Gilded Prison Ch. 5

Aiyana stared out of the libraries window, her heart breaking at the thought of never seeing her Baba again or having lengthy discussions about her knowledge of Wakanda. Wiping the tears that clouded her vision, she let out a shaky breath at the sound of the doors opening, frowning that anyone would try to disturb her.

Without looking to see who it was, Aiyana just stared east towards the mountains, knowing that even after a day, the Jabari would learn of the Kings death. Knowing that it would be rude to ignore whoever was here, "Is my brother back yet?" she asked, wondering what was taking him so long.

Nasi frowned, wishing she had better news for the princess, "No, I just got word from General Okoye, they were able to find Nikia, and now they are heading home." Sighing when she watched her body tense, "They should all be back in a few hours. You must prepare yourself, after he lands the Incoronation at Warrior Falls begins."

Biting her cheek, Aiyana had to resist the urge to yell, instead of coming home like he ordered her, he was out looking for his girlfriend. Sighing, "And my mother and sister?" she asked her.

"I believe your sister is in the Lab, your mother," sighing, "your mother is alone in her chambers." Nasi knew that the Queen was taking one last look around her room, readying herself to move to another.

Of course, Shuri was in her lab, it was always how she dealt with things that upset her, she hid behind technology. Mama, however, was pragmatic, it was how she coped with stressful things, her husband was dead, her son was now to be King, the logical thing to do was prepare the Royal Chambers for him.

Turning around, her eyes finding the woman watch her with concern, "And you have been sent to deal with me?" Curious to why the Dora Milaje weren't bothering the rest of her family.

Shrugging her shoulders, Nasi always liked the girl, "No one really sent me." Smiling at her face, "I promised the Great Gorilla to keep you safe, and I intend to do so."

Aiyana snorted, grateful that her words made her smile, even if for a moment, "Thank you." Glancing over her shoulder, at the mountain, she turned her attention back to Nasi, "Do you think my mother or brother would allow it?" Not sure why she was asking the warrior, perhaps it was because she knew that the woman would answer honestly.

"I wish I knew." Making her way over to her, only stopping when she was a foot away, "Such a union between the Jabari and the 4 Tribes has never happened." Touching her shoulder, "You should speak with your mother, while your brother is King, he will listen to her."

Aiyana knew that Nasi was right, because now, she was the only person that truly knew her dilemma with the 4 Tribes. If she spoke to her about her concerns before her brother got home, there was a chance. "Will you bring me to her?"

Nasi just nodded, setting her eyes ahead of her, she led the princess through the halls, doing what she could to keep her promise to the Chief.

Zaba watched as her brother readied his warriors, her eyes falling to her husband, seeing him painted always made her heart skip a beat. However, this wasn't the time to lust after her mate, turning her attention towards her brother, "Do you think it wise to challenge him? "Worried that by doing so, it would prevent Aiyana from coming home.

M'Baku looked at her, concern filling her eyes, "If I do not and he denies my request, being the King is the only way to ensure I can be with her." There was nothing he wasn't willing to do to ensure that she was his, even if that meant killing her brother in ritual combat.

Rubbing her face, she knew that he wasn't wrong, stepping towards him, giving him a small hug, "I do not care brother, just bring my sister home." Looking over the group of warriors that were ready to march, smiling at the sight. Kissing her husband, "Protect him."

Wrapping his hand around the back of her neck, Olu let his forehead come to rest on hers, "You know I will." Placing a swift kiss, he turned his attention back to the Chief, nodding to him that they were all ready to go.

Glancing over his Tribe, he could see their hope that he would bring be able to bring her back, and that was what gave him the strength that he needed. "Glory to Hanuman!" he bellowed out.

"GLORY TO HANUMAN!"

Ramonda watched as her son paced back and forth, flinching as he hissed, "My son, you know that if this is where she wants to be, then you can't hold her."

Snapping his eyes to her, surprised by her words, "How can you be so calm? You practically threatened father when he dropped her off!" T'Challa didn't understand what was with the sudden change of heart.

Moving to stand, Ramonda made her way over to him, "As King, it is time for you to know the truth." Sighing, her eyes finding the mountains in the distance, just by looking at them, she knew that if M'Baku was serious about marrying her he would march on the city. Feeling him watch her, she gave him a small smile, and soon began telling him what happened with the Elders of the Tribes.

