A/N: I am so excited! We are almost 300 strong for the number of followers of this story. That number reminds me of one of my favorite movies 300. Hopefully we get there and beyond. Enjoy…
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Marvel.
Chapter Thirteen: Confidants
After their sparring match, they retired to their bedroom. Once inside Erik shut the door behind them. Ashtyn turned to look at her lover, her breath hitched as she noticed his lustful gaze. Oh, how she wanted him. How she needed him inside her. Erik leaned against the door, and simply watched her. He didn't take any steps forward or attempt to touch her. Ashtyn frowned, wondering why he was hesitating.
Erik noticed her dismay and decided to provide an answer for the distance between them. "I've been thinking."
"About?" Ashtyn questioned.
"How I want our next time together to be special."
"Every time we make love it is special."
"Yeah, but next time we will be married. You will be my queen, and I your king. I think that is cause for us to wait." Ashtyn laughed. After all the sex that they have had he now wanted to wait for marriage. Yet, when she viewed the expression upon his face she knew that he was dead serious. She immediately stifled her laughter. He approached her, and Ashtyn's stomach began to flip with nervousness. Still, he kept his distance from her by a couple of feet. "Did I say something that was funny?" He asked, the edge in his voice returning. Clearly, he thought that she was challenging him, but she simply was surprised that he cared about such formalities.
"No, it is just that you haven't even bothered to ask me about contraceptives and now you want to wait until after we get married to have sex again. It is at odds with your past behavior."
Erik considered her words and then frowned. "Are you on birth control?"
Ashtyn tilted her head and pondered his words. At first, she thought she would have some fun with him and say no, but she could tell that he wasn't in a humorous mood. Instead, she answered honestly. "Yes, I have an implant in my arm." She said as she pointed to the device. Erik rubbed his fingers along the device, that was housed just beneath her skin.
His expression had gone from lustful to unreadable. Just when the moment was becoming awkward he spoke, "The first order of business after we are married is to have that bullshit taken out of your arm."
Ashtyn's eyes widened in shock. That wasn't the response that she had expected. He wanted the device out, and if he did want it out then that could only mean… "You want me to have your child?"
Erik looked at her, his expression was calm. He was quiet for a few beats of a moment before he answered, "I had hoped that you were pregnant already." Ashtyn's heart was thundering out of her chest. She couldn't believe him. She couldn't believe that he wanted to be a father, and what was even more shocking was that he wanted her to have his child right away.
"Are you sure?" Ashtyn asked. She wasn't even sure rather or not she was ready to have children. She always knew that she would like to have children one day, but the notion always seemed like a far away event. Yet, Erik was thinking of impregnating her immediately. To say that Erik moves fast would be an understatement.
"You know that I only say what I mean. The thought of your belly swelling with my seed nestled inside you is nearly intoxicating to me. It is a nine-month reminder to everyone how much you are mine. It is the sexiest thing a woman can do for her man." He stated matter-of-factly.
It was hard for Ashtyn to argue with him, he made her want to see things his way. Yet, she wasn't sure if having a child so soon was the best move. It all was happening too soon and to be honest Ashtyn wanted to enjoyed being a newlywed for at least a year. "Perhaps, we can wait a little while longer before I start popping out babies." Ashtyn said, trying to dismiss the higher-level convo. If Erik was at all disappointed he didn't give off any tells. Nevertheless, there was a feeling within the pit of Ashtyn's stomach that he was dissatisfied with her decision. However, he didn't press her, and she only wanted to prepare for their wedding.
"I guess this is goodbye, until I see you again tonight." Erik stated, just before he prepared to take his leave.
"Wait!" Ashtyn called out to him. "Where are we hosting the wedding? Is the entire kingdom invited? What am I going to wear?" Ashtyn knew that she had bombarded him with questions, but they hadn't even discussed their wedding plans.
"Chill…" Erik said smoothly, "I got everything under control."
Ashtyn smirked, "Yeah, I bet you do control freak." She quipped.
Before she could react, his lips were upon hers. She exhaled, and he literally took her breath away. Ashtyn was dizzy with lust, with him being all she could feel. Before she could grasp the situation he abruptly ended their make-out session. He looked down at her and grinned, knowing that he was leaving her hot and bothered. "You can thank your sassiness for you being left unsatisfied." He said seductively, before leaving her in their bedroom alone.
Ashtyn threw herself dramatically onto the bed. The man absolutely drove her wild with desire. She felt a heat radiating deep within herself. She was so very, so very…horny. What could she do to alleviate her need. She thought about pleasuring herself, but quickly realized that touching herself would only further frustrate her. Only Erik's touch would heal her… renew her.
She sighed, knowing that he would be hers in a few hours, it was the only thing that calmed her. She rolled over onto her stomach, resting on the bed. Suddenly, Ashtyn became miffed by the thought that he was arranging everything. She didn't want to appear sexist, but wasn't the chore of planning a wedding usually the work of the bride? Yet, the execution of the wedding was totally up to Erik, who didn't really convey a sense of romance.
Nevertheless, she was out of the planning completely. She would have to trust that her man knew her well enough to know what she would like for her wedding. Then before she could dwell on the thought any longer she heard a knock on her bedroom's door. She didn't have the desire to get up and properly greet her visitor, so she answered, "Enter, please."
The door opened, and she saw Zoya poke her head into the room. "Madam, I come to help you dress." She explained. "Is this an appropriate time?"
Ashtyn sat up on her bed, to face her, "Hi Zoya. Yes, please come in."
