#queen ramonda imagine

[writingintheshadowsforever]

Queen Romanda Enemies to Lovers sneak peek

You hated attending these pointless and stuffy meetings. They were boring from beginning to end, and nothing was ever accomplished. All the other countries sat around the room, bickering back and forth on multiple issues, and toyed around with the idea of a treaty here or a treaty there. In the end, though, everyone left empty-handed sulking because they believed it would be easy to manipulate the others into giving them what they wanted without sacrificing anything on their part.

You rested your chin in the palm of your hand, exhaling an exasperated breath. Looking more and more absent-minded by the second. Your two adopted kids and self-appointed guards for this particular event stood on either side of you. Swords strapped across their backs, and they shared your demeanor.

Ten more minutes went by, and just when you thought that boredom would be the death of you. The double doors to the meeting room opened, and six men dressed in fancy all black suits with masks covering the bottom half of their face. They split in two groups of three flanking either side of the room. All dropped to their knees, arms crossed, forming an X to show respect to the next person.

Queen Ramonda.

The Queen of Wakanda and if anybody asked you your long lost love. This very meeting was all about her and her country's supply of vibranium. It was the only reason you even bothered to show your face here. It'd been years since you laid eyes on the woman, and despite everything she's lost since then. She radiated beauty and power in a way no else could. The woman aged like a fine wine, and you swore she grew more gorgeous every single day.

You let out a hum, taking her in as she waltzed into the room, coming to a halt right in the center. The Dora Milaje is right at her heels in simple yet elegant black dresses.

It's crazy to think about how much has changed and happened since the first day. The two met each other back, and then you believed. It was only a matter of time before you called her yours, but now you knew better to heed your best friend's warning.

"The two of you are meant to be, but the path might not be easy nor swift."

[itaintenough]

Someone edited a parallel scene between the bombing that caused King T’Chaka’s death and Queen Ramonda’s death where they were both BOMBED FROM A GLASS WINDOW PLEASE DONT TOUCH ME

I just realized the Fire and Water difference so now i am bawling my eyes out

[bestfriend491]

yesss!! im so excited for more okoye!!

I am too, love. And in honour of my excitement (and me being behind schedule for yet another work) here is something to keep my loves fed for the next couple of days until I'm confident enough to release the longer works.

Introducing... My Headcannons? My Drabbles? I'm not too sure right now. Who knows? All I know is that its something short.

Thank you to @jinnie10101 for the beautiful Nakia and Okoye icons. 🤍

“What's wrong?”

How Okoye, Nakia, and Ramonda would react to you being upset in some way. 

OKOYE

Okoye is whatever you need her to be at that moment. 

Need space? She’ll stay in the next room until you’re ready to talk. 

Need cuddles? She’s not leaving your side.

Granted this is mostly because she does carry a lot more guilt about her past choices when you're upset even if it's not her fault. 

It does take her a bit longer to realise that you're upset because of how busy she gets but when she notices she's quick to act.

“Sthandwa sam, I’m home!” Okoye called to you after a long day of patrolling around the Borderlands after a security breach threat- one of many in the past week. 

This time, it hadn't been a false alarm or a prank call, and the Dora needed their General to lead, which she did. And well, as a matter of fact. 

Now though, all she wanted to do was spend her night with you, doing absolutely anything. 

“Sthandwa sam?!” She called out again as she looked around for you. You weren’t anywhere out in the open, which let her know that something was off. 

Inspecting the entire house and not getting any closer to finding you, she landed herself in front of the door to your shared bedroom. 

‘Oh’. she thought to herself. You were probably asleep. It was still fairly early, but she knew that when sleep called, you never asked it what time it was. 

She let her hand gently graze the knob as she turned it, happy that it didn’t jam in place like usual this time and wake you up. As slowly as she could, Okoye walked into the room and closed the door, seeing you laying in bed, as expected. 

Strangely enough, you weren’t inside the sheets, only laying on top of them. Your back was turned away from her, and although she didn’t know it, you stared wide-eyed into the open. 

Still under the belief that you were asleep, Okoye tiptoed around the room getting her uniform off, then proceeding to take a blanket to cover you up until you awoke in a few hours.

As she stood to face you, and saw your clearly not asleep form below her, her expression dimmed down. 

“Y/n?” she asked.. 

“Hm?” was all you could make yourself say.

“My love, what’s wrong?” She caressed your cheek as she asked, going down to kiss your forehead as a form of comfort. 

You didn’t respond immediately, needing to muster up the energy to explain something that didn’t make sense. 

“Y/n, tell me what’s wrong.” 

Silence once again filled the room. Quick to access and act, Okoye realised that it was just going to be a cuddles and no talking kind of day. She got into bed, moving you to face her, and placed her arm around you, allowing you to come closer and assume your favourte spooning position. 

You stayed like that for the night. 

Ramonda

When you're upset, Ramonda knows that you prefer to keep quiet.

She usually lets you stay silent unless she’s really worried. 

You don't like being left alone without her when you’re upset, so she always accommodates that and makes sure to stay as close as possible. 

You need physical comfort when you’re having a bad day, especially when bad mental days come. 

She's quick to notice when you're upset, a shift in attitude telling her that she needs to get you alone to ask what’s wrong. 

You usually go to the river to calm down if it’s early and cuddle there.

“Y/n!” Ramonda called after you as you left the throne room after a brief meeting with the other tribe leaders. Your aura was off the entire meeting, both you and Ramonda knew that. A lazy hum had alerted Ramonda of this. 

You, knowing that Ramonda would pry for answers, tried to leave and dodge the questions early. This didn’t work at all, and you were quickly tracked down and located around the corner to your room in the palace. 

You still tried to avoid her, not wanting to have a moment like this right then. 

As soon as you closed the door on her and sat down on a chair in your bedroom, she had already reopened the door and entered. 

She approached you quickly, and knelt down in front of you. Taking your hands in hers, she looked at you, while you kept your eyes closed.

“My queen,” she said, leaning closer to you,”What’s wrong?” 

You shook your head; refusing to allow her to get her desired answers from you. 

“Y/n, my queen. I can’t let this one go. What’s wrong?” 

Tears developed in your eyes as you let out muffled sobs, holding her hands tightly. 

“I miss them, Ramonda.��� you finally choked out. 

“I miss them everyday, but today I just can’t bear the pain of losing them over and over again in my head.” you spoke of the family member that you’d lost recently, struggling to cope while ruling a nation. 

You’d been trying your best to pretend that you weren’t in constant pain, but the facade could only last so long. 

“Oh- my love,” she moved in to let you hug her, and you did so gratefully. You clung to her like when you were younger, never wanting to leave her side.  

“Grief comes in life-long waves, my love. Some high waves last long, but then they crash when you least suspect it.

The only thing we can find solace in is remembering that the low waves can peacefully coexist with the high waves, only through the mutual understanding that they must each get their turn to shine through.”

You broke down completely at that, feeling relieved that at least you had her around for the harder times. 

Nakia

Nakia always wants to talk about it. She doesn’t like letting you avoid talking about your emotions.

Nakia senses energy quicker than anyone you've ever known. 

A slight shift in attitude will have her all over you.

Of course, she still likes to give you the platform to talk to her without her needing  to confront you.  

Because of this she likes to give you some time to tell her what's wrong so as to not annoy you. 

However, if you avoid the conversation for too long, she doesn’t have much of a choice. 

“Nakia, I told you that it’s nothing.” you told her reluctantly as you laid your head in your hands, sitting at the table in your home having yet another argument. 

“No, that’s the answer I keep getting from you, but it’s not the truth because everytime I see you, you look like you’re struggling.” 

She stood on the other side of the table, staring at you as you clearly lied to her for the umpteenth time.

Sighing, she tried to tone down her intense approach. 

“Look, baby. I just want you to be okay, and I can tell you’re not.”

You relented slightly, looking directly at her, and nodding in understanding. 

“I know.” you said.  

You groaned, frustrated at yourself for trying to keep secrets in your relationship when you knew that communication was something Nakia needed to feel secure. You stood up, and went to her, not hugging her, just laying your head on your shoulder. 

Though none of you embraced the other, engulfing the other in a hug, you were calmer. She dropped her head on your shoulder and the two of you swayed in that position for a while. 

After a good 30 minutes of this, she tried again, “What’s wrong.”

“I- I have depression.” you said. Nakia -although wanting to hug you- chose to stay in her position. She was finally getting something out of you, and she didn’t want to startle you. 

“I started seeing a psychiatrist for my PTSD 2 months ago and she diagnosed me last month. It’s only been getting worse lately.”

She immediately lifted her head, looking at you as you tried to hold in tears, 

“Sthandwa sam,” now she hugged you and you couldn’t hold it in anymore,”Why didn’t you want to tell me?” 

“I don't know… I was scared things would change, and you’d start treating me differently.” 

“Y/n, I’m not going to treat you like anyone except the woman that I love. Things are gonna change, but only because I need to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself,okay?”

You nodded in agreement, sniffing through your tears as you wiped them away.

“Hey,” she said after a while, ”I’m proud of you.”

Author's Note: Here's your snack before the meal, loves. I was going to add a Aneka/Ayo/Reader version but I'm tired and I know I would butcher it in my current state. Either way, hope you enjoyed.

I guess requests for more of these SHORT imagines are open

[nzia-writes]

•{Recover The Lost}•

Synopsis:

Can you fall at the ledge and watch your body gruesomely tear itself from its skin?

Once you lock eyes with your body of skin, can you dare to fall again?

Even if it is a fate you have prepared for?

Tag list: @shinsousliya @mbakuetshurisprincess @bestfriend491 @mysteryofthe90s @ctrl-liah @afriques @basket-baddie @wakanda-forever-andotherfandoms @alejandradrake14 @sharonrb @purpl3-menac3 @genderappropriation @post-woke @sweetsummerhaze @youre-where-i-wanna-go

Queen Ramonda (big ass gif incoming)

An ancient wakandan proverb states as so: ‘A soul can prepare for death but a soul cannot prepare for mourning.’

Wakanda knows of heartbreak and mourning. War. Division. Thievery. Anything which brings along the need for suffering.

They know nothing of this pain. This pain isn’t one the soul mourns. It is one the soul becomes.

Death.

Become death. Fall. Break. Die. Experience eternal damnation of these three and let someone ask you if you have mourned. You will smile with bloody teeth, and with one violently bursted vocal chord, you will declare, “Death is how I live.”

