#attuma x talokanil!princess!reader

[nellycanwrite]

A Request

Part 1 of the “The Request” Series  ||  Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader

Summary: As the daughter of the feathered serpent god, you had always felt the pressure of living up to your father’s name. But you never had to worry; Attuma was always there to quell your fears and follow your will to the ends of the earth.

Or, in which Attuma swears his undying loyalty and love for you, even if it meant being as shameless as to declare his love to a princess when he was but a mere warrior.  

Rating: 16+

Word Count: 10.9K

Warnings: None. Just pure fluffy goodness. If you include a slightly overprotective Dad!Namor then yes, he’s the warning. Maybe a little bit of childhood friends to lovers. A whole lot of Princess x Warrior. 

Note: It is worthy to note that I have not included any deep Yucatec Maya phrases (besides the terms of endearment) despite the Talokanil speaking in their native tongue as respect to their language. Therefore their mother tongue shall be labeled with italics.

Part 1  ||  Part 2 ||  Part 3

K'uk'ulkan had never felt as much loss as he had the day he had lost your mother. Yet there lay bittersweet joy; for the heir to the throne of Talokan had breathed their first breath and let out a cry so strong it beckoned the creatures of the deep sea to their bidding.

You were born a wee thing; weak and fragile as the old shells that littered the floors of the sea. Yet you held strong in the arms of your father as he witnessed his wife lifelessly lay in their shared chambers. The handmaidens and wet nurses all wept and mourned at the loss of their queen, the ocean swayed with the waves of its people's grief. You cried with your father's subjects as if you had understood the passing of Talokan's queen mother, but K'uk'ulkan never shed a tear, no. 

 He was a king to his people. He was the protector of his nation. A God was he revered by both land and sea.

 He was your father.

 And he dared not to weep in front of the children he held so dear—for even in the heartache of his loss does he remember the weight of his divine majesty and countenance to his people.

 “The queen of Talokan has passed,” K'uk'ulkan swallowed the lump that formed on his throat as he bit back bitter tears. Tears that he will never show his people in a sign of great weakness, “yet she would not have wished for us to mourn in sadness. She brought us a gift that none could ever compare. She would have wished for us to celebrate in her absence for the birth of our child—Talokan's first heir.”

 The you who had been presented with a crown and a scepter of your kingdom's rule since your birth inherited your father's features; the ears that pointed to the heavens as a sign of the divine blood that flowed through your veins, the golden skin that the sun had seemed to kiss in great exhalation to your birth, and the wings of heaven bestowed upon your ankles.

 You were undoubtedly his child. The heir to K’uk’ulkan’s great nation. 

 You were loved by both land and sea, perhaps a gift from your late grandmother's love for the surface, for when you visit the land and take gulps of air do you stay breathing and when you step into the rocks of your father's study do you remain kissed by the sun. You did not change into the color of the sea like the maids that have cared for you, instead, you remained the same color as your own father when he sits idly on dry land. 

 At the tender age of seven did you realize the weight of the name of your father. You aspired to become like him, to fly like him, to lead the people like he did in childish wonder. He showed you the land that your ancestors once owned, the burial sight of your late grandmother, Fen, and the beauty that came with your motherland.

 You yearned for the sights of the surface world, craved for the sun that illuminated the sky—not the one that your father had curated all those years ago, but the one that sits amongst the clouds of the surface—and you whispered wistful wishes to walk into the luscious green of the land that was unknown to you.

 But your father forbids you to go further than the coves of Talokan's entrance. The sole heir to the throne of your nation should be safe. Protected. You were only allowed to go up into the surface every three months, a leniency that your father had so mercifully given you, and stare at the land dwelling wildlife that would so cross your vision. 

 You were merely stuck in the watchful eyes of your guards as you gazed with great longing at the mountains so far from your reach and the forests that would call your name. 

 Despite the love that you had for the beauties of the surface world, you loved your people and your great nation of the deep sea. You loved your father and tried your best to live up to the name of K'uk'ulkan. At the age of eleven you were made aware of your duties to your people. You had made sure that those duties were fulfilled despite the protests of your elders for being so young; that the beloved princess of Talokan need not to carry on the mantle of her royal duties just yet. But you worked hard to outshine your peers to preserve the honor of your father. 

 K’uk’ulkan could not be any prouder than he is now. 

 But the pedestal that you stood on was lonely. You did not have many friends, not because your father was protective of you and had guards at your beck and call, but because you were always so nervous to converse with the other Talokanil children.

 What if they didn’t like you? What if they decided that your status as a princess would hinder their relationship with you? What if they didn’t see you as a prospect to rule them in the future when your father passes the baton of his majesty to you?

 How ironic must it be for the princess of a great nation cower before the idea of friendship to her own people.

 But that had changed when your father let you meet two Talokanil children; Namora and Attuma.

 You knew Namora as your relative—your father’s cousin, to be exact—and sometimes came and went into the palace when you studied. But you never did get the chance to talk to her. You were far too anxious to try and talk to someone whose aura was as intense as hers, even when she’s just a few years older than you.

 “They said they wanted to be your friend, in waal.” my child, he said. Both of them shifted nervously from where they stood, toy spears hidden behind their backs as they fidgeted in place. You noticed how Namora elbowed the boy Attuma on the ribs. He glared at her albeit playfully and said nothing as he behaved.

 You have always noticed the two of them from afar when you studied near your father's throne. They were always rowdy, always hitting each other with their spears clumsily. Despite this, they always laughed and took everything in a merry stride. They never ceased to amaze you.

 Even though Namora was far smaller than Attuma (or any other Talokanil child your age, really), she always won their little play-fights. Their roughhousing caused other children to stay clear of them, but you always found them fascinating. You never knew they wanted to be your friends. You have never as much as held a proper conversation with them except for a few nervous waves and panicked scrambling on your part when they caught you staring.

 “My…friends?” It was your turn to fidget nervously, your hands clasping together and your thumbs twiddling against each other whilst you looked down. You felt the water shift as your father swam towards you, his tender gaze calming you down when his figure covered you from the curious eyes of the Talokanil children.

 “That's right. They want to play with you. I'm sure you were wishing for the same, no?” He chuckled knowingly. You felt heat rise from the back of your neck and crawl up your cheeks—your father had seen you staring at them while they were playing almost everyday!

 Nervously, you nodded ever slowly. There was no lie to his claims. You truly did wish for them to become your friends.

 Attuma's patience must have run out when you were taking your time to reply to your father. You shrieked in surprise when you met the biggest grin you had seen in your life from just above you, an incisor clearly missing in the front of his mouth. K'uk'ulkan laughed and gently coaxed the boy down to your level, his hair flowing gracefully with the water as your father grabbed his ankles and lowered him in front of you. 

 “Wanna play with us?” You blinked at his straightforwardness. You glanced at your father for help, but he merely chuckled and gestured for you to answer. 

 “I—well—um…” He was too close to you that you felt like fainting from your own nerves.

 “Attuma, don't be rude,” Attuma grunted when Namora appeared by his side and delivered a firm whack to his head with a toy spear. You breathed out a centering exhale before shooting Namora a thankful look. She huffed at Attuma, “you might scare her. And you just swam over the king!”

 “I do not mind. But be more mindful next time, Attuma. You must not swim over your elders.” K'uk'ulkan chuckled endearingly at the children's antics. He already knew how rambunctious they would be whenever he passed by them play-fighting.

 Attuma nodded with a gapped-tooth grin but K'uk'ulkan doubts he would really listen to him. But that was alright—he has plenty of time to learn respect. The king of Talokan wishes for these children to be their mischievous selves a little while longer and enjoy their carefree lives as young Talokanil. 

 K'uk'ulkan notices you fidget once again when Namora turns her attention to you, just as eager to make you their new friend. You try to make out words with broken sentences, yet there was no right greeting that would come. You would deflate when Namora would hold the reins of the conversation again. You failed to introduce yourself proudly and your embarrassment made K'uk'ulkan coo—how precious could his princess be?

 He chuckles and patted Namora and Attuma on the crowns of their heads, successfully diverting their attention away from you and into his benevolent smile.

 “She's a little nervous, but she has a good heart. She also wishes to become your friend. But remember that you have to listen; it is the makings of a great warrior.”

 “A great warrior?” Namor's eyes sparkled. Attuma stared at his king with wonder similar to the spark of Namora's eyes.

 K'uk'ulkan chuckled and nodded. You chose this moment to swim to your father's side, hiding half of your body behind his own. You looked at Attuma and Namora curiously while they waited for their king's next words. 

 “A great warrior not only takes a spear and protects their people, but they listen as well. They listen to their people's cries and act upon their needs. It is also your duty to listen to your leaders—for they hold the burden of choice. Never forget that, my young warriors.”

 Your father rubbed your back soothingly and pushed you gently forward. Your heart thumped loudly in your chest as soon as you were in close proximity with the two Talokanil children. 

 “Now this is your first task your king asks of you; listen to what the princess has to say, understood?”

 They were eagerly waiting for your next words, their bodies barely holding in their excitement. You would have swam away right then and there, but you steeled your resolve and took a deep breath.

 You said your name with a stutter, but that did not deter you. Your father gave you a reassuring pat to your shoulder. It filled you with more confidence to look them straight into the eye and say;

 “I—I wish to be your friend, Namora. Attuma.”

 The children gleamed happily, the water shifting as they circled you in excitement. Attuma had it in himself to wrap his arms around you and giggle with such carefree mirth that it covered you in a sense of welcome. Of belonging. 

 “You don’t know how long we wanted to become your friend, princesa!” He exclaimed, his arms still wrapped around you firmly. His toy spear now lay discarded on the ocean floor but he didn’t seem to mind.

 Overwhelmed with the attention, you stuttered and twitched in his embrace. But you didn’t feel uncomfortable; it was a pleasant feeling to finally have a friend. But you weren’t used to physical touches just yet.

 A large hand pried you off of Attuma, your hair whipping around you as you were now brought back to your father’s side. You saw him smile cordially at the boy, albeit strained, as his eyes twitched ever so slightly.

 “Now, we have to be gentle with the princess. There shall be no sudden touches in her presence, especially with you, Attuma.”

 Attuma blinked and cocked his head to the side, but he didn’t question his king’s instructions. 

Years have passed since you have befriended the rowdy young warriors that K’uk’ulkan looked upon with great fondness. You, along with Namora and Attuma, have trained under the wing of your father in the ways of the spear much to your new friends’ joy.

 As the next heir to the throne of your nation, you always did your best to meet the expectations that came with the name of the daughter of the feathered serpent god. You would go to the fields of your farmers to oversee harvest, weave baskets with the elderly to help the storage of the new batch of produce, and join the scholars that studied vibranium so you would further verse yourself to the mineral that grew in abundance in your ocean floors. 

 They were once such a tedious task for you; something that you did out of necessity. But Namora and Attuma made it a point to follow you everywhere you go, help you with the work and doubling the yields of your effort, and they made you smile when you were far too tired after your duties. 

 Attuma had made it a habit to make you cling on his back as you swam back home. There was no reason for you to get more exhausted than you already were, he told you. And despite your initial reluctance, you found yourself falling into a habit as well.

 You found your royal duties far more enjoyable with them by your side, and you absolutely awaited the time of the day where you were relieved of your duties to go and spend your time with them. 

 “Don’t you find studying boring?”  Attuma asked you one day, his meticulous hands polishing his training spear near the drop of the deep trenches. You tilted your head as soon as you seated yourself beside him, your legs dangling on the steep edge.

 “I don’t think so…the language of the surface dwellers is fascinating. I find it enjoyable to learn.”

 “You’re better off not knowing their language,” Namora huffed as she emerged from the bottom of the trench, a small lamp containing bright vibranium sustaining you with much needed light. She held her training spear proudly by her side, freshly decorated with shells that she found down below, “you know what they did to our grandmothers and grandfathers. I don’t see why you want to learn so much about them.”

 “It is my duty, Namora. Once I take the throne I might need to talk with the surface dwellers one day,” you looked down on your lap and fiddled with the jade bracelet your father had gifted you on your fifteenth birthday—one that once belonged to your grandmother, “and I’m just preparing…just in case.”

 “We’d be dead before we let any of those surface dwellers see you, princesa,” Attuma nudged his shoulders against yours and grinned, “we’ll make sure you don’t even have to talk to them as long as we’re there to protect you.”

 “Did father tell you to say that?”

 “What? No!” You gave Attuma a squinted eye stare and hummed. He averted his eyes nervously, his hands now working on his spear with more fervor than before. You and Namora snickered at his plight. 

 “He did.” Namora confirmed your suspicions. You sighed but left it be. You knew your father was just trying to protect you, so you let him do as he pleases. Although you did not fully understand the depth of the weight of his responsibilities, you could still recognize the great sorrow that came with his hate for the surface world.

 And you had kept quiet about your longing to go up into the land; for you knew how it would pain him to know that you bore as much love for the surface as you did for the love you had for your nation. 

 Attuma cleared his throat and straightened his back, the spear he had decorated with the teeth of hammerheads now lay by his side. He stared at you with such conviction that rendered you speechless in his presence, and the light from the faux sun that your father had created casted him in a glorious light that made your breath hitch in your throat and the feathers on your ankles bristle in anticipation. 

 “I’ll do my best to train hard, princesa. I’ll become strong enough to protect Talokan—to protect you—so that you won’t even have to worry about any surface dwellers by the time you will inherit the throne.”

 You felt more heat rush from your neck and now up to your eyes, his words giving you so much joy that you could possibly even imagine.

 You had a friend far more loyal than any of your own guards from your father’s command. And if there was one thing you had learned from your duties as princess, that was the honor that came with a loyal subject.

 Your flustered surprise was eventually replaced with giggles when Namora hit Attuma on the head with the brunt side of her spear, her face contorting to one of lighthearted teasing. 

 “Do you really think you’re the only one training to be by the princess’ side? You’ll have to go through me first.”

 “Then I’ll just have to train harder to beat you, Namora,” Attuma glanced at you and gave you a grin, “I’ll be the one to stand by the princess’ side.”

 “You’ve never even beaten me once.” “There’s a first time for everything.”

 She scoffed. “In your dreams.”

 You stopped their little play-fight before it got too heated by pulling them closer to your side, your arms around their necks and laughing with such elation. You were thankful that they came into your lives and became your closest friends, and you would not ever want to see them change as you slowly aged with the sea. 

 “While the both of you train to become warriors, I’ll study even harder so I could be a queen that both of you will be proud to serve under. I don’t want your efforts to go to waste and serve a leader that’s incompetent.”

 “You don’t have to do that, princesa. We shall follow you through the ends of the earth if need be. We already know that you outshine any ruler that came before and will come after you.”

 “My father would not be too pleased if he heard you say that, Attuma.”

 “He feels the same way, don’t worry.” Namora spoke in turn for the boy. You giggled when Attuma gave you a cheeky grin. 

 The three of you laughed with glee, unspoken promises now drifting with the currents of the outskirts of the capital city of your great nation.

It’s almost been a century since you have befriended them. A century since you have made your closest friends and aides. Namora and Attuma were always stuck by your side even when there were calls from their king to gather his strongest men. They gave you counsel, they gave you peace, they gave you protection in your times of need.

 Nowadays, though, Namora has frequented your father’s side more likely than not—mostly because she was his cousin and his most exemplary warrior. Attuma was only second in skill compared to Namora, but he was still powerful in his own right.

 You wondered when would your father hail them as generals; they deserve to be given the title for their service and their wit. You, as the princess of Talokan, can vouch for their competence. 

 “Where shall we go today, princesa?” Attuma asked you, his gait slowly inching closer to your own.

 The boy you once knew had grown into a fine man. He had honed his body to withstand the greatest blows, turned himself into a living shield for your purpose and disposal. You did not want him to go into such extremities, but he always insisted. He even went as far as to hunt hammerhead sharks on his own and nearly killed himself in the process. The bites of hostiles were lodged firmly into his stomach, and the scars that littered his skin became trophies of his successful exploits. 

 You cried and cried beside him as you told him how stupid he was, how foolish he was to do everything in your name. How could he throw himself into danger just to train himself for your sake? It did not make sense to you, and you reckon that you will never understand the mind of a great warrior like Attuma. 

 Despite this, he comforted you and held you close to him; told you that he would welcome any sort of pain just so he could protect you from harm's way. You cried again and punched him in his abdomen—you were sure to tell your healers that you would be the one to patch up your reckless guard as an apology. 

 You felt his warmth from the water that surrounded you as it shifted when he tucked a strand of hair behind your pointed ears. You smiled.

 “You can call me by my name, Attuma. You know that.”

 “How dare I ever utter your name so casually?” He asked you almost incredulously. You sighed.

 “We have been friends for over a century. You can be comfortable with me,” you turned to him with a pout, “please?”

 “Is that an order?” He asked you, a trace of amusement from his quirked lip. You huffed and crossed your arms.

 “You know I don't like giving orders, Attuma.”

 “Then I shall continue calling you by your title, princesa.”

 “And what if I ask you this as a request?” You swam closer to him, your pout breaking out into a knowing grin.

 Attuma stayed silent, his head turned to avoid your piercing gaze. He felt heat from the back of his neck at your proximity, but he didn't dare move away from you.  

 You huffed.

 “You're no fun.” 

 Attuma resisted the urge to chuckle. You looked at him in the corner of your eyes and smiled; you knew he couldn't resist it when you tried to make him laugh.

 “And what of your errands today?” He asked you, covering his mouth with the back of his hand. You blinked and swam towards him, pling his large bicep into the direction of your father's study.

 “We've wasted much time, Attuma. Now come, we are going to the surface.” He nodded in affirmation and led you towards the entrance of the underwater cave systems your father introduced you to as a child. It was one of your favorite places, but your duties called you to the deeper parts of the sea to tend to your people.

 As soon as you ascended, you saw the figure of your father dressed in his cloak as he painted murals upon the walls. Beside him was Namora, her mask on her face and her pallor now blue for being in land. You regarded your father with a bow, gestured him with the sign of your people’s respect, and slowly ascended into his study. 

 “Father.” you called out to him. He paused from his painting and smiled at you, his eyes filling with so much love that it was unlike the name the surface dwellers cursed him to be. 

 “In princesa,” my princess, he greeted you, reaching out to wipe the saltwater away from your eyes, “what brings you here?”

 “It is the time of the year to visit the surface, father. I was just here to let you know before I went.” His face steeled much like the other months across the century you had told him. But it was not in a place of anger—it was in a place of worry for your well-being.

 “I trust you to remember all that I have taught you. Return as soon as possible, understood?” You nodded and grabbed his hands, squeezing them tight in assurance.

 “You do not have to worry. You have taught me well. And Attuma will be with me while I am out, so I shall be safe in his hands.” 

 K’uk’ulkan glanced behind you, now regarding Attuma with a nod of acknowledgement as he placed his mask on his face. Attuma bowed his head in respect and tightened the hold on his spear. The king’s brows furrowed.

 “If you bring Namora with you—”

 “Father,”  you cut him off, “I will be alright. I will not do anything to endanger myself nor Attuma. I will merely visit the borders of the reef, is all. I’m sure our warriors have already scouted the area before they were called back.”

 “In waal…”

 “We always go through this every three months. I do not doubt your worries, but place your trust in me and the warrior I have chosen.”

 Attuma straightened his back a tad bit, his chest rising in pride. He met eyes with Namora and grinned behind his mask. Namora simply replied with a silent roll of her eyes. 

 K’uk’ulkan swallowed a lump on his throat and sighed. He knew you were right. He trusted you enough that you would be safe, especially when someone as skilled as Attuma were to be by your side. It was the surface that he did not trust. It took so much from him and his forefathers even before Talokan came to be. He did not want to lose you to the claws of the surface world.

 He would have volunteered to come with you, to make sure you were safe, but one look from Namora was all he needed to know that he was needed in the council in just a few moments.

 He sighed. There was no stopping you when you had your mind set on a task.

 “Stay safe.” He gently held the back of your head and ducked down to meet your forehead. You hummed and closed your eyes, squeezing his hand in assurance.

 “You sound as if I am going to war,” you joked, “I shall return safe. I promise. It is not something that I have not done before.”

 “You know your strengths, my daughter. But be wary, still. Negligence is the first sign of weakness,” he separated himself from you and turned towards the wall mounted with spears. He took one of his own and gave it to you, the vibranium of the weapon shimmering under the light of the luminescent algae. It felt balanced. Powerful. He then smiled, “and never forget your weapon.”

 You chuckled and bowed your head in respect, the spear now by your side.

 “Yes, father.”

 K’uk’ulkan turns to Attuma and beckons him forth. The warrior obeyed with no hesitance and bowed before his king. You watched as your father nodded to himself and placed a hand on Attuma’s shoulder.

 “She’s a bit of a handful, so look after her, Attuma.” You gawked at him.

 “Father!” 

 “I will do as you say, in ajawo,” my king, he said. The warrior dared to look up and showed his conviction to his king, “I will keep her safe—even when she is a handful.”

 “You did not have to agree with everything my father says!”

 Namora cleared her throat and cheekily chimed in. “K'uk'ulkan is our king. Whatever he says we agree to, princesa.”

 K’uk’ulkan ignored your huffs of protest and Namora’s silent laughter as he squinted at the man, the hand that lay on his shoulder now tightening in warning. Attuma held his ground and did not yield to his king’s hold. He knew the reason for his king’s aggression; it came from a place of protectiveness. You were his only daughter after all.

 And Attuma was a man who held a century-long love for you, something that K’uk’ulkan wasn’t particularly fond of.

 But you were too stubbornly attached to him that no scheme that K’uk’uklan thought of would separate the two of you. He was far too wrapped around your fingers to fully say no to your whims. The king’s only saving grace is the fact that you were far too oblivious to notice the affections of your own guard.

 K’uk’ulkan felt a sliver of sympathy for Attuma. Just a tad bit.

 He narrowed his eyes. “And there shall be no…detours along the way, understood? Keep the princess safe, no more than that.”

 “Yes, in ajawo.” With a final nod, K'uk'ulkan released his grip from his warrior's soldiers and bid a final farewell before being led out by Namora to the depths of Talokan. She gave Attuma a knowing glance and bowed her head before you. 

 “Be careful, princesa. The world will incur K'uk'ulkan's wrath if you return scathed.” She joked. But knowing your father, you did not doubt that he would burn the world if you would come back harmed in any way; more reasons for you to stay careful for your visit.

 You smiled. “I will be careful, Namora. Do not worry. I have Attuma with me as well.”

 She nodded and followed after her king to the water, now disappearing into your view. You faced Attuma and gave him a grin.

 “Let's go visit the surface.”

 You knew the underwater caves like the back of your hand. You weaved through the dark waters, greeting the guards hidden by the rocks. They bowed their heads and regarded you with the gesture of your people, a courtesy fit only for the daughter of their god and king.

 You smiled to yourself when Attuma swam forward when sunlight peeked through the entrance of the surface, his spear drawn and ready by his side. He looked so focused and attentive, his whole body on high alert. You giggled as you reached him and held his hand, squeezing it tightly while looking into his eyes. 

 “You are too stiff. Nothing will harm us here.” You told him. He furrowed his eyebrows and shook his head. 

 “I am your aide. It is only natural for me, in princesa.”

 “I only wish for you to be at ease, Attuma,” you tugged him to the direction of the light, the sun now making itself known to the both of you. Attuma squinted at the sudden brightness; he wasn’t used to seeing something as intense as the real sun, after all. It was his first time visiting the surface world, “you will love the sights, I promise you.”

 Attuma felt wrong to be swimming beside you like you were equals. No aide of the high blood of Talokan should even dare to swim in stride beside a warrior who bore no rank. But by your side, he felt safe and welcomed.

 He did not feel fear despite it being the first time he had ever visited the surface world. Rather, he felt it to be…intimate, in a way. You trusted him wholeheartedly, put your safety in his hands as you ventured outside the safety of your own kingdom, and shared the experience that he knew to be significant to you even if you did not tell anyone your sentiments.

 But he knew. He always knew. 

 And he would protect you in great fealty as you explore the land that you so loved, even though he knew it would anger his own king to grant your taboo affection for the surface world.

 Away from the prying eyes of the other Talokanil, he allowed himself to indulge in his selfish desires and swam closer to you; your shoulders almost touching, hands tightly intertwined, and his heart finally free of the formalities that came with being your guard.

 He let himself become a man whose soul reached out to you in longing. 

 Your heads broke through the water and were hit by the rays of the golden sun. You let Attuma adjust to the light for a few moments, his hands shielding his eyes as he tried to view the sun from between his fingers. You watched his skin slowly turn blue as the air hit his skin, and you had to smile ever so slightly as you watched him marvel at the green forests just across the beach. 

 “Your mask.” You reminded him, the hand that was intertwined with his tightening in your hold. He nodded albeit meekly, seemingly embarrassed to have forgotten to equip himself in the midst of his awe, and let go of your hand to make sure his mask was secure.

 Attuma already missed the warmth as soon as he willed himself to part from you in a respectful distance, now aware how shameless he was to have succumbed to his own desires.

 You guided him to the rocks that overlooked the beach, just by the edge of the corals that your people have grown to create a border for those who visited the surface. It was a reminder on how you were never truly free to roam the surface and discover the riches beyond your own kingdom.

 The stories your father had told you plagued your mind, but beyond the violence that your forefathers have witnessed, robbed of the land that was yours by birthright, you wanted to see for yourself the motherland that your grandmother loved. You were angry at the surface dwellers, yes. You raged at the thought of the conquistadors that tainted your ancestral home. 

 But you never did loathe the surface. You just wanted to connect to the land of your ancestors that you were stripped of. 

 You were broken from your thoughts when you heard the squelch of water on rock. You looked beside you to see Attuma in full attention, his visage that of a man in full guard. You would have laughed if you saw him so serious in the midst of such a peaceful afternoon, but you knew how much his duty to you and your king meant to him.

 Attuma stood by your side whilst you leaned back and rested your feet on the water. You patted the space beside you, but he shook his head. You pouted. 

 “Join me to rest. You are not bound by the rules of my father here,” you told him, your face cracking into a mischievous smile, “be at ease, Attuma.”

 “Is that an order?” He gave you a glance, his eyes twinkling under the sun. Only now did you appreciate his dark gaze. It was as intense as it was full of life. You giggled and patted the empty space beside you once again. 

 “A request.”

 He stared at you for a few moments, his eyes locking into yours and sending shivers down your spine. You held his gaze, the water on your skin turning cold when the breeze hit your flesh. With a huff, he put down his spear and sat next to you, his hand dangerously close to your own. 

 “If you’ll allow me.”

