Update as of October 2019 - This story has been revamped! Most of this story has stayed the same but I tweaked some details with the release of Black Panther.

[If any of you are coming from the following:

Emily or Britney's stories - just start reading

Marvel - this story ships Black Panther and Storm and is a complete AU

Photos on the Wall or The Selection - you don't have to know the Marvel fandom to understand this story since Princess Iqadi will explain everything you'll need to know when you need to know it].

[Anyways, welcome to Princess Iqadi's story. Just know that she talks extremely formal (or as formal as I can make her). I hope you all enjoy].

[All rights belong to Marvel and The Selection series by Kiera Cass].

Chapter One: The Change

Being the Princess of Wakanda, one would think that my life revolves around tiaras and dresses, and for a small part, it does. A very small part, that is. Many fail to remember that being the princess also signifies being the heiress to the throne and the future protector of Wakanda: The Black Panther. The Black Panther is a hereditary title but it still has to be earned through tasks, duties, training, and etiquette. The older you get, the more demands and responsibilities are made on you, and the higher the expectations for success. Even without the title, I am still a leader in a way to them.

I am Princess Iqadi T'Challa and I am more than capable of being The Black Panther.

-o-

Most, if not all mornings, I'm awake before most of the palace staff and sometimes the sun. Before eating breakfast or showering, I run through my morning routine in the training room. It consists of running drills, meditating, and practising my combat. Usually, I follow with a light breakfast, a cold shower, and watching the sunrise.

Then, I would sit in the library and spend three hours studying various subjects: world and Wakandian history, mathematics, sciences, and my English.

I'm grateful for the knowledge and the extensive variety of it, but I prefer movement over words. The brain is considered the most powerful muscle but there's something more rewarding when your whole body becomes stronger.

After my studies, I usually practise my marksmanship in the afternoon sun by throwing vibranium shards at targets on the wall or life-model simulations. My father says that although I'm only eighteen, I am so agile and strong enough to possibly take him down.

Note: he said possibly. He doesn't want me on the throne yet.

"Princess," I hear someone call. I turn to see a maid slightly bowing her head as a courtesy. "Your parents' request to see you. They said it was urgent."

How urgent could it be?

-o-

As I walk towards the office of my parents, it hits me that I know what my parents want to talk about. It is time for me to start considering suitors for my future prince. I'm already aware of some information regarding the process: my parents have already picked fifteen eligible gentlemen my age to be my suitors. Those fifteen get narrowed down to ten and that is when I meet them. From that point, I pick the one whom I want as my prince, slowly sending some home.

Arranged marriages are unions. Our society considers the choice of a husband or wife too important to be left to mere children. Instead, marriages are arranged by parents and royal officials. In my case, my parents are picking suitors based on their perception of compatibility in terms of religion, social class, family background, intellect, etc. And even a nod from their advisors.

Royal marriages were planned and arranged to benefit the country. Borders were secured, alliances cemented, resources shared. It provided a positive externality for the future.

My marriage is arranged, not forced. I get a pick in whom I want to spend the rest of my life with and that's important to me and my country.

"You are in no rush to pick, Iqadi," my father says as he stands boldly before me. "There is no timeline for you to strictly follow. You can spend a few minutes, a few days, or even a few years. Although, I wouldn't ponder on something this serious for a few minutes."

Father chuckles a little and my mother echoes him. I respond with a humorous smile although I can't find the right reaction. Days? Minutes? Is it possible to find a suitable prince in mere days or minutes? For my parents, it was love at first sight so it's possible considering how much they still love each other.

"The suitors are not allowed to arrange times with you," Mother says next, "only you can arrange them. And, Iqadi, you better arrange times with them."

My parents look at each other again in full smiles. They seem much more excited about this than me. I'm interested in having a suitor, a prince, a husband but it seems like so much for something that hasn't even started.

"Not too many times," Father only jokes. He takes a breath to regain his usual serious composure. "You are still my daughter and my only one at that. To continue, your suitors cannot leave the palace on their accord. They must be dismissed by you."

"Your suitors cannot have a relationship outside the palace. He must be fully dedicated to you. We made sure there were no existing relationships within your suitors before we selected them."

"Your suitors are not allowed to sabotage each other in any way."

The rules go on and on in a repetitive loop of things my suitors are not allowed to do. A lot of it seems like common sense. I swear, my parents added half of the rules themselves. Sure, even though my parents picked the suitors and dictated the rules, I'm the one in charge of all this. Whatever I say will happen. I could pick any of those men to be my prince and my parents cannot argue because it is my choice - but if my choice does not want my hand, I will accept whatever their reason may be. Even my parents cannot disagree. A task like this has so many factors to consider and it's not only my future at stake. There are my country, my people, and, surely, the suitor himself. Whoever I pick will have to be by my side as not only a prince but a perfect leader and eventually a perfect king - oh, and a spouse.

"Iqadi…" Father says once he notices my mind drifting. I instantly snap back to listen to him. "Your mother and I have gone over the criteria you must follow in choosing a prince. With our rules in mind, do not forget your feelings."

I smile a little to myself. I cannot believe I almost forgot the most important part, my heart.

"Don't worry," I assure them, "I plan to take the task of choosing a spouse quite seriously."

Because it's going to be a major life change. This choice is the first I make in my rule, title or not. It gives everyone in the kingdom, the world, a preview of my reign.

[I promise you, the story will get interesting. Just bear with me]. [2019: Me with every first chapter].