PROLOGUE
Ehi stood still, a surge of rage filling her.
Osanobwa (God) had granted her a second chance, and she would damn her soul to the very depths of hell if she didn’t use it wisely.
“I am ready,” she stated firmly.
The duchess smirked as she walked out of the room, nodding at the guard to announce Ehi’s arrival.
“Here comes the celebrant of this glorious night,” the butler announced.
“LADY EHI MCNIGHTTON OF WILLSHIRE, niece and heir to the DUCHESS OF WILLSHIRE!!!”
The giant doors swung wide, bright lights seeping from the ballroom and shining directly upon her. The room fell silent as everyone stood still.
Her eyes were void of emotion, a stiff smile on her lips, and she walked slowly into the new chapter of her life.
FEW YEARS EARLIER
Ehi lay on her mother’s lap, listening intently to the incredible tales her mother always had to tell.
This particular one was about a queen and a mother from a time long before theirs.
The queen was a great warrior who raised an army that fought relentlessly for her people. Her son was also the king during her reign, and it was during this time that the title of “Iyoba” (Queen Mother) was instituted.
Her iye (mother) mimicked the slashes of a sword with hand gestures as she reached her favorite part of the story.
“Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!”
“The queen and her army went to war, fighting against the evil men who tried to take the throne from her people,” her iye whispered dramatically.
Ehi smiled at her mother’s antics, enjoying the performance. But deep down, she always admired the strength of that queen.
