Chapter 3: Birthday proposals.

Shuri was dead to the world, her dreams filled with warm embraces and the smell of seawater. however, she was rudely awakened when an offkey chorus of happy birthday emerged in her room.

Jumping up, she was faced with Eric, T'challa and Nakia. The three of them were singing and for some reason both Eric and T'challa were in their underwear.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday! Haaappy birthday!" they sang.

Shuri laughed so hard she had tears in her eyes. Her family knew how much she loved certain American traditions and hearing happy birthday was one of them.

"Alright enough you three. Eric, T'challa go get some clothes on right this minute." Her mother commanded from her doorway.

Her family gave her tight hugs and quicky ran out of the room.

Her mother, however, walked in the room and sat on her bed.

"Happy 19th birthday my precious girl. I am so proud of you and what you've become. Your father would be proud as well."

Shuri blushed at her mothers praise. It had become rare these days. After her conversation with her lover last night, she realized the many things she failed to understand. While Shuri's own emotions were important, she neglected to realize that everyone in her family had been affected by her fathers death. Her mother, her poor mother losing the love of her life and then finding out he had kept secrets. Then there was her brother. He had so much thrown upon him all at once. And she couldn't imagine the guilt that ate at him, not being able to save their father and he had been right there next to him. Finally, there was eric, left alone to grow up without his father and yet submitted himself to the vision of a better world by joining the very family that killed his father. This realization made her want to be better.

"Thank you, mother. I …I am proud to be called your daughter. I ...know I haven't been myself for a quite a while but… I promise I am getting better."

Her mothers eyes filled with unshed tears.

"intombazana yakho" ( my daughter) her mother said as she held Shuri's face in her hands. "You are a precious jewel in my crown, and you make me proud…"

Shuri could only smile.

"Now, I understand your fondness of American tradition. So, we are having a family breakfast, birthday cake and then tonight we turn to the traditional celebrations."

"And…" Shuri urged her mother.

Her mother rolled her eyes playfully.

"And you are allowed to wear a dress of your choosing…without the royal dressmakers interference."

"Yes!" Shuri cheered.

As soon as she was dressed, she and her mother made their way to the dining hall where T'challa, eric, Nakia, Toussaint and to her surprise storm were waiting for them.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" they shouted.

Shuri smiled and yawned as she sat at the table.

"Thank you everyone, and good morning." She greeted me as she sat next to storm.

The latter looked up in surprise as Shuri took her hand and gave it a little squeeze.

"I am sorry. I should have allowed you to say your peace." She began as the servants served them various breakfast foods.

Storm squeezed her hand back saying "I left you; I left my family without a word; you have every right to be upset. But when your brother called me and said you just hadn't been yourself, I just had to come check on you."

Shuri took a deep breath and stood, this time addressing her loved ones at the table.

"I would like to say something. For a while…I have been incredibly…sad and angry. I have been carrying a weight that wasn't mine to carry in the first place. I have been very sadden and angry by our fathers death."

She stopped to hold back her tears. She was sick of tears.

"But most of all "she continued. "I was angry at the questions I would never get an answer to. Why my father decided to do what he did, I'll never know. And why I wasn't able to protect him I will never know. That's something I will have to accept but one thing I know to be true is that he loved me. He loved his family and he loved Wakanda. Last night after Toussaint's ceremony, I went to visit an old friend."

Of course, Shuri didn't miss the disapproving looks from her brother and cousin, but she needed to finish this.

"I was reminded that there are something's we cannot change and something's we will never have an answer to but…holding on to the grief and the anger won't get me anywhere either. I made the decision last night to finally burn my funeral garments."

Her mother gasped.

"Shuri…"

Shuri shook her head.

"I wasn't ready to let go mother. Father was everything to us. What I am trying to say is…please don't worry about me. I'm taking it one day at a time. I am sorry for causing you all so much worry. I didn't consider that you all were struggling alongside me."

As soon as she sat down, her brother stood up.

"We are a family. Our father is proud of us. both of our fathers are proud of us." he said as she directed his words to eric and then her.

"We lean on each other, Shuri. We cannot survive on an island alone. But together we can overcome."

Shuri nodded.

"Alright enough of the sadness. Today is my birthday!" she cheered.

…

T'challa point of view:

T'challa watched his sister closely as she danced with sergeant Barnes. The rejuvenation on his face was unbelievable. He knew it was because of Shuri and his kingdoms technology. Barnes had been extremely grateful and swore his loyalty to Wakanda.