T'Challa listened intently, with each word that left his mother's mouth his anger grew. He always thought her lack of interest in marriage was because she was always so focused on her education, but it was clear to him now, that she hid in her books because there was nothing else for her. Hanging his head, wondering if he could remove the heads of council and select others. However, he knew that while it was his right as King, it would cause too much unrest within his country, and it was his job to maintain the peace.

"Mama, what if she is just agreeing to marry a man because he expressed interest, what if he is cruel to her?" he asked, worried that his sister was making a rash choice.

Frowning at him, "Son, do not think that she is so weak minded, regardless of her wants, Aiyana would never just marry someone just to say that she's married. If she allowed herself to open to him, then I must believe that he's worthy of her."

Lightly touching his cheek, "This isn't about you; it's about allowing her to have a life that she wants, do not deny her. Your father and I have so much, be better." Her voice almost pleading with him.

T'Challa stared at her for a moment, he could see that this was important to her, "OK, I will allow her to make this choice." Turning his head towards the mountains, "Shuri will not like this."

Placing her hand on his shoulder, "Probably, but it's not about her either." Looking over her shoulder, she could see her daughter's shadow pacing back and forth, smirking a bit; at least she wasn't hiding in one of the hidden passages like she did as a young child. "You should prepare yourself, M'Baku will more and likely challenge you for leadership if he is serious about her."

Knowing that she wasn't wrong, and the Ascension ceremony wasn't the time to announce her impending engagement. "Mama, what do I do if he does?" concerned that if the man did not yield, he'd have to kill him.

Ramonda could see the turmoil in his eyes, "You do what you must to survive my son, but if he yields you give him your blessings." Touching his cheek, "Now, go prepare yourself, but after all this is done, I want a few more days with my daughter before she is back with the Jabari, give me a few days my son."

Kissing her cheek, "I promise, I will make Baba proud, and of course, I will make sure that she is here for a little bit, but after a week, I will personally escort her to the mountain." Feeling better when she smiled at him, at least his first act as King was going well. With a last look, T'Challa made his way towards the ceremonial changing room, knowing that his mama would speak with Aiyana.

Looking around, Aiyana couldn't help but be taken back at the sight of all the people from the Tribes that lined Warrior Falls. It was the first time in her time here that she'd witnessed such an event, but as she looked around it was the sound of Zuri asking if anyone from the royal blood would like to challenge for the throne. Even if she was one of them biologically, being the ruler of this nation was not something that she dreamed of.

She was happy for T'Challa, he was finally stepping into his place as king, and even agreed to her union with M'Baku. However, her thoughts were pulled by loud gasps, glancing around she found Shuri raising her hand to the challenge, frowning at her. "What are you doing?" she said.

Rolling her eyes, Shuri just smirked, "This corset is really uncomfortable, so if we could all hurry this along." she teased. But as she looked over at her mama and sister, she knew that she may have crossed the line.

Aiyana couldn't help but frown, "Shuri, this is not the time for jokes." Giving her a pointed look, she never took some of the old ways seriously.

Ramonda pinched her side, "Shuri, we will talk about this later." While she could enjoy her spirit, sometimes she worried that she was too swayed by the technologies to connect to their histories.

Opening her mouth to apologize, she was silenced by the sound of drums and grunts.

"MAYAFA! Hu, hu. MAYAFA! Hu, hu."

Aiyana held her breath at the sound of the Jabari warriors chanting for their chief. Two things happened at once, excitement filled her at the prospect of seeing him, but fear coursed through her body, he was here to challenge her brother. Her eyes watched as they emerged from the tunnel, it wasn't until she heard Shuri asking if they were the Jabari did she snap out of her trance.

Ramonda leaned over to her youngest, "Yes." Glancing over to Aiyana, smiling a bit as her eyes watched M'Baku. While it wasn't something she could do, it was clear to her she cared for the man, and if he treated her well that was all she could ask for.

Zuri frowned at the sight of him, "M'Baku, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice clipped.

