The next day Steve woke up in a start. He had dreamed that every person who died was circling him. They were repeating it was all his fault. He knew it wasn't true, after all, how could he have stopped Thanos on his own ? He had done everything he could. But he couldn't help feeling guilty. Sam would probably call that survivor's guilt.

His chest was rising heavily and he was drenched in sweat. He turned his head to see what time it was and sighed. He had slept three hours. He was never going back to sleep. He laid back for two minutes before sitting upright in his bed. He got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

After a quick shower, he felt slightly more awake. He dressed mechanically and left his room to get somewhere he could eat. He didn't feel the envy, but knew he had to feed his body nonetheless.

His feet took him to the right place, having spent several weeks in Wakanda in the past two years. Natasha and Bruce were already there, sitting close to each other and talking quietly. He smiled lightly to them in greeting. He couldn't see himself, but he was quite certain it came out as a grimace.

The blond was playing with the remains of his food when he saw Thor enter, the racoon in tow. He nodded politely and resumed his picking. Minutes later Rhodes arrived, accompanied by Okoye who gave him a tight smile. She had seen her king and friend vanish in front of her too.

The Colonel announced that he would make a statement during the day, which would be broadcast for the whole world to see. After all, the major part of the world had had no idea what was happening. He offered a hand, but there was little to do. He would find someone else to help.

Before she left, Okoye told them the Princess was on her way, and that she wanted to talk to him first.

Steve promptly got to his feet, his food forgotten, and exited the room. He had only been in he hallway for two minutes before he heard light footsteps.

"Steve"

Steve turned to see the young woman approach. "Shuri" She seemed nervous, on top of all.

"My comfort for your losses." He nodded, and spoke softly "And mine for yours."

They stayed silent for some seconds, looking each other in the eyes.

"I am going to take the throne." She blurted out suddenly. Steve didn't know what to say, she was so young… "I don't really have a choice. I was next in the line, the leaders of the other tribes are either dead, or too old, and M'Baku prefers to take care of the Jabari who survived." She finished, looking at the Panther statue.

"I … it might not be worth a lot, but I have faith in you."

At these words, she turned and looked at him directly in the eyes. Hers were shiny. "Yes, it is." She paused, wrapped her arms around her waist, sighed, then continued. "I have been raised in the optics that someday I could have to sit on the throne. I know diplomacy, at least as it is needed within Wakanda. I know the outside world too. And I trained with the Dora, in case I had to take the Panther's mantel. I'm not as good as my brother, and I certainly prefer to fight with my technology, but I can take the role. So why do I feel like I know nothing ?"

She was seeking his reassurance, he realised. "Because you just went through a lot a the same time. We have been invaded, and you lost a lot of people you knew. You lost your brother, who was one of the most important person in your life. And instead of focusing only on processing your grief, you have to worry about becoming a Queen as well."

She blinked and let her arms fall. "You're right. You're right about everything but one fact." He tilted his head, waiting for her to develop. "I did not loose a brother..." She began, her eyes watering. "I lost two of them."

Steve felt his breath get caught in his throat. Was she saying … ?

"Bucky had become another brother to me." He closed his eyes for an instant. Buck. He took a deep breath and opened slowly his eyelids. Shuri's hands were trembling at her sides. He saw her resolve slip when a tear rolled down her cheek. He opened his arms and she immediately engulfed herself in his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her shaky shoulders and placed his chin on top of her head. She had to be strong but for now she could express her grief.