Sparks

"What are you saying, Ororo," T'Challa questioned, wanting to make sure his hearing wasn't failing him.

"I think we should get a divorce," Ororo repeated, this time sounding certain that this is what she wanted.

Two months later, Ororo and T'Challa were still living separately part-time and on two different continents. The Queen of Wakanda had moved back to the States and T'Challa stayed in Wakanda. Before any divorce was finalized, counseling was required by the Council if there were children involved. Their four-year-old baby girl was stuck in the middle of her parents' feud. Azora wasn't old enough to understand what was going on but even she could feel the tension. She was fussier than usual and clingy when she usually liked to be independent. It was difficult keeping the pending divorce quiet from nosey media outlets looking for a story. But, Ororo and T'Challa managed, continuing to attend royal events together as a couple and keeping the buzz down.

T'Challa was in town for a royal engagement and thought it would be a good time for them to discuss the living arrangement for Azora. Ororo invited her soon to be ex-husband over to help tuck in their princess and have the weighted discussion.

"Babaaa," Azora shrieked as soon as she heard the familiar voice in the living room. Her tiny feet hit the hardwood with light smacks until she leaped into her father's arms.

"There's Baba's princess! I missed you," T'Challa added with equal enthusiasm. Azora was the perfect mix of Ororo and T'Challa. She had her father's smile, her small gap matching his, but she had Ororo's eyes. Her personality matched more with her Aunt Shuri, which meant many jokes from Azora's end.

"I missed you too," Azora exclaimed, hugging the King's neck. "Can you read me a bedtime story?"

T'Challa looked to his wife for approval, earning a smile and nod. The parents were escorted to Azora's room after she forced to hold hands on the way. "Read this one," Azora demanded, holding up Amazing Grace. Even though she had heard the book many times, Azora couldn't get enough because she thought the young black girl on the cover "matched her".

"Okay, okay. We'll read this one. That alright, mama," T'Challa chuckled, directing his question to Ororo.

"That's alright with me. This is one of my favorite books too," she stated, sitting beside her husband. "Is it okay if we take turns reading?"

"Yes," Azora shouted, pumping her fists in the air.

They followed her instructions until the princess could barely keep her eyes open. Once her eyes had fluttered shut for the last time that night, T'Challa and Ororo quietly left the room.

"That didn't take long," Ororo whispered, making sure they were fully out of earshot. "I need to talk to you about her, by the way."

Worry etched itself on T'Challa's features until Ororo eased his nerves. "I think...actually I know she has my abilities. She's quite young and that scares me because you know how hard it was for me to control my emotions then."

The King placed a hand on Ororo's shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. "Hey, we talked about this being a possibility when you were pregnant. We'll handle it. You know Azora will always be in good hands with us. I'll have Shuri do some research."

Not even thinking about his statement or how it could be received, T'Challa followed Ororo back into the living room.

"So you don't think I'm capable of taking care of our child," the Queen questioned, handing him a glass of wine.