Kader : Blossoming Love

1

Bileçik Castle, Söğut

"Can I get you something, my lady?"

"No, I do not need anything at the moment. You may retreat."

*I sat down on my bed, blowing out the candle on my nightstand and then laying myself down to sleep. I was halfway asleep when I heard something rustling around my room. I grab the dagger under my pillow but am stopped when a masked figure pins my hand to the matress and shuts my mouth with his hand.*

"I would not do that if I were you, Hatun."

*I manage to free my mouth from his hand by wiggling my head.*

"Let go of me and tell me who you are and why you are in a lady's private chamber?!"

*He pulls the covers over us and gazes at me with intensity. He then removes his mask. He was certainly attractive and had the most beautiful hazel eyes I had ever seen in a man. He spoke up in a whisper.*

"I will let you in in a secret about my identity. Just promise you will not scream or draw attention to yourself, as it could end badly for us both."

"What if I do not keep the promise?"

"Then... You and I are in big trouble. Very big. We would not want that, do we, Princess?"

"Fine. I will not draw attention to us. Now tell me who you are."

"Alright. I am Orhan Bey. The son of the one and only Osman Bey."

"Tsk. The son of Bey would not barge into the room of a Tekfur's daughter at night and hide under the covers like a fool. Orhan Bey my a-"

*He presses a finger to my lip. Due to the sudden touch, my body freezes for a moment. He then speaks up again."

"Shhh. Someone is coming. Stay quiet."

*The door opens with a big, loud 'bang', and several silhouettes could be seen through the covers. Then, an authoritative voice spoke up, which I could recognize as my fathers.*

"WHERE IS HE? WHERE COULD THAT BASTARD BE HIDING?! SEARCH THE ENTIRE ROOM! NOW!"

*I could hear the soldiers looking through the room. I then heard footsteps approaching the bed. I was sweating due to fear and shut my eyes. I then felt the covers being lifted.*

"Holofira?! What is the meaning of this!? Why is Orhan Bey in your bed and most importantly on top of you?!"

*I look up to my dad and look at Orhan before looking back at my father.*

"Father, this is not what it seems like. It is a simple misunderstanding."

"Your daughter is ri-"

*Orhan Bey tried to reaffirm my claim but was cut off by my father.*

"ENOUGH! I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR IT! SOLDIERS, TAKE HIM FROM THE BED AND RESTRAIN HIM!"

*In the next few moments, Orhan Bey gets taken away and restrained, my father unsheathing his sword and aiming it at Orhan's neck. I yell out.*

"DO NOT EXECUTE HIM. WHAT WILL YOU SAY TO OSMAN BEY ONCE HE FINDS OUT THAT HE GOT BEHEADED? HOW WILL YOU EXPLAIN THIS?! IF YOU ARE GOING TO PUNISH HIM, AT LEAST AGREE TO PUNISHMENT TERMS WITH OSMAN BEY."

*My father spoke up once more.*

"Are you defending him? Are you? Fine. I will take this matter to Osman Bey. Holofira, put on your cloak. We are going to the Kayi Tribe. Now."

*I hastily grab my cloak, putting it over my body and fastening it with a pin. Orhan gets brought into a cage, and I sat inside the carriage while my father was riding with his horse.*