Fill 42 Card 3: Think Like a Queen
Jul. 1st, 2023 07:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Shuri entered her mother's chambers, and she sat down when her mother motioned for her to. Three months had passed since her brother T'Challa had died, and Shuri is not certain what her mother plans on saying to her.
"Shuri," Queen Ramonda began, a heavy sigh escaping her lips, "There is something very important I need to speak to you about."
Shuri looked at her mother, unsure and perhaps a little nervous about what she was about to hear. Finally she asked, "What is it, Mother?"
"Your brother's death has left a great responsibility on our shoulders," her mother said, "For the moment, the majority of it rests on my shoulder since you have not yet come of age. But in a few short years, daughter, you will be. With your brother being gone before he could have a son or daughter of his own, it means that when I step aside, the throne will fall to you next. And as the next in line to the throne, you need to prepare yourself, and start thinking like a Queen."
Shuri's eyes widened as she spoke, and when she finished she protested. "But, Mother, I don't know the first thing about being Queen. I've been a scientist first all of my life."
Ramonda shook her head softly, "But you are also a daughter of King T'Chaka and of Wakanda, and it is your duty to protect and guide our people. We both know that T'Challa would still be here leading us if he could be, but he is gone, and now it is up to you to carry on his legacy and that of your father."
"But, Mother, I do not know where to even begin!" Shuri exclaimed.
Reaching out a comforting hand to her daughter, Ramonda assured her, "That is why I will be here to help and to guide you, Shuri. First, daughter, you to need to spend some time outside of your lab and get to know our people. You need to learn and understand their needs, their problems, and their hopes for the future."
Shuri didn't speak, listening to her mother.
"Second, is something to ask of anyone but you will need to be ready to make difficult decisions and even sacrifices for the same of Wakanda's well-being. You will need to put aside your personal desires and wishes in order to put Wakanda first. I know what I am telling you sounds frightening and overwhelming but if you also allow love inside, it will guide you, and lighten the burden of caring for an entire country."
Shuri nodded her understanding, "I will do my best, Mother."
With a warm, proud smile, the Queen told her daughter, "I do not doubt you will, Shuri, for even when you've buried yourself in your laboratory, you've also been compassionate and strong along with being brilliant. All of those qualities will serve you will when you are Queen."
Shuri nodded, "Thank you, Mother. Bast help me to live up to the legacy that Father and T'Challa left behind."
"You don't have to be exactly like your Father and brother," Ramonda said gently, "You are after all your own person, and being who you are is what will make you a great Queen. Try to learn what you can from their successes and failures alike, but in the end you must forge your own path."
"Yes, Mother," Shuri said with a nod, "I will try my best to be the leader our people need."
"That is all anyone can ask of you, daughter. But remember you will not face this journey alone. I will be with you, as well as the council, and finally our people. We will all give you as much help as we can so that you grow into the Queen you are meant to be."