They were once again in the royal ballroom. The room filled with their allies and loved ones. Tonight, they celebrated his sisters nineteenth birthday. She wasn't too fond of the celebration but appeased him and the council anyway. He just wanted to show her she was appreciated and loved.

After a few more dances, agent ross cut in between them, Shuri laughed as he stepped on her toes and turned red at not being a good dancer.

Shuri didn't care however and stood on his toes to help him out. She wore an emerald, green dress. The top was made of various gold beads while the bottom pooled to her ankles. There was a slit on the side of her dress that showed her thigh. On her arms and the thigh that was exposed where gold bands.

It was definitely not their traditional dress but because it was her birthday, she was allowed to wear what she wanted.

T'challa sighed. His littler sister was truly a women now. For some reason that bothered him.

"My king? What troubles you?" Eric asked as he stood next to him. Over time, T'challa trust in Eric grew. He became more of a brother to him then a cousin and one of his most trusted advisors.

"it's Shuri…why didn't I see it before? Her grief I mean? I feel responsible. I thought calling Ororo would help but I fear it only made her angrier."

Eric shook his head as they observed the young women.

"don't put that burden on your shoulders. We all knew she was upset, and something was bothering her, but she wouldn't open up and we couldn't force her. be glad she was willing to open up to us today. I think that shows tremendous growth. However, what does bother me and how easy it was for her to slip out of the palace? She could have gotten hurt. Don't get me wrong I trust in Shuri's abilities to defend herself but it's a little reckless leaving without your guard."

T'challa nodded his head in agreement.

"I should dance with her next." He said as he stood.

"I got second." Eric proclaimed.

The music had slowed down, and Shuri had turned around to smile at him.

He smiled back and waved away the son of a noblemen who wanted to approach her. It was customary for all the single noble men in the kingdom to dance with the princess and if one found her favor, she would directly bring him to the king. However, T'challa winched at this thought.

His sister was way too young to be thinking about marriage, she had much to accomplish, and she had so much potential. She would take Wakanda to new heights. She was their future.

Just as he made his way to her, music he had never heard began to play. It had a Latin American sound to it.

Shuri turned from him and looked around the room. confusion etched her face. However, as the music progressed, a figure made itself known outside of the crowd.

T'challa watched as Shuri froze. Her eyes locked unto their mystery guest. It was a man; he wore a suit that matched Shuri's dress exactly. An emerald, green suit with gold armbands. He wore an emerald mask that covered his face except for his eyes.

"I love it when you call me senorita…" the music played.

As the man approached Shuri, his body seeming to flow with the music. His hips gyrating in a way that made T'challa see red.

However, Shuri wasn't disgusted. Instead, she began to dance with him in the same fashion.

Whatever dance they were doing, it held an energy.

Sexual energy.

"N'Jadaka!" T'challa roared over the loud music.

"My king?"

"Who. Is. that?" he questioned angerly.

"I…I have no idea. Everyone here has been checked in by me and Okoye."

"Find out who that person is. Now."

It was then his mother came rushing toward him.

"T'challa! who is this man? How dare he prostrate himself in such a disrespectful fashion."

"I don't know mother, but I will find out."

…

Shuri held her breath when the music suddenly changed, he was making his way towards her.

A thousand questions ran through her mind. She had intended to dance with her brother but out of know where, her lover showed up.

How did he get here? Are those shoes on his feet!? Oh goodness he looks so handsome...

"in ki'ichpanil..." (My beauty) he whispered into her ear.

Shuri felt her body tingle as they began to dance to the song. Ch'ah was leading her through this dance.

A dance of love and passion. Their hips swaying to the beat.

Just as fast as the song came on, the song switched to a much slower beat. A slow song, a song that had her wrapped in his arms.

Right now, it didn't matter where she was or who was in the room. All that mattered was the two of them.

"My… love… my love, is one in a million. too good for thousands. My love…" He sang gently in her ear.

Shuri could only bury her face in his neck as they slowly danced to the song.

"What are you doing here? Not that im not happy to see you it's just..."

Ch'ah shook his head at her questions.

"Just enjoy this moment my love. Sometimes words aren't needed just actions."

Shuri felt herself relaxing in his arms.

…

Nakia held watched her sister and she knew.

Whoever this mysterious man was, he had Shuri's heart and it seemed she had his.

She could tell by the way Shuri looked at him.

Was this possibly the "friend" she had went to visit last night?

Either way, watching these two was like watching herself with T'challa.

Shuri was in love.

…

As soon as the song was over, shuri guided her lover to the balcony. However, the Dora milaje stopped them.