A balloon sized gasp bellows from Ramonda’s throat as she ascends from thick water, eyes burning bright. A waterfall works in concert behind her, pounding and splashing violently. It is where the waters from warrior falls coalesces with the Yodoon canal and spill over, plummeting over a sandy red cliff into an orchard pool.

Ramonda’s feet sink into the moistened indigo sand as she trudges onto the shore. She wears the skin she entered this world in, vulnerably bare and illuminated with pounds of grief. Heavy tears fall until her vision blurs over. Seeing is facing. She cannot face herself. She cannot face her truth.

“Yip!”

Ramonda looks up to the waterfall.

Up high on the wet stones stacked along the edge of a hidden cave, stands a woman. Ramonda squints from afar. It must be time. The woman’s body lunges off the rocks like a majestic sea creature, diving headfirst into the bristling waters.

Ramonda swipes away her tears and collects herself as the woman’s bodily outline in the water cruises to the shore. She transcends from the waters, standing chest to chest with the ruler of Wakanda. A scar runs along her eyebrow, telling many stories of sacrifice. And her tribal paint has washed away, leaving her majestic features to glow more than ever.

The two bow simultaneously.

“Queen Ramonda,” the woman humbly greets.

“Queen of Yodoon,” Ramonda returns.

Queen of Yodoon takes Ramonda’s soft hands and holds them to her chest. “I am deeply sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you,” Ramonda whispers, giving her palms a reassuring squeeze. She then lets them fall at her sides. “Did you find it?”

“No,” her accented voice hits like an iron hammer.

“I‘m kidding.” She laughs sweetly. Maybe it will do Ramonda some good to hear a laugh or two.

It doesn’t.

She looks on, pain so strong it is all she can feel. “Show me.”

“These are some of the last we have been able to grow. The soil is dying.” The Queen of Yodoon lowers and reaches for the hand-carved bowl that dips and bobs in the water until sliding onto the sand. “It is a delicate thing.” She pries one of the heart-shaped items from the bowl. It’s wrapped in banana leaf and fastened with an enchanted thread.

“Here you are,” she eases it in Ramonda’s cupped hands. “You may want to cover your body, unless you would like to be electrocuted by its essence.”

“I’m comfortable as I am.” Ramonda’s hope unfurls as she unwraps the herb. Sitting in her hands is the beautiful, the utter powerful…

“Painted rock?” She deadpans.

The woman bursts into giggles. “I kid again.”

“You have one more chance.” She has little patience for games.

“One is all I need and one is what you will receive.” The other item is placed into Ramonda’s needy hands. This time her hope prevails as she unwraps the herb. It glows a vibrant blue and small bolts of lightning surge in its core. The Yodoon lands harvests the last of its kind, so she had no choice but to seek it before the soil died out. She needs this.

“Very well,” Ramonda leads the Queen over to her campsite. She throws her shawl over her nude body before the both of them take a seat on their respective logs. The satchel she has kept dry for her time being is tossed to the Queen. It contains a year's worth of vibranium she snagged from her daughter’s lab.

The Queen of Yodoon checks the vibranium. It gleams in the pouch like a galactic rock. She looks up to Ramonda’s face, amused at how a noblewoman could steal such a precious item from her nation then hand it over to another without hesitance.

“You are burdened by grief. Terribly so,” she notes.

“This has surpassed grief long ago.” Ramonda reaches for her wooden mortar. She places the herb inside and mills away with the pestle. The sparks ignite then decrease in size the more she grinds.

“This wasn’t for your daughter’s consumption then?”

Ramona scoffs in disdain. “I’ll tell you something now…there is no despair greater than knowing you have outlived your own.” More than she can count, her anguished cries have echoed in the palace halls, begging for the gods to return her son at once. They hear her, but they have yet to answer her. “Despite me having the ‘power’ they say I do, I had to sit like some useless fraud and watch it happen.”

“Ah, you aren’t the only weak Queen, I promise you,” Queen of Yodoon laughs.

Ramonda doesn’t laugh. If she does, she will be betraying the reason she is here. “My entire life I’ve been pushed to the side embodying the role of a ruler, but never having the power of one.” She halts her grinding once the herb has liquified. The soft azure glow reflects off her chin.

“So you are doing what you believe will give you true power?” The Queen hums. “I support it.”

Ramonda’s lip lifts slightly. It vanishes just as quickly. She sits the mortar to the side then kneels in the sand, digging a pit large enough to store a body.

“So what do you think the world will say of this?”

Ramonda pauses. “What world? Mine has been destroyed.”

Grief and anguish paints a bridge between their faces. It is so intense and familiar that it pushes whispered words over the edge of their lips. “All I have left is death,” they murmur simultaneously. Both in the sense of shared loss and in the sense of the soul.

“Come.” Ramonda lays in the pit. Her short afro submerges into the sand. “Bury me and call upon the ancestors. I need to see my son.”

What harm could it do? The Queen picks up the mortar. She kneels beside Ramonda and raises it above her head. “Allow this heart shaped herb to give you the strength of the Black Panther and take you to the ancestral realm. T’challa…we beg of you, come to your mother.” She carefully pours the liquid into Ramonda’s mouth. The herb courses through her veins, igniting her with the power she desperately needs.

The Queen then buries her body until nothing is left but her shape. She eases into her meditative state, allowing her eyes to roll back and her head to do the same. Her tongue hisses with the chants of the ancestors' call, body swaying in steady flow to the waterfall and the hymn of the forest around them.

Suddenly, she finds herself parched. Severely parched. “Water,” she croaks, holding a hand to her throat. She needs water. Now. She bolts to the pool, scooping handfuls of the grape-colored liquid hungrily, downing with haste. But it isn’t enough. Her veins are set alight, as if plucked from her body and burned with the Yodoon flame. It burns so bad that she swallows heaps of wet sand to kill it off.

Now the burn outlines her stomach.

“Yumak ttuzani!” It is a language she has never spoken. She clicks it and ululates it, her mind spiraling in constant peril. “Help me!” Her veins bulge out of her forehead, pulsing in a blue pigment. She sends out an agonizing yell and her eyes shoot to the sky, gleaming a ravenous blue.

She blacks out.

~¥~

She awakens with the harsh cold of water stinging her skin. She’s in the water. Deep. Her legs kick and her arms make wide strokes until she is at the shallow end, crawling out of the water’s strong pull.

“I’ve told many lies but I swear to you ancestors I did not deserve this.” She dry heaves.

Ramonda.

She is still under the sand. The Queen stumbles as she makes it to Ramonda’s buried body. She hurriedly digs the sand away until her face is revealed. “Ramonda!” She gasps. Her eyes are wide as is her mouth. They glow a beautiful blue and her pupils are ghostly purple. She’s deadly still, as if listening to the frequencies of the world without notice. The Queen shakes and shakes her body, calling to her name until she blinks and bolts upright in a frenzy.

“Are you alright?!” The Queen searches her frantic eyes.

“I…I…” Ramonda’s gaze has this energy to it. She isn’t sure what to think of it. Her shaky hands reach up to cup the Queen’s cheeks. She has to say something but it takes her time to gather her frenzied thoughts. Silence stills their breathing. Something inside…it is growing.

“Queen Y/N, daughter of Yaa. I have an offer,” Ramonda says.

“Why don’t you say the offer then?”

Ramonda goes on. “There is a threat looming over us; an army of enhanced individuals who will stop at nothing to destroy Wakanda and every city within it if we do not do as they say. Y/N…I have seen your power as a leader in the past. You are excellent at slivering your way out of such battles.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“What would you say to ruling two kingdoms?”

“Absolutely not.” She scoots back. It is an absurd idea. One that will uproot tradition set in script since the birth of the Great Mound. It would never go with those of Wakanda and it’ll hardly go with her own people, regardless of the threat Ramonda speaks of.

“Please.” Ramonda swallows again. “If you return to Wakanda to share the throne, anyone who steps to us will not step far. My nation and your tribe. They will be at their strongest. We will be at our strongest.”

This will not happen. It is out of the question. Ramonda has overstepped her boundaries. “My tribe is lost for a reason. I can not have Wakanda knowing we exist. You have no idea of the loss we’ve endured—of the loss I endured at the hands of Wakanda.”

Oh but she knows very well. “I know of your past and I know of your present. Join me and I will provide you with twenty-five percent of the vibranium mined annually.”

Ramonda’s voice darkens. “Don’t and there will be trouble for everyone. Your tribe included.”

If she were to accept this offer, Ramonda wouldn’t be seen in such a noble light anymore. An exiled tribe leader stepping to the throne to rule Wakandan land? It would be a call for division and rebellion amongst the tribes.

“What exactly did you see on the other side?”

“That does not matter right now. What does is us regaining our power together.”

It is too much to ponder alone. “I need time to discuss this with my people. Stay here.” Y/N turns her back to Ramonda and heads toward the waterfall.

~¥~

Ramonda lifts her gaze from the flames of her fire to Queen Y/N as she trudges out of murky water. It is with abundant hope that Ramonda stands and takes long strides to meet her at the shore. She silently awaits her verdict, for the woman has come with a clearer head.

“Vibranium. One half to my people and the rest to yours. That is my price.”

Ramonda keeps herself composed. “I can’t allow that.”

“You are asking for a significant part of me. Take it or don’t.”

As big a price it is, Ramonda can not let this power pass her by. Not after what she saw.

She curses inwardly and asks for the forgiveness of Bast and all powers that be. She hopes she won’t regret this.

“You have yourself a deal.”

Before Queen Y/N can respond she is interrupted by a tickle in her psyche. “Could you please give me one second.” The Queen channels her Nyanza, the spiritual bond that connects the Yodoon people. She hears the gravelly voice of her tribe’s Sangoma. He has news.

“Yes, Shaka?”

Ramonda perks as a feeling of intrusion seeps into her gut. At what? She does not know. “What? What is it?!” She searches Y/N’s weary face.

“Your army stands at my border. They demand we bring you out.”

End note: Y’all know who else is the daughter of Yaa? *evil face*

[iinkonde]

Sedilaka

Contains • Drama, Romance, Sexual content eventually

Pairing • Queen Ramonda x black!plussize!reader

Word count • 511

Translation• sedilaka = my sun~my light

Synopsis • "I know should've been there for you when you needed me-." She whispered, voice breaking as she stared into your eyes

Ngendazile uba nguwe lo ebendim’bonayo ebuthongweni" = I should’ve known it was you I was seeing in my visions

Ndiyakungcenga. I know. Ndiyazi ubana alundifanelanga uncedo lwakho kodwa ndizonikela kuwe. Abantu bami basemngciphekweni wokuphela nya." = Please. I know that I don’t deserve your help but please. I give myself to you, my people are in danger of extinction.

