girlfriend, "Only if it's okay with Sirobie."

"If you're up for intense interrogations, I'd love to have you. You'll have to meet the family anyway."

"Oh, I brought you a gift. We'll two really. The king pulled two small boxes out of his coat pocket. Smiling softly, Sirobie opened the first slender box and pulled out a delicate vibranium chain. "It's for your ring. I know you were using one of your old ones, but the promise was that I would buy you a chain before you left."

"Thank you T'Challa," Sirobie smiled. "We can put the ring on it later," she promised before boxing it back up. "This one is kind of part two," the king admitted as Sirobie unwrapped a framed photo of the two on their first outing with the ring. Sirobie was playing the part of ecstatic fiancee' well in the photo as T'Challa had his arms wrapped around her waist and she with her hands on his chest. Ring glistening away in the lightbulb flashes. "This is one of my favorite photos of us," the king admitted.

"Mine too," Sirobie cheesed.

"Come on, before someone notices," Sirobie quickly pulled the King out of her apartment. His chuckle filled the hall as they escaped outside to the city streets. H Street in DC was bustling with recent Howard grads and their friends having one last adventure before adulthood fully set in. The girls themselves were planning to head out a little later, accompanied by the king of course, but Sirobie wanted him to herself for a little while before the night was over. "You wanna see campus or the city?" Sirobie grinned up at T'Challa as they came to a quieter fork in the road. "I wanna see the place that helped make you the amazing woman I am so blessed to call my own." The graduate felt her cheeks heat up as she turned left, guiding the king up the hill to the Mecca. Soon, the quick tour was done and they took a seat on a bench on the yard.

"So, how do we make this work?'' Sirobie asked the moon their only company on the quiet green. "We take it as slow or as fast as you want," the king sighed pulling her hand into his. "Quite frankly," He glanced at the ring that was once again around her neck. A sly grin formed inside as his finger lifting the metal from her neck caused a quiet gasp to escape her lips. He chuckled lightly, twirling the ring around his finger. "If I could have my way, I would have already asked you to marry me once again," He admitted. The new Howard Alumna felt her heart racing as a cheshire grin covered his face. "As much as I would love that," she laughed before becoming a bit more serious, "I got my own life to live first T'Challa. I can't just live for you and Wakanda, just yet. I've got to be more than just his little wife," she sang a quick snicker following after. T'Challa looked at her blank-faced and she bit back another laugh, "Beyoncé jokes, gotta improve your knowledge on that if you're planning on spending eternity with me."

"Oh, Beyoncé the singer? Shuri loves her." Sirobie simply shook her head and leaned on T'Challa's chest.

"Before I forget," the king cleared his throat a little while later before they could head back up the stairs to Sirobie's apartment. They'd wandered around a bit more before deciding it was time to head back and get ready to go out with the girls. "This is for you. I called the loan company and, with your mother's help, was able to finesse your final balance number out of them. I believe this should cover it, and help you get started out in Los Angeles when you move." Sirobie felt her mouth drop open as the 10 digit number on the check became obvious. "T'Challa, I can't, this is more than enough to cover my debt. That's all you promised me. I can't take all of this," Sirobie shook her head and handed him the check back. "No, Sirobie, I wanted it to be a surprise, but your mom expressed her concerns about you being able to afford safe housing in Los Angeles, and I want you to be able to live wherever you want, safely. So I'm buying you a house. We'll you're buying you a house. I'm just gonna help, if you'll let me," the king rambled on as his girlfriend's eyes filled with tears. "I just want you safe," the king sighed as he pulled her in for a hug, "and having somewhere I can come to stay with you whenever I'm in town on business is another benefit."

"I'd love to have you come stay with me and help me choose a house," Sirobie finally answered, accepting the check. "As long as you don't mind Soleil being around, I kinda promised she could come to stay with me for a while until I started working."

"Of course," the royal smiled following Sirobie up the stairs to her apartment. "Besides," he whispered in her ear, stopping her from opening the door, "We'll have time for each other when she's sleeping." He placed a kiss on her exposed neck and delighted in the way she shivered under him. "Where are you staying tonight?" she turned to face him, pulling his face closer. "Ritz Carlton," T'Challa mumbled against her lips. "Good, I'm joining you," Sirobie grinned, finally letting him engulf her in a rough kiss against the door. Careful not to alert anyone inside what was happening just outside the door.

Summary: She learns to put herself first and he loses the best thing he ever had.

A/N: A new chapter of Starlight coming up next.

Warnings: None

Masterlist

It's Never Wrong When You're In Love...

I haven’t felt this type of thing in a while. I thought I lost myself in love until I found you.

- “Natural” Sabrina Claudio

I’m telling you right now from this day on, I’ve already weighed out the pros and cons, your just the woman I want.”

-"4evermore" Anthony David (ft. Algebra)

“Mrs. Jordan,” Michael leaned over and whispered in his bride’s ear. “Yes, Mr. Jordan?” Zoe beamed as she and her new husband waited for their cue to walk into the reception party. “You look absolutely breathtaking today. Coming down that aisle I was watching you like hot damn that’s my lady,” Michael grinned as Zoe slapped his arm, laughter falling from her lips. “Shut up, you were crying too,” the bride reminded, allowing Michael to wrap his arm around her waist.

“Yeah but that was the internal monologue,” he insisted as one of the tech workers handed each of them a microphone. The intro to “4evermore” by Anthony David began to blare on the other side of the banquet hall doors. “You ready?”

Zoe nodded and took her husband's hand. The doors opened on cue and the couple walked in belting their respective parts of the song.

“Forever’s a mighty long time but I really wanna spend it with you. I shine when you shine. There's really no substitute. 4evermore,”

The two danced around each other singing along with the track. The audience joined in clapping as the newlyweds continued their performance. “I’m making my plans just to be with you. It’s you and me, babe, till the days are through, And I ain’t ashamed, love, to say I do,” Michael crooned

They went through the chorus again before Zoe got her chance to shine, consequently surprising the guests who’d never heard her sing, “Pick a tree to carve our names, let the world know it’s not a game. Last longer than a wedding ring, generations tattooed with the love we bring. From the seeds we sow, to the time it takes to grow. Long enough to show you, I won’t let go of you. Without you, I'm incomplete, like this love song without this beat. I’m saying you are the man I need,” Zoe sang causing the crowd to erupt in cheers.

“I didn’t know Zoe could sing,” Shuri leaned over to her brother who was carrying both of his children in his arms. “She doesn’t often, but she’s great,” he nodded, trying to stop the regret flooding through his veins by bouncing his fussy two, almost, three-year-olds. He watched as their mother spun and sang with her husband. A man that wasn’t him. A man who was making her laugh and having fun on the dance floor as Camden started the rap verse in the song. His attention was then pulled to Nakia, as she laughed and danced on the sidelines of the dance floor cheering on Zoe and Michael with the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for the new Mr. And Mrs. Michael B. Jordan. That was the best wedding entrance I’ve ever seen,” the DJ announced as the crowd began settling back in their seats. Zoe-Iman laughed as Michael handed over their mics and pulled her in close for their first dance. “I’m serious, who giving the new Mrs. Jordan a record deal, cause sis got some mad pipes. I know all this money in here, there’s gotta be a music exec looking for fresh talent. But, imma get off my soapbox so this new union can enjoy their first dance as husband and wife.”

