Gilded Prison Ch. 8

Erik watched her as she walked through the palace, the Dora Milaje warrior that he saw the night before outside the throne room was right at her side. His eyes watching her as she moved, her long white hair swaying with every step she took, it wasn't something that should have turned him on, but it did. Gripping the banister, he could hear it creaking under his fingertips, the noise was enough to distract him, at least for the moment.

It was starting to piss him off, he's been almost everywhere in the fucking world, fucked easily over 60 women, but she captivated him in ways that he couldn't explain. Smirking as he watched as she knelt to give one of the children of the palace a hug. Perhaps that was what it was, her kindness, in his life he has met many people from the super elite to people living in poverty, and in all his travels she was easily the most genuine person he's met.

Licking his lips, Erik knew that in less than 24 hours she would be his and soon lying under him as he drove his cock into her. Just the thought of her wrapping her legs around his waist, her screaming out his name sent his heart racing. Perhaps though, after he's fucked her a few times, what was entrancing him about her would go away.

Hearing someone call him, he tore his eyes away from her, finding the Border Tribe leader saluting him. "Is everything ready?" he asked the man.

Nodding to him, "Almost," looking at the time, "in a few hours, our first fleet of ships will be ready to go." W'Kabi said. He was a little excited about it all, the world was finally going to know what true power was, and Wakanda was going to be feared.

"Good." Raking his eyes over the man, Erik could see his excitement, "You're not like the rest of them," he said, "the others won't say no out of fear, but you seem on board, why's that?" he asked him.

W'Kabi blinked a little surprised that the King was able to see that about him. Keeping his eyes lowered, "We are arguably the greatest nation in this world, we have peace, education, and are far more advanced. Why should we hide?"

Smirking at the man, Erik only nodded, "Interesting." Hearing Aiyana laugh, his eyes couldn't help but turn to see what made her so happy. Finding her laughing with one of the River Tribe men was enough to send him into a rage. Exhaling slowly, Erik could see W'Kabi out of the corner of his eye, watching him.

Looking down over the balcony, W'Kabi could see that she was talking with Hagos, he liked the man, and he was sure if he didn't stop Erik now, he would kill him. "I do not know what about her you want so much, but I can say this, Hagos is not a threat, he's happily married with three children."

Without taking his eyes off her, Erik felt himself relax a bit, but it was his words that annoyed him. "What none of you seem to get, she is more versed in your country than even your Elders. Aiyana is an untapped source of Wakandan knowledge." Seeing him stiffen, chuckling at his discomfort, "Does that bother you?" he asked him, hoping that he would say yes.

W'Kabi shook his head, "No, your highness, it does not." He said through clenched teeth. So, the little bitch was right, he wouldn't allow anything to hurt her. While it annoyed him, he knew that his infatuation with her would fade, and then, he'd kill her.

"That's good, she's your future Queen." Turning his head, he could see her sitting with the man, her face almost relaxed, jealous that some fisherman could do that, and yet she seemed so tense around him. Jumping off the balcony, Erik landed in a crouch, the sounds of the people gasping amused him.

Coming to a full stand, it was her blue eyes that he saw first, pleased to see amusement in her eyes. So, she wasn't completely immune to him, good, he needed her loyalty, but he knew the sooner she was pregnant the faster he would get that from her. Making his way over towards her, perhaps spending a bit more time with her before they got married would make this process easier.

Aiyana smirked at Hagos showing her pictures of his children, laughing at the image of his youngest son. "I can't believe how big they have gotten." Seeing him smile, "And are you planning on more?" she asked him.

Shaking his head, "I think that me and Sade are done, we love our children, but I also want to more time with my wife." Hagos loved his family, but it was a lot being a father and husband. Glancing up, he could see the King talking to W'Kabi, whatever they were speaking about seemed, intense.

Smiling over at him, "I could only imagine." She said.

Hagos rolled his eyes, "Princess, do not fear, your husband will give you many children." He knew that the King has claimed her, but if that man thought for a moment that M'Baku was going to let some interloper take his intended, then the man was an idiot.