“Zozibini sana’ lwami. Vula umnyango,bangene aba’bantu ngaphandle!. Ndiyakcela” = Zozibini my baby, open the door so the people outside can enter. Please

"No, no Ramonda you don’t get to do that. You don’t get to come back here after all these years and sweet talk me" You said stepping away from her hold. Furiously wiping away at the tear that threatened to fall. You refused to cry in front of her.

Not after all these years. Years of worrying and waiting. You’d never thought you’d see her again.

Only for her to come back not even on her own terms but because her so called nation is in trouble and claims it’s only you who can help her.

It angers you much more than you thought it would. Frustrates you that she now comes to you seeking your services, wants you only for what you could do for her.

That leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.

"Did i ever mean anything to you?"

You’re close enough to hear her inhale a sharp breath.

"Ohh Y/N of course you meant something to me, you meant- mean the world to me. I’m sorry I left without so much as a word. I’m so- so sorry I didn’t come back, please know that I’ve regretted that every waking moment”. Ramonda takes a step forward her trembling hands reaching out for yours.

"Ngendazile uba nguwe lo ebendim’bonayo ebuthongweni" You let out a dry chuckle as you cross your arms.

"Y/N please. Ndiyakungcenga. I know. Ndiyazi ubana alundifanelanga uncedo lwakho kodwa ndizinikela kuwe... Abantu bami basemngciphekweni wokuphela nya."

You can see the bags under her eyes. You can feel the exhaustion in her soul, the weight on her shoulders is weighing you down too. You see the army of ancestors she’s carrying with her. The grief she carries around swirling above her like a dark cloud.

You shift your eyes towards the door. Three female soldiers you assume are anxiously waiting for their Queen. Confusion buzzes around them.

Your eyes travel back to Ramonda, whose standing in one place. Not breathing. You’re sure she doesn’t even realise how sorrowful she looks.

As much as you would love to leave her to her devices you know that one of the big reasons she was able to find you was because your ancestors have already found each other.

This was bound to happen, under any circumstances she was supposed to come back to you this way. It doesn’t make it any less painful but you know if you were to let them go back, without even a reading you’d be dishonouring yourself, the legacy you’ve built and every ancestor that’s been in your shoes. You’d be committing a great crime against your descendants.

You raise your head upwards. As if asking why it had to be you and today of all days. Like if you position your head that way long enough so that when you finally lower your gaze back to Ramonda somehow she and her squad would magically disappear.

Sighing you clench your wrists twice in effort to gather strength.

“Zozibini sana’ lwami. Vula umnyango,bangene aba’bantu ngaphandle!. Ndiyakcela”

Ramonda visibly relaxes…

[inacalling]

MASTERLIST

created: 3.1.2023

last updated: 5.1.2023

Send in requests for the character already listed (if you do have a character in mind that is not listed downbelow you can always ask)

okoye x reader

Dumb enough

status: started

origin: me

ayo x reader

Stranger in my home

status: started

origin: me

ayo x aneka x reader

ramonda x reader

Meet you in the headlights

status: writing (teaser posted)

origin: requested

I know you

status: started

origin: requested

[tallulahchanel]

Disintegration (AU) [Part 2]

Fandom: Black Panther; Wakanda Forver; Avengers Infinity War

Characters: Nakia, Sizwe (River Tribe Elder), Unathi (oc), Queen Naomi (oc), and Queen Ramonda

Warnings: Angst, mentions of character death, grief

Words: 3.2k

Tags: @thekrazykeke @marieewrites @masterofhounds @post-woke @loloalin @i-drink-and-i-write-fics @lady-olive-oil @griot-of-wakanda

~~~

The image of Kya disintegrating into ash right in front of her still plagued Nakia's mind as she willed her legs to get her home. She and Okoye settled for walking back, neither of them having the energy to call Shuri for a jet, if she was even there to accept the call. They also needed time to process what had just happened and how it was going to affect everything around them.

As soon as Nakia walked into her mansion, she was met with the concerned faces of her father, stepmother Babalo, and great-aunt Rhikya. Since the fight wasn't near the River Tribe borders, there was no need for them to evacuate, so they waited at the mansion for the two sisters to return.

Just as Nakia was about to tell them what happened out there, her voice caught in her throat, unable to say the words. Instead, she collapsed to her knees and allowed tears to fall from her cheek and onto her father's sandals. She soon felt his arms wrap around her and she buried her face into his shoulder and sobbed into it. She could sense that he was fighting back his own tears from the pain of losing his youngest daughter, but at that moment, she could only think about her grief and distress.

Time seemed to blur as Nakia eventually got up from the floor and went to wash off the blood, sweat, and dirt from the battle. She didn't bother looking towards Kya's suite, knowing her sister wouldn't be there to greet her with her bright and warm smile.

After showering and changing into her nightgown, Nakia climbed into bed and pulled the covers over her head, begging for sleep to come. Babalo had come in to check on her, insisting that food would be good for her, but she shook her head and promised her stepmother she would eat in the morning.

Babalo could only nod and leave her alone to sit in her grief.

~~~

Wakanda was in a state of mourning, and the dark cloud that loomed over the skies for the next few days didn't help. Even the market that usually buzzed with gossip and half-truths was quiet enough for one to hear their sandals walking against the grasslands.

To honor the lives that were lost from either the battle or becoming ash, Queen Naomi organized a mass grieving ceremony in which the citizens would release lanterns in the air as a celebration of the lives lived and the memories preserved.

Nakia stood in the middle of the River province with her family as they released a lantern in remembrance of Kya. "Goodbye, my omncinci," she said as tears fell down her cheek as she remembered Kya's bright smile, warm presence, and funny personality.

That night, as Nakia lay in bed, she felt her mother's presence. It was rare for Unathi to visit from the ancestral plane, claiming that they rarely need her, but tonight was an exception. More tears flowed as Unathi twisted Nakia's tight coils around her finger.

"She's not there," she told Nakia, adding to her disappointment.

It relieved the War Dog that her baby sister wasn't dead in a traditional sense, but it left her wondering where her spirit was and how much she would give to see her omncinci again.

Unathi's actions eventually lulled her to sleep and gave her much-needed rest for the night. However, Nakia was ready to return to work the next morning. She needed to do something besides sitting in that mansion all day, thinking about Kya.

Fortunately for her, great-aunt Rhikya had an assignment in Liberia and could use the extra hands. "The time away might do you some good," she told Nakia while pouring herself a glass of iced tea Babalo mixed with some lemonade. "But it's only a temporary fix. You still have to do the work of healing yourself."

Nakia didn't say anything, just shoved a fork full of eggah in her mouth and nodded.

The work in Liberia only lasted for two months, and she intended on returning to Oakland to continue her work at the Outreach Center. That was until she received notice that Queen Naomi will eventually switch her to another program.

"My Queen!" Nakia addressed her after barging into her office uninvited, Ayo on her tail.

"I tried to stop her," the second-in-command informed her queen, who just waved her off.

"It's alright, Ayo. Return to your post."

Ayo gave Nakia a warning scowl before leaving out, but the War Dog kept her gaze fixed on Naomi.

"Why would you move my work to Haiti without consulting me first?"

Naomi adjusted the glasses over her eyes. She would've usually worn her contact lenses, but maybe she didn't feel like putting them on that day. Truthfully, the queen hadn't been seen in the glamorous light everyone knew her for. She once walked the palace with confident strides, adorned in a fine gown or custom-made bodysuit as her cocoa-brown skin glistened with perfumed oils. A grieved soul that didn't have the energy to do those things for herself replaced that woman. Today, she wore a simple and clean t-shirt with gray sweatpants that still showed off her curves, and flip-flops, even though the chipped polish on her toenails showed that they hadn't been painted in a while. Her black silk-pressed hair scattered on her shoulders as her bangs hid her eyes, along with her cat-eye glasses. Since there wasn't a council meeting that day, Nakia figured she chose to dress down for the pile of paperwork on her desk.

"Nakia," Naomi addressed her, "I'm building an Outreach Center there, and when it opens, I want you to direct it. You're the best person for the job, and you'll be closer to home, which means you can make more frequent visits to your family. I think this assignment would be good for you."

"Who gave you the authority on what's good for me?"

With a heavy and exasperated sigh, Naomi got up from her desk and walked around to get eye level with Nakia. "I'm trying to be as empathetic as I can with everything that's going on, but I'm not gonna deal with your attitude right now."

Nakia tried to reprimand the queen for speaking to her in that manner, but Naomi continued.

"I'm sorry about Kya, and I miss her too, but you're not the only one here who has lost someone. Queen Mother lost both of her children. M'Baku lost his wife. And not only did I lose my king, I lost the father of my child, my best friend, and the love of my life." Naomi paused to wipe the tear that fell from her eye. "The point is, we're all doing what we can to keep Wakanda running smoothly. All I'm asking is for you to do the same."

Before Nakia could say anything in her defense, the office door opened to reveal N'Kusa, the Dora of Prince Javon, cradling the toddler in her arms.

"My queen. He's awake from his nap and wanted to see you."

"Come here, my baby." Naomi took her son from the Dora and hugged him close.

Prince Javon was a spitting image of his father. Deep-ebony skin, baby doe eyes, and tight, black coils. When he did smile, it was big and bright, just like T'Challa's. The smile that warmed the hearts of everyone that came in contact with him.

Nakia hung her head in shame. Seeing the two of them together only emphasized the queen's words. She did only lose her sister, but everyone in Wakanda has lost someone as well, especially their beloved king.

"Your people need you now more than ever," Naomi's voice grabbed her attention, but she didn't respond. Felt too ashamed to say anything.

Nakia just cleared her throat to rid it of the forming lump and left without a formal dismissal from her queen.

With that day's revelation, Nakia made a point to check on her father. She hadn't really asked him how he felt, but she assumed it would be like the time their family lost her brother, Isipho. A bouncing baby boy that died from SIDS a year prior to Kya's conception. The circumstances were different, but it was still a loss.

"I can't help thinking it's all my fault," she told him while looking out the window of his study, a tear streaking down her cheek. "If I hadn't-"

"Shhhh," Sizwe cut her off with a gentle pat on her shoulder. "Kya had her mother's stubborn determination. There was nothing you could do to stop her. Nor could you have stopped what happened to anyone else."

Nakia wiped her tears away, but more came. "I'm sorry baba. I came in here to check on you."

"I'm taking it one day at a time. It's all one can do."

