Revamped!

[So here you will be getting a glimpse of how Iqadi's parents met but from Ororo's perspective].

Chapter Sixteen: The Hardship

I approach my parents' bedroom and knock confidently on the door. When my hand lowers, it becomes clammy so I take a soothing breath and wipe my hands on my jumpsuit. When there is no response from the other side, I slowly open the door and take a little peek before welcome myself in. I take a few steps inside and see my mother standing on the balcony, gazing out at the country.

She turns around and faces me with delight.

"Ah, Iqadi," my mother says with her usual pearly smile, "beautiful day, isn't it? Many predicted rain but I think an overcast will be fine as of now."

I don't respond. Mother's expression drops and fills with concern. She opens her arms for me and I find myself falling into them. She wraps her arms around me and rests her hands on top of my head. I feel tears in my eyes so I look up at the cloudy sky to prevent them from falling out.

"This is all so much," I whisper to my mother.

"Talk to your father," Mother replies.

I scoff. "Even if he doesn't understand what it's like to have a selection of suitors. I can't talk to him. Why would I? He wants me to pick someone who is perfect in every way possible but balances my flaws and is a perfect warrior. I'm so conflicted."

"Iqadi, your father is the king. He only wants what he believes to be best for the country. And most important, he's your father. He only wants what is best for you."

"I don't think he knows the difference."

I cross my arms. Then I realize that I don't know the difference either.

"Your suitor isn't just your suitor," Mother tells me. "You already know this. He will be your prince and the prince of Wakanda. Or Prince Consort, if you want to get technical. He will be half of your father's successor and his son-in-law. The point of view is somehow one-in-the-same."

"Easy for you to say," I reply. "You didn't have to make a choice. You didn't have people to please."

Mother takes the sharpest breath I have ever heard. I break free from her arms and look into her eyes, her delighted and concerned expression has turned into anger. Shivers crawl up and down my spine.

"Don't you dare tell me that all this has been easy for me because it wasn't," Mother pierces into my mind. "It might have been easy in the way that I was his only choice but I had more pressure on my shoulders than him. Your father was the only one who accepted and loved me at first. Wakanda didn't favour the idea of a mutant on the throne nor having their future rulers with that genetic pattern. I had to impress everyone all while being the perfect lady, wife, and queen all at once. It was hard for the longest time and there were moments when I wanted to leave. Your father, crestfallen, granted me that wish. Oh, but I loved him so much and couldn't bear to let him lose more than he already had so I chose to stay. I was determined to prove my worth to everyone, especially myself."

I stand back and look down. After all the stories of my parents before I was born, I never looked at my mother's life that way. I always thought she was loved because like my father, I found nothing to hate in her. Obviously, others thought differently. And to think I complained to her. I have some nerve.

"I apologize, Mother," I say with all the love in my heart. "I wasn't thinking when I said that."

She smiles a little. "You're like your father, Iqadi. You want to please everyone who is making this process much more complicated than it really is."

"I just don't know what to do."

Mother sighs. "When I first met your father, I was nobody. I trekked through Africa with no food, water, money or direction. I was dirty and unaccepted, with no alliances. I had nothing worthy of making me a queen and yet here I am."

I stare, unsure of her point.

"Iqadi," she says, "One can transform from an untidy, inexperienced person into a well-groomed, professional if one is patient, kind, and fair. I promise to support and love your choice, no matter who he is. Even if the one you choose isn't well-liked or invaluable to others, I will always listen and respect the reasons for your choice. Every man will come with his merits and demerits. Some people will choose to focus on the worst in others or the best. Your father and I will always be here for you and your suitor, whoever he may be."

I smile, now understanding. Mother stands up straight.

"Speaking about your prince…" She teases with a bright, cheeky, and playful smile. "Any idea who you will choose?"

"I'm not so sure," I reply. "The ones left are truly remarkable. I don't know who the right choice is but my eyes are looking at some more than others. I want to do what is right for everyone."

"Including yourself?"

I don't answer.

[Okay, so I have been thinking and once this story is done, I will write a bonus chapter that will consist of how Iqadi's parents met and the beginning struggle with their reign due to a fallen country and a new queen nobody wanted. It's an idea I want to write].