OKENE

23rd of August.

"Do you need any help?" Winter asked as I was struggling to close my luggage.

"I'll get Daniella to do it" he said as he walked out to go get her.

"No don't worry, I got this" I rather run away than let that woman help me with my luggage, no thank you.

"See all done" I managed to tuck all the dresses inside the suitcase, this is the first time in years that I am arranging my own luggage usually grace or Idar do it for me.

Talking about grace I get to see her today, oh I'm so excited.

"Safe journey on your trip ma" I heard a kitchen staff say as I walked out of the room.

"Tha..."

"Thank you" I was cut short by Daniella who was wearing a maxi dress with a summer hat, it was different from her usual dressing.

Is she? Hell nah this must be some joke.

"My parents are also going to be in Okene for the meeting" Winter informed me ahead of time.

The silence in the car was loud as we all got in and the car began to move.

(2 hours later- Air port in Okene)

As I stepped out of the plane, Grace rushed towards me, her excitement palpable. "Princess, I'm so glad you're here!" She enveloped me in a warm hug, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Your majesty, welcome" a young lady wearing a suit greeted as we walked towards them.

"Hey, good day" I greeted as I embraced grace hugging her even tighter, it has been two weeks since I left for my honeymoon and things have been difficult to say the least, who wold have known a lot of planning and work comes in play when taking care of me.

"Good day sir, here is what you asked for" the lady handed Winter a tablet, who was she?

"Darling this is Adaeze my secretary, Adaeze my wife the crowned princess of ofuland" Winter said as he introduced us both to each other.

"Nice to meet you" I said as we shook hands.

"I'm always at your service ma" she said, what a well behaved woman she was, such a breath of fresh air after dealing with Daniella for so long.

"Shall we?" winter said as we divided into two groups and entered the two cars that were waiting for us.

I should call my mom and ask about Lina's case right? It's getting to 15 days to the wedding and nothing is being done to stop it.

Should I? I should for Lina's sake.

"Good afternoon ma" I greeted as she picked up the call.

"What is it? Talk, I'm busy" she hasn't changed much I fear, her attitude towards me still feels unaffectionate, what did I ever do to her?

"Go straight to the point, I know you didn't just call to say hello" she added before I could even gather myself together.

"It's about Lina and her marriage, why are you doing this? She doesn't want to get married to him, why?" I jumped right in.

"Did she tell you that? It's none of your business Diana, I heard you are busy touring the world with your husband, good luck some people have better things to do like ruling over a kingdom" she said as she hanged up the call.

"Huh" I let out a heavy sigh, this is not going to be easy, I dialled her number again.

"What?" Her tone was already harsh.

"I heard the Queen owes you a favour and that's why you are doing this, is there anyway we can pay it back besides the wedding?" I did as gran gran instructed me.

"We are here" Winter whispered as we got down from the car and into the house.

"What do you have that I want Diana? Nothing, so continue roaming around the world princess, Good bye" she said as she hanged up the phone again on me.

This wasn't going to be easy I fear.

"Princess" grace called as she ran towards me, her mood seems up and she looked more excited than usual.

"Yes dear" I stood and waited Grace to catch up to me, As we entered, I noticed Daniella and Adaeze walking together, their conversation hushed. I wondered if they lived here, I know it was normal for Daniella since she was a help but his secretary?, but didn't have time to ponder further.

That reminds me "darling, where is the Library located, I can't wait to go visit it" I said excitedly as we enter the door for the house.

"The heart of Okene, I would take you there tomorrow you should rest up, besides you are still grieving" Winter said.

"Dling dling" dang who could that me? I hope it's not Lina I have no good news to tell her, i thought to myself as my phone rang.

"Hello" mom decided to call me back, I wonder what she wants this time.

"Well let's get right into it, I want you to publically step down from the throne, do that and I would call of the wedding myself" She muttered, that was such an outlandish demand for something that has nothing to do with me.

"What?" She must be joking, does that even make sense to her?

"You heard me, it's your decision princess" I guess she is trying to utilise any opportunity she gets, if I step down she would be in control of the next ruler of ofuland, if Fred marries Lina she would be in control of the next ruler of oyoland, it feels like a trap, there ess not getting away from this in one piece.

"Okay, I'll get back to you" I have to at least make her believe I would do it right? Let me here what gran gran has to say about it, of course it would be a no from her I still want to know what she thinks.

"Here is your room ma" grace said as she opened a door, I was lost in thought I didn't even noticed we were at the first floor of the building.

"I prepared your bathe and the clothes you would wear after when you are done, I also have lunch ready if you want that first" oh how I have missed this princess treatment, finally back to being pampered again.

I thanked her, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It was good to be back in a place where I could relax and be myself, even though I have not travelled here before I feel relieved that she is here.