She didn't say anything, not that there was much to say. Except something she had been thinking about for a while, but she wasn't sure how her father would accept it. After a few minutes of silence, she finally looked away from the window to lock eyes with him. "I saw umama a few weeks ago. Something she said had stuck with me, and I can't seem to let it go."

"What is it?"

Nakia released a sigh. "She said that Kya wasn't there."

That made Sizwe's eyes grow like saucers. "But she's gone. How is that possible?"

"I don't know," she answered with a shrug.

"Can you excuse me for a bit?"

With a nod, Nakia got up from the window cushion and left his office.

In the morning, she got word of an emergency council meeting to discuss what she shared with her father the night before, but she didn't bother to attend. She wasn't in the mood to sit in a semi-circle to talk about the possibility of bringing back their loved ones, not when the reality of everyone's disappearance was right in front of them. This wasn't the time for fantasies and false hopes, just the real world grounding them all with a sense of purpose. The only way Nakia would get that was in Oakland, where she will work until the Outreach Center in Haiti was complete.

~~~

Haiti, Outreach Center – 2025

Years passed, and things changed.

Looking in the mirror, Nakia's hands brushed the auburn locs off her shoulders to scoop them into a ponytail. She wasn't always one for commitment, but the decision to loc her hair came a couple of years prior when she learned that a mother of one of her students was a loctician. She had thought about it for years in Wakanda, but she took that as a sign from Bast to finally do it. Things were already different for her then, and the new hairstyle was her way of opening up to the change. Embracing it so to speak. And finally, it was something on her own terms.

Nakia secured the ponytail with a hair tie and sighed at what she was about to do. She hadn't contacted home in a while, not since her father called two years ago to tell her that Kya and the others returned by some miracle. Work that day had been stressful, so the only thing she was in the mood for was a cup of ramen and Abbot Elementary reruns. He relayed the news via a voice message she didn't hear till the next morning. He even put Kya on the message so she could hear her voice, but denial clouded her judgment, and she deleted the message, angry at her father for playing a cruel trick on her. That's why she hadn't returned either of the several calls from him or her sister over the years.

The last call Nakia received from her sister was a week after T'Challa's passing made the news. He had been sick for a while, meaning there would be no miraculous return from him. He was gone for good this time. After two days of locking herself in her home to mourn the loss of the man she never fell out of love with, she buried herself in work to keep a sense of normalcy in her life. She didn't even make an effort to attend his funeral.

As Nakia twirled a loc that strayed from her ponytail around her finger, she waited patiently for Shuri to answer the call, wanting to know how she was doing and how things were back home. However, she was asked to leave a message, much like the other calls to the young genius. She took the silence in stride and pressed on her beads again to contact her father. When he didn't answer, she figured he was busy in the office or pretending to like the Border Tribe Elder enough to play golf against him. The only person she could think to call was her sister, but she doubted there would be an answer, as she still didn't believe Kya would be on the other end. Closing her eyes, she said a quick prayer to Bast and took the plunge. Her call was immediately ignored and sent to voicemail, which made her sigh again, this time in defeat.

They were angry at her and there weren't enough apologies in the world to make up for not returning home, especially for T'Challa's funeral.

~~~

Nakia spent most of the next day completing paperwork in her office. She was a workaholic, a fact she knew all too well, but never got help for. If she had continued her regular therapy sessions, Dr. Idowu would say she needed a proper work-life balance, like a hobby or hanging out with friends. Problem is, Nakia hadn't developed much of either. There was her frenemy Juleka, but she was only useful for nights at the club or bar or the occasional movie or dinner if Nakia didn't want to go alone.

Nakia took a break from the paperwork for a few minutes to close her eyes and soak up the sounds of the children playing outside, her nerves instantly relaxing at their joy. She hadn't thought much about having children, especially since the accident that left her with scarred fallopian tubes, but she enjoyed the sounds of their laughter and playing.

"I bet I can do it and you'll owe me a snack cake when I do," a familiar voice caught Nakia's attention, and she sat up in her chair to look outside her window. Sure enough, eleven-year-old Juna Yves was swinging on the monkey bars, ready to climb them to impress her classmates.

Storming out of her office, Nakia made a beeline toward the playground to stop Juna from hurting herself. As soon as she walked outside, she found the eleven-year-old with her foot on the second bar, preparing to put it on the top bar. "Juna!" She scolded the young girl with her hands on her hips. "Get down from there, now!"

The little girl narrowed her eyes at Nakia, but backed down when the headmistress folded her arms. "You know, Miss Nakia, you should really learn to lighten up," she said while climbing off the monkey bars.

Nakia rolled her eyes, but a smile twitched at the corner of her lips. "I'll lighten up when you learn to stay out of trouble."

"I am no trouble at all." Juna stuck her nose in the air, her words and demeanor reminding Nakia of when Kya would do the same thing when she told her to stay out of trouble.

Nakia shook the thought out of her mind before smirking at the little girl. "Why don't you come with me to check on the plants?"

That got Juna to smile, meaning she wasn't thinking about climbing the monkey bars for now. "I don't mind. Besides, I have to teach you everything."

Nakia let Juna walk in front of her, so the child wouldn't see her rolling her eyes, then followed her to the area where they grow the indoor plants. "This is beautiful," she complimented the garden croton Juna had been growing for months. "I might let you keep it in your room."

Before Juna could answer, a voice Nakia hadn't heard in years, greeted her in Haitian Creole. "Bonjour."

She jumped in startlement and turned to lock eyes with the tall, chestnut-skinned woman, who smiled back at her.

Nakia turned back to Juna and patted her shoulder. "Ale lave. Li preske tan pou repa aswè (Go wash up. It's almost time for the evening meal)."

"Wi madam (yes ma'am)," Juna replied with a sweet smile, and walked off, making sure to greet the woman that just approached them.

As soon as Juna disappeared, Nakia gazed at the woman in front of her, keeping her tears at bay. "Queen Mother."

The pair walked the halls while she explained how she was able to use the resources to provide better education as well as food for the children. The conversation was going well until Ramonda abruptly changed it to a heavier topic.

"You were missed at T'Challa's funeral."

Nakia sighed, knowing that was coming. She walked over to the nearby railing and gripped it while hiding her incoming tears away from Ramonda.

"It's been six years since you left us. We thought you would at least come back for the ceremony. If not for him, for your sister. She misses you."

Nakia turned to her as her bottom lip trembled. "I miss her too."

That made Ramonda raise an eyebrow. "You speak as if she's still gone."

Nakia didn't say anything because in her heart, Kya was. Even if she has heard her sister's voice via the messages sent from her, it wasn't enough to make her go home. She wanted to believe that her omncinci was back there waiting for her to return, but she worried that she'd go there and find that Kya hadn't returned and her mind had been playing tricks on her. It didn't help that the voice messages have stopped.

"I was afraid," was all Nakia could say before returning her gaze to Ramonda. "I thought if I went back there and she wasn't there…I couldn't handle it. And now that T'Challa's gone…" her voice trailed off as more tears threatened to fall.

"Nakia," Ramonda affectionately addressed her, placing a hand on her cheek. "No matter where you go, you will always be Wakandan. You know death isn't the end. It wasn't for her, and it isn't for T'Challa."

Nakia sniffled and sucked up her remaining tears. "How is she?"

"She is well, but that's not the reason I came."

Nakia wiped at her eyes, so Queen Mother would know that she was fully listening.

"Shuri has been taken."

This made Nakia furrow her brows. "What?"

"You have infiltrated different nations before."

Nakia immediately shook her head, knowing what Ramonda was asking her. "Oko kwakukudala (that was a long time ago). I was a different person then."

"I need someone who could find where she's being held and rescue her without being seen."

Nakia nodded in understanding, seeing the desperation in Ramonda's eyes. "Yes, Queen Mother. But who on earth would risk war with Wakanda?"

[byycassie]

Killmonger when Shuri accidentally chose to see him:

They say that after that day he never stopped bragging about the ancestral plan.

[the-inquisitive-hobbit]

Headcanon: Given how T'Challa basically gave everything he had for the sake of the whole world in Phase 3, I'd like to imagine that the remaining Avengers held their own funeral ceremony just like Tony's.

Bucky probably brooded sadly until Sam pushed him to tell about the time he spent with T'Challa.

Everett Ross was silent and letting Okoye live stream the entire thing through his beads.

Clint and Rhodey just talked about how kindly T'Challa let them explore Wakanda.

Bruce was silently worried about Shuri.

And Thor sent T'Challa's soul to heaven by reciting his own last rites and assured everyone somberly that he would be welcomed in Valhalla with great honor.

[not-so-rosyyy]

https://twitter.com/mazzypopstar/status/1630030428374532096?s=46&t=szagRlQX9aQD9mZiJE_IPQ

nasty behavior AND average acting (in that role) and she still got the SAG and has high chances of getting the golden statue. her, a white woman, for a movie inherently asian american, about asian american experiences, where a fantastic asian american young actress has delivered an amazing performance with range, going from comedy to horror to drama in seconds meanwhile she just spent two hours moving hot dog fingers...

oscars often piss me off but if she gets that one this will be the biggest bs they have ever pull i swear (literally every single actress in that category deserves it more than her)

outside of her personal politics and beliefs, I do think JLC deserves her flowers for the many iconic roles she's done. but for EEAAO? nah. she barely did anything in that film. like why give her her most-awaited recognition for something that's not even remotely her best work? it's so perplexing.

and that's why it was wild seeing her win the SAGs. I was so sure it would go to Angela, which would in turn make her the frontrunner for the Oscars, but now...I'm kinda scared we're gonna have to riot afterall 😭

[mymarsmoonandstars]

It's been a week since I saw Wakanda Forever, and ever since, it's consumed my thinking. There are a million things I'd love to discuss about the film, but what keeps me up at night is Shuri and Namor.

Shuri had every right to gut his ass. Namor brought flooding and destruction to her home, killed her mother, all while knowing she was suffering from the death of her brother. Hell, Namor nearly killed her (by impaling her, which how did she survive that idk, anyway). And what was the worst thing that Shuri had done to him? Say no to his alliance to go to war with the surface world? Shuri wasn't the one who killed Namor's two subjects. She actually tried to save them. Yet just like T'Challa, she's forced to deal with the consequences of other people's actions, and when she stands over Namor with a blade to his neck, her internal struggle with this flashes across screen. It's a powerful sequence, but the one that captures me the most is when we hear her mother telling her to show Namor who she is. Not only is it one of many callbacks to the first film, but really, who is she? Who is Shuri? She is struggling with her identity, as grief often does to a person.

