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Chapter Text

Namor Almehen is used to challenges in his line of work.  The challenge of business negotiations, the challenge of managing his staff, the challenge of ensuring that utilization did not veer into exploitation– to name a few.  He would not be where he was without the lessons he learned from the challenges in his life.

But sitting before him is the only challenge that could truly change his life forever.

Shuri Udaku, budding research scientist, is a stunning vision in a black velvet dress and golden hair jewelry nestled in her sleek braids.  A single teardrop pearl adorns her neck– a gift he had presented to her a mere week after he first asked her out.  

The table they are sitting at is covered in a pristine white tablecloth, pressed to perfection.  The restaurant is one of most prominent in the city, with multicolored stucco art adorning each wall.  But all he can focus on is her.  The slight furrow of her brow as she peruses a menu that he himself is far too used to, the way she glances up at him and away with an endearing shyness.  

This overwhelming emotion had been present since the day he met her.

Shuri Udaku recently obtained her PhD and is set to do great things…if someone would give her a chance.  She had written several research articles, more than most of her peers, but few, if any, were published or led to the recognition she truly deserved.  Her expertise was broad as well, ranging from agricultural practices to technological advancements and theories.  

It was Namora who had unwittingly set up their first meeting.  Shuri was one of several independent research scientists invited to his headquarters by Namora to tour his labs for potential utilization in the upcoming year.  As was customary, he met with the group at the end of said tour to thank them for their time and answer any questions they may have.  

From the moment Shuri started talking, Namor Almehen fell deeply and absolutely in love.

To this day, he still cannot exactly remember what her exact questions were, and how he answered them.  The questions and answers with the other scientists were also a blur.  He knows he at least didn’t embarrass himself, because Namora didn’t point anything out of the ordinary.  But his heart could not let go of her beauty, her intelligence, and that impossibly amazing smile.

He had almost taken a sick day, he felt so out of sorts.  He immediately looked up all of her past published work, and was both impressed by her intellect and dismayed that several of her seniors apparently relegated her writing to another stack of paper in the pile of forgotten discoveries.  She had had only minor speaking appearances, and as of yet no steady employer or public awards.  

Almost immediately Namor booked her a speaking appearance at an upcoming convention at one of his facilities.  After she of course impressed everyone with her comments not-so-gently rebutting a current long standing theory on the exact factors needed to replicate the properties of adamantium, he asked her out on a date.  

He wouldn’t do himself the indignity of lying to himself about why she accepted his offer for a date, exactly one month ago.  He knows the facts– he is fifteen years older than her, he is an extremely well-known patron of scientific pursuits, and he is a multi-billionaire bachelor whom every gossip magazine consistently speculates on when he would ever “settle down”.  Shuri herself is an independent researcher with much to give and little to no doors opening for her career.  He is the perfect step forward for her success.

And he doesn’t mind that one bit.

“I think I’ll do the seared scallops and baby spinach with pomegranate glaze,” Shuri said, finally putting her menu down.  “What about you, Namor?”

His lips quirked in a smile.  “Every time we go out you order seafood, Shuri,” he said.  “Is that a favorite of yours?”

A hint of her adorable smile peeked through.  “Well, growing up I didn’t eat much seafood so I make a point to eat more of it when I can.”  She took another look around the restaurant.  “This place is beautiful.  As usual, you have good taste.”

“I try.” Namor leaned forward, chin in hand.  “Are you up for wine tonight? I have some news to share with you that might be in your favor.”

Shuri looked both surprised and wary.  “Sure.  How about a white?”

“Excellent choice.” He raised a hand for their waiter.

After they were served their food and exchanged pleasant conversation– Shuri had yet another funny story about her nephew to share tonight, which he found endearing– Namor decided to enact his ultimate plan for the night.

Reaching in his pocket, he pulled out a sleek black velvet box smaller than the width of his hand and placed it on the table between them.

“Shuri, please open this and tell me what you think.”

The bewildered look on Shuri’s face both amused him and made his insides wobble like jelly.  She slowly opened the box to reveal the thick-set cluster of tiny jade, pearl, and vibranium beads all centered on a gold-and-vibranium band.  The ring twinkled in the butter yellow lights of the restaurant chandeliers.

“This…” Shuri swallowed, then tried again.  “Namor…is this what I think this is?”

“Yes.  You would make me a very happy man, Ms. Shuri Udaku."  From the moment I first met you, I could no sooner forget you than I could forget how to breathe.  You are everything a partner would want in matrimony and more , he wanted to say. But there were some things better left unsaid.

Shuri quickly placed the ring and its box back on the table.  Her right hand, tattooed, clutched said box in a fierce grip.  “…I don’t know what to say.”

Step one to succeeding in a business negotiation: Listen and understand the other party’s issues and point of view.

“Shuri.” Namor reached out for her other hand, palm up.  She looked back and forth between his face and his hand, then hesitantly placed her palm in his.  

He smoothed his thumb along the back of her knuckles.  “I know that for you, marriage to me is not ideal.  I am quite a bit older than you, I wield considerable influence in the scientific field, and your feelings for me are probably…not as prevalent.  But I am convinced that all of these could also be your strengths, if you wish it.  Please, let me know your thoughts.”

Shuri took a deep breath.  "It's not that you're not handsome…and your wealth is certainly a major plus in any girl's book.” Her brows furrowed. "But it's only been a month. Why so soon? And why me?"

Namor grinned.  "Because I know when to not let an opportunity out of my sight.  And you are more than an opportunity, Shuri. You simply are. To me, that's enough."

