Nashuri Collection (Namor x Shuri)

The Eyes are the Windows to the Soul pt.6

The Eyes are the Windows to the Soul (6.)

Shuri rushed back to the palace dining room.

Fixing the power grid before her last interview hadn't been on her agenda. Already weird thoughts swirled from Namor's impromptu visit. Couldn't attacks on the city wait until she found her husband?

She wiped her forehead with a dinner napkin. Ugh, she didn't want to meet him sweaty and gross.

Palace attendants came in, bowing, to remove the dishes from her dinner with David. For her dinner with Ch'ah Toh they would only be having dessert.

This left her less time to get to know him, but she hoped he made a good impression. She was so curious about him. Not even Maryam's detective skills or Griot had been able to find anything out about him. It was as if he were off the grid. Not even a Facebook account!

Either she was dealing with an ancient elder or an anti-social media user.

Could Ch'ah Toh have been a Jabari man? Jabari had only recently started integrating into the greater Wakandan society. There might have been ethnic groups she was unaware of.

Unless this was some stupid joke from M'Baku, it would be a convoluted (unfunny) joke if it were, but certainly not above him.

Shuri's mind began turning with questions until she heard Ayo's heels on the marble palace floors. The woman thumped the end of her spear, and Shuri's hands suddenly felt sweaty.

"Princess Shuri, I present you Ch'ah Toh." Ayo bowed then left.

She nodded politely toward him, taking a greedy once-over of him.

He didn't seem much taller than her. His skin was a rich brown and a mask covered the lower part of his face. His hands were adorned with rings and bracelets, and she saw tattoos from his biceps down to his hands. Short, shiny black hair was combed into a low modest ponytail.

Although she couldn't truly tell, he seemed to be smiling. His eyebrows were lifted.

"You like them?" He asked, gesturing to his bicep.

His voice was gentle and smooth, not deep or squeaky. Somewhere medium-toned. There was an accent peppered through his voice that she couldn't place.

Shuri spoke, "You caught me staring, but I'm very intrigued by your tattoos. They seem to tell a story."

"One I'd be happy to tell you someday." He extended his hand, coming closer to the table. He had a confident gait.

Shuri shook his hand, surprised at how nice it felt. Akin to smooth leather. His hands told a story of hard work with the calluses, but his finely cut nails spoke to his grooming habits. They were beautiful hands.

From somewhere laughter bubbled up within her.

Did people shake hands on dates? Was she the awkward one or was he?

"Is Ch'ah your first name, or is Ch'ah Toh said altogether?" she asked.

"However, pleases you. I'll answer to it."

"So, if I called you a bxbxbx, you would answer? That's Golden City slang for an imbecile."

He tilted his head thoughtfully, then squeezed her hand finally letting go.

"But that's not like you, Princess. You're too kindhearted." Ch'ah shook his head and pulled out her seat so she could sit.

"You don't know that."

A plate of Western sweets was set before them. Shuri eyed the big slice of chocolate cake in front of her. Ch'ah looked at his own appreciatively but made no move to eat.