T'Challa smiled immediately when Arthur appeared. As Reed introduced them, T'Challa bowed his head in respect, then shook the fellow ruler's hand. "I know you by reputation, your highness. You are known far and wide as an implacable foe and benevolent ruler. I extend an invitation to my homeland should you ever wish to visit."
A faint metallic scent, like brimstone and scorched steel, caught the Black Panther's enhanced senses. Him he thought, as the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. Moments later, Doom entered. T'Challa turned, affixing his golden eyes on the despot, as he took a seat at the end of the table. He stayed silent following Reed's introduction, his attention unwavering as Stark entered and offered one of idiotic remarks.
T'Challa took a seat to the left of Reed- as far away from Doom as he could manage. He didn't trust himself any closer to the man who had almost overthrown the Wakandan government only three years past.
Reed's introduction was well spoken, and T'Challa smiled beneath his mask when his friend admitted to being the smartest man alive. He's usually far too humble, it's good to hear him assert his brilliance. As they got into the reason for their meeting, however, T'Challa's smile faded. When Reed had finished, he spoke.
"Gentlemen" T'Challa said, looking at Arthur, Reed and Tony, adding as an afterthought "and Victor."
"I must make it clear that I am skeptical about the nature of this gathering, and the dangers it presents. The topic of President-Elect Luthor is a prime example of what concerns me." T'Challa gestured toward Reed. "You informed us that Lex Luthor was a prospective member of this council, and rebuffed your advances."
T'Challa looked around "This presents a cognitive dissonance. If he was a man worthy of attending this council, why then are we questioning the dangers posed by his election in our first meeting?"
He looked at Arthur, raising an eyebrow."Had he chosen to attend, I hardly think this topic would have been up for discussion."
He looked at Tony, while gesturing toward Doom. "Will we be discussing our armoured friend's laundry list of human rights abuses, or will we save those until he realizes he cannot bend us to his will and leaves in disgust?"
He sat back, folding his arms "Luthor is the duly elected President of your nation. I would beat the man within an inch of his life for his crimes against you, Reed- but we cannot pretend his rule is illegitimate before he even takes office."