Zoya entered the room, accompanied by two other handmaidens. The women bathe Ashtyn and afterwards massaged the most delightfully scented oils into her skin, in preparation for her nuptials. Erik had given the women orders to pamper her, and to attend to her every need. Ashtyn smiled to herself, receiving all the perks of being Erik's woman, and soon his queen. So far, he had out done himself, and as time passed Ashtyn was relieved that he was overseeing the arrangements. She moaned in appreciation.
"Is everything well my queen?" Asked the maiden who was rubbing her down.
Closing her eyes, Ashtyn replied, "All is well." as serenity pulsated throughout her body.
"If you do not mind me saying. You will be a beautiful bride."
"Why, thank you."
"The king is blessed to have such a kind person by his side. Perhaps, it will help to soften his heart." Ashtyn's eyes shot open, she felt the slight dig against her man and she was not happy.
Just when Ashtyn was about to put the servant in her place, Zoya spoke. "Watch your uncouth tongue when you are speaking to our mistress." She scolded the young maiden, who instantly hushed. Ashtyn's glowing purple eyes fell upon Zoya's. Zoya nodded to Ashtyn in understanding. Erik was right an apology from him wouldn't change Zoya's feelings towards him. It would had been demeaning for him, as her king, to apologize to his servant; and entirely unnecessary. Zoya would be loyal despite her ill feelings towards her king.
Ashtyn wasn't going to thank her. There was no need. Ashtyn was finally beginning to understand who she needed to become, she wasn't meant to be their friend…she was meant to be their queen. Ashtyn felt in that moment that she was meant to rule, and to rule by Erik's side.
Meanwhile…Erik was instructing the servants, who have been assigned to assist with the arrangement of the wedding. He barked out orders, he wanted everything to be perfect for his queen. W'Kabi stood next to him overseeing the progress that was being made. Erik didn't have many people who he would considered to be a friend, but W'Kabi was someone who he could see becoming a true confidant to him.
"You think that your bride will be happy with the arrangements?" He asked, with an easy smile upon his face.
Erik glanced over at him, and then back to the servants who were at work. "Truthfully, I hope so. She can be a bit demanding at times." Erik joked.
"Well…one strong will deserves another. When my eyes first befell upon you, I said to myself, surely royalty flowed within your blood. When I saw her by your side, I saw her devotion for you. If we had not accepted your offer, to overthrown T'Challa, she would had followed you to your grave gladly. Together, you and your bride are fearless. You are exactly what Wakanda needs to survive and thrive. T'Challa, may he find peace in the afterworld, didn't have the boldness or the ruthlessness that you have. That is why you are my king."
Erik looked at W'Kabi and saw only sincerity within his eyes. Erik felt a pang of emotion within his chest. W'Kabi's words were meaningful, and though Erik would never admit it. It felt good to have his support. Erik nodded in acknowledgment of his words. Soon they returned to overseeing the final finishes of the wedding preparations.
A few hours later…Ashtyn was fully dressed in a beautiful bridal gown. No, her dress wasn't ivory, or white to showcase her purity. Instead, Ashtyn's gown was violet, the same vibrant color of her eyes. Inspired by Wakanda's rich heritage, it had golden fabric of threads weaved throughout it, that practically made the dress glow.
"Please have a seat Madam." Requested Zoya. Ashtyn sat down onto the stool that was placed before the vanity mirror. She looked at her reflection and was stunned. Zoya had done her makeup in a very dramatic fashion, that was utterly different from how she usually wore her make-up. Ashtyn smiled liking the image displayed before her. "You are pleased?" Zoya asked.
"Yes." Ashtyn responded. Ashtyn could see Zoya smiling in the reflection of the mirror, Ashtyn returned her smile as their eyes connected in the mirror.
"Madam, it is tradition for the bride to wear a Dhuku on her wedding day."
"Dhuku?"
"Yes, it is a headdress. Allow me to show you your options." Zoya said before calling the maidens over to display the diverse types of Dhukus that Ashtyn could choose from. Ashtyn viewed them all and wanted something that complimented her new sense of self. Something that was as daring and as beautiful as she felt. The Dhuku that she picked was golden with violet gems sewed onto it. Zoya was pleased with her choice and made quick work of arranging the Dhuku upon Ashtyn's head. Once she had finished Ashtyn viewed herself in the mirror. Her look was complete, and she was beyond pleased with the end results. Erik had never seen her like this before and she was eager to show him.
"Are we to leave soon?" Ashtyn asked. She hadn't been nervous, only excited. Yet now she could feel the butterflies in her stomach stirring.
"Yes, madam. We are to make our way to the garden."
"The royal garden where we met Timber?"
The dismay on Zoya's face couldn't be hidden. "Yes, but that beast will not be attending. Per orders of the king he has been apprehended and placed in a cage." Shock must had shown upon Ashtyn's face, but Zoya quickly added. "To not fear mistress, he has not been harmed. He is now considered to be your royal pet. He is being treated with the upmost care, I assure you."
Ashtyn was pleased to hear that Timber was alright. She smiled to herself as she thought about Erik taking in the leopard for her benefit. Nevertheless, there was no time to relish in Erik's thoughtful gesture. They needed to make their way to the royal garden. In less than an hour or so, she was going to be Erik's wife…she was going to be his queen.
A/N: Okay I know that wasn't the wedding, it will be fully written out in the next chapter. Don't forget every wedding has a honeymoon. Review and let me know if you are ready for the next chapters!
