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A/N: Hey guys Happy New Year! Here's the promised Volume 2 of Erik's Queen. I am so grateful to the new followers who are joining us for this wild ride. Thank you for taking the time to read this story and please share it with others. For all my diehard followers (you know who you are) who have been rocking with me for some time now, thank you for your continual support. It is not easy putting yourself out here and the positive reviews and feedback motivate me to continue. Please have a safe night tonight! If you are drinking please don't drive. I want to see you all in 2019! ~Love Concrete Lily.
Erik's Queen: Vol. II
Chapter One: Role Playing
It has been one week since Erik had surrendered to T'Challa, in exchange for his assistance to revive Ashtyn. She wasn't surprised by Erik's willingness to sacrifice himself for her, because she knows the depths of their love for each other. Yet, she also knows how he feels about confinement. Knowing that he was being held captive beneath the palace, made her feel sick to her stomach. Erik was meant to be free, him being caged like a beast wasn't right. Ashtyn vowed to set him free. Nevertheless, she would have to wait until the time is right for her to act.
Her game plan was simple. She would do whatever was necessary to gain their trust and when she saw her chance, she would rescue her man and get them the hell out of Wakanda. Yet, it has been a week and she was still under heavy surveillance. Though she had the luxury of staying in one of their guestrooms and not the dungeon, unlike her beloved husband. She knew that the room was nothing more than a glorified jail cell.
Ashtyn could only leave the room when escorted by no less than two members of the Dora Milaje. The two women were stern, as always, and looked as if they were willing to kill her at the first sign of trouble. Today was no different, as two Dora Milaje has come to retrieve Ashtyn at the request of the king, T'Challa. On her way to him, most of the people of the palace refuse to look directly at her. Instead, they would dart their eyes away as if her shame would somehow taint them. However, Ashtyn didn't give a fuck, but she pretended to be humble and meek; as if she was weighted down with guilt. Nevertheless, guilt was the opposite of what she felt; she had behaved the way she had to protect her husband. She only felt justification and insufferable emptiness without her Erik by her side.
Finally, they had arrived at their destination. The Dora Milaje to Ashtyn's left knocks on the door. T'Challa commands them to enter. The other guard to her right then opens the door. They step aside to allow Ashtyn to enter first, then they quickly follow her inside. Ashtyn looks around the room, it is an enormous study. Bookshelves laden with rows of books outlines the high walls of the study, only stopping their growth when they hit the ceiling.
Her eyes roamed over the entire study before finally falling upon T'Challa, and has been quietly observing her. Standing before her, with his hands clasped behind his back he radiates confidence and authority. Ashtyn waits to hear the reason for her summoning. Instead, he orders the guards to leave. They look at each other, as if they were questioning if they had heard correctly.
T'Challa repeats himself, this time a bit firmer but still respectfully. The women reluctantly exit the room. Ashtyn marvels at the difference between T'Challa and Erik. Erik would have cursed the two women out, or worst. Instead, T'Challa withheld his temper. It was clear to Ashtyn why his people followed him. His leadership style was based on loyalty and mutual respect, in contrast to Erik who used fear to control his subjects.
"I have ordered that you are to be treated kindly. Have you been?" T'Challa asks.
Ashtyn is surprised that his first concern is regarding her wellbeing. Perhaps, winning his trust will be easier than she suspected? "Yes," Ashtyn replies, in a deceptively humble tone.
T'Challa nods as if pleased by her response, "I want to inform you that a date for the trial has been set for tomorrow at two. The council will convene, to start the process of deciding Erik's fate."
"Am I to believe that he will receive an impartial trial? What about representation?" Ashtyn questions. Still, she tries to keep up the act of being meek, but she doubted that the trial would be unbiased.
Mindfully, Ashtyn considers her lack of authority to demand anything of him. Frankly, he could've cruelly laughed in her face and banish her to the dungeons for challenging him. Yet, his gaze upon her is one of compassion. Giving her a small smile, he says, "This is Wakanda, the justice system works differently than you are accustom to, but I can assure you that the elders are fair."
