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Aquarella walked into the room Namor was in, and he looked up from the painting he was looking at and quickly covered it up before Rella could see it. "Papa. I have retrieved the annoying Princess and the scientist. They're both unconscious in the guest area, two of the guards are keeping watch and Selya will join them soon. What do we do from here?" Aquarella spoke. She smiled to herself lighty knowing she was the one to knock Shuri unconscious.

"Namora informed me of the conversation you were having with the princess. What was that all about?" Namor spoke, his arms crossed over his chest, looking at his daughter with curious eyes. "It was nothing father. She was just trying to get a reaction out of me and I fell into the trap." Aquarella looked down, a bit ashamed of letting Shuri get under her skin and annoyed at Namora for snitching on her.

"Do you like the princess?" K'uk'ulkan asked, raising a brow.

Aquarella scoffed loudly, "No way in hell would I even think about her in any other way than wanting to skin her alive. Why do you ask?" Aquarella crossed her arms over her chest, expressing irritation in her tone.

K'uk'ulkan did this with anyone she even acknowledged. She had tried making friends with a girl once and K'uk'ulkan immediately asked if she liked her. It's like anyone she talked to that was around her age was suddenly questioned as a crush. She assumed it was just him being over protective but it was really because she hated people in general so anyone she talked to was lucky to get a full sentence from her.

"Just curious, Namora said you were flirting. I would say it's out of character, but it really isn't. You said the same thing about Kyra." K'uk'ulkan shrugged, a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips and Aquarella rolled her eyes. "She requested that I bring her to you in return for me to not harm the scientist. So, I assume you wish to see her?" Aquarella pursed her lips, wanting to know what K'uk'ulkan was going to talk to Shuri about.

"Yes, you and Namora will have her dressed and sent here. Selya will keep an eye on the scientist." K'uk'ulkan said. Aquarella nodded and went to walk out but paused, furrowing her brows, she turned to look at him. "You're gonna show her Talokan, aren't you?" Aquarella looked at him, not even disappointed but just pissed off that he wanted to show a Wakandan their nation. Let alone a young princess who could use their information against them considering she fucking hated Aquarella.

"Once I know she's trustworthy. It's for the best, Rella. You're mother would do the same. She did the same for me." He said, sensing the Soulina was dissatisfied with this plan. "But she isn't here, is she?! Trusting a Wakandan, father? Have you learned nothing? Momma made that same mistake and it almost got her people killed. Imagine what this girl could do to you the minute she sees us as the threat. You're being delusional if you think she won't sell us out!" Aquarella hardly ever snapped at her father but her anger was clouding her judgement.

"This nation has survived for so long because of my leadership, do not ever question that now! You are still here solely because of my protection. King T'Chaka is dead and it doesn't mean the princess is like him. This is my decision. If she does anything that crosses us, you can kill her. Deal?" Aquarella clenched her jaw, but ended up agreeing. Killing the princess was on her bucket list so why not.

"Alright. Have her dressed, bring her to me and we will both speak to her." K'uk'ulkan said. Aquarella nodded, "Dress her in what?" She asked.

K'uk'ulkan shrugged, "Whatever Selya has ready," He said.

Aquarella nodded and walked out to fetch a dress from Selya. As she entered the room, Selya was sitting on the table speaking to Namora who had been in disagreement with Selya keeping watch of the scientist. This time, Selya managed to win that argument.

"Selya, I need a dress for the Princess. Do you have anything done? In my opinion, she would look great dressed as a fish," Aquarella smiled sarcastically. Selya and Namora both raised their brows at her last comment but they already knew how much she disliked the princess so it wasn't too shocking. "I just have the dress I finished for Kyra. That will have to do, sorry sweetheart," Selya said, picking up the folded dress on the shelf and handing it to Namora.

Aquarella groaned, hating that Shuri was gonna wear the dress she had designed for her ex girlfriend Kyra. It was made specially for their anniversary and now it was being wasted on Shuri, of all fucking people. She silently prayed Shuri would look horrible in it and that would make her feel better.