Shuri fidgeted in her seat. "I'm going to need a little more than that.  What feelings do you claim to have for me anyway? Like you said, I'm a bit young for you. I think we both know this past month was just your idea of a good time."

He tsked . "And I think we both know why you accepted when I first asked you out."

Shuri stared at him and said nothing.

Step two to succeeding in a business negotiation: Be prepared.

"The fact that it took me this long to hear your name is a downright shame, Ms. Udaku.  And it is one that I am determined to not let happen any longer."

"So, what?" Shuri asked, shoulders hunched.  "I marry you and you help further my career?"

"Exactly."

Shuri’s eyes narrowed, and she jostled her hand from his grip.  "And if I say no? What then?"

Steps four and five. Understand the deal dynamics.  Be prepared to play poker and walk away.  He figured he already had step three down– his level of professionalism was always intact.

“If you say no…then I will still book speaking engagements for you, Shuri.  You need not worry about that.” He smiled in a way that he hoped was reassuring.  “I am not so small a man as to ruin the career of an intelligent woman simply because she is not in love with me.”

“But if I marry you…”

“Then I would not hesitate to my wife using our finances for whatever scientific pursuits she has in mind.  Provided that your findings are issued under the banner of our company, of course.”

Shuri’s eyes widened and she covered her mouth to cover what sounded like a curse, then quickly looked around before leaning in closer.  “Are you saying that you would make me a shareholder of Imperious Tech?!” she hissed.

“You would receive half of my shares.  I currently own seventy-five percent.”

“You’re crazy.  Absolutely crazy.”  But Shuri looked almost fascinated by what he was saying.  “What if I find a much younger guy and run off with the money? Or poison you to become the next in line to take over your company? Clearly you didn’t think this through.”

Namor burst into outright laughter before he could stop himself.  A few heads turned their way, but neither Namor nor Shuri noticed.

“Some of that can be covered in our prenup,” he said, still chuckling, “and the rest is already taken care of in the company’s articles of incorporation.”

“You really thought this through.” Shuri shook her head.  “But this is insane.  What kind of person just offers marriage as a way to help someone’s career without getting anything in return?”

“Who says I’m not getting anything in return?” It was still step four, then.  “I will have not only a lovely, brilliant wife whose intelligence is sure to increase my company’s profit margins indefinitely, but I also will have someone by my side to hopefully quell those vultures they call gossip rags.” Namor sighed.  “Those constant speculations over my bachelorhood are really more trouble than they’re worth.”

“I see.” The tone of her voice said the opposite.  “Look, I’m sure you can understand how sudden this is.  I need time…time to think.”

Step six. Or eight.  Keep in mind that time is the enemy of many deals.

“How much time do you need?” he asked, trying to keep calm.

“I don’t know.  A week? Or at least a day?” She glared at him.  “It’s not everyday a billionaire offers to marry me over white chocolate bread pudding.”

“Three days, then.” Namor reached in his suit pocket for a pen, then scribbled an address on a napkin.  “In three days, if you accept, meet me at this address at 8 pm.  If you don’t show up…I’ll know my answer.”

Shuri took the napkin and stared down at it before her eyes flew up to his, flustered.  Ah, she recognized the address.

Neither of them said anything else as he raised a hand for the check and gave the waiter his platinum card.  When the receipt was brought out he silently stood and pulled out Shuri’s chair for her, which she accepted.  When they walked to the front and reached the coat check, he took care to wrap it around her shoulders.  Again she accepted his attentions, looking at him from the corner of her eye.

The silence held on the drive to her house, both of them sitting in the back of the limousine and looking out opposite windows.  Challenges, Namor thought.  There is little to be surprised about the existence of challenges.

He opened the car door for her when they reached the apartment complex where she stayed.  He leaned in to kiss her, and she turned her cheek.  He obliged with all the warmth he felt in that moment.

“Three days,” he whispered.  “I will accept whatever you give me.”

He could not read the expression on Shuri’s face at that moment.  She simply nodded and walked into the complex.  He made sure the doors closed behind her before letting the limousine take him home.

On the drive home, Namor took several deep breaths and closed his eyes.

Three days until he knew whether his life would change for the better or at all.

Chapter Text

Shuri wished she had her mother’s knack for haggling.  Her mother would have never let an ultra-billionaire give her only three days to check yes or no to the question of ‘Will you marry me?’ Her mother would have probably given him the spectacular third option of just laughing in his face.  

But Shuri for some strange reason agreed to only three days to decide whether her life would be changed forever.  Now here she was, three nights later, in the back of an arranged car that was literally driving her to her future.

The Grand Ajaw Hotel was a stunning 3,960 acres on the outskirts of Talokan City’s downtown center.  The sprawling gardens and central mansion glittered with light as the limousine escorting Shuri drove up the lengthy driveway to the entrance of said hotel.

Once the limousine stopped, a valet immediately stepped forward to open the door for Shuri to exit.  She did so as gracefully as possible, wearing a black pantsuit that glittered with sequins tiny as stars.  Without a word, the valet picked up her large bag and coat as another valet gestured for her to follow him down a long hall gleaming with old-style chandeliers. 

“Please follow me, Miss Udaku.” 

They stopped in front of doors that led to a room in the center of the hotel.  The valet bowed, then left.

The entire hotel was quiet except for soft opera music playing in the speakers overhead.  If she didn’t know any better, she would have said that Namor had rented out the entire hotel just for their meeting.

On second thought, maybe he had.

Shuri took a deep breath, then opened the doors to the largest pool she had ever seen.

The pool was larger than a football stadium.  The water was a deep, impossible blue that allowed for clear vision straight through its depths.  The smell of roses and irises filled the air.