When audiences first met Shuri, she was the genius younger sister, the comic relief, who took solace in her lab. But now all this has been taken from her, and taken so suddenly. She's now front and center, now her country's most powerful figure, no longer the jokester, no longer a sister, no longer a daughter, and feels like a failure. The moments where she stands over Namor is us watching her return to herself but also become someone entirely new. She sees the destruction reverse. Sees Namor's hope. Sees their mothers and their nations. She understands that they are similar just as much as they are different. She finally realizes that ending Namor's life cannot reverse the destruction nor her pain, but sparing him is the answer to ending the cycle of it. She recognizes that even though her mother and brother are gone, she is still sister, still daughter. Death in Wakanda is a beginning.

Above all, Shuri understands she cannot think of only herself anymore. She cannot push her people to war because of her own grief and vengefulness. She becomes a leader, in granting mercy. A protector.  And extends this protection by offering it to Namor and his people. This brought a bitter taste in my mouth at first, but it isn't about who's right or wrong, especially when both sides have a little right or a little wrong to them. It's about navigating the actions of their forebearers in the best way they can.

Her multifaceted character is symbolized by her panther suit--it's reminiscent of T'Challa, Kilmonger, and her past self. Now that she's burned her mourning clothes, hopefully in the next movie, we'll see her accept this role with newfound confidence and surity of its purpose. I'm also hoping that Shuri kept Namor's little baby ankle wing that she sliced off and puts it up somewhere to serve as a reminder that she bested him. Can you imagine? I can't wait to see more of her.

Then there's Namor. And dare I say it, he was justified in his feelings of wanting to kill Queen Ramonda. She was cunning and tricked him and had two of his people killed in the process. Remember the scene where he's cradling his subject's face as she dies? And she asks if he can save her and he does not answer because he knows he cannot? And then--was it Namora?--who says, with such blame dripping in her voice, that he was busy meeting with the queen during Nakia's attack. Namor is so angry, and very possibly, so ashamed (and scared?). His ultimate goal is to protect his people, and he failed. He's a god and Ramonda made him look like a fool. To him, she had to go.

Ryan Coogler said that despite Namor being about 500 years old, he wanted him to still feel somewhat childlike. And is he! He's rash. He focuses only on the immediate response without thinking of the ramifications. He seems almost charmingly innocent in his hopefulness that Shuri would want to join him. There's no doubt they wanted us to feel a romantic connection betweeen them, or perhaps just from Namor's end. I don't know who gives clearance on the music, but whoever does, they are always very intentional and unique about it, and a love song plays during That One Mesmerizing Scene. The theories that Namor is infatuated with Shuri just weaken me. She's the first person to ever see Talocan. The bracelet. The mural. Him acknowdging her power. Him waiting for her to beckon him. I. have. folded. No one look at me.

I really hope the MCU explores their relationship. And though I'm sure it would never be a romantic one, that does not make it any less intriguing. Ryan is phenomenal with his villains. Just like Kilmonger challenged T'Challa not just with war, but challenged his core beliefs, Namor did the same with Shuri. The only difference now is that Namor is still alive, and this sets us up for a delicious exploration of a complex relationship between two leaders who have similar wants but conflicting perspectives.

Man. I love them. MCU, please let us see more of them. And if we do, please. Be careful with them.

[writingintheshadowsforever]

Queen Ramonda x Reader Let's Tell The World Part 2

Summary: You and Queen Ramonda have accepted that you can't be together but that doesn't mean everyone has

You grunted in pain when your body made contact with the hard ground. It was the fifth time Shuri had put you down this morning. After officially becoming the Black Panther it was decided that the Princess needed combat lessons. While Shuri did have some knowledge and skill in fighting. It was never her strong suit and that wasn't a problem when T'Challa carried the mantle of Black Panther, and was on the throne. But now it was her responsibility and she knew her fighting skills would need to improve immensely. Which is why Okoye and Ayo were the ones put in charge of training her, but last week Shuri requested a change.

Well it wasn't so much a request as a demand, because you really had no choice in the matter. When Ayo announced that your early morning duties would be exchanged for sparring with Shuri. You didn't see them as training sessions, considering just how much she had learned from Okoye and Ayo in such a short time period. The two of them were the greatest warriors of the Dora Milaje. You were arguably not that far from behind them, but still you knew it was more personal for Shuri than anything.

"Come on get up we're not done" Shuri demanded, holding out a hand.

You looked past the helping hand to see the subtle traces of anger in her face. She thought she was doing a good job on hiding her emotions, but for a trained warrior who had to be proficient in picking up on every little thing. You could see right through her attempts. "No, we're not doing this today."

Shuri frowned. "Doing our daily training sessions."

"You mean our daily y/n beatdowns because that's what this is, and we both know it. Alright Princess I mean no disrespect but can we stop acting like. This doesn't have anything to do with what happened between me and your mother." You said pulling yourself up into a sitting position. if you took her hand no doubt you would be back where you started in under ten seconds.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, this is all professional" Shuri lied.

"Then why switch Okoye and Ayo out for me?" You pushed her.

"It's simple really both Ayo and Okoye are Generals for Wakanda's Army, and already have a number of responsibilities. They have made me more than a capable warrior in the month they were in charge of my training. But I do still need to keep up with it so you, one of the best warriors in Wakanda, was the perfect choice to fill in for them." Shuri explained with a quick shrug coupled with a hint of boredom.

You had to give her the fabricated lie that she just came up with that actually made sense. You wondered if she had practiced that speech, and gave it to someone else. Like Okoye, Ayo, or even the Queen herself.

The Queen. Ramonda. Your former beloved.

Not a day went by where you didn't think about her. Not a night passed where you didn't dream of having her in your arms again. It had been two weeks since you ended your secret relationship with her, and still you wondered if your decision had been too hasty. You hadn't been in charge of personally guarding her since, nor had you been on guard detail for travel. Three days after breaking things off Queen Ramonda had to attend a United Nations council meeting. You assumed you would be going until Ayo revealed that your presence wasn't needed or wanted.

It hurt to know she was shutting you out of her life now, but you understood why. If Ramonda was truly going to heal and move on then the less contact she had with you the better.

"Shuri, stop lying, you know, if you wanted to punch me in the face for breaking your mom's heart. All you had to do was ask I would've gladly let you as long as you agreed to show some res-" Your voice cut off into a cry of pain as her fist connected with your nose. Your upper body flew back to the ground from the force of it. But it didn't feel like your nose was broken but there was blood pouring out of your nostrils from the hit."

"Shuri what the hell?" You exclaimed covering your nose with both hands in an attempt to control the bleeding.

Shuri held up her hands. "You said I could punch you if I showed some restraint."

"You didn't even let me finish talking."

"Well that's obviously what you were going to say" She pointed out with a head tilt. "I showed restraint stop being a baby."

"You also forgot to ask" You muttered under your breath. Somehow forgetting about her super hearing.

"Y/N would it be okay if I punch you in the face for ripping my dear mother's heart out of her chest?" She asked in a low and dangerous voice, but a look of mischief in her eyes.

You scrambled to your feet and backed away from her. "No way Shuri one punch was good enough. I'm sorry about your mom, okay."

"Why did you do it?" Shuri asked not trying to mask the hurt in her voice. While you and her weren't nearly as close as she was with Okoye. She was still pretty familiar with you, and had you as her personal bodyguard more than a few times in the past.

"I didn't want to be Princess but our relationship was inappropriate" You told her looking away in shame.

Shuri scoffed at your answer. "Who?"

"Your mother wanted to go public with our relationship, and you know the elders wouldn't have improved."

"So you're telling me their approval means more to you than your love for my mother" Shuri countered.

"For Bast's sake of course not but they would do everything in their power to tear us apart. Your mother is Queen but I'm just a simple guard Shuri. If they can't twist her arm they will twist mine, and I'm expendable." You explained turning back to look her in the eyes. So she could see the inner turmoil inside of you.

Shuri wanted to argue but didn't have one because everything you had said was true. If your relationship with her mother went public the decision would definitely be met with backlash. It wasn't fair Queen Ramonda had given everything for her country, and when she finally did get the chance to get a little happiness back. She couldn't truly have it because of people being stuck in the old ways of the world.

"I still love her Shuri and I always will nothing in the world will ever change that" You said, pausing to take a breath of exasperation. "But I just don't think we can really be together unless some changes are made."

Shuri's gaze shifted to the sky with a faraway look in them. The Princess was thinking, and you just hoped it wasn't about hurting you.

"I don't like y/n but I must admit you are right. Training session is over. I have other business to attend to." She told you after a few minutes of silence. Shuri turned around to head back into the palace with your eyes boring into her back.

The training session being brought to such an abrupt end confused you. Usually the session would last for at least two hours, but maybe she finally got all the pent up anger for you out.

The Next Day

Your theory was confirmed because when morning came today Shuri was nowhere to be found for the daily combat lessons. You waited for thirty minutes just in case, but it was unnecessary the Princess was hardly ever late. Even if she was, it would only be by a couple of minutes at the most.

You were on your way to take your usual guarding position at the entrance to the palace. When Ayo caught up with you right as you were turning the last corner.

"Go gear up you are needed for traveling duty we leave in an hour" Ayo ordered.

You blinked at her trying to figure out rather or not she was actually serious. "Is this a mission?"

"No, the Queen's presence has been requested at a meeting with the Americans." Ayo said turning to walk away afterwards but your hand reached out catching her by the wrist. Her head snapped back towards you with her eyebrows raised in warning.

Most Doras wouldn't dare to question the General let alone prevent her from walking away after giving out orders.

"I'm sorry General I'm just a little confused as all considering I've been demoted to simple guarding duty for the past couple of weeks. This change is very sudden and out of-"

"The Queen requested for you to be on this trip personally y/n. Now stop questioning me and get prepared to leave" Ayo said, cutting you off.

You don't know how you managed to turn around and began walking back to your stationed room. At that very moment after hearing it was Ramonda who asked for you, but your legs were moving. Maybe it was the fear of how Ayo would react if you just continued to stand there dumbfounded. Did your beloved finally forgive you?

The team was taking two hovercrafts to the U.S. one will be Ayo, Queen Ramonda, Okoye and surprisingly Shuri. The Princess usually sat these meetings out as she still preferred to avoid the actual political side of things. For the time being while she still could. The second one was for the rest of the Doras which you were piloting. You were slightly disappointed that you weren't with the Queen, but maybe this was all just professional with nothing personal going on. The Queen needed one more guard and you were the best option for her to go with. Ayo wouldn't dare bring some inexperienced new trainee along for something this important.