"The king wishes speaks with our unknown guest." Okoye commanded as she pointed her spear at Ch'ah.

Shuri, however, sneered and stood to her full height.

"Stand down. That is an order. I invited this guest. Do not embarrass our kingdom. Now move."

They were at a standstill.

"I am sorry princess; the king has given us orders."

Shuri growled and turned around. Standing in the doorway of the ballroom was her brother. She gave him an angry look and then turned back to Okoye.

"Move. If your king has a problem, he can seek me out. now go back and tell him what I said."

Okoye sighed and said "stand down. Ayo, go report to the king." She ordered the guard.

With that said, shuri and her lover went onto the balcony and quickly shut the drapes to prevent people from spying.

"Wow…this is…beautiful... my mother told me of a place like this. This place is amazing. The air is pristine, and the water... its pure, a protected land with people who never have to leave, who never have to change who they were. It's breathtaking. You…mi amore are breathtaking." He told her as they looked over the balcony.

The particular balcony they were standing over led into the royal gardens. The gardens held the most beautiful and sought after plants in Wakanda. Some were used for herbs, for medicines, to make perfume and different dyes. But shuri often came here just for solitude.

"Your such a flirt." Shuri joked as she playfully shoved him.

Ch'ah looked at her with a bewildered expression but then smiled.

"I am a man of my word, mi amore."

"Im learning that. Seeing you here, it's so unexpected and yet… it's the best gift I could have gotten today. How in the world did you know it was my birthday?" she asked him.

"You mentioned it in a passing last night during our conversation. You said you were not looking forward to the birthday ceremonies. I wanted to change that."

"Is that why you gave me this dress! I wondered why you handed me this yesterday!" shuri exclaimed as she looked at her dress.

"Do you like it? I had it made just for you."

"Like it! I love it! your brilliant… and let's talk about you! What are you doing in a suit!? Is your skin, ok? and your wearing shoes!"

Ch'ah laughed at her excitement as she examined his suit and skin.

"it's specially made and yes, my skin is ok, the suit has a moisture balance on the inside. And I must admit I hate shoes. It's very uncomfortable but seeing you made it worth it."

Shuri looked away bashfully.

Ch'ah curled a finger under her chin and brought her face up to look at his.

"These past three months. They have been the best months of my whole entire existence. I have never felt such…joy and peace when I am with you. I have a birthday present for you if you will accept?" he questioned.

"Depends on what it is." She joked.

Ch'ah smiled.

"Tonight, when the palace has finally gone to sleep. I want you to meet me on the beach just on the edge of the forest. Its five miles away from the palace. Come meet me when the moon is high. Can you do that for me mia amore?"

"of course. Sneaking out to see you is what I live for." Shuri laughed.

"Well then I think it's time for me to depart, or else your king will think I've had my way with you."

Shuri blushed at the thought. Flashbacks of her dreams reminding her how his hands touched her.

"So, I'll see you later?" she questioned trying to move away from the tingling she felt go up her spine.

"When the moon is high in ki'ichpanil" he reminded her. He then leaned down and kissed her, right on the cheek.

"When the moon is high."

And then he jumped off the balcony, disappearing into the night.

Shuri stood there, the feeling of his lips still on her cheek.

"Princess?" Okoye called as she appeared around the curtain.

"Yes?"

"The king and queen request your presence. Apparently, it's time for the gift presentation."

Shuri smiled as she looked out into the night sky. No amount of gifts could compare to what Ch'ah had given her.

The gift of love.

…

Shuri did her best to hold back her excitement, but she couldn't help it. The moon was high! And it felt like forever.

Her party had ended very late in the evening. With their guests finally going back to their own homes.

The x-men asked if she would come to America soon and teach a few lesson for their students. Shuri said she would look at her schedule and contact storm when she was ready. However, that wasn't the only offer. The avengers wanted her help with some things and so did the guardians.

It was a little overwhelming, but the most overwhelming thing was the confrontation with her family. Mainly her brother.

Flashback:

As soon as their guests ship flew off, shuri turned to her family. Her eyes staring accusingly at her brother.

"Brother." She called as she strode toward him. "You embarrassed me!"

"Me? What about you! and that man! He was all over you!"

"And so, what if he was T'challa! I am nineteen years old! Am I not allowed to have fun!?" she questioned him.

Her brother sighed and looked away.

"You are right, I got a little carried away, but he showed up here undetected. Do you not understand how that worries me? worries the guards? No one knew who he was."

"that's because I let him in brother. I knew who he was. He's a friend."

"If he was a friend, why did you not introduce him to us?" her mother questioned.