Sharing a look at him, Aiyana could see that he was not speaking about Erik, with a small nod, "At least two." Sighing, the image of her future was the only thing that was keeping her calm, but if they did not arrive in time before her wedding, Aiyana was planning on driving a knife through his heart.

Hearing a bunch of gasps, her eyes turned, searching for the source of the commotion, finding Erik standing after he jumped off the balcony. It was always surprising how the heart-shaped herb gave the person who ingested it such gifts, it was unfortunate that someone so unworthy was in possession of such a gift.

Biting her cheek as he sauntered over to her, Aiyana gave Hagos a small smile and stood, seeing him stand in front of her, Aiyana bowed almost frowning as he chuckled.

Erik placed his hand under her chin, "Morning, beautiful." His eyes locking into her baby blue ones.

"Good morning your highness." Doing what she could to sound pleased to see him.

Crowding her space, Erik slammed his lips onto hers, desperate for this obsession with her to pass, but as his tongue stroked hers all it did was make him want more. Pulling back, his head came to rest on hers, "Take me somewhere within the city that you love." Perhaps learning about her interests outside of the library would kill his interests, because he couldn't afford to care about anything other than his kids.

Smiling up at him as best she could, "Are you sure? It's not anything exciting." Hoping to dissuade him, but that would have been too much to ask.

Rubbing his thumb against her bottom lip, "Show me, I want to know you." Sliding his hand into hers, linking their fingers, he could see the surprise on her face. "Let's go baby, show me."

Aiyana looked down at their hands then back up to his eyes, her mind screaming at him for being too familiar with her. Giving him a small nod, Aiyana led him out and towards the river, but as she left the palace, her eyes found Okoye and Nasi watching, but nodding to her.

M'Baku looked down at T'Challa slightly amused as he just stared at his family, he currently was in an argument with his mother about coming to the city. Glancing over at his sister, she could see her annoyance, smirking when she pushed herself off the wall.

Zaba stared at the four of them, "Enough of this argument," her eyes locking on the Queen, "I can understand your desire to come, but honestly, if your son is going to be more concerned about your wellbeing than he will die, again." Seeing her discomfort, "I'm sorry, but it's not just your city we are trying to liberate but save my future sister."

Moving to stand in front of her mother, Shuri glared at her, "She is my sister too!"

T'Challa placed his hand on her shoulder, "Shuri, relax." Nodding to Zaba, "I could only imagine what all this has put them through, please excuse her." Turning his eyes to his mama, "She's right though, I can't afford any distractions." Hanging his head, "I lost to him without powers, he'll be stronger with them, I need to be able to focus. Please mama, stay with the Jabari."

Ramonda hissed, hating to be left behind, but saving her daughter was far more important to her than the desire for vengeance. Pulling her son into a hug, "Save your sister," kissing his cheek, turning to M'Baku, "I would be lying if I wasn't a bit worried about this union, but I'm glad to admit I was wrong."

Nodding to her, M'Baku didn't inherently want or need her approval, Aiyana was his to love, but it helped knowing that her family wasn't going to try to talk her out of it. Exhaling slowly, his eyes found T'Challa watching him, "Are you ready?"

Rolling his neck, "As much as I will be." Turning to Nikia and Shuri, "Regardless of what happens to me, promise me, you will find Aiyana, and get her to the Jabari."

Nikia exhaled slowly but she nodded, glancing over to Shuri, smiling a bit when she nodded as well. "We will find her and bring her home." Turning to M'Baku, "Stay alive, because she would really upset if something happened to you." Giving him a small smile.

M'Baku looked down at her, chuckling a bit at her statement, "I would never do anything to upset her so." Turning towards T'Challa, "We need to go now if we are to make it before the sunsets in the valley."

Kissing his mama's cheek, he glanced at the army that assembled behind M'Baku, nodding to them, he turned towards M'Baku waiting for him to lead his people.

