The Panther and the Priestess

Wakanda awoke to the soft hum of life returning to normal—or at least what counted as normal in a nation now plagued by magical surges, occasional lightning storms indoors, and guards who sometimes found themselves floating mid-sentence. Shuri was up before the sun, determined to finish her invention—a protective field generator designed to shield Solène and the baby from the unpredictable bursts of power that kept disrupting the city.

In her lab, Griot's voice echoed softly, updating Shuri on the latest disturbances.

"Princess, there was another ripple near the northern borders last night. A farmer reported his cows turning into floating lanterns for a brief period."

Shuri rubbed her temples, a mix of exhaustion and frustration. "Of course. Because nothing says good morning like a floating cow. How are Solène and the baby?"

Griot's hologram flickered, showing Solène still asleep in their room, Shuri's latest creation pulsing gently beside her—a prototype of the containment field. "They are stable, Princess. Solène's surges are less frequent, but the energy readings are still off the charts. I'd advise you finish the modifications as soon as possible."

Shuri nodded, her focus sharpening. "I'm on it. We can't have the palace doubling as a light show."

Back in the royal quarters, Solène was finally stirring. She sat up slowly, feeling the familiar ache of exhaustion mingling with the faint hum of magic beneath her skin. Every movement felt like lifting a weight, and she missed the days when she could leap into action without thinking twice. Now, even standing up took effort.

M'Baku had been "assigned" to keep an eye on her today, a task he took about as seriously as guarding his favorite plate of meat. He stood by the door, arms crossed, casting occasional glances at Solène as though she might suddenly sprout horns.

Solène smirked, watching him with amusement. "M'Baku, if you keep staring like that, I'm going to think you're falling in love."

M'Baku stepped back as if she'd threatened him with fire. "Ehhh, God forbid! My people do not consort with she-demons. I am here strictly to keep you from turning my palace into a goat farm."

Solène laughed softly, her voice weak but full of mischief. "Don't worry, big man. I'm saving my magic for special occasions."

Okoye and Nakia entered the room, holding trays of food that they balanced like battle gear. Okoye took one look at M'Baku's flustered expression and chuckled. "M'Baku, are you scared of our little Solène? What happened to the mighty warrior who said he feared no man?"

M'Baku huffed, pointing at Solène dramatically. "This is not a man. This is a woman with the power of a thousand suns and the ability to turn my favorite steak into a rock! I am brave, but I am not stupid."

Nakia snorted, setting down her tray. "Relax, M'Baku. If she wanted to, you'd already be a chicken in my pot by now."

Solène smirked, raising a hand slightly, making M'Baku jump back in exaggerated terror. "Easy, Solène! I did not mean it! You look lovely today, my friend. Glowing, even."

Okoye burst into laughter, handing Solène a glass of herbal tea. "Oh, leave him alone. He's had enough trauma for one day. How are you feeling, Solène?"

Solène sipped the tea, grateful for the relief it brought her. "Better. Tired, but better. I think whatever Janette did helped, but these cramps are no joke." She placed a hand on her belly, feeling the faint flutter of the baby kicking. "This little one is already causing a ruckus."

Shuri walked in, wiping grease from her hands and looking slightly frazzled. She immediately moved to Solène's side, sitting beside her on the bed. "How's my favorite troublemaker?"

Solène leaned into Shuri, resting her head on her shoulder. "Oh, you know. Just another day of being a walking, talking magical bomb."

Shuri smiled, pressing a kiss to Solène's forehead. "Well, you look beautiful doing it."

M'Baku gagged theatrically from the corner. "Ah, must you do this every time? Can we not eat in peace without this...romantic soap opera?"

Shuri shot him a playful glare. "If you don't like it, you can take your meat and leave."

M'Baku snorted, taking a bite of his food. "You see? This is why I stay. For the food. And to ensure that Solène does not accidentally conjure a demon in the kitchen."

Okoye and Nakia sat on the bed, plates in hand, their eyes sparkling with mischief. Okoye reached over, trying to touch Solène's belly again. "What if she has twins, eh? One will be a warrior, and the other a sorcerer. What chaos will ensue then?"

Shuri's protective instincts flared, her voice playful but firm. "Touch her one more time, Okoye, and I will personally escort you to the nearest vibranium mine."

Solène giggled, her fingers tracing lazy circles on Shuri's arm. "I think Okoye just wants to be close to you, love."

Nakia chimed in, grinning. "Or maybe she's planning to steal your wife. I've heard Okoye has a weakness for powerful women."

Okoye raised her glass in mock acknowledgment. "Guilty as charged."

Janette finally entered the room, carrying a small satchel of herbs. "I've brought some more of the basics. Nothing mystical, just a few remedies for cramps and bloating. Should help keep the palace intact."

M'Baku eyed the herbs suspiciously. "So this is all it takes? I've been living in fear of herbs this whole time?"

Janette laughed, shaking her head. "She has to take these everyday to keep the cramps, bloating and gas at bay. Now, let's make sure Solène doesn't turn the city into a forest."

She handed Solène a small pouch, and within moments, the magic in the room felt calmer, the air less charged. Solène visibly relaxed, her body sinking further into Shuri's embrace.

M'Baku stared, still half in disbelief. "All this for herbs. My God. I've been hiding behind a couch for nothing."

Nakia grinned, slapping his back. "Maybe you should have asked your ancestors to bless you with some common sense, M'Baku."

M'Baku shook his head, laughing. "I will not hear the end of this. But at least we are safe. For now."

Shuri, still holding Solène close, whispered softly to her. "I'll protect you. No matter what it takes."

Solène smiled, her fingers brushing Shuri's cheek. "I know. And our little one knows too."

Shuri rubbed Solène's belly, whispering words of comfort as Solène's eyelids grew heavy. "You're safe, both of you. I'll make sure of it."

Solène's eyes fluttered shut, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep, her magic finally at rest. The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of Wakanda beyond the palace walls, and for a brief moment, everything felt right.

M'Baku, ever dramatic, leaned back in his chair. "If she starts glowing again, someone wake me. I refuse to be turned into a lamp."

Okoye and Nakia chuckled, and even Janette smirked as they all gathered around the sleeping Solène and the fiercely protective Shuri. Together, they were an odd, mismatched family, but they were strong, resilient, and united in their love for one another.

The sun was setting outside, casting a warm glow over Wakanda. The city was still adjusting to its new, unpredictable magic, but for now, all was calm. And as Shuri gazed down at Solène, she knew that no matter the challenges ahead, they would face them together.