Gilded Prison Ch. 2
T'Challa stared at his father as though the man had grown a second head, "Baba, you can't be serious, if you are to go to the Jabari, it should be I that accompanies you." Glancing over at Aiyana, "You are more than capable sister, but I do not want you to get hurt."
Rolling her eyes, ever so protective, Aiyana couldn't help but place her hand on his shoulder, "See this is why I should go. You are ready for a fight when there is no indication that there will be one." Giving him a small hug, "Besides, you are the Black Panther now, it is your job to protect the city, you can't do that on the mountain."
Squeezing her tightly, T'Challa knew that she was right, but it still was unsettling that she was going to face the Jabari. If he was being honest, he was scared for her, while most of the people in Wakanda have grown to accept her presence, the Jabari might not be so understanding. Stepping back, "I hate it when you are right."
Smirking up at him, "You should be used to this by now, both of your sisters are far smarter than you." Looking over her shoulder, smiling as Shuri snorted. "Especially that one, she's smarter than us all."
Ramonda covered her mouth doing her best to keep herself from laughing but failed.
Looking over at his mother, "You find this funny; it is your fault, your daughters are more like you than Baba."
Shrugging her shoulders, "I raised them to be strong, powerful women that had a voice, as future King, perhaps that is something you should look for when you marry." Raising her eyebrow, "Shuri has been in charge of technological advancement since she was 14, Aiyana has spent most of her life studying with Zuri and is more versed in our histories than anyone else, and you my beautiful boy, it is time for you to take your place and fulfill all your duties."
"Mama." His voice reflected his annoyance with the subject. He knew that she wasn't wrong, but Nikia was not ready to marry, nor did she want to be a Queen. Which broke his heart, but he knew eventually he would need to marry, and have a child. He just hoped that it would be the love of his life.
Aiyana looked at her brother, she knew that his heart only belonged to Nikia, but as much as she loved him, she would never want to be a Queen. Looking over at Shuri, "So, I cannot bring too much technology with me, but is there something that I can use as a communication device, just in case."
Momentarily distracted by the drama unfolding in front of her eyes, Shuri blinked a few times, she looked at her sister, "Sorry, yes." Opening the box, "Kimoyo Beads. I have designed them to be wearable. All you must do, is press here," pointing to the symbol, "this will link you with the war room."
Clasping it around her wrist, "If we need to communicate with you, it will flash red, you will press the symbol and it would bring up their live hologram."
Aiyana felt instant relief knowing that if she needed to talk to someone it was only a push away. Pulling her into a deep hug, "Thank you," stepping back she could see her frown on her face, "Relax, it will be fine, Baba will be with me, and he's terrifying when upset."
Kissing her cheek, "You better be careful sister, I do not want to be stuck with him." she said, pointing to her brother's offended face.
Snorting at his face, Aiyana gave her a quick hug, "Do not worry, I would never dream of it." Stepping back, she made her way over toward her mama. Bowing slightly, "Mama, I will do everything in my power to build a bridge between our Tribes."
Ramonda didn't want her to go, scared that they would harm her because of her skin, but she knew that she couldn't stop her. Lightly touching her shoulders, "I know you will." Placing a kiss on her forehead, "If you need anything, I do not care, I will send the Dora Milaje for you, understand."
T'Chaka couldn't help but smile, she always put up a small wall when it came to Aiyana, but it was in this moment he knew, she loved her.
Chuckling a bit, "Thank you mama. But let us hope that I do not need General Okoye." Squeezing her shoulders, Aiyana took a step back, "I will see you tonight," making her way over to her father, she gave her family a last look, and with a small smile she followed him onto the ship. Taking her seat next to her Baba, ready to start this adventure, even though it was only for a day, it was probably the most exciting thing that she would ever get to do for her family.
M'Baku watched as his guards led the King into his throne room, his eyes never leaving his, but as he observed the aging man, he couldn't help but notice someone smaller trailing closely behind him. Making an educated guess that it was his daughter, letting his eyes take her in, other than her purple robes and the gold scarf that covered her head and face he couldn't see anything else about her.
