Lioness | Erik Killmonger

Chapter eight: The land of gold

' Whenever you go,
Wherever you go,

There'd be no place like home '

Chapter eight: The land of gold

"Queen Anila, everyone is waiting for you." Okoye said. "Everyone, and-"

Anila finished for her. "- Aminata. That poisonous snake, the one that thinks all should suddenly be forgiven because she's sleeping with that Tenzian devil. Bitch." The thought of Aminata brought a bitter twist to Anila's mouth.

"King Killmonger said I should escort you to the throne room, it is for a matter of importance." Okoye said before the obvious annoyed Anila turned from her, back to the hall.

Her feet grew heavy at each step, anticipating what matter was of such high importance that it required the queen to come out of her chambers at such a time in the night. When they took a stop outside the grand set of doors, Anila stood watching the moon and the stars perhaps, or perhaps the city or the mountains far into the horizon. She softened slightly, it eased her anger.

W'kabi's voice came through the door. "Well, King Killmonger, we can't just build accommodation for the mercenaries here, we hardly have any space! The only place where land is left kept and unharmed is-"

"Asharn?" It was an obvious answer, Asharn was known for its plots of land, beautiful and fruitful. Anila crossed the throne room and slipped on the side of Erik. They were joined by the chiefs and the Tenzians and Aminata, who all watched her in all her crowning glory. Anila, The Beautiful - even at the edge of midnight, she glistened and flowed pure Asharni gold.

Erik nodded. W'kabi exchanged a look with him.

"What do you want with Asharni land? What mercenaries, Erik?"

A deafening silence flooded the room, and the firm touch of Anila's fingers over his shoulders turned into a tough grip.

"Queen Anila, they are my men and we were thinking that because there is hardly any-" Karmi attempted to explain, but Anila interrupted with her clipped voice.

"I was not speaking to you, Karmi." And then the Tenzians shivered. Anila could feel the anger and annoyance stirring inside her one again.

"What are you doing Erik?"

"We are going to war." Erik lifted his head to her. "The world has declared war with us- we have to fight back. The world wants Africa on its knees- not again, Anila- never. We have to defend our home."

Aminata cleared her throat as though to speak, but never gained Anila's attention. "The rest of world has been built on the back of this continents- others as well, we don't want history repeating itself. We have come so far, we can't go back."

"Erik..." Anila breathes out his name.

"We need Moran's help, he will be accommodating those who will help protect our home and he'll be provided his aid to our cause." Erik could see the horror in Anila's eyes, the distrust and betrayal. Anila gave out a heartless chuckle that drew more attention to her, she sealed her lips, not trusting herself to speak. Their voices were grave, trying to rationalise their decisions for warfare and the possible great outcomes.