Duvarları içinde - within the walls

Chapter 31

A few days had passed since Mihrimah and Konur's moment at the river. The close friends and Mihrimah's family had also noticed the change in their relationship.

Osman and Gunduz felt more protective of their only niece, but Selcan warned them not to ruin things.

But the piece was short-lived.

Barkin Bey, who had gotten hold of Mihrimah's note about the tribe and had investigated why she was so secretive about it. and it was more than worth the trouble. The Beyaz Ayi* tribe was a tribe that was located deep in the mountains. It was a bigger tribe known as Kara Karga* that was the main tribe amongst smaller ones around Turkey. They also had smaller territories and alliances in countries between Turkey and Arabia. All those tribes had an alliance. The Kara Karga tribe was a tribe of nomads, so they often traveled around its territories.

But in the Beyaz Ayi tribe lied Mihrimah's biggest secret.

But that was just one of her many problems at the moment.

Barkin Bey and Selvi Hatun had a plan. A plan to ruin the relationship between Mihrimah and Osman. They knew a Bey whom Selvi's father was in alliance with, and of course he had a son. His name was Demir Bey.

Barkin suggested for Osman to make an alliance through marriage as the Bey's son was looking for a wife. Not just any Hatun, but a Hatun like Mihrimah. Strong, independent, and with a sense of duty.

Mihrimah sat alone on the bridge. People around her were busy with work and enjoyed the piece.

But inside her mind, there was anything but peace. Her heart was heavy and torn. Her duty to her uncle Osman and the tribe, and her growing feelings for Konur.

The same morning, Osman had summoned her to his tent. The look in his eyes had been serious. He had spoken to her about the importance of alliances, the future of the Kayi tribe, and the role she could play in securing that future.

''Mihrimah,'' he said. ''You know how much I value you and your independence. You've proven time and again that you are strong, capable, and loyal to our tribe. But now there is a matter that requires your attention, something that could strengthen our position even further.''

She knew that whatever he was about to say would carry great weight.

''There is a Bey. A friend of Barkin Bey.'' Osman continued with a heavy heart. ''He has shown interest in forming an alliance with us through marriage. His father's tribe is strong, and such a union would be greatly beneficial for both our people. But of course, I'll let you choose.''

Mihrimah felt her heart sink at his words. She knew that a topic like this could happen to resurface. But as she listened to her uncle, all she could think about was Konur.

Konur, who had stood by her side through so many challenges, Konur, who had confessed his feelings for her and who had made her question everything she thought she knew about love. Konur, who had become more than just a friend.

When Osman finished speaking, Mihrimah only nodded. Her expression was neutral. She knew she couldn't openly defy him with this situation.

But now, sitting alone, Mihrimah felt the weight of the decision she would have to make. Her duty to the tribe had always been clear to her. But now, for the first time, her heart was pulling her in a different direction, one that seemed at odds with her sense of duty.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. She knew she needed to think clearly, but it was difficult when every thought of marrying another Bey contradicted her newfound feelings for Konur.

She heard a crouching on the ground that made her open her eyes. To her surprise, it was Konur. He could clearly see that she tormented.

''Mihrimah.'' Konur said quietly. ''I heard that Osman Bey spoke with you. I wanted to see if you're alright.''

Mihrimah tried to muster a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. ''I'm fine, Konur. Just...thinking.''

She stood up and held the railings of the bridge.

He stepped closer. ''I can see that something is troubling you. Tell me.''

His kindness and his understanding made her heart hurt even more. She felt as if she were standing on the edge of a cliff.

''Emmi asked me to marry another Bey, Konur.'' Mihrimah finally said. ''For the good of the tribe. To secure an alliance. If I choose to do so.''

Konur's expression didn't change, but she could see the pain in his eyes. He nodded slowly, as if he had expected this but was still struggling to process it.

''And how do you feel about that?'' he asked.

''I don't know.'' she admitted with a slight trembling voice. "I've always known that this could happen. Emmi wouldn't ask me if it wasn't important. It is not the first time I had an arranged marriage. He died, but I was younger then and I knew the one I was arranged to marry, so I didn't protest, even though I didn't love him. But he died. I've always known that I have a duty to my family and to the tribe. But...''

She trailed off. She was unsure of how to finish that sentence. But what? But she had feelings for someone else? But she didn't want to marry someone she didn't love. As always, she wanted to choose her own path, even if it meant going against her uncle's wishes.

''But?'' Konur asked gently.

Mihrimah looked up at him. ''But I can't go through with it. I can't marry someone else when... when I care about you.''

The words hung in the air between them. Konur's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. He knew that she usually had a hard time expressing her feelings.

''Mihrimah.'' he said softly. ''I never wanted to put you in this position. I never wanted my feelings for you to cause you pain or confusion.''

''It's not your fault.'' she replied quickly. ''I'm the one who's torn between duty and... what I feel.''

Konur wanted to reach out and take her hand but refrained. ''You don't have to decide your entire future in this moment. But whatever you choose, know that I'll support you. Whether you marry this Bey or not, whether you choose duty or your heart, I'll be here for you.''

Konur gave her a small, reassuring smile before he turned and left her alone.

Word count: 1072