Holding his hands to silence his people, M'Baku stepped up to make sure that each one of his warriors was ready for war. "It is time to march towards the city, the petulant king dare thinks he can keep my chosen." Smiling when he heard their war cries, "We are going to take back the city, and bring home my wife. ARE YOU WITH ME!?" His voice carried through the halls.

Ramonda shivered as the sound of their grunts filled her ears, whatever else M'Baku and the Jabari were, they were a terrifying army that she was grateful at least for now, they were on the same side. Her eyes following them as they left the Great Hall, feeling someone move next to her, she found his sister standing beside her.

"You are not marching?" she asked her.

Zaba shook her head, "No, since my brother is leading his army, someone needs to stay behind to make sure that the rest of the Tribe is stable while he is gone." Indicating for her to follow, "Come, perhaps you can regale our people with stories, strengthen the bridge that Aiyana started when she first came."

Nodding towards her, Ramonda followed closely behind her, excited about meeting more of the people and getting to know the people that her daughter was going to be marrying into. "I would be honored." Finding her seat, Ramonda smiled at each of the people that Zaba introduced her to, each one more curious than the last.

Aiyana watched from the windows as Erik had them loading the jets, flinching as each box filled with vibranium weapons were being brought on board. She could feel a tear sliding down her cheek, as much as she wanted to be saved from her marriage to this man, she would rather someone anyone come now and stop what was about to happen. Leaning her head on the tempered glass, her eyes found him walking with W'Kabi, "Bastard." She hissed out.

"That he is princess, that he is." Nasi said as she stood next to her at the window. It was hard for her not to feel bad for Okoye, if he survived this assault, he would either be killed or exiled, and if she couldn't do the deed herself, she could lose her position as General.

Without taking her eyes off Erik, hissing at the sight of him, "Have you told any of them?" She asked, a little worried that if not the General would have the Dora Milaje attack.

Nasi frowned, "No." Seeing them load up some of the weapons, "If I said something, the General would have been forced to arrest me, this way, I have faith in Bast that she will do what is right."

Aiyana could only nod, but as she went to open her mouth, the sound of a jet crashing focused her attention. Letting her eyes search for the downed plane, scared that someone was hurt or worse killed. However, after a moment, she could see her brother stepping onto the wreckage, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Nasi, we need to get down there, now!" Turning on her heels, Aiyana bolted to the door, but came to a sudden stop when Shuri and Nikia walked in. "Took you long enough." She quipped.

Shuri shook her head, tossing her some armor, "Ungrateful." Smiling a bit as she watched her quickly strip down and put on the armor, unable to stop the smile that came across her face, she was dressed in Golden Tribe armor.

Snapping everything into place, Aiyana pulled Shuri into a hug, "I love you." Kissing her cheek, she turned to Nikia, "Thank you for protecting them."

Bowing her head, "My pleasure." Glancing around to the three women in the room, "For Wakanda."

"FOR WAKANDA!" With that the women left the observatory and made their way down to the impending fight, Aiyana however was focused on W'Kabi, he betrayed his country, his friend, and more importantly his wife and to her that was for more heinous.

Walking with the King, W'Kabi couldn't help but be excited, "Everything is on schedule." He said, keeping in step with the man.

Erik just smiled, "Have the spies been alerted?" Wanting to make sure that they were all in place as he setup his coordinated attacks across the world.

Sighing, "Yes, but there is some resistance to our new mission." Glancing over, "But the War Dogs in New York and Hong Kong are standing by."

Shaking his head, it wasn't the news he wanted, but it wasn't going to hinder his plans too much, "We'll strike there first, the others will come around." Picking up a spear, "Look at this, a handheld sonic cannon powerful enough to stop a tank, untraceable by metal detectors and we got thousands of them." Holding it for a moment longer, placing it back in the box, smirking as his people loaded into the ship.

