Hard to Love (Bucky Barnes fanfic)

Chapter 46

Bucky breathes out a chuckle at my expression as we continue to enter the palace. I thought my jaw was going to hit the floor as I looked around the main hall. Everything was either formed from sleek metal or stone albeit the various exotic potted plants, using the resources from the earth for a stunning natural yet high tech aesthetic. The designs and patterns on the floor and walls were indescribable, quite literally taking my breath away

One of the many guards around the room cleared their throat from beside me, bringing me back from my once again awestruck faze. I smile shyly towards the tall beautiful woman dressed in red warrior robes who merely smirks in return as Bucky places a hand on my mid back and gently pushes me to catch up with the others. The guard taps the butt end of her spear on the floor before walking away with another guard

Bucky had to keep his hand on my back to keep me moving since I would frequently slow my steps or halt all together to gawk at more of the palace. We all step into a lift entirely made of thick glass rimmed with black metal at the seams and looked out towards the city as T'Challa pressed a button and took us to the top. I swear my face was plastered to the glass as my eyes looked everywhere they could. Everything looked so lush and beautiful and futuristic, I can't believe such a place can even exist

As soon as we got to whatever floor T'Challa had sent us to, we step out and Queen Ramonda was approached by two guards. They whisper something to her that makes her slightly frown

"I'm afraid I'll have to miss the tour, duty calls." She turns to us once one of the guards finishes her sentence. Ramonda smiles at T'Challa before pointing a finger at Shuri, "behave for our guests." She playfully pleas. Shuri rolls her eyes and waves away her mother

The Queen then walks off with the two guards on either side of her, both of them glancing back towards Bucky. I give him a questioning look to which he shrugs. We continue down the corridor, T'Challa leading the way with Shuri while Steve Bucky and I trail behind. We round a corner and T'Challa slows his pace until he's stopped in front of a heavily detailed door, turning and looking directly at me

"This is where you will be staying. I hope it is comfortable enough for you." He motions for me to step forward and reaches into one of his pockets for something

"Thank you your highness," I dip my head in gratitude. He pulls what looks to be a beaded bracelet from his pocket and holds it out for me. I glance back at Steve and Bucky quizzically before lifting my wrist to him

"This is your key and access to the palace." T'Challa informs me, a small smile tugging at his smooth lips once more

He slips the bracelet on me, the silver beads instantly took form to my wrist and hugged me snugly. I lift my arm to admire the intricate designs on each metal ball as T'Challa takes a step back allowing me to fully access my door

"Where will they be staying?" I ask, hovering my wrist by a small blue glowing spot by the door before hearing something click within the walls

"A few floors down from here." Shuri spoke before her brother could. "Now please, hurry up and settle in. We have work to do." She beams towards me as I push my door open

I really wanted to hold off on being poked and prodded at again. It wasn't exactly 'fun' the last time. My nerves were already stressing out about it all. Especially now that I'm in an all new environment surrounded by people I don't know

"We'll meet you in the lab when we can." Steve nods towards me, seeing my worried expression

I exhale a long breath, looking between him and Bucky. I could tell Bucky didn't want to leave me alone here either, he was already extremely worried about me and my well-being after what happened less than 24 hours ago. Hell I didn't want him to leave me either. But he gives me a soft knowing look, his eyes telling me he won't be gone long. I nod towards the group, placing my bag by the door and deciding I'll settle in and admire my room later