Not One Sided

2. Engraved on a heart

Melikşah's POV

I woke up. It was a nightmare. A horrible one. Why did I see Elçin hatun? She has left and I've nothing to do with her anymore.
I hope she stays safe there.
The nightmare made me really frightened. I can't explain in words what I saw. Somehow, I slept consoling myself.

Next morning, I decided to finally sort things out. That's why I asked everyone to gather in the court.
Everyone meant the obvious ones: Terken, Hace, Tapar and Kamaç.

Eventually, the time had arrived. The treasure of secrets and lies which was kept closed since many years had to open.

Before anyone could speak anything, I began myself,
"Firstly, we're all well aware of the incidents that've happened lately. Başulu is dead, and I've learnt that Sencer is my son.
It's the time to disclose the secrets. I'll address our people and tell them about all of this.
Moreover, Sencer will stay with us in the palace as my son."

Hace's face turned almost pale. He tried to speak but couldn't gather enough courage as he knew that the truth he had been hiding since years, had injured me deep inside.

The others too had nothing to say.
I further added,
"Another thing, Safiye abla 'll be arriving today. She'll serve as the new Baş Hatun. I'm sure her presence 'll help this palace recover.
Now, All of you can leave."

Hace, Kamaç and Tapar left agreeing to my words. But Terken kept standing, as though she was waiting for everyone to leave so that she could speak.

"Sultanım.." she told in a very soft tone.

"Ne?" I asked quite stiffly.

"The accusations that Elçin hatun has..."

Before she could complete, I signalled my hand to her.

"I don't want to discuss about this topic. I'll arrive at a conclusion only after obtaining enough evidences. But one thing's for sure, you've begun to lose my trust Terken. You may leave.."

And she left the court with tear-filled eyes. I don't know if those tears were genuine or ...

Elçin's POV

"Elçin hatun, we're really glad that you've returned. This place seemed so empty without your presence. We thought you might not return and stay in the palace. Now that you've returned, we're sure things 'll be better for us." one of the soldiers told this, while others too were gathered.

"I too am very glad to have returned to my land, to've returned to the place where I actually belong to. I spent enough time in Isfahan but now, I'm here to address the grievances of my own people, my own tribe. 'll try to rule and maintain  peace in Anatolia in the best possible way. And this is, my promise!"

I hadn't felt so confident lately. People hoped much from me. And I would always want to stand beyond their expectations.

A few moments later, one soldier came running to me.
"Elçin hatun, some soldiers have arrived. They say they're Emperor Markus' soldiers, and they have something important to deal with you."

"Deal?" I asked quite confusedly.
"Tamam, I'm coming."

There stood a few men. One of them came forward to speak.

"We recently learnt that Sultan Melikşah sent you here to fulfill your duties. So, we've come here to deal with you. We're not going to waste much time but talk very straight forwardly. We can help you in ruling Anatolia and making it a better place for everyone provided you join hands with us against Melikşah. You're not going to achieve anything under these Seljuks. Come, shake hands with us! We can ruin the Seljuks together."

He kept uttering these words in overconfidence.
I smiled scornfully then answered,
"Are you aware of what you're speaking? If you would've come to me earlier with this proposal, I might've accepted it. But now, I'm not a fool to be driven by your words. Return to where you've come from. I don't pay heed to Seljuk's foes."

"Think again. You'll regret at your decision. We can prosper together and also provide you with what Melikşah can never."

My temper was almost out of control. I could've slapped him for his disgusting words, but I didn't.

"Defol git." I shouted.
And they left with revengeful eyes.

They came, stood before me and asked me to join hands with them and revenge the man whose name is engraved on my heart. That would never happen. Asla!

In the evening, I blew off the candles and was preparing to sleep in my 'yurt'.
Just a few seconds later, I sensed a breath behind me.

__________________
Ne? - What?
Tamam - Alright
Defol git- Get lost
Asla - Never
Yurt - A circular tent of felt or skins used by nomads in Turkey