 In silence did you bask in the beauty of the faraway beach that should have been inherited to you by your ancestors. The lands that stretched across the plains and the jungles of vivid colors would have been yours to rule by your father’s side. It pained you to know that you cannot even set foot on those beaches.

 It was the order of your father. The order of your king.

 An order to protect you from the surface dwellers that took your grandmother from him.

 It only served to remind you that—despite the feathered ankles that promised you freedom—you were caged in this lonely corner of the earth, away from the adventures that you wanted to experience in full. 

 “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” You asked your guard, your eyes following the birds that idly preened themselves on the branches. Attuma stared at you from the corner of his eyes, his lips turning into a smile as you leaned forward in interest. 

 “Quite so.” His heart skipped a beat when your eyes twinkled in amazement, your gaze never wandering from the land. 

 “Would it be shameless of me to long for the surface?” You asked him suddenly. Attuma shook his head quickly. 

 “Never.”

 “Speak your mind. I did not ask you to indulge me and curry my favor,” you sighed and wrought your fingers together, your hand now leaving the proximity of your guard’s own, “I ask you for counsel, Attuma. You are one of the few people that I trust.”

 Attuma was silent as he mulled over your question. An aide to the heir of the throne must only listen and follow their whims. The will of their masters were the will of their followers; he dare not disobey such courtesy.

 But in the freedom of the duty that binded him to such rules by your order, he granted himself full autonomy. 

 “It might be so, in princesa,” you looked at him curiously. He held the urge to submit to you, to take back the words of his own opinion, and continued on, “you are the heir to Talokan, the nation built on the suffering of our ancestors who fled the land to hide in the sea. To long for the surface is a defiance to their dying will.”

 “But we were robbed of our ancestral lands. What if I long to get it back? To let our people walk in the motherland that we once came from? To let them see this; the beauty that they were deprived of when we were chased off our own inheritance?” “Then you should be prepared for war.” 

 He looked directly into your eyes, ones that held such young wisdom and hope. But he knew from the countless battles he fought that to reclaim the stolen land you wished to rule is to declare a fight that you were far too merciful to lead.

 “To reclaim the right that we once owned…you must be ready to shed blood; both the blood of the surface and the blood of your people. But to declare battle you must reveal our nation. Our king’s will shall not allow such a thing.”

 Attuma watched as you lowered your head, trapped in the swirl of your thoughts as you continued to deliberate the weight of his words. He flagrantly allowed himself to reach for your hand first, draw circles on the back of your hand tenderly, and scooted himself closer so his hulking gait would protect you from the prying eyes of the world. 

 You squeezed his hand with yours, your breath stuttering at your next words.

 “And what if I still desire to reclaim our land back, Attuma?” You looked up and held his gaze, your eyes now steeling itself to one of conviction.

 He smiled.

 “Then I shall shed blood for your will, in princesa.”

 You searched for any sort of hesitation in his strong features, to try and coax out any sort of loose ends of his loyalty. But you saw nothing of such sort; there only lay pure faith to your very existence, one that you recognize as unyielding. 

 You stared at him right in the eye. It was piercing, cold. One that beckoned utmost honesty from your aide. It was not a simple decision to make—even the words you have uttered this very moment would be considered blasphemous. Outright treacherous.

 “Even if it means to defy the orders of your king?”

 He did not waver as he replied.

 “You are the one that I serve. My loyalty lies with you.” He took his spear and knelt before you, his one knee digging into the rock in which you lay. He pierced his weapon down into the earth, took your hand to rest upon his cheek, and presented himself to the utmost fidelity.

 “Have you not sworn your service under the name of my father?”

 “I have sworn nothing,” he practically growled, his grip on his spear tightening, “I long for nothing more than to swear my piety to you. I am indebted to K’uk’ulkan; I revere him as my god and king. Yet I cannot stand the thought of offering my loyalties to anyone else but you.”

 You felt your heart throb against your chest, your eyes stinging with wet tears. It was a feeling foreign to you. The waves usually wipe your tears away at the bottom of the sea. But here on land, you wore your heart on your sleeve. It was an overwhelming feeling, one that urged you to cover your mouth to stifle your joyous sobs.

 In the face of the man you had grown up with, in the presence of such undying loyalty did you fail to mask your elation. Yet your head was muddled with confusion—why was he always so devoted to you? Why would he risk being cast out when your father still sits on the throne and swears his loyalties to you? Why was he so willing to defy the orders of his king for your selfish whims?

 You knew the weight of a warrior's oath. It was not something to be taken lightly. Warriors would swear upon the names of leaders who have fought countless battles, led the charge to warfare, and those who were considered gods like your father.

 You were none of those.

 You were not your father.

 “Why?” You asked him, your hands trembling against his cheek. “Compared to my father, I am nothing. Why would you swear your loyalty to me when I have nothing to give you in return? It will still be years—centuries, even—before I could inherit the throne and bear the title of queen mother. So why?”

 Silence fell between the two of you, the waves of the high afternoon playing the symphonies of its motherlands. You felt like you were suffocating despite the beauty that surrounded you while you waited for him to speak.

 Finally, Attuma slowly raised his head and kissed the palm of your hand. It brought a wave of heat from the back of your neck to your cheeks, and even the tips of your pointed ears warmed at the gesture. 

 “Will you allow me to speak out of turn?” He asked you, his voice uncharacteristically soft. You blinked back the tears that obscured your vision and nodded.

 “Speak your mind, Attuma.”

 He breathed in a stuttering breath, the hand that held yours tightening and trembling. It made you nervous; a warrior such as he, the embodiment of a shield that protects his nation, stuttered and shook in your hold. He could overpower you at any second, purge the world of your existence, but here he was, weak and vulnerable in your presence. 

 He locked eyes with you, those gorgeous oaken eyes stared deep into your very being without reservation. You found yourself feeling faint, as if you have fallen into a pleasant trap that you weren’t too keen on getting out of. 

 And with a steady voice he said;

 “I love you, in princesa. I always have since we were children. I only breathe to serve you, only live to please you. If you so asked me to burn the world and slay your enemies, then I will show you the ashes of their bones on a jaden chest. If you asked me to become your shield, then I shall parry every blade for you and protect you with my last breath. If you asked me to become your spear, then the blood of your foes shall dye the sea in red…” 

 He paused as he drew closer, the heat of his body enveloping you in a sensation of great adoration. He gripped your hand tighter, his lips lingering on your palms as he leaned further into your touch. 

 “...and if you asked me to become your beloved, then I will become the most faithful man you would ever lay your eyes upon—for your joys are my joys, and your sorrows are mine to bear.”

 You felt your throat constrict, the heat from your face now traveling down to the tips of your fingers down to the very ends of your feathered ankles. Your wings bristled and shook, your breath hitching at every breath, and you felt the sudden urge to look away from those unwavering eyes. But the gravity of his own magnetism was enough to drive you back in; to never tear your gaze away from the man that confessed his love for you.

 Though this begs the question; did you love him back?

 Attuma must have misunderstood your silence for rejection, so he slowly removed your hands from his cheeks and bowed his head in shame.

 “I have spoken out of turn. I apologize,” he held his spear tightly, but he never removed himself from his bow—a sign of his submission to you, “whether or not you accept my feelings, I will still stay by your side. I will serve under you, make my oath in the witness of K’uk’ulkan of my loyalty to you. I will ask for nothing more.”

 Your heart broke at how easily it was for him to apologize. No person should ever apologize for the feelings that they bear. It only proved how devoted the great warrior was to you; for him to present his feelings of love to you and still offer his loyalty in the face of rejection. 

 You recounted the days of your youth down to the decades worth of memories with him. How could you have been so blind to have ignored the signs of his affections? How blinded were you with your duties that you allowed yourself to turn away from the subtle declarations of his feelings for you?

 How foolish were you to actually dismiss your own feelings for him? You love Attuma. You always have.

 “Why have you not said anything in the century we have been together?” You asked him, your voice low and meek. You did not want to lose the warmth of his skin, so you gently lifted his head with both of your hands and let him meet your eyes. 

 You saw the gaze of your warrior waver.

 “My duty is to protect you. How dare I be so impertinent as to bear feelings for the daughter of my own king?”

 You shook your head and leaned in to rest your forehead against his. You heard the clatter of his vibranium spear on the rocks and into the water below. But you simply did not care at that moment. 

 “You are never impertinent, not when I bear the same love for you as you have for me.”

 You heard his breath hitch. The hands that lay dutifully to his side now flying up to your face and hold your cheeks so delicately. In the large and dependable hands of your warrior did you feel safe and loved. It was unlike the other times that he had shown you affection when you were merely just friends.

 What were you now, you wondered, now that you and him share the same feelings.

 In that moment of solace did Attuma realize his place, but he did not dare remove his hands from you. He ghosted his fingers over your pointed ears, tangled his hands with your wet hair, and held you tight like you were the most precious thing in the sea. 

 He was but a mere warrior—a shameless peasant whose hands had brazenly touched the skin of his master. 

 “I am just a warrior without a title. You cannot possibly love me as I am.”

 “But I do. I just have never realized it sooner, in yakunaj.” My love, an endearment that made Attuma’s heart flutter and weak against your hands. 

 “And when we are in the eyes of scrutiny, what then should you do?”

“It matters not, my dear warrior.” 

 “But your majesty—!”

 “Am I not the heir to the throne of Talokan? Am I not the princess whose rule is imminent in the witness of your king? Of whom I shall love is a matter of my own choice that not even the feathered serpent god could refute.”

 You drew in closer and wrapped your arms around him. He was strong and powerful, but in your arms did he surrender himself. He was not the warrior you knew him to be. In your arms, he was just a man who held a century worth of ardor.

 “I dare not disgrace you, in princesa. I have nothing in my name but the battles that I have fought as a mere soldier.”

 He removed himself from you and held you tenderly by the cheeks. You leaned against his touch, completely surrendering to the feelings that you have long since ignored since the beginning. He inched himself closer and continued to speak with great affection.

 “But if I would be so bold to ask for you to wait; wait for me to garner titles of my own, build the foundations of my exploits, and ask you again to become mine, would you be so merciful as to grant such a plea?”

 You stared at his resolve, the gaze of the man you have realized you have loved now asking you for the mercy to wait. You cupped his strong jaw and caressed his cheek with your thumb as you said;

 “I will grant you mercy, in yakunaj, only if you fulfill my wish.”

 He became alert, his body ready to grant your desires.

 “Anything, in princesa. Anything for your majesty.”

 “Then I wish for you to call me by my name, I beg you. We bear more than just pleasantries of warrior and royal.”

 He gave you a smile, one that even his mask could not hide, and leaned in to touch his forehead against yours.

 “Is that an order?”

 You smiled. 

 “A request.”

It was merely a few decades later that the great capital city of Talokan was abuzz with the whispers of a great blessing bestowed upon their royal heir. It lit the fire of pride within the citizens of the hidden nation, a pride that K’uk’ulkan wore with high regard as he descended to present himself on the forefront of his throne. 

 Their darling princess, the radiant pearl of the deep sea, was ready to assume the throne of K’uk’ulkan’s legacy. 

 As your citizens have revered your father as the god king of your people, they have revered you as the same; a deity whose hands extended to the waters to create a shield of protection, a divine being whose mercy radiates the warmth of a thousand suns, the daughter of the feathered serpent god whose wings carried you through the winds of battle through the century. Your chest bloomed with unending bliss when you realized you've lived up to the name of your father—an entity that you've molded yourself into the likeness of.

 You had held the expectations of the name of K’uk’ulkan to your very heart, and you were thrilled at the fact that your father had acknowledged your efforts in the witness of your people.

 Your kingdom cheered and praised your name as you descended into the throne room from above, the feathered headpiece similar to your father’s symbolizing your authority as heir apparent of Talokan. Your father extended his hand for you to take, and you had done so with such grace befitting of your title as radiant pearl of the sea.

 And there he had presented you with a throne of your own, just below the teeth of the monster of the deep oceans that he had slain many years ago. It was decorated with the finest of jade, vibranium, and gold with the likeness of an open shell. Compared to his throne that was decorated with the splendor of his long battles, yours was the embodiment of the abundant riches of your nation. 

 It was a symbol, perhaps, that the toil of your father’s work had borne fruit of great wealth to Talokan and passed down to the generations that would come next.

 The radiant pearl of the sea had finally assumed her reign as heir apparent after a century of her rule by the feathered serpent god’s side, and there was no one in the kingdom who would oppose to the majesty of K’uk’ulkan’s daughter—not because she had the blood of their king in her veins and the feathered ankles that proved her divine lineage—but because of her love for her people and the duties that she had so diligently carried with grace.

 K’uk’ulkan swam to your side and guided you to rest upon your new throne. It was a new feeling for you, one that could not compare to the childish wonder that you had just sitting on the lap of your father when you were still a wee babe. In the high seat of your throne did you overlook the citizens that had adored you, watched as they bowed their heads and put their hands in the likeness of a serpent’s mouth as respect to your inauguration.

 As much as you loved to see your people acknowledge you, you could not find a glimpse of your best friend and secret lover. To you, their opinions were the only ones that mattered. It would not feel as joyous as it is if they were not to witness your greatest achievements. 

 Where were they, you wondered. They promised to be here in time for your ceremony.

 “Something troubles you, in waal.” your father beside you, the feathers from his headpiece tickling the sides of your cheek. You gave him a smile, one that masked your worries, and found comfort in the hands that gripped yours reassuringly.

 “Namora and Attuma are not here,” you supplied him, your eyes scanning the crowd of your people, “I worry for them. They promised they would come.”

 K’uk’ulkan smiles and brings his hand to caress the base of your neck tenderly and rest his decorated forehead on your own. Your breath, which you didn’t realize had become labored, instantly calmed at the mere comfort of your father.

 “Quell your nerves, my daughter. They will come.” With a knowing smile, your father separated himself from you and swam up to sit in the jaws of his own throne. The people all cheered while chanting the words of praise to Talokan’s honor.

 K’uk’ulkan puts his hand up slowly and everyone falls into a hush. The air was still buzzing, the water under your command feeling the energy of everyone’s bated breaths as they awaited the words of their king.

 “We honor the place of my only child as the rightful heir of Talokan. She has proven herself worthy of such a title for a century, and the seas have blessed us with such excellence that no one could dare defy. The future of Talokan is bright.” 

 Your people cheered and hollered, yet your eyes still strain to find your best friend and lover. You tried your best not to feel upset, but you felt a painful twist on your heart.

 Where were they? It was unlike them to break their promises, especially your beloved warrior, Attuma.

 “Not only do we celebrate the coronation of my daughter’s place in my council, but we celebrate the oath of our two new generals.” your father continued, your head snapping up at the familiar silhouette of your secret lover up the grand entrance of your underwater throne room. Your heart settled and you smiled in great pride as your father presented them at last.

 “Namora and Attuma, the new grand generals of Talokan.”

 They extruded such power as they descended ever so slowly, the light of the vibranium sun creating a halo of light around their bodies. They wore new armor that suited their character; the likeness of the spines of a lionfish adorned the body of your best friend, Namora, and the skull of a hammerhead shark and the spikes of its teeth littering every crevice of Attuma’s plated armor. Both of them held their respective weapons made of vibranium, and you could only smile at how proud you were for them.

 You couldn't help but ogle at the sight of your warrior. You had kept your word and waited for him to finally gather his own accomplishments before asking for your hand. But that did not stop you from sneaking off and relishing yourselves in each other’s company. No one had ever suspected anything yet, but you gathered that your people were still under the impression that Attuma only bears one-sided love for you. 

 Oh your poor love, you didn’t mean to make him wait for so long.

 You wondered when he would finally ask for your hand, to finally make your blooming romance known to your father and your citizens. It filled you with warmth just thinking about the possibilities.

 You and Attuma locked eyes as soon as they had finished their descent, his eyes raking across your figure sat on your jeweled throne. He felt the need to kiss you right then and there, a privilege he had not yet taken across the decades of your secret romance in respect to his promise. He dared not touch you so inappropriately when you were not yet his, but he was sure to finally claim you as his own.

 You were a jewel in Attuma’s eyes. A gem fit to be heralded around in great praise to your charm. Although your beauty spoke wonders of your outward appearance, you were a strong warrior, maybe even as strong as Namora. You are wise like your father, and you cared for your kingdom in the ways that a mother would.

 You were crowned princess of Talokan, heir to the throne of K’uk’ulkan’s majesty, and the future queen mother of your nation. 

 Attuma could not even begin to describe in words such a blessing that fell into his hands so tenderly. 

 As soon as they were done taking their oath, bowed before you and K’uk’ulkan to swear their undying fidelity to your nation of Talokan, Attuma and Namora shared one look before your warrior ascended alone, careful to keep his gait below your eyes and on the feet of your throne. Your people fell into a hush, the momentary celebration ceasing to wait for Attuma’s next words.

 “In princesa,” he started, his eyes looking up to lock eyes with your father, “K’uk’ulkan. If I may speak.”

 “Attuma,” he regarded the warrior, his head held high in authority, “what do you wish to say?”

 “My fealty lies with no one but the princess,” he bowed low and presented presented his spear by the jewels that adorned your throne, “the oath I shall take is one reserved to be of service of her, and if she wills me to serve under you, K’uk’ulkan, then I shall do so with no question.”

 You waited with bated breath as your father stood from his throne and descended to stand in front of your warrior. Your heart thumped in your chest as you saw your father inch closer to him, his hand now resting on his shoulders and urging Attuma to rise. 

 “You have done a great deal for the name of my daughter, but the decision is hers to make.” K’uk’ulkan started, his voice carrying nothing but tender command. He turned towards you and beckoned you forward. You did so without question and swam beside your father.

 “Do you accept his oath, in waal?”

 There was no other answer for such a question. It was something that you had dreamed of since the beginning of your blossoming romance, the fantasy that you had always dreamed to come into fruition.

 With a smile that would outshine the stars of the night, you eagerly replied. 

 “I shall accept your oath with open arms, Attuma. My dear warrior.”

 Your people broke into joyous cheers as Attuma rose from his bow. You turned to pick the spear by the feet of your throne and presented it to him with a proud grin. He replied in kind, kissing the vibranium shaft that touched your hand as soon as he had received it. Heat traveled up your neck and into the tips of your pointed ears at the gesture, your fingers wringing together in bashful fluster.

 K’uk’ulkan smiled at the exchange, but he could not help but urge you away from the warrior and back to your throne. He could not help himself—you were far too precious to be in the presence of a man who fancied you all his life.

 The king turned to Attuma and regarded him with a nod and gesture of Talokan’s respect, the warrior replying in kind.

 “Serve her well, Attuma.”

 Before K’uk’ulkan could return to his throne, Attuma rose high and proud, brandishing his weapon only he could ever wield with such power. A show of strength, if you will, that left the people at awe at the display of his prowess.

 “My king! If I may be so bold, I have something to ask of you.” He declared, his voice loud and strong. Your brows furrowed in confusion at such a statement; what else did Attuma need when he had already pledged his service to you?

 You held the urge to giggle when your father turned with an amused chuckle of his own.

 “What is it?”

 Attuma turned towards you, the both of you locking eyes. And in that moment, he sent you an affectionate grin.

 And then realization hit you.

 He wasn’t going to—!

 “I wish for your permission to court your daughter, the princess.” Murmurs and excited gasps spread across the hall. You see Namora grinning to herself staring at Attuma, impressed. Your cheeks burned with heat, your chest pounding at how incredibly mad Attuma was for declaring something as bold as a courting during your coronation as crown heir. 

 But it was something that you absolutely loved about your warrior, no matter how insane he was to declare his desire to court you in front of the entire kingdom.

 Your father stiffened, his eyes steeled and ready to pounce at Attuma. He had to hold himself back—there was no reason for him to needlessly attack his finest warrior just because he expressed his desire to court you. He could not even dismiss such thought; the titles and the achievements of Attuma held far more worth than any man in Talokan. 

 From where it stands, and with your close relationship with the warrior, he was by far the only man worthy of your affection.

 And so, with a reluctance that held every possible threat in the world, K’uk’ulkan replied. 

 “Prove to me your worth, Attuma, for the radiant pearl of the sea does not need an incompetent suitor to court her.”

 “Father!” You hissed quietly. You felt your father’s animosity course through you in waves. You had to resist the urge to groan and sigh; he was so protective of you.

 But Attuma did not seem phased as he spoke steadily.

 “By your will, K’uk’ulkan.”

 In the eyes of your people did you swim beside your father and held his arm reassuringly. His steely gaze finally fell as he looked at you, and you allowed yourself to swim to the level of his ears and whisper, “Please be gentle with Attuma, father. I also bear feelings for him.”

 He looked at you like he was betrayed, but he was not surprised. How could you not have told him about your budding feelings for the warrior?

 Then again, he knew the throes of a woman when it came to sharing their romantic feelings, so he did not blame you for keeping it a secret from him, your own father.

 “How long have you known?”

 “A few decades,” you smiled sheepishly, “do not be so hard on the warrior that I have chosen. He means it in good faith, and he has done nothing to cross any boundaries set by your command.”

 “Are you sure?”

 “I swear it upon my name and crown, father.”

 Your father pondered on your words for a little while longer and resigned with a sigh. You pressed your forehead against your father’s and giggled.

 “Thank you for your leniency, my king.”

 You separated yourself from your father and swam forward to Attuma. He gave you a cheeky grin, one that screamed unapologetic mischief. You shook your head, amused as his antics, as you raised your hand to cup his cheek.

 “My father has given his word; prove to him that you are worthy of my hand so we will be together, my dear warrior.”

 He dared cup your hands that feathered along his strong jaw and leaned into your touch. You could feel your father’s piercing stare, but the both of you ignored it, too engrossed in your own little world in the watchful eyes of your nation.

 “Is that an order?” He asked you, his eyes boring into yours with such intensity that would have sent you immediately to your knees.

 You leaned in close until your lips met the base of his mighty headpiece, the jagged teeth of the hammerhead shark that he had slain digging firmly into the skin of his forehead. When you parted, you stared into his eyes; the eyes that held nothing but veneration to your glorious name. 

 And with a tender whisper to your beloved, you replied.

 “A request.”

Anyone up for a Part 2? >:))

Taglist: @haideehaids  @xnodamsel

[yoditopascal]

Béet

Attuma x black chubby reader smut

summary: With the alliance between Talokan and Wakanda in full swing, training and tactical drills have become a common occurrence. You were one of Shuri’s best and brightest scientists, so why were you stuck on med bay duty and why was the Talokanil Shark General coming in so often? content warnings: canon-typical violence, smut, p in v, attuma himself is a warning, cussing, begging, no real plot just literal attuma brainrot, you need a big boy, thigh riding, fingering, no use of y/n cuz I hate that shit, reader is afab, attuma being an ass, namora okoye and shuri make a cameo

The first time she saw him she was late.

Having missed her first few alarms she was late to work again for the 5th time in a row. Late nights of researching and assisting Shuri with recreating more of the heart shaped herb had finally caught up to her. The dinging of the elevator signaling that she had reached her floor had snapped her out of her thoughts and just as she stepped out onto the lab floor she had to stop herself from damn near walking straight into a huge blue mass. There on the lab floor stood Attuma, one of the generals from Talokan, the nation they had just formed a new alliance with. She had seen him in passing before, mainly when he and the other general Namor came down to run drills with Ayo and Okoye, but never this up close and personal.

God, he was kinda fine.

“Tu'ux le le general?”

He asked, his baritone voice rumbled from his chest as he gave her a once over. The scientist before him was a little thing coming up just under his shoulders but like him was by no means skinny.

She then remembered they didn’t speak the same language as everyone else did, she couldn’t understand him but the word general made it a little easier to figure out what he was there for, he probably had training again.

“Oh you looking for Ayo?”

“Máax ka'ansaje' táan u cargo bejla'e' mina'an ba'ax in k'áaj” his voice came out a little raspier as he stalked closer if that was even possible, and looked down at her from under his lashes.

“Yeeeeah I don’t- I’ll just get Shuri for you” she started cheeks heating up as she felt boxed in. The man was intimidated and he definitely knew it. “I believe Attuma is asking for the General,” an overhead voice interrupted them, “Namora is already on the 14th-floor training with Ayo and Okoye. I’ve taken the liberty of letting them know he’s here.” The young scientist had never been more thankful for the A.I.’s presence.

“Thanks GRIOT.”

“It is my pleasure” Just as she was about to turn her attention back towards Attuma the dinging of the elevator caught her attention as she watched Okoye and Namora enter the lab, both women nodding to her as they entered.

“Llegas chúunk'iin u Attuma” Namora scolded as she crossed her arms over her chest and frowned at the man under her breathing mask.

Waving her off he walked past her into the elevator she just came from but not without giving the scientist one last once over.

That was the start of her week on med bay duty. Once she had finally gotten all clocked in and settled at her work station Shuri had stopped her before she could get too invested in what she had on her desk.

That was the start of her week on med bay duty. Once she had finally gotten all clocked in and settled at her work station Shuri had stopped her before she could get too invested in what she had on her desk.

“I’m beginning to worry about you sister, it’s not like you to be late”

“I’m fine Princess-“

Shuri called her name giving her a stern look as she closed the scientist’s laptop forcing her to focus on her.

“I’m just tired is all” she said with a sigh rubbing her forehead trying to ease the beginnings of a headache she felt coming on.

“Maybe you should take a break”

“I can’t afford to take a break, besides you need all the help you can get with this Princess we’re so close to bringing it all back for good.” She pleaded and as Shuri shook her head at her.

“And we will bring it back but not with you at half capacity”

“Shuri-“

“I’m putting you on medical duty. The warriors have been getting roughed up more than usual lately because of the Talokanil soldiers and they could use your help.”

“Are you grounding me?”

“If I have to” “You’re taking a break one way or another.” Shuri chuckled as she pat her on her shoulder and sent her on her way right back out the door she came from.

Shuri wasn’t lying when she said the warriors were getting hurt a lot more than normal lately. Normally the Dora Milaje never had a reason to stop by the medical center on the other side of the building, they could take any and everything that was thrown at them but she suspected that ever since the two generals started sparring with them that it was a little bit more than they could handle, especially from Attuma the man was big damn near the size of M’Baku and she liked that about him.

With her back to the door, the young scientist typed away on her laptop, finishing up her notes from the other night, she didn’t hear the door to the office open until it slammed shut behind the intruder. Startled she jumped in her seat and turned to see Attuma standing furiously as blood seeped from his arm.

“Jesus you scared the shit outta me!”

He didn’t say anything as he stalked over towards her, his dark eyes glaring down at her clearly telling her he didn’t want to be there.

“What happened?” She questioned putting in a pair of gloves and getting out the cotton swabs and cleaning solutions, the cut wasn’t too bad, it was superficial at best, but with him coming and going from the ocean she didn’t want to risk it getting any kind of infection.