Seeing Okoye frown, Erik couldn't help but look at her, "The world is about to find out exactly who we are." Enjoying her discomfort. Turning away, his eyes found her husband smiling, it was strange how they were on completely opposite sides, but it didn't matter what she felt, she would do her job, or he would kill her.

Hearing an explosion, Erik looked up to see one of his ships falling from the sky, his eyes following it as it crashed into the ground. Running down the platform to get a better look, his eyes saw an object moving in the flames, hissing at the sight of someone in the Black Panther suit. But as the helmet receded, a small part of him felt a bit of fear, how could he have survived that fall?

W'Kabi inhaled deeply, he couldn't be alive, he watched him fall over the falls and into the river. "It cannot be." He whispered.

Smiling wide Okoye could almost cry at the sight of the true King, "He lives."

T'Challa made his way towards his cousin, his body tense with the coming battle, it was now or never.

"N'JADKA! I NEVER YIELDED," extending his arms wide, "AND AS YOU CAN SEE, I AM NOT DEAD!"

Tilting his head back, Erik couldn't help but laugh, "All that challenge shit is over with! I'M THE KING NOW!"

Pushing past one of the Border Tribe guards, Aiyana inhaled some air before she spoke. "Until one of you yields or is dead, the challenge must resume."

Turning his head, Erik found her watching him, "You're lying."

Her eyes never leaving his face, "No, I am not. I can sight the scrolls that it was written on." Stepping forward, pointing to her brother, "One of you has to yield or die to be the rightful King, if not, the power goes to the Elder Council, and they elect the King."

"I'm the KING NOW," turning around, "GET THOSE PLANES IN THE AIR, CARRY OUT THIS MISSION!"

Seeing the planes taking off, T'Challa knew that Shuri and Ross were on the way to her lab, hopefully they could stop the planes from leaving Wakanda. Relief filled him when he heard her confirm that they were on their way.

"W'Kabi kill this clown!" He hissed out, there was no way he was ready to meet the man on the field again.

Okoye gasped, "W'Kabi, the challenge is not complete." Hoping that he would see reason.

Staring at Erik then his wife, for a moment he was torn about what he needed to do, but his loyalty to his King overshadowed his love and his former friend. Hearing uncertainty within the ranks, each one of them wondering what they were going to do. Wife or not, there was no way he would let some little bitch tell him about the country he was born in.

"BORDER TRIBE! ATTACK!"

Feeling her heart break, how could he just disregard their culture for a man that knew nothing of what it meant to be of Wakanda. Turning towards the man that was part of her husband's downfall, "YOU! Your heart is full of hatred, you are not fit to be King." Banging her staff on the platform, pleased to hear the rest of the Dora Milaje ready themselves for the fight.

Gripping his swords, he let the nanotech of the suit cover his body, "COME ON!"

Hoping that a few of her warriors would be able to subdue the boy, "Ayo, to the KING!"

Aiyana was torn, but seeing the Dora Milaje rush towards her brother, she knew that was where she needed to be. Grabbing her sword, she bolted down the ramp, right on the heels of women.

Erik watched as his fiancé threw herself into the fight with the Dora Milaje, realization hit him that she was going to protect her brother above everything else. Hearing the General yell, he turned his attention back from her retreating form only to be met with her pleased face. After this was done, he was going to find Aiyana, and take what belonged to him, she would be his no matter what she wanted.

Flipping one of the men on his back that was about to hit her brother, Aiyana brought her foot down on his face, knocking him out. Turning her attention, she could see that T'Challa just kicked W'Kabi across the field, smirking at the sight of his embarrassment, but that amusement was short lived. Watching him climb up onto the rocks, he grabbed the rhino horn and sent out the call for them to come charging in.

"T'CHALLA MOVE!" she screamed, pointing towards the rhinos rushing through the fighting. Jumping out of the way, Aiyana found her brother getting stomped by a few dozen of the men. Fighting her way over to him but found W'Kabi's second in command standing in front of her.

"Cumar." Hissing out his name, as she brought up her sword. As far as she was concerned the Border Tribe were nothing but traders to their country.