And sitting to the side at a steel table with delicate filigrees and stationed with a platter of snacks, was Namor.

He wore a deep blue shirt that matched the color of the pool, with burnt orange shorts that were…an interesting choice.  Dating Namor was when she realized that money didn’t necessarily buy fashion sense.  

Namor was reading a book, but looked up as soon as she started walking towards him.  The smile on his face unfortunately made her heart stutter for the briefest of moments.  He closed his book and stood as he approached her table.

“Shuri.” He reached for her hand and kissed it as though he were a Regency-era gentleman.  “I am so happy to see you here.”

The utter sincerity in his voice pushed Shuri to blurt out, “This place doesn’t seem like a lucky choice to figure out whether or not you are going to get married.”

“So you are familiar with the history.” If anything, Namor looked even more delighted. 

“That this place used to be the home of an opera singer who was the lover of a past king of Talokan?  We are not the only ones who know that story.” 

Despite herself, Shuri couldn’t help but take another look around.  She had never thought she would be here, and definitely not under these circumstances.  This was one of the places she and her family had on their bucket list for a family trip.  If only they were here now.

Thank Bast they weren’t here.

“Which story about this place do you think is more likely?” Namor led her to the table, where the charcuterie board there looked like a well-provisioned cornucopia.  “Please, eat something.  They will bring the menus for our meals shortly.”

Shuri didn’t hesitate.  She quickly put wedges of five different cheeses and four different types of fruits and nuts on the small porcelain plate before her before answering his question.  

“I think the king definitely sounded like the insecure sort.  Why else would he build an entire palace for a woman he had to beg into his bed?" Shuri added some more almonds and cashews to her plate. "Plus it’s a little more tragic.  The only part of that story that I don’t believe is that even after thinking she had another lover, he decided to just let her go without enacting any type of revenge against her.”

Namor’s smile was close-lipped as he watched her, rubbing a finger against his beardless chin.  When she reached for another type of cheese, he gently put his hand over hers.  She looked up at him, her mouth suddenly dry.

“Do you…not agree?” she asked.  Sometimes she didn’t entirely understand what he meant by certain actions and words.  Hey, they had only been dating for a month.

He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. The slight shiver of warmth wrapping around her heart made her wary.  

“I personally think the other story makes more sense.  Why would the king suspect his lover does not love him and not outright ask her?  There must have been some proof, lost to time, that she was truly involved with another.  Even if it wasn’t the Latverian king.”

The conflicting stories of the woman who used to own what is now called the Grand Ajaw Hotel truly made her into a historical figure in her own right.  She was a well-known opera singer who caught the eye of the king of Talokan, who begged her to be his mistress.  The singer was apparently coy and had him beg her three times before she would agree.  

In the heat of his love, the king commissioned this large mansion to be built for her personal use.  The singer apparently loved swimming in the beaches of Talokan, so he built this entire pool– still the largest man-made pool in the world– for her personal use as well, making sure to import only the water of sacred cenotes from both near and far to fill its bounds.  

However, one night as she rose from the bed where they made love, the singer let slip a bauble from her person to the floor.  To this day the stories aren’t entirely sure what bauble it was, only that the king of Talokan saw it and that it was unmistakably a personal item of the then-king of Latveria.

Stunned by this betrayal, the king of Talokan did what could only be called the centuries-old version of ghosting.  He no longer attended her performances or answered her missives.  He no longer visited her bed or called her to visit his, and ordered that no mention of her name pass the lips of even his servants.  It was as though she had suddenly ceased to exist.

History doesn’t entirely say how the singer dealt with this reaction, only that she led a much less remarkable life afterwards.

Another story, however, states clearly that the singer was double-dipping with the king of Latveria, and that she had managed to convince both kings to give her the funds to build this mansion and pool to her personal tastes.  Upon the discovery of her betrayal– according to this story, it was by the king of Latveria– the Latverian king exchanged correspondence with the king of Talokan to find the truth, and both kings banished her from their beds and her source of livelihood until she wasted away in one of her gardens for lack of funds and upkeep.

Neither story seemed an auspicious backdrop for accepting a proposal of marriage.

Shuri took a deep breath.  This wasn’t the conversation they were supposed to be having.  “Namor, just because I’m here doesn’t mean I’ve fully decided yet.”

He didn’t look surprised, which bothered her for some reason.  “Then why are you here?”

“Because I need some answers.”  Shuri lightly tugged at her hand, and he let go.  “If you answer my questions honestly and sincerely…maybe you’ll like my answer.”

Namor did not move a muscle.  “Ask away.”

Shuri reached into her pocket for her phone, then opened her notes app.  “First question.  Have you been married before?”

“No.” The answer fell easily from his lips.  It was convincing enough, she supposed.  Shuri typed his answer in her app with a notation to check the Talokan County Recorder’s office later, which she really should of done before coming over here. Yikes.

“Okay, next question.  Why do you really want to get married? It can’t just be the gossip rags.”

Namor straightened in his seat.  Shuri glanced downwards and saw that his hands were clasped tightly together on top of the table between them. When she looked back up, he was staring at her in that intense way of his, where a single look from him seemed almost enough to consume you.

“Miss Udaku. Shuri,” he corrected himself. “You are intelligent, confident, and extremely caring towards others. You find joy in finding solutions to problems that you and other people face. You are brave and self-assured. And of course, you are extremely beautiful.”

Shuri was so warm she could feel herself start to sweat. Her hands and arms were frozen, holding her phone on the table. She couldn't move. She wouldn't move. She was not expecting Namor to blatantly spout out an entire list of such…admiration and adoration.