Not waiting for him to answer not that she thought he would she gathered her supplies and got to work patching him up.

“You don’t talk very much do you?”

Again he said nothing.

With a sigh, she wrapped up his arm in a waterproof bandage and sent him on his way.

That was just the start of their little meet-ups. Every few days for the last few weeks Attumaor some of his men would come in with a new injury on either his face, his arms or his torso, each one just as bad as the last, courtesy of either Namora or Okoye and each time he visited was just as awkward as the last.

“So what’s the weather like in Talokan?”

“Are you guys only blue on the surface or do you stay blue underwater?”

“Yo, you have gils?! How do they work? “Are they sensitive? Is this kinda like a The Deep kinda situation?”

She tried desperately to make conversation each time she saw the man but each time he just glared at her and went on his way.

By the 5th visit she had resorted to just straight up being an ass to him, she could tell it irritated him but that was usually the only way she could get any kind of conversation out of him.

“Bet Okoye did that to you huh?” She questioned pressing an antibiotic-soaked cotton ball to the cut on his cheek

“She told me she kicked your ass the last time.”

Oh fuck he probably doesn’t understand me she thought as she tried to make conversation. Now that she thought about it she doesn’t know why but she never considered whether he could actually understand her or not, that was probably why he never really answered her.

“Leti' desearía yantalto'on in pateado le!” He growled back with a hiss startling her as the cotton ball in her had pressed to his cut a little harder than she meant, GRIOT translated for her.

“Oh, so he speaks!” She chuckled more to herself. “And you can understand me” She stood going to throw away her gloves, judging by how he had come back without so much as a scratch from his last visit she figured he’d heal by the end of the night and wouldn’t need any bandaging “You just like being stubborn.”

Again he said nothing as he stared her down but this time not with a glare but with an emotion she couldn’t quite place.

“We’ll congratulations you’ll live,” she said with a smirk. Once more Attuma looked her up and down, his expression unreadable before he turned on his heel and left.

The third time he came in it was different.

When he stormed into the med bay like he normally did she noticed almost immediately his wound was a lot more serious this time as blood was pouring from the cut on his neck pooling under his bone gorget. The young scientist jumped from her seat rushing to get her equipment stumbling as she moved about.

“What happened?!”

There was no time for their normal banter as she tried to figure out how to get him to remove his collar. Reaching out to touch the shark teeth that adorn it she’s stopped in her tracks as he aggressively grabs her wrist, tightly holding it in place.

“I need to treat your wound Attuma,” she reasoned snatching her arm back “it looks bad.”

“Yéetel utsil” he huffed as GRIOT translated going to push past her to grab the bandages “Chéen envuélvelo yéetel túuxta'al in tin beel, ma' táan u humor teechi'”

“Look I know you’re used to throwin’ your weight around and getting what you want but I’m not about that shit ok?” She snapped back pushing him back so that he was leaning against the exam table. She knew he had let her but she liked to think she pushed him purely with her own strength. “You’re gonna sit here and let me clean you up.”

“Táak a in tin wu'uyaj meentik in” he snapped going to brush past her but as he reached for the door he felt her grab his forearm and stopped, turning to look back at her.

“Béet” she pleaded.

“Ba'ax” What? GRIOT translated

“ B-béet that’s how you say please right? I know you know what I’m saying so please just listen for once.”

“Multa.” he sighs through his nose going back to the examination table but sitting himself in her chair in front of it instead, if he was going to let her do this he definitely was going to give her an easy time.

“Are you going to tell me how this happened?” beginning to clean his wound out with a swab she thought she’d make small talk but Atuuma obviously had no intentions, examining his neck further she realized he was just another scrap like he always had but the blood pooling out of it had scared her, a lot more than she’d like to admit.

“We going back to the silent treatment again?” again he did nothing but stare as she worked on him from between his legs leaning over him continued to clean the now-closing injury.

With a sigh, she began to pull away when a hand on her arm stopped her "Ba'axten jach dispuesto a wáantiken?" GRIOT translated for him. His grip was firm but still somewhat soft. “It's my job to help you,” she said pulling away and looking into his eyes, there was that same unreadable look in them again. With a slight roll of the eyes. He released his grip. "Yaan ba'ax ma' táan a wa'alik ti' teen." His voice lowered with a bit of annoyance as the A>I> continued to translate for the pair. ”Like I said I know you're Mr. Big and Bad down on the battlefield but you don’t gotta be tough shit here, let somebody take care of you for once.” she said putting a hand to his cheek. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked into her eyes. His annoyance left as his hand moved onto hers.

Attuma’s eyes briefly flickered up to her lips before going back up meeting her dark eyes again pupils blown wide. He reached up to brush her cheeks with his fingers, thumb tracing over her bottom lip before he leans his masked lips down to hers, trying to kiss her through the material heavy and needy, the force almost knocking her onto her back as she began to kiss him back.

Giving her chest a gentle squeeze his hand slid downward palming at her chest through her shirt drawing out a low moan as his other hand gripped at her thighs and hips practically dragging her into his lap as he worked her pants off.

“Beetej.” he breathed her in as he began to rock her clothed cunt against his knee soaking it in the process.

She moves her hips even quicker, rocking on his thigh, the inside of her own thighs soaked. “Fuck.” She moans, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck to hold him impossibly closer. Eyes closed she could practically feel Attuma staring up at her, his hands roaming her back and chest before coming to rest on her stuttering hips.

Gripping her hips hard he takes over, making her ride his thigh, basking in the soft sounds he was pulling from her. He can feel her cunt clenching against him through her underwear, can feel the wetness pooling on his bare thigh, and he fucking loved it.

“Beetej,” he groaned throwing his head back “Je'el u páajtal a take'”

Slowly, he presses his knee up higher as she grinds down on him adding even more friction. Her eyes fall close and her mouth drops open in a breathy moan as she tries to grip his broad shoulders, hands too small to fully encompass them. She’s unable to kiss him on his lips due to his mask but she still leans forward to press her forehead to his as he continued to work her open.

“Attuma.” She hissed, grasping at his hands as he increased his speed.

“B-bèet…”

“A'al ka'a.” he panted not relenting in his pace as he dragged her down even harder.

“Bèet- fuck please just don’t stop!” Hips bucking wildly she came with a hoarse cry, shaking and riding him as he still rocked her over his thigh.

“Please…” she continued to beg, beginning to feel the twinges of overstimulation. “Please…”

With a loud growl, he ripped her from his thigh and turned her around pressing her chest to the cold steel table below them. The temperature a sharp contrast to her hot skin, as she feels him begins to undress them both.

“Táak in wu'uyikech,” his dark gaze trailed down her back as he tugged her underwear down and tossed them to the side along with her top and bra. His fingers grazed over her clit softly before sinking in curling and scissor around in her spongey walls while his thumb worked at her sensitive bundle of nerves.

Having already been on the end it didn’t take long for her to come again around his finger. Looking back at him as she spasmed on the table she saw hi cock looking painfully hard and dark as it strained against his lower abdomen, leaking at the tip, and looking bigger than she’d imagined

“Jach jodidamente mojado,”Attuma’s voice was rough as he watched her come unraveled beneath him, her arms struggling to hold herself up at she twitched around him uncontrollably on the table.

“A'al ti' teen wa Yaaj in” he said slowly easing his cock into her as he pulled her up and turned her to be on top of him as he set himself back down into her desk chair almost not fitting as he spread his legs.

She cursed, burying her face in the crook of his neck again, her hands roaming his chest and shark tooth scarring on his tummy. She mouthed at his neck kissing at his gils under his apparatus as he began to thrust up into her, already setting a rough pace. They both moaned in unison as she started to bounce, her legs trembling as he split her open on his lap.

“Attuma fuck!”

“Teech jach jodidamente ki'ichpam,”he sighed, Attuma’s voice was hushed as he watched her reaching her peak and tried to kiss her softly through his mask.She felt his hips begin to stutter and began to plead once more.

“Please, I need to feel you”

A strangled sound left Attuma’s mouth, as he roughly slammed up into her hard one final time the loud squelching music to his ears as she continued to bounce softly in his lap while the steady rhythm of his thrusts began to dissolve into a desperate frenzy, moaning huskily as he filled her with his thick hot cum.

As they both came down from their highs she stayed in his lap gently rocking until she came to a full stop. Cum immediately started to seep from between them but before she could stand up to clean up, not that she thought she could at that moment, a blue hand came into her line of vision and pulled her face to his as he kissed her lazily for a moment before pulling away.

It’s then that she noticed that in the heat of it all, he ripped his mask away, drenching them both in seawater and sweat.

“Bèet ìfè mi, again,” she said her voice barely above a whisper as he leaned down to kiss her once more lifting her up to set her back on the examination table.

Translations: Tu'ux le le general? -Where is the general? Máax ka'ansaje' táan u cargo bejla'e' mina'an ba'ax in k'áaj -Whoever’s in charge now I don’t care Llegas chúunk'iin u Attuma -You’re late Attuma Leti' desearía yantalto'on in pateado le! -She wishes she kicked my ass! Yéetel utsil -It’ll be fine Chéen envuélvelo yéetel túuxta'al in tin beel, ma' táan u humor teechi' -Just wrap it and send me on my way I’m in no mood for you Táak a in tin wu'uyaj meentik in -you want me to listen than make me Béet -Please Ba'ax -What? Multa -Fine Ba'axten jach dispuesto a wáantiken -Why are you so willing to help me? Yaan ba'ax ma' táan a wa'alik ti' teen -there's something you're not telling me Beetej -Keep going Je'el u páajtal a take' -you can take it A'al ka'a. -Say it again Táak in wu'uyikech -I want to hear you Jach jodidamente mojado -So fucking wet A'al ti' teen wa Yaaj in -Tell me if it hurts Teech jach jodidamente ki'ichpam -You’re so fucking beautiful ìfè mi -my love (in Yoruba)

@lunamoonbby

[stuckybarton]

Heads Under Water V

Summary: He puts you through a test. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,149 Chapter Warnings: Mention of deliberate poisoning. Namor being...Namor(?)

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Part V:

Your nightmares of drowning were replaced by the handsome submariner in the middle of the sea. Those piercing brown eyes now burned to your skull even as you woke up the following morning. You refused to acknowledge the small little fact that the man was the very same man that you had been seeing by the waters during the late night stay by the beach.

“You are ill.” Namora was not one to ask question, more in line with stating facts it seems.

“I didn’t have enough sleep. But I’ll be fine.” You reassured her, if only she knew it was because of her cousin that you lacked sleep last night.

“Come.” She demanded to which you simply looked at her weirdly at this point. “You will eat with me and Attuma.” She states to which had you having no other choice but to follow her along, a part of you hoping Shuri’s AI would be informed about your whereabouts now that you were close to being held hostage by them.

Snatching your phone into your pocket you followed the Talokanil out of the lab and out of the palace. The both of you made your familiar way towards the beach and this time the fear was slowly coming into reality the closer you both walked towards the roaring waves.

And just like what Namora had pointed out, the hulk of a man was waiting by the sands of the beach—but he wasn’t alone. With him was the King himself, looking ever the majestic sea being you have ever seen in your life.

“You brought a guest—I see.” It was K'uk'ulkan that spoke first. A smile now resting on his face, whatever inside joke he and his cousin have was lost to you at this point.

“More like a hostage.” You joked dryly that no one truly acknowledged at this point as you were handed a weird looking fish which was far too hot for you to hold but you were too afraid to let go with your hand.

“Eat. It will help wake you up.” Namora demanded.

You could only nod and found yourself sitting in the familiar tree stump and now refusing to meet the King’s gaze, fearing that last night would become a topic of discussion. Taking a small bite out of the fish, the far too familiar flavor of home almost brought you to tears as you continued eating.

“Good?” You almost choked mid-chew at the questioned and the fact that the King was now standing right in front of you and looked right down at you.

“Yes. Taste like home.” You answered after momentarily handling yourself from embarrassment. You blinked at how close the man was now as he bent himself until he was practically sitting right in front of you—staring at you for a moment.

“You live by the waters I presume?” He inquired, now settling himself in front of you, sitting with his legs criss crossed right in front of you. You were now looking down at him compared to the other way around with the man.

“I used to live by the beach.” You answered.

“The beach, then I’m certain the waters will not be much of a problem to you once we test this machine you’re building.”

You felt your heart stop with his words. He wants you to come along and that was a hardline you were not willing to cross even if it means your life was on the line. He seemed to realize the hesitation as you refused to meet his eyes and your attention solely focused in finishing the fish being handed to you.

“The waters will be calm.”

“I had made an agreement with Shuri that I will create whatever machine you would need to fix your entry way, but I will not place myself under any bodies of water because of it.” You spoke firmly now having the courage to look at the man again. “Please respect the agreement I have made with the Princess in exchange for the help I’m giving.”

“Okay.” He finally relents standing back up once he was certain you had your fill.

Before you say anything else, the panicked voice of Shuri could be heard and she had appeared with a few members of the Dora Milaje hot on her tail.

You stood with a reassuring smile on your face as you made your way towards Shuri.

“Just got a quick bite with—them.” You explained lamely hoping it was enough to reassure her of your sudden whereabouts for the morning.

“Come, we have something we need to discuss.” Shuri urged you, holding to your arm and pulling you away without you having the opportunity to say goodbye to the Talokanil. ~ You were no ordinary human.

Those were the thoughts that run through K'uk'ulkan’s mind as he had watched you be dragged away by the Princess. His eyes lingered at the retreating Dora Milaje that followed closely behind, their eyes penetrating him with the constant distrust—they should after all that they had all been through.

“Táan a saboteando a leti'ob éejenil yéetel Wakanda. (You are sabotaging your own arrangement with Wakanda).” Namora’s word held so much truth, but the curiosity simply got the best of him since your arrival all those days ago.

"Kun yantalto'on yaax yaantal kíimil, ba'ale' seguía wa'atal, normal bey Mantats'. (She should have been dead but she still stood, normal as ever)." He did supply knowing the fish was poisonous for an ordinary human being—but not to them.

Yet, as he had spoken, you still remained as you once did. Not sign of poisoning—eating the fish with gusto even in the face of beings that was far too different that your own. A stupid surface dweller if he was to be honest with himself—but someone that intrigued him still.

“Ka leti' ma' táan yáanal le kúuchil tu'ux ti' Talokan wa Wakanda. Wa leti' le herida, le k'atun séeb seguiría. (And she is not under Talokan or Wakanda's jurisdiction. If she is harmed, war would soon follow).”

“But she is not.” K'uk'ulkan spoke with finality, not wanting more discussion about his choice of action.

He had watched Namora simply bow, frustration he was far too certain was evident in her features for the choices he had made for the past few months, before she had made her way back to the Palace to what she was assigned to do—watch over you.

“Ka' tuláakal, k encontraremos bo'otik tuméen le yo'osal. (We will find ourselves paying for the consequence after all over again).”

He knew as much. But he needed to take as much of his chance as he could. For Talokan, for his people, he was ready to make take any chance that he could get if it meant the safety of his people from the outside world.

[sapphiewritesstuff]

Namora meeting and falling for a female superhero from the surface. Powers are up to you.

In love with this request omg strong woman x strong woman

Please keep in mind that I am not a big fan of the MCU, I mainly like black panther, that is why I focus less on reader, her powers, and her hero life, and more on her relationship with Namora :))

Warnings: fem! reader, enemies to lovers (kinda), violence, spoilers for Wakanda Forever, not proofread

-The first time Namora saw you was when her and Attuma ambushed Shuri, Okoye, and Riri in America.

-You went along with Shuri and Okoye for the mission, your powers were extremely helpful and you had been close with the Princess and General for years

-When the warriors of Talokan ambushed you, you were quick to jump into action, and you clashed swords with Namora

-You two fought until Shuri asked to be taken to Talokan

-Namora lowered her weapon, and you adjusted out of your defensive position as she walked towards you, resting a hand on your back as she placed a mask over your mouth

-For the time you are in Talokan, Namora doesn't seem to leave your side. You figure it's because she doesn't trust you, that she's prepared to run her sword into your neck if you dare to attack

-That is true, but the Talokanil warrior has taken an extreme interest in you

-Your powers were ones that she has never seen before, you posses the power to control water, it has her questioning if you are a mutant like K'uk'uklan

-You are able to boil, freeze, and even heal all with water

-She also can't deny how her heart swells whenever she sees you, and she doesn't know why, and that annoys her.

-When Nakia shot the Talokanil woman, Namora watched as you frantically healed her despite Nakia commanding you to leave with her

-Even though you were successful in saving her from death, there mere atack of violence towards his people still angered Namor greatly

-She requests one thing to her king before he leaves to attack Wakanda, find the surface dweller, the one with water, and bring her back

-You agree to come back to Talokan, making Namor promise that he would spare the life of Queen Ramonda, and leave Wakanda alone.

-You're kept in the same cave system as you were before, Namora standing guard once again

-You two grew accustomed to each other's presence, she observed you and you observed her.

-Even with the language barrier, and the lack of words Namora said overall, you soon started to feel like you knew her like the back of your hand

-One question still rested heavily on your shoulders; why?

-You two were sitting in silence, until you lifted your head. "Why?" You question, tilting your head. Namora seems to understand you.

-"You intrigued me." She responds, you don't understand, you knew that the effort was useless without a translator.

-Despite the lack of words you shared, you two grew closer and closer. You two now shared domestic moments, you help fix her up after battles and she watches you as you eat, staring at you as if she's looking for your approval of her food.

-Namor starts to teach you some Maya, mainly due to Namora's frustration. He also stands in as a translator.

-She asks all the questions she has about you, you ask all the ones you have about her, and you get answers.

-From that point on, your relationship suddenly changes tones

-It would start with short and simple touches, you placing a hand over hers as she stresses to calm her down.

-Marriage wouldn't be Namora's top priority with you, it is up to you if you want a lavish ceremony. One thing is for sure, Namora wants to be your partner for all of eternity.

-Namora lets her walls down around you and you only, whenever she comes home late and you are already sleeping, she will climb into your arms and seek your comfort.

-You two soon fight alongside each other as warriors for Talokan. You become someone who has a home both in the sea and ocean.

-Namora gets very nervous when you leave for missions if you decide to return to hero work, though she tries not to let it show.

-If you don't return when you promised, Namora feels like she needs to burn the world in search for you, but she knows that the rational option is to ask Shuri if she has heard from you and wait for your return.

-Namora isn't big on PDA, nor affection at all, but she'll hug you like she's about to lose you at random times.

-"What's wrong, Namora?"

-"...Missed you."

-"I missed you too, my strong girl."

-She doesn't use nicknames a lot either, but sometimes 'My [Name]' and 'Love' leave her lips.

-Namora is a very quiet and cold partner, but she is the most devoted woman you'll ever meet, and she would burn the world for you.

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

𓃮 Even the Sun Influences the Tide: Chapter Seventeen

Even the Sun Influences the Tide: After the death of your foster brother, King T’Challa, you had spent much of your year of mourning in isolation. When your mother gathers you and your sister to end your mourning period, you encounter the newest threat to Wakanda: Namor. You don’t know what to think of Namor, but you do know one thing: he probably shouldn’t be making trips to see you at your beach hut.

Warnings: Gore, Injury, Arguments.

To Note: Namor/K’uk’ulkan x Fem!Reader, I Tried To Make The Yucatec Maya & Xhosa Translations/Traditions As Accurate As I Can Get.

Word Count: ~2.2k

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You were gasping for oxygen that your lungs were not processing. They couldn’t because the shrapnel in your abdomen had sliced its way through your right lung and buried itself into your left. Looking back on this injury you could say you were very lucky it had missed your heart, for that surely would have been fatal… but at the moment? You were in agony and desperately trying not to claw at your already blistering chest.

Blood pooled on your chest, your fingers were slick with it, as K’uk’ulkan cradled your body in the sand. Shuri was crouched down next to you, Griot reading out the host of medical issues you were facing. Ramonda was racing towards you, the Dora Milaje on her heels. Sputtering and coughing, blood dribbled from the corner of your mouth, staining your skin.

““S-top… fi-fighting,” You choked out, fighting for each breath of oxygen. K’uk’ulkan wiped the blood from your lips.

“Sa'asik in,  In k'iino’,” (Forgive me) He whispered, holding onto your body and desperately searching for a way to stop the blood seeping from your body. “Save your energy, amado.”

“Griot, stop listing what’s wrong and tell me what to do!” Shuri shouted at the AI, tears burning at the edges of her eyes. K’uk’ulkan eyes flashed up to Shuri’s.

“Can you save her!?” He harshly questioned, grinding his teeth together.

“No— Yes… Maybe!?” Shuri hissed back as Ramonda knelt in the sand next to you and brushed her hand over your damp hair.

“Intombi,” (Daughter) She spoke, a tremble in her voice and quiver in her hand. “Why did you come here?”

“You—“ Your breath was momentarily stolen once more and you gasped for a few moments. “You c-can’t fi-fight over me.” You stumbled out with another rasp. “Hurts. Lost so many.” Your last words whispered as tears ran down the side of your temple. Ramonda turned to Shuri.

“Griot!”

“I’m calculating, my queen!” The AI responded. “What the princess needs is a hospital, not a beach! There is a chance that Princess Shuri might be able to adapt the heart shape herb to save Princess Y/N.”

“But it will kill any who consume it and do not have the blood of the first king!” Ramonda snapped back.

“What choice do we have mother!” Shuri cried. “Lungs do not grow in the ground or on trees!” Shuri’s eyes snapped to K’uk’ulkan’s. “I need to bring her to my lab, it is the only way I can save her and I need to do it now.”

K’uk’ulkan disliked the idea of you being away from his side, from a Talokanil’s side. He had to stay and mitigate this mess for the sake of his queen, no matter how much he wished to be by your side.

“Attuma!” He called to his loyal general, lifting you up from the sand. “Láak'intik Shuri,” (Accompany Shuri) K’uk’ulkan commanded. “Protege le reina,”  (protect the Queen) The massive Talokanil lumbered over and bowed.

“Je’el, K’uk’ulkan,” Attuma replied, taking K’uk’ulkan’s precious cargo. You moaned and coughed at the transport. K’uk’ulkan felt like he was dying on the inside as a Wakandan transport flew over at rapid speed to pick up, Shuri, Attuma, and you. All those on the beach watched in silence as you disappeared on the horizon.

It was a tense flight on board the Wakandan air craft, certainly with the giant Taloknail warrior standing guard over you after he had placed you on the gurney. But Shuri was far too busy with Griot, calculating methods to saving you, to care. Rearranging the DNA balls once more, Shuri stepped back.

“Griot, confidence level.” She ordered. The AI reported the bleak number instantly.

“17.28%, princess.” Griot reported. Shuri wanted to tear at the insides of the aircraft. Shred the walls with her vibranium claws. Do something to get the building agony and worry out. But she couldn’t, you were relying on her. “Griot, ask Attuma about the blue herb, it saved his people and gave them their abilities did it not?”

“One moment, Princess,” Griot relaid the message to the Talokanil. Attuma’s rumbling reply barely registered in Shuri’s ears. “He tells a story of the blue herb healing his ancestors of their small pox and enlightening them with their gifts. Perhaps we should consider the Talokanil herb?”

“Ask him if he has access to this blue herb.” Shuri said, her eyes flickering across the white balls of genetic code. Griot once again referred to the Talokanil, who pointed to your wrist where a jade bracelet was wrapped. The same one you had been wearing weeks ago that you refused to explain where it had come from.

 “The princess wears a bracelet made from jade and string derived from the blue herb planet. This is the closest we have to the blue herb.” Shuri adjusted the white balls some more.

“That will have to do, what is the confidence?”

“23.94%.” Shuri gnashed her teeth together. The plant better have answers otherwise she was going to lose you. Shuri glanced at the gurney where you lay, watching as your chest struggled to rise. It was a scary sight, seeing her only living sibling so pale and gray, blood staining the dress you wore. The only sign of hope was your heartbeat displayed on the screen beside you.

“Get the lab ready, Griot, and get my assistants. We cannot lose another family member!” Shuri ordered.

It was a wary sight, Attuma standing within Shuri’s lab overseeing the flurry of activity that surrounded you. He wouldn’t leave your side, taking his job and order to protect you. At the very least with Griot, Shuri could communicate with the Talokanil rather than guess what he was saying.

After having snipped a little strand of string from the bracelet around your wrist, Shuri had the contents analyzed and compared to the DNA structure of the heart shaped herb. For anyone but those containing the blood and DNA of the first king, death would occur if the heart shape herb was consumed. Shuri was trying to find a way around that. Or maybe replace enough of the DNA within the herb to make it not lethal to you.

“Griot?”

“We are at 33.10% Might I suggest switching out a few of the RNA sequences?” Shuri did so, glaring at the mass of read in front of her. There was so little green.

“We are running out of time.” Shuri stressed, glancing at you as one of the best doctors in Wakanda worked to stabilize you. It was a losing battle. Shuri knew that much. Your lungs had been shredded, barely able to support the oxygenation of your blood. The only reason why you were still alive was because your heart had been spared… but at this rate you were at risk of becoming a vegetable or bleeding out. Either outcome was undesirable and would result in them loosing you. She then glanced at Attuma.

“You do not need to stand at attention. She is not going anywhere.” Shuri told him. Attuma’s head tilted to the side and he studied her.

“Ma' dejaré in reina,” Attuma rumbled at Shuri. Griot didn’t immediately interpret and Shuri had to prompt the AI.

“Griot, what did he say?” The AI was conflicted on translating all of what the Talokanil had spoken, as you had given it specific instructions to keep your personal and private life, private. Even from your family. “Griot.”

“I will not leave.” Griot answered, translating the first part. Shuri narrowed her eyes, picking up on the hesitation of her AI.

“Griot are you telling me the entire translation?” The AI was quiet for a moment, internally comparing the conflicting orders of Shuri and you.

“Princess Y/N once ordered me to keep all her personal and private life and information, private, princess.” Griot replied. “I am unsure how to proceed with conflicting commands.”

“Override Y/N’s command, this is a life threatening event and any and all information is pertinent.”

“I will not leave my queen.” Griot repeated, this time translating the whole sentence. Shuri blinked and titled her head to the side.

“Did you just say…”

“It appears that the Talokanil views Princess Y/N as his Queen therefore I can deduce that while Y/N was within Namor’s domain, she appears to have married him.” It took Shuri a solid thirty seconds to process that information.

“Okay… we can address that later, let’s just focus on stopping her from dying or becoming a vegetable.”

“Yes princess, may I suggest another variation?”

“Give it to me.” Shuri commanded, her hands diving for the white orbs once more. She was determined to figure it out this time, figure it out before she lost you like she had lost T’Challa.

