You wanted to be excited the marriage your parents arranged for you. You really did, but it was difficult to be excited in this case. The only things you knew about you betrothed were his name and the name of his country. King T'Challa of Wakanda. Wakanda was a secretive place. They didn't interact much with the outside world. You knew next to nothing about her or her king. You only hoped he was a kind man.

Meanwhile, in Wakanda, T'Challa was once more pouring over the letter from your father. After months of pressure from his mother, T'Challa finally decided to accept a marriage proposal. He knew it would be the best for his kingdom in the end. But what was really important to him was that you liked it in Wakanda. He would do everything possible to make sure you were comfortable and happy. First he had to meet you.

T'Challa would get his chance to meet you about a month before the wedding was to take place. He travelled to your family's kingdom for a banquet to celebrate the betrothal. As was tradition in your kingdom, the royal family was there to greet T'Challa as soon as he arrived. The King of Wakanda was a little more nervous than he let on, but plastered on a smile.

"Greetings, King T'Challa! Welcome to our kingdom. I am King (F/N). This is my wife, Queen (M/N) and our daughter, your future bride, Y/N. T'Challa's eyes immediately went to you as you greeted him formally. "Welcome, Your Majesty." You stood straight and your eyes met his. He could see the discomfort in your expression.

"Thank you for such a gracious welcome, King (F/N). I wonder if I might have a moment alone with Princess Y/N? Perhaps she could take me on a tour of your lovely kingdom." Your parents looked to you while you simply stared at T'Challa. "I'm certain Y/N would be delighted. So long as you return in time to prepare for the banquet." You nodded. "Of course, Father. It would be my pleasure." Even to T'Challa's ears, you sounded like you'd rather be doing anything else.

Your family turned to go inside and you let out a soft sigh. T'Challa chuckled, earning a sharp glare. "What may I ask is so funny?" T'Challa stopped laughing, but kept a smile on his face. "I find it amusing that you feel as nervous about this arrangement as I do." You arched a brow. "At least you had a say. I didn't know about this until after it was done." That made T'Challa frown. He hadn't know that.

"Then I must express my regret, Princess. I thought you were aware that your father was arranging your marriage to me. That does explain why you look so troubled at the thought of our marriage." You gave a little nod. "Please don't misunderstand. It isn't you, Your Majesty. Not really. But I know nothing about you or Wakanda. It's hard to be pleased about marrying the king of a country when you don't know a thing about them."

"Then we must get to know one another. First, I insist you call me T'Challa. Second, ask me anything. I will answer any questions you have. I-I want you to be happy, Princess. I could not stand it if you were to marry me and be unhappy. So, ask away and, if you decide you do not like the answers I give, I will call off the marriage and help you find someone worthy of you."

You stared at him for a moment, open-mouthed. Definitely not a princess-y thing to do. "You would do that for me?" T'Challa nodded. "Of course. I'm not in the habit of taking a bride without her consent." You giggled at that. "Thank you, T'Challa." He offered his arm. "Of course, Princess. Shall we?" You took the outstretched arm and lead him around the palace first.

By the time the banquet rolled around, you felt a little better about your impending marriage to T'Challa. He really was a kind man. He explained that the reason Wakanda was so secretive is for their protection, but he answered all your questions with ease. You still weren't sure if you wanted to marry him, but you were feeling better about it.

Your father stood at the head of the table and started his speech. You zoned out until T'Challa stood up next to you. You looked up at him as he smiled down at you. "I admit I was a bit skeptical about entering into a marriage with a woman I had never met. Meeting her today, however, and getting to know her, I am much more settled in the decision. However, I am not the only party in this. Princess Y/N must choose me as well."

Your father opened his mouth to speak but T'Challa silenced him with a look. "I was informed today that this union was arranged without the princess' knowledge. I cannot, in good conscious, marry her without her consent. If she chooses not to marry me, I will not force her."

"Y/N will do what she is told," your father stated, earning a glare from both you and T'Challa. "That may be, but it is still her choice. I want her to make it." You stared up at him in awe. No one had ever spoken to your father that way before. He smiled at you again before continuing, "So, I will ask her myself." He took your hand and sat down again. His dark eyes bore into yours.

"Princess Y/N, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and Queen of Wakanda?" You tried to turn your head to look at your family, but T'Challa gently grabbed your chin. "It is your choice, Y/N...No one else's. Do not let them influence you," he whispered. You felt tears welling up in your eyes. He was giving you a choice. A way out if you wanted it. But did you?

As your (e/c) eyes searched his, you came to the conclusion that you didn't want to fight this marriage. You could see yourself with T'Challa for the rest of your days. "I will marry you," you said softly. T'Challa grinned. He brought your hands up to his lips and kissed them softly. "Then I shall make you the happiest bride in all of the world."