HADEWA CALIPHATE,

NIGERIA.

Two weeks.

It's been two weeks since Aria left Nigeria for work. Maya's wedding has already started. The nikah was done earlier and finally, it was time for the dinner—the last event.

No one has heard from Aria though in about a week. She hasn't replied to any of their messages or said anything to them. She was supposed to be back and attend Maya's wedding right from the beginning but they can't reach her—no one can.

Since she left the country, she had only spoken to the family twice. The first time being about five days after she left when she suddenly called and agreed to marry Aali on one condition—given the nikah would be done that same day and that there will only be a couple of people that know about the wedding.

Her family were stunned to say the least considering her reaction when she heard about Aali's proposal. Given, her father didn't accept it and left the choice to her—with no pressure. It's marriage we're talking about; they can't just decide that for her. Plus, Aali and Aria had only met once as far as they know.

Thus, it's only right they left her to make the choice herself. Besides, none of them ever thought she would accept the proposal—not even in their wildest dreams.

So, to say they were surprised when she accepted it would be an understatement. She only gave them her conditions and said if the Royals agree, then she has given her full consent to the marriage.

Her father had to ask her over again if she really wants it—yet she didn't change her decision one bit. When he asked why she agreed, she said nothing to him so he eventually dropped it.

They informed the Royals about it and that same day, the knot between Aali Bin Bello II and Aria TayyuSafwan was tied with only a couple of people there to witness it.

Aside from the Calipha, Hudayya and Amadu, no one else in the family knows about the marriage. Even Hudayya doesn't know the bride, she was only informed by Aali that he had gotten married.

That to say doesn't mean Aali and Aria had spoken since they are officially announced Husband and Wife. Just like the others, Aali couldn't get a hold of her. It was like she had disappeared from anywhere they could possibly reach her.

The only certainty they have is that she is in Turkey. Other than that, they have no idea where.

Frankly speaking, Aali was worried. But, he is well aware of how she can take care of herself. After all, he is well aware of the things she had done before—the facts that she doesn't bother to hide anyways. He didn't dig into something she wouldn't want him to know. He can find out if he wants, but he wants to respect her privacy.

She called her parents again two days after the wedding to let them know that she is alright and safe. Just like the first time, she told them to trust her and that she would come back when she's done.

They did trust her, knowing she can handle herself. Despite being the youngest in the family, she had proven times without number to be the strongest. She handled herself better than them all—her parents included.

Of course, they told her to contact Aali and her reply was that she would. She didn't though. She couldn't yet.

Maya was beyond sad to not have her sister there with her to celebrate the most important moment of her life. Times without number, she yearned for her sister to be there with her but she knew whatever is keeping Aria occupied has to be important.

The dinner is the last event where almost everyone in the royal family attended—with the exception of the Calipha, and the male elders that is. Some couldn't make it to the other events, but the dinner is more like a way to welcome Maya officially into the family so they all made sure to be present—ranging from the people genuinely happy to welcome her into the family and the others who aren't.

In simple words, it's the most important event of all.

It is set to take place is one of the most debonair event centers in Hadewa. Normally, the dinners are held in the palace but due to the recent events that has been going on, the Calipha doesn't want to risk it.

An attack at the palace is an attack that will bring everyone down, and they can't afford that.

Despite the fact that the event isn't held at the palace, the planning and decor remained just as it's being done in the palace to make sure Maya feels welcomed into the family. It started around 8pm and by the time it's nine, the event was in full swing.

The bride and the groom enjoying the time of their lives, the bridesmaids and groomsmen dancing to their heart content, people eating to their full, and others showing off glamorously.

The groom and the bride were called to dance along with the groom's family. Maya has already met most of them before and has started getting comfortable around them so she was having fun to the fullest extent. His cousins showered the two with money anyhow.

"I hope you're having fun, even though Aria is not here" Muneer leaned down and whispered in Maya's ear when the dance ended and the two are heading back to their sofa on the podium.

Maya looked up, her eyes meeting his. Although she doesn't want to admit it, she really did miss her sister's presence. So, she plastered a small smile on her lips and parted her lips to speak.

However, before a word could leave her lips, the double doors swung open loudly and the people that stomped in had everyone gasping—eyes widen. Maya was no exception, her hold around Muneer's arms tightening while Muneer stepped infront of her to shied her away from them.