Soon, “Butterflies Pt.2” by Queen Naija was drifting from the speakers as Michael gently swayed with his new wife, the couple singing along softly to each other. “You going to ask Nakia to dance?” Shuri caught her brother’s attention as she grabbed her niece from his arms. Not wanting to be left behind, Meluzmi began wriggling from his father’s arms to get down to the floor with his sister. “I don’t think Nakia wants to talk to me.” The king glanced again at his ex-wife dancing with Camden. “Nonsense, you all were friends first,” Ramonda interrupted, stooping to kiss both of her grandchildren. “That is why your father, and hers, thought you would make a great match.”

“You all are running the country well together, for over a year now.” Shuri pointed out smiling as the toddlers began bopping along to the song with each other. “Business conversations do not mean she will want to dance with me. Besides, she seems like she is having a good time with Camden.”

Shuri shook her head, “I’m taking the twins to dance, Mama, do something with him please,” the now 19-year old shook her head and headed towards the floor as the song shifted, signaling that other couples could join the wedding party on the floor. “Dance with me,” Ramonda extended a hand and the son turned king accepted and escorted her onto the floor.

“You know,” the queen mother started a few seconds later, “the first time you brought Zoe home, I was sure that within a year or two, you’d be telling your father you wanted to marry her.”

T’Challa smiled, “I was that obvious?”

Ramonda chuckled, “Painfully. You were looking at her like a lovesick fool the whole time she was there. Your father tried several times to give you his permission to date him. Even blatantly asking if you all were dating, but you were so stubborn.”

T’Challa looked away and swallowed, “It was not my finest hour and it will forever remain one of my biggest regrets, but I am happy for her.”

“You are, but you are also jealous. Zoe gave you plenty of chances, she even bore your children T’Challa but you were so stubborn, you lost your chance. Now that she’s happy, you should try to find happiness of your own. If not with Nakia, try again with someone. Don’t spend your life believing these were the only two women who could ever have been a great wife. Zoe found her happiness, Nakia is working on hers, it’s time you find your own.”

“Umama-” the king started. “Happiness outside of your children T’Challa, you need adult company too. Company you actually like, the elders don’t count.”

The king sighed and glanced across the room, “I’d like to try again, but I fear I will always wonder what Nakia and Zoe think of her.”

“That is your problem, you always wonder what everyone else is thinking, son.”

“You loved Zoe, but you were so afraid that we would hate her, you hid her and lost her. You had feelings for Nakia, but you wondered what she would think about what you had done to Zoe, so you pushed her away. Stop wondering what one girl will think about the other. Find your happiness, then bring her around. You always attract wonderful people, and we all always love each other. Think about it son, who else’s ex-wife is good friends with the woman her husband was cheating and had children with?”

Ramonda laughed, watching Zoe and Nakia dance with the rest of the wedding party. The king joined in chuckling as his mother continued, “Stop pitting the women against each other before they can even meet. Just let yourself fall in love freely son. We just want you to be happy.”

Zoe instinctively held her head further back as a smirk crossed her new husband’s lips. “Now, Michael, this is a very expensive white dress-”

“And you look beautiful baby-,” he raised his hand with a piece of cake in it closer to Zoe’s face. “Michael,” Zoe whined as his smirk turned into a full-on grin, “What? I’m just trying to feed my beautiful wife.”

“No, you are not!” Zoe laughed and dodged Michael’s hand, “I don’t wanna ruin my makeup, I paid a lot for it,” the bride pouted. “Fine,” the groom sighed, “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Thank you,” Zoe beamed and allowed him to feed her the piece of cake, she leaned in, kissed his lips, and smashed the piece of cake and icing onto his face, “Gotcha,” she cackled as Michael wiped icing from his mouth. The guests doubled over in laughter as he wrapped a giggling Zoe up in his arms and shook her. “You play dirty,” he laughed. “Mama!” two voices cried out as Ka’aulani and Meluzmi ran to their mom and stepfather. “Cake,” Meluzmi pleaded and his twin nodded her head in agreement. “Okay baby, “Zoe smiled. Michael cut them two small pieces and handed Zoe a plate. The caterers took over cutting up the rest of the large cake for the couple as they led their children over to the main table.

Michael took his self-proclaimed best friend Meluzmi in his lap and let him try and figure out how to spear the soft pieces of dessert, before eventually helping him out. Not wanting her daughter to ruin her dress or hair, Zoe still couldn't understand how so much of the toddler’s meals ended up in her curls, the mother alternated between feeding the toddler and herself. The small family sat sharing cake in silence, bobbing softly to the beat of Kiss Me More while watching their guests tear it up on the dance floor and fight over pieces of cake. “There you two are!” Shuri sighed obviously frustrated, “ T’Challa is gonna kill me, he wanted me to keep them so you could enjoy yourself.”

“Girl,” Zoe dismissed. “He will be fine. My babies just wanted some cake and their mommy.”

On cue, the twins giggled. “Are you having fun?”

Shuri shrugged, I’m just glad to see you happy,” The teen admitted. “Yeah but you’re young, you should be out dancing, and not with two-year-olds.”

“I got a cousin, he’s 20, but I think y’all get along great,” Michael grinned and called the boy over. As predicted he and Shuri hit it off and as the party forged ahead, the couple saw the two dancing and shared a fist bump. “We’re definitely the matchmaking couple,” Zoe beamed.

As the party began to wind down hours later, T’Challa approached the couple for the second time that day and cleared his throat. “My mother and I were about to leave, I was gonna take the twins,” the king gestured towards the children sleeping peacefully, each spread over two chairs pushed together. “Oh okay, thank you for coming and babysitting,” Zoe Iman Jordan hugged her former best friend, ex-lover, and the father of her children, “I’m gonna go say goodnight to mama,” she squeezed Michael’s hand before leaving in search of the older matriarch. “I’ll help you grab the kids, '' Michael broke the silence.

T’Challa nodded and they grabbed the slobbering children from their makeshift beds and headed out of the venue to the cars. Once both twins were buckled, they leaned against the car awaiting the women’s arrival. “Michael thank you.”

“For what?” The actor turned to the monarch. “For loving Zoe and for bringing the light back to her life. For taking care of her and loving my children as your own, even when I wasn’t man enough to do the same.”

Michael nodded, “You know for the longest I hated you. I didn’t understand how one man could be so self-involved he couldn’t see how amazing of a woman he had right in his hand. I hated that you messed with Zoe’s head, made her second guess herself. Then I finally got her to a good place, she opened up, we were having a good time, then she found out she was pregnant. You wouldn’t even text her back about your own kids.” T’Challa nodded and shoved his hands in his pockets, “If I could do it all again, I would do it differently believe me.”

I know,” the groom agreed, “but everything happens for a reason. I don’t approve of what you did, but if you had been a good partner, I probably wouldn’t be married to the love of my life right now. So I forgive you. And those kids, they are like my own. I am beyond glad that you’ve stepped up for them. I want them to have their father and a bonus father in their lives. You stay involved and love them, then there are no hard feelings between us.” The acclaimed actor extended a hand and T’Challa accepted his handshake. “You have my word, I’m never leaving them again.”

“Good.” Michael leaned back against the car and crossed his legs, hands stuffed in his tuxedo pockets. “So what’s next for you?” He asked a few beats later.

T’Challa exhaled, “I’m not sure, but I do know I wanna get my life back on track. Find someone and treat her right.”

