Chapter 130 [Luthor Mansion—4:30 PM]

The mansion bustled on that afternoon. The chefs managed the best state dinner possible under the circumstances. Housekeeping vacuumed and prepared two rooms for the incoming Princesses.

Peter shared the pictures from the previous night and that morning. He showed those photos that Spider-Man and the Black Panther had "sent" to him from New York. He already had pictures from the previous night's standoff. He and Lex had already reviewed the security footage and selected shots from that as well. With Chloe's pictures from earlier, he built a supporting case for the story.

Edwards called Tarvers back from Tokyo. Her contacts confirmed the Japanese-Wakandan pressure on Sultan Mahmud and the Wakandan asylum for Princess Rasniya. She promised to follow up when she knew more.

Tarvers had Peter and Chloe interview Lex, Jasmine, Miranda and Gwen. She herself called the American Consulate in Javalastan for direct information. Then she called Taylor back in Metropolis and told him to hold the presses on the next morning's edition. With the scoop coming together, she had her opening.

Everything was ready….

[Back Fields]

Jasmine leaned against the house's granite wall. Emotions drained at her stamina. Her eyes kept looking across the sky for the aircraft. "Where are they?"

"They'll be here. Have faith." Miranda rubbed her arm. "Rasniya will be all right. You'll see."

"I know. I can't believe Papa." Jasmine looked up again. Then, a metallic glint attracted her eye. "There! You see?"

Chloe smoothed her school clothes. For once, even she felt decidedly underdressed. Embarrassment reddened her face.

Peter straightened his tie. He had his camera ready. "Ready to meet a King and two Princesses?"

Gwen looked over her best dress (after her wedding gown of course). "And here we went from wishing for a quiet night last night to this, Mr. P. Anyone tell you that you're amazing?"

Peter tried to keep himself composed. Really he did. He wanted to make a further good impression on Travers. "When you say it, Gwendy, I believe it. I'm flying on coffee and adrenaline right now. When this is over and written up, I'm sleeping for two days."

"You've earned it, Man of Mine." Gwen agreed. "There! That's it!"

Peter nodded. "Let's hope Jasmine's sister is all right." He walked over to the couple. "How are you both doing?"

"I just want to see my little sister." Jasmine sighed. "Thank you, Peter."

"We're here to support you. Remember that, Ladies." Peter flashed a smile for their benefit. Then he stepped back to allow Jasmine and Miranda to have their space.

Lex hustled out the door. He waited beside Chloe. "Nervous, Miss Sullivan?"

"If I looked better, I'd be fine. School fine. Meeting with a King?" Chloe winced.

"Hey it's been one of those days. I think they're grateful you're on the case. Just hold your chin up." He turned toward the landing quinjet. Admiration held his attention as the vessel slowly lowered onto the grass with barely any impact.

The ship's side door opened. Four women dressed in Wakandan battle garb emerged first. They assumed honor guard formation. T 'Challa stepped down the stairs and onto the grass. He waited for his sister and their guest to follow. He motioned for the Princesses to follow him toward their welcoming committee. "Alexander! Once more, I am honored to be at your home!"

"Your Highness, once more I am honored to welcome you to my home." Lex bowed to the visiting monarch.

Everyone around them save Jasmine bowed to the trio.

"Princess Rasniya, I believe you have someone waiting for you?" T 'Challa grinned. "Go on. I would not keep either of you!"

Rasniya picked the cage with Cocoa in it up. She hustled toward her sister and the latter's partner.

Jasmine met them halfway. "Rasie! You are all right! I was so worried when I heard!" She grabbed onto her sister.

"I have missed you, Jasmine." Rasniya returned the embrace. "I wish I understood more."

"That is for later, my Sister. Right now, there is someone waiting to meet you." Jasmine led Rasniya over to Miranda. "This is Miranda, my partner. Miri, Rasniya."

"Princess." Miranda started to bow.

"Miranda, no! Please stop." Rasniya shook her head. "I am a Princess in Exile. Maybe some should bow. Not my sister." She hugged Miranda. "Thank you for the welcome."

Jasmine picked up the cage. She waved to Cocoa. "My friend, you are ever watchful." She smiled. "You will get an extra banana tonight." She turned to the visiting royals. "Thank you, my Friends."

"As I told you, Princess, it is no less than you have done for T 'Chaka and Wakanda in times past," Shuri reminded her.

"I was delighted to mediate a peaceful solution. Alexander, perhaps we should eat? Then I would speak with Peter Parker?" T 'Challa replied.

"Right this way, Your Highness." Lex led the group through the back door and toward the dining room. "Everything is set for us. Would you like to freshen up?"

"We shall. Thank you." T 'Challa allowed Lex to lead him to the bathroom in question.

Travers glanced toward Peter. She had a feeling that the developing story would be a good one.

And so things went….