Aquarella leaned against the wall off the cave, watching with curious eyes as Shuri had woken up and looked at her surroundings. She got up off the hammock and walked to the other one where Riri was laying in, still passed out. She gently shook the girl awake and it took a moment before she finally woke up, and then of course she began to freak out. "Oh my god!" Riri exclaimed.

"Okay, breathe. Breathe." Shuri said, trying to get the younger girl to calm down.

"Don't tell me to breathe. Where the hell are we?" Riri asked.

"We're in a cave. I'm not sure where." Shuri answered. She didn't have her Kimoyo Beads on her as Aquarella had ripped them off, which still annoyed her because of how unnecessary it was when she could've just turned them off.

"Oh my god," Riri breathed out, suddenly looking up and gaping. "What is that?"

"Glow worms, their larvae gives off light," Shuri explained. Aquarella watched, slighly amused as Riri was practically hyperventilating.

"Well, is there like a new Black Panther that you can call to come and get us?" Riri asked. Aquarella wanted to scoff hearing that. The Black Panther was no match for her, from what she thought.

"Why not?"

"Because it doesn't work like that anymore. Black Panther is gone," Shuri said, her tone a bit disappointed. Aquarella smirked, loving anything that made Shuri even the tiniest bit upset.

"So y'all stop havin' Black Panthers when I get kidnapped?" Riri deadpanned.

The sound of footsteps made them turn their head towards the sound. Namora walked in holding some clothing, Selya behind her with the usual warm smile on her face. Aquarella clenched her jaw, still annoyed that the princess was gonna wear their traditional clothing. Shuri stood up, leaving Riri's side.

"Princess. Here the royalty wears traditional clothing. We did it for you." Namora spoke in Mayan, obviously she didn't speak English despite how much Aquarella tried to teach her it. Namora never really cared for it. Selya didn't understand much of it either but she didn't really have a reason for needing to when she stayed below the surface most of the time.

"Do you understand her?" Riri asked, standing up to stand slightly behind Shuri.

"Not completely."

Aquarella stepped out of the shadows, causing Shuri to push Riri back slightly and look at her with annoyance. Aquarella stood by Namora, "This is why I told you learning English is important. They don't understand you." Aquarella smirked and Namora rolled her eyes, annoyed with the sirens jokes. "Leave her alone, it's hard," Selya defended, hitting Aquarella's arm.

"No need to hit so hard," Aquarella frowned, glancing back at Selya who chuckled at her.

"She said royalty wears traditional clothing here. It applies to you as well, princess." Aquarella explained in English so they understood. Shuri raised a brow, "And yet you don't seem to wear traditional clothing?" Selya looked at Namora, confused on what they were saying and so was Namora.

Aquarella looked Shuri up and down with a slighty judgey look. "Yeah well you're not the one with tail. And you're a guest, you will dress like one. You won't speak to my father wearing that." Aquarella shot back and Namora held out the clothing. Shuri held a look of surprise on her face, unaware of Namor being Rella's father as Amphitrite failed to bring it up to her.

Shuri went to take the clothes but Riri stopped her. "No. That is some supervillain shit right there. It's in every movie. Princess Leia. Belle from "Beauty in the Beast", that white chick from "Indiana Jones"." Riri said, pointing an accusing finger at Aquarella who looked at her in irritation.

Aquarella raised a brow, not sure what she was even talking about. "Indiana Jones?" Aquarella asked Namora in Mayan. Namora looked at her and shrugged, not knowing what it meant either.

"It's fine. You should see what I have to wear at Warrior Falls." Shuri said, Riri sighed still not liking this. "If it causes you pain, I would love to see it," Aquarella mumbled and Shuri rolled her eyes. Shuri accepted the clothing from Namora. "Come with us." Namora spoke. Shuri looked at Aquarella for translation and she sighed, "Come with us."

Shuri went to follow Namora and Aquarella but Riri grabbed onto Shuri's arm. "No wait- you not leavin' me in here are you?" Riri looked at Aquarella who simply gave her a teasing smirk.