Swallowing some spit, "Princess, please lay down your weapon." Hoping that she wouldn't cause him to fight her.

"You drop yours or are you a traitor to your country and people?" she snapped. Without giving him a chance to respond, she swung high bringing her sword down on his, using her foot she kicked out his knee, wrapping her hand around his neck bringing his face to her knee.

Spinning around at the sound of her brother screaming out Shuri's name, her eyes found Erik about to drive his sword through her heart. Grabbing the spear that Cumar dropped, Aiyana picked it up and threw it for all she was worth, hoping that it would at least land near him to distract him long enough for her brother to get there.

Erik looked down at the woman who was crawling backwards away from him, "Hey Princess, are you ready to join your father?" he taunted.

Sticking out her chin, "No matter what, you will never be a true King, just a common thug." Shuri knew that if she was going to die, it would be with dignity.

Anger filled him, it was like she could see his insecurities, "Fuck you." Lifting the sword above his head ready to drive it through her face, but as he brought it down, a spear landed just at his feet. Turning his head, he found Aiyana staring at him, anger filling her eyes. That was the last thing he saw as he felt someone collide into his body and send them tumbling over the edge into the mines.

"BROTHER!" Shuri watched in horror as T'Challa tumbled down the shaft. While she was scared for him, she knew that the nanotech that the suit was made of would survive the fall. Shaking her head clear, stood up and made her way to an injured Nikia.

"Are you alright?" Flinching at the sight of the claw marks on her thigh.

Hissing as Shuri applied some pressure on the wound, "I'm fine, are you?"

Nodding, "Yes," taking a deep breath, slowly standing, "Let's go." Picking up her weapons, Nikia turned towards the fighting and darted towards Aiyana as she fought off two men.

Backhanding one of them, Nikia brought her blades up towards the second sending him flying back. "Princess."

Aiyana could feel Nikia's back against hers, grateful that both she and Shuri were thus far OK. "Nikia." Glancing around, she found the rest of the Dora Milaje along with Shuri being herded into a circle. Fear took over, as much as she was willing to fight, the shields that the Border Tribe made that almost impossible. "Shit."

W'Kabi found her standing with the Dora Milaje, knowing that her being here was a betrayal to his King, this was the moment he was waiting for, because there was no way he would allow her to be more than his whore after this. Seeing his wife in the mix, as much as he wanted to kill them, he would give her a chance to surrender.

"If you lower your weapons now, all will be forgiven, if not, we will kill you." Locking eyes with her, "Surrender my love."

Okoye stared into the eyes of the man she once loved more than her own life, feeling tears fill her eyes, but as she went to tell him he'd have to kill her, the sounds of the Gorilla Chants filled her ears.

Aiyana could feel her eyes going wide, hearing them calling out for her, but it was his voice that brought tears to her eyes. Finding him lifting a Border Tribe member off the ground with one hand, she could feel her heart pounding at the sight of him, smiling when he stood high and proud on the rock, but it was the moment they locked eyes did she feel any sort of relief.

M'Baku found her eyes staring up at him, relief filled him seeing her stand there with the other warriors. His eyes locking towards the men who dared raise their hand to his beloved, "WITNESS THE MIGHT OF THE JABARI, FIRSTHAND!" his voice carrying over the field.

Tossing the boy into the shields of his brothers, smiling when the first wave of his warriors broke through the lines, "FOR HANUMAN!" Jumping down, M'Baku swung his knobkierrie breaking the jaw of the men that were in his way. Forcing his way through the masses, doing everything he could to get to his beloved.

Aiyana grabbed the wrist of the man that was swinging his sword at her face, using the momentum that she had to break his wrist. Sweeping his ankle, she brought her foot down on his nose, pleased to hear the crunch. Wiping her face from the sweat that was dripping down her forehead, Aiyana turned as she felt a hand on her shoulder, ready to hit whoever was touching her. Turning on her heels, she found M'Baku staring down at her.