As if reading her thoughts, Namor’s face softened with a gentle smile.  His eyes still searched hers.

“Shuri, who wouldn’t want to marry you?”

Her mind was embarrassingly blank. 

It took almost a full minute for Shuri to ask, “So…it's me you want to marry, then. No one else will do? Some other scientist you wish to take on as a charity case perhaps?” Because that bothered her. Never mind trying to figure out if Namor really was safe to marry- who's to say he wouldn't find another hot young scientist down the road and give them the same offer?

But maybe she was thinking about this too much. It's not like she actually loves him. 

“No one else will do, Shuri.” Namor’s voice was raspy and hushed, even though they were the only two in the room. “Not now, not ever. I can promise you that.”

Shuri swallowed. Her fingers trembled as she wrote in her notes app again. “Good. That's good. To know, of course.”

“Next question?” Namor prompted. 

“Right. Um…” Shuri pressed her lips together. You talked with Nakia about this, she thought. This is a perfectly normal thing to ask. 

“Sex.”

“Sex?”

Shuri nodded, eyes still on her phone. Her cheeks burned. “How much?”

“Is that something you want?”

She looked up at him.  It was kind of cute how shy he suddenly looked. “Of course.”

“Then we’ll have sex…as many times as you want.” He coughed into his hand. 

Seeing him be uncomfortable helped ease some of her tension.  “Sounds great.”

She then rattled off all the rest of the questions on her notes app.  Anything and everything she could think of over the past three days. Did he want kids? Should they have kids? Where would they live? How would they deal with the press? How would they break the news to their families? And most important, how exactly would marrying him benefit her career, which had been squirming in the dust ever since she got her PhD?

“You will have a speaking appearance at every single one of the seminars I host,” Namor said.  “I also have several friends who know better than to disappoint me by denying my wife a chance to speak at their conferences as well.  You will head your own lab at my company for any innovation you can think of. I remember on our first date we discussed your work with vibranium-infused crops. We can start there, if you like.”

Hearing Namor speak with such confidence about his plans for her career solidified her answer.  She had always dreamed of being the greatest scientist who ever lived. Who cares if marriage has to be a part of that? At least she would marry a man who knew exactly how contracts worked.

“I’ll tell you my answer…after we eat.” She wasn't really hungry, but she suddenly wanted to pause their current conversation. “I heard the menu here is based on what the king of Talokan might have eaten in his court back in the day.”

Namor put a hand to his chest. “You wound me, Shuri,” he teased.  “A man can only take so much suspense.”

“This is part of my questions.” Shuri smiled. “I don't cook very often, so I need to figure out if I am about to marry a man with a good taste in food.”

Namor chuckled, then raised a hand for a waiter to bring their menus.  The menus were inscribed on the fanciest tree bark Shuri had ever seen.  They really wanted this hotel to provide a screenshot of the past.

No matter how much she tried focusing on the menu, her eyes drifted to the pool.  Apparently the hotel was super strict about how people would enjoy said pool due to the sanctity of the waters contained within. It has to be reserved by a group for specified times and for no small amount of money, and there was a vigorous cleaning required before entering said pool and after getting out of it. Certain types of clothes weren't even allowed in there.

“Did you bring your bathing suit?”

Namor was looking between her and the pool.  Shuri nodded. “I didn't want to presume but-”

“Feel free to presume, Shuri. How could I invite you to the most famous swimming pool ever created and not give you the chance for a dip at least?” Namor chuckled. “Plus I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to see you in a bathing suit.”

“Perv.” But Shuri was smiling. Namor’s playful side was always…pleasing wasn't quite the right word, but there it was.

“Let’s put off the meal until later. A swim right now is exactly what we need.”

Shuri took a deep breath as she examined herself in the mirror.  Her bathing suit was a one piece that wasn’t too revealing but wasn’t too modest either.  It was black with two straps criss-crossing above her chest and a cutout right below her chest to show off her stomach down to her navel.  

Wearing revealing clothes wasn’t anything new for her, but wearing them for Namor…it was different, somehow.  

She always made sure to dress in her cutest outfits on their dates.  Her prior profession demanded it, almost.  And the look in Namor’s eyes every time he saw how she was dressed made her feel oddly smug.  She liked being able to attract that look from him.

She walked out of the dressing room to the pool, where Namor was already standing in the shallow end.  He wore a pair of deep green swimming trunks.  His back, wide and broad and muscular, glistened with droplets of water and made her tongue thicken in her mouth.  

But then he turned to her, and she felt suddenly warm as his eyes slowly looked her up and down.

He looked like he wanted to devour her.

Shuri moved to the shallow end and sighed in pleasure when she dipped her toe, then her entire leg in the pool.  The waters were heated and warm.  Namor treaded closer, his arms outstretched.

“Do you know how to swim?” he asked.  

Shuri snorted.  “I know how to not drown at least.” She kept her grip tight on the railing next to her.  “And maybe a few strokes of the doggie paddle.”

“Then you’re in luck.  I happen to be an excellent swimmer, and I would never turn down teaching a beautiful woman like yourself.” 

The tone of his low, accented voice made her clench her legs together.  Namor looked at her from underneath his lashes with a smirk.  Of course he saw that, clear as this pool was.

Shuri let go of the railing.  “Well, don’t let this beautiful woman drown now.  What can you teach me?”

Namor was apparently as good a teacher as he was a swimmer.  He was patient with her constant floundering and showed her how to cut through the water with efficiency.  When she accidentally splashed water on him, he simply laughed and splashed her back.  Soon they were splashing each other without abandon and shrieking in laughter.