“Then you do that man,” they stood up off of the car as Ramonda approached. “I just wonder what she’ll think of this family. It’s all a little bizarre isn’t it?”

“Yeah most baby mamas and ex-wives aren’t best friends, especially under our circumstances, but if she loves you and you love her, there’ll always be room in the family.”

“I appreciate that Michael.”

“Shuri staying with Nakia?” The actor asked when the queen mother reached the car. “Yes, she and your cousin have taken quite a liking to each other,” Ramonda raised an eyebrow. “You know me and Zoe will watch out for her,” Michael reassured. “I know, that is the only reason I’m letting her stay,” Ramonda answered.

“We’ll get her back to you safely later tonight. I promise,” The actor shoved his hands in his pocket and stepped back. “I guess we better get going then-”

“Wait,” Zoe walked out of the venue over to the car. “I didn’t get to kiss my babies goodbye,” the mother pouted. Michael laughed as T’Challa rolled his eyes. “Boy, don’t roll your eyes at me before they get stuck like that.” She slapped his chest before opening the car doors and kissing both of her toddlers.”

“Okay, we will swing by to pick them up after we get back. And you have everything packed for them right? You have Meluzmi’s inhaler, and enough clothes and replacement outfits? You got the earplugs too right? They hate heights and the sounds of the plane's engines when-”

“Zoe they will be fine. T’Challa reassured. “And if I don’t have it, you know my mother will make sure they get it. They will be fine. I can do this,” The king grabbed both of her hands and squeezed them gently. “I know, I know,” the young mother sighed, “This is just the longest I have been away from them ever and I’m nervous.” Michael moved up to wrap an arm around his wife’s waist and press a kiss to her forehead. “ Everything will be fine,” he soothed. “I know-”

“Then stop worrying,” T’Challa offered a sad smile, “You deserve this, to be happy, to have a break, to enjoy your honeymoon. You are an excellent mother Zoe, but they have a father too. So enjoy your break, enjoy your marriage. I promise they will be just as alive and happy as they are now when you get back from your trip.”

Zoe nodded and sighed, finally stepping back from the car with Michael at her side. “Okay, see you in three weeks. Thank you all again.”

“Anytime, you know I love my grandbabies.” Ramonda hugged the bride once more before closing the door facing the twins and taking a seat in the backseat next to them. “Ayy, Mike, it’s almost time for the garter toss,” Two of the groomsmen waved the couple over but T’Challa reached for Zoe’s hand. “Can we talk?”

Zoe nodded at her husband letting him know she was okay, he looked the king over once more before heading inside to watch from the doorway. “What’s up?”

“I just wanted you to know that you were right.”

“About what?” the bride squinted. “About deserving to be with someone who can say they love you in and out of the bedroom. You deserve someone who loves you out loud, and I’m glad you found it in Michael.”

Zoe smiled softly, “Thank you. I hope you find the same for yourself. We both deserve someone.”

“I think I already did but I kind of fucked it up...twice,” the king chuckled. “I’ll keep you updated on that front though.”

Zoe Iman nodded. T’Challa gestured to the doorway, “I think you better go though, your husband hasn’t stopped watching.” Zoe laughed, glancing over her shoulder at Michael who was, sure enough, watching from the door. “Yeah... Goodbye T’Challa.” Zoe pulled the king in for a hug before placing a kiss on his cheek.

“Goodbye, Zoe… I love you,” he sighed once she had walked off out of earshot.

Summary: Amani is an orphaned heiress who’s spent most of her life raising her younger sister. T'Challa is a widowed King and Father. Neither of them is expecting much from their night at the Lotus. But the coming months have many milestones in store for these young adults. Will becoming a family be one of them?

A/N: I know it's been a long time. I plan to finish up this story in the next few weeks. Buckle Up Y'all.

Warnings: Mentions of domestic abuse

Masterlist || 14 || 15 || 16

“Get Out,” Darius growled as he pulled the car into a park beside the gas station. Amani protested as best as she could in her state. It’d been over a day since she’d eaten anything more than to sustain the baby. Even when trying to get away from Darius, she knew she could not lose another child, especially one that she’d created with the man she loved. “That wasn’t a request, Amani. It was a demand,” Darius walked over to Amani’s side of the car and banged on the window. The woman simply shrunk into herself and looked away.

“Fine,” Darius tapped his head against the window. “You always make things unnecessarily hard, but fine we’ll play it your way,” he backed away from the window and raised his hands in defeat. Once he was gone, Amani fought to punch down the bile that was climbing her throat. Partly from the pregnancy, partly from the gnawing feeling that Darius was being too nice. She leaned her head against the cold glass and took a deep breath in. Her hands snaked low around her tiny bump and she sighed, “Mama loves you so much little one. Hopefully we’ll be out of this soon and then you can meet your Baba. Your grandma and all your aunties who are gonna love you so much. Then your big sister Ada, she’s gonna think that you are her personal baby doll to play with,” Amani laughed and quickly wiped away tears. “But you’ve got to hold on for me, little one. I can’t do this one alone. You’ve gotta meet me halfway so we can see all the people we love again okay.”

After successfully choking back her morning sickness, the big sister let her eyes flutter closed. Then she was falling out of the car, “Come on. Take this.” Darius hoisted Amani up out of her seat and forced a box in her hand. The heiress’s mouth went dry at the sight. “No,I-”

“Amani I swear to God. If you don’t get in that bathroom and take this test I’ll make sure for once and all that you can never get pregnant again.” He shoved her in the direction of the gas station door and chuckled when she stumbled slightly. “Good girl. Don’t make me come in there and watch you take it. You got twenty minutes.”

“T’Challa, respectfully, I don’t know what the fuck is taking you so long to make a move.” Sakura hissed as she and Madiyson watched Darius push their friend. “I have to make sure that Amani is out of the danger zone. “She’s in one now with that lunatic,” Madison hissed from her corner by the bathroom. “We had a clear shot when she was in the car alone!” Sakura argued. “I was not willing to take the chance of him getting away again if he saw us. This time we will finish this.”

“Wait, are you gonna-” Madiyson started.

“The less you know the better. She’s coming to the bathroom,” T’Challa murmured into the ear piece as his eyes followed Darius back to his car.

“Shit,” Amani burst into the bathroom as Madiyson slid into one of the stalls. “What the fuck am I gonna do?” The soon to be mother paced back and forth, before noticing the pair of feet in the stall behind her. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she murmured as she walked up to the door. “Ummm, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m in kind of a bad situation. And I know this sounds crazy but could you take this pregnancy test for me. If the guy I’m with finds out I’m pregnant he’s gonna hurt me so-”

Madiyson stuck her hand out of the stall without saying anything. As much as she wanted to pull her friend in for a hug, she had to wait for the all clear from T’Challa. She wanted to make sure that the job was done right this time. There was no room for mistakes. Darius could not keep terrorizing Amani again. “Oh..okay,” Amani handed the box of tests over to the hand. “Thanks I guess.” the heiress moved back over to pace in front of the counter, cradling her tiny bump once again.

“Well what else am I supposed to do?” Madiyson hissed into the earpiece as Sakura laughed about her taking their friend’s pregnancy test. “Do you need help? You just pee on the-”

“Do you think I’m stupid or I’m dumb Mani?”