Namor and Ramonda stood across from each other, their people returning to their sides once more after you had been airlifted away for medical attention. Ramonda’s eyes were hard and cold. Namor’s were just as cold, calculated and deadly. But even with both of their emotional fronts strong, they were both cracked from what had happened on the beach. Cracked from the blood that stained the sand only feet away.

They both could find common ground with you, surely. But who would break first was the great question.

“You kidnapped my daughter.” Ramonda bit out.

“Is it kidnapping if she wasn’t resistant to the idea of staying?” Namor countered. Ramonda’s scowl deepened. “And our transgressions go back several months before I ever thought to take her, we are not strangers to each other. You can be assured that my actions were not out of malice.” Ramonda’s eyes blazed at his blatant mention of repeatedly breaking Wakandan borders to see you.

“How dare you speak to me about such actions when I have repeatedly warned you about the repercussions of breaking our borders. And to still go after my daughter!?” Namor tilted his head to the side, lazy smile on his lips.

“I wouldn’t consider it ‘going after’,” Namor explained, making finger quotes. “I simply wished to know more about her. She certainly didn’t make it easy for me. A trait, I assume, she got from you.”

“Of course not,” Ramonda spoke, her nose wrinkling in distaste. Namor was quiet for a moment, thinking of how he was going to approach the highly defensive queen.

“Tell me, Queen Ramonda,” he asked, thinking about you and the first time you had genuinely smiled in his presence. “When was the last time you saw her smile?” Ramonda was taken aback, not expecting that question. “You know, the one where you can swear that the sun brightens a little, the rays shine upon your skin just a little warmer?” Namor motioned to his cheek. “She get’s a little— ah, what do you call it… impression? Right here, that’s how you know it’s genuine.”

How did Namor know such detail about your smile? How had even witnessed one, when not even Ramonda had seen one of your blindingly beautiful smiles in well over a year? Namor chuckled wryly.

“It is a treasured gift to see her smile, and yet,” Namor’s smile faded, his face turning serious once more. “If you look close enough. You can see her pain lingering within her eyes. It is heartbreaking.” Ramonda clasped her hands in front of her, knuckles white.

“What do you want, Namor,” She asked wearily, fearing what he would demand.

“Nothing but that which has been alined.” Namor answered with a shrug. “Your daughter has already done the hard work, let’s not waste that and hurt her further. Yes?”

“What did she promise?” Ramonda questioned, worried that you might have said yes to something that was not feasible. Promised something that she could not give. 

“Herself,” It was a simple answer and one that made Ramonda’s heart drop in her chest. Namor smiled once more. “She is smarter than you give her credit and chose one of the oldest forms of peace.” Eyes narrowing, Ramonda eyed Namor. “You can rest assured, Queen Ramonda, your daughter will never have to fear violence from my people, as they are not interested in hurting or losing their queen.”

Closing her eyes, Ramonda took several deep breaths, collecting herself at this news. You, her precious ward and adopted daughter, had sacrificed yourself for Wakanda all for the sake of peace. It should have been Ramonda doing the protecting, rather than you. Was that not what parents did? Protect their children? But you were stubborn and this was not something that could easily be undone.

“You do not need to worry, it was not a decision I let her make lightly.” Namor spoke. “She made that decision with a clear conscious and by herself.” This was a very large pill for the queen of Wakanda to swallow. For one of her daughters was now an equal in her own right… and Wakanda was now tied with Talokan.

“I do not wish for her to be tangled up in war,” Ramonda declared, subtly issuing her reluctant acceptance of what you had done. “It has taken enough from her, and I expect you to protect her from that tragedy.”

“Being her husband is not something I take lightly, you have my word that I will do my best to shield her from that pain.” She narrowed her eyes at Namor’s promise, but did not detect any lie within his words.

“Very well, she is in your hands, good luck.” Ramonda said crisply, knowing that while you had handed yourself over for peace, the Talokanil were going to find out that you didn’t take too kindly to being told what to do, even if it was for your protection. “Since Wakanda is now your reluctant ally, how shall we remedy this issue with the Americans?”

Date Published: 6/25/23

Last Edit: 4/5/23

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[unknownpisces002]

Bleed me dry, Make me blue ( Part 2.)

" There was a woman, born from a lotus. Her heart was golden, deep as the ocean. And then this one man, he came and broke it. Until it was open, just like a lotus. Oh yes, there were explosions. She found her focus, the beast awoken."

Shuri Udaku x Reader.

Summary

A weeks time has passed, since you met with the Princess. And had been told of your new upcoming task from K'uk'ulkan. Which consisted of you convincing Shuri into joining him, so that the Talokanil's and Wakandan's? Could go to war together with the surface world.

But of course? Things take a turn. And as you lurk underneath the Wakandan waters, alongside Namora, Attuma, K'uk'ulkan, and other soldiers who are prepared to fight? You can't help but feel a bit frantic and guilty? For being present in a place where you hadn't been formally invited to.

And as the soldiers emerge from the waters and begin to attack? You occupy yourself by doing what you were sent here to do. Despite the fact that you were against it? You allowed your feet to lead you into the direction of the palace. Where eventually? You're captured after being spotted by a Dora Milaje soldier, who was guarding the entrance way.

Which causes you to be imprisoned in a cell, that honestly? You saw coming sooner or later. Being that K'uk'ulkan, had mentioned that this would probably happen to you. After he had disposed of the Queen, along with Riri the scientist. And as you sat feeling cold and a bit anxious about what would come next? Nothing could've prepared you more, once you were met with the presence of Shuri.

Who like K'uk'ulkan said? Wasn't all too elated or pleased? To witness you and your now blue-ish appearance? Being present inside of her home.

Word count:12.1K

Themes: friends, to lovers, to enemies, and then lovers again, angst, lots of tension, lots of fluff, reader is Talokanil but we can pretend that she's black ( when her skin isn't blue ofc) because i wasn't 100% sure if they had any black Talokanil people during the movie? shuri is bad at feelings, and has a hard time controlling her emotions because of it, shuri misses her mom a lot too, reader is also slightly bad with feelings, due to her history of being rejected and pushed away by namora & other Talokanil people her age, forbidden romance, eventual sexual content later in the series, okoye is a supportive queen and we stan her, reader is also very sensitive and easily triggered, but with time and the proper care and loving? she will get much better, slight mention and attempt of S/A, lots of tears, lots and lots of tension, flirting, and lastly lots of arguing, but in the end? things will lighten up.

Tag list: @inmyheadimobsessed @vixentheplanet @shurismainbxtch @pinkwright @ziayamikaelson @shuriszn @vampzxi @shurisvibranium @shurisconcubine @ririsbeloved @cyberdior @importantsongcloud @abenomeiiii @noidontthinkyougetit2 @saintwrld @nooshytushie @thewifeoflevi @shuriislut and as always? if anyone would like to be added to the tag list? just comment down below and i'll be more than happy to add you ❤️

Divider by: @firefly-graphics

Author's Note

hi you guy's!! 🥹 i know i've been saying tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow? and i never posted anything? but typing this out? took me way longer than i intended it to. and also with how good that all of you said part 1 was? i had to buckle down and really think hard on how i wanted part 2 to be, and originally? i had 8.7k words typed out, but last night i added onto what i had, and now there's 12.1k words.

so it's a very long chapter, and i really, really hope you all like it and that it's up to par lol. there's also a lot of ups and downs in this part of the series as well. so please buckle up and be prepared. because our sweet, emotional, and love deprived reader? is gonna go through a turmoil of emotions, right along with shuri.

and as i mentioned in the beginning of part one? all the inspiration i've been getting for this story? comes from one of my favorite artist, who's music is so angelic, and feels like a spiritual cleanse whenever you get to hear her voice. & this specific song in general? really just tied everything together.

but i think i've done enough rambling 😭 so let me just get on with finishing up the last of what i have to say.

before we jump into the story? lastly i'd like to say a special thank you to everyone who gave me feedback on part 1. 🥹❤️

and who left me kind words, and have all in all? just been super, super supportive. and welcoming to me, being that i'm still a newbie here, and i'm learning how to work the app and do things and make cool edits, like most of the readers i follow and love up here? have. but as we all continue to grow together and embark on this journey with shuri and the reader?

i hope it brings all of us closer and that possibly in the future? if i find inspiration to write another story, once this one is complete? that i'll hopefully get blessed with the chance to see each and every one of you there as well, whenever that day comes forth. 🥹

but now with further ado? let's get onto the story!

The fight against the Wakandan's was unplanned, unfair, and unforeseen. As the people here knew nothing about the battle coming, that was currently occurring outside. While you tried your hardest to ignore the screams, erupting from the mouths of children, their mother's, along with their father's. As you crept stealthily, up the walls on the side of the palace. 

Feeling a bit anxious, seeing as you were so high up from off the ground? And far away from water. Which caused you to begin overthinking and lose focus of your task. As you imagined yourself falling against the ground, and dying from not having any oxygen. If your mask that was settled over your face? Was to break. Once you had hit the concrete, that from where you were standing currently? 

Looked as if it were nothing but a small line, as the people who lived in the capital? Ran against it. With their arms outstretched, down below.

But despite your current anxiety? You continued on with climbing. 

Letting out a deep breath, that you weren't aware you were holding onto. At the feel of your feet, being returned to the ground. Once you had made it to the top of the building successfully, without being spotted. By any of the soldiers, who were seen running in the opposite direction during the moment.

Before suddenly? Their focused had shifted. And they stopped in their tracks, due to the hypnotizing sound emitting from the mouths of the sirens. Who swam below in the water from which you had just came? And called out to them. Raising their voices in higher octaves, that soon? Had caused all ten of the soldiers who were just seen running towards some kind of high tech jet? To halt in their footsteps.

And go walking slowly towards the edge of the building, before they jumped off of the ledge. Plummeting down fairly quickly, until their bodies had made contact with the surface of the water, and they sunk down underneath. Disappearing into the depths of what lurked down below. Which made your breathing begin to grow unsteady, as you now came to the clear realization. That instead of Namor simply just disposing of the Queen, along with Riri the scientists?

That he was going to dispose of many other innocent people, as well as children. 

As he made his way up to the palace, flying in the air–with the small wings that were attached against the sides of his ankles. Where he'd been stopped a few times on his way up, by other Dora Milaje soldiers. Who flew in jets, shooting at him the best they could–trying to strike him.

 But unfortunately for them? Namor was far too agile to be struck down. Regardless of how many bullets had came flying out of the missiles, that were underneath the bottom of their jets? It was impossible for them to catch him. 

And from where you were standing right now? You had a clear view of the Queen. Who stood watching everything that was happening on the ground unfold. With Riri standing not too far behind her.

As the two of them both held looks of shock, and if you weren't mistaken? A bit of fear. 

When Namor had made his way near the window, where the two of them had stood behind. And the spear that he held in his right hand? Came crashing down against the surface of it. Which you were assuming that he had intentions of it breaking through successfully? But to no avail? The glass had never shattered.

And with that? Namor flew away. Shocking you and a few other Talokan soldiers, at the fact that it seemed he had given up? And that he was retreating? Which was nothing at all like him. Because in all your years of living and being under his supervision? Namor had never retreated from anything, or anyone before. Nor did he ever lie, whenever he said that he'd handle a situation.

So seeing him fly away, and dive back into the water? Had left you feeling confused on what to do next. As you stood facing towards the edge of the building, where you'd been from the very moment. That the Dora Milaje soldiers who walked towards it, due to being under the hypnosis from the sirens? Had jumped off.

Plummeting right into their death.

" Lahla isikhali sakho!" A deep voice shouted from behind you, shifting your focus away from Namor. Who had recently just re-submerged from out of the water, throwing a handful of bombs at the window. That the Queen, as well as Riri had stood behind. Before it shattered after a few seconds, and a shit load of water went rushing directly inside.

Translation: Drop your weapon.

Knocking the both of their bodies completely out of view, from being seen anymore. As you felt your wrist begin to get grabbed on from behind you, fairly rough. Just as the spear you once held? Was sent clattering against the ground. When you were yanked backwards and spun around, so you'd be facing away from the edge–in the way that you had been before being put into cuffs.

That had felt a bit tight, and as if they were starting to constrict your blood flow? But despite your attempt to ask the guard who was leading you, to loosen them up? You were already being shoved into the entrance of the palace, as she eyed you closely. Keeping her spear pointed at the middle part of your back.

As the two of you began walking down a set of stairs, which eventually led you into what looked like a cave, that was similar to the one back in Talokan. Except that the one here? Didn't have as many lights, in the way that the one back home did. 

" Sit." Getting nudged in your back once more with the guards spear, you followed her orders and did as told. Feeling a sigh of relief escape from your lips, after she removed the tight cuffs from being against your wrist. Which had allowed your circulation to return back to normal, as you sat with your hands inside your lap.

Beginning to slowly start to observe the cell in which you were in now. With your head turning towards the right, as you squinted your eyes just a bit. Trying to make out what the writing that was engraved into the walls had read. Seeing that now, as your vision had focused fully and adjusted to the darkness?

That there was writing written all around you, in some sort of foreign language. Which after a while? You assumed was most likely Wakandan. Once it began glowing a light shade of blue, like the bracelet that Shuri had worn back in Talokan? Had done.

" Excuse me?" You spoke aloud, returning your gaze back to the guard. Who stood with her shoulders upright, while eyeing you closely with a stern expression present. " Is there any chance, that I could speak with the Prince–"

Mid way through speaking, you were cut off by another deep, yet somewhat light voice. As another Dora Milaje soldier approached the guard who was watching you. With a face full of terror, along with having tear stained cheeks. As she took a quick glance at you, while you sat criss crossed against the floor.

Before she shifted her focus back towards the other soldier.

Muttering out a few words that you weren't really able to make out. Being that she was currently speaking in Wakandan. Which made it hard for you to try and decipher what you assumed, that she might've been saying? But when the guard who had cuffed you, dropped her spear. And a choked out sob had escaped from the back part of her throat?

You knew right away, that they were discussing the Queen. And the explosion that had just occurred? From Namor. And him throwing the bombs he threw at the window. That had caused loads of water to break through it, and go flowing inside of the room that Riri, and the Queen had been inside of.

" Ukumkanikazi ufile." The guard who approached the cell, mumbled incoherently. Placing her hand against the other woman's shoulder, as a way to comfort her, and get her cries to come to a stop. 

Translation: The Queen is dead.

" Ukumkanikazi ufile, yaye inkokeli yayo yiyo ebangele ukumbulala!" Her finger came pointing over in your direction, as you furrowed your brows out of confusion. 

" I'm sorry?" You spoke lowly, but loud enough for the two of them to hear you.

Translation: The Queen is dead, and her leader is the one responsible for killing her.

" Sorry!?" The guard who'd brung you down to the cell, let out a bitter chuckle. Snapping her head around quickly, as she began to glare at you. With both her hands holding onto the bars of the cell, so tightly? That the veins in her knuckles were beginning to protrude.

" Our Queen? Is dead!" She shouted at you so loudly, that the sound of her voice continued to echo throughout the hallway. After she had closed her mouth, and faced away from you.

As you sat feeling all of the guilt, that had been building throughout your body during the last seven days? Come bubbling up to the surface. Just as you let out a sob yourself, and placed your hands over your mouth, to cover it afterwards. So that another one wouldn't be able to escape from out of it.

While you sat beginning to cry, with a quivering bottom lip. Trying your hardest to come to terms with what you were being told. " S-she's what?" You questioned her, once more. Barely speaking above a whisper, with your eyes widening in shock. After she'd repeated herself, a third time.

" Our Queen, is dead." She muttered lowly, after rising back up from off the ground. Holding onto her spear tightly, inside the palm of her left hand. " She's dead."

" And your leader, with the wings upon his feet? Is the person who's responsible for killing her!"

If you had known that your presence would cause so much confusion? Then you would have tried to reason with Namor, and beg him to allow you to remain in Tolakan. 

Where you'd probably be roaming around somewhere right now? While trying hardly not to make anymore mistakes. Or like any other day? You'd be following Namora around, as if you were her shadow? Along with studying everything she did, or said? So you could be as gifted and treasured as she was.

Had you remained there? Instead of coming up to the surface.

And following orders from a leader, who could honestly care less if you had felt pity for the people around you or not? Nor did he care if you cried, or pleaded with him to spare the lives of Riri and the Queen. So that they could live their lives freely and happily? Instead of being nothing but a distinct memory.

That in one point of time? Used to be a walking, living, talking, breathing soul. Who had hopes and dreams, of being whatever it was that they wanted to be in life. So as you sat feeling guilty, as if you were the one who'd killed the Queen, instead of Namor? You prayed up above to the God's.

Asking them to rid you of the ongoing pain, in which you currently felt. As well as also asking, if they could allow you to be gifted. And more like Namora, like Namor had asked you to be. Because being unable to do anything correctly? Was beginning to grow a bit tiring. 

And you felt as if sooner or later? That you'd be pushed to the breaking point, that you had promised yourself, as well as the God's? That you wouldn't get to.

" Y/N?" The sound of Riri's voice, had knocked you from out of your thoughts. As you found yourself rising up to your feet fairly quick, with glossy eyes, and hands that wouldn't quit shaking. Seeing that the smaller girl, was alive. And not dead, as you presumed that she'd be? After Namor, had went through all of this trouble, just to get rid of her?

Due to her building a machine, that in her mind? Was just a simple school project, for her Metallurgy class. " R-riri?" You reached your hands out of the cell, cupping both her cheeks as soon as she was close enough for you to do so. Which had taken her by surprise, and caused her eyes to widen.

But after a while? Her facial expression returned back to normal. Making you feel so much more at ease, when she held onto your hands. And smiled warmly at you, before in an instant? The expression had shifted. And nothing else but sadness, was evident inside of her dark brown, slightly slanted shaped eyes.

" T-the Queen, is umm.." She trailed off, after releasing your hands. " The Queen is dead."

" And N-namo–"

" And the fish man killed her!" A large man who stood behind her, cut her sentence short. Making his presence be known, as he stepped forward. Emerging from out of the darkness of the hall, with the same expression present on his features. That both the guards who stood outside your cell earlier? Had present on theirs.

" And I believe that, you!?" He pointed his finger in your direction. " I believe that you might've had something to do with it!"

" Me!?" You jerked your head back, at his ridiculously stupid statement. Feeling offended and if you were being honest? Quite a bit hurt. That he would think that someone like you, who was almost as tiny as Riri, and clearly incapable of completing a task? Could've done something of the sort.

" Yes, I believe you helped him." He carried on with talking, and stating his preposterous beliefs. " Because if you didn't have anything to do with it? Then enlighten me on why you are here?" His brows raised, as he awaited your response.

" Surely, it can't be because you had good intentions? Because you and your kind? Have made it completely clear? That we are not equals. Despite the fact that we each own vibranium? Which, way before we ever knew of sea people ever existing? We were certain, that we were the only ones who owned it."

" So please?" His eyes bored directly into your black ones. " Tell us why you're really here."

" And what is that you want, with the Princess?"

" To see her." You spit out quickly, feeling your heart rate begin to accelerate, at the mention of Shuri. " I'd like to see her. And speak with her alone, please."

" What for?" Riri questioned, mirroring the man's current expression. " And why now? After her mother was just murdered, right in front of her."

" What?" You felt a lump start to form inside of your throat, as you stood trying to even out your breathing. Along with your wobbling knees, that felt as if they were on the verge of giving out on you. " H-he wouldn't." You laughed bitterly, blinking back the tears that were threatening to spill over.

" Namor, would never do that."

" Oh yeah? And why wouldn't he, Y/N!?" Riri shouting at you unexpectedly? Had caught you completely off guard. Seeing the way that she did it a second time, when you had ignored her previous question, and just stood completely still.

Allowing the tears you fought to keep back? To fall freely. As the breaking point that you tried so hardly to run away from? Had finally caught up to you. And slithered around your neck as if it were a snake? As it blocked off your ability to speak, like you so desperately wanted to.

So that you could try to prove your innocence, and voice your reasoning for saying what you said about Namor. But all the attempts you made to speak? Had failed. And nothing except soft cries escaping from out of your mouth? Could be heard, by the two individuals who stood before you.

Looking as if they were unfazed, and more angry than they had been prior. Which in all honesty? You expected. Being that their Queen had just been murdered, and taken away from them. While Riri on the other hand? Had almost been drowned to death, as you were now able to make out the wet clothes she wore, that were almost dry? Being stuck against her small frame.

" It seems to me? That you don't have an answer for me, Y/N." Riri continued speaking, ignoring your sobs as if they were inaudible to her. " And I see now?" Stepping back from the cell, near the area where the tall man who'd been talking previously, stood? Riri let out a bitter chuckle, shaking her head side to side.

With both her hands balled into fist. " I see now, that you and I? Could never be friends, in the way that I expected us to be."

" And also?" Pausing in her footsteps as she walked away, Riri took a final glance at you. Allowing you to be met with with the sight of her crying, which had shocked you completely.

Being that you'd never taken her for the type of person, who'd allow herself to be vulnerable around others. " Shuri, really believed that you were different."

" And she was so excited, after you left from introducing yourself to the two us. Back when we were in Talokan, last week? Because she figured that she had made a friend. And you know with her being a Princess and all? She doesn't really get to have a lot of those. Other than her being kind of close with some of the soldiers here? She has, no one."

" I-i am different!" You interjected, shouting just a bit. " Nah." Riri chuckled once more, waving her finger around in the air. " You aren't different at all, Y/N."

" And you wanna know why that is?" She raised her eyebrow questioningly, while you stood frowning at her angrily, with ragged breathing, and bloodshot eyes. " ..Why?.." You found yourself asking, despite the fact you told yourself you wouldn't.

" Because you're just like everyone else, who uses innocent people. And makes them believe that the intentions you have are good, when really?" Her head tilted slightly towards the side.

" Really? You're just as fucked up as Namor. And to top that off? You're exactly like him too."

" I am nothing like, Namor!" Raising your voice so loudly, that your throat began to hurt directly after doing it? You banged your fist against the walls. Not caring about how the stinging sensation that began lingering had felt? Once the barrier of your skin had broken.

And your knuckles had started to bleed. " I'm nothing like him!" You protested once more, attesting your innocence. " Oh? But you are." The man who stood beside Riri, spoke aloud.

" And the Princess, will not be speaking with you, or seeing you. For she is planning, so she can prepare to bury her Mother. Who your leader, who is the fish man? Killed."

" So, please? Do enjoy your stay here–in this..dark and cold cell." He trailed off, pointing his finger over at the small circular shaped window. That was high above the small cot, located over in the left side of the room.

" And if you find yourself growing weary, and in need of entertainment? Then look out into that window over there? And imagine yourself being free. Like you could have been now? Had you not assisted your fish man leader? With murdering our Queen!"

After the heated discussion you had with Riri, and the tall man, who for some odd reason? Made sounds as if he were a dog, after every sentence he finished? You were left alone again. With a mindful of thoughts, as well as having a heart that felt heavy. When you imagined how Shuri might've been feeling right now? While also wondering what she might've been doing at the moment?

As you sat picking with the mask that was over your mouth. Feeling conflicted, and of course? Tremendously guilty. Knowing that Riri, the man who'd been present with her, and possibly Shuri? Were all convinced that you had assisted Namor, with his plans of killing the Queen.

Which had hurt you, and made you start to question if those assumptions might've been true? Due to your tendency of being blamed for so many mistakes in your life, by Namora, and other Talokanil people. Who spoke down on your capability, of ever being great so much? That at a time like this? Your intrusive thoughts were beginning to get the upper hand.

As you found yourself ripping off the headgear you wore, and launching it at the bars of the cell. Which made a loud banging sound, begin bouncing off the walls of the room. Following muffled sobs and loud sniffles, along with the sound of you beginning to choke on air.

When you removed the mask that was once over your face? And allowed it to drop on the ground. As you kicked it away from being near you, after removing it successfully. Before your body had fell backwards against the cool, cement floor. And your light blue skin? Had began darkening instantly. Upon you not having on your mask, or being close by water, like you'd normally be?

When you'd remove it to give your face a break? Back when you were home, in Talokan.

So as you laid with your hands against your throat, with wide eyes, and a rapidly beating heart? You prayed to the God's, for what felt like the millionth time. As you asked them to guide you peacefully to your ancestors, who had perished away–far before you were born.

But unfortunately for you? The moment of death you'd been awaiting? Had never came.

And before you knew it? Your shoulders were being lifted, as the feel of soft, warm hands? Had begun shaking your body lightly, while the voice of whoever the hands belonged to? Murmured lots of incoherent words, that you couldn't really make out. Once your mask had been placed back over your face, and your eyes shot open on instinct.

When you were finally able to breathe regularly again. " Breathe." The sound of Shuri's voice had made you pause your movements, and shoot your eyes up in her direction. When her hands had remained on your face, and she didn't move them away–like you expected she'd do?

After everything that had recently occurred, today.

" S-shuri?" You whispered quietly, staring at her as if she were a ghost. Because your mind wouldn't allow you to believe, that she was standing here in front of you right now. And let alone? Touching you.

When the tall man from earlier, had made it one hundred percent clear? That she wouldn't be speaking with you, or seeing you. Due to her being busy, with planning for her Mother's funeral. 

" You tried killing yourself? Why?" Her brows raised in confusion.

" I-i don't know what you're talking about." You stammered over your words, playing dumb. Scooting yourself farther away from her, once she rose to her feet. And had begun pacing around your body. While watching you intently, as if she were trying to read you? As she did so.

" You are lying." She responded after a while. " In the same way that you had done? When we were in Talokan."

" Lying?" You repeated her, with a voice full of confusion. " I've lied to you about nothing before, Shuri."

" Oh, ingelosi? But you have." Stopping in her tracks after she was behind you, Shuri motioned for you to stand. Which caused you to scramble up to your feet with quickness, and approach her slowly. As you found yourself growing eager, for some unknown reason? To be close to her.

Translation: Angel.

" Y-yes, Shuri?" Staring up at her tall frame, you then placed your hands behind your back nervously. As her eyes began to linger from your face, down to the gills. That were located against the area underneath your shoulders, near the center of your chest.

" Why have you come here?" Her voice had dropped. " And what is it that you want?" Moving once more, after standing completely still? Shuri began to approach you, which made your stomach go into knots, out of being afraid.

As you inched backwards, the more she stepped forward coming towards you. Until eventually? You'd been cornered, in between the area where the cot-like bed, and window were located. Feeling your body slightly flinch, just as you squeezed your eyes shut tightly. When Shuri's fist, had came crashing down against the wall behind you.