Somehow Namor’s hands were gripping her hips and her mouth was connected to his.  Their kiss was tender, with heat that whispered a dark promise of more.

Namor was the one to break away.  “The hotel strictly forbids sex in the pool.”

Shuri could only laugh.  “I see.  And what about outside of it?”

His eyes were dark, boring into her own.  “That should be perfectly fine.”

They both exited the pool and walked into her dressing room, water dripping down their bodies.  Shuri faced the tall, ceiling-to-floor mirror inside.  Namor stood right behind her, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror as he slowly dragged a finger up her arm and to one of the straps of her bathing suit.  The heat from his look and touch scorched her through.

He peeled down one strap, then the other.  He placed a kiss on both her shoulders, wettened from the pool water and his tongue.  When he reached for her chest, his thumbs gently brushing against her nipples, her legs almost buckled.

She hummed and turned to meet his kiss.  He pulled her back against him with a rough moan.

He kissed her with a heat that burned them both where they stood.

Later, when Shuri lay naked atop his chest in one of the hotel’s many grand rooms, she remembered something.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice almost hoarse.

“Yes?” Namor murmured.  His chest and hers verberated with the sound.  

Shuri looked up and placed a hand on his cheek.  “The answer is yes.”

Namor’s answering smile and kiss was warmer than light.

Chapter Text

The sun felt hot on her skin.  Whenever Shuri breathed, the smell of fresh grass, dirt, and manure filled her nose.  

The golf cart she was driving had a powerful motor and apparently some good shocks.  The road she and Namor were driving down looked bumpy, but she barely felt it.

“Here?” she asked when the field office came into view.  After driving them out to the fields owned and farmed by Imperious Tech earlier, Namor had offered for Shuri to drive them back to the main office.  He had chuckled when Shuri immediately sat herself in the driver’s seat and turned on the ignition.

“Let’s park a little ways on the green,” Namor said, pointing.  Shuri turned the cart to their right and cut off the motor.

“This was nice,” she said.  “I didn’t know how innovative Imperious Tech was with vibranium-enhanced crops.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Namor’s hands rested on his large thighs.  When she glanced down at them, they flexed in a single controlled movement. “I’m flattered that someone of your intellect would appreciate my little project.”

Shuri simply nodded and tried to keep her face placid. 

“In fact, I was hoping that we could continue our discussion at a restaurant later tonight.”

She stared at him for a moment more.  “Do you mean like a date?”

His wide-toothed smile was a sudden, sharp thing. “Yes.”

Shuri raised a brow. “I thought we were already on one.”

His own brows twitched.  “It can be if you want it to be,” he said.

“And if I do?” she pushed, feeling bold. 

“Then I would love for us to have our second date at the Boox Uh tonight,” Namor said. “But I am open to any suggestions you have.”

Shuri looked down at her full-length beige romper, with sleeves cut off at the elbow and cut-outs at her shoulders.  “I’m a bit underdressed for what you have in mind.  How about pizza?”

His eyes seemed to freeze on his face.  “Pizza?”

“Yeah, my favorite.” She clasped her hands together in her lap, the very image of a prim and proper lady. He did not look away from her stare. “Would that be a problem?”

It was so funny watching this hotshot billionaire mentally scramble for an answer that wouldn't offend her.  His face muscles moved as though he were restraining himself from outright gagging. “It…doesn't need to be, Miss Udaku.”

“Such a gentleman,” she teased. “But I don't feel comfortable going on dates with men who lie about their food preferences.”

Namor didn't hide his wince this time.  His sheepish grin made him look almost as young as her.  “Was I that obvious?”

Shuri laughed.  “My own nephew is more convincing when his mother asks him if he ate his okra.  How do you feel about Belizean instead?”

His relief was visible. “Much better,” Namor agreed.

The way his eyes gleamed in the sunlight made him look more charming than necessary.

Making difficult decisions was part and parcel to Shuri’s life right now.  Should she stay in America to pursue her scientific ambitions, or should she take a shot in Talokan? Should she really pursue that part-time modeling gig, or should she just focus on her doctorate?

And of course, should she really marry Namor Almehen to boost her career, or should she run while she has the chance?

She already made her decision there.  The very next morning after she told him yes, Namor had knelt before her as she sat on that goose-feathered boat of a bed and slid on her finger that same ring with the cluster of jade, vibranium, and gold. 

Then he brought out the contract. 

At least he gave her a couple of weeks to think on that one.

“Shuri? That croissant doing alright?”

Oh, right.  “Yeah, sorry.  Just thinking.”

She had already weighed the pros and cons of marrying Namor.  She had even subtly asked her sister-in-law her opinion on what marriage was like to her brother.  But somehow she had forgotten a very important resource–

The opinion of someone in a very similar situation.

Shuri offered the woman before her a tentative smile.  “Thanks for agreeing to meet me here, Sue.  I know your schedule must be very busy.”

Susan Storm, Head Genetics Research Scientist of Oscorp, raised a perfectly sculpted brow.  “I do have time for old colleagues every once in a while, you know.  Especially those who call me out of the blue with quite the cryptic message.”

Shuri sipped at her tea to quell a nervous laugh.  Susan and her were never really friends, but friendly enough.  They were both among the few black women attempting to get hired at the same company at one point, until Shuri decided to pursue greener pastures and Sue’s fortunes changed exponentially.

Speaking of said fortunes.  “I saw you made the cover of Quantumania this month.  It was interesting reading up on your take on how the mutant gene could be affected further by certain energies taken from the quantum realm.”

