Chapter 11: Asleep

A young awkward Q'Wasim waited nervously in the palace hallway outside of the High Priestess's rooms. He'd never talked to her before, not really. He rarely talked to people period if he could help it. Still, there really was no one else he could ask and she was Prince Gaven's sister and more importantly, Kaxa's closest friend.

"Oh! Q'Wasim, is that you?"

Q'Wasim looked up. There she was, Princess Priyansi as people called her. Q'Wasim tried to believe Kaxa's often spoken words that the High Priestess was just a kid like him, but it was impossible.

The princess might appear young and innocent to some people. She was small for her age, but Q'Wasim knew from experience that size was not a measure of wisdom or maturity. Because he was already taller than some of his tribesmen, visitors from other tribes would walk up to Q'Wasim with complicated questions or pressing demands expecting him to be a seasoned expert with all the answers only to find a painfully shy apprentice instead.

Meanwhile, Princess Priyansi was his opposite. Q'Wasim found her intimidating. To him, not even the High Priestess's doll-like features and adorable pink saris could diminish her air of sophistication and now, this very grand and cultured young lady was standing right in front of him.

With a brief raising of her eyebrows to show something that might have been surprise, the High Priestess asked, "Should I assume that you are here to see me, or is there another reason you are loitering outside my quarters at this late hour?"

Her tone was not unfriendly, but Q'Wasim could feel his cheeks warm. He hadn't even begun speaking and he was already making a mess of this.

The High Priestess waited patiently for Q'Wasim to say something, making him feel even more ridiculous. He was wasting her time.

He felt like sinking into the ground.

"It is alright, Q'Wasim," she said more gently, "I know my schedule makes it difficult to see me. Please tell me what is wrong and I will try to assist you."

Before the High Priestess could offer some more well-meaning but embarrassing encouragement, Q'Wasim muttered to the floor, "It's about Kaxa."

"About her upcoming birthday?" the princess guessed.

Q'Wasim looked up at her, relieved. "Yes! It's Kaxa's first birthday without our mom. Usually, Mom did most of the work but now it's up to me, so I was wondering if you might be able to tell me what gift Kaxa would like. I know I'm her brother and I should know this stuff, but I'm horrible at choosing gifts and I really don't want to mess this up so…yeah…" After that flood of words, his voice trailed off and Q'Wasim looked at the ground again waiting for Priyansi's response.

The High Priestess was quiet for a while before she said, "I am honored you approached me with this issue, however…"

Q'Wasim felt his shoulder slump.

Priyansi's voice sped up a bit as she added, "a gift is a very personal thing. Though, if you really want my opinion, I would say that Kaxa has been reading about healing techniques from the Akasa tribe in Bhreenam recently. I think a gift related to that would be appropriate."

Q'Wasim waited for her to say more.

She did not.

Q'Wasim's first instinct was to call it a night. As usual, he had tried and failed, but this was Kaxa's birthday. His little sister was so often taking care of him. Just this once, he wanted to be the responsible and reliable one. So, instead of mumbling his thanks and backing away as quickly as he could, Q'Wasim forced himself to say, "I thought that too. Or at least, I thought that I should get her something research-related, but I really am lousy at picking gifts." He dared to look at the High Priestess again, hoping that he could will her into giving him another answer.

Their eyes met and Priyansi smiled at him.

It was nothing like her serene High Priestess smile. This smile had none of the peaceful grandioseness that the reincarnated goddess was supposed to show. It was sweet and a little mischievous. Q'Wasim liked it.

Something of his thoughts must have been written on his face because Priyansi's eyes widened for a second before she assumed a more placid expression.

The High Priestess spoke evenly, "I suppose I could be more specific."

Q'Wasim nodded eagerly.

Her playful smile returned for a moment before she started giving suggestions.

They discussed a few different options. Then she made the mistake of asking Q'Wasim about his apprenticeship and the boy was off, avidly explaining the basics of geology to the little girl.

Instead of acting bored, like Kaxa and the few other people Q'Wasim felt comfortable talking to, the princess listened and actually asked him follow-up questions. Before he knew it, a couple of hours had passed.

It was Priyansi who called attention to the time. "I am truly sorry Wasi, but I have to go to bed."

"Wasi?"

"Oh no…I…Q'Wasim, I apologize. I was not…it is just sometimes Gaven and Kaxa call you that and I…I did not mean to presume…" Priyansi was beyond flustered.

It was the first time he had seen her like this. Q'Wasim was learning a lot about the princess today. "It's alright," Q'Wasim said. For once, he was putting someone else at ease. "I don't usually like that nickname, but…I like how you say it."

"Oh…" she said simply.

He smiled and she gave him another small smile in return.

"So," he asked, "Can we meet again?" As an afterthought, he added, "To discuss Kaxa's birthday I mean."

"Yes," she said, "Yes, let us do that."

"Tomorrow?"

She nodded and told him when she would be free.

After that, there was a moment where neither of them said anything. They just looked at each other.

Then Priyansi broke the silence. "I should go."

"Right," he said, moving away from her. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," she said as she opened the doors to her rooms.

Only after Q'Wasim had turned the corner and was out of her sight, did she add in a voice she probably thought he could not hear, "See you soon, Wasi."


A/N: Bet you did not expect another chapter so soon. I was just in the mood, especially since this is actually one of my favorite chapters. I am proud of the action, world-building, and suspense scenes I have written so far, but I love romance. Writing Q'Wasim and Priyansi before they grow into the characters we know today was really interesting and cute. It helps show how much they have grown and hints at the romantic moments that happened off-screen. I hope you're rooting for a happy ending for them.

On another note, please if you've gotten this far, consider following or favoriting this story. I realize it's a bit...a lot different than other Black Panther fics, but that's why I need your support. Different isn't bad (Or I assume it's not since you're reading this). That's it.

See you later!