Revamped!

[This is a little filler. I will probably post the next chapter sometime later today (or when I wake up since it's technically 2 AM right now for me) if I have the time].

Chapter Twenty: The Anticipation

I wake up the next morning with so much positive energy in my body, more than I ever remember having. I powered through my training routine and chose my brightest and happiest jumpsuit to wear. I prance through the castle with the biggest smile on my face. I just want to spin around and let the sunshine hit my face while I scream for joy.

"Iqadi," Father says as I accidentally almost collide with him. I must have been so distracted. Now he'll think something's wrong with me.

"Father!" I exclaim, startling him a little since he wasn't expecting such an excitement. "I was looking for you!"

"Are you sure?"

I nod. "I'm here to tell you to watch out for your mantle."

Father's brows wrinkle in a bit of confusion. "I'm sorry, my darling?"

"I finished The Contingency Plans. I can be the queen."

Father embraces me and it makes my heart joyous to be in his arms. He's proud of me and I see it in his face as he parts and looks down at me.

"All you have left is your prince," he tells me.

"That's where you're wrong," I reply. I lean in closer to whisper. "I made my choice."

I giggle as Father's face changes drastically. I didn't mean to say anything right this moment but my heart was racing so much from last night and urging to tell at least someone. And his doubtful face makes it worth it, especially when he knows that I'm telling the truth.

-o-

I walk through the hallways of my palace. For the most part, it's silent except for preparations being made for my upcoming engagement ball. The moment I told Father that I picked my prince and he believed me, he ran off to tell Mother and the news spread like wildfire.

My whole kingdom and palace staff were excited. My suitors, on the other hand, remained in their rooms. I can understand why. They're all tense and anxious, wondering if I chose them or not (except Abioye who's happy that he can return home sooner). Like my future, theirs will change as well. Theirs more than mine. Even the ones who aren't going to be my prince won't return home the same man they left has. Wakanda will view them all differently, with more respect.

With my engagement ball slowly approaching, I hold six envelopes in my hands. Inviting my friends and their parents to come to Wakanda for this celebration enlightens me. It almost makes me forget about the horrible act of betrayal that I have done.

Does that still make me a bad person - a bad friend? No, it doesn't. He told you it doesn't and you have to believe him.

I shake my head from such thoughts. I can't bear to think of such a topic anymore. What is done, is done. I can walk free from it all.

I pass by some maids who chatter amongst themselves. When they see me, they curtsy and I smile at them.

"Your mother is looking for you," one maid informs me.

"I'll find her myself," I respond, "thank you."

"It's our pleasure, Princess," the second says with a little giggle in her voice.

"Oh!" I exclaim, almost forgetting something. "Could you mail these for me?"

I pass my maids the envelopes in my hands and they leave me. I hear snippets of their conversation as they go their separate way. They debate on whom my choice is, arguing the pros and cons of each suitor since, as Mother has said to me before, each suitor comes with them. I smile to myself as my insides warm.

-o-

I find my mother in my father's office. Before I say a word, she embraces me the same way Father did earlier. I can feel her heart pounding its way out of her chest.

"I was angry that I heard the news from T'Challa, but I'm excited," Mother says. She looks at me with a bright smile. "So, my Iqadi, which one of those lovely suitors will be my new son-in-law?"

"Mother…" I reply as my cheeks heat up, as if she said something inappropriate. I can feel my cheeks reddening out of embarrassment. "I can't tell you."

"Oh, nonsense Iqadi, I'm your mother. You should've told me first."

"If I tell you, then you will tell Father and the whole kingdom will know. We might as well cancel the engagement ball."

Mother laughs a little as she puts a hand on my shoulder. I look up at her with glee. I know she's excited, everyone is.

"I have told you many times that you're like your father," she says. "You're always happy even if you don't smile. But look at you, you're glowing. Remember to always be like this with your prince."

"Don't worry, Mother, I plan to live a happy life with a happy prince."

-o-

I walk down the hallway of the palace where the walls are lined with portraits of the past rulers of Wakanda. It amazes me that these pictures survived the attack but I am grateful for such a miracle.

Each of these people was my ancestors. Even if one person was someone else, I wouldn't be here since the entire genetic pattern would be different. All of them, strong and majestic, will be in the history books of Wakanda forever.

I stop in front of the framed version of my parents. My mother stands tall and radiant and my father does the same. Both perfect and qualified leaders - both happy. I swear that I have never seen them happier.

All that rests is the blank space on the wall meant for my portrait. I step closer to it, gazing at the emptiness. My head tilts at the curiosity that goes into that one portrait. How will we pose? Would we look into the open or at each other?

Something distracts me. I turn around and see my future prince at the end of the hall, although he doesn't know that. We both stare at each other, not sharing or exchanging any words. Only I know that everything between us will get better soon.

"Hello, Princess," he finally says.

Formality only means nervousness and frankly, I can't blame him. He knows that I have chosen a suitor but little does he know that I chose him.

"Hello…" I reply.

The words My Prince only on the tip of my tongue.

[I'm in such a fluffy mood right now, you have no idea]. [2019: Actually, I do].