It was a two-hour trip to the country, and you guys landed in Washington D.C. the meeting would be held. At the Department of Justice with some government officials. The hotel the country had put the Queen in wasn't far from the building. Of course Ayo sent you and others ahead to scout not just the hotel itself, but the entire street. All of you knew this was another attempt to negotiate a deal for Wakanda to share. Its source of vibranium these types of meetings would be held at least three times a month by various other countries as well. Queen Ramonda wouldn't give them anything, but she figured it was better to at least show her face. Rather than outright turn them down if she at least heard them out. It would keep them from growing even more hostile than they already were.

The meeting wouldn't take place until tomorrow afternoon. Queen Ramonda decided to just retire to her room where she would reside till then. If she needed anything the Doras would be the only ones permitted to bring it to her. Heck you guys were the only ones allowed on the floor where her room was located.

"Go to the Queen, you are to be by her side for the entirety of this trip." Ayo told you as she was assigning each guard a position.

You frowned in confusion. "You already sent guards to be outside her room, and Okoye is in charge of the floor itself. Where will I be."

"I told you with the Queen," she repeated. A bit annoyed at you once again questioning her.

"But where with th-" You started.

Ayo shot your repetitive question down with a glare. She closed the distance between the two of you and placed her mouth to your ear. "We have reason to believe the Americans might attempt to assassinate Queen Ramonda. For that reason we don't want her to be alone for even a second. You are the only one here who has ever been allowed in her personal space without restriction. So it makes sense we want her relaxed and not worrying herself to death tonight."

Confusion was replaced with fury at the news of a maybe assassin wandering around trying to get to the Queen. You prayed the Americans wouldn't dare to be so bold. Because whoever they did send wouldn't be returned to them alive. Not this time.

"I won't let her out of my sight" You promised.

Ayo stepped back and nodded for you to go.

Your hand hovered over the doorknob in hesitation. Doubt filled your heart making you want to do nothing more than turn around and beg for another position. It was crazy how you had wished for this opportunity so many times. In the past two weeks after not being able to even see her, but now that it was here. You were scared of what the outcome would be.

Was she even alerted that you would be the one guarding her?

"Earth to y/n are you going to go in or not? You've been standing there for two minutes." Aneka called out to you waving a hand in your face.

You blinked a few times still trying to gather your thoughts, but you managed to answer. "Um yes."

Aneka shook her head pulling the door open herself before you could even think much of it. She gave you a gentle push and your feet were moving carrying you into the room. The door closed.

Of course they gave her the best room the hotel could offer. A grand suite no doubt but it still didn't compare to her room back in Wakanda not in size or beauty. The floor was covered in a deep red carpet. The king size bed was positioned in the center of the room topped with way too many pillows. The color scheme for the sheets and pillows were a brown mixed with red matching the carpet. The room only had two windows, one on the side of the bed. It was long and rectangular with the curtains still closed, and the other window was big enough it took up the whole left side of the room. Where there would've been a wall there was a window covered as well. A brown cushioned futon sat in front of the window.

There was a door off to the right side and it must have led to the bathroom. You could hear water running on the other side of it. Ramonda did always prefer getting settled in early in the day rather than late at night. Nearly two months ago you would be the one to run the bath water.

You figured for the time being she was perfectly safe in the bathroom, and didn't need you in there with her. So you stood awkwardly by the bed facing away from the bathroom door with a spear in hand. A few minutes of awkward and deafening silence passed or maybe it was longer. You couldn't really tell every second that went by right now was the longest in your life.

The silence was broken with a loud crash that ended with the sound of glass shattering, and a small scream mixed in. Panic seized your body as you realized that. You failed to check the bathroom for any possible entry points. The other Doras would've checked but they would assume you would as well. You were on your feet throwing your shoulder into the door with such force. The hinges were broken as the door flew open upon impact slamming into the wall behind.

You stepped into the bathroom in a fighting stance with your spear armed to jab an enemy through the throat. "My love" You addressed her unable to help the slip of the tongue.

"Y/N what are-" Queen Ramonda started but paused as she took in how your body quivered with fear.

"Are you hurt?" You asked her eyes scanning the room in a frantic search for the intruder.

"If you would take the time to look at me you would see that I am fine" Ramonda replied in a soft voice.

"It wouldn't be appropriate your Highness" You shot back nervously.

"Neither was calling me your love but you did it anyway."

"It was a slip of tongue. I won't do it again" You whispered.

"I'm decent y/n you can look" she reassured you.

Slowly you turned around to take in the scene behind. The Queen was half on the floor, and the edge of the giant round bathtub. In front of her small pieces of red glass shined on the white tiled floor.

"I simply slipped and reached to catch myself accidentally knocking the red vase down. I don't know what genius thought it would be a good idea to put it so close to the tub." Queen Ramonda explained pulling her towel tighter around her body.

It was hard for you to not stare as her beautiful brown skin glistened with water. But you were more focused on the red glass before her. "Did any of it get in your feet?" You asked in a hurried tone.

"No I'm fine" she insisted attempting to stand but you were in front of her in a matter of seconds. Your arms reached to pick her up but she placed a firm hand on your forearm. "What are you doing?" she demanded. A hint of anger in your voice as you were finally about to cross a boundary.

"I'm just going to carry you to the door, your Highness," You told her.

"There is no need I'm perfectly capable of walking," she argued.

"There is glass you have no shoes on, and could get some embedded in your foot. I can't let that happen." You argued back.

"I have eyes I can see the glass and therefore avoid it" Queen Ramonda pointed out.

"There could be tiny pieces naked to your eye just allowing me to carry you. What if it is poisoned glass or something? It would be a unique way to get to you."

"No one would possibly-"

"I'm your royal guard. It's my job to think of all possibilities and act accordingly." You said in a tone that was final.

Queen Ramonda regarded with a surprised look at your boldness. She knew bringing you on this trip would result in some personal feelings, but never did she think the two of you would end up here. "Fine but just to the door."

You nodded and then you were lifting her into your arms bridal style to carry her a short distance. She didn't wrap her arms around your neck instead. She kept the grip on the towel not wanting to risk it falling off or slipping even a little.

You set her down on the outside of the bathroom on the carpet floor. "Go get settled on the bed. I want to make sure none of it gets in your feet, or arms.

"It didn't" she sighed in annoyance.

"I could ask Shuri to come and check if you don't want me to" You reasoned with a shrug. Having to fight off the urge to grin as she glared at you now. You went back to clean up the mess and collect a few samples to pass off to Aneka. Ayo would have the glass tested to be a hundred percent sure it was clean.

Queen Ramonda was lounging on the bed with her feet laid out in front of her crossed over each other. She had switched out the towel for a black robe that was brought along with her from her wardrobe.

You took a seat at the bottom of bed and lifted her feet to place them in your lap. So you could begin the inspection for any glass. She didn't argue as you worked flicking at any fluff on her feet, but they would twitch at the ticklish feeling.

"I'm almost done" You told her after about two minutes.

"I told you nothing was there," she remarked.

You let your nail graze her foot from top to bottom with a smirk. She jumped at the feeling pulling her foot away, well she tried anyway. Your grip tightened keeping it right where it was in the line of fire. "You don't laugh much these days do you?"

Queen Ramonda raised an eyebrow at you daring you to do it. "Not much I don't have a lot of reasons too, especially nursing a broken heart."

Your grip faltered and she pulled both of her feet safely. "You know I still love you right." You told her to lift your head up to face her.

She nodded at your confession.

"It's not that I don't want to fight for us Queen Ramonda, but it wouldn't even be a fight for me at least. I hardly have any power or influence. I'm just a guard not even General."

"I could change that" she murmured barely loud enough for you to hear.

You let out a humorless chuckle at that. "But you won't and I wouldn't accept it when I don't deserve it."

"Well how about this instead." Queen Ramonda moved to crawl towards you. "I do think we deserve one more night together. I hated how the last one ended."

When you glanced down, having a clear sight of her marvelous cleavage. You gulped and quickly brought your gaze back to her face that was only inches away from yours. Before you knew it her lips were on yours, and even though there was a voice in your head telling you not to do it. What your body and heart wanted won over all rationality as your lips moved against hers in a slow and passionate kiss. She brought her hand up to cup your right cheek as this kiss went on and on. Until finally you pulled away slowly breathing hard and your eyes stayed close.

Ramonda pressed her forehead to yours as she got her breath back as well. "One more night" she pleaded breathlessly.

"I want to do more than anything but I have to stay focused, and I can't do it if we do that. I have to keep you safe" You whispered with disappointment. With a groan you captured her lips in another desperate kiss thinking it would be the last.

This time when the kiss ended she pulled away and settled back against the pillows. "Will you at least hold me then sthandwa? I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow, and would like a peaceful night of sleep."

"Is that an order entle?" You replied with a tiny smirk.

"No," Queen Ramonda answered.

You removed your shoes and some of your armor so she would be more comfortable laying against you. Then made your way to the other side of the bed to lay back on the mountain of pillows. You opened your arms and Ramonda wasted no time laying back into them. She hummed in satisfaction when you closed them around her, placing a kiss on top of her head. You wished her a goodnight and kept your eyes trained on the door.

Queen Ramonda slept for the whole night nuzzling herself deeper into your arms. It made you wonder if she was unconsciously making sure you were still there. You didn't sleep at all knowing the job was more important than rest. Early morning came and you managed to shift out from under her. At the sound of knocking on the door you took your spear in hand before walking over to open it.

Shuri was on the other side balancing two trays of various foods in both of her hands. You moved aside without question to let her in, and was going to step out to give them some privacy.

"Y/N you can stay, I actually need to talk to both of you," Shuri said. You came to a halt too, so look back at her a bit cautiously.

"It's nothing bad, come on" she encouraged you.

After the Princess annoyed her mother till she was fully awake and prepared to eat. The two of them sat on the bed enjoying the food with sunlight basking into the room. As the curtains were pulled back to let it in and you stayed on the couch in guard mode.

"So did you two enjoy your night together? Shuri asked out of nowhere

Queen Ramonda nearly choked on the juice she was drinking at the abrupt question. You thanked Bast the blushing on your face wasn't visible right now as you tried to keep a stoic face.

"There is no need to be so awkward. I know about you two already," Shuri continued, throwing a piece of fruit in her mouth. As if she was just trying to make casual conservation.

"Um Shuri I don't know what you think happened between us last night but nothing it did" Queen Ramonda told her.

"Oh trust me I know with my panther senses I hear everything doesn't matter where we are." Shuri replied, shooting both of you with a knowing look.

"Okay wow um I'm going to stand outside" You exclaimed once you realized what she was implying.