Leaning back, he watched as the pair came to a stop in front of him, his eyes looking at the King, he was much older than he would have expected. Rubbing his chin, he quietly observed the man, it was clear that the aging King was watching him with as much intensity that he was. At least the old man wasn't a fool, clearing his throat, he indicated to the guards to leave, his council would stay.
T'Chaka looked around, while they were considered a bit primitive compared to the city, their home was beautiful. Tucked nicely into her the side of the mountain, the main room looking down at the deep valleys below. Glancing over his shoulder, he could see that Aiyana was nervous, but being in the presence of such a large man, he couldn't blame her.
Turning his attention back to the leader of the Jabari, "M'Baku, Great Gorilla, thank you for allowing us to come to your home."
Smirking down at him, he let the silence grow between them just for a moment, it was important that his people see that he was given respect. "King T'Chaka, I have granted you an audience, mostly out of curiosity. What does the King want with the Jabari?" Looking at the small woman behind him, growing more upset that she still hasn't removed her scarf, "Girl, why do you cover yourself?"
Aiyana froze, his voice was deep and commanding. Looking towards her father, seeing him nod, she carefully undid the ties that were keeping it on her head. Lifting her gloved hands, she slowly lowered it, until it was hanging off her back. Bowing slightly, "My apologies, I am not used to such cold weather." Flinching as she heard the gasps filling the room.
Staring down at the white woman, he could not help but taken back by her appearance, her hair was almost the color of the snow that surrounded their home, but her eyes, were the color of the lake that they fished from. Observing her for a moment longer, his eyes turned to the King, "You said you were bringing your daughter. Who is she?"
Placing his hand on her shoulder, he could feel her skin shaking ever so slightly, with a gentle squeeze, T'Chaka turned his attention towards the Jabari leader. "I have, M'Baku, this is my eldest daughter, Aiyana." Smiling when he watched her bow towards the man.
Stunned, this was most unexpected, glancing toward Ekon, he could see the man practically vibrating with excitement. Glancing over at Ibo, he too seemed excited about her presence in their community. Leaning his elbows on his knees, he could see that she was scared, tilting his head, he couldn't help but smile at her obvious discomfort.
"Are you afraid, Girl?" He asked her, half expecting her to not answer.
Aiyana stared into his deep brown eyes, "No, not really. You haven't done anything to make me afraid." She was, however, concerned that they would ask her to leave because of what she looked like, but that was their right in their home.
Laughing, a bit, M'Baku could see that while she was timid, she wasn't a push over, good that would serve her well. Turning his eyes to her father, "So you've come to learn about our histories, and share yours, but how is that possible in just a day?" Standing up, he pointed to the room around them, "We do not have computers, nor do we have a desire to have them."
T'Chaka watched as the man approached, he heard that M'Baku was large, but the man was massive, resisting the urge to take a step back, he kept his eyes on his. "No, it would take much longer than a day to provide this information back and forth." Seeing his daughter, he knew that she craved adventure, perhaps this was something he could do for her.
"Then perhaps, if you are accommodating, my daughter could stay here, she could teach your shaman about the four tribes and your shaman can teach her about the Jabari." Looking behind him, he could see Aiyana blinking rapidly, "Is that something you would be willing to do for Wakanda?" he asked her.
Bowing to him, her eyes finding M'Baku staring down at her, "I would, only of course, if you approve of such an arrangement."
Staring down at the woman, she was barely up to his chest. He was used to the people around him being smaller than he, but she was smaller than the women of the Jabari. "A princess of Wakanda living with the primitive tribe, do you think you'd be able to survive here without all your creature comforts?" He couldn't help but taunt her, wondering if she was truly as brave as she seemed to be.
Frowning at him, she could see that he didn't think much about her, but that wasn't something that was new to her. Keeping her voice level, making sure not to antagonize the giant before her, "All I need is a bed, warm clothes, and food."
Smirking down at her, he liked her spirit, looking down at her father, "And you, do you think you would be able to be away from your daughter?" Wondering if he really thought this through, it could be months that she was living up here.