“What?” Amani asked before time slowed to a standstill. Sakura burst through the door at the same time Madiyson burst free from the stall to cover her. By the time Amani realized what had happened, Darius was on the floor of the women’s bathroom with panther claws through his chest.

“Is everyone alright?” T’Challa’s mask receded and Amani felt all of the wind leave her lungs. “T’Challa?” then her mind went blank.

“T’Challa, what the fuck was that you pulled back there? You just burst into the bathroom in a catsuit,” Madiyson pressed.

“I know that I owe you both explanations, but right now my main concern is the mother of my child and said child.”

“She would probably still be conscious if you hadn’t surprised the living daylights out of her!”

“Okay,” Sakura intervened, “That’s enough Madiyson. I can’t pray with both of you going back and forth like that. We’ll talk about everything after we hear about Amani and the baby.” Madiyson retreated to one of the chairs in the private waiting room with her arms crossed.

“I am going to go find the doctor, do either of you need anything?” The king offered. “We’re fine, thank you T’Challa.” The father nodded and turned on his heel.

“Why are you treating him like that?” Sakura popped Madiyson on the back of her head, “He helped us save Amani today.”

“I just don’t like how secretive he is,” Madiyson huffed. “Girl,” Sakura sucked her teeth, “He is the ruler of a country that is closed to most of the world. He obviously can’t tell us everything and we have to respect that. We are not his main priority. He loves Amani not us. He owes us nothing.”

“I know, I’m just on edge. We almost lost her. Again Kura. She got shot this time. She’s carrying a baby like the last time.”

“I know, but T’Challa is a friend, not an enemy.”

“Ladies,” the king interrupted, “I found the doctor.”

“Now, she did suffer slight bruising from the bullet grazing her ribs but she was extremely lucky. There was a clean entry and exit wound. We expect her to make a full recovery. However, the fetus suffered trauma due to what we assume were numerous beatings. We’ll want to keep her here so that we can observe the fetus through this touch and go period.”

“How serious is touch and go?” Sakura spoke up. The doctor sighed, “Unfortunately the fetus has turned as a result of the trauma. This means that we cannot get accurate readings or a view of all of the trauma suffered until the little one decides to turn back to face us and mama’s heartbeat. Therefore, the baby could be at the edge of life, or perfectly healthy. We just don’t know right now so we need to be cautious.”

“In your personal opinion, do you think the baby will make it out?”

“I wish I knew, but I do not have enough information to form an opinion.”

Sakura watched as the hope drained from her friend and the king’s faces. “However, I can say that Ms. Okeke is a brilliant woman. When we got her in, she had thick padding covering her abdomen. Though it wasn’t enough to stop a bullet, it would have significantly reduced the amount of trauma caused by the blows.” The doctor smiled, dipped her head at the king, and walked off to continue her rounds.

Sakura let out a soft chuckle and smiled onto her face, “She’s always thinking of someone else before herself.”

T’Challa smiled, “Always saving someone else’s life.”

“She’ll make a great mom,” Madiyson smiled at T’Challa. “I have no doubts about that whatsoever,” The king smiled and peered into the room where she was sleeping. “Go on,” Sakura gestured, “We'll go get some dinner to give you all some alone time.”

“T’Challa?” Amani felt like she’d been run over by a bus and thrown off two cliffs, but the sight of her love made the pain feel like a dull ache. “Hey umhle,” the king smiled and moved closer to the bed to help Amani sit up in her bed. “You found me,” the mother coughed once sitting upright. “I always will,” he smiled and handed her a glass of water. The couple settled into a comfortable silence as Amani finished drinking the glass full of water. When she was finished, the former prince took the glass and found himself pulling her into a hug.”Please do not ever leave me again.” The expecting mother found herself shedding tears as the king cried into her hair. She wrapped her arms around his waist and allowed her body to relax into his hold. “I’m sorry-” Amani started but the king cut her off by squeezing her tighter.

“You have nothing to apologize for,” he quickly shushed her. “I am so in love with you, and when I thought there was even a chance you were gone. That both of you were gone,” The king pulled back and wiped his girlfriend’s tears, as his own fell uninhibited. The monarch’s hand fell to Amani’s stomach and he bent down to speak to his soon to be second born. “When I heard that you were missing, I swore I would kill him. He will never have a chance to torment you again.”

Amani felt ice run through her veins at the news, “He’s dead?”

“I do not pride myself on taking the lives of others, but in this situation, I made this decision and I stand by it. I would do anything to make sure that you, Ada, and this unborn child and any more we might have will be safe from known threats.”

Amani could do nothing but nod as the news registered. Darius was dead. The man who had haunted her sleeping and waking hours. The bastard who had stolen her first born from her. Her perpetual tormentor was dead. As much as she wanted to feel something. All she could feel was numbness.

“Mani!” Amare burst through the door with Shuri hot on her heels. “Re,” the older sister sighed and pulled the teen into her arms. “I love you so much,” the college student cried into her sister’s shoulder. “I love you more kid,” Amare sniffled. Shuri swooped Amani into a hug before walking over to her brother and hugging him. “When do they think you can leave?” Amare grabbed her sister’s hand and settled onto the edge of the bed.

“I’m not sure, I just woke up myself.”

T’Challa cleared his throat, “They want to keep you for a while. Much longer than I think any of us are open to staying here.”

“What are our options?” Amani looked up at the man she hoped to spend the rest of her life with.

“I was hoping Shuri could shine some light on that for us?” The king looked to his younger sister who nodded and opened the body scanner app on her tablet. “Just try to sit as still as you can,” the princess instructed. A quiet hum filled the room as the blue vibranium light hummed back and forth over Amani’s body. Once the results populated on the device, a frown crossed the young scientist’s face. “No good news, I’m assuming,” Amani offered a soft smile to the three people in the room. “Unfortunately not. We’re going to have to wait a little while longer, before you and the baby are stable enough to travel back to wakanda. There, we can have you all better in three days. Max.” Shuri nodded.

“Then we wait.” the king nodded.

“In the meantime, I’m gonna reach out to some doctor back at home and whip up an IV drip to help speed up the process. I should have something delivered by morning.”

“I’ll go with you to help,” Amare volunteered, kissing the back of her sister’s hand. Amani squeezed her sister’s hand and smiled. “Take care of my sister munchkin,” Amare whispered to her sister’s belly. After more hugs the two teens headed out to get to work.

“I see we missed the welcoming committee,” Madison and Sakura walked into the room a few minutes later. “We caught Shuri and Amare as they were heading out,” Sakura revealed as they set some Chick-fil-a down.

“Baby, why don’t you go take a break. Walk around and stretch your legs.”

“Yeah T’Challa, we’ve got her. You’ve handled a lot today.” Madison reassured the king. “Call me if you need anything.” the king relented and stood to head out of the room.

A few hours later, the moon watched the women chat idly amongst themselves. “Excuse me,” a detective from the local police department knocked on the room door. “Is this Ms. Okeke’s room?”

“It is,” Sakura stood to keep the man from coming any further out of abundance of caution. “We found a pregnancy test at the scene of the shooting. We thought that Ms. Okeke might like to see the results.”

“Oh, we already know that she is pregnant,” Sakura informed the man but Amani cut her off, “I wasn’t the one who took the test though.”

“Well, whoever took it, congratulations. You’re pregnant.”

Amani and Sakura look at Madiyson whose eyes had grown larger than they ever have before. “What?” tears started to cloud her eyes and the officer quickly excused himself. “Hey hey, breathe,” Sakura coached as Madiyson struggled to get enough air.