He was so tempted to turn his attention to his beloved, but this was for her. "It is challenge day." Turning his body around, his eyes taking in the people of the 4 Tribes, but it was the Elders that he locked gazes with. It was them that put it into her beautiful mind that she wasn't from Wakanda, and that was something he would not forgive.

"We have watched and listened from the mountains! We have watched with disgust as your technological advancements have been overseen by a child!" His eyes locking with the young girl standing on the opposite side of Aiyana, smirking as the Dora Milaje crossed their spears to protect her. Rolling his eyes, "Who scoffs at traditions!"

Locking eyes with Aiyana, pleased to see her simply dressed, it just showed him that even in her old home she was a minimalist. With a slight nod, he turned to the young King, "I M'Baku, Leader of the Jabari…."

T'Challa watched as the giant man looked over his sister, he cared for her and was willing to do whatever it took to have her. Cutting the man off, "I accept your challenge, M'Baku."

Shuri gasped, "Sister, you were living with them, get him to stop this!" she said, scared for her brother.

Aiyana didn't take her eyes off as the Jabari and the Dora Milaje made a circle for the two men. "Shuri, I can't, he issued a challenge and brother accepted." Flinching a bit as M'Baku sent her brother flying across the water, and as much as she wanted to close her eyes, she had to remain steady, for if she was to be his wife, the Jabari needed to see her strength.

T'Challa was winded, the man was pure brutal strength, if the fight didn't come to end with M'Baku yielding, he would have to kill him or be killed and neither option settled with him. Using his speed, he was able to flip the man on his back, using his legs and arms to wrap around his neck and body.

"Yield." He whispered into his ear.

M'Baku could not, if he did not win, he would be denied Aiyana. "Never." Elbowing him in the ribs, trying to keep him from cutting off his air.

Shaking his head, T'Challa always heard that the Jabari were stubborn, "I give you my blessings for Aiyana, please yield, she needs you, your people need a leader." Almost begging with the man to listen.

Freezing for a moment, "What did you say?" he asked, his fingers still digging into the man's forearms.

"You have my blessings to marry Aiyana, please, do not make me break her heart by killing you." Knowing that it would.

Tapping his arm, "I yield." Feeling instant relief as the boy let him go. Ignoring the chants of his people, he found the King staring at him. "I have your word?"

Extending his hand, "You do, all I ask is a week with her, for once she is on the mountain, I will not see her daily, and I will miss her." He said, hoping that the man would understand.

Aiyana watched as they shook hands, glancing over to her mama, "What just happened?" slightly confused.

Ramonda looked down at her eldest, wrapping her arms around her, "Your King has given his blessings." Smiling at the huge smile on her daughter's face. Kissing her cheek, "Go, say goodbye to your intended, you are to remain here for a week, then we will escort you home." She said, her thumb rubbing against her cheek.

Smiling up at her mama, "Thank you." Kissing her cheek, Aiyana jumped off the platform and made her way over to him. Not stopping until she was in front of him, lowering her head, "Great Gorilla."

Smirking down at her, M'Baku snatched her by the wrist pulling her to his body, his other hand wrapping around the back of her neck, "Woman, you do not need to address me so formally."

Aiyana shrugged, lifting her hand to his face, wiping the blood from his lip, "M'Baku, why did you challenge my brother?" she asked him, wondering why he would risk himself.

Bringing his head to rest on hers, "For you, if he would have denied me for your hand, as King, no one would dare deny me." Inhaling her natural scent, hibiscus, a rare flower that blooms on the mountain in the late of spring. "I want to bring you back home with me, but your brother requested a week, is that what you want?"

Rubbing the back of his neck with her fingers, Aiyana just sighed, "I should. Shuri is probably going to throw a fit." Hell, she could feel her sister staring daggers into her back now.

Grunting, grateful that she was still clinging to her mother, if it wasn't for his beloved's feeling for the girl, he would never allow her to Gorilla City. Tilting her head, frowning that her hair was pinned up, but she was anything but flashy, especially when it came to more of the traditional aspects of her duties.

"Woman, soon." He whispered against her lips. Chuckling as the sounds of the Tribe gasped in shock. Stepping back, enjoying how her glacier blue eyes sparkled, "I will see you soon, my princess." Using his thumb to rub her bottom lip, smirking as she inhaled.