"The elders? You act as if you do not have a deciding vote in the matter," Ashtyn states, challenging his standpoint.
"I have decided that I am unable to be impartial. Therefore, I am leaving his fate in the hands of my council."
"Because you want him to pay with his life for his crimes against you?"
"No, because I am finding it difficult to wish for his death," He admits as he approaches Ashtyn.
Standing only a few feet from her, Ashtyn could see his sincerity. T'Challa didn't have any hatred in his heart for Erik, not even after all he had done. Ashtyn casts her eyes downward, away from his imperturbable gaze. She had planned to use every amount of emotional leverage to bait T'Challa into a false sense of trust; but now she felt guilty about her plan to misuse his kindness. Yet, whenever she thinks about Erik, her motivation renews, and she regains her perspective.
"He isn't a monster. He grew up in a harsh uncaring world. He could have been different if only…" Ashtyn states, but stop short of accusing T'Challa's father of any wrongdoing; fearing that it would anger him. However, she is again surprised by his show of restraint.
"If only my father didn't kill his father," T'Challa says, finishing her sentence. Losing himself within his thoughts, he reflectively ponders his feelings. Unclasping his hands from behind himself, he then crosses his arms over his chest, as if to protect himself from the unpleasant images that were invading his mind. "I am aware of the unfairness of his life. Therefore, I cannot condemn him," He says aloud, but he was still deep in thought and perhaps was speaking to himself.
Seeing her opportunity to capitalize on his emotional vulnerability. Ashtyn moves closer to T'Challa to rest a hand on his forearm. He jumps at the initial touch of her hand. Was he so lost in his thoughts that she was able to surprise him? Or did she move so quickly that he was unable to register her movement? Ashtyn wasn't sure, her powers were always evolving and were a mystery even to herself. However, she couldn't focus on that now. She must convince T'Challa that Erik is worth saving.
"I am grateful for your mercy. Thank you for permitting a trial. I know that many have already condemned him, as well as me."
T'Challa's expression suddenly changes from reflective, to indecipherable. He lays a hand on top of hers. Ashtyn lifts her eyes to meet his, she feels traps by the intensity of his stare. T'Challa's gentleness and almost boy-like innocence have her captivated. "I have not condemned you, nor have my family. I gave Erik my word that you wouldn't face prosecution. Do you think me to be a liar?" He inquires, and Ashtyn found herself momentarily confused by him. If she wasn't so certain that he was her enemy, she would have thought him to be her ally. Suddenly feeling uneasy about being within his intimate space she removes her hand from underneath his. T'Challa resumes his initial stance, clasping his hands behind his back.
"May I return to my room?" Ashtyn asks. Needing her space and time to think about how she could help Erik during his trial tomorrow. T'Challa pauses momentarily as if he was disappointed by her request, but soon he nods and calls for the guards to take her back. Ashtyn refuses to glance at T'Challa as she is escorted out, for she could feel his eyes were on her.
Meanwhile…Erik is vehemently doing pushups in his cell to preoccupy his mind. Sweat glistens all over his body as he grunts in frustration from muscle fatigue. Yet, he refuses to lessen his grueling exercise routine. As he works out, he looks around his cell. For such a highly advanced society Erik was astonished by the layout of the jail. Instead of invisible forcefields, his cell had traditional metal bars. However, the bars were deceiving.
For these weren't any typical bars, they radiated strong waves of power. Erik knew that if he so much as leaned onto them he would most likely be knocked unconscious. That is if he were able to reach them. Bound by his wrists with large cuffs that connected with chains that were anchored into the wall. He was limited in his mobility. The chains only provided enough slack for him to travel within a five feet radius. Besides using the toilet or laying on his cot he had no other destinations to visit.
Initially, he had tried to break them to no use. Shit…The Hulk probably couldn't even break these chains, Erik thinks to himself. Obviously, they are made of vibranium, making his efforts futile. The only thing more hopeless than breaking the chains was keeping his mind from daydreaming about Ashtyn. It has been a week since he had last seen her, the longest they had gone without seeing each other. Though he was missing her, he was glad that she wasn't imprisoned along with him. As he continues his pushups he thinks about his woman. If he knew his wife she was scheming, trying to figure out a way to free him.
