The Ambassador's Daughter

Chapter 40

After Louise had regained some degree of composure, she and Bucky returned to the palace. They had just gotten inside when T'Challa and Steve found them. "Miss Louise," He said smiling in welcome, "I see you have come with luggage this time." Louise ducked her head.

"I know I should have asked you first, Your Majesty." She replied, "But when I told my mother that I'm getting married she kind of lost it. I didn't want her to ship off any of the stuff I need while I'm here today. I'm not sure I'll be allowed back."

"You are getting married?" Steve asked. Louise had given him a lot of information, he merely latched onto a piece that was more easily processed. Steve was so overcome with joy he was rendered speechless.

"Congratulations, my friends." T'Challa smiled and glanced at Bucky. "Well, Miss Louise, if you require accommodations here for a while, I'm sure something can be arranged."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Louise said, bowing. When she looked up and saw T'Challa regarding her thoughtfully. "What?"

"I have a query and an invitation." T'Challa replied. "First, the query: As you two have entered into an engagement culminating in marriage, would you prefer separate rooms prior to the actual wedding? I know it is a common practice to live with your significant other. But given your unique relationship..."

"Separate rooms would be good." Louise said, blushing. Bucky smiled. "I know we don't really look like it, but we are an old-fashioned couple."

T'Challa smiled back. "I will have your rooms prepared. Now, for the invitation. Come with me." T'Challa led Louise, Bucky, and Steve to a set of heavy wooden doors. He paused in front of them. "This is the royal treasury. As a safety precaution, we don't keep much here. Mostly just a few crown jewels." He looked directly at Bucky. "I know your situation does not make it easy to procure an engagement ring. But I wish you give you two something of an engagement present. Miss Louise, you may select any ring you wish to be your engagement ring." T'Challa then turned and pushed the doors open. Louise's mouth fell open as her eyes settled on the treasures.

The room was not particularly large. In fact it was much smaller than Louise would have expected a royal treasury to be, about the size of a large bedroom. Along the walls where glass cases with arm and leg bands and bracelets. Three long tables divided the room. The tables held a few thousand dollars in gold coins and jewels. Nestled among the coins and unset jewels was a large metal box. Louise moved into the room and headed for the box. T'Challa pulled a key from his pocket and unlocked it, but he allowed Louise to lift the lid.

The box held earrings and finger rings. Louise reached in and pulled out a 14 karat gold band set with an oval cut two carat diamond. The diamond had a halo of .5 carat rubies. She held it up to T'Challa, "Can I have this one?" She asked, a little breathlessly.

T'Challa smiled. "A good choice, Miss Louise," He said, nodding his approval. "That ring was my mother's engagement ring. I know my father had hoped I would use it someday, but I feel it suits you too well to keep it from you."

"Thank you." Louise whispered. Bucky reached out and took the ring from Louise. He studied it closely for a moment then turned back to her.

"I guess there is just one thing left to do, then." Bucky said. He knelt on one knee, holding the ring out to Louise. "Louise Brandt, I love you. Will you do me the great honor of marrying me?" Louise smiled and nodded. Bucky stood up and slipped the ring onto Louise's finger. Then, ignoring T'Challa's and Steve's presence, Bucky kissed his fiancée soundly.