With another step, he locked eyes with the new King, a silent understanding between them, with a final nod, he led his men home. But as he headed into the tunnel, he locked eyes with the Elders, seeing their discomfort at their union, well, he'd be lying if it didn't, please him, just a bit.

T'Challa placed his hand on her shoulder, chuckling when she jumped just a bit, "When did you have time to learn the language of the Jabari?" More curious about that than anything else.

Leaning against his shoulder, sighing in contentment as he rubbed her shoulder, "That is my secret, my King." Giggling as he pinched her side.

"You're a pain," kissing her head, "Now, go, I have to finish the ceremony, and Shuri looks murderous." he said to her, pushing back towards his mama.

Rolling her eyes, "Coward." She whispered under her breath, but she made her way over to her family, knowing that Shuri was going to corner her the moment she could.

Shuri found her sister in the library her nose as always stuck in a book, leaning against the entryway, grateful that T'Challa was busy becoming the Black Panther again, mama was preparing for his first official day as a King, and she, while she should be in the lab, she found herself stalking Aiyana.

"Did brother or mama sell you to him, to build a bridge with them?" she asked, ready to fight them for her sister's honor.

Aiyana put the book she was reading down, slowly turning her head towards her sister, almost taken back by how forceful she was being. Standing up, she made her way over, "Shuri, no one sold me." Placing her hand on her shoulder, frowning a bit as she shook it off. "Shuri?" A little confused at her attitude.

Folding her arms over her chest, furious, "Why would you want to marry such a barbarian?" Stepping closer, "Why would you even consider leaving the palace for some mud hut?"

Clenching her fingers in her dress, Aiyana was never more tempted to punch her sister, even that time Shuri drew in all her books. "Shuri, you have no idea what you are talking about, and honestly I am surprised that you would be so hateful to people you've never met."

Ramonda walked in on the end of that statement, "Girls what is happening?" She asked, it's been a great many years since the two of them argued.

Looking over at her mama, Aiyana just shook her head, "Your other child is being a stuck-up brat, insulting the Jabari without knowing them."

Pushing her shoulder, Shuri was furious, she wasn't ready to lose her sister, but it seemed like she was in a rush to get away. "Forgive me, sister, I am addressing the future Queen of the savages." Her heart breaking at the thought of never seeing her again.

"SHURI!" Ramonda hissed, "Apologize, now." She growled out.

Sticking out her chin, Shuri had to fight her tears, "Sorry." Turning on her heels, she made her way towards the lab, knowing that T'Challa would be joining her soon.

Aiyana's eyes never left her retreated form; it wasn't until she felt her mama pull her into a hug. Tears filled her eyes, "I don't want us to fight, but I can't let her talk about them that way."

Ramonda rubbed her head, sighing, "You didn't do anything wrong; Shuri is just scared." Leaning back, she placed a small kiss on her forehead, "I will talk to her," rubbing her thumb against her cheek, "I am proud of the young woman you have become."

Leaning into her finger, "Thank you mama, for everything." With a final hug, Aiyana made her way towards her room, wanting to bring just a few things, mostly her pictures.

Hearing a slight knock on her door, Aiyana turned to see her brother standing there, moving to stand, she bowed crossing her arms, "My King."

T'Challa rolled his eyes, "How is it possible that you say my title as though it is a joke, hm?" he asked.

Smiling at him, she watched as he took a seat near her window, making her way over, Aiyana just snorted as she sat. "It's a gift, I guess." Leaning back, she could see that he was tired, "Was it weird, going to the Ancestral Plane?"

Nodding a bit, "It was a bit disorienting, but I saw Baba and all the other Black Panthers before him. It was extraordinary." Smiling at the memory.

Reaching over, Aiyana took a hold of his knee, "I'm glad that you got to speak with him," leaning back, she knew him well enough to know that he wasn't just here to say hello. "Brother, what is it?" Worried that Baba advised him not to allow her to go with the Jabari.

Tilting his head, outside of their mama, Aiyana was the only one to read him so well. "I will miss this sister." Giving her a small smile, "Nikia says that I should consider opening the borders to the world, let them see what Wakanda really is, help them." Thinking back to their conversation at the market.

