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In the heart of Wakanda, beneath a vibrant canopy of stars, the Avengers had come seeking the return of Captain America's cherished shield. The prized possession had been claimed by the enigmatic Black Panther, who argued it belonged to Wakanda. This clash of heroes and king had occurred during Smaug's brief absence, leaving her astounded by the tumult her comrades could stir in such a short span. Her fury was formidable, but she sought to keep it in check, if only a fraction. Captain America tried to console her, suggesting they could encounter greater troubles than tangling with the ruler of Wakanda. Smaug couldn't quite believe him, but she conceded for the time being.

As the Avenjet touched down on Wakandan soil, the Avengers disembarked. Among them, Thor stood in awe of the city's magnificent architecture. Smaug was no stranger to craftsmanship, having slumbered within the heart of the mountain that united the seven dwarf kingdoms. Dwarves, elves, and men were all skilled artisans, but the modern, digital marvels of Wakanda held a unique charm for her. Captain America's resolute voice broke through their reverie, and they resolved to search for his shield. However, Tony Stark raised a valid concern: what if they encountered the king himself? Smaug's voice, bearing the weight of her fiery heritage, rose in response, "Then he and his petty guards shall have to reckon with me. I shall be their discretion, or I shall keep the guards at bay. Mortals cower in the face of fire, as they always have." Her fiery display gradually waned, leaving naught but a simmering glow.

Falcon urged restraint, "Just don't harm them," to which Smaug scoffed, "Man of Falcon, I hurt and slay as I see fit. But my flames, their power is... unpredictable. I shall try." The Captain gave the order to advance, and cautiously, they ventured forth, alert to the possibility of guards springing from the shadows. Thus far, silence reigned, with no signs of life. However, Smaug, ever in tune with her instincts, sensed something amiss.

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Smaug's instincts had not deceived her; trouble soon reared its head. Black Panther discovered them and apprehended them for trespassing within his realm. A tense standoff ensued, as Cap and the king engaged in a heated dialogue. Smaug had faith in Captain America's integrity, yet she couldn't fathom why T'Challa remained skeptical. She knew that faith would be rewarded in the end.

Suddenly, an alarm blared throughout the palace, jolting Smaug's fiery sensibilities. "What is that?" she hissed, her eyes reflecting her growing agitation. Dragons despised shrill sounds, especially those borne from mortal contrivances meant for hearing. Black Panther provided a curt explanation, "It's an alert, your highness. We've located what we were searching for." With a nod, he gestured to his guards, the Dora Milaje, to lead Smaug and her team to the source of the commotion.

Upon reaching the sacred vaults of vibranium, the true culprits emerged, none other than Ulysses Klaue. He was a longstanding nemesis of T'Challa and the entire Wakandan empire, a man utterly undeserving of respect. The king's tension was palpable, as he faced an adversary responsible for innumerable crimes and betrayals. A low growl escaped Smaug's lips, capturing Klaue's attention. His taunting words did little to quell her rising fury, "Oh, who is this? Your newest recruit?"

"I am no recruit. I am the Queen Beneath the Mountain. You would do well to remember not to challenge me," Smaug replied with an eerie calmness, sending shivers down her teammates' spines. They understood the precarious ground they stood upon when someone dared disrespect the great queen. Klaue's amusement persisted, "My apologies, your highness. Where are my manners? I am Ulysses Klaue, and I've had the pleasure of acquainting myself with your friends. They nearly ended me." Smaug exhaled smoke from her nostrils, a clear warning. However, Klaue seemed undeterred and attempted to continue speaking. Before he could, he resorted to a sonic blast, assaulting the Avengers' ears and triggering Smaug's roar of outrage. Her restraint teetered on a knife's edge, and her teammates could only hope she wouldn't unleash her wrath upon them in the throes of anger.

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