He has no idea why they are there, but it has to be bad news. Else, Interpol doesn't attend weddings, right?

One amongst the international police officers headed over to the DJ, ordering him to stop the music immediately while the one who seems to be at the helm made his way over to the newly wedded couple—face grim.

The Queen was quick to get up from her seat, and so did the other high ranked royals. Aali who had also gotten up along with his other best friend, Fawwaz—the lawyer stared at them with brows furrowed. Amadu stood close to the Prince, ready to protect the Prince come what may.

Abu was quick to head towards the Interpol officer, stepping infront of his daughter and son-in-law, "Eric, what's the meaning of this?" He asked in Interpol officer that he had worked with a couple of times. Maa stood beside her husband, brows deeply drawn in.

The Queen made her way over to them too, gesturing for the Royal guards to standby close in case the Interpol tries something funny. She won't have them ruin the wedding she has worked so hard for. The wedding everyone has been anticipating—the very first royal wedding in years. The last wedding was three years back—and that was Hasnain and Hafsa's wedding. And even then, they didn't have any event.

It was a simple nikah with a few people, just like Aali and Aria's. The only difference is that people knew Hasnain and Hafsa got married while only a few are aware of Aria and Aali's marriage.

Eric stared at TayyuSafwan blankly. He wasn't there as a friend or a former partner but rather as an international police officer. And he would be damned if he let their cordiality ruin his work. Extending his hand beside him, he gestured for the officer beside him to hand him the paper. "I'm here to take Miss Maya...sorry, Mrs. Maya Safwan for questioning regarding a murder case" His eyes move to Maya's who stood there gaping.

Muneer stepped in front of her completely, shielding her from Eric's piercing cold gaze that made her clutch his hand tightly. She has no idea what he's talking about.

However, the people there don't know anything about her side of the story. Instead, they gasped and stare at her, already starting to mutter amongst themselves. Muneer married a murderer? And they thought Hasnain ruined the family's name by marrying Hafsa but at least, she isn't a murderer like the woman Muneer calls his wife.

Abu took the paper from Eric.

"What?" Maa asked, her voice raised slightly. She didn't even spare the paper a glance, knowing what Eric is saying is complete nonsense. Her daughter couldn't have done it.

Abu shook his head once he read what was written on the paper. He looked at Eric, "This is ridiculous, my daughter has nothing to do with this"

Eric wasn't fazed one bit by the two lawyers and parents in front of him, he didn't come that far just to back down that easily. "That is for us to decide Mr. and Mrs. Safwan. If we find her innocent...which I highly doubt she is" he scoffed slightly, "We'll bring her back in one piece" He shrugged slightly.

Abu and Maa didn't miss how he said nothing about her safety. Tayyu had worked with the Interpol before. He knows their techniques of finding out whether one is innocent or guilty, and he'll be damned if he let his daughter suffer through that.

Muneer has his eyes narrowed in slits, "You won't lay a single finger on my wife"

Eric stared at him unamused. He didn't even resist the urge to scoff, "Your wife is a supposed international criminal. You wouldn't want to get in the way of our work else they will be serious consequence. You defending her at the moment is only adding to the possibility of her being the real criminal"

"She is not a criminal!" Muneer stated lowly, eyes narrowed at Eric in slits.

Eric smirked. "Only we can prove that" He ignored the glare, "And if you are so certain she's innocent, then you'll have no problem letting her come with us"

"Then I'll come along with you, as her father and lawyer" Abu knew he can't stop Eric. Anything they do at the moment will be used against them. He might be a great lawyer along with his wife, but they both have no idea this would happen hence they did not prepare for it.

Any wrong move, and it will be used against them. Besides, they aren't in their country, they can't practice law there.

There's a reason why Eric is a high ranked officer in the Interpol. He is known for his ability to prove anyone he wants guilty if he sets his mind to it.

Eric shook his head, "No can do. You aren't in charge of this case and since you aren't in your country, you can't do so"

Fawwaz made a move to walk towards them and defend his best friend's wife, but stopped when a new voice came.

