Until Forever - Behiç Sultan ✔

21 | Wise

Power is never truly given; it's taken, molded, and wielded by those who dare. - Behic Sultan

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Five years had passed since Abdul first ascended the throne, and not a day went by that I didn't feel the weight of my decisions. I had been the regent, the shadow behind the Sultan, guiding him through the complexities of ruling an empire. Now, at sixteen, he was beginning to step into the role on his own. But it was still my hand that steadied the empire when the winds of politics blew too fiercely.

I watched from the balcony as Abdul addressed the court below. His voice was strong, commanding even. He had grown into a fine young man, more sure of himself than I ever thought possible. The shy boy I had comforted on his coronation day was gone, replaced by a ruler who carried the burden of an empire on his shoulders.

Yet, I couldn't let go completely. Power was truly...powerful.

"Mother?" Abdul's voice interrupted my thoughts. I hadn't heard him approach, his tall figure now standing beside me, looking out over the city.

"Yes, my son?" I replied, turning to face him.

"I wanted to thank you," he said, his tone softer now, more personal. "For everything. You've been more than a mother; you've been my guide. I couldn't have done this without you."

A pang of bittersweet pride swelled in my chest. "You are your own man now, Abdul. I merely helped you see the path."

His gaze shifted back to the city, thoughtful. "But I feel it, you know? The struggle for power. Some of the advisors... they doubt me, even now."

"Let them doubt," I said firmly, placing a hand on his arm. "They doubted me too. But power is something you command, not something they grant you."

He nodded, though I could see the weight of his own thoughts pressing down on him. The court had its factions, its whispers of discontent. Some believed Abdul was too young, others resented the influence I still had. But I had prepared him for this. The last five years had been spent not just governing, but teaching him how to play the game.

"Abdul," I said, turning to fully face him, "you must never forget—trust is rare, and loyalty is even rarer. But fear? Fear is always at your disposal."

He glanced at me, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. "I'm beginning to see that," he said quietly. "Sometimes, I wonder if Father ever faced these same doubts."

"Your father had his battles," I admitted. "But he always had faith in you. And I have faith in you."

He smiled slightly, though I could see the determination beneath it. He had become stronger, more assertive. The advisors who once tried to manipulate him now found themselves outwitted. His father would be proud of the ruler he was becoming.

But still, I knew there was more to come. The empire had its enemies, both within and beyond its borders. And while Abdul had grown into a fine ruler, the real test was still ahead.