Hey everyone! I decided to post this interlude into T'Challa's thoughts and will immediately pick up with Olivia in the next chapter. This chapter also introduces The Dora Milaje, which was one of my favorite parts in Civil War. They will play a large part in this story.

Chapter 4: Interlude-T'Challa's distractions

T'Challa always enjoyed his early morning training sessions with The Dora Milaje. It helped keep him humble and on his toes, in addition to serving as a reminder to not underestimate women. He ended up on his ass more often than not the first couple of training sessions so long ago, with his speed and skill rapidly improving in the process.

This morning was a bit irregular. The King seemed preoccupied and absent-minded, so even the newer members of the guard were able to overpower him. They had moved on to close hand-to-hand combat after completing a variation of circuit training, something that T'Challa's strength normally gave him the upper hand in.

Nakia, a new recruit that was improving her agility, noticed their leader's inattention. She wanted to make a good impression and be considered a cut above the others, so she reached out to T'Challa in their native tongue.

Your Majesty. What troubles you this fine morning? Are we not working hard enough?

T'Challa knew his session was shot when a new recruit of all things picked up on his moodiness. He responded in kind.

You are all doing an amazing job. How about we cut this short so that we can prepare for the ceremony this evening?

The King did not wait for an answer as he quickly turned and left the premises. The training facility was not far from his mansion and the walk would help him clear his head.

The swearing-in of the U.S. Ambassador to Wakanda was only a few hours away and he felt very ill-prepared. A feeling of dread had overtaken him since Shuri revealed a month prior who had been tapped to fill the position. It had not dissipated in the time since. If anything, his radar for impending doom was off the charts.

He really did wish Shuri would take more care in revealing touchy subjects. She had always opted for being unpredictable over traditional, though. And she had made certain T'Challa knew her absolute glee over Olivia's appointment in the revelatory phone call. The two women spent the next month after that announcement halting Olivia's consulting firm and partially assigning a guard. She apparently wanted to bring two of her people in to join the Wakandan sentinel attached to her. T'Challa truly did not have a problem with that, as he wanted her to feel like she was coming back home.

The King's mansion was much too opulent and roomy for just him, so until the Ambassador's quarters were ready, Olivia was to stay in one of the wings. He purposely prepared the section closest to his, since he didn't want her to experience any issues in the adjustment process. That's what he kept telling himself, anyway. He flopped haphazardly into one of the many chairs that occupied the main living area. He had yet to receive notice of Olivia's plane touching down and wanted to collect himself in the meantime. It would not be a good look if he greeted Wakanda's new Ambassador a complete mess. So, he meditated.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Try not to freak out.

His overall lack of mindfulness lately was irritable. He had a nation to run and protect. T'Challa knew his emotional instability was partly a result of his father's sudden passing, his own ascendance to the throne, and the nervousness of seeing Olivia. It was sometimes just too much.

Beep. Beep. His phone lit up.

We have landed. Olivia Pope is now in Wakanda.

Well, here we go.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Try not to freak out.

I will try to have the next(full) chapter out by this weekend. Please review and give feedback!

WakandanGladiator