Duvarları içinde - within the walls

Chapter 25

A/N

The Vizier's arc is finally over, and we can move to the next arc of season 3, where Nikola's master Arius arrives. Now we are at episode 85, and the next chapters will cover episodes 85–89.

I was looking through the previous chapters and realized that I had forgotten everything about Serkan and Eva. To compensate for my forgetfulness, they'll return!

This will be a longer chapter, as there has been much to cover.

In the Bey's tent, Mihrimah awkwardly stood before Mesud while they waited for Osman to arrive.

Sultan Mesud was seated on the Bey's seat. His dark eyes bore into her silver ones, and she already knew that he was a man not easily impressed or swayed.

''Mihrimah.'' Sultan Mesud began. ''You have requested that this audience speak of matters of great importance. What is it that you wish to tell me?''

''Sultan Mesud, I have witnessed the devastation caused by Alemshah's actions firsthand. He has torn families apart, sought betrayal, and sought to undermine your authority.'' Mihrimah said.

''I've received a letter from him saying that he was to marry a woman with sultanate blood. What are the names of your family with the same blood as yours?''

''My mother's name was Güneş, and I have been told that my grandmother's name was Ayça.''

''Ayşe Sultan'im.'' he repeated, almost to himself. ''I remember her. She was my uncle's daughter* You say she was your grandmother?"

''Yes, Sultan.'' Mihrimah confirmed. ''She was the late's Bamsi Bey's first wife. I only know that at some point in my mother's life she left my grandfather.''

Sultan Mesud's gaze softened slightly. ''That's why you look familiar, Mihrimah. Now that you mention it, there is something about you that reminds me of her. I knew your grandmother, Mihrimah. I met her as a child. She left many impressions on me, as she did on many others. She wasn't the average hatun you see these days. Always made trouble.''

The Sultan studied her for a moment longer before nodding. ''Very well, Mihrimah. You have my attention. What is it that you seek from me, knowing now that you have this connection to someone I deeply respect?''

''Sultan Mesud, I only ask of you to listen to what my uncle says. My Bey, Osman Bey, has to say.''

Fortunately, at the same moment, Osman and Boran entered the tent, and Mihrimah moved slightly behind Osman, who stood at the center of the tent and greeted Sultan Mesud. ''Now it is time to answer my questions, Osman.''

''Sultan'im, there is not a single move that I cannot answer for. What do you want me to answer for?''

''You killed the Vizier of Seljuk in front of me. You did to him what you couldn't do to me! I won't waste my time by counting your rebellious actions. The thing I want to talk about will be your death warrant!''

''Sultan'im, your decision is not fair. If Vizier Alemshah were alive, he would have told you everything. But he didn't have enough time. Instead, others will talk in his stead.''

Osman turned his head to Boran and motioned for him to fetch the other parties involved.

Konur and Turgut Bey came in, holding two of Alemshah's men, and pushed them down on their knees. Mihrimah and Konur made eye contact for a split second until his eyes wandered to her hands and he looked back at her. She gave him a tight smile and a small nod to confirm that she was fine.