A-Game ✔

farewell / episode forty nine / sophia

The late morning sun bathed the gardens of Topkapi Palace in a soft golden glow as Duchess Alexandria Caspersen-Blomberg prepared for her departure. The air was quiet, peaceful even, as the young Duchess went to bid her final goodbyes.

Sophia stood in the garden, watching the scene unfold from a distance. She had grown used to these moments—people coming and going, their lives intertwined with hers for brief, fleeting moments, only to drift apart again. But Alexandria wasn't like the others. The Duchess had been kind, and despite her high rank, she had offered Sophia something far more precious than political games—friendship.

Alexandria approached her, a gentle smile on her face. "Sophia Hatun," she said softly, "I want to thank you for everything. You are unlike anyone I've met in the courts of Europe... or here."

Sophia felt a tug at her heart, uncertain of how to respond. She had never been great at goodbyes. "Thank you, Duchess. You were very kind to me as well. I hope the Sultan will hear your advice, and that your future brings you peace."

The Duchess nodded, her eyes reflecting the understanding between them. "Before I go, I spoke with Sultan Orhan. I reminded him of what is most important," Alexandria said quietly. "And... I told him to get back with you, Sophia. You are special. You remind me of a water lily—so beautiful, pure, and unique."

Sophia blinked, caught off guard. She didn't know how to respond to such a compliment, but her heart fluttered with the possibility. Could Orhan really be thinking of her again, after all that had passed?

Alexandria stepped closer and gave her hand a light squeeze. "Never give up," she whispered. "Fight for your love, until you can't fight anymore."

The Duchess's words lingered in the air as they said their final goodbyes. As Alexandria turned to leave, she made her way over to Hatice and little Şehzade Ahmed, kneeling to greet the child with a soft smile. Sophia watched as the Duchess's presence brought a small joy to those around her, even in her departure.

When Alexandria reached Cihan Sultan, there was a brief exchange, hushed but amiable. "Sultana Cihan, before I leave, I encouraged the Sultan to get you together with Adrien Pasha," the Duchess whispered, giving a small, knowing smile. "It was Sophia's suggestion."

Cihan blushed, trying to maintain her regal composure, but the pink tint in her cheeks betrayed her. "I will keep that in mind, Duchess," she said, her voice soft but tinged with warmth.

After saying her goodbyes, Alexandria left, leaving the palace quieter than before, her absence almost tangible in the air. Yet, her words echoed in Sophia's mind. Fight for your love...

Sophia turned to walk back to her quarters, her thoughts swirling. She had fought so much already. She had stood through betrayals, the rise of Rifat, and the endless politics of the harem. She wasn't sure how much fight she had left in her. But maybe, just maybe, Alexandria was right.

Her walk through the palace hallways was interrupted by the sound of a familiar voice. Imal Agha stepped up to her, his presence commanding as usual. "Sophia Hatun," he said with a respectful nod. "I bring word from the Sultan."

Sophia's heart leaped into her throat. She stared at Imal, waiting for the next words with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

"The Sultan wishes for you to come to his chambers tonight," Imal said, his voice steady and unyielding. "He... has been thinking of you."

Sophia's breath caught, her mind spinning with the weight of the request. She should have felt happy, relieved even, but the truth was more complicated. She didn't know if she was ready, if she could face Orhan after everything that had transpired between them. Rifat had been removed from the picture, but the scars remained. Could she return to Orhan's chambers and not lose herself in the process?

Imal Agha's eyes softened slightly, as though he could sense her hesitation. "You don't have to decide right now, Sophia. Take your time."

Sophia nodded slowly, murmuring a soft thanks before continuing her walk back to her room. But her mind was anything but calm. As soon as she reached her quarters, she found Hatice waiting for her, having just finished her tasks.

Seeing the confusion on Sophia's face, Hatice raised an eyebrow. "What's troubling you, Sophia?"

Sophia sighed deeply, sinking into a chair. "The Sultan wants me to come to him tonight."

Hatice leaned forward, listening intently. "And? What will you do?"

"I don't know," Sophia admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I've been hurt so many times, and now... I'm afraid of what this might mean. I want to go, but..."

Hatice gave her a gentle look, reaching out to hold her hand. "Sophia. I told you before, and I will remind you again one final time. If you still care for him, you must stand strong and fight the fight."

Her friend's words gave Sophia a glimmer of hope, but it wasn't enough to chase away the lingering doubt in her heart. She spent the rest of the afternoon in her chambers, alone with her thoughts, turning over every possibility, every risk.

When night fell, she stood by her window, looking out over the silent gardens below. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft light over the palace grounds. She knew she had to make a decision, and whatever it would be, it would shape the course of her life.

✧ What would she choose?