“Why thank you.” Sue looked quite pleased.  “That particular theory was the result of long, hard years of work and finally being granted the money and resources to explore it further.  Did you hear that Dr. Xavier himself is interested in funding a fellowship for further research?”

“That’s amazing.  Congratulations!”

“Thank you,” Sue repeated.  Her high cheekbones lifted in a sunny smile as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  “That feeling that you have– the one where you know you’re changing the world for the better? Nothing tops that.”

“I completely agree.” The look on Sue’s face encouraged her further. This is what it was about- being heard enough to make a difference. This is why she was here.

“So how much of your career is because you used to date Victor von Doom?”

Sue’s smile dropped like the end of a cut rope.

“Excuse me?”

Shuri backtracked.  “Wait not like that, I am definitely not saying that you slept your way to fame-”

“Well it damn sure sounds like it.” Sue looked five seconds away from slapping her across the table.

“No, not at all!” Shuri almost knocked her cup over as she waved her hands.  “It's just…I’m kind of doing the same thing.”

“Sleeping around?” Sue asked, her voice still cold.

“Dating someone so that people finally start listening to me!” Shuri hissed out in a fierce whisper. She looked around to make sure no one else was focusing on their table before admitting, “Except in my case I’m marrying him.”

Sue closed her mouth and stared.

“I'm serious!” Shuri leaned across the table as she lowered her voice further. “I just want to know if it was really worth it and if there's anything I should watch out for. You know, woman to woman?”

Still not a word.  She tried again.

“ Black woman to black woman? Please?”

Sue rolled her eyes and sighed.  “Ugh.  You’re lucky I’m in a good mood today.”  She straightened her seat and reached again for her tea cup.  

“Now start from the beginning.  Which billionaire is attracted to your brains and how much is he offering to marry them?”

Shuri took another sip of her own tea before explaining the situation in a low voice and with occasional glances at passersby to make sure no one else was listening in.  She told Sue about her first meeting with Namor, their first date, and the four weeks of dating before his proposal and her acceptance.  

Sue listened attentively and didn't move except to sip at her near-empty cup of tea.

“I’m impressed,” were Sue’s first words after Shuri finished talking. “Either your man is bad at controlling his impulses, or you were really putting it on him last month.”

“It wasn't like that,” Shuri said. Though she and Namor had certainly exchanged more than a few kisses, the first time they had actually slept together was at the Grand Ajaw Hotel last week. Her cheeks itched with heat at the memory of his eyes on hers when they…

She coughed.  “He actually is quite the gentleman, believe it or not.”

Sue frowned. “Hmm. Or he has someone else on the side. Maybe even a whole family. He’s certainly rich enough.”

“He said-”

“We’re not here to talk about what he said,” she interrupted. “We’re here to talk about whether or not he is going to be your golden ticket to fame and fortune.  And judging by what Victor mentioned of him every once in a while, probably.”

Now that was interesting.  “What did he say about Namor?”

“That he was apparently a pompous overachiever who liked using his enormous talent for the most useless things,” Sue said without missing a beat.  “Victor never hesitated to turn his nose up at the physicist-turned-toymaker thing.” 

“Right…”

“Then again, Victor himself had a projection issue.  We’re talking about the man who keeps trying to build a time machine so that he could berate the man who invented neckties.”

Shuri furrowed her brow.  “Okay that’s…concerning, but how is this supposed to help me exactly?”

“It’s helpful because it sounds like your Mr. Almehen might be telling the truth about the contract he wants you two to make.  We have a man obsessed with scientific endeavors and a woman obsessed with making said endeavors.  I say you two are a match made in heaven.  Sorry, I mean the ancestral realm.”

Shuri rolled her eyes.  “Is that what happened with you and Victor?”

Sue looked up and frowned in thought.  “Not really.  With Victor that was a little bit more…circumstantial.  He wasn’t afraid to outright say that he wanted me and that he appreciated my brilliance, but he didn’t really give me the go-ahead to throw my weight around.  That just happened naturally.  It’s easier to dismiss a talk with the rando research scientist than say, the research scientist who happens to be dating the man funding your fellowship for the next five years.”

Sue fell silent.  After a long pause, Shuri gently asked, “What made you end it?”

“Life.” Sue’s shoulders moved in a deep sigh.  “Victor was…admirable, I suppose, and it was wonderful reaping the benefits of our very public relationship, but he just wasn’t the man I wanted to be with for the rest of my life.  Even if it meant putting an end to the gravy train.  When he proposed to me after half a year of dating, I knew for a fact that it wasn’t what I wanted.  So I walked away.”

“And that’s you are going to have to decide for yourself, Shuri.” Sue focused acutely on her reaction.  “If you can stand to marry this guy and keep in mind what you ultimately want, you’ll be alright.  Just make sure that there’s a line that you know you won’t cross and stick to it.  It’s what helped me deal with Victor’s predictable reaction to me ending our relationship, but that’s a whole other story.”

“I see.” Not exactly, but this was at least a little bit helpful.  “Thanks for this, Sue.”

Sue chuckled.  “Just make sure you give me a heads up next time you want to talk about your little marriage-with-benefits situation.  I might need something stronger than earl grey tea for the next questions you might have.”

The two women laughed.

Chapter Text

“Shuri Udaku, what in Bast’s great green veld is this madness?!”

Namor winced.  Perhaps he was a little bit too optimistic about winning over Shuri’s parents.  

