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

19

Time seems to pass incredibly slowly. Still, I remain on my guard the entire time. Every second, my body instinctively is on high alert, rigid and vigilant. Bucky has tried several times to get me to take a moment to rest or even sit down, but I refuse.

My job is to keep Michael safe, and I'll be damned if I let my guard down and he is harmed. So, instead, Bucky decides to put himself by my side and refuses to move.

"Aurea?" I look back briefly at Michael and nod for him to continue. "How much longer, do you think? We've been in here for seven hours."

A chill goes up my spine as I sense increased amounts of vibranium entering the general vicinity. I keep a tight hold on my emotions despite my nerves.

"Shouldn't be long now, Ambassador."

Shuri looks to Michael and pats his back, reassuring him with, "It'll be fine. My brother's the greatest warrior we have. And half of the Dora Milaje is with him."

Queen Ramonda nods in agreement. "T'Challa will protect us all. He'll return soon, and we will be able to return to life as usual."

I share a look with Bucky, and he frowns as he sees the look on my face. I have a bad feeling, deep in my gut. Before he can ask me what's wrong, though, I stiffen and pull bullets from the nearby table, using my powers to charge them and prepare to shoot.

"Vibranium is coming closer," I mutter, stepping closer to the large doors. "Get back."

Behind me, the Dora Milaje position themselves to protect the ambassador and two royals, while Bucky readies his gun. I swallow as I sense the metal getting closer to the bunker. I ready myself, steeling my nerves and clearing my mind of everything that isn't following my instincts.

The doors open, and I'm about to shoot the bullets forward when I realize it's just Okoye and two other women. I relax, relieved. It's over.

Okoye glances over my shoulder at Shuri before she approaches me with a grim look on her face. She stops a few feet in front of me before suddenly falling to one knee, the other two following suit.

"Your Highness."

Everything seems to stop. For the first time in my life, I have no idea how to react or what to do. My hearing is muffled as I stare at Okoye in shock. I vaguely hear the bullets hitting the ground, as well as Shuri frantically asking Okoye what's going on. She's demanding to see her brother.

All of the Dora Milaje surrounding Shuri immediately kneel to her. I look over to her, both of our faces reading pure shock.

"Your Majesty, the Queen of Wakanda."

•••••

Bucky sits beside me, his arm around my shoulders holding me close.

"I can't believe it," I say numbly. I blankly stare ahead. "T'Challa...he's gone."

"I know," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my hair.

"When he asked me to promise him...I-I never actually thought he wouldn't come back," I whisper, my voice cracking.

"The last thing he needed before going into battle was to know his family would be okay, no matter how things ended for him," he says quietly after a moment. "You gave him that peace of mind."

"And now I'm a princess and Shuri's regent," I mutter. "I can't go back on what I promised him, not now." I look up at him. "But what will that mean for my job? Bucky, I love my job. I'm good at my job. I don't want to give it up."

He sighs. "I know, sweetheart. But, well...you might not have a choice. If you're serious about being the new Princess of Wakanda, you're going to have to pick sides eventually."

"What about Michael?"

"No matter what you choose, he'll understand."

"And what about you? Don't you want to move back home?"

"My home is wherever you are," he replies after giving me a gentle smile. He cups my cheek with his free hand. "Doesn't matter if that means the U.S. or Wakanda or anywhere else."

"You'd seriously stay here with me? What if that meant staying here forever?" I ask, shocked. He smirks playfully.

"Well, good thing I like it here," he teases. "I'd be perfectly happy with staying in Wakanda forever if it means having you with me."

I can't help but smile. I reach up and press my lips to his. Nothing is okay right now except for him.