WINTERS SECRET (RISE OF OYO EMPIRE)

DATE NIGHT

Friday 8th June.

"I will send my driver to come pick you up by 4:00 pm" the message from Winter popped up on my phone.

"Okay" I responded to his text.

Although we are home and as the crown princess I should not be seen anywhere without my crown and dresses.

"I thought your mother instructed you not to go princess?" Grace said as she continued to stroke my hair with the brush.

"Wear a wig instead, I think you would look unrecognisable with one" Idar chipped in.

"No, I am going to wear my natural hair" I said allowing grace to comb through my hair continuously.

"Okay, I just got back from the store" Lina whispered as she came back with the shopping bags, I was in need of new clothes for a while.

"Oh so what did you get" This was my first time getting ready for an actual date night all my life, oh lord I am so excited I feel like screaming right now.

I wonder where he wants to take me to, although I know most of the exclusive places in ofuland I would still love to know more places.

"Hurry up let's go" I began to run to the car as I was late.

"Thought the dinner is by 4 princess?" grace asked as she followed behind me.

"Yeah, but I don't want to be late" I fixed my crown as managed to stuff myself inside the car as we zoomed off.

Thank God I did not get any confrontation from mom, but I wasn't going straight to his side though I was going to my gran gran's side to get ready, I don't want to be seen as royalty wherever we go to and I think going on my own would help that.

"To what do I owe this visit to?" Gran gran said as we shared a peck tot he check and a warm hug.

"I can't come to visit again?" Trying to remove her attention from me, I just need to change my dress then I would be ready to go.

"Diana, I have known you since birth, do you think this is a great idea? Lying to me?" Gran gran looked at me with suspicious eyes, I could tell instantly she knew something was off.

"I heard a kind gentleman from the North has gotten your attention" I chucked as she sang her words melodiously.

"So you do know everything?" I question.

"Not everything, I just know what I am being told" gran gran said.

"Well he is just a friend" I stylishly tried to remove any thoughts from her head, gran gran was one who thought too deep sometimes and it was scary.

"Friends? But he couldn't get his eyes of you yesterday?" I wonder who is gran gran's intel, she has always one upped me every single time with her charm and knowledge of what goes on in the palace.

"Yes" it was a lie and I knew it, just thinking about the date and what could potentially happen makes me giggle and throw my feet on the air like a little girl and that's exactly what he does, bring out the child in me.

"Okay then, I should give you some privacy for you to get ready" gran gran said as she left my room.

"Dress" I commanded as I stretched my hands out.

"Idar I said...." I paused to turn around.

"Dang it" I said as I hit my palm on my forehead, I was alone. Idar was trying to make it less obvious that I had left back home, how was I ever going to get ready without her, grace and Lina by my side.

"Haa" i sluggishly got up to get my dress from the car, I never knew how helpful the girls were until now.

"What do you think?" I was already at the door, my entire body shaking from both excitement and fear, I wonder what this date holds for me.

"You look perfect, like always" gran gran gave me a confidence boost, the one i needed desperately although i did not know untill seconds ago.

"Thank you" I said as I stepped into the car Winter sent to pick me up, I told him to come pick me up from gran gran's because it would be a lot easier.

"Awwwn"
"A rose for an even prettier flower" Winter texted me, this was so thoughtful of him at this moment I felt very seen and loved.

"I can't wait to be blessed by your presence" he kept me occupied throughout the drive, I never knew a man could be so gentle and kind towards me or anyone.

"Clink" the sound of the car opening from the outside, I was met with those light brown eyes again, his hair looking so lovely and his face glowing.

"May I" he said as streached out his hands to help me out of the car.

"Of course" I said as I gave him my hands.

"You look stunning" he complimented as he walked me through what seems to be a garden.

"I have never been here before" the view of flowers meeting the horizons as the sun sets was magnificent, such beautiful could only be withnessed by eyes.

"My family owns this garden" he said as gently placed his hands on my spine sending severs down it.

The garden smells like a mix of sweet floral scents from the various flowers, with a hint of fresh earth and greenery.

"Wow" I was truly impressed by the varieties of flowers they had in this garden, looking to my left I could see
Sunflowers, daisies, lilies, roses, carnations, and to the right i could see tulips, orchids, peonies, and hydrangeas, amongst other flowers that were new to me.

"There is a swing over there" he said as he pointed to the right and we began to walk towards that direction.

"Here you go" he gave me an empty wine glass as he poured out wine for me, the wine tastes like a crisp, dry white wine with hints of citrus and a subtle floral note, complementing the sweetness of the snacks and fruits.

"Thanks" there was a mat on the floor, a food basket was placed there with some snacks and fruits, he really did plan the whole date out, it's cute.

We sat there for what felt like ages as we shared tales about eachother as the setting sun feels warm and gentle on my skin, casting a golden glow over me and making me feel cozy and relaxed as I sat with Winter in the garden.