T'Chaka nodded to the man, "Of course, she is my child, but she is not helpless." Glancing over at her, "Aiyana, I will send for your things."
Shaking her head, "No baba. If I am to learn about the Jabari, I must immerse myself as best I can into their culture." Looking up to their leader, "Would you be able to provide me basic lodging and clothing?" If they could provide her with that, she didn't care about leaving all the technology behind her, if anything it could prepare her for the possibilities of seeing the rest of the world.
M'Baku smirked down at her, "We can provide this." Looking over at her father, seeing the realization that he was leaving his eldest daughter with his tribe. "Second thoughts?" he taunted.
Aiyana held her breath as she watched her father weigh the pros and cons of leaving her here. Touching his shoulder, "Baba, please, I want to do this. Let me prove to you and mama that I can represent our family."
Pulling her into a hug, T'Chaka knew he could trust her to do this for their people. "OK," stepping back, he rubbed his thumbs against her cheeks, smiling as her baby blue eyes sparkled back. "Perhaps I should consider staying, your mama is probably going to kill me."
Shrugging, "It's not mama you should worry about, my sister is going to be very upset that you left her alone with T'Challa." Giving him a swift kiss, "I love you, Baba."
"I love you too, my sweet girl." Exhaling slowly, he gave her a final hug. Turning his eyes toward the Jabari Lord, extending his hand, "Please, watch over her. She is precious to me."
M'Baku firmly gripped his hand, "You have my word, she will not be harmed here." Seeing one of the Dora Milaje was staring at him, it was clear she was uneasy with the princess being left behind. Glaring right back at her, he knew of their skills, but he would not let one try to intimidate him in his home.
Aiyana could see that Okoye was upset and it was evident all over her face, carefully maneuvering herself to break her staring contest with M'Baku. "Promise me, you'll watch over my brother, he tends to get himself in trouble when I'm not around."
Clenching her jaw, hating to take her eyes off the giant man in front of her, but she could feel her eyes softening as she looked down at her friend. "No promises, your brother is a pain." Pulling her into a hug, "My little snowflake, if you need me, I do not care what time it is, you call me, yes?"
Smirking at her nickname, "Okoye, you need not worry. I will be fine. But of course, I will call you if I need you." Kissing her head, Aiyana pushed her towards her father, "Go, your husband awaits."
M'Baku watched her as she finally realized that she was standing alone with him, smirking as she looked up towards him. "Scared yet?" he asked her, his voice teasing.
Shaking her head, "Should I be?" Clasping her hands in front of her, she could see his shoulders relaxing at her words. "Not that I think you couldn't, but unless you grew up with my brother, who took great pleasure in scaring me, I'm not so easily startled anymore."
Laughing, M'Baku could feel his whole body shaking. Placing his hand on her shoulder, carefully turning her towards the double doors, "That is good to know. Perhaps I must come up with more creative ways to do that." Placing his hand on the doors, pushing them open, smirking down at her as she gasped at the sight before her.
Aiyana looked around, she could see the village was congregated into a great hall, it seemed as though they ate their meals together. But as they turned, she couldn't help but feel a bit nervous, it took a long time for the people of the city to grow accustomed to seeing her, now it was like she was starting over again. Taking a deep breath, she turned her eyes up towards the Jabari lord, she found him watching her intently.
Keeping his hand on her shoulder, M'Baku stared into her pale blue eyes, "Nervous yet?" Knowing that his people were waiting, watching, wondering who this white woman was with their Chief.
Smirking up at him, "Is that your goal? To make me nervous?" Glancing quickly at the room, "If I admit I am, does that give me a reprieve for the night?"
Chuckling a bit, "Only one way to find out." Turning his attention towards his people, holding his hands up to quiet the chatter, he took a step forward wanting them to focus on him before her.
"My people, standing before you is the daughter of King T'Chaka, her name is Aiyana" smirking at their gasps, "She is to stay with us, learn about our culture, our people, and we will in turn learn about her, and the four tribes that live in the valley." Turning around, he extended his hand to the woman, smirking when she didn't hesitate in placing her small hand in his.
