THE SULTAN'S HEART| MAGNIFICENT CENTURY|

CHAPTER 112

In the quiet moments of familial bliss, Rüstem Pasha sat cradling his twin sons, Osman and Abdullah, each nestled on a sturdy lap. Beside him, his wife Ayse observed the tender scene with a smile, contentment lighting up her features. The twins, at the tender age of five, radiated an innocence that echoed in the peaceful atmosphere of their home.

"Osman," Rüstem whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to the head of the younger twin, his voice carrying the warmth of paternal affection. Turning his attention to Abdullah, the elder of the two, Rüstem bestowed a similar gesture of love. The room seemed to embrace the tranquility of the moment, a sanctuary where familial bonds were cherished.

Ayse, proud and supportive, expressed her joy at the news that her brother Murad had been chosen as the heir. Placing a reassuring hand on Rüstem's shoulder, she conveyed her appreciation for his efforts. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that my brother Murad was chosen as heir," she began, her words carrying a genuine warmth. "I am very pleased with you, Rüstem."

The acknowledgment of Rüstem's role in delivering positive news about Murad to the Sultan was unspoken but deeply understood. In the shared happiness of their family, the intricate threads of influence and affection wove together, creating a tapestry of unity and support.

"Take them," Rüstem commanded one of the maids, who promptly approached and gently scooped up the twins, ready to return them to their playroom. Rüstem and Ayse shared a light-hearted moment, exchanging chuckles as Osman, the younger of the twins, stumbled but quickly recovered, resilient in his pursuit of play.

As the maid left with the twins, the atmosphere shifted, and Rüstem's expression turned somber. He turned to Ayse with a sad smile, his eyes reflecting a weight on his heart. Taking her hands into his own, he rubbed them gently, noticing the chill that had settled there.

"Sehzade Mustafa saddened his majesty greatly when he decided to leave yesterday, but it seems the gods have punished him," Rüstem revealed, his voice carrying a mixture of sorrow and empathy. Ayse's brow furrowed in confusion as she sought to comprehend the cryptic statement.

"What do you mean, my love?" Ayse inquired, her gaze fixed on Rüstem as concern etched her features.

"There was an attack on their camp last night," Rüstem explained, choosing his words carefully. The gravity of the situation hung in the air. "It resulted in the death of Sehzade Mustafa's pregnant concubine."

A gasp escaped Ayse's lips, horror and sympathy mingling on her face. Regardless of their differences and disagreements, the news struck a chord of empathy within her. The tragic events surrounding Mustafa's camp were a stark reminder of the vulnerability that even the royal family could face. In that moment, concerns and conflicts took a back seat, replaced by a shared understanding of the fragility of life and the unpredictable turns it could take.

"My poor brother, he has been waiting for a child for years," Ayse expressed, her head shaking in sorrow. "He must be heartbroken," she sighed, the weight of empathy heavy in her voice. The tragic news had cast a somber shadow over her, and the shared pain of familial loss resonated deep within her.

"That is not all," Rüstem interjected, interrupting the moments of sorrow that hung between them. His words held another layer of distress, causing Ayse's eyes to widen with shock. "Your brother is blaming me for the attack, and he killed one of my men, Ali Agha," Rüstem disclosed, revealing the unsettling turn of events that had escalated the already tragic situation.

Ayse gasped, her shock transforming into a mix of disbelief and mortification. "Who filled his head with such lies?" she questioned, a sense of disbelief tainting her words. The unexpected accusation against Rüstem added another layer of complexity to the unfolding tragedy.