“You okay?” Amani worried once her friend was able to take steady breaths. “Yeah, I just,” Madiyson gaped, “Oh God. I’ve gotta call Darius.” The former waitress stood and rushed out of the room. “I should probably make sure she doesn’t have another panic attack,” Sakura rose from her chair next to Amani’s bed. “You gonna be alright champ?”

Amani waved her off. “Me and lil’ bit will be just fine,” she smiled and T’Challa cleared his throat as he walked in the room. “I’ll make sure of it,” he nodded to Sakura before smiling at Amani.

The king walked over to his pregnant girlfriend and placed a kiss on the crown of her head, but his smile was immediately replaced when he felt her flinch under him. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, it’s just, the last person who did that was Darius. I mean I know you’re not Darius but it just will take me a minute to readjust,” Amani tumbled out and T’Challa tried to cease the fire coursing through his veins. Even though the man was dead, he knew that everyday he would want to resurrect him just to kill him again. “It’s alright,” he reassured the mother of his child. The mother of his child. At the thought a goofy smile spread across the ruler’s face and Amani frowned trying to understand what was so funny.

“What?”

“Nothing my love,” the man grabbed her hand and pulled it to him gingerly placing a kiss on the back then turning it over to kiss the center of her palm. “It is just that you are carrying my child, and I could not be more ecstatic.”

Amani offered a soft smile, “Are you sure? I feel like I’ve caused so much drama for you. Now I can’t even keep our baby safe.”

“There is no one else in this world I would want carrying this child Amani Okeke. I love you so much more than I could ever say. I would do this all over again if it ended up with you carrying my child once more. It was all part of my plan eh. Remember?” The king referenced the last night the couple had spent together and the heiress found herself laughing softly. “Thank you T’Challa.”

“Anything for you Amani Okeke. Anything.”

Summary: Amani is an orphaned heiress who's spent most of her life raising her younger sister. T'Challa is a widowed King and Father. Neither of them is expecting much from their night at the Lotus. But the coming months have many milestones in store for these young adults. Will becoming a family be one of them?

A/N: It's a short one y'all.

Warnings: mentions and suggestions of sexual violence and rape.

Masterlist || 13 || 14 || 15

“Why do you insist on waking me up so early?” Amani moaned as the king trailed kisses over her shoulders. “I am always up this early,” he chuckled, moving up to her neck. “That doesn’t mean I have to be too,” the heiress grinned and turned over in the soft sheets to face the love of her life.

“Good morning,” the king smiled, reaching around to pull his lover closer.

“Good morning.” Amani offered up a smile which quickly fell into a yawn. The father trailed his fingers down Amani’s bareback, over her hip, and up to softly grab her hand. He pressed a kiss to the palm of her hand before playing with her fingers. Amani pushed her other hand up to tangle in the curls at the base of T’Challa’s neck. “You know,” the billionaire sighed out as his girlfriend massaged her fingers along his scalp. “I’m going to put a ring on that finger.” Amani smiled as his lips pressed against the base of her left ring finger.

“Oh yeah?”Amani teased, as the king looked at her from between her fingers. “Yeah” T’Challa finalized, a smirk etching its way onto her face.

“What are you gonna do after you put a ring on my finger?”

“Imma put a baby in you,” The monarch smirked as he went back caressing his girlfriend's curves. “Uh uh,” The older Okeke laughed.

“What do you mean uh uh? Eh, that’s what is next on my mission. You can’t stand in the way of my mission,” the king insisted playfully.

“Okay, what next after that?”

“I’m going to put another girl in you-“

“T’Challa!” Amani dissolved into laughter and sat up. The king chuckled and pulled her back down. “Don’t T’Challa me. I'm going to put another girl in you and another and another.” The lovebirds relaxed into each other’s arms as their laughter slowly faded.Soon the sun, silence and the birds were the only excitement in the room. The couple ran their fingers over each other’s skin, memorizing each dip and curve like it was their first time. “ I love you T,” Amani pressed a kiss to his chest where her head was resting.

“I love you too, Miss Amani Okeke” the king feathered kisses along her forehead and relaxed back into his pillows.

“I don’t want this to end,” the woman admitted, “I don’t want to leave.”

“I don’t want you to go either,” the king sighed. “One day, you won’t have to, but until then we may be apart, but I'll never leave you.” Amani felt her heart melt and she reached up to press a kiss to his lips. “Are you up for a bath?” The king moved to stand and Amani groaned. “I don’t wanna get up,” she pouted and was greeted by T’Challa’s smile. “Come on,”he reached to pull her up but she couldn’t move. “T’Challa, stop playing,” the woman suddenly panicked as she realized she couldn’t move her body. “T’Challa!” The king threw on his clothes. I'm gonna get help okay?”

Tears started trickling down Amani’s face as she shook her head, “Please no! T’Challa! Don’t leave me!” She screamed herself awake to find Darius pinning her down.

“Aww, you had a bad dream? Lover boy leave you once he realized how much of a whore you are?”

Amani felt her stomach churning as Darius began pulling off her clothes. “It’s okay. I’ll always be here to pick up the pieces,” Darius sneered as he pulled her pants down over her hips. The heiress fought the building pressure of the bile in her throat, but lost it when Darius tried to put his lips on hers. The abuser sat back wiping the vomit from his chin and chest. Amani cowered at the rage in his eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m not feeling-“ a crack ricocheted around the room as Darius’s hand connected with the victim's cheek. “You owe me Amani. You cost me my son and you will give me another,” Darius snarled. He stood and eyed the woman who was now splattered in her own sick. A smirk grew on his lips before he let his foot connect with her stomach, “And clean this shit up.”

Amani held in her tears until she heard the door of her prison shut. She carefully pulled up her shirt and sighed, when she felt that the padding over her midriff was still in tack and sturdy.”Please hold on little one. I need your daddy to hurry.” Amani prayed as she began trying to clean up as best as she could.

Hours later, wrapped in the thin sheet Darius had allowed to remain on the bed, Amani found herself being dragged from the bed again. “ Good job, you actually learned how to clean in our short time apart,” Darius sneered and tossed Amani her phone, “Call him.”

“Call who?” The college alumna pulled her sheet tighter around her body. “Your boyfriend.” Darius spat and pulled Amani up out of the bed. “If we are gonna start this new family together we need no strings attached.” The criminal shoved a phone in Amani’s face.

“No.” She hardens her expression and braces for the abuse she is sure will follow.

“I’m sorry,” Darius chuckles and sits, “It wasn’t a question, sweetheart. Call him!”

“It’s her!” Sakura tossed T’Challa his American phone. “Amani, my love, are you alright? I am on my way-”

“T’Challa,” she interrupted, trying to fight the tears choking her up. If he had any chance of getting her message,she needed to be clear about her words. “I need you to go home-”

“Amani what-”

“T’Challa, you will never find me. I have made my decision and I am starting our family. I have to do what is best for us, and Darius is here with me. I just don’t want to be with you like this anymore. Goodbye T’Challa, let me go.” Amani hung up and her friend’s prepared for the king's reaction, but all T’Challa could do was replay their conversation over and over in his head. Something was off.