T'Challa had informed Erik of his court date earlier in the day. Erik had requested various books regarding Wakanda's laws be sent to his cell. To no surprise to Erik, the sensible T'Challa granted him his request. Erik was about to change his position, to start his set of sit-ups, when he heard footsteps approaching his cell. He stands to his feet heaving from his intense workout. Of course, it was T'Challa accompanied by Okoye who only stared at him bitterly.
Erik was tempted to say something that would send her over the edge, but he didn't want to ruin his chance of getting his books. The cell bars open and Erik takes note of the buzzing sound that is made once the cell's forcefield has been deactivated. T'Challa hands Erik the books, who takes them. Erik turns away from T'Challa to go and place them on his cot. Erik hopes that his interaction with T'Challa is brief. Yet, he says the one thing that surely perks Erik's attention.
"I spoke to Ashtyn today," T'Challa says. Erik pauses. For some reason hearing her name on his lips cause jealousy to arise within him. Though there was nothing in his words that were offensive it was how he said it that pissed Erik off. Almost like he was saying that he did the one thing that he couldn't do, speak to his wife. If he was trying to get under his skin it was working, but Erik wouldn't give him the satisfaction of revealing his anger.
"Oh," Erik replies. He turns around and looks T'Challa squarely in his eyes. Erik's face is expressionless giving away nothing of how T'Challa's simple comment had caused Erik's insecurities to rise.
"Your wife is a remarkable woman."
"Yes, my wife is."
"She will be present during the trial, and you can request for her to testify as a character witness if you like."
Just then Erik sees his opportunity. He says, "I would like to meet with her in preparation for the trial."
"I am not sure that is such a good idea," T'Challa replies.
Erik approaches T'Challa. Okoye is on edge and moves towards him to protect her king. However, T'Challa holds up a hand to stop her, allowing Erik to approach. Erik leans in and whispers into T'Challa's ear. Displaying a rare state of humility, he pleas, "I may very well be put to death tomorrow. Please…let me see her."
T'Challa is visibly moved by his emotional request. Surely, he knows how difficult it was for Erik to beg for his mercy. T'Challa was curious what sort of magical powers did Ashtyn have over such a man to make him go against his character. In truth, the more he interactive with her the more T'Challa was finding her more intriguing. Perhaps it was his strained relationship with Nakia that was causing T'Challa to find interest in Erik's and Ashtyn's relationship. Truthfully, Nakia has been physically present but still emotionally distant as ever.
T'Challa had offered his heart to her and his kingdom. She knew his feelings for her. Yet, she refuses to marry him. It was a bitter pill to swallow to know that even a defeated Erik has the one thing that T'Challa truly wanted…love.
Now, standing before him Erik is requesting to see his wife. Envy is all T'Challa could feel within the moment and the last thing he wanted was to grant him access to Ashtyn. Yet, he didn't want to be malicious for the sake of his jealousy. To prove to himself that he isn't a leader who will be led by his emotions he grants him his wish.
Erik grins widely as if he knew that his request would be granted, instantly T'Challa regretted his decision. Erik had put on an act to get what he wanted. T'Challa must remember to keep in mind just how manipulative he could be. T'Challa's even-temperament was threatening to fail him, he decides to abruptly end his impromptu visit before he lost it. Along with Okoye, they leave Erik alone in his cell.
Once out of earshot Okoye says, "Are you sure that it is wise to have them meet?" She questions, as they walk the corridors towards the stairway leading up to the main floor.
"They'll be supervised during their meeting via our security cameras. At the first sign of concern, they will be separated. I am confident that these measures will be enough."