That wasn't so far away from where your head had been. Which made you begin questioning yourself, instantly. As you wondered had she wanted to hit you instead? And not the wall, that began glowing in the same way, it had done earlier? Due to her touch.

" Ndiphendule!" The sound of Shuri's voice cracking, after she hollered at you? Left you feeling a bit unsteady, along with being emotional. When the urge to cry, had suddenly come over you, again. For what felt like the hundredth time today.

Translation: Answer me.

At the sight of tears, that had begun rushing down the sides of Shuri's sepia, reddish-brown skin, nonstop. 

" I wanted to see yo–"

" Bullshit!" Shuri punched her fist against the wall, a second time. Making you move away from being so close to where she was. Or at least? You tried to. But the feel of her hands holding you in place, and restraining you from going anywhere?

Had shaken you to the core, due to the unexpected contact. 

" It's the truth, Shuri." You tried getting her to believe you, as you reached out your hands. To try and wipe her face free of the tears, that had continued to spew down her slightly puffed out cheeks.

" I wanted to see you." You said again, speaking way softer this time. As Shuri stood saying nothing, with her eyes being locked onto the floor. " And I'm sorry about your Moth–"

" Sorry?" Her eyes were back on you now, allowing you to see that her face was completely frowned up. " Y-yes." You nodded hesitantly, once she let go of the previous grip she had on you.

And she took a step back, running her hands throughout her short curled hair. Just as a loud laugh had escaped her lips, following a choked out sob. That honestly? Made you want to begin crying yourself. At the sight of her being so upset, and in rage. In a way? That you would have never expected her to be in, if it were still last week?

When the two of you were just meeting for the first time. And she was surprisingly happy and quite friendly? For someone who'd been brought to a completely different world, from the one that she was used to.

" My Mother is dead, Y/N." Shuri spoke slowly, after her breathing had returned to normal.

" She is, dead! And Namor, Is the one who's responsible? For taking her away from me!"

" So, please? Please keep your pity and half apologies? To yourself." She pushed her finger into the center of your chest, causing you to stumble backwards a bit, from how hardly she had done it. " S-shur–"

" No!" Her hand raised up, cutting your sentence short. As you struggled to blink back your tears, and keep your feelings at bay. So that you wouldn't get offended by how mean she was currently being. But in a way? You felt that you deserved this.

Because had you tried being useful for once in your life? And you stood your ground? Instead of being afraid, to call others out on their wrongdoings? Then maybe Shuri's Mother would be alive right now. And she'd be happy, rather than being in distraught, as well as angry?

As she stood before you, with her finger remaining against your chest. Looking as if she was disgusted with your presence, in the same way that Namora would look? Whenever the realization of you being her sister? Had settled inside of her brain.

" ..Please.." Feeling your bottom lip begin to quiver, you tucked it behind your teeth with quickness. " Please don't be angry with me, Shuri." You pleaded with her.

" In puksi'ik'al ma' ma' táan manejar tu." You reached for her hands, leaning your head towards the side, so she'd be able to see you. Being that she was avoiding your gaze, as well as your touch. Once she snatched her hands from out of your grasp, and her head shook side to side reluctantly.

Translation: My heart won't be able to handle it.

" I have nothing for you." Her statement had made your shoulders slump down in defeat. And caused you to draw out a deep sigh, when the tears you were trying to keep away? Had begun to fall. When Shuri turned around, putting her back towards you. And she began walking back near the entrance of the cell.

" Nothing!" She added onto her previous statement, raising her voice.

" So, please? Save your tears and lies? For someone who'll believe them."

" Because I have nothing for you! Or nothing to say or give to you? Of that matter." She made herself completely clear, as she talked with a voice, that was laced with anger.

" And I've had enough of you staring at me! With that look inside of your eyes." Pausing from opening up the cell, Shuri glanced over her shoulder at you. With furrowed up eyebrows, and lips that were twisted upwards, showcasing her evident distaste. From whatever look in your eyes? That she was referring to.

" What look?" You questioned, blinking your eyes once, and then twice.

" That look." She pointed at you, as she swallowed hardly. Looking as if she were trying to contain herself, from losing the last bit of self control she had. " ..S-stop looking at me.."

" I have to look at you? In order to talk to you, Shur–"

" STOP!" Being yelled at by Shuri, for what felt like the thousandth time? Made you break. And caused you to begin boiling over with your own anger, as you found yourself shouting back at her, way louder than she had done to you.

Which had taken her by surprise, and made her breathing still for a few moments? At the sight of you being so enraged. And yet? So beautiful, at the same time. But of course? She'd never admit to that. Because the ongoing feelings she'd felt right about now? Had confused her.

And made her feel as if she were a traitor? For finding a person who's ruler, was responsible for her Mother's death? Intriguing. And worst of all? Attractive.

" Are you finished?" Shuri broke the awkward silence that had settled over the two of you, once your shouting had come to a cease. "Because if you are? Then listen to me closely."

" Because I've never been a woman? Who liked repeating herself."

" You don't say?" You responded sarcastically, after sitting down against the edge of the cot, with your arms folded tightly over your chest. "Stop it." She warned you, but you continued on with your sarcastic remarks anyway, not caring about if they had bothered her or not.

Seeing as she didn't care, that her yelling she had done earlier? Had hurt you. When she did it continuously, without having any ounce of remorse.

" I take it that, blue must not be one of your favorite colors either, Princess?" 

" Or is it just me, that you hate so much? Since you didn't shout at Namor, today? In the way that you've been shouting at m–"

" Y/N, I'm warning yo–" Shuri tried to speak, but you continued to speak over her.

" Maybe I should've just did what I was told? And used my siren abilities to manipulate you? Like Namor, told me to do. And maybe if I had done that? Then you probably would have been a bit more nicer towards me? Instead of being angry. Which just to clarify? You should consider other people's feelings? Before blaming them for thing's th–"

Due to you being so caught up in your rant? You hadn't noticed that Shuri had started to approach you. And as you were mid way through finishing up? You had been pinned down to the cot below you. As the front of your top, had been grabbed up and twisted.

When Shuri's tall frame had begun towering over you. And nothing except disbelief, anger, and if you weren't mistaken? Hurt, were evident inside of her dark brown eyes.

" N-namor sent you here, to try and manipulate me?" The grip Shuri had on your top tightened. When it took you a while to respond back to her. Due to you currently being occupied with staring at her face, that was only just a few centimeters away from where your's was.

Which allowed you to make out how sharp her jawline actually was? And how when she was angry, like she was currently? And she clenched her teeth together tightly? That it popped out even more. Making you part your lips, to speak, before you stopped yourself. 

Once the realization of the position the two of you were in? Came crashing into your mind. Causing you to push yourself into Shuri's hands, involuntarily. And grab hold of both her wrist, as you rubbed your thumbs in small circles, caressing the surface of her skin there. 

Feeling your body begin to heat up shortly after, and a small smile start to tug at the corners of your lips. When the sound of Shuri inhaling and exhaling deeply, upon having you touch her? Had filled your ears.

" I would never manipulate you, Shuri." You answered her, continuing to rub your thumbs across her wrist. " I-i don't care what Namor say's, or what he'll do to me? If he ever happens to find out either." 

"  But I-i'd never put you through th–"

" ..Stop.." Speaking barely above a whisper, Shuri pulled her arms away from you gently, after releasing the hold she had on your top. " You should go." Her next words made you widen your eyes in confusion, as you rose your body up from it's previous position.

And opened up your mouth to object, until she stopped you. " Mamela kum, Y/N." 

Translation: Listen to me.

" My Mother is dead, Y/N." 

" First it was my Father, when I was younger. And then? It was T'Challa. And when T'Challa first died? I thought that I lost everything. Because you see, T'Challa? Saw me for who I was. And he accepted me for what I truly loved, without ever judging me. Or forcing me into a life that I didn't really want or care for. But now? I've lost my Mother." 

Shuri let out a dry laugh, using the back part of her hand to wipe away her tears. 

" And I've been forced to be in charge of a nation? That I'm not even sure I can lead. Because who would take orders from the Princess, who's always been far more interested with being inside of her lab and building things? Rather than following the orders my Mother would give to me? So I could be prepared for this day, once it came..."

" ..A-and she died, and left me in charge to take her place."

The sight of Shuri pulling at her hair, as she sobbed uncontrollably? Made the guilt you'd felt earlier, when you first emerged from out of the Wakandan waters, alongside Namor and the other Talokanil soldiers? Return with quickness.

As you sat trying to think of something to say, that would make Shuri feel better, and put a stop to her constant crying. But what do you say to a person, who's lost everything and everyone that they once loved? And how do you get their pain to diminish, so that they could be happy again?

Instead of feeling a surge of different emotions? All at once.

" I should've tried harder to stop him.." You mumbled incoherently, pulling your knees into your chest. " R-riri was right." 

" All of this? Is my faul–"

" No." The sound of Shuri's laughter, had caused you to pause in the middle of speaking. As you sat with a puzzled expression present, while wondering what she found so funny about what you had recently said.

" You don't get to feel bad, or expect to receive pity from me? When everything that has happened? Is just as much as your fault? As it is Namor's."

" Y-you take that back." Standing to your feet with quickness, you stomped towards Shuri angrily. With clenched fist, glossy eyes, and a face, that wouldn't mask away how hurt her statement had made you? Even if you were to try your hardest not to react.

And pretend that it didn't bother you, when in reality? The brutal honesty of it all? Had tore what little bit of hope you had, of the two of you overcoming this obstacle that Namor placed in between you? Right into shreds.

" T-take it back, Shuri!" By now the two of you were standing chest to chest, while breathing rather heavily, as you held eye contact with one another. " ..No.." Shuri whispered lowly, catching you completely off guard, when she pressed her forehead against yours.

And brung her hands to the sides of your face, beginning to cradle it. Which made you hold your breath, and begin leaning into her touch hesitantly. With your eyes closed, as your heart rate slowly began returning to normal. Due to the feel of Shuri's cool fingertips, wiping away the tears that continued to spew down your now puffed out cheeks.

And cause your eyes as well as your face, to now be puffy. And slightly sensitive to touch, as you found yourself jerking back your head. With clenched teeth, and furrowed up eyebrows. At the feel of Shuri adding pressure, when the pad of her thumb went brushing underneath your left eye.

" Ma jach ts'u'uyaj tin yéetel, Ya'ab frágil, ts'o'ok a wojel?" Holding onto Shuri's wrist, after returning your head to it's previous position? You then averted your focus back towards her, feeling a small, hearty like laugh fly out of your mouth. At the sight of her looking genuinely confused. And as if she were trying hardly to decipher, what you recently just finished saying.

Translation. Don't be so rough with me, I'm fragile you know?

While she tapped the beads to the bracelet, that was wrapped securely around her left wrist. Causing a light blue light to appear, like it had done when the two of you were in Talokan. Just as a robotic like voice began speaking from it. Which made you widen your eyes in curiosity, and mostly amusement? Seeing that Shuri was currently having an entire conversation, with her bracelet.

And the male voice, that was programmed inside of it.

" Griot?" 

" Yes, Princess?" The robotic voice responded to Shuri's voice. Making you twist your lips sideways, and begin fondling with one of the curls that had fallen from out of your bun. As you began thinking to yourself, about how weirdly this interaction that you were witnessing? Had looked.

" Please translate everything Y/N, just said to me ." Holding the bracelet near the front part of her mouth, Shuri's face had contorted into a look of concentration. As she placed the beads near the opening of her ear, trying hardly to understand what the male voice had responded back to her.

Which caused you to laugh once more, while also considering repeating what you'd just said. As a way to help her relax, and get the sharpness of her jaw she'd get whenever she was upset or frustrated? To go away, and return to it's normal state.

" How about you just ask me what I said, yourself? Instead of asking your bracelet?" You broke your current silence, picking with your hands out of being nervous, once Shuri's eyes had shifted back towards you.

" How will I know that you aren't lying, and just making something up to manipulate me?" She questioned suspiciously, giving you her undivided attention. Regardless of the fact she stated that she didn't trust you enough, to where she'd think you'd be honest with her.

" I've never lied to you before, Shuri." You rolled your eyes hardly, folding your arms across your chest. " So I'd appreciate it? If you'd quit assuming that I have."

" And I'd also never lie about something I've said? When using my native tongue either." You added onto your previous statement, fighting hardly not to showcase any of the ongoing frustrations you felt.

But it seemed that no matter how hard you tried, to act unaffected by the things that Shuri would say or do? That you'd fail. And become vulnerable to the point, that you allowed her to realize your new found weakness?

Which was her.

And you didn't know why or how it was her? Nor did you understand why the God's would allow your heart to grow fond of someone, who lived in a completely different world than the one you were used to. Instead of letting you grow close to someone, who was from Talokan. And not an enemy of Namor, which now that you were thinking about him?

You could only imagine how infuriated he'd be with you? Along with Namora, and Attuma? If they were to find out about these new feelings? As well as the infatuation that you were starting to grow and feel, towards Princess Shuri.

" I'm waiting." The sound of Shuri's voice had snapped you back into reality. As you stood before her, feeling yourself begin to grow slightly flustered. With the way her eyes were boring into your dark black ones, with a look you couldn't really explain or understand.

" D-don't be so rough with me, I'm fragile you know? Is what I had said to you." You muttered out lowly, catching yourself stumbling over your words. When Shuri's lips began to curve into what looked like a smirk? Before she smiled widely at you.

Allowing you to be blessed with the sight, of her pearly white teeth. And how breathtaking she looked while engaging in the action. " You are...." Shuri paused, trailing over her words as she approached you for what felt like the billionth time.

With eyes that were full of something you couldn't interpret. And a mouth that was parted open slightly, allowing her breath to make contact with the right side of your face. As she closed the space that was in between the two of you previously? And her warm, soft hands came in contact with the bottom of your chin.

Before she lifted it gently, causing your head to be tilted backwards. As your hands squeezed at the sides of your thighs, for support. And mostly out of being nervous? Meanwhile your breathing had begun to grow out of control. Along with your ability to keep whatever sound that had just escaped your lips? From repeating itself.

When Shuri's face had inched lower, and lower, until finally? Both your foreheads were pressed firmly up against one another's. As she continued eyeing your face, like you were a piece of art. That was very rare, and unable to be seen or touched by her again, had she let you go? And walked away? Like her conscious was screaming at her to do so.

But of course? She ignored it. 

And she continued on with her intensifying gaze, that left you feeling so small and exposed. With how she raked her eyes over every inch of your face, to the point that you shut your eyes with quickness. And dropped your head from it's tilted position, when another high pitched noise had left from out your parted lips.

At the feel of Shuri's thumb, brushing against the gills that were on the left side of your chest. Which if you were being honest? Had left you wondering when she had the time to move her hands, from their last position? To touch them.

But you didn't dare complain, as you basked in the new feelings you were being introduced to. While you hoped and prayed up above to the God's, and asked if they'd allow you to be at ease for once in your life? Instead of feeling so clammed up. And as if you weren't meant to be present on earth? With how often others had made you feel as if you were nothing but a failure.

Who'd never be as great and honored, as your dear loving big sister. Who had the world as well as the people of Talokan? In the palm of her hand. Seeing how badly everyone there had admired her, or wished to be as close to Namor as she was?

Which you honest to God? found very stupid, as well as foolish at times. When you saw the lengths that people would go, just to be blessed with Namora or Namor's presence. When you on the other hand? Got to be in their presence for free. 

And as exciting as your fellow Talokanil colleagues, believed that meeting the King and his second in command would be? You were quick to burst their bubble of excitement. While informing them that it wasn't all that great? To be in the eyes of royalty all the time. As well as being criticized and critiqued on everything you said or did.

Which of course? Led you to be less liked by the individuals you had spoken to. 

Along with you being called a numerous amount of names, that honestly hurt you down to the core. At the mention of you being labeled as an unsupportive sister? As well as you also getting accused of being immensely jealous, of Namora? And her position she held, as Namor's second in command.

But at a time like this? All of the bad thoughts you'd usually feel, when thinking about your sister or Namor? Were nonexistent. As Shuri had somehow, shifted your focus completely. And caused you to feel as if you were floating, and one of the prettiest beings on earth. With how mesmerized she looked? While observing your face. And it's new found blush, that had begun appearing onto the area against your cheeks.

" ..I am?.." You asked quietly, urging her to finish her sentence. 

" Beautiful." She admitted without holding back. " Bast..Y/N? You truly are, breathtaking."

The pure honesty of Shuri's words? Had left you a smiling, giggling mess. As you covered your face with your hands, and proceeded to place some distance in between the two of you. Only to be stopped, once more of course? As Shuri tugged your hand, causing you to spin back around and be facing her.

While also being met with the fact, that her previous expression she'd recently had? Was now gone. And nothing but the blank, neutral like look she had earlier, after crying? Had made it's way back against her face. As you stood feeling confused, on what to say or do next?

" S-shuri?" Your voice trembled shakily, once your eyes had caught the sight of another Dora Milaje soldier, who stood outside of the cell. With a greenish, almost brown looking type of shirt? That had a hood attached, in which she wore over her head. As she stood with her eyes boring into yours, before the sound of her knuckles making contact with the cell bars? 

Had filled both you and Shuri's ears. " Wenza ntoni ngaphakathi esiseleni nebanjwa?" The sound of her voice, had caused Shuri's body to stiffen up instantly, and make her release the current hold she had on your hands, soon after.

Translation: What are you doing inside the cell with the prisoner?

" O-okoye?" Shuri stuttered out nervously, inching towards the opening of the cell near the other woman. " Ndicela ungandiphoxi." Clasping her hands together, and glancing back at you briefly after making her second statement? Shuri turned her focus back towards the woman, who you learned was named Okoye.

Translation: Please do not embarrass me.

" And why shouldn't I?" The older woman questioned, as you stood in your previous position. Trying hardly to act as if you weren't listening in on their conversation? Despite the fact that you couldn't understand anything that either one of them were saying anyway.

" Five minutes." Shuri pleaded with her. " Five minutes, and I swear to you that when I'm finished? I'll go and talk with the elders, about what's next for Wakanda."

" Hmm." Okoye hummed, shifting her focus back to you. Which made you wave at her shyly and mumble a quiet ' hello'. Before a rush of embarrassment hit you like a freight truck, when she frowned at you? And continued speaking in Wakandan to Shuri.

Well, it was worth a shot. You thought to yourself.

" Kwaye yintoni ebaluleke kakhulu ngale ntombazana yentlanzi? Ngaba ukhe wacela eminye imizuzu emihlanu ukuba ube wedwa naye?" Okoye bombarded Shuri with more questions, as she folded her arms, and began pacing around in front of the cell doors.

Translation: And what is it that's so special about this fish girl? That has you requesting for five more minutes to be alone with her? 

" I-i don't know." Shuri answered her, sounding as if she were on the verge of growing upset again. " But I'll figure it out? If you allow me to have five more minutes with her."

Aha! So they are talking about me! A burst of excitement filled your body, when Okoye glanced back over at you, and stared a bit longer than she had done previously. Before she nodded her head at Shuri, and disappeared into the darkness of the hallway, after she left from being in the doorway part of the cell.

" She seems nice." You spoke aloud, as a way to make conversation. Once Shuri had returned back to where she'd been standing earlier, before Okoye had let her intimidating presence be known. 

" Don't be fooled? By Okoye's very rare act of gratitude." Shuri chuckled lightly, as she intertwined your hand, with her tattooed one.

" I'm guessing she must hate me, if you're telling me that?" You asked hesitantly, feeling your bottom lip poke out, as you began to pout playfully–as if you were so hurt by that statement? When Shuri's head had nodded, directly after you'd ask the question.

And she let out another laugh, that was way more lengthy and infectious. As you found yourself laughing right along with her, and smiling so hardly? That your jaws had begun growing a bit sore.

" So.." You trailed off, once your laughter had come to a stop. " Why did you ask Okoye for five more minutes alone, so you could talk with me?"

" I've never liked people, who eavesdropped." Shuri's head shook side to side, upon knowing that you had in fact? Been listening in on her and Okoye's conversation. Instead of focusing on other things, like she assumed you would? But then again, there weren't that many interesting things for you to look at inside of the cell.

So the portion of her, that felt annoyed that you'd been eavesdropping? Had let go of the matter quite faster than she'd normally do. Which had shocked her, but nonetheless? Didn't really surprise her as much, being that it was you? Who'd done it.

The fish girl, who's presence and smile? Left her feeling as if she were so perfect, and incapable of having any kind of flaws. With the way you'd look at her, with eyes full of admiration, obeisance, fondness, and if she wasn't mistaken? Pure want.

And that there? Had frightened Shuri, and caused her mind go into a frenzy. Whenever you'd push her to continue having a conversation with you? Or when you'd force the two of you to hold one another's hands, while calling her by her name in such a way, that had never really affected her? Until you'd begun doing it.

Which honestly? Had terrified Shuri, way more than she'd been prior. Knowing that she had only been blessed with the sight of you, and your presence? Only twice now. And during those two encounters? Including right now, since the two of you had only spoken for such a short period of time, during last week. Before her and Riri had been rescued by Nakia?

Caused Shuri to begin feeling things, as well as imagine things? That she knew deep down wasn't appropriate, or normal for her. Being that before you? Shuri had never had any issues with containing herself or shielding away her feelings. Due to the fact, that she'd never been liked, or looked at romantically? In the way that you'd look at her.

Like you were doing currently, with your eyebrows slightly raised. And twisted lips, that were beginning to turn upwards, to match the rest of your confused facial expression. Which made Shuri sigh lowly, as she continued eyeing you intently. All while staring hungrily at your lips, which she was honestly thankful to Bast? That you hadn't noticed.

Because had you realized where she was looking? She felt that she'd probably end up dying from embarrassment, and be sent to the ancestral plane. Where she'd be reunited with her entire family, who she had missed dearly.

" Shuri?" You continued frowning, with your finger tapping against the taller girl's shoulder lightly. " Shuri, are you alrig–"

" You need to leave." She muttered lowly, speaking so quietly that it was almost impossible for you to hear her. " L-leave?" You repeated what she said, feeling your heart begin to sink automatically, once she nodded her head and said yes.

" B-but I thought tha–I thought we wer–" You struggled to form words, as you stepped away from Shuri with glossy eyes. That were close to spilling over, and cause you begin crying again. With the longer you stared up at her.

And awaited for her to give you some sort of explanation, as to why she was asking you to leave. When just moments before right now? The two of you were laughing, and holding onto one another's hands, in a way that you believed deep down in your gut? Had meant so much more, than what Shuri was currently trying to make it out to be.

As she began speaking again, with both her hands clasped together fairly tight.

" .. You can't stay here, Y/N. A-and as much as I would like for you to? You have to go, ingelosi."  

Translation: Angel.

" W-why?" Pushing Shuri's hands away from being near you? You felt the warm feel of tears come trickling down the sides of your face. When you blinked your eyes once–following a second time shortly after. Which made the look of despair, that was on Shuri's face? Deepen instantly.

Upon having you shove her away, as if she were nothing and unimportant to you? When the two of you knew, that whatever it was beginning to blossom in between the two of you? Was far from just simply being platonic.

" Y/N–"

" Why!?" You shouted loudly, unexpectedly. Feeling a wave of regret start to rush over you, almost instantly. Seeing how hurt Shuri had looked, once you had shoved her away a second time? And caused her body to stumble backwards, before it collided against the bars of the cell, so hardly?

That a painful yelp had escaped from out of her mouth, shortly after it happened.

" S-shuri, I'm–" A panic state began to rush over you, as you tried stopping the taller woman from exiting out of the cell. But despite your current efforts? She had left you standing alone.

As she kept her back facing towards you, with her head hanging low. To the point that you were able to make out her tears, that had begun dropping against the concrete floor of the hall, and leave a water droplet appearance present.

" ..You are a distraction.." Shuri broke her silence after being quiet for a while. As she spoke with a voice that was full of nothing, except anger and possibly? Hurt.

" And I have no room for distractions, with the duties that I'm responsible for taking care of now. So you must to leave here, and you are to never come bac–"

" Shur–"

" Do not speak over me or interrupt me? When I am in the middle of talking." Shuri warned, lowering her tone way lower than it had been previously. Which caused a tremor of fear to shoot throughout your body, at how easily it was for her demeanor to simply just falter into something else.

" In two hours from now? Okoye's going to come and release you. And once you are free and you return back to Talokan successfully, and Namor questions you about if you used your siren abilities to manipulate me or not? You're going to tell him you have. And that in two day's time? He's expected to meet me out at sea, so that we can talk and discuss my rules."

Nodding your head, you decided to keep quiet. And allow Shuri to finish speaking, so that you wouldn't fuck up and say the wrong? Or cause her to grow more angry, than she already was currently. As she stood outside the cell doors, looking honest to God? Quite beautiful and alluring.

As you found yourself slowly growing captivated, with the way she talked about her plans of destroying Namor, along with everyone who was affiliated with him. Which also meant, that she'd make a mess of you as well? But for some odd and unexpected reason? You couldn't help but wonder what she'd do to you, and how she'd do it? Once that day had came forth.

" I-i'm fragile." You pointed your finger at the gills on your chest. " And innocent."

" B-but if you'd allow me to? Then I could learn how to be less of a distrac–"

" I have nothing for you!" Shuri mocked her words from earlier, banging her fist against the bars of the cell. "Nothing!" She shouted once more, with nothing but rage being evident inside of her dark brown eyes.

" S-so quit trying to confuse me, and make me have these unwanted feelings? As well as these t-thoughts? Because I have nothing to give you! And there's nothing for you here in Wakanda, other than the damages that Namor, and the people of your kind? Have left for us to repair!"

" M-my kind?" You choked on a sob, as Shuri's words, along with the tall man who'd been present with Riri earlier? Had begun repeating inside of your head, nonstop.

" Your kind." Shuri repeated bluntly, without caring to wonder how her stating what she'd said? Would cause you to feel. As you cried uncontrollably, hugging yourself with your arms tightly, as a way to comfort yourself. So that hopefully? Your ongoing sobs would come to a stop.

But how could you pretend to be okay, and ignore your body's need to release it's stress? When the person who'd just called you beautiful and breathtaking, not too long ago? Was the one who was responsible for causing your lungs, to feel as if they'd been punctured. 

And left with a hole on the side of them, that made breathing right now? Feel a bit hard for you. As all of the events, and harsh words that had been said to you throughout today? Came piling on top of you, and filling up your mind instantly.

Making the sound of your sobs, grow much louder. As the breaking point you swore you'd already reached earlier, after the dispute you had with Riri? Had returned. And came tearing down every ounce of happiness you thought you felt? Like ocean waves crashing against the shore of the beach.

Breaking you down into pieces, as you sunk to your knees and continued sobbing loudly. Without caring about how Shuri had watched you, with an unreadable expression present across her face, as you did so.