“T’Challa,” Madiyson tries to grab the King’s attention, “I don’t know what’s gotten into her. She’s been acting so weird lately. Please don’t give up-”

“That’s it,” The king whirled around to his sister on the video monitor, “Shuri, send that location the call was made from to the local authorities and get them over to the house ASAP.”

“I don’t understand,”Sakura hoped the king would help them understand his sudden choice to involve any part of the United States Government. “Amani, she gave us a message. She started by saying she needs me to go home. She always tells me home is where the heart is and I always tell her I will always find my way back to her no matter what.”

“Okay, she used y’all’s cute catch phrases, but why are you involving the police?”

“Because she’s pregnant and Darius is threatening her, that’s why she made the call. He was probably in the room with her.”

“Brother, the phone’s signal just crashed.” Shuri, warned. “And he’s gonna take her and the baby and run for it.”

“I’m calling 911,” Madiyson hurried off while Shuri and Amare did their best to pinpoint the exact location the call had come from. “She’s Strong T’Challa, she’ll hold on,” Sakura reassured when she noticed tears in the king's eyes. “I know, but she’s carrying my child. I had accepted waiting until she was ready again but now that it’s here I can’t say that I am not at the happiest and lowest moment of my life. If I lose either of them, I don’t know what I will do.”

“Then don’t think about losing either of them. Focus on the thought that you’ll get to meet your little one in 9 months.”

The king smiled as Sakura patted his back, “I am worried about Amani though. I am not sure how she feels about this. A baby was the last thing on her mind,” Sakura sighed.

“I know-”

“They’re already gone,” Madison interrupted T’Challa’s response. The room went silent before T’Challa spoke again. “Shuri, I gave Amari a pair of deactivated Kimoyo beads. I need you to reactivate them and send me the location.”

“Brother, once they turn on he’s going to notice the border alarm going off.”

“I know, this jet has your new update correct?”

“Yes, but I haven’t had time to fully test out the motion sickness protection feature with warp speed.”

“Well consider this an official field test. Madiyson and Sakura, I apologize in advance, but we’ve got to get to Amani.”

“No apologies needed,” Sakura nodded as she and Madiyson strapped in. “Anything for Amani,” Madiyson backed up.

“Amani, my love, please hold on,” T’Challa sighed as he switched the jet's piloting mode.

“Beads have been reactivated and the alarm was tripped. Coordinates are already set in the jet.”

“Bring them both back T’Challa,” Amare ordered before she and Shuri’s screen shut off as the Jet saved energy to move as fast as possible.

Summary: One person, a secret, and an ocean tore them apart. Six years later, they find their way back together. But a rekindled love, is not Redemption.

Masterlist || 15 || 16 || 17

[Present Day] Birnin Zana, The Royal City, Wakanda

Zari blinked as the sun burned her eyes through her eyelids. She stretched tiredly, now remembering why Queen mother always told her to sleep on the west side of the palace. The large window views are breathtaking, but the sunrise blinded you in the morning if facing East. But east and west rooms were the last thing on her mind after last night. Zari sighed and snuggled into T’Challa’s embrace. Wait. “Get off of me,” Zari shouldered the king off of her before standing and turning to face him. “What happened to the bed you made on the floor?”

“It was uncomfortable,” the king groaned and sat up. “Sounds like a personal problem,” Zari raised an eyebrow, “I told you to go back to your own bed. When you decided to stay I expected you to respect my wishes and not touch me your majesty.”

“Zar, you cannot seriously still be upset,” the king sighed. Zari’s eyes hardened. “I’m going to wake Aiden, when we come back I want you out of my room.” She stormed out of the door and the young king sighed. “For Bast’s sake!”

The silence was tangible as Zari angrily cut into her breakfast. Aiden’s rambling was the only noise as his grandmother nodded along sneaking glances between the boy's parents. Shuri was silent as well, pushing her food around the plate. “Oops,” Aiden’s outburst pulled everyone’s attention.”I didn’t mean to,” he pouted, his lower lip trembling. A big sauce stain graced the front of his shirt and shorts. Zari sighed, “I know baby, lets go change your outfit.”

“Okay mommy,”Aiden allowed his grandmother to help him down out of his seat before Ramonda stopped the mother son duo. “Actually Shuri,” the teen looked up, “please take Aiden to change his clothes and wash up.”

“I do not think-“

“I’ve got it.”

The princess and Zari spoke at the same time. Ramonda raised an eyebrow, “I was not asking. Shuri, please take your nephew and help him change, I would like to talk to his parents alone. Is that alright my dear,” the Queen turned to Zari who nodded and settled back into her seat. Shuri glanced at her brother and Zari once more before taking Aiden’s hand and leading him out of the room.

“So who wants to speak first,” Ramonda sat back in her chair after dismissing the staff behind Aiden and Shuri. Zari glanced at the king with her arms folded. “Last night Zari and I had an altercation. A small disagreement really.”

“I disagree,” Zari glared. “It is just a simple test,” the king sighed, “You are reading more into this than you need to Zar.”

“Do not try to gaslight me T’Challa. If you don’t want Aiden to be yours just say that. Admit you made a mistake in coming to look for us and that you want your old life back!”

“Is that really what you think this is about?” The king shook his head.

“Wait,” Queen mother turned to her son, “You have doubts that Aiden is your son?”

The king sighed, “No I have no reason to doubt that Aiden is mine.”

“Then what are you all talking about?”

“He asked me for a paternity test,” Zari hissed. “If you know Aiden is yours, then why on earth do you need a test T’Challa?” Ramonda raised up in her seat, “I assumed that I would not need to tell my son, who has four degrees, what a paternity test was for.”

“I know what they are for I just…I couldn’t believe my own father would do this to me, let alone a girl he treated as his own daughter. I let others get into my head and cloud my thoughts.”

“Shuri?” The mother inferred, reflecting on how her daughter had been acting since her grandson and hopeful daughter in law arrived. “Yes, she was trying to come up with a reason for why Baba would hide all of this from us. Take my son from me. It’s not easy accepting that he did this for image and tradition only.”

“Just because you don’t want to accept something, does not make it any less true. It also does not give you the right to accuse someone, especially the mother of your child, of lying. Not to mention all that Zari went through with this child. You and Shuri both owe her an apology.” The mother shook her head reaching over the table and grabbing Zari’s hand. “That does not mean that you have to accept the apology.”

Zari nodded and looked at the clock, “I should go get Aiden and head to our appointment,” the young mother stood. “You are getting the test done?” Ramonda frowned. Zari nodded, “Yes, so we can avoid any future situations like this one.” She bowed her head before the Queen, ignored the king, and walked out of the room leaving a mother staring at her son. “Don’t let the image of your father that you and your sister are clinging to cloud your judgement T’Challa. He was a human, not a god.”

****

“Alright, arms up I guess,” Shuri sighed walking over to help Aiden into his new shirt. “Your name is Shuri?” Aiden’s muffled question floated out into the quiet room. “Uh Huh,” Shuri hummed once the shirt slipped over his head. “And you’re my baba’s sister?”

“Yep,” the teen smoothed Aiden’s collar. “So you’re my auntie?”

“Technically. What’s with the third degree?”

“The what?” Aiden twisted up his face and Shuri laughed. “It means what’s with all of the questions.”

“Ohh,” Aiden nodded. “Well my mommy taught me to ask questions when I don’t understand something.”

“Well what don’t you understand?” Shuri grabbed the jar of Shea butter and began massaging it into the child’s arms and legs. “You.” Aiden answered and Shuri’s heart sank, “Why don’t you understand me?”