"You came." She breathed out.

Pulling her into his arms, M'Baku felt at peace for the first time in over a week. "I will always come for you." Rubbing his thumb against her face, enjoying how it felt on his skin, but the moment was short lived, seeing someone make a move towards her, he pulled her behind him, bringing his weapon across the man's chest smirking as he sent the man flying back.

Aiyana gripped his waist as he batted the next man away, seeing someone come up behind him, Aiyana spartan kicked him back. Picking up one of the spears, she swung it up and cracked the skull of the next man that came towards her.

M'Baku watched as his wife fought off skilled warriors, she was faster and far fiercer than he could have guessed. Smirking at the sight of her, from the moment she removed her scarf in his throne room he knew that she was to be his, but now seeing her in battle proved that she was more than just his wife but a true member of the Jabari.

W'Kabi watched as the bitch and the Jabari leader fought together, anger filled him, the King wanted her, the Jabari wanted her, and for the life of him he didn't understand what about her caused them to want her. However, seeing the Jabari leader decimate his men, he knew that if he killed him and returned Aiyana to Erik, he would be rewarded.

Kicking the sides of his rhino, guiding him towards the leader, because no matter how strong he was, no one was stronger than his rhino.

M'Baku sent a man flying towards the ground, his eyes quickly searching for his love, smiling as he watched her break another man's arm. Seeing movement out of the corner of his eye, M'Baku turned his body to see a rhino and his rider charger towards him. Bracing himself for the impact, praying to Hanuman to allow him to survive this, if only to tell Aiyana that he loved her.

Aiyana wrapped her legs around the man's neck, using her weight to flip him over, she brought her elbow down on his temple effectively knocking him out. Her eyes looking for M'Baku wanting to make sure that he was still standing. However, her eyes found W'Kabi rushing towards him with his rhino.

Scrambling to her feet, she ran as hard and as fast as her legs could carry her, knowing that she would do what she could to protect the man that brought his army for her. Coming to a sliding stop directly in front of him, Aiyana's eyes never leaving W'Kabi's. Tilting her head, as Shujaa slide to a stop in front of her, smiling a bit as he licked her cheek.

W'Kabi stared at her, hating her even more than before, trying to kick his beast but the animal refused to harm her. "What have you done to Shujaa?" he yelled at her as he jumped off.

Aiyana kept her eyes on him not trusting him for a moment but feeling M'Baku placing a hand on her shoulder put her at ease. Pointing her spear at his neck, "Drop your weapon, or I will kill you." She said through clenched teeth.

M'Baku held his weapon at the ready, his eyes never leaving the man's, he could see the hate burning in them.

Okoye's could see that W'Kabi was about to fight the Princess and M'Baku was standing behind her ready to crush his skull if he so much as moved towards her. Moving to her side she pointed her spear at his face, "DROP YOUR WEAPON!" she yelled out.

W'Kabi stared at her he could see her heart was breaking. "Would you kill me, my love?" he asked her, hoping that the answer would be no.

Blinking away a tear, Okoye pushed her spear to his throat, "For Wakanda," pausing to control her voice, "Without question."

Realization hit him like a freight train, she loved him dearly, but she would do what she had to for her King and country. But as he looked into her eyes that told him all he needed to know, in her eyes he betrayed Wakanda. Seeing the disappointment in her eyes, his eyes could see not only the Dora Milaje, but the Jabari fighting his men, doing what they could to protect Wakanda.

His eyes found the Princess standing shoulder to shoulder with his wife, he knew that if she didn't kill him, Aiyana would. He loved her deeply and he knew that her lack of action would cause her to not only lose her position as General but perhaps even caused her to be exiled. He did not want that for her, while he had failed her recently as her husband, this was what he could do to save her.

Dropping his sword at his side, W'Kabi dropped to his knees, his eyes never leaving his wife's, but it was the sound of the other Border Tribe warriors doing the same that told him that the fighting between them was finally over. "I'm sorry, my love."

