27 stories
Colchester Conquest
Military historian Adanna lectures at Colchester's Roman museum—but the thick Zimbabwean soldier who keeps attending has strategic interests that aren't just academic.
Greenwich Glory
Maritime museum historian Dr. Esther Blake gives the best tours in Greenwich—but when visiting professor David stays after hours, she shows him artifacts not in any exhibition.
Msaylha Castle Keeper | حارسة قلعة المسيلحة
She guards the lonely castle of Msaylha near Batroun. He's the historian who believes it holds secrets no one has found. On isolated cliffs, they uncover each other. 'Inti el sir el maktoum' (أنتِ السر المكتوم).
Nahr el-Kalb Crossing | عبور نهر الكلب
She guides visitors through Nahr el-Kalb's ancient commemoration stones. He's the military historian researching conquest. Between monuments to victory and defeat, they find something worth remembering. 'Inti el wahidi lli istahlet el dhikra' (أنتِ الوحيدة اللي استحلت الذكرة).
Portsmouth Promise
Naval museum guide Folake tells stories of HMS Victory—but the thick Beninese historian who questions every fact becomes the most fascinating story she's ever told.
Rashaya Citadel Keeper | حارسة قلعة راشيا
She curates the museum at Rashaya Citadel, where Lebanon's independence was declared. He's the historian researching that pivotal moment. In halls of freedom, they find their own. 'Inti el istiklal el haqiqi' (أنتِ الاستقلال الحقيقي).
St. Kitts Seduction
Sugar plantation historian Dr. Marlene Baptiste shows visiting professor Thomas that St. Kitts preserves more than history—it preserves passions that burn as hot as the Caribbean sun.
Stirling Surrender
Castle tour guide Chiamaka recounts tales of Scottish warriors—but the thick Malawian history professor who joins her tour wages a campaign of seduction that would make Wallace proud.
The Byblos Antiquarian | صاحبة التحف في جبيل
She deals in ancient artifacts from the world's oldest city. He's the historian who challenges her expertise—and awakens something ancient in her. 'Inti akdam w ajmal min kil shi bi hal mahal' (أنتِ أقدم وأجمل من كل شي بهالمحل).
The Ottoman Bath Keeper | حارسة الحمام العثماني
She maintains the last traditional hammam in Thessaloniki. He's the historian documenting what remains of Ottoman Greece. Their research becomes immersive.
The Ottoman Historian | مؤرخة العثمانيين
She researches Ottoman palace archives in Istanbul. He's the descendant who guards family secrets. Their academic inquiry becomes something more personal.
The Spice Souk's Secret | سر سوق التوابل
In the spice markets of Zanzibar, a merchant's widow meets a visiting historian. Between cloves and cardamom, they discover unexpected chemistry.
Whitechapel Whispers
History professor Chidinma leads Jack the Ripper tours in Whitechapel—and discovers the thick Sierra Leonean author following her tour wants to research something much more pleasurable.
Bougie Beauty
Lila makes traditional candles in Béjaïa—once called Bougie, origin of the word. When historian Jacques arrives tracing etymology, she illuminates more than words. 'El dhou' ywarri' (الضوء يورّي) - Light reveals.
Cherchell Charms
Dalila runs an antique shop in ancient Cherchell. When historian Marc arrives searching for Roman artifacts, she shows him that some treasures can't be purchased—only earned. 'El qadim yebqa' (القديم يبقى) - The ancient remains.
Mitidja Memories
Djamila tends her family's orange groves in the Mitidja Plain. When historian Jean arrives documenting colonial-era agriculture, she shows him that some roots grow deeper than history. 'El jdhour ma yetqal'ouche' (الجذور ما يتقلعوش) - Roots can't be pulled.
حب على الحدود | Border Love of Oujda
A border town merchant discovers passion with a historian studying the cultures that meet in Oujda.
Pearl Diver
Historian Amal documents vanishing pearl diving traditions. When descendant Rashid shares family stories, academic interest becomes something deeper. 'Al lu'lu' al haqiqi nazir' (اللؤلؤ الحقيقي نادر) - True pearls are rare.
Qatif Quarters
Architect Layla restores historic buildings in Qatif's old quarter. When historian Sami collaborates on preservation, their professional respect deepens into passion. 'Al jidran tihki qisas' (الجدران تحكي قصص) - Walls tell stories.
Salisbury Cathedral
Cathedral stone mason Eleanor has spent decades preserving sacred architecture. When historian David researches the medieval builders, he discovers the modern one is equally remarkable.
The Jazz Historian's Harmony
Dr. Evelyn preserves jazz history at the Smithsonian. When a collector donates his father's recordings, they discover some melodies need living instruments.
The Last Keymaker
Abu Salim makes keys for locks that no longer exist—until historian Jana discovers his workshop and learns some doors should never be closed.
Tlemcen Treasure
Amina restores ancient manuscripts at Tlemcen's historic library. When historian Djamel arrives researching his family's past, she helps him uncover treasures in dusty pages—and in each other. 'El 'ilm nour' (العلم نور) - Knowledge is light.
Underwater Discovery
Marine archaeologist Nadia explores Red Sea shipwrecks. When historian Ahmad joins her expedition, they discover treasures beyond artifacts. 'Al bahr yihfiz asraruhu' (البحر يحفظ أسراره) - The sea keeps its secrets.
York History
Ghost tour guide Barbara has told the same stories for thirty years. When American historian Tom wants the real history, she shows him what isn't in the books.
دَرْسُ كَانَ وَأَخَوَاتِهَا | The Lesson of Kana and Its Sisters
A historian widow recounts her past loves to teach a young writer about 'was' and its sisters, each memory more intimate than the last.
Highgate Honey
Cemetery historian Adaeze guides visitors through Highgate's Gothic splendor. When writer Marcus researches his ghost story, she shows him that spirits aren't the only things that can possess you.