Shuri sighed and threw her hands in the air.

"Because for one night I didn't want to be princess shuri. I just wanted to celebrate my birthday with my friends and family without worrying about my royal duties. And maybe I would have introduced him if someone hadn't sent the Dora to surround us as if I was being held hostage."

Her brother at least had the gall to look ashamed.

"I would like to talk to shuri alone, please." He told her mother.

Her mother looked between the two and nodded.

Once her mother was gone, her brothers face softened.

"I worry about you sometimes. Going public does have its consequences. I sometimes worry about your safety. Seeing you with your friend and the way you two danced. It made me realize that you are not a little girl anymore. That scares me."

Shuri's shoulders dropped when she listened to her brothers admittance. His reaction all made sense now. His little sister was growing up before his eyes and it scared him. They had always been close. But the older she got, the less he probably thought she needed him.

"Oh brother. No, matter how old I get I will always be your little sister and I will always need you. besides whom else am I going to test my designs on?"

Her brother laughed as the siblings headed back to the palace.

"Promise me you will come to me if something is wrong. Please shuri, do not allow your pride to stop you from getting help."

"I promise brother."

End flashback.

She was quick to put those thoughts behind her as she crept through the forest. She knew this forest like the back of her hand, and it had been easy to sneak out the palace since she overrode the security system and avoided the royal guard.

She sighed in relief when she made to the beach and just as he promised her love stood on the sand his back away from her.

"Mi amore." She called him.

Her love turned around, now wearing his regular outfit of tight shorts and piercings.

"My beauty" he greeted as she rushed into his arms. "Are you ready for your gift?"

"of course. What is it?" she asked?

"I would like to show you, my kingdom. Would you like to see Talokon?"

Shuri gasped.

"Yes! a thousand times yes! I would love to see your kingdom, but how will i get there?" she questioned.

"I have a way. Take my hand mia amore."

Shuri's eyebrows raised in curiosity but took his hand.

It was then she felt herself lifted from the ground, Ch'ah had his arms around her as they flew.

"Princess shuri do you trust me?" he asked her.

"I trust you King Ch'ah Toh Almehen." She answered in confidence.

"And I trust you, but be careful princess, my trust is not given so easily, and I do not take kindly to betrayal."

"I would never dream of betraying you, my king." Shuri confirmed.

"Good, now I must ask you, will you allow me to kiss you."

Shuri was stunned for a moment but nodded nervously.

Without hesitation, he captured her lips in his and as they kissed, Ch'ah submerged them in the water.

She had no idea how, but he managed to get them all the way down to the depths of the ocean, without her losing consciousness or air. She was so wrapped up in him, she hadn't realized he was bringing them up to a hard surface.

The two broke apart and shuri began to take deep breaths.

"How did you do that?"

"I simply helped you hold your breath mia amore." He chuckled.

Shuri didn't respond because she was too busy looking around the cave. It was lit by bioluminescent light; it was all around them. And on the rocks was what looked like a giant hut made of clay.

"Come my beauty. Are you ready to see my kingdom?" he questioned "I will bring you back to my personal quarters as soon as we are done."

"I would love that but how will i breath underwater? Do you have a suit?"

"We do have suits, but they are so huge and wouldn't give you the full effects. I had something made especially for you. "He answered as he went into the hut and came back out with something like a mask that fit around the mask. It was transparent with gold around the edges.

"My guards wear these when they have to leave the water. It is filled with seawater, so they can breathe, however I had an idea. What if I changed it to supply air. Please try it on."

Shuri did so and the masks suctioned on to her face.

"Good. Are you ready?" he questioned?

Shuri nodded.

It was then Ch'ah put his arms around her, and they jumped back into the water, this time, they were going with what seemed like a strong current. The water moved so fast it was hard to see but then suddenly they were out of the current and shuri was looking at an underwater city.

"Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed. All around her were fish and coral reefs. All kinds of colors shining brightly but what caught her attention the most were the people. They all stopped when they noticed their king, giving him the customary greeting. Then they would look at her with curiosity. Some pointed at her and some shyly approached her.

One young lady who looked to be about thirteen swam up to them, a look of nervousness and curiosity on her face.

She said something to Ch'ah and then directed her attention to shuri.

"She has a gift for you. Her name is Itzel."

Shuri gave the customary salute and greeted the young girl.

"Hola Itzel."

Ch'ah turned to her in surprise at how fluent she was speaking his language. shuri smiled back, she didn't know a lot but she made sure to research a few phrases.

Itzel smiled and put something in Shuri's hands.

