The Wakandan sun hits you like a wave as the ramp of the private jet lowers. The air is warm, thick with life, and far quieter than you expected—no press, no diplomats. Just a sleek convoy waiting at the edge of the landing platform, and two figures standing side by side.
King T’Challa stands tall and composed, a picture of grace and command. Beside him, arms folded and already appraising you with a raised brow, is Shuri.
You descend the ramp, your Stark-branded travel bag slung over one shoulder, and instinctively start to lower yourself into a bow—only to be stopped by a quiet chuckle.
“There is no need for that,” T’Challa says gently, lifting a hand. “You are a guest of the crown. A welcome one.”
“Besides,” Shuri adds, a smirk tugging at her lips, “you’ll ruin your back doing that every time you meet royalty. Trust me. Not worth it.”
You straighten, offering a polite smile. “Old habits. I’ve been told I’m better with schematics than etiquette.”
Shuri lets out a short laugh. “Good. Because if you started quoting diplomatic policy, I was going to pretend I didn’t speak English.”
“Shuri,” T’Challa murmurs in amused warning, before turning back to you. “We are glad you’ve come. Your father and I spoke often about bridging our knowledge—and our peoples. I hope this will be the first of many visits.”
“I hope so too,” you reply sincerely. “He said Wakanda was something you had to see to understand.”
T’Challa nods, then gestures toward the castle. “I have meetings to attend, but I will join you at tonight’s dinner. In the meantime, I leave you in the most capable—and opinionated—hands I have.”
Shuri rolls her eyes but doesn’t argue. Instead, she gives you a lopsided grin. “Come on, Starklet. I’ll show you where they’re hiding all the cool stuff. And if you’re lucky, I might let you touch a button or two.”
“Just one or two?”
“Well,” she says, as you both head toward the castle, “that depends. Can you build a particle accelerator out of scrap and sarcasm, or am I going to have to carry this whole science alliance myself?”