"I'm coming back. I'm coming back. Stay calm," Shuri reassured calmly. Aquarella squinted her eyes, cringing at how touchy Riri was with Shuri. Riri sighed softly and let go of Shuri's arm. "Call me if she does anything to annoy you," Aquarella said to Selya who gave her a nod with a soft smile. Namora gave Selya's hand a squeeze and walked away with Aquarella, Shuri following close behind them.

Aquarella entered her bedroom and held the curtain so Shuri could enter. Namora waiting by the door outside and Shuri looked around the room, raising a brow at the mess. "Still a messy person, I see," Shuri judged.

"For your information, I had a tough ass week so my apologies if cleaning wasn't my main priority," Aquarella stated sarcastically. Shuri rolled her eyes, not letting herself feel bad for Aquarella. "What are you waiting for? Get dressed," Aquarella deadpanned, leaning against the table she had used as a desk.

"Turn around," Shuri retorted. Aquarella rolled her eyes and slowly turned around, "Didn't take for the shy type considering how big your mouth is." She muttered.

"That woman said this was made for me. How did you make it so quick?" Shuri asked, unzipping her purple jacket. "You understood her?"

"A little bit, just put two and two together," Shuri shrugged.

"It wasn't made for you. It was made for my girlfriend a few days ago, I had it designed specifically for her." Aquarella responded, looking down at the sketches of Kyra on the table. "Girlfriend? That's surprising," Shuri chuckled, removing her shoes so she could remove her pants.

"Why's that surprising?" Aquarella asked, feigning offense. "Because I couldn't imagine even being friends with you, let alone dating you." Shuri mumbled. She held up the dress, unsure how to put it on.

"Good thing neither of those things will ever happen," Aquarella retorted. "Uh, can you show me how this works?" Shuri requested. Obviously she didn't want Aquarella to see her half naked but at this point she had no choice. The dress was confusing as hell.

Aquarella shook her head in exasperation and turned around, trying her best not to look at Shuri's body. She took the dress from Shuri's hands and Shuri watched as Aquarella carefully took it apart. Rella glanced down at Shuri's figure for a few seconds and quickly looked back to the dress but Shuri caught the look anyways. "How does your girlfriend feel about you letting another girl dress in front of you? And you checking her out?" Shuri smirked.

"I wouldn't know, she's not my girlfriend anymore. And I wasn't checking you out, don't flatter yourself." Aquarella mumbled in response. Shuri stayed silent, not wanting to piss off Rella about the ex girlfriend. Shuri looked around Aquarella's room some more, taking notice of a painting of a young girl who looked a lot like Aquarella but it definitely wasn't her. "Who's that girl?" Shuri asked.

Aquarella didn't even have to look to know who Shuri was talking about. "None of your concern," Rella mumbled. Shuri pursed her lips understanding it was probably a sore subject. "Lift up your arms," Rella said and Shuri did as told. Aquarella pulled the dress over her head and made sure the beads were all okay. "Turn around." Shuri obeyed and Rella clicked on the beads around Shuri's neck.

"Give me your earrings," Aquarella said as she walked towards the desk to pick up two pieces of green earrings that she originally made for the dress. Shuri removed her Kimoyo Bead earrings and set them in Aquarella's hand. "Sit." Shuri sighed as she sat down on the edge of the bed. Aquarella walked towards her and bent down slightly, putting the earrings on Shuri. "So you have like a thing for collarbones?" Shuri questioned, glancing down at the dress that revealed her collarbones.

Aquarella couldn't help but chuckle as she moved onto the other ear. "No, but she has gils so obviously she needs to wear something that isn't uncomfortable on her. Now that I look at it, she's an ungrateful little bitch." Rella mumbled, not realizing her chest was practically in Shuri's face as she put on the earrings. Shuri shamelessly glanced at Aquarella's chest that pushed up her breasts courtesy of the corset. "Who made the corset?" Shuri asked curiously.

"Selya, the woman who's watching your precious little girlfriend out there," Aquarella said, backing away and putting Shuri's clothes on the table for her to grab later.

