The Panther and the Priestess

Solène finished adjusting the velvet red dress that clung to her curves as she heard a knock at her door. A Dora Milaje was ready to escort her to the dining room, and with a final look in the mirror, she followed the guard. As they walked through the palace halls, Solène's nerves fluttered, anticipation building with each step.

The dining room was grander than she had imagined—a large ballroom with an ornate table at its center, surrounded by chandeliers and decorated with traditional Wakandan art. Solène's eyes scanned the room, but there was no sign of the queen. Instead, she saw the other scientists already engaged in conversation. Deciding to mingle, Solène introduced herself, exchanging pleasantries and friendly banter with the team she would be working with.

Suddenly, the rhythmic clanging of staffs against the floor silenced the room as the Dora Milaje announced Shuri's arrival. Solène's heart skipped a beat as the queen walked in, regal and commanding. Shuri's eyes briefly met Solène's before she looked away, clearing her throat to hide her reaction. Okoye, noticing the moment, leaned over and whispered teasingly, "Caught staring already? Antelope."

Shuri shot her a quick glare but kept her composure. She addressed the room with a warm smile. "I won't keep you long; I know you're all as hungry as I am. Chefs, please serve our guests." At her cue, servers entered, carrying trays filled with an array of vibrant South African dishes. The scent of rich spices and grilled meats filled the room as everyone eagerly filled their plates.

While others focused on their meals, Shuri's thoughts were elsewhere. She leaned over to Okoye, her voice low. "Bring that beautiful girl here to sit next to me."

Okoye raised an eyebrow but nodded, making her way over to Solène. Solène, caught up in serving herself, didn't notice until Okoye was right beside her. "American girl, the queen wants you to eat with her."

Solène's heart jumped, and in her nervousness, she almost left her plate behind. Okoye stopped her with a gentle tug. "Take your plate," she teased with a knowing smile. "I'm not your maid." Solène, flustered, followed her to Shuri's side, taking a seat with a soft "hi" as she blushed and looked down.

Shuri, noticing Solène's shyness, gently lifted her chin with a finger, holding her gaze with an intrigued smile. "Hi, entle," she said softly, her voice like silk. "What's your name, pretty?"

"Solène," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of her Haitian accent.

"A beautiful name for a beautiful face," Shuri complimented, her tone flirtatious. Solène responded with a coy, "Thank you, my queen," knowing full well that Shuri didn't care for the title but enjoying the way it made the queen's jaw tighten.

Shuri's smile shifted into something more heated. She understood the game Solène was playing, and it excited her more than she cared to admit. Trying to redirect her thoughts, Shuri asked about Solène's life back home. Solène shared stories about her upbringing, her adoption, and the recent loss of her father. As Shuri listened, she felt a pull toward Solène, sensing a kindred spirit who had also known great loss. The bond between them deepened, though Shuri couldn't deny that her attraction was growing too.

As the night continued, Shuri couldn't take her eyes off Solène, watching her every movement. Solène, feeling the intensity of Shuri's gaze, tried to keep her composure, but she was just as captivated. Shuri finally leaned in, her voice low and smooth. "Feed me," she said, her tone filled with both a challenge and a promise.

Solène blinked, taken aback by the bold request. She glanced around, aware that others were watching, but something in Shuri's eyes urged her on. She picked up her fork and carefully offered Shuri a bite, her hand trembling slightly. Shuri accepted it, her lips brushing the fork deliberately as she held Solène's gaze, the moment charged with an intimate tension.

The room around them faded as they shared the quiet, suggestive interaction. Okoye, noticing the shift in atmosphere, decided it was time to intervene. "Alright, Americans, the dinner show is over," she announced loudly, half-teasing, half-warning. "Nothing to see here."

Shuri laughed, standing and pulling Solène up with her, her hand lingering on Solène's lower back. "Relax, Okoye, it's all just harmless fun," she said, but her eyes told a different story as they lingered on Solène.

Shuri led Solène back to her quarters, and the tension between them only grew. They stepped onto the balcony, the city of Wakanda glittering beneath them. Solène leaned on the railing, admiring the view. "Your kingdom is stunning, my queen," she said, her voice soft but filled with awe.

Shuri moved closer, her breath warm against Solène's ear. "It's even more beautiful now that you're here," she whispered, her fingers brushing Solène's arm, sending a shiver through her. Solène glanced at Shuri, her heart racing as their faces were just inches apart.

The night air was cool, but the heat between them was undeniable. Shuri's lips brushed against Solène's neck, soft at first, then more insistent as she kissed and lightly sucked at her skin, leaving Solène breathless. Solène's head tilted back, a soft gasp escaping her lips as Shuri's mouth traveled along her throat, tasting and teasing.

Shuri pulled back just enough to meet Solène's eyes, the air between them heavy with unspoken desire. "What are you doing tomorrow evening?" Shuri asked, her voice low, laced with suggestion.

Solène bit her lip, feeling the tension coil tighter. "Anything you want me to do, my queen."

Shuri's breath hitched slightly, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew she should take things slow, but Solène's presence was intoxicating. She leaned in, brushing her lips against Solène's ear as she whispered, "You're going to drive me mad, but I'll make you just as crazy."

The words sent a thrill through Solène, who found herself pulled even closer. Shuri's touch was gentle but firm as she guided Solène back into her room, their bodies brushing against each other. The air between them crackled with unspoken desire as Shuri's hands found their way to Solène's waist, pulling her close.

As they moved deeper into the room, Shuri began to undress, her actions deliberate and unhurried. Solène's breath hitched as her eyes caught sight of Shuri's sculpted figure, her confidence palpable and alluring. But when Shuri moved, Solène's gaze lingered on a detail that made her cheeks flush—a subtle but unmistakable hint of Shuri's arousal beneath her undergarments, veiled but undeniable. Solène's pulse quickened, and she quickly averted her eyes, though the image stayed with her, a tantalizing reminder of the queen's interest.

Sensing Solène's reaction, Shuri gave a playful smirk, her voice teasing. "Don't worry, it don't bite .....unless you want it to".

Shuri moved closer, her gaze lingering on Solène. As she reached for Solène's zipper, Solène gently placed a hand on Shuri's arm, her voice trembling slightly. "I've never... done this before." The words hung between them, vulnerable and sincere.

Shuri's eyes widened in surprise, but her expression softened immediately, and a newfound tenderness filled her gaze. She reached up, cupping Solène's face gently. "Entle, I'm sorry if I've been rushing you," Shuri said softly. "You're just so beautiful, and it's hard to think straight around you. But if you're ever ready, I promise I'll make sure it's perfect, and you'll be comfortable."

Solène nodded, touched by Shuri's sincerity. "Thank you, my queen," she whispered, blushing. Shuri placed a soft kiss on her cheek, her lips lingering. "Anytime you're ready, it will be about us, and I'll make sure you feel loved and cared for."

Reluctantly, Solène pulled away. "It's late; I should go." But Shuri wasn't ready to let her leave just yet. "Stay with me tonight," she offered, handing Solène a silk robe.

As Shuri undressed, Solène watched, mesmerized by the queen's unapologetic confidence. Shuri, noticing Solène's lingering gaze, chuckled softly. Solène's cheeks flushed, and her thoughts raced. As they lay in bed together, Shuri pulled Solène close, her arm draped protectively around her waist.

Solène felt the warmth of Shuri's body pressed against her back, the queen's breath tickling her ear. The steady rhythm of Shuri's breathing lulled her, and despite the excitement of the evening, Solène felt safe in Shuri's arms. For the first time in a long while, she closed her eyes, feeling a sense of peace and anticipation for the future