"But I can"

The first sound that filled the room after the said sentence was the clank of the pair of Roger Viveir Bouquet Strass Pearl Buckle Satin pumps on the marbled floor as she strolled over to where they all stood. Her cream colored BottegaVeneta belted single-breasted wool jacket and high rise wool wide-leg trousers only added to the powerful aura she gave off. A cream jersey blazer sat on her shoulders, and lastly, matching veil wrapped into a turban to cover her hair made into a bun. An Anne Klein bracelet watch firmly secured around her wrist.

Her fingers remained wrapped around her Givenchy small Antigona leather bag while her assistant trailed behind her.

Once she reached where her family is, she stood between them and Eric who stared at her with a small smirk on his face. "With all due respect Aria--"

"It's Attorney Aria" She cut him off before he could proceed. They have never gotten along before so she knew she wouldn't like whatever would come out of his mouth. It's alright though, since he won't like what would come out of hers either.

Eric huffed slowly, straightening his stance to use his height to intimidate her. "Attorney Aria. Just as I told your parents, you can't do anything either. It'll be much better for you all if you stay out of this and stick to being the pampered baby in the family, okay?"

He was taunting her, and she knew it.

She stood her ground though. She simply smirked, "I see your attitude still stinks. I've been wondering what that nasty stench is since I stepped in" She shook her head, sighing lowly. "And for your information" She continued, noting his nose flaring slightly due to the insult, "I have every right to this case" Turning her head slightly, she gestured for her assistant to hand her the paper they brought along.

The woman was quick to place it in Aria's outstretched hands. Aria smiled, handing the paper over to Eric who collected it with more force than necessary.

"Effective immediately, anything relating to this case is in my hands. You know what that means?" She rose a single brow while Eric's eyes skim over the words written.

He looked up, eyes narrowed.

Her smile widened, he got the message. "It means whether in my country or this, I am in charge"

He looked up, "This" He held the paper up, "...won't stop us from taking her for questioning"

"Of course" Aria shrugged, "Bring me evidence from a credible source first though. Else, I won't let you take my client"

Eric's eyes narrowed in slits. He doesn't have evidence that he can show to her at the moment. What he has, he's sure she can discard it and embarrass him in public, "You defending her at this moment is enough proof that your sister is guilty"

Aria chuckled, unable to stop herself. He's being ridiculous really. Which kind of lawyer doesn't defend their client? When the chuckle died down, her face turned blank. "Any sentence from you that affects my client, I or my family negatively, will be taken as defamation. Do you really want to go that lane or would you take your people and leave?"

Eric stared at her fists tightened by the side. Licking his suddenly chapped lips, he scoffed and lowered his voice, as he glared at her. "You should stick to being a lawyer rather than playing detective in this case. Taking it on is the biggest mistake you'll ever make" He made sure only she can hear him.

Aria squared her shoulders, eyes narrowed slightly, "Is that a threat? Trust me, you won't want to go that lane with me" Her tone matched his.

Eric chuckled lowly, humorlessly, "No, it's not" He stepped away from her, "How can I dare threaten the great Attorney Aria TayyuSafwan?"

"Good" Her lips tilted into a small smirk, "I'll assume we're done here. Feel free to leave unless you want to join us and well, enjoy the wedding party though I highly doubt anyone wants you here but..." She rose a brow; a small grin on her face to taunt him.

Eric forced a tight lipped smile as he shook his head. "Thank you for the kind offer but we'll take our leave now" He moved his gaze towards Maya's direction to glare at her hidden figure behind her husband before glancing back at Aria, "This is not the end" He tossed the paper back to her assistant who was quick to take it back.

"No it's not" She shook her head, "I'm just getting started"

Without another words, Eric turned around and gestured for his men to back away. Almost uniformly, the Interpol that surrounded the hall all backed away and walked out, leaving the once eerily silent hall now engulfed with murmurs as people threw accusing looks at the Taya family.

Once they were out, Aria's grin disappeared as her shoulders slumped slightly—one wouldn't notice it if they weren't close.

"Attorney, should I request for security?" Her assistant asked, turning to face her.

Aria shook her head, eyes taking note of the royal guards surrounding the place, "No need" She kept her voice low, for all the emotions she had felt just a couple of minutes ago were taking a toll on her.

Turning around, she glanced at her family and offered them a small smile.