Because this here? Was it.

This? Was your true and final breaking point.

And after everything you had hoped and prayed to the God's up above for, recently? You'd failed and been ignored nevertheless.

Like you always did.

And as Shuri parted open her lips, to speak her final words to you? That would eventually cause the hurt in which you felt, to increase? You nodded your head anyways, after she finished speaking, with your backside now facing towards her.

So that she'd be blocked away from the sight of seeing you be so vulnerable, and upset as you currently were.

" Okoye, will come to release you? In two hours time.."

"...A-and once you are gone? Don't forget that you aren't to come back here.."

" Because there's noth–"

" There's nothing for me here. I heard you loud and clear the first time, Princess." You responded dryly, using the ends of your top? To dry off your now wet face.

" Now are we done here?" Your sudden change of mood, had caused Shuri to grow a bit conflicted, as well as angry. Seeing that you were pushing her away, in the same exact way that she'd done unto you? Due to her incapability of accepting the new found feelings, in which you had caused to ignite like a fire–deep inside the pit of her stomach.

That regardless of her attempts to put them out? They would only grow larger. And cause the want she felt towards you? To continue pulling at the back part of her throat, each time you took her breath away–like you were currently doing now? As you stared at her with nothing except anger present inside your eyes.

Now that all of the hurt you'd felt moments before? Had diminished away completely.

" Do you wish to be finished, isithandwa sam esitsha?" Shuri's hands gripped the bars of the cell, as she awaited your answer. " Speak english." You felt your face ball up, in irritation.

" It isn't fair for you to speak in Wakandan around me? When you don't have any plans to translate your sentences? So that I can fully understand you."

Translation: My newfound lover.

" Do you wish to be finished, isithandwa sam esitsha?" Shuri repeated herself slowly, ignoring your request for her to finish the ending of her sentence, in english. Which did nothing except make the anger you felt? Expand and begin to reignite.

Until suddenly? You found yourself thinking long and hard, about what it was that Shuri might've been asking of you. And as you stood silently, pacing around in a circle. For what felt like forever? You eventually mustered up the courage, to respond to the Princess's question.

" I-i don't understand what you're saying, Shuri." You ran your hands down your face, sighing hardly in frustration. 

" And I'm growing a bit tired, of your constant outbursts and mood swings."

" Because their confusing..and I-i don't want to be left feeling confused. And as if I have to walk on eggshells? Whenever I'm around you. Or if I'm feeling overly happy, from something you did? L-like I had been earlier? Before you mentioned that me and my kind? Had left lots of damages, for you and the other Wakandan's to repa–"

" Shuri?" The sound of Okoye's voice, had caused your sentence to be cut short. As you felt your shoulders drop down in defeat, once Shuri had stood upright. And proceeded to follow the older woman, down the dark narrow hallway.

Which made you let out another deep sigh, and begin walking back towards the small cot. As your mind began wandering off, back to the conversation that you and Shuri were having. Before Okoye had come, and interrupted it. Causing you to be left clueless, and stuck trying to figure out what it was that Shuri had said to you, while speaking in Wakandan.

But luckily for you? The God's had casted their light down upon you. As you snapped your head around, facing it towards the entrance of the cell. Seeing that the Princess herself was standing there, in all her glory. While motioning you to come forward, as she held onto an identical version of the beads that were on her wrist? Inside the palm of her left hand.

" Come." She whispered quietly, meeting you halfway where you stood. Before she grabbed onto your wrist gently, and slipped the bracelet around it afterwards. Causing it to tighten on it's own around you, but not too tight to the point where it had caused discomfort.

" Isn't this yours?" You asked softly, with your eyes currently fixated, on the way the bracelet had glowed. A pretty light blue, almost teal-ish looking color. Like the one against Shuri's wrist would do? Whenever she touched it.

" I don't have a lot of time, so we need to keep this conversation brief." Shuri continued whispering, with her head glancing back behind her, every once and a while as she did so.

" Tomorrow? I will send you a signal. And once you receive it? I want you to return back here, at the exact time that I give to you."

" C-come back?" You found yourself frowning in confusion. " Why should I come back here? After you've made it very clear, that there is nothing in Wakanda for me? And that you have nothing to give or say to me, for that matter as well?"

" Mamela kum, Y/N." Shuri raised her hands, placing them atop your shoulders hesitantly.

Translation: Listen to me.

" Just list–"

"..What about me being a distraction, Shuri?" You interrupted her sentence, beginning to go on another rant. About how unfair it was for her to ask you to return back here, when just earlier? She had made it chrystal clear, that she wanted you to leave? And to never come back.

" If I'm as much as a distraction as you say I am? Then why ask me to come back? While giving me these?" You held up your wrist that had the bracelet on it.

" When you know that if I'm caught wearing this by, Namor? Or even worse, Namora? T-that I'll..that they'll.." Swallowing hardly, you averted your gaze up at Shuri. Feeling your heart rate begin to accelerate, when her hands had came in contact with the surface of your skin again.

" I can not make you return here? If you wish to stay away." The feel of Shuri's breath, lingering against the tip of your earlobe. Caused your mouth to part open slightly, as goosebumps began making their way across the sides of your arms.

" But if you are open to it?" Shuri's hands trailed down your arms slowly. " And if you can find it in your heart, to trust me?" She intertwined both your hands together, rubbing her thumb across the top of your knuckles.

" Then when tomorrow comes? I'll be expecting your arrival.."

" ..At the appointed time, that I have set in mind? To send you the signal. That will alert you to come up to the surface. Because there's so much I'd like to show you, and learn more about you, ingelosi.."

Translation: Angel.

" T-there's nothing for you to get to know about me? That's worth wanting to know." You stammered over your words, growing a bit self conscious. With being trapped under the intensifying gaze, of Shuri's compelling stare.

" A-and how will I know, that this isn't just some kind of sick trick? For you to dispose of me? In the way that you wish to dispose of Namor?" You asked frantically, searching Shuri's eyes for some kind of answer.

As she stood silently, continuing to rub the pad of her thumb across the top of your knuckles. With a tiny smirk being curved near the corner of her lips. " ..I don't know.." She answered you, after what felt like forever.

" But perhaps? This is a trick? And maybe I do want to dispose of you? In the same exact way that I wish to dispose of Namor."

" Or maybe?" Shuri raised her eyebrows, shifting her focus from your face, down to the center of your chest. "..Maybe being in your presence? Has left me feeling enticed.."

" ..And wondering what it is, that's so special about you? That causes me to think about the things I do? Whenever you are near me.."

Hovering her fingers over the top of your chest, where your gills were? Shuri then inched her hand lower, letting out a light chuckle, following a quiet–satisfied hum. At the sight of you closing your eyes, and pushing yourself more into her embrace. Once her fingertips had made contact, with the surface of your gills.

" You think that I'm special?" Your eyes shot open instantly, upon hearing that specific phrase leave Shuri's lips. "Oh, umthandi?" Another sultry like chuckle had escaped from out Shuri's mouth.

Translation: Lover.

Before she removed her hands away from you, and began walking near the entrance of the cell doors. " ..I think about many things, during my free time? And whenever I'm busy with building new technology projects."

" And as much as I'd love to inform you, about all of those specific things?" Her head whipped back around to face you, as you were met with the sight of her smiling again. And so hardly in a way? That it showed off the dimple, that was located on the far right side of her face.

" There's a meeting that I'm required to attend in a moment, with the Elders. But perhaps tomorrow, if you decide to take me up on my offer? And you listen out for my signal?" 

" Then you'll tell me all about it?" You questioned, with eyes full of curiosity and wonder.

Which made Shuri nod her head, and deepen her smile. As she stepped outside of the cell, before closing it. While placing her hands around the bars, with a slightly tight grip.

" Ndingakuxelela nantoni na intliziyo yakho enqwenela ukuyazi." She said sweetly, proceeding to speak in Wakandan. Regardless of the fact, that she knew you couldn't understand her.

Translation: I'd tell you anything your heart desires to know.

" Shuri." You folded your arms, pouting playfully. When the sound of her laughter had filled your ears. " Yes." She answered, after her laughter had come to a stop.

" Yes, I'll tell you of all the things that I think about? If you are present here tomorrow."

" And please do not forget to inform, Namor? Of the things I mentioned to you earlier, ingelosi." 

Translation: Angel.

" I won't." You shook your head side to side. " A-and will Okoye, still be coming to release me later on?" 

Nodding upon hearing your question? Shuri had parted open her lips to speak, until the sound of her name being called, by an unfamiliar voice? Caused her to pause. And begin stepping away from your cell with quickness.

" I have to go." She whispered, rushing back near the cell bars. " But once you return back home to Talokan, successfully? Press the bead that's located in the middle of the bracelet."

" And I will be alerted from up here? That you have made it hom–"

" SHURI!?" Another deep, and unfamiliar voice? Had shouted out Shuri's name, from the ending of the hallway. Which made you shift your focus towards the side, as you caught a glimpse of what looked like the light from a torch? Begin to light up the dark hall.

And allow you to make out more of the foreign writing, that was very similar to the writing written across the walls, inside of your cell. " You should go." You told Shuri, flashing her a warm smile. When the light from the torch, that lit up the hall? Grew closer.

" And perhaps, if I make it out of my talk? With Namor and Namora alive? After returning back to Talokan, whenever Okoye comes to release me? T-then maybe?" You picked with your mask nervously, struggling to maintain eye contact with Shuri.

" Maybe I'll be able to sneak up to the surface? So that the two of us can see one another? Once tomorrow comes."

" Okay." Another smile made it's way onto Shuri's face, as her eyes lit up with excitement. Upon hearing you say that you'd see her tomorrow. "And you promise you'll show?" She questioned, pausing in her footsteps. When she proceeded to begin walking back down the hall.

" I promise." You stared into her eyes, as a way to show her you were being honest. 

" I promise, I'll show up Shuri."

" And I promise that I'll leave Talokan, as soon as possible. So that I can make it here on time? Directly after I receive your signal."

[nellycanwrite]

An Order

Part 2 of “A Request”  ||  Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader

Summary: Your kingdom was at stake. Your thoughts are conflicted, your duties now weigh heavily on your shoulders, and the expectations of being K’uk’ulkan’s daughter puts you at risk as you try to talk with Princess Shuri of Wakanda. But you never had to worry—not when your lover, Attuma, was by your side to give you counsel.

Or, in which Attuma would soon realize that his own counsel would put you in jeopardy—bloodied and near death in his arms as you gave him your first order as princess.

Rating: 16+ || Viewer Discretion is Advised.

Word Count: 11.4K

Warnings: A very very angry Attuma and Namor. Heavy angst (oomph). Mentions of violence and near death experiences. Some bits are suggestive if you squint hard enough. Allusions of death. And if it’s any kind of consolation then tooth-rotting fluff too. 

Note: It is worthy to note that I have not included any deep Yucatec Maya phrases (besides the terms of endearment) despite the Talokanil speaking in their native tongue as respect to their language. Therefore their mother tongue shall be labeled with italics.

Part 1  ||  Part 2  || Part 3

As the daughter of the feathered serpent god, king of the great nation of Talokan, there were many things expected of you; the wisdom to rule with both mercy and hardened fists, the knowledge and wit that could challenge that of a merchant to negotiate terms to benefit your kingdom, and the grace befitting that of both nobility and divinity.

 Of course, you were also expected to be as strong as your father. So strong, in fact, that they had compared the ire of the king to a great catastrophe that equaled the eruptions from the Pacific Ring of Fire.

 It was impossible for you to achieve such a level of skill.

 But that is why you train.

 “Your attacks are still weak, in yakunaj.” My love, he said with an amused smirk. Even with a mask did he extrude such sly confidence that made you weak to your knees. 

 Attuma made a show of twisting his spear, droplets of sea water splashing across the walls that glowed with luminescent algae. You huffed and poised yourself to attack, your own vibranium spear pointed towards him in warning. 

 “You forget yourself, Attuma.” With the speed comparable to that of a great missile, you launched yourself forward with a beat of your feathered ankles. You heard him grunt when he put his spear up in defense, the clashing of vibranium creating an unpleasant screech as it collided with each other. 

 Despite you pushing against his weapon with your enhanced strength, Attuma far overwhelmed you with raw power. He slowly pushed you away and dove down to miss your incoming swing, taking your hips and slamming you into the ground. You felt the air escape from your lungs at the force, the grip of your weapon now long gone and away from your hands. 

 Attuma took your wrists in his large hand and pinned you against the floor, his masked lips dangerously close to yours. You used this time to catch your breath, your eyes boring into his own.

 “Do you yield?” He asked. The blade of his spear had now lodged itself beside your head. You gave him an amused chuckle. 

 “Never.”

 With a beat of your winged ankles, you tucked your knees in and kicked his stomach until he lost his balance. You wiggled your wrists out of his hand and flipped you over, the spear that was once beside you now thrown into the shallows of the underwater cave.

 His sheer size required the aid of your two hands, your fingers dwarfed in comparison to his wrists. You leaned forward as you breathed hard, your legs locking his hips into place.

 You stayed there for a while; your chests heaving in and out, your breaths falling into sync with each other, the drops of sweat and saltwater mixing together as you gazed into each other's eyes. There were unspoken words of ardor, the promises of a lifetime, and unwavering stubbornness that the both of you possessed in your mock fight.

 “Yield.” You gasped out, your hands tightening around his wrists. He chuckled.

 “Is that an order?” He cheekily asked. You playfully glared at him.

 “I would very much appreciate it if you finally admit the better fighter between the two of us, my love,” you leaned in closer and ghosted your lips over his mask, “now yield.”

 “What shame if her majesty's guard was weaker than she, no?” 

 You yelped when his hulking gait now rose and trapped you in his arms. He slammed you back into the rocks, this time pinning both of your wrists with both of his hands. His powerful legs secured yours in place, and the amused smirk still never left his lips behind that mask. His chuckle was low and sensual, a shiver running up your spine as he leaned in closer to you. 

 “I would not dare overpower her highness, but I have honor to uphold as your aide.”

 You struggled against him, your wings fluttering and aiding your movements. But he held you with all his might—a being such as you had to be held with such great strength that it needed all of his attention. And he was the strongest man in Talokan besides your father.

 “You dare pin your princess down?” You asked him with a smirk. His voice was gruff as he hummed, the gritted but silken sound sending heat to the tips of your pointed ears.

 “Forgive me for being so shameless.” He did not sound apologetic, rather, he found the situation amusing. The oaken sheen of his eyes held a mischievous glint that made you become hyper aware of the warmth that somehow sent a shiver up your spine.

 You found yourself becoming bolder under the influence of his own mischief. 

 “What punishment do you fancy, oh shameless warrior?” You challenged him while leaning up to press your lips against his mask. You heard the ever so subtle hitch from his breath and felt the grip of his hands tightened around your wrists. “Whatever shall I do to you for this treachery?”

 “Yield and I shall let you do your bidding, in princesa. Anything you want.” His voice dropped and made your thoughts hazy; you would have mistaken him for using his hypnotic melody to control you to his bidding.

 You bat your lashes at him in faux admiration, over acting the delightful gasp that came from your mouth. You pressed your chest against his, the jewels that adorned your neck making it impossible to satisfy the itch that you desperately wanted to satiate.

 “Anything?”

 Attuma tightened the hold on your wrists and licked his lips behind his mask, his piercing eyes darkening as he slowly lowered himself against you.

 “Anything.”

 “Ehem.”

 Namora stood by the water's edge, one hand planted firmly in her waist and the other carrying the spear you gifted her for her achievements as the new general. She gave both of you a pointed look and groaned in mock disgust. 

 “Must you always do that when you train?”

 Attuma removed himself from you slowly, careful not to hurt you in any way. He helped you up to your feet and kissed the side of your head as you finally stood. You smiled.

 “Whatever do you mean, Namora? The General and I are merely sparring.”

 “Don't play coy with me, princess,” she groaned, “you know fully what I mean. And Attuma, have some shame. You're training her, not winning her affections.”

 “Everyday is a quest to win my beloved's affections, no?” Attuma made his point by taking your hand and kissing the healing scars from your earlier spar. You felt heat crawl from your neck as he did so.

 Namora's face contorted to one of incredulousness. 

 “Unbelievable,” she almost laughed at the absurdity of it all, but she meant it in good faith, “ever since you have asked for her hand you have been quite bold. Whatever happened to the oh, so patient Attuma who was willing to wait three centuries before confessing to the princess, hm?”

 “He could not wait any longer, I suppose.” You laughed when Attuma hissed at your best friend and relative, your hand now resting in his plated chest to calm him. You felt him shiver under your touch.

 Attuma rolled his eyes at the both of you. “You speak as if I am not here.”

 “And what of it?” Namora challenged playfully. Attuma kicked his spear up from the ground and caught it mid air, pounding it against the rocks as a declaration.

 “I'll let you know that I am not to be ignored, especially if it's concerning my love for the princess.” He pounded the brunt of his spear to the floor again, but this time with much more strength that left dents on its wake.

 “You dare challenge me? Oh, how frightening.” she twirled her spear around her head and poised it to attack.

 “Can we please not do this today?” You groaned. Attuma and Namora always found a way to initiate a mock battle between the two of them. Although the show was impressive in its right, they would often make it more of a spar for endurance; their fights lasting half a day if left unsupervised.

 But you had to admit, their battles—especially ones that concerned you or your father—is their little show of friendship. And it was their way to stay in their peak conditions as warriors. 

 “Is that an order, in princesa?” Attuma turned to you with a wide grin. You sighed. 

 “It's a request, my love. You know I don't like giving orders.”

 “Then consider it fulfilled.” Attuma lowered his spear and stood in attention by your side as if nothing happened. Namora followed suit and cleared her throat, the playful disposition both of them had now fading. 

 “Thank you, my Generals. Although your love for battle is admirable, I think we have more pressing matters to attend to, no?” You looked at Namora in question. She straightened up and pounded her spear on the ground, the sea water splashing to your feathered ankles.

 “K'uk'ulkan wishes all of his fighters to gather, in princesa,” she glanced at Attuma and shifted her eyes back to you, “and your presence is needed as well.”

 “Whatever for?” You asked her, your head cocked to the side. Attuma used this opportunity to pick up your spear from the shallows and handed it to you, his fingers brushing over your own. You smiled at him thankfully, your body gravitating towards his out of habit.

 “There have been…reports about the surface. I have been spared the details until all of us are present.”

 You and Attuma looked at each other in question, but you followed Namora into the water to meet with your king.

 Compared to the last few decades that you and Attuma have been together, he now had it in him to swim in stride with you. He didn't lower himself so far down to match the decorum of his nameless self, instead, he could now stand by your side as if you were equals, the titles he had garnered for himself speaking volumes of his place by your side. 

 He still submitted to you, his oath of piety resounding loud and clear through both words and actions. But you never really did find it in yourself to use your authority to such an extent. He would still follow your words as if they were the Word of truth, and he would still do your bidding even if you didn't ask him to. 

 Truly, no other man beside him could match the splendor that came with your name, and you had fallen harder for your warrior as soon as you learned that he had done all of this for your sake; so that he could stand by your side without anyone questioning your choice.

 You had arrived at the bottom of the underwater coves that led to the entrance of your great city, your Generals now swimming back in respect. You nodded at them as you put your hand through the rock as a key, of some sort, that responded to the vibranium from your decorated vambrace.

 Not a second later, a current formed in front of you that pulsed with the energy to propel you forward. You turned to your Generals and grinned. 

 “Shall we?”

 You smiled bashfully when Attuma took your hand in yours as Namora swam forward to guide you. The strong current pushed you forward in speeds that only K'uk'ulkan could even fathom to achieve with his winged ankles. Although you bore the same likeness as him, you never did achieve his speed no matter how much you trained.

 As soon as the rapid currents stopped, you waved by passing sea-life and greeted the whales that swam overhead with a joyous laugh as you approached the capital city of Talokan, the rays of the underwater sun now drawing closer as you approached.  

 “My daughter.” K'uk'ulkan greeted you with a soft smile as soon as you had arrived the throne room. You swam up to him as your Generals stayed behind, your father eyeing the lingering touch of your fingers on Attuma's bicep. 

 “I hope you are well, father,” you rested your forehead against his, his hands finding purchase on the back of your neck, “Namora told me you wanted to see us.”

 “Yes. It is an urgent matter, my child.” His eyes flickered to that of a dark hatred that you could only remember him showing to surface-dwellers. You couldn't help but slowly pull back, your hands holding his and rubbing circles on the back of his own to somehow calm him. You resisted the urge to show fear—fear of such raw emotion that was but a fraction of a second from your own father.

 “Then we mustn't waste a second longer.”

 You took your place on your throne as a steady stream of other generals, warriors, and council members alike gathered below to wait for K'uk'ulkan's next words, murmurs erupting from your subjects about the possibilities of such a gathering of strong fighters. You had to wonder as well—why did your father call you all here? What had happened on the surface for this to be such an urgent matter?

 In the middle of your own thoughts, Attuma swam forward to drape you in your royal robe and rested his forehead against yours.

 “Your thoughts are loud, in yakunaj. Your people are worried.”

 Your face broke into a grin. 

 “You mean you are worried.”

 “How can I not? I worry for you everyday, my love. Especially after…” You silenced him by putting your pointed finger to his lips. 

 “It was six years ago, Attuma. I am well and alive. I will not disappear again, I assure you.”

 Six years ago the ocean shook with Talokan's grief and rage when you, their darling princess, had suddenly disappeared and turned to dust along with half of your citizens. When you had magically appeared again, materializing on the same spot on your throne, Attuma was the first to cradle you and hold you tight—as if you were to become dust again if he did not hold you any tighter.

 He never left your side since, and he constantly doted on you.

 “You cannot blame me, my love,” he clasped the gold and jaden pins together and leaned into your ear so only you could hear, “I fear for what is to come. I have a bad feeling.”

 “Purge your worries, my darling. Whatever may come we shall resolve together. Now swim back down before father decides to fight you again.”

 You smiled and gave him a chaste kiss to the cheek before he descended down to join his ranks with an amused smile, but his worry lingered on his brow, still.

 K'uk'ulkan put his hand up to silence his subjects. Not a moment later, the throne room fell into a hush. The water felt still and tense, tension practically surrounding all of you as you waited for your king's next words.

 “There are whispers amongst the sea about the surface dwellers' activities. We had let them do as they wished far from our home, deterring them in utmost secrecy of our location. Although Talokan has remained safe, I'm afraid their next mission might compromise our well kept secret for centuries…”

 Your father proceeded to tell you all about the vein of vibranium found in the Pacific and the intentions of surface dwellers to mine them dry. Reports from your scouts say of a machine that could detect vibranium—something that filled your subjects with great worry. If that machine could detect the smallest vein of vibranium on the bottom of the deep Pacific, who was to say that they would not find your kingdom rich in the precious metal as well?

 Panicked murmurs coursed through the throne room, the voices of your worried citizens reaching a peak that buzzed the waters with anxiety. Fear. 

 You slammed your spear beside your throne, the vibranium reverberating and beckoning everyone to quiet down. You saw Attuma smirk—what great power you hold to silence warriors of great renown to your beck and call.

 “Let the king speak, my brothers and sisters. Do not let your fear consume you. We are Talokan; we do not yield under the threat of surface dwellers.”

 “The princess is correct,” your father rose from his throne and held his head up high, “there is no need to worry. We shall attack their base at night, covering ourselves in the darkness of the new moon. We shall eliminate the threat swiftly and disappear as we always have.”

 “And what if we are to be discovered, in ajawo?” My king. An old council member voiced his thoughts, “their technologies have grown. There is no guarantee we can hide our attack.”

 “The Wakandans will take the blame,” he said darkly, his voice sure and his strategies thought out, “they have so foolishly revealed themselves to the world and given the surface dwellers the opportunity to discover us. It is the consequence of their own actions. And Talokan will remain hidden. I shall discuss our course of action to your Generals—until then, you must prepare for battle.”

 You stood and bowed your head before your father and king, putting your hands in the likeness of a serpent's mouth. Your subjects followed suit in reverence to their ruler. 

 “Líik’ik Talokan!”

Attuma was a man of few words, his actions spoke louder than his verbal promises. Yet in your presence did he always find his tongue spilling with praises for you, vows of his loyalty, and the whispers of his unending love for you at every moment that you were together. 

 He often told you that you were the very sea that sustained him—gave him life—whilst you placed your forehead unto his. He would pick up his spear and tell you that he was yours to use as you wished; but you never did use such authority.

 He was enough. His love was always more than enough.

 He told you that you were a strong woman. So strong, in fact, that he would often tell you that you would make a greater ruler than K'uk'ulkan (such a thought would have been treacherous, but he found comfort in voicing his deepest thoughts to you no matter how audacious it would be in the ears of the council.)

 But in the face of a great threat, where your father had given you a task that far towered over you in dangerous foreboding, did you doubt those very same words that he would whisper against your skin.

 “Are you alright, in yakunaj?” Attuma asked you, his hand caressing your waist as you sat by the rocks of the surface. You leaned into his shoulder—now stripped of the spiked armor that he always wore—and sighed. 

 “I'm alright. Just…nervous,” you intertwined your hands with his as you watched the stars that littered the sky, “father gave me such a big responsibility. I have never even set foot outside the reef but he expects me to lead a platoon of our finest sirens to initiate the strike. What if I fail? What if I start on the wrong note? What if I disappoint my father? What if—”

 “And what if you don't?” He asked you, his thumb painting circles on your sun-kissed skin. “No one doubts your abilities. You will do just fine.”

 Attuma watched as your eyes glazed with unshed tears. They were magnificent in every way; even in your sorrow did you outshine the moon that graced the sea. 

 He caught the saltine gems of your despair on his thumb, wiped it clean from your cheek, and brought his masked lips to kiss the trail that it left in its wake—just below your eyes that fluttered close as he drew near.

 “And what if you are wrong?” You asked him, your voice cracking and stuttering.

 His brows furrowed.

 “Have I ever lied to you? Have I ever been wrong?”

 “Well, consider this, what if—”

 He silenced you with a thumb to your lips, grazing the supple flesh as he cooed for you to hush. For you to lay your worries at ease.

 “What if I kiss you right now to silence your thoughts, my love?” 

 You blinked in surprise. Only have you noticed the proximity of your lips, of your eyes, of the touches of his fingers across your damp skin. 

 But you did not pull away.

 He ghosted his fingers down to your neck, his touch lingering on the base of your pointed ears. You felt heat crawl up to your cheeks as he did so. 

 Attuma stared into your eyes, waiting for your response. Your eyes flickered to his lips, then back to his earthen gaze, and then back to his lips.

 You burst into fits of laughter.

