Another week past. There now were three weeks between us and the funeral. Only two months and one week between me and the coronation.
'Highness,' Janson began grimly, during our daily meeting, 'I think it is time for you to make a public appearance.'
'Really?' I pretended to be utterly surprised. 'Why didn't you say so?' I got off my chair again. 'If someone would be friendly enough to open a door for me…'
Looking back at Janson, I discovered he was looking rather unamused. 'Sorry,' I smiled apologetically while sitting down, 'please, continue.'
He didn't immediately. First, he looked me in the eyes for a while. 'Right. Majesty, Natalie Johnson has invited you, and I thought it would be the perfect time for you to-'
'No, no, wait!' I put my hand up, as a gesture for Janson to stop. 'I'm sorry, Natalie who?'
Silence. Eyes that obviously were trying to figure out if I was joking or not. 'Natalie Johnson, highness. The current first lady of the United States of America.'
'O, that Natalie…' I had to look away for a moment. Barnes was standing there. I grimaced at him – my best, "how was I supposed to know that?" face. 'Please, continue.'
Again Janson seemed eager to read my mind.
'Anyway. I thought it best if you'd accept this invitation, to show the people you are doing… things. That you are preparing for your official duties.'
I nodded, and listened glumly as Janson started explaining every detail of this (apparently already planned) very important trip. Boring wasn't the right word. Nerve-wrecking came closer. With perhaps a bit of boredom.
'On the bright side, I always wanted to go to the States!' Optimism. Not really my thing. Clearly not my thing; my fake light-hearted tone sounded quite tortured.
'It's going to be fine, Elissa. President Johnson is a nice man. And if you ever are in need of a topic of conversation, ask about his hobbies. He adores fishing.'
'But I don't…' I groaned. 'And I do not enjoy talking to strangers.'
'I'm not sure you can call the President of America a stranger, El.'
'Well…'
'It is not my fault you didn't know who Natalie Johnson is.' T'Challa snickered again. He had found it quite amusing. Probably every impala and rhino in Wakanda had heard him laugh.
'You already laughed about that,' I grumbled.
'It is still funny. Though must say I feel bad for poor Janson. How did he react?'
Now I could snicker too. Janson's expression had been gold. 'He couldn't decide if I was joking or not.'
'That's understandable. You spend so much time on the Internet, you'd think you would at least know that.'
'Just because I can quote movies, doesn't mean I know anything about real life.'
'So… you just can't wait to be queen?'
'Haha, very funny.' Despite my annoyance, I smiled fondly. 'I've made you watch that movie a lot, haven't I?'
'I do have a great understanding of the circle of life.'
'See,' I said pleased, 'those movies are really educational.'
More fluffy, white clouds trailed underneath us. The sea still stretched out, seeming never ending.
For the thousandth time I sighed. 'I wish I could go home, though.'
'I know, El. But the people need to know you're out there.'
'Yeah… what about the "security issue"? I mean, I can't go anywhere inside the palace, and suddenly I have to go abroad?'
I could practically hear T'Challa roll his eyes. 'To the White House. Honestly, that's the worst excuse you have used to far.'
'But I really don't want to go!'
T'Challa didn't even respond to that anymore.
'Get some sleep, Elissa. You don't want to be completely jet-lagged when the first Lady invites you into the white house.'
'Okay. I'll get some sleep. 'I wanted to end the call, but quickly changed my mind. 'They do know I haven't come to talk politics, do they?'
'Yes, Elissa. They know. Now, sleep tight.'
Once more I grumbled. 'Bye.'
I put down the phone and I let my chair tilt backwards. Neat clothing, a neat hairdo and sleeping don't really go well together, but at the moment I didn't care. For now I curled up in my chair. One more time I looked around the jet. Barnes was sitting a couple chairs away.
'Barnes.' At the soft mention of his name his gaze shifted to me.
'What is it, highness?'
'Wake me when we land, will you?'
'Of course.'
