A-Game ✔

what was seen in the hall / episode thirty two / orhan

Orhan sat at the head of the table in the Grand Council chamber, his advisors discussing plans for their upcoming ventures. His mind, however, was not in the room. He nodded absentmindedly, half-listening as they detailed strategies for the expansion into Persia. The words fell around him like echoes in a distant tunnel. Normally, his focus would be sharp, his ambition driving every decision, but today, his thoughts were elsewhere—drifting back to Rifat.

He couldn't shake the unease that had settled in his chest since receiving word earlier that morning. Rifat, his newest favorite, had collapsed. Whispers of her possible pregnancy had already spread through the palace, igniting a wildfire of speculation. He had tried to stay composed, to continue his duties as Sultan without distraction. But now, as the minutes dragged on, he found himself itching to leave the council chamber.

A knock at the door interrupted the council's debate on trade routes. Orhan's gaze snapped to the door as it creaked open, revealing one of the palace attendants, her face pale with urgency.

"Sultan Orhan," she said, bowing low. "I bring word from the infirmary... Rifat Hatun has awakened."

Orhan's heart leapt into his throat. He felt the eyes of his councilors on him, waiting for his response. His grip tightened on the armrest of his seat, fingers curling into the intricate woodwork. He couldn't ignore this—not now. Not when so much could be at stake.

"I must go," he said abruptly, standing from his seat. "Continue without me."

The room fell silent as he strode toward the door, the councilors exchanging glances but saying nothing. As Sultan, his word was final.

Orhan left the chamber quickly, his footsteps echoing in the marble corridors. The halls seemed endless as he made his way toward the infirmary, a thousand thoughts swirling in his mind. Was it true? Could Rifat really be with child? A part of him wanted to believe it—an heir would solidify his rule, ensure the future of the dynasty. But another part of him, deep down, felt... conflicted.

His mind wandered, unbidden, to Sophia.

He hadn't seen her in weeks, not since Rifat had entered his life and taken so much of his attention. Yet, despite the time apart, she lingered in his thoughts. There was something about Sophia—her grace, her quiet strength—that he couldn't forget. Even as Rifat had become his favorite, even as she had filled his nights, it was Sophia who haunted his waking moments.

Why did he still think of her? She had made it clear that she might never bear him a child, something that, as Sultan, he should have cared deeply about. And yet, when he was with Sophia, that didn't seem to matter.

Orhan's pace quickened as he approached the infirmary, his pulse racing with anticipation. He had to know the truth about Rifat, even if it meant facing the questions that had been gnawing at him for weeks.

As he neared the door, something caught his eye—a figure, standing at the far end of the corridor. He slowed, his heart skipping a beat. For a moment, he thought it was Sophia. The way the figure stood, her posture... it had to be her.

But when he blinked, the figure was gone, the corridor empty. He shook his head, cursing himself for letting his imagination get the better of him.

It wasn't Sophia. It couldn't be.

He pushed the thought aside and entered the infirmary.

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The room was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of herbs and incense. Rifat lay on a plush bed, her dark hair splayed out across the pillows. Her skin was pale, her lips faintly parted as she rested, still recovering from her collapse. Several physicians hovered nearby, speaking in hushed tones.

Orhan stepped forward, and the physicians immediately bowed and parted, giving him space. He looked down at Rifat, her face serene despite the chaos that had erupted in the harem.

"How is she?" Orhan asked, his voice quieter than usual.

One of the older physicians, a man with a silver beard, stepped forward and bowed again. "Sultan Orhan, Rifat Hatun has regained consciousness. However, we are still uncertain... it will take time to determine whether she carries your child."

Orhan's jaw tightened. The uncertainty gnawed at him. He wanted answers—now. But he knew that rushing the process wouldn't change anything.

"Has she spoken?" Orhan asked, his gaze fixed on Rifat's still form.

"Not yet, my Sultan," the physician replied. "She is resting, but she should awaken soon."

Orhan nodded, his mind swirling with thoughts. He stood there, watching her breathe, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. Rifat had become a central figure in his life so quickly, but was this truly what he wanted? Was this what his heart desired?

He thought again of the figure in the hallway, the fleeting image of Sophia that had flickered in his mind. A wave of guilt washed over him.

He knew he shouldn't be thinking of her, not now. Not when Rifat could be carrying his future. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ

Time passed slowly in the infirmary. Orhan remained by Rifat's side, waiting for any sign that she was waking. The physicians continued their quiet work, checking her pulse, preparing remedies, but Orhan barely noticed.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Rifat stirred.

Her eyes fluttered open, dark lashes blinking against the dim light. She turned her head slightly, her gaze locking onto Orhan. A slow, almost lazy smile spread across her lips, as if she knew exactly why he was there.

"Sultan," she murmured, her voice soft but clear.

Orhan stepped closer, leaning over her. "How do you feel?" he asked, his tone gentle.

Rifat's smile widened, though there was something in her eyes—something sly, almost triumphant. "I feel... well, my Sultan. Though I've been told there are many rumors."

Orhan didn't respond immediately. He watched her closely, searching her face for any sign of truth. Did she know? Could she already feel it—whether or not she carried his child?

"I came to see you," he said simply.

Rifat reached out, her fingers brushing against his hand. "You've done more than that, my Sultan. You've given me more than I ever dreamed."

Orhan swallowed, his throat suddenly tight. He could feel the weight of her words, the power they held. She was claiming her place in his life, in his future. And yet, that same voice in the back of his mind whispered Sophia's name.

The uncertainty clawed at him, but for now, he pushed it down. He would have to wait for the truth to reveal itself.

For now, all he could do was play the part expected of him.