"Shuri" Her mother scolded her in disbelief

The Princess pretended to gag before bursting into laughter. "I should be the one offended. Do you know I couldn't stand to sleep in my own room for a month. The lab truly was my safe space with considerable loud music."

You were getting up to leave and demand Aneka replace you. Ready to not back down no matter what. If Ayo punished you then you got punished.

"Okay okay I'm sorry come back y/n please" Shuri chuckled. You turned back a bit unsure so you kept standing.

"But for real mother, did you not enjoy y/n's company?"

Queen Ramonda tried to figure out a way to answer the question without giving her feelings away completely. It would seem she took too long to conjure up a believable lie.

"Mother, stop trying to fool me. I know I'm young but I hope you don't see me as foolish. I see your love for her clear as day. There is a need to hide it. I mean who do you think ordered y/n to be on this mission and placed in your room last night" Shuri revealed with a shrug.

Both you and the Queen looked at her in shock. "Wait so Ayo was in on this?" You asked

"Of course she was, I mean it was her and Aneka who helped me conjure up the plan. Okoye didn't think we were right to be doing such a thing. She was worried the two of you wouldn't reconcile with each other as planned."

"And what if we didn't?" You pushed.

"Ha so the two of you did it worked" Shuri yelled pointing a finger at both of you.

"Shuri, it hardly matters what happened last night. I'm afraid that y/n is right and you know it as well. I already have to deal with these countries coming at us from all sides, and it's tiresome. I don't wish to fight the Council anymore than she does." Queen Ramonda said, catching your eyes with a saddened expression.

It broke your heart to finally hear her agree with you, but it was something that needed to be said. You gave her a tiny nod.

"You won't have to deal with the countries after today dear mother. Nor will the elders be able to hold the throne and your position over your head anymore. I will make sure of it" Shuri told her.

"How exactly do you plan on doing that?" She questioned her daughter.

"By taking the throne of course" Shuri answered. As if it should've been obvious.

Your eyes widened in surprise at her words. Could it really be so simple? And when did she make this decision? No was more shocked than Queen Ramonda herself who scooted over so she was sitting right beside the Princess.

She took her hands into her own and placed them in her lap. "Shuri, my beautiful and brave daughter. You are already the Black Panther and the protector of Wakanda." She said, bringing a hand to caress her cheek as tears swelled up in her eyes. "There is no need for you to take the throne now. You are too young and have had too much thrust upon you so soon already. I do love y/n and want to be with her but not at your ex-"

Shuri wrestled a hand away from her grip making sure to be gentle, so she could raise it to make her mother pause. "Mother, I know I'm half the age T'Challa was when he became king, and father held the position in order to give him more time to grow. But brother's ascension to the throne was still forced. I should've taken the throne when Namor came but I stood back and you nearly died because of it."

Ramonda opened her mouth to argue, but Shuri wasn't having it. "I want to take the throne and I will. Mother, it's time for you to rest and be happy for a while. You need it and you deserve it." She gave her hand a light squeeze as the tears started falling down her cheek.

Princess Shuri leaned forward to kiss her mother on the forehead. Then stood up to leave, grasping your hand on the way out. "I will make you her personal guard when I have the throne. No one will question me."

Both you and the Queen were in shock from what just transpired. Shuri paused at the door to say one more thing. "You can attend the meeting in a few hours if you wish to, but I will make my announcement there. I will handle any challenges once we return home." With that Shuri was gone leaving the two you of alone.

The room was quiet for a few minutes as you and the Queen just stared at each other. Wondering just how long Shuri had been planning this? Was it when you first broke up with her on the faithful night after the Christmas banquet. Was it after you told her the truth during the training session? It finally struck you that none of it mattered. Unable to hold back your need for her any longer you surged forward letting your spear fall to the floor with a loud clang.

You cupped her face between both of her hands and pressed your lips up against hers. There was nothing gentle or soft in the way your lips moved against hers, but she responded with just as much ferocity wrapping her arms around your waist. She brought you down on top of her rolling over so you were now under her. All without breaking the kiss, and you let out a moan having forgotten she possessed such strength.

"I only ask one more thing of you if we're really going to do this," Ramonda said, pulling away for a second.

You leaned forward to chase her lips but she pushed you back down denying you. "Yes sthandwa" You gave in.

"Marry me" she whispered in your ear.

"Is that an order?"

Tag List: @thankyoualexkingston-blog @bestfriend491 @starrknessblog @youre-where-i-wanna-go @kofforever @awolfcsworld @galagadog8 @kya-rose @letitias-fav

[xblackreader]

❤️⚔️How I imagine Talokanda looking in MCU 10 years. 2036.⚔️🩵

for context: my universe has Talokan’s King (Namor) marrying Wakanda’s Queen (Shuri) as an arranged marriage of convenience. And also Ambassador Okoye of the Border Tribe and General Attuma, Great Rider Marry for love. ❤️⚔️🩵

As a symbol, the two nations build a place for their children to be raised that is on Wakanda and on the border where Queen Ramonda 🫶🏽 meets Aj’Ku’kul’kan.

Bast and Chaac (who I in this universe see as being hands on guardians of the two/one nation of Talokanda. Like in laws for their kids who married kids) bless Talokanda with infinite waters and growing vibranium source that is kept by both temple leaders of each nation.

Also as a gift, Bast and Chaac choose to give the mutation of wings to Nashuri’s child and night vision to all people who share Talokanil and Wakandan bloodlines.

Shuri designs contraptions that keep Talokanda wet and humid (like if a water park met the jungles of Yucatán) . ✨❤️⚔️🩵✨

Next up: the home Attuma builds for Okoye and their growing family in Talokanda 😭✨🩵❤️🥹😍

• My Fanon Attoye and Nashuri universe info

[bestfriend491]

Your shield of protection

- A drabble 🤍 (Imagine she's in a suit, though. I didn't mention it, but just do it. 🤭)

Ramonda

There's no doubt that Ramomda protects the people she loves, but it's always different depending on who it is she's protecting.

For her kids, she'd move heaven and earth to save them.

For her people, she'd defend the entire nation by herself if she had to.

For you, though, she'd never let a threat even approach you without interfering in some way.

From when you were younger, paving your way into your desired career even as you held the weight of the crown, she supported you greatly.

Years later, she's still as protective.

It's subtle, but a detail in your relationship that you never take for granted.

She'd never even let you trip and stumble without reaching out to save you.

She supports you unconditionally, no questions asked.

“Sthandwa sam…” Ramonda put out her hand for you to take as you got off of your hoverbike, smiling at her often overdramatic, but always appreciated way of greeting you.

“Ewe? (Yes?) ” you replied, smiling.

She helped you shuffle your way next to her, the royal drivers going off with the bike and making his way around the corner. Then, she got a good look at you.

“You look absolutely ravishing tonight. Who picked that outfit?”

You laughed, “Oh, my wife did. You might know her, I think she's got to be around here somewhere.”

“Mh, well, wherever she is, she's got incredible taste.” She pulled you closer, holding your waist, before kissing you.

She always knew how to compliment someone, you found. Even as she twirled you around slowly to give her final decree of amazement, you could feel yourself getting flushed at her gaze.

“Are you ready for tonight?” She asked, leading you to the entrance of the long awaited ceremony that you'd been invited to receive an award at.

You'd never been more excited for something. You'd worked hard to gain even a small amount of recognition at what you did. But Ramonda also knew your nerves were probably shot, driving your anxiety to a higher level than usual. That's why she'd offered to escort you herself. In any other case, she wouldn't want to risk bringing too much attention to you both. You were already queen, having her come to your work events would only exacerbate the amount of people who came to disturb your peace, or worse, threaten your safety.

In many ways, you wanted to be in and out as fast as possible, but hearing her words made you less wary. You knew she had your back.

“Probably not. But, it's happening now. And I've got you, so I'm sure I'll be alright.”

She hummed at that, content with you knowing that whatever happened, she'd be right by your side.

You walked towards the entrance, seeing a flash directed at you once or twice as you proceeded. You assumed the first few were accidents, merely the photographers getting their mandatory pictures of whoever entered. It was only when your names were called that the flashes felt more intentional. An onslaught of white blinded you as the clicking sound filled your ears in an overwhelming sense. You felt yourself moving only slightly, trying to adjust to the new environment.

“Ramon-”

“I've got you, Sthandwa.” She reassured, her arm already around your waist, leading you to the less intense side of the building.

Her grip on you was firm, not one that any accidental pushing or nudging could lead you to separate. It was just what you needed; a message.

I'm never letting go, my love.

Your nerves settled, willing your vision to grow clearer even at the sight of farther away flashes. It led you to letting yourself smile for the first time since before you'd entered. There had to be at least some photos of you not looking horrified or on the verge of running away.

With Ramonda still wrapped around you, you found your way to your seats. With her on your left, her hand found the it's way to your knee, another act of reassurance. You let out a quiet sigh, breathing more regularly now.

The night went smoothly, with Ramonda never resisting the urge to share a quick glance with you. Her gaze was so mesmerising, so captivating, that you found yourself getting lost in it throughout the whole ceremony. You'd let yourself forget what you came here for if you could. Fortunately, your wife was less enchanted when it was important.

“Y/n, baby, they called your name.”

“What?” You asked, still in a daze.

“Your name, darling. They called it. It's time to go up.” Ramonda whispered tenderly.

The words finally registered, and you stood up with her support. Leading you towards the stage, she was sure to stay more vigilant of where you were stepping than you were.

Extending her arm to help you up the steps, but not going up them herself, you found yourself reaching for her instinctively. Plainly speaking, you were gonna get her on the stage with you.

“Come up.” You mouthed to her, keeping a smile on your face for the probing eyes.

She shook her head, not trying to make this a moment about the two of you. She wanted you to have your moment.

“Please?” You pleaded, holding her hand with all the poised firmness that you could manage. You knew that with enough force, she could easily get out of your grip, but you hoped that the former description would help your case. It was your grip. That always changed her level of resistance..

Unsurprisingly, but still bringing you much relief, she relented, stepping up and next to you. She left some distance just in case pictures of you needed to be taken, but you couldn't help but notice her stepping a pace in front of you, angling herself as a discreet shield.

The fact helped you through your speech, and back to your chairs. All through the night you felt her protective presence make you feel more at ease.

An ease that only she could bring.

