Adamantine (A Post-Black Panther Bucky Barnes Love Story)

18

Listening to T'Challa talk, I glance over and share a look with Bucky. He rolls his eyes at what the king's saying, and I smirk as I try to hold back my laugh. Michael raises his eyebrows at us.

"Question," I speak up when T'Challa finally stops talking. Said king nods for me to continue. "If your plan is to go all Black Panther on them after infiltrating their base, what am I supposed to do?"

He gestures to Michael, explaining, "You'll be in a bunker protecting the ambassador, my sister, and my mother."

"I thought Shuri could fight," Bucky frowns.

"Oh, she can. But she's also my heir. I cannot risk her safety."

"Okay, fair point," I concede. It makes sense. I shrug, making Bucky smile just the slightest bit.

"I'm staying with her," he tells T'Challa, nodding toward me. T'Challa opens his mouth to argue but quickly closes it, sighing.

"Alright. Fine. Nakia and Okoye are coming with me, though," he says, and Michael nods.

"Fine with me. I have an assassin and a super soldier protecting me, so I'm good to go," Michael grins.

"And I have my boyfriend," I say playfully. Bucky smirks, coming over to me and wrapping his arm around my shoulders. Michael gags. T'Challa goes to say something, but one look from Bucky shuts him up.

"Great. I'm pleased to hear everyone is satisfied with their assignments." T'Challa claps his hands once and nods to himself. He looks to me. "Everyone is dismissed, but Aurea, would you be willing to stay back for a moment?"

I glance at Bucky and nod. Everyone files out, and Bucky gives the king a look before kissing the top of my head.

"I have to talk to Sam. Take a walk with me after?"

I nod in agreement, and he smiles. He leaves the room before I turn to face T'Challa.

"What can I do for you?" I ask curiously. He sighs, clasping his hands behind his back. He looks very worried. "Are you okay?"

He clears his throat. "I am. Just concerned."

"About the upcoming battle?"

"Yes," the king nods. "You remember the prophecy, I assume?"

"I remember that it means I'm supposedly meant to be the king," I reply, raising my eyebrows. What does that have to do with anything? "And I remember rejecting it. My place is with the ambassador and with Bucky."

"I know. And I respect that. However, the fact remains that you are in the line of succession now since you do not wish to immediately take the throne." He turns his back to me and paces shortly before stopping. "I need to ask a favor of you."

My interest piqued, I tilt my head, asking him, "Which would be?"

He is silent for a long pause. When he turns to face me, he looks exceedingly grim. It actually scares me a bit.

"If I should fall in battle, my sister will assume the throne. I request that you take up the mantle of Princess of Wakanda, as well as act as her advisor and regent. She is young and has much to learn, Aurea. I can trust you to act as Regent in her stead until she gets older and more experienced," he says matter-of-factly. "I know it is a lot to ask of you.

"I know it would not be easy. But if I fall, I must know that my kingdom will be safe and my sister will have guidance from someone I trust. The Dora Milaje will protect her and my mother, but they cannot protect her from her inexperience in life. She is brilliant, but she knows little of politics. They know I'm asking you to do this."

"Why me?" I ask shakily. I try not to let my shock show.

He reply is simple: "I trust you."

I swallow roughly, watching the serious determination on his face. He's asking me to act as his sister's regent if he dies. He's asking me to be Shuri's heir. He's asking me to advise her on how to lead the most technologically-advanced country on Earth, and to lead it myself if need be. Finally, I force down my fear and nod.

"I won't let you down."

•••••

I find Bucky a while later. He's sitting with Sam and Steve, talking about who knows what. Sam spots me before Bucky does, and he elbows him in the ribs.

"Cyborg, your girl's here," he mutters.

Bucky looks up, his entire face brightening when he sees me. I try to keep the obvious stress I feel from my talk with T'Challa hidden, though. I don't want to burden Bucky, especially not with that.

"Hey doll," Bucky grins, coming over and kissing my forehead. I smile up at him. "What did T'Challa want?"

I hesitate for a second before shaking my head.

"I'll tell you later," I promise. He nods and wraps an arm around my waist.

"We're going on a walk," he tells Steve and Sam, and I nod at them in acknowledgment. Bucky leads me away from them, and I smile to myself as I realize he's taking us to the gardens. Once we're absolutely alone, he looks over at me. "What happened?"

I sigh and run my free hand through my hair. I shake my head.

"Where do I start?"