WINTERS SECRET (RISE OF OYO EMPIRE)

WHO IS THE LIAR?

17th of August.

"Hello," Idar picked up the line; it has been long since we spoke, and I have been wanting to speak to her about all the things that have happened to me so far.

"Idar, how are you doing?" I was in such a good mood already; her voice already lightened my mood up.

"I am good, how is your honeymoon going? How is everything going?" She did not hesitate to ask.

"Oh, I've missed you, all of you guys, and everything is going fine apart from some weird things that happened." I was ready to spill the teas to Idar as long as she asked.

"Well, I'm sure it's not that, and as long as it's not something paranormal happening, princess, don't stress, you'll be fine," Idar encouraged me. Was she serious? But what does anyone have to do with my happiness?

"Yeah, sure; how is Gran Gran's health?"

"She is doing great, although she has been wanting to speak to you almost every time, I do remind her that you are going to be back, she seems to miss you a lot" This was not the type of reaction I needed from her, besides this was not the first time I left of land for s while, when I was completing my doctorate I did not spend any time or so with her so I wonder why she feels this way now.

"What are the odds, there is something I can't seem to get off my chest and I want you to dig deeper into it for me" It was about this girl, I needed to know if she was telling the truth, I just can't believe it seems too sudden and she also looks like she is hiding something from me.

"Yes, princess, what is it?" Idar said.

"I met this girl called Habiba, she is from Ofuland. I want you to help me do a background check on her." It wasn't going to be easy, but I am sure the palace aid can do a good job, especially when it comes to investigating.

"No surname? How on earth are we going to find her?" Idar remarked.

"Well, I don't know, I don't want to raise anyone's suspicion, that's all." It was true; anything I said to her would make her very active, and I didn't want her to actively try to cover her tracks it would make it harder to find her.

"How about mom and dad? How are they doing?" Even though I have sworn not to speak to them again, I can't help but check up on them at least. They are still my family, and I do care about them as humans, at least.

"Oh the Queen is doing great ma, I heard her pregnancy is progressing fine" I couldn't stomach it, I did not want the baby to die because he had nothing to do with this, but I could not believe she was bringing another human into this, she is already s terrible mother nothing is going to change that so I wonder why she wants a son after all these years.

"That's good; I will be leaving now to go get my breakfast; please don't forget to do what I asked for," I reminded her as I hung up the phone.

"Old Oyo empire," I remarked as I walked upstairs. I wondered what winters family did in the olden days. I was more curious about his family's book than I was of mine; there was something about it that sparked my interest, and I wanted to know why.

Is the old Oyo Empire the same as the new Oya kingdom? Or is it former ofuland? I have heard of witches and wizards too from our ancient history, but they all seemed more far-fetched than real; it felt like tales that never happened, did it?

"Good morning darling, what took you so long?" Winter greeted me as I walked into the room.

"Morning, my love, I was on a call with Idar," I responded as I sat down to eat my breakfast.

"Everything at home is good?" He asked.

"Yes," I responded as I began to have my breakfast; I must say this was better than a typical breakfast at the palace; it was just the both of us, and there was peace, no drama, no nothing.

"How are you enjoying the Tamaje?" I wonder why he was asking me now; we have barely spent a week here, and I already feel uneasy.

"Well it sure is a break from the busy life I had back home" I was bored coupled with the fact that we had not left the house to go have fun and spend time together with my husband since we got here, it was from one incident to the other and if nothing was happening Winter was busy working.

"Well, I have good news for you then?" Is he going to take me out? Are we going to see it?.

"What is it?" My eyes lit up, and a huge smile began to form on my face.

"We would be going to Okene after our honeymoon." My smile instantly faded, although our honeymoon was going to be two weeks and we had already spent one doing absolutely nothing; I thought his surprise was going to make up for that.

"Oh sure"

"You don't seem excited," Winter said as he noticed the facial expression I was making; I mean, I get to go to the library and dig whatever history I am looking for, but still, that doesn't sound fun at all.

"It's not that I just thought it was something else you planned," I said as I faked a smile on my face.

"Okay, you know I have been occupied with work lately, and it has been taking a huge chunk of our time." he wasn't wrong about that.

"Yeah, I understand; work must go on," I said in a low tone.

"I promise one of these days, I'll take you out." Well, I think I should take myself out; maybe Daniella could show me around.

"Hello." I picked up my phone as it was Idar calling. Did something bad happen?

"Sorry for the disturbance; I saw a missing person poster on a girl, Habiba Haruna, as they were digging; I said I should inform you." Missing person? From ofuland?

"Send me the picture on it. Can you find out more about her, please?" Something wasn't adding up here, but she did say she was lost though.

But how can a missing person travel a continent over? What's going on?