[nzia-writes]

T a l e s of B l a c k P a n t h e r

S e t i n :

F e a t u r i n g :

Ayo/Aneka

Okoye

Okoye + Ayo/Aneka

RiRi Williams

Shuri Udaku

Queen Ramonda

Nakia Shauku

[iinkonde]

Sedilaka

Translations • Makube chosi, makudede ubumnyama kuvele ukukhanya. = Every said on the shrine, let it manifest into everything we say and ask for. May Light prevail and darkness be abolished.

Camagu = Ancestral greetings equivalent to amen

Amathongo = Ancestors

Endumbeni = Rondavel house for the ancestors

Words • 2113

Taglist • @ziayamikaelson @sweetsummerhaze @nzia-writes @greek-freak101 @iinkonde

0.01

Trudging across the forest in attempt to get to the group of tiny figures playing around a small fire. Nearing the children, they start to sidle away or melt into the air. Only one figure remains, a child facing the fire .Slowling circling around the child, who continues to stare on at the bristling fire. Hands busy grinding something onto a big rock near their feet. Peering under the hood it’s eyes are blank,a far away look etched onto their features; features that are familiar… it’s the face… those eye-

Ramonda woke up with a startle. Laboured breathing as she gripped the bed sheets to level herself in reality.

Filled with adrenaline she makes work of getting out of her king size bed. Stumbling to the bathroom, her fingers find the switch as soon as she enters the room. The light is blinding but she doesn’t care.

Quickly making her way to the sink, flicking the tap open she falls over the basin immediately splashing the cold water on her face.

Absentmindedly reaching for a towel, dragging it down painfully slow. Wanting to delay having to look up into the big mirror in front of her. Afraid she’ll be transported back into the dream, transported back to those eyes. Ones she hadn’t seen in over two decades.

Raising her eyes to the mirror, she takes note of the bags under her eyes. The gray in her eyebrows. Exhaustion written all over her face. Her silk headwrap probably well on its way out of the palace now. Those things never seem to stay wrapped around her head. Her frizzy braids starring back at her. Pointing out of their original place.

She lets out a huff and shuffles out of the en-suite. Grabbing the gown laying on the ottoman.

Patting her bed for her scarf right on the edge of the bed the purple fabric lay. Snatching it she hastily wrapped it around her head, didn’t matter the presentation.

“Griot, the door.” Ramonda spoke to the AI

The door clicked open, she straightened her posture and stepped out. A few royal guards patrolling the hallway stopped to greet her. Yoliswa in particular quickly walked to her side.

“Queen Mother, are you in need of assistance?.” She hurried out.

“Take me to Ramatla. Alert the General tell her we have a long journey ahead” The Queen responded in a hushed tone.

She didn’t want for this to reach the ears of Shuri or anybody else before she understands what exactly this is, whatever these dream that’ve plagued her for a few weeks now mean

This one though, it left chills along her spine. The hairs on her neck were left sticking out she was nervous. Anxious for what awaits her.

Yoliswa quickly presses one kimoyo bead sending a signal to Okoye.

Ramonda turned and made her way to the exit of the palace. Yoliswa made a quick sign for the rest of the gaurds to stay behind.

"My Queen, are we walking there?"

Ramonda just turned and looked her in the eyes. That was a answer enough. Yoliswa nods at that and takes strides alongside her majesty.

¥

Venturing out at midnight was a repeating occurrence for the queen. For the year and half the palace has felt suffocating for her. She felt like the walls would close in on her. It felt so different and cold being here.

The two people she came into this kingdom for were both gone. She hadn’t had enough time to process the loss of her husband and she was losing her son a few years later too.

And she so quickly had to be strong for her daughter and her nation.

She doesn’t remember having a moment to just settle in her loss and feel the magnitude of the pain that she felt. The gaping hole in her heart too much to bear. So she’d explore Wakanda and all she had to offer all over again.

Just to keep her mind occupied because she was sure if she left it slip, she’d fall and never get back up.

The second set of footsteps behind her broke her out of her reverie. Okoye had joined them as soon as she received the message. Ramonda could sense the perplexity in the way the walk.

She was grateful both of them had followed her without question. Ramonda wasn’t sure she even had the answer. All she knew was she had to relay this to Ramatla. Hoping he could talk with the answer, beg them for clarity if need be.

Because for the life of her, Ramonda couldn’t wrap what she saw around her head. So many scenarios ran rampant in her head and none of them made much sense.

The journey to the seer didn’t take long. In the short distance they could see a figure by the rondavel.

Yoliswa quickly stepped in front of her to open the gate for them to enter. Okoye silently closed the gate behind her.

“Daughter of Lumumba, we were awaiting your arrival”. Ramatla stepped into the light.

Ramonda’s body went rigid for a minute. Blood drained from her head. This changed things. If they were waiting for her it means this was bound to happen. It was no coincidence.

All the of them work to remove their shoes. You can’t enter the ancestral house with shoes on.

Ramatla moves aside to let them enter eNdumbeni. He watched Ramonda sit near the mirror. Shaking his head chuckling as he noticed the anomaly of her action.

“Kawutsho Mntwan’ezinyanya uboneni?” Slight humour in his voice.

The two Dora’s couldn’t be more confused. They truly didn’t know what to make of this. Although there was a whimsical attitude in the way the great seer spoke to them, the atmosphere was tense. Seriousness filled the air.

As soon as those words left Ramatla’s mouth, Ramonda was transported back to her dream. And all the other visions she’d seen were all flowing and ebbing around her like picture’s swirling in the wind.

Okoye could see that her queen was in a trance, she crawled towards her. Sitting behind to support her neck. Ramonda’s body limp in her hold.

Ramatla motioned for Yoliswa to turn the mirror toward Ramonda.

He kneeled near them, incense burning slowly in his hold. He swayed it around himself first before doing the same to Ramonda.

Breathing it in harshly she let out a series of coughs. Her eyes opened slightly. A tear accompanying her focusing vision. Ramatla’s hand tilted her head slightly upwards. That triggered something.

Suddenly there was water coming out of Ramonda’s mouth.

To say Okoye and Yoliswa were horrified would be an understatement. Okoye was petrified, she couldn’t lose the queen. Not over something like this, this was unexplainable. Nobody would believe her. Ramonda couldn’t die, not in her arms. Certainly not so soon after they lost their Black Panther.

“Do something! Why are you just sitting here, can’t you see she’s choking?” Okoye cried out.

Ramatla just raised his hand to silence her. And motioned to a semi conscious Ramonda

Her eyes snap open., She’s covered in a cold sweat and water, salt water, shaking, heart pounding, looking around the room suspicious and paranoid that the water may have followed her.

"The water. It’s coming. I can smell it, it enveloped me and all of you-" Ramonda let out, frantically trying to sit up. She turned to Ramatla, the hint of humour from before long gone. Panic swirled in his eyes.

"The screams, people being swallowed by the ocean. My people”. Ramonda settles into whoever’s behind. She’s so tired, so exhausted.

“My Queen, the only thing that was shown to me was your pending visit. I was told to point you to that mirror. Our ancestors didn’t want any messages to come through me. Only that I provide you with means to an answer that’s been waiting for you for weeks now”. Ramatla provided sounding just as down as he felt.

Yoliswa who had been kneeling near the mirror throughout the episode, looked at Ramatla for an instruction. He blinked in response. Yoliswa shuffled closer to Ramonda.

“Queen Mother, are you comfortable with your soldiers being here. They also might be able to see what you see in this mirror?”.

Ramonda nodded quickly.

She didn’t have a choice and waiting for the counsel to decide whether or not her visions are things to consider emergent was not something she wanted to pursue.

Ramatla sings a few chants. He lights his incense again. They can’t necessarily hear the words he saying. His hushed tone and the way his words tumble out his mouth proves it difficult to follow his line of sentences.

“-ingathi ningam’mpendula. Makube chosi, makudede ubumnyama kuvele ukukhanya.”

He stands up and makes his way to the Djembe. On his way back he scopes a white powder substance. Wearing the drum diagonally around his body he starts to thump it slowly at first.

Walking circles around him, the rhythm picks up and the volume increases.He stops… only to blow the powder into the mirror.

The strange powder and increase danced in front of their eyes. The frequencies were high. When the smoke cleared, Ramonda’s eyes caught movement in the mirror.

The reflection of her environment slowly morphed into a motion image of free fields. Like a movie was projected on the mirror.

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The field’s started to seem familiar. It was like she was walking through them. A hut came into view. A very familiar hut. One she remembers playing in as a kid. One she remembers having sleepovers at as a teenager. One she remembers sneaking into as a young adult.

Remembers running up that hill to inform you she’d cracked the code. That she’d heard the elders whispering about a powerful hidden nation. One that she knew she’d be able to penetrate, because she’d said she was smart enough to do that one time.

She was. She did get into the nation. Had met a young boy in the woods. The woods that she’d later find out are some sort of hologram.

The hut was right in front of her now. It was like Mama Noziza would walk right out, with a glass of water ready for Ramonda to drink because somehow she always knew that she ran and never walked when she came up there.

Noziza would just tilt her head back and Ranonda would barrage past her to get to you. It was almost always the case. Ramonda’s mother had mentioned it was the same story with you too. They’d laugh about it over a cold glass of sugar water.

The wooden door opened. Nostalgia punched her right in the gut. She can’t remember the last time she’d seen this scenery. More than 20 years the voice in the back of her head whispers. Ramonda could cry, she wants to scream really.

The broken window on the left brings in the most light. She remembers it breaking. A bunch of your friends were playing with a DIY dodgeball made with plastic and filled with wet newspapers. Your cousin had tied it so tight you had to develop skills to dodge it because it was painful. The stinging sensation forever etched into her brain.

You, tired of losing threw it so hard it went just a little higher than you wanted it and it pierced through your window. Everyone scattered. Including Ramonda, who just as she rounded the Rondavel to try and slide down the small hill, was snatched from behind by Noziza.

Tears gather at the memories, they cloud her vision. Snuffling she wipes them away to carry on the journey her ancestors are taking her on.

As she fixes her gaze back into the vision. She notices the room is empty. Void of the small pieces of furniture it once held. It zones in again. She can now make out a small figure in the middle of the hut.

Kneeled down facing forward. It feels like déjà vu. The same instance as her dream earlier.

This time the figure turns around, still on the floor. One knee tucked into their chest. Hands still grinding into a big rock. This time though Ramonda sees a pile of leaves and branches surrounding the small figure.

It looks up… and Ramonda let’s out a chocked sob.

“No”. She lets out. “No”.

The mirror clears instantly. No sign of it ever being a projector or whatever the heck that was. Ramonda wants to get up and leave. But she knows she can’t. Her body’s too weak to carry her all the way back to the palace.

“Kumkanikazi, ngobani ababantu?”

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