chapter one

In a kingdom of peace, an atmosphere of tranquility enveloped the land. However, amidst this calmness, a shadow of skepticism loomed over the peoples hearts. Loyalty, once unyielding, now wavered in the face of uncertainty. The inhabitants questioned whether their conquerors truly understood and appreciated their land, for if they did, perhaps they would have never have set foot upon it.

It was the time of the 7th dynasty of the people of Benin kingdom. The ogisos ruled over all Africa. The very tittle ogiso means "the king from the sky, or king of the universe." All the aforesaid corresponds to the specific of the archaic vision of the universe, the most important part of which is the peoples own society. For the Benin people, all the ogiso reigned in immemorial times, before the moon and sun appeared, prior to the social creation of the world.

It is generally accepted by the Benin native historians that altogether 30 ogisos have ruled before her grandfather, who's passing had brought an air of uncertainty; especially when his successor, her father "oba oba" is not perceived to possess the same qualities and capabilities as his father. The kingdom was left in a state of anticipation as the future had never been more uncertain. The people had grown accustomed to the reign of a wise and just ruler, who guided and protected them through times of prosperity. The now questioned if his son would be able to fill the shoes of his predecessor?

Benin territorial and political rights have been transposed back in time to legitimize later conquest within its subsequent kingdom area. Rumors spread that the rival udo kingdom, an independent rival kingdom had finally allied with the British to conquer Africa which meant overthrowing the Benin empire as the giant of Africa.

A request was issued by the British to the Benin empire to form an alliance but the late king did not see reason. The late king promised to banish anyone who would associate themselves with the white men.

The udo kingdom grew stronger and their armies now formidable than ever, not even the Benin empire could stop them from conquering Africa.

In the heart of the Benin kingdom, amidst the vibrant colors,lush greenery and rhythmic beats of tribal drums, there stood a young princess, "Adesuwa." Exuding elegance and grace. Her ebony skin glistened like polish onyx under the warm sun, adorned with such beauty, she was referred as the girl with the beauty of a thousand women. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of deep brown, held an undeniable spark of wisdom and curiosity; as if she could see into the souls of those around her. Cascading down her back, her hair flowed into a magnificent waterfall of tightly coiled curls, adorned with beads and feathers, a testament to her regal status. Dressed in vibrant garment woven with traditional patterns and vibrant colors. Her voice, melodic like a chorus of singing birds held the power to captivate and inspire. She possessed a fierce spirit, courageous and unyielding, yet she also possessed a tender heart, filled with compassion and empathy for her people.

Adesuwa was just fifteen years of age. Unlike most girls of her acquaintance, she dedicated her days to the betterment of her people, ensuring their prosperity and fostering unity within her kingdom.

She had hoped that her father the king and the counsel of elders would see sense and allowed her to rule after her father, being an only child. She had hoped that the gods might interfere and let her rule, or the kingship would go to her cruel uncle, her father's immediate younger brother, if she ever decides not to marry.

Her passion for learning new things, particularly in the realm of healing and herbal remedies was truly remarkable. It seemed as though she had an innate talent, an act for absorbing knowledge and understanding the intricacies of the natural world. She would spend hours poring over ancient texts, delving into the wisdom of past healers and herbalist, eager to unlock the secret they held. But what she hatad most was her looks, her beauty. While many may assume that being beautiful is a blessing, Adesuwa experience was entirely opposite. She longed for anonymity, as she despises the constant stare,unsolicited comments, and envy that her beauty attracts. The attention became suffocating, leaving her feeling trapped and unable to fully express her true self.

From a tender age, suitors were drawn to her like moths to a flame, their hearts ensnared by her enchanting allure. At a mere twelve years old, the world around her began buzzing with whispered proposals and hopeful declaration of love. However, standing as a steadfast guardian, her grandfather stood resolute in his decision to shield her from the pitfalls of premature romance. With eyes filled with wisdom earned through a lifetime of experience. He understood the importance of protecting her innocence and nurturing her dreams before they could be drowned out of the complexities of adult life. But now she's fifteen and grandfather was no more.

An important decision weighed heavily upon the shoulders of the king. The rival kingdom of udo has sent a proposal for a union between their families through the marriage of their children. However unknown to king adegoke of udo kingdom, king oba had received secret intelligence that udo kingdom had strengthened their military forces presenting threat to the Benin empire. Though king oba recognized the strategic advantage of such an alliance, he found himself torn between his duty to protect the kingdom and he had remembered the promise he made to his father never to ally with the White man came what may. But what was he going to do in this adversity?

In the grand chamber, a meeting was being held about the udo threat and how to handle it.

"My king we cannot do this. This proposal is nothing more than a lie, nothing more." An elder dressed in his elegant attire uttered.

"We have to agree to their terms, the British forces are as formidable as they say." Another elder suggested.

"Your Majesty," another counsel elder began in a more composed manner, "they want the throne not the princess, Prince okunzuwa is the second Prince of the udo kingdom, why didn't they say the udo crown Prince would marry the princess. They want to rule both kingdoms simultaneously."

The counsel of elders argued incessantly, debating the pros and cons of the proposed marriage.

"Enough, all of you." The king with a furrowed brow and a heavy heart understood the weight of the decision he must make. To give his daughter's hand to the udo Prince would be to risk placing his kingdom in a vulnerable balance. It was a delicate balance, a dance between political maneuvering and the safety of his people. The fate of the Benin empire hung in the balance as the king contemplated the consequence of his choice.

In a moment of awkward silence, with a heavy heart,the king reluctantly sent a courtier to fetch his daughter.