One word described both T’Chaka and Ramonda Udaku the moment Namor laid eyes on them– grand.  When they both were ushered into the private conference room of the hotel he had suggested for their meeting, they looked every inch a king and queen in their traditional patterned clothing.  The isocholo on Ramonda’s head was a perfect geometrical shape that mesmerized any who looked at it.

It has been at least a month since Shuri accepted his proposal and since they both signed the contract that highlighted the business terms of their marriage.  He was pleasantly surprised when Shuri pushed for them both to go to a temple or courthouse and get married right then and there. 

He settled on them going to the Pakal Temple, one of many in Talokan City.  They went before a shaman, who urged them to cleanse themselves in the temple’s public steam baths, waved incense about them, and then declared them married after they signed a certificate.  

For the past week and a half, Shuri Udaku-Almehen has been his secret wife. 

They both knew this secret wouldn’t stay for long, and understandably Shuri wanted to let her parents know first.  He didn’t know what she had told them, but it certainly provided them with enough urgency to catch a flight from Wakanda to Talokan exactly a week after she called them.

He had arranged for them all to meet in one of the private conference rooms of The Azzaria, a high-end hotel located in downtown Talokan City that was designed by a famous Wakandan architect many years ago.  It had several of the old-style architecture and landscaping from the 19th century, and he had hoped it would provide at least a little familiarity for her parents that would help put them at ease.

Any ease they might have felt disappeared the moment Shuri grasped his hand on the table between them and said, “Mama, Baba, this is Namor Almehen.  He’s my husband.”

Her mother had covered her mouth in shock, whereas her father…

“You call and tell us that you have something important to personally tell us about your future.  We thought perhaps you were engaged, or got pregnant, but married ? Without telling any of us?!” T’Chaka took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes.  “Does your brother know about this?”

Shuri was as meek as he had ever seen her.  Her hand clutched his tight when she answered, “No.  I wanted you both to hear it first, from me.”

“Shuri, what prompted this all of a sudden?” Ramonda interjected.  “You said you were focusing on your career.  That you wanted to pursue a possible fellowship in Talokan City.  And now you’re married ?” Her voice shook.

“Namor is perfectly fine with me continuing my research.  Aren’t you, dear?” The affectionate term fell awkwardly from her lips, but it made his heart swell all the same.  They had agreed on putting up a loving front to hide the true contractual nature of their marriage, and he was more than happy to play the part.

“Of course, my love.” He smiled at her, then looked to her parents.  “Mr. and Mrs. Udaku, I know this is sudden.  But I am fully committed to your daughter, and she to me.”

“How old are you?” T’Chaka suddenly asked, eyes still narrowed.

Namor cleared his throat.  “Forty.”

“Forty years old, Shuri Udaku! How did you find this pervert?!”

“Hey! You weren’t exactly a spring chicken yourself when you married Mama, ey?” Shuri fired back.  “Isn’t that right, Professor Udaku ?”

Namor looked down and rubbed his hand over his mouth to hide his sudden grin.  He didn’t expect his wife’s parents to have such an interesting past.

“Your mother was a fully grown woman pursuing her law degree–”

“And I’m a fully grown woman too!” Shuri looked determined.  “I can make my own decisions, and one of them happens to be marriage.  Please, accept this.”

Both Ramonda and T’Chaka looked unmoved by her words.

“Please, Mama, Baba?” Shuri pleaded.  She entwined her fingers with his.  The motion caused an unexpected twinge in his heart.

“Namor…well, he loves me,” Shuri continued.  “Isn’t that right…dear?”

“Of course, darling,” he smoothly replied.  He raised their joined hands to kiss her knuckles, his eyes on Ramonda and T’Chaka all the while.  T’Chaka’s anger didn’t seem to have diminished an iota, but Ramonda’s raised brow was at least a change.  “Mr. and Mrs. Udaku, marrying your daughter has made me the happiest man in all of Talokan.”

“Only Talokan?” T’Chaka grunted.

“Well I wasn’t sure about competing with the marriage of my own father-in-law, but if you insist–”

“ Clearly ,” Ramonda interrupted as T’Chaka’s face turned murderous, “you and my daughter are set on this marriage, Mr. Almehen.  While this entire matter is so unlike Shuri, her stubbornness is not.  Your father and I know how futile it is to stop you when you have your mind on something, intomba .”

He could physically feel Shuri’s relief from her seat next to him.  “Then–”

“ But that doesn’t mean your father and I don’t have certain demands to make absolutely sure everything is above board.”

“And everything certainly is, Mrs. Udaku,” Namor said.  “According to the laws of Talokan, Shuri is my legal wife.”

Ramonda and T’Chaka shared a meaningful look.  A trickle of uneasiness traveled down his throat.

“According to the laws of Talokan, yes.  But what about the laws of Wakanda?” Ramonda pressed.

Shuri’s confused frown added to his sudden uneasy feeling.  “What is that supposed to mean–”

“Before this marriage is to be recognized in Wakanda, Mr. Almehen, you will pay lobola per our marriage traditions,” said T’Chaka.

“What?!” Shuri suddenly stood up from her seat.  “Baba, that’s so archaic! It’s the 21st century!”

“Your brother paid lobola when he married Nakia, and so will your apparent husband.” Ramonda eyes him with no small amount of disdain, which he returned with a smile.

“But Mama, he’s a literal billionaire.  Clearly he can provide for me.”

“It is not just about money, intomba ,” said T’Chaka.  “Paying lobola will show just how valuable your husband believes you to be.  Isn’t that right, Mr. Almehen?”

Lobola.  Why did that term sound familiar? Was it a type of cow?

“ Sithandwa ?” Shuri prompted.  Three pairs of brown eyes all stared expectantly at him.