“Well I thought you were mad at me for something. You’ve been avoiding me and I thought I had done something wrong. I’ve never had someone ignore me before. My mom said that we just needed to get to know each other better, so I was asking you questions to understand you. So you could stop being mad at me,” The kindergartner explained. The scientist quietly finished rubbing the Shea butter into his face and neck before placing it back where she found it. “I am sorry that I made you upset or think that I was mad at you,” she finally spoke. “So you’re not mad at me? You like me?” Aiden murmured. “I do,” Shuri nodded. It’s just that my baba passed away and he won’t be coming home. I was sad and mad about him leaving. I wasn't mad at you I promise.”

“Pinky promise?” Aiden stuck out his little finger. “Pinky promise,” Shuri smiled and wrapped her finger around his. He threw his arms around Shuri in a bear hug and the teen grinned, allowing herself to hug her nephew back for the first time. On an impulse she pressed a kiss to his forehead before someone cleared their throat. Shuri stepped away from Aiden as his mother walked into the room. “You ready buddy? Remember I said we were going to the doctor today?” Aiden nodded and Shuri looked away suddenly embarrassed by the fact that she was the reason he was going to an appointment today. “Bye Auntie,” Aiden waved and Shuri forced a smile for his sake. “Bye Aiden.”

“That’s a big tree!” Zari exclaimed as Aiden and his grandmother performed a song they had been practicing since lunch. The paternity test had gone fine and Zari was sure T’Challa had already submitted his sample as well. All that was left to do was to wait. “Mommy, you’ve gotta let me finish the song first,” Aiden pouted and Zari laughed. “Okay, my bad. I’ll be quiet now,” she smiled watching as her son and Ramonda started up once more. She hadn’t seen the king nor Shuri all day and quite frankly, she wasn’t looking forward to another meal like breakfast.

“And in that egg there was a snake, a very special snake. A rattling snake. And the snake was in the egg, and egg was on the branch, and the branch was on the limb, and the limb was on the tree, and the tree was in the bog, and the bog’s down in the valley oh!” Aiden and the queen moved through all of the song's hand motions laughing and running out of breath together. They clapped and danced around each other in circles, Aiden eventually ran over to his mother and pulled her into the fun. “Hey ho the rattlin’ bog, the bog down in the valley oh. Hey ho the rattlin’ bog the bog down in the valley oh!” The trio sang dropping to the ground in giggles.

“Again again!” Aiden squealed. Zari looked at T’Challa’s mother and shook her head. “I don’t think mama and grandma can go another round right now baby,” she laughed. “Maybe after dinner you can sing it with your baba,” Ramonda suggested sitting up. “And auntie,” Aiden declared.

“And Auntie what?” Shuri walked down the garden steps into the grassy area. “Grandma taught me a new song!” The kindergartener raced to Shuri’s arms, surprising the teen. “Be careful,” Zari warned calmly. “What song did you learn?” The scientist bent down to the child’s eye level.

“The rattlin bog!”

Shuri widened her eyes, “That’s my favorite!”

“Will you sing it with me?” Aiden jumped up and down. Shuri glanced at Zari, “Maybe in a minute, I actually wanted to talk to your mama.”

Aiden cocked his head, “Why? Mama is not a good conversationist,” Aiden failed at whispering. Shuri stifled her laughter as Zari’s mouth fell open in shock, “Aiden!”

Conversationalist, baby,” Ramonda corrected, holding in her own laughter. The older mother extended her hand to the young boy, “Let’s go see if we can find your baba and make him sing with you.”

Zari waved and watched as the queen walked away with her son. The former expatriate looked back at the teen who was wringing her hands. “Are you alright?” her face softened noting the girl’s stress. Shuri looked up and pushed some braids behind her shoulder, “Yeah, I just-” she plopped onto a bench next to Zari who had gestured for her, “I don’t really know where to start. Which is a first because usually I know everything,” the princess mumbled. Recognizing that the princess’s statement was serious, the young mother held in her laugh, “I see that Aiden calls you Auntie now.”

Shuri looked up briefly, “When I took him to get changed, he told me that he thought I was mad at him.”

“He is very observant,” Zari nodded, “I tried to tell him otherwise, but he knew. Quite frankly, I thought you were upset with him and myself as well.” Shuri groaned and leaned back on the bench, “I’ve been acting like such a brat. When I saw his face, so upset at the prospect of me being angry with him. It just all hit me at once. It is not that I do not like you or Aiden, it is just hard to accept this side of my father. I’ve grown up seeing him as this well loved and strong King who could do no wrong. Then, within two months of his unexpected death, I learned that he ruined not two but four lives. First he took an uncle, then a cousin, then a nephew from me. It was a lot to take in and I was in shock. I did not want to go through another mourning period for another family member. I wanted to save myself from that heartache and naively pushed that hurt on to you and Aiden.”

“I understand, and I figured that this was the cause of your animosity, but-“

“Not animosity. I just wanted to ignore you all in hopes that you’d go away I suppose.”

Silence filled the space between the two women. “You know,” Zari started, “I have forgiven your father.”

Shuri frowned, “You were not upset at all that happened? Even upset seems like too soft a word,” the teen huffed. Zari chuckled,” trust, I was very angry. But also heartbroken and depressed. However, I have forgiven him.”

“I don’t understand?”

“The first time I heard Aiden’s heartbeat, I sobbed hysterically for twenty minutes with no one but my doctor and her niece to comfort me. Even though I lost everything I knew and loved, there was a tiny human being relying on me. Any emotional weight would weigh on that child as well. So I wiped my face and forgave King T’Chaka, for Aiden. I was living for someone else now, and that meant making hard decisions for his sake. Everything I did was for Aiden’s benefit.”

“You were being a parent. A mother.”

“Just like your father was being a parent when he sent me away. It was not the right or fair thing to do, but he thought it was in the best interests of his son. He was protecting T’Challa from the hell and scandal that would have plagued him as a result of our union.”

“It was still not right. He had no right to take you from your family and T’Challa from the one he was building with you.”

“Right, but I like to imagine that it was not an easy decision for the king. I heard the regret in his voice every time we spoke on the phone, or he wrote a letter. I think the guilt was eating him alive, but parents will do anything, make any decision to protect their child. At the end of the day, that is what your father thought he was doing”

Zari wiped a stray tear from the teens cheek as she processed her emotions. “How are you so generous. You, out of all of us, have the most to be angry about.” Shuri peeked up through tears. “Forgive his humanness, not for him but for your emotional health. If I can do it, with all of the cruelty I’ve endured, you will be able to do it in time as well. It doesn’t happen overnight, but you’ll find that inner peace eventually. Day by day.”

Zari pulled the princess into a hug. “I am so sorry for how I treated you and Aiden. I already apologized to him, but I admit I had no good reason to do so. I have no idea how to make it better.”

“Just love on Aiden. He’s never had an actual family to do that for him. I’ve already forgiven you,” Zari brushed some braids off of Shuri’s neck and cupped her cheek,” I know that you are hurting, but it will get better as soon as you forgive him. For me and for you uncle, and cousin.”

The princess nodded. “I am more specifically sorry for asking T’Challa to get a paternity test.”