"You are to treat her as though she is one of us, she is under my protection. So, as she finds herself within the village, show her, teach her, and she will teach you." Letting his eyes roam over every one of them, it pleased him greatly that they all nodded in his direction.
Keeping his hand wrapped around hers, he started walking towards his seat, glancing down, his eyes could see that she was smiling at those that were smiling at her. Settling down, he invited her to sit next to him, pleased to see that she didn't even hesitate when it came to scrunching up her dress as she sat on the floor next to him. "You are different from the rest of the people in the valley." He said more of a statement than a question.
Crossing her legs, her eyes found a woman handing her a wooden brown bowl, it was filled with rice, and tons of vegetables. "Thank you." Looking up at the man who was staring at her, she could see that he was curious about her, which did make a lot of sense.
"I was raised like a Wakandan princess should be, poised, smart, polite, versed in the knowledge of her country, but in my free time, I spent a lot of it with the border tribe. They raise rhinos, elephants, and other great beasts. I always liked being near them, which in turn, got me very dirty, much to my mother's displeasure."
Turning her attention back to her food, "So, it is true, the Jabari are vegetarians." Pleased to see that some of the information that they had was correct.
Taking a bite of his food, M'Baku could see that she wasn't upset by this, mostly curious. "We are. Fish is the only meat that we eat from time to time. All our proteins come from our food." Sitting back, he watched as she took small bites, ever a princess, dainty.
Wiping her mouth, "It is delicious," turning her eyes towards the rest of the room, she could see a few small children staring at her, giving them a small wave, smiling when they giggled and ran towards her.
Eshe wiggled out of her mama's arms her friend Nia hot on her heels. Coming to a stop in front of her chief, she gave him a small bow, but her attention was on the white woman with the light hair. "Your hair is pretty; can I touch it?"
Chuckling a bit, Aiyana removed it from it clip letting it fall over her shoulders, "Of course."
Squealing, Eshe looked up at her, smiling as her blue eyes watched her. "It is so soft," turning to her friend, seeing that she was also entranced by the feeling of her hair. "Why is your hair this color?" she asked her.
Aiyana smiled as both girls took a seat in front of her, she could see that M'Baku was watching them, making sure that they were on their best behavior. "I do not know, perhaps my birth mother had this color hair, and I got it from her."
Nia couldn't help but frown, "Did she die?"
Nodding, "Yes, when I was very little, King T'Chaka found me, and he brought me to Wakanda." Out of the corner of her eye she could see M'Baku stiffen at that. Lightly touching their necklaces, "These are very beautiful, perhaps one day, you can show me how to make them?"
Eshe nodded, but before she could answer she could hear her mama calling her name. "I will show you; we have to go." Grabbing her friend by the hand, pulling her back towards their families.
M'Baku watched her with the children, she was good with them, and they seemed to like her just as well. As he finished his meal, his eyes took her in, her hair came down to the middle of her back, if he had to guess if she was standing it would be much longer. It was clear to him why T'Chaka said she was precious to him; she was beautiful, and he was sure many men in her city are vying for the chance to marry her.
Eating in silence Aiyana enjoyed hearing them talk amongst each other, it was clear that they enjoyed their way of life. Even in her short amount of time, it was evident that they were a closer-knit community, while the 4 Tribes of Wakanda had peace, they were in some way still segregated from the other.
Placing down her bowl, she felt the Jabari Lord watching her, turning her head slightly, she could see the intensity in which he was watching her. Swallowing a bit, "Do you have regrets of me staying here?" She asked him, wondering if he would prefer it that she leave.
Sitting up, M'Baku looked down into her eyes, "No. I would like you to stay." Looking at his council, seeing Ekon watch her with great interest, "I guess I am confused to how a King would come across a baby."
Aiyana knew it was a viable thought, it wasn't something that she was upset about or even blamed him for. "23 years ago, my biological parents were in a private jet, heading towards Ethiopia, for some reason the sensors that surround Wakanda were not working, so the pilot was about to fly into a mountain that didn't exist." Giving him a small smile, "He brought their plane down, and I was the only one that survived the crash. He brought me home with him and raised me as his own."
