Author's Notes: Hi everyone! I'm glad to see people responding well to this idea. With the exception of one nasty comment(I cannot even call it a review), the support has been great. Thank you for reading!

Chapter 2: Cloudy Days Ahead

T'Challa wasn't sure how his father managed to keep his cool under pressure. Not with these advisors. It was barely high noon and he already wanted to get away.

The advisors to the King had objected to allowing The Winter Soldier asylum, even though both parties knew their ire was really just for show. T'Challa had the power. As both King of Wakanda and Black Panther, his word was law. This fact did not stop certain members from trying his limits, though.

"I am forever grateful for your advice, High Council. However, it is unnecessary. The Winter Soldier was a victim of those who wished to bring about suffering. He is safe here and until our scientists figure out a solution to his problem, he will be welcome in Wakanda. That is final."

The new King rose from his seat and walked towards the ornate exit to the chamber, as a feeling of resolution settled over those remaining.

His Highness had spoken and it was law.

Or it was to most of the Council. T'Chaka had been nearing one-hundred before his unfortunate demise and his heir was only a man of forty. The vast difference in experience made some in the Council uneasy. They were sure their enemies would take advantage of this perceived weakness. Wakanda's wealth and prosperity would be a target for those who wished to destroy them, and housing a human weapon did nothing to assuage their festering fears.

General Jakarra was sure his half-brother would bring them to ruin. Their father was soft, giving away their precious vibranium without recourse. With him lying beyond, now was the time to rush in a new era for Wakanda, one that would cement their power structures for years to come.

The spirits were restless. Peace would soon be broken.

T'Challa entered his father's former office. He hadn't wanted to disturb the essence of the environment, so he had simply brought his laptop, a notepad, and a few other essentials to make it home.

The vibranium enforced chair creaked as he tiredly sat down. Though he had started to take on more responsibility before Vienna, the day-to-day tasks of a King was wearing on him. The Social Media guru for Wakanda, an eighteen year old excitable Uni kid named S'Yun, thought it best for the new King to give a personalized message to the newly elected President of the United States, Mellificent Grant née Vaughn, colloquially known as Mellie. Wakanda had always welcomed open relations with their western allies and he realized the importance of a such a communique.

Their new President was not his primary concern; Her campaign manager was evoking strong feelings within him, emotions he believed long compartmentalized.

Olivia Carolyn Pope had always been an enigma and that had not changed in the years since their initial meeting. She had come into the academy terrified and alone, but possessing an unmatched intelligence. They had met in the intense International Relations class that their fathers enrolled them in, both wanting the top marks for the year. She had triumphed, but came out of the course with a new ally and friend.

T'Challa unconsciously stroked his lone addition to his father's desk, a dated picture depicting a graduation. Olivia stood beside him, draped in honours and medals for her time at the prep, the biggest smile crossing her beautiful face. He,lanky but excited, smiled broadly towards the camera. Their arms were intertwined in camaraderie and youthful energy, not knowing what the future would bring.

Shaking himself for his lack of mindfulness, T'Challa attempted to focus on the present. S'Yun was going to handle the editing, he simply had to draft a statement. So, he went to work.

The heavy silence that had settled over OPA only highlighted the palpable tension between the two women. Princess Shuri of Wakanda was the epitome of regal and sophisticated, but had a mischievous streak, something that had drawn the two women together so many years ago, in their girlhood.

Olivia reluctantly broke the terse silence.

"It is good to see you, your Highness. I hope your father prospers as much in his next journey."

The stone-faced Wakandan royal kept an air of aloofness, though that was quickly broken by the grin that crossed her face.

"You were always sharp. My doof of a brother pined over you for a reason, Liv-Liv."

The princess's melodic voice carried across the opulent office, her words tinged with humor. Olivia felt an unexpected heat on her cheeks as she remembered her antics from yesteryear. Recovering, she rose from behind the desk and met the royal in between.

The two women embraced like long lost sisters.

Olivia, instantly comforted by her childhood nickname, responded in kind "Uri, how have you been? Your brothers?"

The women rested on the chaise chair in her office. Their hands remained clasped together, much like their spirits were in their younger years. When Olivia had gained permission from her father to visit Wakanda over a holiday break, the younger woman had welcomed her presence. She just could not talk about certain subjects with her father and elder brothers and the girls bonded over losing their mothers so young. Shuri had been grateful for her kind words and emotional support. That rapport carried to this day, though the personal stakes in this situation were much higher than ever.

"I know my father asked you to help 'Challa and you know you're always welcome in Wakanda, but circumstances have changed dramatically…."

The pitter-patter of rain drowned out the low murmurs of the two women. The ushering in of change was always rapid, messy, and unpredictable. They had work to do.

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