“Not all of Wakanda keeps to these marriage traditions, so I definitely think it’s fair if we don’t–”

“ In yakunaj , of course your parents are concerned about your welfare,” Namor replied.  “I will pay any price necessary to reassure them, including this lobola .”

Shuri looked like she wanted to choke him.  Ramonda and T’Chaka both looked triumphant and relieved.  Why did he suddenly feel like he signed an adhesion contract?

“We appreciate hearing that, Mr. Almehen,” T’Chaka said.  He pulled out a business card.  “Have your people call mine for an appropriate date for the negotiations.  I’m thinking next month should suffice?”

Namor accepted the card, which read ‘Udaku, Udaku, & Udaku Law’ in embossed vellum.  “Next month should be fine. We can hammer out the details later.”

Both parents stood.  Ramonda leaned over to kiss her fuming daughter on her forehead.  “Your father and I only want what’s best for you, Shuri.”

“Until next time, Mr. Almehen,” T’Chaka said, that triumphant look still on his face.  Namor returned the sentiment with that uneasy feeling now starting to tap dance across the inside of his stomach.

After the doors of the private room were completely closed, Namor turned to Shuri, who sat frozen next to him.  “What’s a lobola , and how much does it cost?”

Early the next morning, Namor left the bed Shuri had begrudgingly shared with him the night before.  He went to the small enclosure on the far side of the hotel suite and sat in a chair that faced a window overlooking the hotel’s beautiful gardens.  He and Shuri had decided to stay in a room at The Azzaria to regroup over yesterday’s eventful meeting.

For a moment Namor sat there, taking in the view of the light mist and tentative sunlight.  Then he pulled out his phone and called his sister.

She picked up on the third ring.  “You’re in deep shit.”

Didn’t he know it.  “What happened, Namora?”

“You never call me this early on a weekend unless the situation is too serious to wait any longer,” Namora said.  As usual, she hit the nail right on the head.  “What happened, Ch’ah?”

Namor searched for the best words to explain his situation. 

“I’m in deep shit," he said with a sigh. He rubbed his free hand over his face.

“I already said that.”  A note of impatience crept into his sister’s tone.  “What did you do?”

Another accurate assessment.  “Remember Shuri?”

“That little girl you’re set on marrying?” Namora’s disgust was more than apparent.  

“She’s not a little girl, Namora, she’s a young woman and–”

“She’s younger than me , Ch’ah.”  

“That’s beside the point,” Namor said.  “I need to ask you something.  Do you know about lobola ?”

“Lobola? Aren’t those the negotiations Cousin Triton had to go through to marry that Wakandan woman some years ago?” 

“Shit.” That was why it sounded familiar when Shuri’s parents brought it up.  And why he barely knew anything about it.  He could care less about any of his cousins, and the feeling was mutual.

“Why do you ask? Does this have to do with Shuri?”

The night before.  Hotel Azzaria, Suite 810, 6:15 p.m.

“I can’t believe you fell for my parents’ trap.  I was trying to throw you a lifeline and you ignored it! Completely ignored it!”

Shuri paced back and forth in the master bedroom of their hotel suite.  The room service he had ordered for both of them lay untouched on the table in the dining room.  She walked to one corner of the room, stopped short, then turned and walked to the other corner, her hands balled up in fists at her sides.

It was the most frazzled he had ever seen her, and it was so cute.

“So this lobola…is a price you pay for the bride?” he asked.  “Like a dowry?”

“In Wakanda it’s more of a statement than anything else.  But yes, that’s kind of the gist, except that according to several traditionalists over there no lobola means no marriage.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Namor asked.  “I don’t think I’ll have any issues paying whatever price your parents demand.”

Shuri sharply turned to him.  “The problem is the nosy family members who will poke their nose at each and every negotiation and will make my life absolutely miserable!”

He was now even more confused.  “Family members?”

“Yes, the family members who have to negotiate the lobola on behalf of us before it is paid and before the marriage ceremony takes place.”

Namor frowned.  Shuri was giving him bits and pieces of information that just wasn’t adding up.  “Shuri, tell me plainly.  What does a lobola entail?”

Shuri stopped in the middle of her march and took a deep breath.  “Like I said, lobola is a tradition where the bride and groom’s family meet together to negotiate what the groom’s family will pay the bride’s family before the marriage takes place.  In Wakanda, each and every tribe has its own way of conducting lobola.  For example, the Border tribe will accept a number of rhinos as payment for the bride.  The Jabari tribe will accept wood.  Stuff like that.”

“And what does your tribe usually accept?” Namor asked, interested.

“Gold. Or cold hard cash.”  Shuri eyed him.  “I know that’s no problem for you, but my family is going to be so embarrassing about this.  I can’t imagine what they will say to your family at the negotiations.”

His heart stopped.  “My family?”

“Yeah, the family members who will be negotiating on your behalf.  Weren’t you listening?” Shuri demanded.

“My family has to negotiate…on my behalf?” he repeated.

This wasn’t good.  This was actually the worst thing that could happen.

“What was that?”

His eyes flickered to Shuri.  She looked angry again.  “What?”

“That ‘oh shit’ look on your face just now.  What was that all about?”

“I had that kind of look on my face?”

Shuri stomped over to him and grabbed his tie to pull his head towards hers.  “Be honest with me, Namor Almehen, or so help me, you will regret it.” Her words were careful and measured, and it was unfortunately more attractive than it should have been.  “What is the problem now?”

There was no hiding it from her any longer.

Namor sighed.  “The problem, Shuri, is that my family is a bunch of assholes.”