Inhaling deeply, he could understand the impulse to protect his country, as the Chief it was his job to do so for the Jabari. But as he looked down at her, he could see that while she was a little sad about this, she wasn't angry. "How did you forgive him?"
Blinking some tears out of her eyes, Aiyana just gave him a small smile, "He was doing his job to protect Wakanda, that is what his country expects of him. I could never really blame him, nor anyone else of Wakanda that does what is necessary to protect the secret."
She could see he was still a little taken back, "You're looking at me as though I'm insane."
M'Baku could see that he was offending her by the way he was looking at her. "No, you are not insane. You do, however, have a big heart, and that is something that should be admired."
Blushing a bit, Aiyana gave him a small nod, "Thank you." Clearing her throat, "So, Great Chief, how do you propose we go about learning the histories?" she asked, hoping to get off this subject.
Staring down at her, he couldn't help but observe her for a moment, she was not like anyone he'd ever met before. Hearing that she asked him a question, he blinked, his finger pointing to Ibo, "Ibo, he is our shaman, every day he will tell you one of our stories, and in turn you will tell us one the Tribes."
He watched as she tilted her body, trying to see the man that she would be spending some of her time with, "When that part of your day is done, you will come find me, I will show you how the Jabari live." Wondering if she would enjoy learning about farming, or if she would be upset that she would have to get dirty.
Waving at the man M'Baku pointed to, Aiyana scooted back, finding the giant man staring at her again. As she looked at him, she could see he was trying to figure out what made her tick, "I'm not so prissy you know." Smirking at his face, "Will it be easy on me, probably not, but I'm here to learn."
M'Baku couldn't help but laugh, placing his big hand on her shoulder, smirking at her, "We will see princess, we will see."
Aiyana couldn't do anything but shrug, she could tell him all day that she was here to learn, but until he witnessed it with his own eyes, there was nothing that she could do to change his opinion. Finishing up her dinner, she engaged with the people that were closest to her, each one of them curious about who she was, and what she was going to be doing with their shaman.
Ekon leaned over to Ibo, "It is good to see that they seem to be getting along." His eyes never leaving the young woman.
Nodding, "Yes, it is." Ibo couldn't help but watch as the Chief and the princess laughed together. For Ekon, he just wanted his childhood friend to be happy, but as the shaman of this tribe, it was his job to make sure that the next generation not only survived but thrived. Glancing over at the young woman, he could see deep in her soul, she was going to be important to them, he just wished that Hanuman would reveal to him how.
Pushing open the door, M'Baku watched her face take in the room, "It was my sister's room," while he wanted her to experience the life of one of his people, he wanted her to be comfortable. Pointing to the far wall, "There is a small bathroom there, and in the morning, I will have someone bring you clothes."
It was smaller than her room back at the palace, but it was still large, her room had a great view of the lake at the base of the mountain. Stepping a little deeper, the bed was large and in the corner was a fireplace. Looking over her shoulder she could see him leaning against the doorway, "Thank you for all this."
Keeping his arms folded over his chest, pleased to see that she was happy with her lodging, "You are welcome, princess." Smirking at her face as she frowned. Taking a big step towards her, enjoying how big her eyes got as she watched him step towards her. "I will see you at breakfast. Goodnight, princess."
Aiyana rolled her eyes, "Goodnight, Great Gorilla." Chuckling as he snorted. As the door shut, she quickly made her way to the bathroom. Quickly showering, Aiyana wrapped the towel around herself and fell into the bed. Pulling up the furs, it didn't take her long to start dozing off, but as she was pulled to sleep, she couldn't help but wonder how things went with her family.
T'Chaka walked into the dining hall, pleased to see that they were waiting for him to join. Taking his seat at the head of the table, he could see that they were looking behind him, obviously waiting for Aiyana to follow in behind him. Before he could tell them, what happened, his wife, beat him to the punch.
"My love, where is my daughter?" Wondering if she was a little tired from her adventure up the mountain.