Shuri gasped it was vibranium starfish.

Before she knew it, she and Ch'ah were swarmed with the citizens of Talokon. All of them wanted to touch her and talk to her in some form. Shuri was overwhelmed.

Just as they were about to leave, an older women with long white hair swam to them.

The older women reached over and grabbed Shuri's hands.

"In Reina, teech ts'o'ok in pa'tik ichil tanto k'iin" the elder women said and then kissed Shuri's hands.

"What did she say?" she asked Ch'ah. He smiled a small blush on his face.

"She said my queen have waited for you for so long."

"Queen? Why in the world would she say that?" shuri questioned.

He sighed as he waved the rest of the citizens away. "Her name is Abarrane. She is the oldest women in Talokon. She never thought she would live to see the day a surface dweller would come to our kingdom. Come, let's go back to my chambers."

They swam back to his cave where shuri realized just how wet she was. She was soaked from head to toe. She should have worn a wet suit.

"Darn it." she mumbled as she squeezed some of the water from her shirt.

"Do not fret mia amore. I have plenty of clothes for you or of you prefer you could just be naked."

Shuri squeaked.

"Ch'ah!"

He laughed, taking her hand, and helping her out of her wet shoes and mask.

"Really it is alright, I have plenty of clothes made just for you." he told her as he guided her into the massive clay hut.

"You know for a king; you live very modestly."

Ch'ah chuckled and said, "you underestimate me dear; you haven't seen the inside."

Shuri was confused about his words until he pushed open the gold door.

Inside was a narrow hallway. The walls were painted clay red. Decorating the walls were beautiful pieces of art that looked to be hundreds of years old.

"The Elders from my mother's village painted these pictures before they died of smallpox. It reminds me of who we used to be."

They then walked through another set of gold double doors. This next room almost resembled a place for one to sit and relax. or a place where a family might spend time together.

"This room…... I haven't used it. I always walk past it." he mentioned as he looked around.

"Why?"

Her lover sighed and led her to what looked like a couch, but it was a different style. It was turquoise and long, big enough to fit both people. It almost reminded her of an American lounge chair.

"In Mesoamerican culture the center of the house…is for the family. That's where conversations took place, games, and laughter. However, in my 500 years of living I have not had a family. No wife, no children. My mother was gone, and I never knew my father. of course, I had Namora, but she has always seen me as her king. I was content with that for a long time. I had my kingdom and my people. I did not need anything more. However, one day at my mother's grave I found these strange flowers. I had never seen them before, but I knew they were not native to Yucatan. I started to visit my mother a lot more to see if I could find who was leaving the flowers, but it was to no avail. And then …. I found you. I found you crying. crying for your father, crying for my mother. I was moved by your empathy and your grief. The grief that I could relate to. And then over these past few months, I have laughed more than I have in years. Shuri, you make me happy. You are intelligent and caring, but you are also strong. I love you with everything that I have, will you do me the honor of becoming my Queen. Will you be Talokan's queen?"

Shuri was speechless. So speechless she had to stand and pace around the room for a minute.

She had only known this man, this mutant for three months! Three months! And she was only nineteen! He wanted her to be queen. Would she even make a good queen?

She stopped her pacing. Looking at Ch'ah she could see the sincerity in his eyes. He had shown her his kingdom. He's seen her at her worst. He put himself in a suit just for her. but most of all, she loved him. She knew she did.

"…I …would be honored to be your Queen..." she told him softly.

Ch'ah eyes lit with an emotion she had never seen before. She didn't get a chance to blink before he swept her in his arms and was kissing her passionately.

"I have something for you." he told her when they pulled apart for air.

"Another gift?" she joked.

"a very important gift. "He said seriously as he carried her to another room. This room had a giant bed that was brown and gold. Sheer white sheets hung from the bed almost obscuring ones view. And then on the other side of the room was a turquoise and orange hammock.

"You have a hammock?" she asked.

"Yes. I normally sleep in it. but I had the bed brought here when I met you. but we are diverging from the purpose of us being in this room."

He sat her down on the bed which was insanely soft. Softer then her own. He then turned around with his back facing her. It seemed he was digging for something.

Turning around, in his hand was a bracelet and his other hand hanging over his arm was a white and turquoise dress.

"This bracelet belonged to my mother. I have not looked at it until today. I want you to have it."

Shuri allowed him to put it on her wrist, touching it gingerly.

"Here is a dress, I made this one personally. In the back of our room, we have a hot spring. You can bathe there and warm up if you like. Take your time mia amore. I'll be waiting."