 “...Your mask, my dear,” you giggled, “you cannot possibly kiss me when your lips are sealed in land.”

 He pressed his forehead against yours and laughed with you. 

 “But have I not calmed the storm of your thoughts?” He inquired cheekily. You laughed in disbelief and rested your hands on his barren chest. 

 “You are an insufferable man, Attuma.”

 “And you are simply exquisite, my princess.” He drew himself closer, your bodies sharing what little heat the both of you had from the cool, night air. You felt him playing with the ends of your hair as he continued to dig deep into your very soul with his piercing eyes. He continued.

 “You are the darling pearl of the sea. Your wisdom equals that of the king. Your subjects adore you, your warriors revere you, and the council already see you as a prospect to rule in the foreseeable future. K'uk'ulkan assigned you to lead your own platoon outside of Talokan for he knows you are ready. Prove to him that you are worthy of the responsibility he entrusted you with, just like how I had proven to you that I am worthy to be by your side.”

 Your breath stuttered as you felt his heart thump in his chest. He chased your hand and held it tightly, as if to tell you that his heart only beats for you. That it would bleed and cease and skip only for your majesty.

 What such blessing fell into your hands, you wonder, to grace you with the magnificence of a man such as Attuma? 

 “...How did I ever become so fortunate to have been given a lover such as you?”

 “I am hardly worthy, in princesa. I should be the one to ask that of you,” Attuma tightened his hold, “and I have not become your lover just yet—not when I have yet to prove myself to K'uk'ulkan.”

 “Forget what my father thinks, Attuma,” you brushed away strands of wet hair that stuck to his face and gazed lovingly into his eyes, “you have proven more than enough to me that you are worthy to be by my side. He is simply stubborn.”

 He scoffed as if he was amused.

 “And rightfully so. No one should be able to win your hand without great deliberation.”

 “And yet here you are.” You cheekily cooed. His chest rumbled as he chuckled merrily. 

 “I have not officially won your hand yet.”

 You brought his hand to your lips and kissed the knuckles that were littered with scars from his battles.

 “Hush now. You have won my hand the moment you have made your vow. I simply cannot think of anyone else to love this much other than you,” Attuma's heart blossomed with pride and adoration as you continued, “and you would make a great king someday. You are perfect.”

 “That is for K'uk'ulkan to decide.” You gave him a pointed look.

 “That is for me to decide. I will not allow anyone to sit on that throne unless it was you, in yakunaj.”

 What such bliss does Attuma feel, you wonder, as soon as you witness his very being light up with such love for you as he hears those words come out of your mouth?

 What such contentment did you bring him for the warrior you so loved to laugh in earnest for the joys that you had given him?

 Under the witness of the full moon, free of the prying eyes of both land and sea, Attuma grabbed you by the waist and plunged into the shallows of the reef, his mask now discarded with such haste, and his hands tracing your features with such tender adulation that made your heart soar into the heavens.

 You were a sight to behold—a goddess, that you were. Basked in beaming light of the late night, fractals of lustrous gems dancing across your skin, and oh, what to say about your twinkling eyes that the stars of the Atlantic would pale in comparison to? 

 “I love you.”

 And with those words of pure ardor, Attuma planted his lips on yours.

 And you love him too, you wanted the words to fall in pure ecstasy. But you settled with wrapping your arms around his neck and deepening the kiss.

 For your lips were enough to tell him all he needed to know.

The sea was quiet, darkness surrounding you and your platoon as you watched two surface dwellers probe with the machine that connected itself with the veins of vibranium that throbbed on the seafloor. It wasn't much, barely a morsel compared to Talokan's own mines, but in the wrong hands it would cause catastrophic damage.

 You resisted the urge to call off the attack—they were still living beings, ones that have family, friends, even lovers. But you gritted your teeth and strengthened your resolve. There was no time for mercy when your nation was so close to its discovery.

 “Attuma. Namora.” You called out. They nodded and stood in attention, spears ready and poised.

 “Yes, princess.” They replied. You nodded, satisfied with their attentiveness. 

 “Leave one alive. The man. Father needs information.”

 You turned to the platoon under your command, all women whose voice exceeded anyone else's. Their voices reigned supreme in every aspect, their enchanting melodies the testament to the many legends surface dwellers passed on to their kin as bedtime stories. 

 And you were their leader, the forefront to the hymns of your people. 

 Attuma resisted the urge to follow after you as you swam forward under the guise of the inky depths. As if sensing the imminent danger the divers are under, they looked around in haste, their nerves up high. He positioned his spear to attack when needed—he was not going to let you get hurt. 

 You focused your gaze on the man, his eyes flickering with fear. He talked into his comms in panic, his mission now long abandoned as his adrenaline peaked.

 And then you started to hum.

 It was an enthralling sound, one that your father had taught you when you were younger. It would lead surface dwellers into your arms, charmed by the promises that lay in each note. One of the divers looked around, trying to find the voice that called out to him so warmly—like a mother would to her children.

 And you swam forward, just in the line of his sight and away from his partner's eyes, and beckoned him forward with a smile.

 “Come to me, child. Come to me.”

 Dazed and enamored, he took a step forward. He could not hear the calls of his superiors nor the worried cries of his crewmate. He just had to sink into your arms; mission be damned. 

 With a speed comparable to the fastest of missiles, you cut the cord that connected him to the surface and dragged him away into the inky depths. You made sure to give the diver a charming smile before you smashed his helmet open—cutting any sort of communication that he previously had—and replaced his supply of air with the mask your people used. 

 “Breathe, child. You may close your eyes and dream.”

 Warriors came to take the surface dweller away upon Namora's instructions. You felt Attuma's hand on your shoulder, his lips landing on your cheek so tenderly. 

 “You have done well, my love.” He whispered. You gave him a grateful smile before turning to Namora.

 “You may do as you wish with the other surface dweller. K'uk'ulkan has no use for them.”

 Namora nodded and did her bidding with the other diver, beckoning her squad to wreck the machine as she stabbed the surface dweller and dragged them into the depths of the ruthless ocean. 

 You could only look away. 

 “Sisters,” you turned to your platoon and held your spear up high, “it is time. Let the surface dwellers hear the hymns of our people and guide them into the sea. There shall be no mercy for them.”

 Attuma joined you as your group ascended to the surface, his hand holding on to your own tightly. You knew he was to rejoin his ranks, so you savored his comfort a little while longer as you started the first notes of your siren's song.

 With one last squeeze to his hand, you used your feathered ankles to finally surface in full.

 Attuma could not hold back the awe from his face—you were ethereal in every way, ascending into the air like a deity of the sea. The jewels that adorned your body glistened under the artificial lights of the ocean rig, your hands extended out to call forth the charmed souls into your waiting arms. 

 An enchantress.

 Your group of singers eventually followed your melodies, the haunting tunes now taking full effect. Not even a few seconds later, splashes reverberated from the sides of the rig, all reaching out to you and clawing at the air in hopes to get to you; to touch you, to worship you.

 Their last sights were that of a goddess, an angel, their deliverance. You had smiled upon them with pity as you sang the hymns of your people.

 How these woeful souls longed to even touch your feet and kiss it in full before they succumbed to the frigid waters and met their demise

 Their ends were silent. They showed no signs of struggle and surrendered to the arms of sweet death.

 At least you had given them sympathy in their last breaths, even if it was in the influence of your hypnotic voice. 

 But you knew it was just an excuse to justify your guilt. 

 You closed your eyes as soon as you heard the gunshots from the rig, the company under your father's command now boarding the infrastructure and attacking any leftover surface dwellers that remained. You slowly descended into the water and dove into the awaiting arms of Attuma, your breath hitching as you calmed your racing heart. 

 “I am still weak.” You whispered, the songs of your people drowning your own voice. But Attuma still heard. 

 “It is okay, my love,” he caressed your back and placed a kiss on your forehead, “you have done your part beautifully.”

 “Must there be death in every battle? In every war?” The answer was obvious, but Attuma still took the time to humor you.

 “It is inevitable.”

Following your successful attack on the facility, you had coaxed your surface dwelling captive to tell you everything about the machine they had used to find the smallest hint of vibranium in the Pacific. You had used your voice to allure him into your bidding, and with a simple caress to his cheek and hypnotizing hum against his ear, he had submitted to you and forgot his loyalties.

 When the surface dweller finally cracked under your fake attention, there you found the information of the young female scientist who created the whole machine. 

 Attuma wasn't so happy that you had to use such tactics, but it was the most effective. You made sure that he watched the whole exchange to ease his mind—but it only ended up with you being pinned to the wall and being winded by his lips.

 It was to claim you, he insisted. He will allow no man to receive the feathered touches that you gave him, to hum against their ear with your allure whilst he watched. 

 Your dear warrior was just possessive, you thought in amusement. 

 Your father was satisfied with your findings. It was added to his already growing pride for your successful first mission away from Talokan. K'uk'ulkan was sure that the kingdom will be left in good hands once he passes his title to you. 

 And your heart swelled when your father praised you for your exploits and gave you access to explore beyond the reefs of the surface—you were now free to fly wherever you wished so long as you were careful (and of you will be careful. You didn't want this opportunity taken away from you).

 Your father had taken it upon himself to go to Wakanda and demanded their queen mother for the scientist. He had deployed his soldiers (including Namora and Attuma) to be wary of the movements of the princess and her warrior aide, the Dora Milaje's general.

 “I want to fight that warrior. The female general.” He told you as soon as he came back, his arms wrapping around your waist as he buried his face on your shoulder from behind. You cocked a curious brow.

 “Oh? Pray tell, do you fancy them?” He huffed.

 “Not as much as I fancy you, my love,” he peppered kisses on the jewelry upon your skin, “I simply admire their skill as a warrior—but you far outshine them in every aspect.”

 “Ever the charmer I see.” You laughed. He grabbed your hips to turn and face him and pressed himself closer, your arms wrapping themselves around his neck.

 He smirked.

 “For you? I’ll always be.”

 After they had fought near the waters of the Western surface dwellers, Namora and Attuma had brought home the princess of Wakanda and the scientist that you had sought out for their brilliant minds. 

 Only, you did not expect the scientist to be a child.

 Your father had gone to talk to Shuri, a diplomatic way of coaxing her into a more peaceful negotiation, you gathered. You were left to sit on your throne and rule in your father's stead. 

 “What is on your mind, in yakunaj?” Attuma asked beside you. You sighed and fiddled with your grandmother's bracelet, the jade from the jewelry shining brightly under the underwater sun. 

 “Nothing, really. I was just hoping that the talks would go well. There's no reason for this to escalate further than it should.” You urged Attuma to stand closer to you.

 He did so without question.

 When he finally placed himself by the seat of your throne, you leaned your head against his waist and just surrendered yourself to the safety of his presence. He held you closer to his side, his hands now drawing comforting circles on your shoulders as you overlooked your kingdom.

 From the corner of your eye you could see your father talking to Princess Shuri, her being clothed in a suit that could protect her from the pressures underwater. 

 You watched them attentively.

 “Do you think father will allow me to talk to her?” The hands that drew circles around your shoulder ceased.

 “There will be no such thing,” he chided, “what if she will hurt you?”

 “Do you really think a lone surface dweller, of all things, is enough to hurt me?” You joked lightheartedly. But Attuma did not take it well. 

 “I promised you that no surface dweller shall ever rest their eyes on you without meeting their death. That will not change now.” Your heart pounded against your chest at your lover's protectiveness. But you just needed to find a way to convince him somehow.

 “Maybe I can help my father with the negotiations. From where it stands, I doubt the Wakandan princess will even agree to father's terms.” You tore your eyes away from the Princess of Wakanda and your father as they swam away. Your eyes furrowed when you saw the downcasted look on K'uk'ulkan's face—you took note to approach him about it later.

 “A foolish decision, truly.”

 “And I understand her sentiments,” Attuma looked at you in question, his head cocking to the side. You continued, “that scientist is merely a child. People stole her inventions and took credit for themselves while she received our ire. And to declare war on the surface…even I could not fathom such scale.”

 “The surface dwellers' shortcomings come from their own negligence. If they were to be more careful—”

 “I do not wish to kill the scientist, Attuma, nor do I wish for war.”

 He paused, the only sound from the throne room were the hums of the vibranium sun and the slow moving currents from the tide. You looked up to him as he shifted ever so slightly, the grip on your shoulder only tightening.

 And after a few beats of silence, he asked.

 “Why?”

 Why indeed, you wondered.

 You were sure you were prepared for war. You were sure you were ready to fight for your nation and reclaim the land that you rightfully owned.

 But something was holding you back.

 “I do not wish for violence. And I pity her, that is all. She is a child whose work was stolen and discredited for. Her mind is great, but she is unaware of the damages she would have caused. And…and I do not wish for more deaths, especially one that is as young as her.” You glanced at your hands—the hands that held blood of countless surface-dwellers. A necessary sacrifice, but it did not mean it felt right.

 “Your mercy is worthy of praise, my love. But one wrong move will lead to our discovery. It will lead to war. One surface dweller's life for the life of your kingdom—those are the options you have to choose from.” 

 He swam in front of you and knelt before your feet, his headpiece now lay discarded beside him as he rested his head on your lap. You wove your fingers through his dark tresses; they were soft as silk.

 “Is there no other way?” You asked him. He trailed his fingers up your lap and took hold of your hands, his lips lazily kissing your knuckles.

 “Perhaps not. But the king sees this as the best course of action. Believe in his plans; believe in your father.”

 Your head dove down into deep thought, your hands mindlessly playing with Attuma's long hair. He leaned into your touch as you massaged his scalp, the delightful rumble from his chest giving you enough motivation to continue.

 “...If that is what you think, then I shall listen.” He peered up to you with those fierce eyes that only softened for you. 

 “And what have you chosen?”

 You swallowed the lump on your throat, the decision weighing heavily on your shoulders.

 “I choose to trust you and my father. It might be against my heart, but if it is for Talokan, if war is necessary for our people, then it shall be done.”

 He slowly rose and took your cheeks into his hands, his forehead now pressing against yours. In those moments did you relish the assurances from his touches, his thumbs unraveling the lines of worry from your troubled brow.

 “There is no need for you to spill blood. You only need to give the order and I will do it for you. This is why I am here; it is my purpose.”

 You shook your head and placed a chaste kiss on the side of his lips. He chased you as you retreated, your hands now finding purchase on his strong jaw.

 “Thank you, Attuma. But I need to do this on my own.” He snapped his eyes to yours indignantly.

 “In princesa—”

 “I can't keep depending on you, my love. I want to become a better partner for you, to become strong and protect you as well. What kind of a queen would I be if I can't protect my future king?”

 Attuma felt a thousand sparks lifting him up to the heavens as you said so. You were strong, stronger than you would admit to yourself. But you always doubted yourself; doubted your abilities, your choices, your authority. 

 But now, he was honored to witness the paradigm shift of your conviction. It was like the embers he had heard stories of in his time on water—where it was hotter than the vibranium sun that shone, more persistent and brighter than the light from the luminescent algae of your father's hut, and it burned so elegantly while still maintaining its power.

 You were beautiful. Strong.

 How could he ever say no to you?

 “Then let me have the honor to witness your first steps of your will. I want to see you shine, my love. My queen.”

 You laughed and drew him closer to you, his body now suspended into the water until his eyes were level with yours, and his lips now mere inches away from you. His arms trapped you in your throne—but you were more willing to submit to him and held prisoner to his affections if it meant you'd spend a lifetime in his arms.

 “I am not queen yet.”

 He smirked, his leg snaking between yours; anything to be closer to you. 

 “In my heart, you already are.”

Your father called Attuma and Namora to join him to meet Queen Romanda. You had assured him that you will be alright, that meeting with the Wakandan princess will not harm you in any way. You already had K’uk’ulkan’s permission to talk to the surface dwellers—he trusted that you could protect yourself whenever the need arises (not that you needed much protection. They could not even put a scratch on you even if they tried). 

 “Be careful,” Attuma told you as he caressed your cheek, his mask covering the purse of his lips as he tucked a strand of your hair behind your pointed ears, “I will not be there to protect you when anything happens.”

 “You worry too much, my love. I’ll simply talk to the princess, nothing more.” You cupped his strong jaw and placed a lingering kiss to his cheek.

 You heard the sound of splashing beside you, your father and Namora now ready to dive into the water to meet with the Queen of Wakanda. You stepped back and bowed your head low to your king and generals.

 “Please return safely.” K’uk’ulkan gave you a nod. 

 “We will.” 

 And before Attuma could even hug you goodbye in front of your father, Namora dragged him by the back of his spiked armor and plunged deep into the water. You couldn’t help but laugh when Attuma huffed indignantly, but he obeyed Namora nonetheless.

 You took your time to change into far less intimidating garb—one that is free of your armor and only left jewels around your neck, ears, and wrists to show your authority. Beautiful articles of your traditional clothing wrapped you in the finest material that your people could provide. Only the best for their princess, they always told you, wrapped in jades, gold, and pearls.

 You brought a basket full of corn and fresh fruits from the surface to offer your visitors something to eat whilst you spoke with them, waving to some of the nearby guards who stood in attention around the frightened women. Their hushed whispers soon come to a halt when they finally see you enter the caves they were held in, the warriors and the attending maid present all bowing their heads in respect.

 “Be at ease.” You called out to them. Although your people understood and resumed their positions, the surface dwellers cocked their heads in confusion. You cleared your throat. 

 “I am not here to harm you.” You spoke in a tongue they would most likely understand. They straightened up and watched you cautiously.

 “You speak English.” The Wakandan princess, Shuri, said. You nodded.

 “English…yes, that is what you call this language,” you slowly set your basket down and gave them a smile, “I have always been fascinated with the way surface dwellers speak amongst each other. It is diverse.”

 “You and Namor are related.” Princess Shuri put the scientist behind her and tried to put as much distance as she could between you. Both their eyes shifted to your pointed ears and the wings upon your ankles that fluttered as it landed on them. The girl, Riri, could only look at you warily.

“Fear not. I swear I bring no harm to you nor your people. And I apologize for not introducing myself,” you bowed your head and stepped back. You wanted to know that you were not a threat, that you could be trusted. You told them your name first, the surface dwellers testing the way it rolled on their tongue. You continued, “my people call me many names, but you are free to choose which name makes you comfortable. Or you can address me by my titles.”

 “And your titles are?”

 “Radiant Pearl of the Sea, Child of the Feathered Serpent God. Or if you'd prefer princesa, or princess, in your language,” you heard their breaths hitch as you continued, “beloved daughter of Talokan’s king, K’uk’ulkan.”

 “So like, what, you’re royalty?” Riri suddenly asked. The bluntness of her question elicited a chuckle from you. It was light, almost enchanting. They couldn’t help but loosen up in your presence. 

 “I suppose so, yes. But I treat my people as my brothers and sisters. And while you are a visitor to our home, I will treat you the same.”

 “And why have you come?” Shuri asked you, her guard still noticeably up. You walked closer to her slowly, your steps deliberate and unthreatening. 

 “I have heard how you had rejected my father’s proposal. You wish not to make an alliance for war, nor do you wish to give up this child’s life in exchange for Wakanda’s safety.” Shuri’s eyes hardened.

 “Either option is out of the question.”

 “And I agree with you, Princess Shuri.” Both of their eyes widened in surprise.

 “Then—”

 “I am not finished,” you put your hand up to silence them. They immediately did so. Riri shrunk down at the sheer power of your words, but Shuri managed to hold her head up high. You sighed, “both choices require sacrifice. Both have consequences. We are both heirs to our kingdoms; we are the same, you and I. Surely you should know this much.”

 Shuri’s jaw tightened. You could see her body tense, and her eyes burned with such hatred that were reminiscent of your father’s own fury. You held your chin up high and held your ground.

 “And I do not accept such terms! If you claim to agree that such choices are madness, then why have you not said anything?”

 You straightened yourself and pursed your lips together. 

 “Because my feelings do not matter when it comes to the betterment of my kingdom. I act upon what is necessary, not what is wanted.” Your heart lurched as you said those words, but you knew it had to be said.

 Your response had left both of them shell-shocked, at least, how could you say that your feelings don’t matter with such a straight face? And follow it up with a formal smile, no less. 

 You turned to the scientist and offered her a sympathetic look. “Your mind is brilliant, child. I cannot deny that. But your surface-dwelling companions have left you to receive the ire of our nation. I do not wish to kill you, nor do I want to wage war. But if you pose a threat to my people then I will not hesitate to end your life.”

 Shuri hid Riri behind her and regarded you with a frown. “Then we are not the same, princess.”

 You sighed.

 You knew the Wakandan princess would not yield to your words so easily. But there was a hope inside of you that she would understand your words, especially when you and her share the same responsibilities as heir (even if the role was forced upon her after the death of her king brother). 

 “Your spirit is strong, Princess Shuri. I admire that about you,” you walked forward and untied the bracelet from your wrist—the same bracelet that your grandmother once owned before she passed it onto your father, “but I must abide by my father’s will. I only hope that you understand his intentions; he only wishes the best for his people, even if it means he needs to force his hand into violence.”

 You gently grabbed her hand and watched her carefully as you lifted it up. She did not do anything to stop you, nor did the scientist who now watched you in curiosity (her eyes were now rid of fear, which you were glad about). You saw this as a signal to continue, to wrap your grandmother’s bracelet on her wrist and secure it tightly. 

 “What is this?” She asked you quietly while admiring the jade on the jewelry. You smiled.

 “An apology, of sorts, for how my warriors and my father had treated you these past few hours. It was my grandmother’s. My father gave it to me as a reminder of our roots,” you caressed the back of her hand with your thumb, the jewels on the bracelet making you smile, “he had seen…many things throughout his life. Things that even I could not comprehend. He protected us all these years and kept us hidden from evil doers and conquistadors of the surface world. He had set aside his own desires to put our people first. All he has done is for the benefit of our nation—of our Talokan...”

 You stepped back and rubbed your bare wrist. It felt odd that your hand was empty of the bracelet that you always wore, but it felt right to give it to her. 

 “I only wish that you reconsider my father’s offer, perhaps reach a compromise. Before he is a man—before he is my father—he is a king. He made sacrifices for our kingdom, and this one is no different. I’m sure you have seen what we are set to protect.”

 For the first time you had seen the princess of Wakanda, she smiled. It was small, barely even there, but it settled the unease that you felt in your heart.

 “...I will try. But I cannot guarantee anything.” She told you. Riri finally eased up when your face broke into a delightful grin—one of genuine joy.

 Hope blossomed in your chest. Maybe things will be different. Maybe you can avoid the dreaded bloodshed once the Wakandan princess and your father find a compromise. 

 “That much is enough for me. Thank you—”

 “Princesa!” 

 Just as you were about to turn to your soldier, a stinging pain lodged itself into your abdomen and drew blood. The sheer power sent you flying to the ground, the wings on your ankles trying their best to steady yourself before you fell. You did so with little success, your back now pressed against the damp stone of the alcoves and dyeing it in an eerie scarlet.

 Your eyes caught sight of the lifeless forms of your soldiers just behind the rocks, your heart aching at the glimpse of your unmoving brothers and sisters.

 An unpleasant rage filled you to the brim, all the stories that your father had told you surfacing into the forefront of your mind.

 They were your brothers, your sisters. They stood by you and protected you, always helped you improve the ways of your spear, always teased you when Attuma was near, always the people that you looked upon with favor as your loyal subjects to rule one day.

 And now you didn't even know if they were breathing.

 The attending maid yelled out your name just as the intruder shot your guard. It filled you with an unfathomable anger. Despite your wound, you found the strength to stand straight and glare at the woman with all the hate that your forefathers bore for the surface world.

 A surface dweller dared hurt your people.

 “You dare shoot me and my kin?” You asked in your mother tongue. The intruder, a woman in a green and gold diving suit with Wakandan patterns, gaped at the sight of you, her gun still poised.

 That shot should have killed you at that distance!

 “In princesa!” The attending maid lunged at Shuri and brandished a knife to her neck. You groaned as you put your hand up to the intruder in warning, your other hand pressing against your wound.

 You were proud of your people's initiative—such a feat must be rewarded later, you thought.

 “You wouldn't want your princess to be hurt now, would you?” You asked the intruder, your whole body seething in fury. She diverted her weapon's attention to your attending maid, her finger so dangerously close to the trigger.

 “Drop the weapon and I won’t have to kill you.” She threatened her in your mother tongue. You narrowed your eyes and used your wings to slowly ascend into the air, the wrath that you felt bubbling in the pits of your spirit now overflowing in waves.

 Was this the hate that your father had felt all those centuries ago?

 You felt the hope that settled into your heart slowly crumble into nothing but pure repugnance.

 “You do not speak to my people that way.” 

 You lunged at her at such a speed that left her gasping as soon as she had witnessed it. You were considerably slower, the wound from your abdomen weighing you down like lead. You ignored the pain and the spurts of blood even as the intruder ducked out of the way just in time to dodge your attacks.

 You propelled yourself to twist mid-air, your feet hitting the stalactites on the ceiling and using it to kick yourself forward and into the back of your enemy. You drew your fist back, her body practically open to your strikes—

 “Stop! Don’t hurt her!” You heard Shuri yell. In a moment of hesitance did you slow your ascent and shift yourself to the side, your fist now creating a well-sized crater on the stalagmite just beside the Wakandan intruder as you landed. 

And in that instant of panic—where your back was turned to her—she shot you again at the back, just barely missing your spine.

 You cried out in pain, the stinging sensation pulsing through you tenfold. Whatever hit you had slowed down your enhanced regeneration. In the haze of your thoughts did you hear your attending maid wail and drop her weapon. You felt cold hands cradle your face, shook with great distress, and pressed down your wounds as you heaved in great gulps of air. 

 “Princess!" You heard someone call out your name—your real name. It was slow, almost echoey, lost in a chasm that was your own dwindling consciousness.

 You were getting more and more tired. 

 “Sister,” you called out to nothing, your hands trying to find something, anything, to hold. You felt cold hands finding purchase on your own, grasping you so tightly that it felt almost painful if it weren’t for the existing pain on your back and abdomen, “are you safe? And—and the o-others…”

 “You mustn't speak! In princesa, please, save your strength. K’uk’ulkan will come—the General will come! Until then, you must hold on and heal!”

 You could feel it; your consciousness fading, the darkness that beckoned you forth. You could also feel your body heal. A pitiful attempt, really, but it was something to hold onto whilst you tried to battle life and death. 

 You dangled in the edge of a precipice, desperately grasping what little strings of your life you had left.

 You knew you should be worried about something else, but you could not remember what it was. A person, a princess, maybe, who had escaped under your watch. Or has she been captured again? What of the scientist; that brilliant child who you only got the chance to see smile? How did the intruder get in whilst you were present, to shoot you when your guard was down?