Aiyana could feel her eyes grow wide, blinking a few times she tried to absorb what he was asking. Taking another moment, "You are the King now, so everything you do needs to be for the betterment of your country, but with that being said, if you are to consider opening your borders, you must know that governments will consider you a threat."

Seeing his face, she knew that he was leaning towards not opening it, "Perhaps, though as the shock wore off, like the rest of the world you could integrate. I think though, if you do consider this, it needs to be done in stages, speaking with all the Elders as well as the Jabari council."

T'Challa knew that she was right, "And what if the Elders do not want to do this, but I feel it is right?" While he wasn't sure about it, he trusted Nikia and his sister to always just tell him what they were thinking.

Shrugging, "As the King, it is your choice, you can't be like Baba or any other King before you, this is your path." Turning her eyes towards the mountains, knowing that in a week she would be back, "T'Challa, you always must consider your nation first, not any other countries, that is your job. But, as someone that lives here because Baba adopted me, there are things here that I was able to experience that gave me an advantage, but because I wasn't born of Wakanda, I couldn't see the rest of the world either."

Leaning on his knees, "What do you mean?" he asked her.

Sighing, "Come one brother, have you not realized that I was never allowed to leave Wakanda? Everyone scared of the world finding out who raised me." Aiyana found him watching her, giving him a small smile.

T'Challa let his memory take him back to every moment he could remember of them leaving the country, and each time, Aiyana was left behind for some reason or another. "You can go, I will allow you to go."

Chuckling a bit, "Thank you brother, but that is not necessary, it took me a long time, but I found my home within Wakanda." Smirking up, "Just happened to be up a mountain."

Standing up, T'Challa pulled her into a deep hug, "If that is what you want to make yourself happy, I will gladly let you go. However, if you feel you are settling, and you want to see the world, M'Baku or the Jabari be damned, I will allow you to explore the world."

Aiyana gripped his shoulders, "I love you brother, but I am happy. M'Baku sees me in a way that is more than just attraction, he listens to me. I know that is such a rare gift, I would be a fool to squander that." Kissing his cheek, "Now, go away, you have a country to run, and I need to pack some of my things."

Laughing as she pushed him out the door, T'Challa found himself leaning against her door, "I am King, you shouldn't push me." He teased.

Looking over at Ayo, smiling as she smirked, "Well, then you can have one of the Dora Milaje come after me, but until then, out." Kissing his cheek, "And I love you."

"I love you too." Looking over at Ayo, "Shall we go find Shuri?" he asked her. Smirking a bit when she heard Aiyana say something about needing an escort.

M'Kathu looked around his home, his eyes settling on each one the Tribe Elders, none of them looked concerned about today's events. It was why he requested them here, so that they could discuss a way to convince the King to put a stop to it.

Taking a seat at the head of the table, he locked eyes with all of them, each one of them looking to him wondering why they were here. "We can not allow that girl to marry into the Jabari, let alone the Chief." It was just too dangerous to let an outsider have that much power.

Emuni rolled her eyes, M'Kathu was always worried about her place within Wakanda, but after years of observing her grow into a wonderful young lady, she regretted giving into the prejudices all those years ago. "What does it matter who she marries, if that is what the Jabari or any other Tribes wanted, who are you to say it's wrong?"

Snapping his eyes towards the woman, "Wasn't it you that told the late King and his Queen that her blood would make the tribes weak?" Frowning that she was now back peddling on her opinions.

"M'Kathu, I told them what the families have said, not what I believe. It was our job to speak for our people." Glancing around the table, "The Merchant Tribe does not have an issue with union, she could be the bridge between the Jabari and the rest of Wakanda."

Waving his hand, practically dismissing her, she was a woman, her sentiment was affecting her in her old age. Locking eyes with Issach, "Please, tell me that you and the River Tribe see the problem with this union!"

"I wish I could say this to you, but the families that even spoke of it are grateful that they no longer have to worry about a forced marriage." As he looked around the table, he could see Emuni's frown and Rasha's indifference. Looking up, M'Kathu's anger was starting to come through. "Explain to me, why you are so against such a union?"

Perhaps if he his concerns were valid, he could get behind it, but if it was not, he would let the girl be.

