Duvarları içinde - within the walls

Chapter 32

Mihrimah waited for the arrival of the Bey her uncle Osman wanted her to meet. She took a deep breath. This meeting was not just a formality, it was also a matter of duty, of loyalty to her uncle and the tribe. And yet, her heart felt heavy.

A distant figure on horseback slowly grew larger as it approached. Mihrimah watched as the rider came into view. Demir Bey was a tall, broad-shouldered man. His dark eyes were sharp, and his neatly trimmed beard framed a face that was both handsome and serious. His presence showed strength and confidence, the kind of qualities one would expect in a leader. But Mihrimah felt no spark of connection as she watched him approach.

As he dismounted and walked toward her, Mihrimah straightened her posture and smiled politely.

''Hos geldin to the Kayi tribe, Demir Bey. '' she greeted him.

The Bey returned her nod with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. ''Thank you, Mihrimah Hatun. It is an honor to be here. ''

''The honor is ours,'' she replied. ''Allow me to show you around our tribe.''

She gestured for him to follow her, leading him through the tribe. As they walked, Mihrimah pointed out various areas of importance; the training grounds where the Alps honed their skills, the rug house where the Hatuns weaved rugs, and the tents where the women prepared food. She spoke with ease, explaining the daily life of the Kayi tribe and the values they held dear. The Bey listened attentively, occasionally asking questions about their customs and traditions.

But despite her outward composure, Mihrimah's thoughts were elsewhere. She couldn't shake the feeling of detachment. The Bey was courteous, intelligent, and clearly a capable leader, but none of that mattered to her. She had no interest in him, not in the way that mattered.

As they were a group of women preparing food, Mihrimah noticed one of the women glancing curiously at her and Demir Bey. She quickly averted her gaze, but Mihrimah could hear the whispers that would follow about the possibility of her marrying this man. She pushed the thought aside, focusing on her duty. This was what was expected of her, after all.

They continued their tour, eventually making their way to a small grove. The sound of a nearby stream filled the air. Mihrimah paused by the water's edge, turning to face the Bey.

''This is one of my favorite places,'' she said with a soft voice. ''It's a place where I come to read or think. ''

The Bey looked around. ''It's a beautiful spot.'' he acknowledged. ''A place where one can reflect on the challenges ahead. ''

Mihrimah nodded. She was happy for his understanding. Her gaze drifted to the flowing water. ''Yes, it is. ''

There was a moment of silence between them. Mihrimah could sense Demir Bey's eyes on her, and she felt a little unease. She knew that this was more than just a tour, but a test, a chance for both to assess whether they could be more than just allies.

''Mihrimah Hatun.'' Demir Bey began. ''I have heard much about you. Your reputation as a strong and capable leader precedes you. I can see why Osman Bey values you so highly.''

''Thank you. '' Mihrimah replied. ''I strive to serve my tribe in whatever way I can.''

Demir Bey took a step closer. ''I also know that a union between us would strengthen our tribes, creating a bond that would be beneficial for both our people. I am willing to consider this alliance, if you are. ''

Mihrimah met his gaze. Her mind was racing. She had expected this, of course. It was the reason for his visit. But now that the moment was here, she felt conflicted. Her duty to her uncle and the tribe was clear, but her heart was not in this.

''I understand the importance of an alliance like this.'' she said carefully. ''But I believe that any union should be based on mutual respect and understanding, not just duty.''

Demir Bey studied her for a moment. ''I agree, '' he finally said. ''And I believe that in time, respect and understanding can grow between us. ''

Mihrimah nodded, though her heart remained heavy. ''Perhaps,'' she dared to say. ''But I also believe that such things cannot be forced. They must come naturally. ''

There was another pause, and Mihrimah could sense Demir Bey considering her words. He was a man of duty, just as she was, but she wondered if he understood the deeper meaning behind her words. That she was not ready to commit to something that did not feel right in her heart.

''Of course. '' the Bey said at last. ''I would not want to force anything. I respect your thoughts, Mihrimah Hatun.''

She offered him a small smile. She was relieved that he had not pressed the matter further. ''Thank you.''

They stood by the stream for a while longer, making polite conversation about their respective tribes and the challenges they faced. But for Mihrimah, the conversation felt distant, as if she were speaking from behind a wall. Her thoughts kept drifting to Konur, to the feelings she had for him that she had not yet fully explored.

When they finally returned to the Bey's tent, Mihrimah felt a sense of relief wash over her. The tour had been necessary but had also been exhausting. She knew that her uncle would expect a report on her impressions of Demir Bey, and she wasn't sure how she would navigate that conversation.

As they approached the Bey's tent, Demir Bey turned to her. ''Thank you for showing me around, Mihrimah Hatun. I appreciate your honesty and your honesty. I hope that whatever the future holds, we can find a way to strengthen our tribes."

Mihrimah nodded. ''I hope so as well, Bey.''

With that, he bid her farewell and entered the tent to speak with Osman. Mihrimah watched him go.

As she turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of Konur in the distance, speaking with a group of Alps. Their eyes met briefly, and Mihrimah felt a pang of longing in her chest. She knew that her duty to the tribe was important, but she also knew that her heart was pulling her in a different direction.

Word count: 1034