"She's not my girlfriend," Shuri scoffed. "Does she know that?" Aquarella titled her head, pushing open the curtain and gesturing Shuri to walk out first. Shuri walked out and stood there as Aquarella turned to Namora. "Have Selya get the scientist dressed, I'll take the princess to K'uk'ulkan." Aquarella said. Namora nodded and walked off towards the cave to help Selya.

"You do anything that pisses me off and I'll knock you unconscious again," Aquarella said, glancing back at Shuri who just rolled her eyes in reply. Aquarella moved to let Shuri enter first and walking in, she seen K'uk'ulkan sitting down at a small table. Aquarella walked in and stood near him.

"Princess. Welcome." He greeted. "Please, feel free. I hope my daughter did not give you too much trouble. She's not a people person." Namor spoke. Shuri glanced at Aquarella who lighty scoffed under her breath. "She was fine, no trouble at all," Shuri said, surprising Aquarella but she kept a calm composure.

"This is beautiful," Shuri spoke, referring to the bracelet along the seashell. "That was my mother's." K'uk'ulkan picked it up and carefully set it in Shuri's hands.

"These are all Mesoamerican artifacts. Most likely 16th century," Shuri said, taking a small glance at Aquarella who was already looking at her. "Have you been alive since then?" Shuri asked, directing it at Namor but also curious about Aquarella as well. K'uk'ulkan didn't answer already seeing Shuri figure it out herself. "Your mother was human."

Namor nodded, "She was. Then she became something else."

"How?"

"How? "How" is never as important as "why." K'uk'ulkan said. Aquarella took a breath, she heard the story millions of times and each time, it effected her opinions on the surface world and people who lived on the surface world.

"My mother and her village were driven from their farms, by Spanish conquistadors who brought the smallpox, a hateful language, and dogma from another world. Facing starvation, war, and disease, my people turned to Chaac." Namor gestured to the painting on the wall, "our god of rain and abundance. Chaac gave our Shaman a vision..a way to save his people. Chaac led him to a plant sprouting from a blue rock."

"My mother was pregnant with me at the time, and she did not want to plant, for fear of what it may do to me. But the Shaman was convincing. They all fell sick. And their lives, their existence there, ended. The plant took away their ability to breathe air, but enabled them to draw oxygen from the sea. They settled in the ocean, away from war and diseases. My mother gave birth to me there, and I became the firstborn son of Talokan. The plant gave me wings on my ankles, and ears that pointed to the clouds. I was a mutant. I could swim in sky and and age slower. Breathe the air our ancestors breathed."

"As she grew older, my mother mourned the life on land that she once knew...and died with a broken heart. She made me promise, to bury her in the soil of her homeland. Nothing could prepare me for what I found there." K'uk'ulkan's eyes drifted off, his mind flashing to that day. Aquarella reached out and took his hand in hers, offering him a comforting smile and he pressed a kiss to her head.

"A Spanish man of faith cursed me. As he died by my hand, he called me "The child without love"." Namor repeated what the man said in Spanish. "The child without love. And I took my name from there. Namor. Because I have no love for the surface world."

Shuri walked closer, standing a few feet away from them as they stood by the wall. "Why are you telling me all of this?" Shuri questioned.

"So that you can understand why I have to kill the scientist." K'uk'ulkan said, looking away from the painting on the wall that describes the events he just spoke of.

"What if we took her to Wakanda?" Shuri asked. Aquarella and Namor looked at each other, both of them coming the disagreement of that. "Let us go. I give you my word. She will remain in my country," Shuri promised.

"I cannot risk that, Princess." Namor said.

"Then keep me instead," Shuri compromised. Namor didn't miss the look Shuri gave Aquarella and silently questioned if she really hated Rella. "I'd love to see your nation." Shuri said with a soft smile.

Namor took a breath, glancing down at his daughter. "That is up to my daughter." He said.

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a.n: both of them taking peeks at each other 🌚 they're so real

it's very obvious but half of these scenes were copied from my riri book so if y'all see soulinas name in here, ignore it lmao 😭 but bae is apart of this book as soulina, she's just dead rn yk 🧍‍♀️

what y'all think namor was hiding from miss rella 👩‍🦯

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