M'Kathu couldn't believe that he was having to explain himself to the man, but at least he was asking questions, so that meant he could be swayed. "Do you not see?" Keeping his eyes on his, "If she got upset with our Tribes for not allowing her to marry, she could unleash their army!"

Standing abruptly, "No outsider should ever be allowed a position of power, hell it was a mistake to allow her to be considered a member of the royal family, we should have stopped it then!" That was his biggest regret, not pushing harder when T'Chaka first brought that girl home.

Hissing, Rasha looked over at the men, M'Kathu was in fear and Issach was looking contemplative, it was ludicrous. "You have lost your mind!" Standing up, "That girl has done nothing to warrant your distrust, in fact, it was her that spend hours teaching your children their own histories, because your shaman did not remember!"

"The Mining Tribe does not have an issue with this union," looking at Isaach, "And before you jump on board with this man's craziness, you should remember that Aiyana was the one that saved your granddaughter when she got too close to the rhinos, when his own Border Tribe members scattered during their stampede."

Glancing down at Emuni, seeing her smile was enough for her, "I am going home, M'Kathu, if you want to speak to the King about it, then by all means, no one will stop you, but it would be a grave mistake." With a final goodbye, she made her way home no longer wanting to deal with such idiocy.

Emuni stood up, "I stand in agreement with the Mining Elder, you are starting a fire when there is not even smoke."

M'Kathu watched as the two women left, only Isaach stayed, "Please, tell me you see the dangers here?" Hoping that he wasn't alone in such thoughts.

Moving to stand, "I can almost understand your fear, but time and time again she has proven herself to not only the royal family, but the rest of Wakanda." Giving his friend a sad look, "I wish I could say I would join you in such a conversation, but in this instance, you are alone. Goodnight, old friend."

He couldn't believe that he was the only one that saw the potential danger of this, but if he was the only one that saw the potential danger, he would be the one to bring it up to the King and the Queen Mother. In the past Queen Ramonda was able to see the light, so perhaps if he could get her on board, she would whisper in her son's ear.

In the morning, he would get with W'Kabi with him being T'Challa's best friend and the husband of General Okoye, he was sure he would be able to get him on board. As head of Security of the Border Tribe, W'Kabi would do almost anything to prevent any danger to his home and his family. Sighing, that would be something he would deal with in the morning, for now he needed rest.

Klaue looked over at Erik, smirking at the young man and his girlfriend, they had this cute Bonnie and Clyde vibe going. He hoped to continue working with the young man, he was brutal, smart, and had a good head on his shoulders, perhaps after they made this deal in Busan in a few days, he would offer him a job.

However, for now he needed to focus on the buyer he was meeting, "Are you set up incase this goes wrong?" Knowing that for the last 30 years, that the Wakandans were always on the hunt for him.

Smirking at the man, knowing that in less than a few days, he would kill this man, drag his fucking body to the borders of Wakanda, and challenge his cousin. "Yeah, we are ready." Glancing over at Linda, she was a great bitch, all she wanted to do was please him, but she would one of the many that would die when revealed his plans.

Ever since he ran up to his home, finding his pop's chest clawed, he knew that he would eventually make his way to Wakanda and take his place. His uncle killed his dad, for what, selling a little vibranium? They were so removed from the struggles of blacks throughout the world, hidden in their perfect fucking bubble.

When he was King, he would bring the world to its knees, because it was time for Wakanda to step out of the shadows. Leaning back, tossing his arm around Linda, for now he would play a dutiful boyfriend, a loyal partner, and whatever else he needed to do.

Smiling as the man held the vibranium tool that they stole from the museum, his contacts already spreading the word that Klaue was going to be in South Korea, the only way this would work was to have them indebted to him for bringing his body, that was the only way he wasn't getting shot as he entered their city.

Klaue could see the excitement rolling off the young man, this was his first big deal, but with the skill he brought to the table, he was going to be in demand from now on. "Get some rest, we have a busy few days." Giving them a last look, he made his way to his secured room, while he respected the young man, he didn't trust him.

Closing his eyes, Erik resisted the urge to snap her neck as she snuggled into his chest, soon enough he would be rid of her and sitting on the throne, that's all he had to keep in mind. Just a few more days.