"I don't trust him, or her. They are dangerous, deceitful people who are only concerned about themselves. We cannot trust them!" Okoye exclaims. T'Challa knows that she is right. He couldn't trust them, but his earlier encounter with Ashtyn had stirred something within him that he couldn't quite name. Is it curiosity, or something far more concerning? Yet, he had agreed to the meeting and wouldn't retract his decree…though he was having second thoughts. He didn't have the conviction to convince Okoye, that her internal warnings were wrong, he remains silent. He would send word to Ashtyn that she can meet with her husband. A thought that caused T'Challa a slight discomfort within himself.
Ashtyn sits in front of her vanity mirror grooming herself. She wants to look perfect for Erik. It seems like forever since she had last seen her husband. If only for a moment she was going to be with him. Two members of Dora Milaje enters her room. Despite T'Challa orders for her to be treated more like a guest, she was mostly handled with hostility. Not that she could blame them, after all under Erik's rule they had turned the kingdom upside down with civil war. However, none of that matter. It didn't matter that the Dora Milaje who escorted her hated her, or all the venomous looks from the onlookers who viewed her as she made her way to the dungeons. All she cared about was her man and seeing him once again.
She makes her way to his cell. Making sure to take note of his exact location and every detail of the area, making a mental map. Ashtyn's eyes scan upwards taking note of all the security cameras perched high. Finally, she has arrived at his cell. Peering into the dimly lit cell to see a bare-chested Erik stalking around like a wild animal.
Once Ashtyn was standing before him, he stops mid-stride as if he could sense her presence. He turns and looks at her. His chains clanking loudly against the concrete floor. He approaches her as closely as the chains allow, stopping a few feet from the bars. His eyes connect with hers and she feels the intensity of his stare upon her. She wants to wrap herself around him and never let go, but she cannot. Instead, their eyes say the love that they have for each other. The longing ache between them is thick and tangible in the air.
Even the stoic Dora Milaje shifts uncomfortably when they feel the waves of passion between them. Forces of nature they are and no one or nothing could deny the depths of their love and desire for each other.
"Are they treating you right?" Erik questions sternly. Undoubtedly, he's concerned about her possibly being mistreated. Though Ashtyn didn't appreciate their negative behaviors towards her, she had to admit that she didn't deserve much better from them. Also, she didn't want him to become upset, especially when he wasn't in any position to satisfy his urge to entertain his need for retribution.
"I am fine," She says, and he visibly relaxes. "I miss you."
Erik glances at the two guards, and replies, "Same." He wasn't trying to be cold, but he needed to maintain his edge for protection. He was trained not to show weakness and though he wanted to show Ashtyn the love and affection she so richly deserves. He couldn't become a complete pussy in front of his enemies. When they are once more alone, he would show her the depths of his desire for her, but not until then.
"May we have time alone to converse?" Ashtyn asks the guards. You would have laughed if Ashtyn didn't remind them of the king's orders that they would be able to speak semi-privately. No, they would not leave them completely alone, but at least they were required to give them some breathing room. The guards moved, though still in earshot it did help the two to relax.
"Damn Madam Slay, I see you still got some juice," Erik jokes, but his eyes quickly become heated when he sees the dark circles beneath her eyes. "You haven't been sleeping haven't you," He accuses.
"Don't worry about me. It is you who is going to stand trial tomorrow."
His hard exterior gave away for a moment. Revealing the tender side that only Ashtyn knew. Tilting his head, he says, "If you are good, then I'm good. You must take better care of yourself," he sternly commands.
"I will okay, I promise," Ashtyn complies. "What are we going to do tomorrow?" She asks in a low whisper.
Erik side-glances at the two Dora Milaje, who were still on guard. He then looks at Ashtyn and says, "Higher-level convo." Ashtyn nods, knowing that he meant to speak in code.
"Sometimes it is necessary for us all to become part of the herd. Until it is revealed that we aren't. You and I are the same," Remembering their first real conversation in her apartment she knew exactly what he was saying. He was telling her to play her role. No matter what they were going to gain their freedom. Ashtyn smiles at him, in understanding, and he smirks back. Whatever he was planning on doing tomorrow would be part of the role he was playing. All she needed to do was to follow his lead. If they remain united nothing and no one could truly defeat them…not even separation.