Zari sighed, “I know, I forgave you for it as soon as your brother told me. I already knew why. But you should know that I would never try to deceive your brother like that. That is why we fell in love, why your parents let me get so close. I wasn’t with him for money or the lifestyle he could bring. Quite frankly, I considered breaking up with him many times because of the role I would have to fill as his wife was daunting. However, everytime I doubted him, he would remind me why I loved the person he was and I decided that the person was more valuable than all the hardships that came with the title.”

“I hope I find a relationship like yours.” Shuri sighed. Zari laughed, “You will in time, but make it better than ours. The people in a relationship aren’t perfect so neither can their union be.”

“So you aren’t upset with T’Challa anymore?”

Zari groaned, “Now I didn’t say all of that.”

“Please don’t be upset with him. He was just doing what I suggested, he even declared that he would never get one because he trusted you. He yelled at me.”

“No offense Shuri but you are still a young adult, he may have started off defending me. But at the end of the day he still asked. Even though he was there that night and we both suspected that I might get pregnant. He knew me better than you do and still chose to listen to you over me. Then, once he realized he was wrong and that I was upset he chose to make it seem like I was overreacting instead of taking responsibility for his lapse in judgement. Like I was being irrational after all I’ve been through with your father. As a partner, a future spouse, I expect more from T’Challa and he’s gonna have to do more to earn my forgiveness right now.”

“I understand, but he is not used to having to apologize to anyone,” the teen explained. “Oh I know,” Zari smirked, “but he’s gonna have to get used to it because I do not care that he is a king. To me he is just T’Challa, and T’Challa owes me an apology.”

****

“Aiden, not too far,” Zari called as her son raced over to a food stall. “I swear he is always hungry.”

T’Challa waved the Dora Milaje over to follow the boy and pay for whatever he wanted, “he gets that from his father.” He beamed watching his son point out the treat of his choice from the window. “Hmm,” Zari hummed and looked around the market.

“Can we talk?” The king sighed, reaching out to stop Zari from talking. “About what?” The mother turned to face the king, looking up into his eyes. “You know what we need to talk about Zar,” he sighed. “Refresh my memory,” she insisted.

“You are enjoying this,” the king chuckled at the smirk on her lips. “I suppose,” she shrugged, “either way I’ve earned it.”

T’Challa nodded and cleared his throat, “I was wrong to ask you for the test. I know Aiden is my son and I had no right to throw that in your face because I didn’t want to admit my father’s mistake. I also had no right to accuse you of overreacting. I do not want you to feel that I went and got you and Aiden to play savior,” the king grabbed Zari’s hands, “I genuinely want to be in his life. In my son’s life and yours as well. I will work every day to show you how much you mean to me and I will consistently put your feelings about everyone else’s from here on out.”

“Thank you for your apology,” Zari squeezed his hands before letting them go and continuing to walk on. “Wait,” T’Challa rushed to catch up, “that is it? I am not forgiven?”

“Words are nice T’Challa, but I need action. I think we need to grow as the new people we are. We aren’t in high school anymore. It’s been five years and now we have a son together. We’ve got to relearn and make up for the lost time. I think we should take it slow.”

“So you won’t move back into the room?”

Zari shook her head, “I don’t think that’s a good idea right now.”

“Zari-“

“I know you’re not used to apologizing T’Challa, but you can’t just put an apology out there and expect that everything will go back to normal. Your lapse in judgment revealed some sore spots in our relationship. If I just jumped back in your bed, I’d be slapping a bandaid on a deep wound. So let’s spend a little time slowing down and getting to know each other again.”

The king sighed, “Can I at least take you out on a date?”

“I’ll think about it,” the mother promised and walked off to join her son who was eating his pastry from the stall.

“Kumkani,” one of the Dora called out to T’Challa. The king glanced at Zari who shooed him off and followed after Aiden. “You have a visitor,” the woman announced, a nervous look in her eye. T’Challa raised an eyebrow, “someone is at the palace?”

The soldier nodded, “The jabari tribe, and they have brought a bride.” The father paled. “Stay here with them please. Keep them away for as long as you can,” he ordered and rushed off to the city’s center.

“Great Gorilla M’Baku,” T’Challa greeted as he stepped into the throne room. “King T’Challa, you have kept us waiting, were you not anticipating our visit?”

The man artfully side stepped M’Baku’s question. “I apologize for my tardiness. I hear you have brought a bride?”

“Yes, Alua Fonzana, daughter of Elua and Temi Fonzana of the Jabari. The best we as a tribe have to offer, you have my word.” The king did not miss the sadness that laced the end of M’Baku’s introduction. T’Challa inclines his head and offered her a smile. “I appreciate the offer, but there are new circumstances that might call for an amendment of our agreement.”

“Eh we have only been here ten minutes, and you are already going back on your word.”

“Trust I do not suggest this lightly but I have a son. He and his mother were separated from me due to some particular circumstances but we have been recently reunited.”

“Alua has wonderful maternal instincts and aspirations, I am sure she would make a great mother-figure for your son!” A jabari elder insisted. “I am not sure you understand-“

“I agree!” M’Baku bellowed over him, “Alua is great with children! She will make a fine wife!”

“Wife?!” A new voice startled the party in the room. T’Challa felt his heart sink. He was still in the panther enclosure with Zari, and this development was not going to help his case.”

“Zari I can explain-“

“Yes! This is to be the new Queen of Wakanda!”Cheers erupted from the Jabari delegation.

“May I speak in my own throne room?” T’Challa bellowed, causing everyone to quiet down to a murmur. T’Challa could see the tension in Zari’s face and prayed that he could smooth this over before it shut her back off from him. Before he could open his mouth Zari walked over to Alua and hugged her. “It is very nice to meet you, I look forward to getting to know you more since you will be spending a lot of time with my son.”

The king locked his jaw to keep it from falling open in shock. Alua offered a small smile in return as Zari bowed to the king and elders before walking out of the room. Refusing to meet T’Challa’s eyes.

“Zar,wait!” The king chased who he hoped was still his girlfriend out to her favorite spot in the gardens. “I should’ve known,” Zari shook her head as she continued to make her way through the maze of flowers. “Zari please wait. You don’t understand.”

“Know, I should’ve known,” the woman turned to face the father of her child, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Should’ve known what?” T’Challa slowed down to pull her closer but she just shook her head. “Us, we could never work. Even when we were teens-“

“What do you mean, we can work love. We will work.” T’Challa panicked. Zari began to sob and pushed the king off.

“Even in highschool- is wanting to work and being able to work are two separate things T’Challa.”

“You don’t love me?”

Zari allowed the king to pull her back in, “T’Challa Udaku, I love you more than life itself. I love you with every fiber of my being. I love you more than I should,” Zari choked up, “You gave me my son. You made me feel like a princess. You made me feel beautiful and loved. You still do T’Challa, but you are a prince. I’m a nobody, I will never fully understand-“

“You will when you marry me Zari, please don’t give up.”

“You are not mine to marry T’Challa. You promised yourself to someone else-“

“For the betterment of my country. Not because I love her. I only made the deal because I never thought I’d see you again. If I’d known-“

“But you didn’t T’Challa. And you gave someone your word. Who am I to stand in the way of the good of Wakanda?” Tears poured down Zari’s cheeks. T’Challa pressed a kiss to her forehead as his thumbs wiped away each drop.

“You are the woman their king is in love with. The mother of the heir to the throne Zari. You are everything. I can make another deal with the Jabari, but there will never be another you.”'