WINTERS SECRET (RISE OF OYO EMPIRE)

WINTER DINESTY

16th of August.

"Here you go." Winter handed me a pretty red book with his name printed on it. I turned around to look at it, but that was the only thing that was written on it: 'WINTER' In bold.

"What is this? What is it for?" On further inspection, the book was empty; nothing was written inside, but the paper was a bit old like it was made 10 or 20 years ago; even the design and the way it was written felt old.

"It's a winter book, every member of the family has it, it's like a diary but for educational purposes, to protect the younger generation"? From?

"What from?" I was eager to know more, why does his family have a diary they pass down? And most importantly, why does this sound like the ruler's book or whatever gran called it some days ago?

"Well there is so much of my family history I don't know about just because no one ever reads anymore, but my family began during the Oyo Empire when the witches and wizards were popular to kill all and everything, our ancestors decided to talk to the younger generation and teach them magic through these books, but over time since that era passed it became more of a business guide and also a way to learn about our past" wow that was such a nice initiative, who would have known.

"What does it have to do with me having one?" Besides, I doubt the wives were ever seen as humans during the Oyo empire, so that must not be a tradition.

"Well it just became part of our tradition and we do that now"

"But why does it have your name on it? And why does it look old?"

"Well, it is because I am from the 'Winter' family; I was named after the grand winter, the man who singlehandedly built it all." Well, that would explain why everyone refers to his mother as Mrs Winter; I never asked because I thought it was just a mere coincidence but wow.

"My father is Donald Winter, and my mom is Habiba Winter." I tilted my head to the side, but why was he, Winter Donald? That doesn't seem to make sense to me.

"Well, my parents thought that having my name being Winter Winter would sound weird, so for the first time in history, I kept my father's name as my last name," he explained.

Well, I understand why he is telling me this now. Or it can only be disclosed to wives? Is it a secret? It's funny how whenever someone thinks of the Winter family, they just think of 3 generations: his grandfather, his dad, and him, who would have known it dated back to the Oya Kingdom times.

"So where are the books?" If every member of the family has a book since then, I am sure it would amount to a lot of books, where are they kept?

"It is all at the bottom floor of the Winter Museum in Okene, you are free to visit and read any book." This was a big thing for me, I just found out my family had a royal book, and now this, what a weird coincidence.

"I would love to visit there someday." I placed the book on my dresser as I continued to apply my mascara; we were going back to the hospital today again; maybe the patient would have calmed down, and we would have been able to have a word with her.

"Well, anytime you want to, I am more than happy to take you there." I guess it was not a secret; it was just like that to no family members, I guess.

"Hurry up so we won't be late for the visit," Winter said as he walked out of our bedroom; why is he telling me this now? By the way, I wonder what is actually in those books and how I can get a hold of them; I wonder if anything was there. Besides, I would love to read more on medicine. Also, as a doctor, I would love to know more about old-day medicine.

"Welcome back, Mrs." Daniella welcomed me as we walked into the hospital bedroom; our drive there was smooth and boring as winter was receiving call after call on it.

"Good day, Your Majesty," the girl we rescued some days ago greeted me; it was clear she knew who I was. I was not wearing anything that showed I was royalty, no crown, no dress, nothing.

"Hi, how are you doing today?" I asked as I sat down close to her, she looked a bit better, and she was responsive, unlike yesterday and the day before that.

"Thank you, I am grateful for all you have done for me, Your Majesty." My husband was the one paying for it all; I am sure she must be mistaken; what 'all' have I done for her?

"What's your name? And how old are you?" We made a very big mistake not handing over this case to the police, but she looked fine and I am sure she was just lost.

"Dorothy," she said, well, she isn't suffering from any memory loss or anything, so that's good.

"What happened? How did you end up in front of our house?" Her face turned as she began to look at the ceiling avoiding eye contact.

"I was lost." She instantly changed her facial expression, and the girl who looked happy and jovial to see me was now shy and a bit reserved; she was hiding something.

"Well, what are the doctors saying?" I changed the topic as I noticed her slight discomfort; if she was ever going to tell us what happened,d then she would need to trust us.

"She would be getting discharged soon" Daniella chipped into the conversation.

"Well, have you tried contacting her parents or anyone?" Winter asked.

"Well, we haven't been able to; the policeman is already looking into it," Daniella responded; I guess they have already involved relevant authorities, so she is in safe hands.

"Oh yes, where do you know me from?" I asked.

"Well, I have seen you before. I do watch a lot of TV, and also, my family is originally from Poland, so we know all about you." At last, Winter was right; I was just paranoid for no reason at all.

"Oh well, I hope you meet your parents very soon, my love." I smiled gently; maybe I am just paranoid; there is nothing to be worried about.