Ascendancy

Chapter VI

Chapter 6

T'Kia
2041

In the morning, I awake before my ladies-in-waiting. I lay in bed smiling as I think about last night's walk into the Golden City.

I kissed a man. A very beautiful man who makes my heart race and my breath stop all in one go. He makes me so nervous that I am not even my usual outspoken, confident self. Yet, I can be bold when I am with him.

I jump out of bed to prepare for the day. I have no idea what the Trials will offer today for Khethiwe and I, but I want to be prepared. Under my skirt, I wear a pair of pants that has places to hold different weapons. I don't put any weapons in the places but the pants give me a nice mobility that the skirt doesn't offer me.

I walk out of my room for the dining room. Aviwe's face dramatically brightens when he sees me. I smile just as widely as I walk to my Umama and kiss her cheek. I then kiss my Baba's cheek before sitting down.

Aviwe and I sit in silence as everyone talks around us. "Today," Baba calls everyone's attention. "Khethiwe and T'Kia will accompany me, the Council, and the Dora Milaje to interrogate Klaue Junior.

Fear grips me. I need N'Jadaka to help me. He understands Klaue so he would understand Klaue Junior. I can't do this alone.

But you can, T'Kia. You are strong. You are the daughter of King T'Challa, granddaughter of King T'Chaka. This is your birthright. This is your destiny. Stop thinking lightly of yourself. You are a Queen! T'Chaka raises my spirits enough that I let myself tune back into the conversation.

"...she obviously has fear inside of her. Can you blame her? She was shot by one of his henchmen. Let me interrogate him, umzala. We will get all of the answers that we need." Khethiwe smirks. (Cousin)

Tell her that N'Jadaka and the ancestors see her as a Dora Milaje and not as Queen. T'Chaka says.

"I am fine to face Klaue Junior," I look at my Baba then Khethiwe. "N'Jadaka and the ancestors see you as a Dora Milaje. Not as Queen. Head of the army but not as head of state."

My cousin's face twists with anger. "Stop talking about my father as if you know him! As if you are speaking with him! He is dead and he shall forever remain that way! And damn the ancestors! I will be Queen even if it means beheading you!"

Khethiwe storms out of the room. The Dora Milaje looks at Baba for instruction. She did just threaten another royal life. "Bring her into one of the prisoner rooms. She must be held for ques—"

"Baba, leave her. She does not mean what she says," I shake my head. "It is hard to understand what you cannot see or feel," I look at everyone around the table. "I can hear the ancestors. Most notably the late King T'Chaka—

"—May he rest with the ancestors."

"—He speaks for all of them and they have told me what has been spoken since the dawn of time. N'Jadaka wants his daughter to be a part of the Dora Milaje. Not Queen. The others agree."

"So you're saying that you want us to stop the Trials and just name you Queen? Go to Warrior Falls this very day and just forget everything else?" M'Baku asks sarcastically.

"No. I am saying that no matter the challenge, no matter the obstacle, the ancestors have decreed what they wanted and it will happen that way. All praise be to Bast and the ancestors." I say humbly.

No one says anything else. Umama just smiles at me.

Very good, T'Kia. T'Chaka beams.