Okoye nodded to him, there was nothing left to say, glancing to her left, she could see the Princess take a step back. "Aiyana, what would you have me do?"

Being pulled back against M'Baku's chest, her eyes taking in the scene around her, everyone looking towards her for what happens next, even Shuri, was looking at her for direction. Looking up, she found him smiling down at her, and in that same moment he hoisted her onto his shoulder so that she could speak to the Tribes.

"T'Challa is the one true King," her eyes sweeping the crowd, finding 99% of them nodding in agreement, "Erik has turned Wakanda in on itself, bringing war to the world because he felt that my father killed his." Hearing the whispers, "N'Jobu sold vibranium to Ulysses Klaue giving him one of the secret ways into this city. And when my father went to confront him, he turned his weapon on Zuri, that is why he was killed, betrayal of his people."

Glaring down at W'Kabi, seeing him tense at her words, "Hatred filled your hearts, now only my brother can pardon you." Finding the Dora Milaje watching her, "Bring them to the palace, to await judgement."

M'Baku lowered her down off his shoulders as the Border Tribe members were being escorted off the field by the Dora Milaje. Gripping her waist, his head coming to rest on hers, "I love you too."

Aiyana felt a tear slide down her face, wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned forward, her lips landing on his, almost crying as his tongue entered her mouth. Groaning as she tasted him, pine and sandalwood, her legs tightened around his waist wanting to get as close to him as she could.

M'Baku gripped her ass, desperate to feel her skin under his fingertips, but that would have to wait until she was safely in Gorilla City. Pulling back, smirking as she whimpered, "I've missed you dearly." Holding her tightly against his chest.

"Take me home, please." She begged him, desperate to be back on the mountain.

Carefully placing her feet on the ground, M'Baku kept his hand on the back of her neck, "After we find your brother, then I swear on my life, we will march up that mountain."

Shuri watched as her sister held onto M'Baku, it was clear to anyone with eyes, that they cared deeply for each other. Sighing, she was going to miss her sister dearly, but she couldn't stop them from being together, and nor would she want to. However, the moment was broken, she could hear her brother calling for Aiyana in the coms, it seemed like Erik was dying and wanted to speak with her a final time.

Glancing towards her, Shuri could see Aiyana staring back, but with a nod, she watched Aiyana run up towards the hills, M'Baku following closely behind her.

Erik watched as she slowly made her way towards him, blood, sweat, and dirt covered her beautiful face. "Hey Princess." He coughed out.

Relief filled her, knowing that her brother was the rightful King and that this man was no longer able to do harm to the world. Looking at her brother, indicating that it was all right, she knelt next to him, taking her brother's place in holding him. Watching him stand and make his way over to M'Baku Aiyana looked down at the dying man.

"Hello, Erik."

Everything hurt, gripping her hands wanting to at least have an anchor to this world before he died, grateful that she was willing to say goodbye to him. Seeing a giant man standing next to his cousin, "That your Jabari?"

Nodding, "It is." Moving some of his hair out of his face, "I'm sorry that I lied to you, but I didn't want to die."

Coughing up a little blood, he couldn't help but laugh a bit, "I was kind of a dick, so, I get it." Feeling his body getting colder, he looked into her eyes, "If things were different, do you think you could have cared?"

Aiyana didn't really think so, but what would the truth do but upset someone in their last moments. "Perhaps, if things were different."

Closing his eyes, Erik's last thought before his world went black was the road not taken.

Looking down, Aiyana could see that he was gone, gently closing his eyes, "May you find peace in the Ancestral plane, and bring wisdom to Wakanda." Looking over her shoulder, she found M'Baku smiling down at her and her brother standing proud. "No one deserves to die with sadness in their hearts."

T'Challa always knew that she was going to be a great leader, even with everything that he put her through, she gave him peace before he died. Looking up towards M'Baku, "Love her, always."

Without taking his eyes off his beloved, he just nodded, "With my very last breath."