 How disappointed would your father be, you wonder. 

 In such a shroud of your uncertainties did you only have one thought, only one name that continued to echo through the abyss that was sweet slumber. He was your only saving grace, the only man who would ever put your mind to rest.

 You wondered if he would chide you for being careless, gently knocking on your head teasingly while you try to slap his bicep with a pout. You longed to see that insufferable smirk of his whenever he won a petty argument, how you longed for him to kneel before you and swear his oath again and again. You craved for the adrenaline you always got while sparring him, that sweet joy of winning and losing by his hand.

 You missed him, truly, even when you had only parted for a few hours.

 “Attuma…”

 You wondered if it was the delusions of near death that prompted you to conjure the image of your beloved above you, the feeling of his touch far, far away from your skin as he cradled you closely. Was it the heavens that took pity on you? To have summoned the image of your darling warrior whose tears cascaded down his cheeks whilst you chased the last beats of your heart?

 You must have gone mad at this moment—for his lips felt so close to you, his scent almost wrapping you in an embrace, and his fingers held the back of your neck as he spoke to you in great panic. But you were far too gone to make sense of them. You were far too deep into the darkness of sleep to hear his promises, his apologies, his weakness. 

 And maybe you were crazy enough to believe that he was there.

 “In princesa!” You heard him through the fog of your mind. You managed to crack a shaky smile. 

 “What—” your body jerked up at the pain, his hands steadying you as you heaved a great intake of breath, “w-what troubles you, my love?”

 You felt his forehead press against yours, the tremors of his hands going unnoticed as you still writhed from the pain. You felt salves and cold medicine being applied to your wounds—but you did not care at that moment, not when Attuma kept you afloat through the darkness that danced through your vision.

 “Who did this to you?” He growled. His eyes were dark, almost murderous. You felt his anger, his rage, the pure unbridled hunger for vengeance.

 “Are you really here?”  You asked him, your hand now trying to chase the saltine crystals of his misery. You had to make sure that he was truly here; holding you, speaking to you, crying with you. He took his hand in yours and leaned his cheek into your palm. You could feel him—he was real. He was really here.

 His first question was lost as he pressed himself closer to you, careful not to disrupt your wounds. Your vision glossed over, the blankets of darkness now taking hold of you, but you tried and tried to push them away. Anything to see him, anything to burn his very image to your memory before you closed your eyes. 

 “I am here. I—I am here, my love,” he pressed his masked lips on your forehead and rocked you back and forth, “whoever did this will pay.”

 “I was—I was wrong to believe in them. I was wrong to…t-to hold on such hope,” you felt his tears mix with your own, the pictures of your soldier’s unoving forms flashing through your minds’ eye. You hoped they were okay. You hoped that they would still be able to open their eyes and see the kingdom under your reign, “they hurt them, Attuma. They hurt my people.” 

 “And they will pay with their life for their sins threefold.” His anger was apparent again. If you were his enemy, you were sure you were to be buried deep into the earth with his spear plunged into your heart. But his anger calmed you; it was an assurance that your people’s sacrifices would be paid in full.

 “Are they—?” You choked out a sob. Attuma shook his head. 

 “Your soldiers have been caught off guard, but they are fine. They are recovering, my love. And as should you.” 

  You felt yourself slip into the darkness for a short while as you relaxed. Your people were safe. They did not perish like you had feared they had. 

 That was enough for you.

 “Stay awake, in princesa! Stay awake!” You felt Attuma shake you, the feeling of his warm hands now drifting farther and farther away. Your wounds that throbbed suddenly numbed, and your world spun so fast that you eventually felt nausea kick in.

 “Attuma,” you called out, your senses fading in and out. You could feel him any longer, you could not even feel his anger, his love, his worries. You called out to him again, “Attuma…in yakunaj…”

 “Stay strong. Save your strength, please. The healers will come for you. For now you should—!”

 “Burn them.”

 There was a pause, a vacuum of undisturbed silence.

 And then you heard him ask.

 “What?”

 Your breath stuttered. Your voice was raw; harsh. Unforgiving. 

“They hurt my people. They hurt my brothers and my sisters. They—they gave me hope…”

 You felt yourself finally fall into the abyss of your thoughts. It was raging like a hurricane and beat you with the waves of your feelings of betrayal. Treacherous fools who had so dared to harm you, the princess who holds authority over the seas, who so dared strike down your people in your presence, who so dared force your hand to violence for they had so proven that they are willing to strike you down when you were nothing but understanding to their strifes. 

 And you continued. 

 “No one dares enter Talokan, strike down my people, and flee unscathed. This—this is an order, Attuma. Burn them all and let them feel the wrath of Talokan.”

Attuma held you in his arms, all the weight of his rage now pulling him down to the depths of the earth as you finally closed your eyes. The attending maid wailed for their princess to stay strong, for you to keep fighting despite your weakening self. 

 No one could ever match the beauty you possessed despite the scars from your battle and the blood that smeared the gold of your skin. He wondered how much of his wrath would have shook the earth if he didn’t have you in his arms right now; how much blood would have been spilled, both from the enemy and his allies, if your cold hands did not hold him right now? How much destruction would he have caused for this grief if you had not smiled at him when you closed your eyes and given him the orders that he had to fulfill?

 “They will pay,” he found himself gritting his teeth, his jaw tightening, and his body trembling with searing hot fury, “the surface dwellers, the scientist, the whole of Wakanda…they will pay.” 

 He gently wound his arms beneath your legs and hoisted you up, his masked lips kissing your cheek as he let your head rest on the dip of his shoulder. Your breathing was shallow—just barely there. You were in dire need of a healer. 

 He heard the frantic splashes of water from the pools leading to the great city. K’uk’ulkan and Namora emerged from the water, and before they could ask why Attuma had swam off in such a hurry, their eyes widened in horror at the sight of you; bloodied and near death in the arms of your lover whilst your attending maid wailed behind you.

“What happened?” Attuma could practically feel his king’s fury. He pushed forward in long strides and shakily caressed your cold cheek, wiping the blood that was smeared on your lip. “Which fool would dare harm my daughter?”

 “T-the Wakandans, my king,” your attending maid answered for Attuma, her head bowing in fear at the angered visage of the feathered serpent god. She collected herself and dared not to quiver in his presence, “an intruder struck down the guards and shot the princess twice. They have escaped with the princess of Wakanda and the scientist.”

 The room felt heavier now, the ire of the feathered serpent god now shaking the sea with an unsatiated itch for vengeance. He pressed a kiss to the side of your head, the grip of his spear tightening, and his eyes darkened viciously. 

 “Namora.” He called out. Namora’s jaw clenched as she hit her spear on the rocks, shockwaves reverberating from the vibranium on her weapon. She will never forgive the surface dwellers for what they have done. She will make sure that every blood spilled will be in honor of your name.

 “In ajawo.” She acknowledged. K’uk’ulkan turned to her, his bloodlust apparent to all his people to see.

 “Gather all our warriors,” he declared, his voice low and deadly, “Wakanda has waged war.”

 Attuma reluctantly handed you to K’uk’ulkan upon his command and lingered his hand on your cheek. The king submerged you down the depths in haste, his godlike speed the only way to bring you to the healers as fast as they could. 

 Namora and Attuma were left in a deafening silence. It was heavy, almost suffocating.

 “We will burn the surface world for their crimes against the princess,” Attuma finally said, kicking his spear up and catching it mid air. He pounded it against the floor, cracks and craters now left in the aftermath of his anger, “they will know suffering. They will know pain.”

 “Of course,” Namora’s eyes narrowed as she slowly stepped into the shallows, “our people will be ready to avenge her.”

 Attuma’s mind flashed to the image of you; your body all bloodied, your hands desperately trying to find him, the way your eyes did not focus on him as if you could not see him crying for you.

 You clung to every bit of hope that you might just avoid war. You were clawing at the loose ends of an alliance without the need for bloodshed. But the surface dwellers shot you down despite your mercy. Despite your kindness.

 Attuma wondered if he were to be blamed—he should have been more stern with his counsel. He should have told you that there was no mercy to beget on the battlefield. He should have joined you to converse with the surface dwellers and protected you when you were attacked.

 He had broken his vow. He did not serve as the shield who would lay its life for you in your times of need. He was not there to keep you safe. 

 But by your orders, he would gladly become your spear. 

 “The surface world will know the wrath of Talokan…” he growled, the hate he once bore for the surface now intensifying a hundredfold. Namora could only watch as he swung his spear at the stalagmites and broke the rocks clean in half, his voice now echoing through the land and the sea with a ferocity of a man who had lost their world.

 Attuma will burn the world down and show the ashes of their bones in a jaden chest for he was your warrior that took oath upon your throne.

 He will dye the sea red with the blood of your enemies for he was the spear that was to be used by your whim. By your beck and call.

 He will serve you until his last breath and follow your will to the ends of the earth for he was your beloved to whom would love you without fear.

 And he will die for you for his life mattered not when you lie by the feet of your deathbed from his own negligence as your guard. As your lover.

 “... for the crimes they have committed against the future queen of Talokan, they will perish by my hand. They will burn down in the name of retribution.”

 He looked down at his hands that were still stained with your blood and clenched it into a fist. Attuma hardened his jaw and growled. 

 “This is an order from the princess.”

Whoops >:))

Taglist: @w0niecult @abbyeliza28 @fckwritersblock @chaoticevilbakugo @cascadingbliss @erisandra-noir @queen-bee-32 @rheannaaaz @antisocial-architect @lunamoonbby @lilchickensworld @kellzsthings @sodonuthideout @vilentia @llamayom  @violet-19999  @f-ergj @daddyslittlevillain​

[nellycanwrite]

𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑: 𝐖𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

REQUESTS ARE OPEN! || A masterlist of Nelly's works for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Be guided with the WARNINGS at the start of each fic and respect the appropriate age restrictions on every piece.

Happy Reading!

« Updated as of January 23, 2023 »

— 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐊𝐀𝐍

ೃ⁀➷ His Queen

16+ || K'uk'ulkan x Filipino!Reader || In which K'uk'ulkan pays you a visit to ask you to become his queen

ೃ⁀➷ His Timeless Love

18+ || K'uk'ulkan x Reincarnator!Filipino!Reader || In which K’uk’ulkan tells you the story of the four times he fell in love with you and the three times he saw you die.  

ೃ⁀➷ God, King, and Father

16+ || Father!Namor x Daughter!Reader (Familial and Platonic Relationship) || Standalone prequel to “The Request” Series || Coming Soon.

ೃ⁀➷ Rainbow Jasmine

Rating TBA || K'uk'ulkan x Filipino!Diwata!Reader || Coming Soon.

— 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐀 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐊𝐀𝐍

ೃ⁀➷ A Request: Part 1 of “The Request” Series

16+ || Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader || In which Attuma swears his undying loyalty and love for you, even if it meant being as shameless as to declare his love to a princess when he was but a mere warrior.  

ೃ⁀➷ An Order: Part 2 of “The Request” Series

16+ || Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader || In which Attuma would soon realize that his own counsel would put you in jeopardy—bloodied and near death in his arms as you gave him your first order as princess.

ೃ⁀➷ A Vow: Part 3 of “The Request” Series

Rating TBA || Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader || Coming Soon.

— 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑’𝐒 𝐂𝐔𝐓: 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒

ೃ⁀➷  His Timeless Love: Director’s Cut 1

Did you know? Filipino!Reader had been reincarnated in another timeline but Namor never found her.

ೃ⁀➷  A Request: Director’s Cut 2

Did you know? Princess!Reader was supposed to die in Part 2.

ೃ⁀➷  His Timeless Love: Director’s Cut 3

A deep dive into the phrase “...his hand painting murals upon your barren back.”

ೃ⁀➷  His Timeless Love: Director’s Cut 4

Did you know? Filipino!Reader’s next mission was to save Jose Rizal.

ೃ⁀➷ His Timeless Love and A Request: Director’s Cut 5

“You came.” - “You called.”   ||   Namor’s favorite memories with his daughter   ||   The moment Namor knew Attuma had feelings for reader.

[nellycanwrite]

A Vow: a Fic Preview

Preview of Part 3 of “A Request” || Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader

Summary: A war has been waged in your name. When all hell breaks loose, and when you have just risen from a week long coma, you are Talokan’s hope to turn the tides of battle to defeat the enemies who had hurt your people once and for all.

Or, in which you and Attuma were not happy with the King’s decision for allegiance.

Rating: 16+  ||  Viewer Discretion is Advised.

Note: It is worthy to note that I have not included any deep Yucatec Maya phrases (besides the terms of endearment) despite the Talokanil speaking in their native tongue as respect to their language. Therefore their mother tongue shall be labeled with italics.

More notes because the author can’t stop talking: Hi hi! Super sorry this took a while; I’m currently in the middle of moving from province to the (big, very very big, it’s literally the capital) city for college! Huzzah! It’s gonna take a week for me to fully settle in so I might be a tad bit slow on responses as well, so super sorry in advance if I can’t get to you in time. Nevertheless, the love I’ve gotten for this fic and my other BP:WF works have been nothing but heartwarming so I took the in-betweens of my move to update! Love you all so much! Muah!

Part 1 ||  Part 2 ||  Part 3 (Fic Preview)

“We have failed her. I had failed her,” he bowed his head in shame, “how dare I call myself her beloved—her sword, her shield—when she had been attacked by those people? How can I show myself to K'uk'ulkan when I have failed so miserably? I promised I'd be with her, but she—! But I just…”

Attuma must still be frustrated that the Wakandan princess isn’t dead, Namora thought.

Their warning to Wakanda was of great scale. K'uk'ulkan's righteous fury had so taken the life of the queen of their home nation. The life of a queen was the retribution delivered for scarring the crowning glory of Talokan's most precious treasure.

Hardly a fair exchange, one would argue, but you were the Radiant Pearl of the Sea. A drop of blood from your skin from the atrocities of a fiendish foe was worth a thousand deaths of their enemy's kin. 

Namora patted Attuma's back twice, her lips pressing into a thin line as she held back her own heartbreak. To see her childhood friends in such a state…it was eating her up from the inside out.

“You are still those things, Attuma. Her sword, her shield, her beloved,” Namora felt her own guilt weigh her down, but she held her chest up high to set an example for Attuma to see, “what happened in the caves was not your fault. K'uk'ulkan knows that. The princess knows—”

“It doesn't matter!” His voice was strong and mighty, the waters around then shaking by the anger and the frustrations from his voice. Attuma was grateful that they were still in the sea—his tears were hidden and drifting away with the currents.

“Attuma…”

“If that is all, Namora, then I'd appreciate it if you leave. I'll be there as soon as I am done.”

Namora sighed. 

Attuma's stubbornness was getting on her nerves.

“Have you so little faith in the princess?” The female warrior could hardly believe that those words had escaped her mouth. But the damage had been done; and it was something that needed to be said.

Attuma snapped his head to Namora in shock, but it slowly morphed into a warning glare.

“What are you instigating?” He asked with gritted teeth. Namora stared at him passively.

“You know her more than anyone. She will not blame you nor would she want you to practically weep whilst we prepare for our next battle. What would she say if she saw you despicably wallowing in self-pity?”

“You watch your mouth.” Attuma stood up, his frame towering over the female general and covering her whole. Despite the waves of rising anger, Namora did not stand down.

“Am I wrong?”

“You dare—”

Namora swiftly raised her spear and pointed it towards Attuma's neck. He glared daggers at his fellow general, but Namora's piercing gaze had left him speechless. Was this the power of K'uk'ulkan's own blood, he wondered, for such eyes would ground him and lower his gaze in their presence?

“You promised to burn them down in her name, correct? She will rouse in due time, but you were given an order. She has faith in you to carry her will; now it is your turn to have faith in her to do her part in recovery.” 

Attuma stayed silent.

Namora kicked his spear up and caught it mid-air. She lowered her own spear and shoved the shaft into his chest, her eyes burning with a new resolve. Attuma could only accept it while gripping the weapon with such strength that would have left dents in the metal if it weren't made of raw vibranium.

Namora hit the butt of her spear on the ground.

“You are wasted here. Instead of weeping for a circumstance that you cannot control, you have the power to fulfill her orders this instant. 'Burn the world,' was it? Well then—a battalion awaits your command to burn it with you, General Attuma.”

Attuma looked down on the weapon in his hands. It gleamed with an imminent danger, the inscriptions of his name carved into the metal. Along with it were delicate paintings of sharks and waves, something that you had so meticulously drawn for him as a joke, a playful way to annoy him, you always said. But he kept it there; you made it, after all. 

He glanced at you, your body incredibly still. His eyes lingered on your face, and like a helpless catch to a fisherman's bait, he slowly bent down to kiss your forehead and inhaled your scent one last time before he went to battle.

“I will follow your will to the ends of the earth. And though you lay still with no signs of waking, know that my heart lays with you, my love. My world…”

Namora stared impressed at Attuma as soon as he straightened himself with a newfound determination. There were no more signs of that pitiful man who stayed by your bedside while waiting for a miracle, no more signs of an estranged soldier who'd rather rot at your feet until you woke. 

In Namora's eyes he saw a steeled warrior. A king candidate who would fight to the death for his world.

And that world was you, his beloved.

“For the princess.” Namora raised her spear towards him, her chin held up higher in pride. Attuma followed suit, his spear drawn and spears clinking with a new promise.

A new vow.

For the first time since you had been bedridden, Attuma showed a sliver of a smile.

“For the princess.”

Taglist: @w0niecult @abbyeliza28 @fckwritersblock @chaoticevilbakugo @cascadingbliss @erisandra-noir @queen-bee-32 @rheannaaaz​ @antisocial-architect​ @lunamoonbby @kellzsthings @sodonuthideout @vilentia @llamayom  @violet-19999  @f-ergj @daddyslittlevillain @omgsuperstarg @liz776 @zeeader @atssukoo  @idontwannabeherenow @halalalalalalalala  @shebeast7121scared @spookymicrowave​ @nyainterlu4ee @blushsage 

[nellycanwrite]

A Request: a Preview

Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader Fic Preview

Summary: As the daughter of the feathered serpent god, you had always felt the pressure of living up to your father’s name. But you never had to worry; Attuma was always there to quell your fears and follow your will to the ends of the earth.

Or, in which Attuma swears his undying loyalty and love for you, even if it meant being as shameless as to declare his love to a princess when he was but a mere warrior.  

Rating: 16+

Note: It is worthy to note that I have not included any deep Yucatec Maya phrases (besides the terms of endearment) despite the Talokanil speaking in their native tongue as respect to their language. Therefore their mother tongue shall be labeled with italics.

Edit: The completed fic has been published! Check it out here!

“Would it be shameless of me to long for the surface?” You asked him suddenly. Attuma shook his head quickly. 

“Never.”

“Speak your mind. I did not ask you to indulge me and curry my favor,” you sighed and wrought your fingers together, your hand now leaving the proximity of your guard’s own, “I ask you for counsel, Attuma. You are one of the few people that I trust.”

Attuma was silent as he mulled over your question. An aide to the heir of the throne must only listen and follow their whims. The will of their masters were the will of their followers; he dare not disobey such courtesy.

But in the freedom of the duty that binded him to such rules by your order, he granted himself full autonomy. 

“It might be so, in princesa,” you looked at him curiously. He held the urge to submit to you, to take back the words of his own opinion, and continued on, “you are the heir to Talokan, the nation built on the suffering of our ancestors who fled the land to hide in the sea. To long for the surface is a defiance to their dying will.”

“But we were robbed of our ancestral lands. What if I long to get it back? To let our people walk in the motherland that we once came from? To let them see this; the beauty that they were deprived of when we were chased off our own inheritance?”

“Then you should be prepared for war.” 

He looked directly into your eyes, ones that held such young wisdom and hope. But he knew from the countless battles he fought that to reclaim the stolen land you wished to rule is to declare a fight that you were far too merciful to lead. 

“To reclaim the right that we once owned…you must be ready to shed blood; both the blood of the surface and the blood of your people. But to declare battle you must reveal our nation. Our king’s will shall not allow such a thing.”

Attuma watched as you lowered your head, trapped in the swirl of your thoughts as you continued to deliberate the weight of his words. He flagrantly allowed himself to reach for your hand first, draw circles on the back of your hand tenderly, and scooted himself closer so his hulking gait would protect you from the prying eyes of the world. 

You squeezed his hand with yours, your breath stuttering at your next words.

“And what if I still desire to reclaim our land back, Attuma?” You looked up and held his gaze, your eyes now steeling itself to one of conviction.

He smiled.

“Then I shall shed blood for your will, in princesa.”

Taglist: @haideehaids

If you like what you see, make sure to comment if you want to be added to my tag list!

[nellycanwrite]

An Order: a Fic Preview

Preview for Part 2 of “A Request”  ||  Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader

Summary: Your kingdom was at stake. Your thoughts are conflicted, your duties now weigh heavily on your shoulders, and the expectations of being K’uk’ulkan’s daughter puts you at risk as you try to talk with Princess Shuri of Wakanda. But you never had to worry—not when your lover, Attuma, was by your side to give you counsel.

Or, in which Attuma would soon realize that his own counsel would put you in jeopardy—bloodied and near death in his arms as you gave him your first order as princess.

Rating: 16+ || Viewer Discretion is Advised.

Note: It is worthy to note that I have not included any deep Yucatec Maya phrases (besides the terms of endearment) despite the Talokanil speaking in their native tongue as respect to their language. Therefore their mother tongue shall be labeled with italics. 

Part 1  ||  Part 2 (Preview)  || Part 3

Edit: Part 2: An Order has been posted! Check it out here!

“I do not wish to kill the scientist, Attuma, nor do I wish for war.”

He paused, the only sound from the throne room were the hums of the vibranium sun and the slow moving currents from the tide. You looked up to him as he shifted ever so slightly, the grip on your shoulder only tightening.

And after a few beats of silence, he asked.

“Why?”

Why indeed, you wondered.

You were sure you were prepared for war. You were sure you were ready to fight for your nation and reclaim the land that you rightfully owned.

But something was holding you back.

“I do not wish for violence. And I pity her, that is all. She is a child whose work was stolen and discredited for. Her mind is great, but she is unaware of the damages she would have caused. And…and I do not wish for more deaths, especially one that is as young as her.” You glanced at your hands—the hands that held blood of countless surface dwellers. A necessary sacrifice, but it did not mean it felt right.

“Your mercy is worthy of praise, my love. But one wrong move will lead to our discovery. It will lead to war. One surface dweller's life for the life of your kingdom—those are the options you have to choose from.” 

He swam in front of you and knelt before your feet, his headpiece now lay discarded beside him as he rested his head on your lap. You wove your fingers through his dark tresses; they were soft as silk.

“Is there no other way?” You asked him. He trailed his fingers up your lap and took hold of your hands, his lips lazily kissing your knuckles.

“Perhaps not. But the king sees this as the best course of action. Believe in his plans; believe in your father.”

Your head dove down into deep thought, your hands mindlessly playing with Attuma's long hair. He leaned into your touch as you massaged his scalp, the delightful rumble from his chest giving you enough motivation to continue.

“...If that is what you think, then I shall listen.” He peered up to you with those fierce eyes that only softened for you. 

“And what have you chosen?”

You swallowed the lump on your throat, the decision weighing heavily on your shoulders.

“I choose to trust you and my father. It might be against my heart, but if it is for Talokan, if war is necessary for our people, then it shall be done.”

He slowly rose and took your cheeks into his hands, his forehead now pressing against yours. In those moments did you relish the assurances from his touches, his thumbs unraveling the lines of worry from your troubled brow.

“There is no need for you to spill blood. You only need to give the order and I will do it for you. This is why I am here; it is my purpose.”

You shook your head and placed a chaste kiss on the side of his lips. He chased you as you retreated, your hands now finding purchase on his strong jaw.

“Thank you, Attuma. But I need to do this on my own.” He snapped his eyes to yours indignantly.

“In princesa—”

“I can't keep depending on you, my love. I want to become a better partner for you, to become strong and protect you as well. What kind of a queen would I be if I can't protect my future king?”

Attuma felt a thousand sparks lifting him up to the heavens as you said so. You were strong, stronger than you would admit to yourself. But you always doubted yourself; doubted your abilities, your choices, your authority. 

But now, he was honored to witness the paradigm shift of your conviction. It was like the embers he had heard stories of in his time on water—where it was hotter than the vibranium sun that shone, more persistent and brighter than the light from the luminescent algae of your father's hut, and it burned so elegantly while still maintaining its power.

You were beautiful. Strong.

How could he ever say no to you?

“Then let me have the honor to witness your first steps of your will. I want to see you shine, my love. My queen.”

You laughed and drew him closer to you, his body now suspended into the water until his eyes were level with yours, and his lips now mere inches away from you. His arms trapped you in your throne—but you were more willing to submit to him and held prisoner to his affections if it meant you'd spend a lifetime in his arms.

“I am not queen yet.”

He smirked, his leg snaking between yours; anything to be closer to you. 

“In my heart, you already are.”

Wanna get tagged when Part 2 comes out? Tell me in the comments!

Taglist: @lilchickensworld,  @kellzsthings ,  @sodonuthideout,  @vilentia,  @llamayom,  @violet-19999

[nellycanwrite]

Part two of Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader please

Part Two of the Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader is up! Check it out here!

A Request (Part 1)

An Order (Part 2)

Thank you so much for your support huhu I love you all!

[nellycanwrite]

🌹🌹🌹

Here's a sentence from Part 3 of the Attuma series HEHE🤺

A Request: Part 3 || Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader

“I can't lose you, my love. Not again.”

[nellycanwrite]

Updates for my Attuma and Namor fics will be a tad bit slow since I'm currently grinding for my finals! But don't worry, I'll get back to writing as soon as I'm done with all my requirements ✨

Feel free to slide into my asks if you just wanna chat, say something nice, or if you're curious about my upcoming stories! I always love seeing everyone interact with one another💖

WORKS IN PROGRESS:

Rainbow Jasmine (Namor x Filipino!Diwata!Reader)

A Request; Part 3 (Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader)

God, King, and Father (Prequel to A Request, a retelling of Namor's life as a god, king, and single father)

[nellycanwrite]

a bouquet for you child 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

WAAAHHH THANKIES FOR THE BOUQUET 🥺💖

A Request: Part 3 || Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader

He was the king that you were ready to present to your father—the only man you would allow to sit by the right hand of your throne.

[nellycanwrite]

@monicafave MYEHEHEHEHHEHEHE

A Request: Part 3 || Attuma x Talokanil!Princess!Reader

He tried to chase the remnants of your body, clawing desperately at the waters to somehow salvage what little of you was left.