Chapter 8: come see my world.

Shuri was quiet as she silently guided her husband into the Avengers compound. They were able to go to her room without any fuss.

As soon as she closed her door, Ch'ah was examining her body. His eyes darkened when he found bruises on her neck.

"They will heal."

"You were hurt!" Ch'ah argued.

"Yes, I was. I went to use the bathroom and a man cornered me. he was supposed to be a friend...but...I was wrong..."

Ch'ah sneered at her before he finally scooped her up and held her to his chest.

This time, Shuri allowed herself to cry and snot because right now, all she needed was her husband and he needed her.

"I hate the surface world. Men are supposed to protect women. Not harm them. I trust you with all my heart but when we are not gathered, I become concerned. And this is the reason. The thought of another man with his hands on you... harming you. This could have turned out worse. I could have lost you." Ch'ah admitted to her as he buried his face in her hair.

"But you didn't." Shuri tried to reassure him through her tears.

"But I could have Shuri! I could have!" Ch'ah whispered angrily.

"What would you have me do!" Shuri argued quietly.

"I don't know! live with me in Talokon! Never leave my side!" Ch'ah pleaded. "Mia amore, the thought of losing you sends me into a panic. You have no idea what it's like to live for so long and watch everyone die around you! your my blessing from God Shuri. I can't lose you!"

"And you won't Ch'ah! But you can't keep me wrapped in bubble wrap either. im not a delicate flower who can't protect herself."

"I never said you couldn't protect yourself. And im not trying to keep you locked up but what if more than one man had gone into that bathroom with you? what if he had violated you? Shuri you're covered in bruises. I can see his handprints on your beautiful skin. Mia Amore this can't happen again. not unnecessarily. It's one thing if you battle but-"

Shuri pulled away from her husband.

"If you're going to tell me that I need a bodyguard, I will not hear of it. I already have the Dora down my throat every second of every day. I can't do this right now, im going to shower." she said angrily.

Ch'ah stood there in frustration as he heard the shower turn on.

Why couldn't she see this from his perspective? Any man who was stronger than her could overtake her! It didn't matter how many weapons she had.

He sighed and sat on the bed. Eleuia's words rang in his ears. He needed to be patient with her. he couldn't just barge in and demand things of her. No matter how scared he was, they were partners. They discussed things together.

When Shuri came out of the bathroom she was soaking wet and wearing just a towel. Her gills were open, and her skin was practically glowing. Namor swallowed.

Two thoughts crossed his mind. One, they really needed to talk and two, he really wanted to rip that towel off of her.

"Come here Mia amore." He beckoned.

Shuri walked towards him and stood between his legs. So close and yet out of reach.

"Don't be mad me at mia amore. I ...apologize. Seeing you with bruises... and knowing you've been through a troublesome ordeal. It just scared me, the thought of losing you. of you being hurt..."

"I am sorry as well. I know you always have my best interest. I know you're just trying to keep me safe, but I don't want to be seen as some weak princess. Especially by you! I want you to be able to trust me and trust that I won't get too hurt when I have to leave your side."

"My beautiful queen, our kingdom kneels at your feet. I trust you with my life. It's others I don't trust. You could never be weak in my eyes. you're the strongest woman I know. I just want you to be safe, that's all. Do you think you could visit our kingdom more often? You king and your subjects get lonely without you."

Shuri smiled at her husband.

"I think I can make an exception. On one condition." She teased as she let her towel fall to the floor.

Namor took in her body. There was a bruise on her arm and a bruise on her neck but other than that she was unharmed. Physically anyway.

"And what would that condition be?" Namor asked as he licked his lips.

"Will you make love to your queen and then hold her afterward?"

Namor stood as he picked Shuri up and wrapped her legs around his waist.

"It would be my pleasure."

...

Namor groaned as someone knocked on their door.

"Princess? Breakfast is ready, the Avengers are awaiting your presence, they wish to take us on a tour."

Shuri groaned next to him and sat up.

"I'll be out in fifteen minutes!"

"Are you sure? The king says we can cancel if you are not feeling up to it."

"No! that's not necessary! Just give me fifteen minutes and I'll be ready!"

As soon as the footsteps receded, Shuri turned to her husband.

"Good morning." She greeted with a hand over her mouth.

"Good morning mia amore. Why are you covering your mouth?" Ch'ah asked as he sat up. He wasn't used to sleeping in. He was normally up before anyone else in his kingdom.

"Morning breath."

Namor laughed as he removed her hand and kissed her anyway.

"Silly queen, nothing could keep me away from you. not even your morning breath. Now, I believe we should be getting dressed. However, there is an issue of clothing?"

Shuri sat up as well as she thought about it.

"Hmmm, you're a bit bigger than T'challa. Why don't you get a quick shower, use some mouth wash and I'll be back with fresh clothes. actually, I'll get dressed while you get showered."

Once Shuri was cleaned up and dressed, she was quick to run out of the room and find Captain America.

"Captain Rogers?" she called as she entered the dining room. Everyone was already sitting down at the table eating. There was an open spot just for her, however, she didn't sit down.

"Princess Shuri. Good morning. I heard about last night. Are you alright?"

"Um yes, I am fine. I have a question for you."

"what's up?"

"This is going to sound strange, but can I borrow a set of clothes from you? like a shirt, pants, shoes, and a baseball cap?"

"Ahhh, I don't see why not but why?"

"I'll explain soon."

Ten minutes later, the Avengers and their guest were talking amongst themselves when Princess Shuri re-entered. She was not alone.

"Good morning, everyone. This is my friend Nick. He'll be joining us today."