Leaning forward, smiling at their faces, "She is going to be staying with the Jabari for the next couple of months." Turning his attention towards his food, grateful that the cook made his favorite food, berbere.
Ramonda stared at him for a moment, turning her attention towards her children, seeing the stunned look on their faces. Turning back to her husband, "What did you say?" she hissed, gripping the side of her chair.
As he went to open his mouth, T'Chaka was startled by the slamming of his wife's hands on the table.
Standing quickly, her chair flung to the floor, "YOU LEFT MY CHILD UP IN THE MOUNTAINS, ALONE?!" Her voice echoed in the great hall. "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?"
T'Chaka knew that she wasn't going to be happy about this, but he didn't expect her to be so upset. "Darling, please." Giving her a pleading look, "It was the most efficient way for the sharing of information, and honestly she wanted to do it."
Shuri shook her head, "Baba, how could you allow her to do that? Would you have allowed me to stay?"
Scoffing at her implication, "Shuri, if you wanted to, yes, I would have. However, you wouldn't have enjoyed living with little to no technology. Your sister does not suffer from that same issue." Looking up at his son, "Tell me, do you have something to say?"
T'Challa shook his head, "Baba, why didn't you at least bring her home so that we could discuss this together?" Rubbing his hand over his beard, "What if she needs our help?" He was worried, without her father's protection one of the Jabari could hurt her or worse keep her.
Moving to stand, angry that his family would think that he would put her in harm's way. "Do you all think of me as incompetent old man?" Pleased to see that they at least had the decency to look ashamed for questioning him. Turning his attention towards his wife, "She is not some helpless little thing, Okoye has spent years teaching her how to defend herself."
Looking at his daughter, "Never question my love for Aiyana, just because she is not of my blood does not make her any less my daughter." Blinking rapidly, "And perhaps sometime in the future, I will also ask you to go somewhere in the interest of our city, I would hope that you would be as willing as your sister."
Turning his eyes towards his son, who looked a bit afraid of his next words, "And as for you," clearing his throat, "You are not King yet, but when you are, sometimes you must make decisions on the fly. There isn't always time to sit down to hash everything out. The trick is to be able to live with your choices and their outcomes."
Ramonda turned her head, anger still coursing through her body, but her husband was right, it was wrong for her to assume that he would just leave her there. Exhaling slowly, she turned to see him staring at them all, "I am sorry, my King." Slowly making her way to his side, "Please forgive a worried mother."
Pulling her into his arms, T'Chaka kissed her softly, chuckling as he felt her take a hold of his waist. Moving back just slightly, his thumb gently caressing her cheeks. "All is forgiven." Looking over at his children, "She needed this, as you know she has always gone out of her way to prove herself to the people of Wakanda, and I think this is one way that she could do that."
Frowning, Shuri couldn't help it, "Baba, she doesn't need to prove anything to anyone."
Stepping out of his wife's arms, T'Chaka made his way over to his youngest, "I know this, we all know this, but it is something that your sister struggles with. Perhaps, when this is done, my hope is that she will think that she is enough."
Giving her father a hug, Shuri wished that she was able to convince Aiyana that she was more than enough, but her father was right, it was something that she needed to be able to do herself.
T'Challa found his baby sister staring out the lab's windows, her eyes facing straight at the mountains. "Are you trying to see her sister?" he teased.
Not even looking at him, Shuri just nodded, "Do not tempt me, I could figure something out to spy on her." Hell, she was half tempted to do so anyways.
Seeing that look on her face, he quickly grabbed her shoulders turning her towards him. "Shuri, whatever you are thinking do not. If you do this, it could start a war, and our sister could be collateral damage. So, please, resist the urge."
Huffing, Shuri just nodded, "For now, I will. However, I will be calling her first thing in the morning and making a schedule for weekly check ins." That was as much as she was going to compromise.
Chuckling, T'Challa wrapped his arms around her shoulder and turned them both toward the mountain. "That is an excellent idea." But one thing was certain, if M'Baku or any of those men did anything to hurt his sister in anyway, he would unleash all the Wakandan army, and burn their homes to ash.
*Wakandan in Italic*
