Pairing: T’Challa x reader
Summary: You have been dating the crowned prince, T’Challa, for quite some time now. But after his father’s passing, he must become more serious about who will be the future queen on Wakanda. Many doubt the reader's abilities, even Queen Mother.
It’s no secret that the majority of Wakanda, including Queen Mother, does not approve of your growing relationship with T’Challa. No one has been out right rude to you in fear of what T’Challa would do to them, but their desire for Nakia to be the one in your place was loud enough.
“It’s not too late my son.” Queen Mother’s voice sneaks out of the throne room. You stand still on the other side of the door curious. “Nakia hasn’t rushed off on another mission yet, and I’m sure she would love to be more than friends.”
All your life you have always been compared to others. The girl down the street has clearer skin, that one running the field has a better laugh, better personality, bright watt smile, more intelligent. With T’Challa you never left like you had to be anything more, that you were not less than others just because you weren’t the same.
With the whole country watching that is a challenge. They have to accept you, if they do not then how can the people respect you by the kings side? Will they lay their allegiance to T’Challa with you in the picture? You feel your bottom jaw turn into concrete as it tries to keep a quivering lip still.
“Mother, you forget that I am with (Y/N).” T’Challa interjects, hoping to regain some of his mother’s memory.
“T’Challa, we both know that Nakia is the country’s favorite. They want to see her standing by your side-” His mother pleads but T’Challa places a hand up urging his mother to stop.
“(Y/N) would make a great queen. She is headstrong, kind and considerate, she is imaginative, loves Wakanda with her heart and soul. She can make the hard decisions. But most importantly,” he takes a step closer to his mother. “I love her and want her to stand next to me forever, the people will grow to love her as I have too.”
“She’s not worthy of you T’Challa.” You can hear him heading towards the door. Your heart races with the fear of being caught. You place your hand over your mouth and nose hoping he can’t hear your uneven breath.
“That is where you are wrong mother,” you don’t get to hear the rest because T’Challa slightly opens the door. Instead of becoming face-to-face with the soon-to-be King of Wakanda and current Queen Mother you bolt towards your room, but that doesn’t stop T’Challa from noticing your frame turn the corner at the last moment.
You rush down the halls realizing it won’t take you to your chambers but hope they will lead you out of the palace. There is no point in staying where you’re not welcome, even though you know T’Challa would want you to. You know that T’Challa loves you and you always gotten along with Shuri, but hearing what his mother thinks of you brought out the worst thoughts of yourself that you’ve struggled with for years..
“(Y/N)! (Y/N) please, for Bast sake slow down!” T’Challa chases after you. Knowing that he will catch up you stop but keep your back facing him. “How much did you hear?”
“Oh you know the people, including your mother, wanting you with Nakia. That I’m not good enough for you... The truth.” Tears stream down your cheeks but your voice stands firm and unwavering.
“Who’s truth? If you heard all that my mother said then you surly heard me.” Coming to face you, T’Challa takes your hands in his. “(Y/N) you are the kindest, most generous soul I have ever had the privilege to know. You bring out the best in me, challenge me. (Y/N) you are who I want.”
“But T’Challa the people-”
“I choose you, (Y/N).” His chocolate eyes burn into yours begging for you believe what he does. “Marry me.”
T’Challa interweaves his fingers with yours, and presses them against his chest. Looking into your eyes, T’Challa pierces your soul with his own. You take a deep breath as you feel the air around you thin. Since the moment you laid eyes on the prince – now king – he has always taken your breath away, caused your heartbeat to quicken, and physically drawn you to his being.
“(Y/N),” his voice is low, but soft. “I know you are terrified of what may happen if you say yes, but I am terrified of what may happen if you say no. There is no version of this life that I can conjure in my mind that doesn’t involved you. You’re my compass, my rock, my love. There is no one else I want by my side, ruling our country with me, one day being the mother to my future children. Please, (Y/N). Marry me.”
Leaning your forehead against his, you never break eye contact. You search them for any signs of doubt in what he just said, but you find them singing the truth. Closing your eyes you try to regain control of your thoughts, your breathing, and your heartbeat. Calming down, you begin to notice how fast T’Challa is breathing, how fast his heart is beating against your hands. A small smile fights it’s way onto your lips as you lean in to place a quick kiss on T’Challa’s lips.
