"Please, God, protect me and those I love. Enlighten my path and save me from this difficult trial. Forgive my sins, for everything I do, I do for the innocent whose lives depend on me. You know what lies within my heart, and you understand the purity of my soul. Keep my body untouched by those who do not deserve it."

After finishing, I pressed a kiss to the cross around my neck and sighed softly.

I lay back on the pillow, my mind heavy with thought. It had been two days since Prince Mehmed left for the hunt, and he would return tomorrow.

These two days had been spent praying for a miracle, or for the prince to meet an untimely end during the hunt.

I couldn't even recall when I became so selfish, but circumstances had shaped me this way. When those you love are desperate for your help, you find yourself forced to make deals with the devil. Offer an innocent life, and he will grant you what you desire. And that was precisely what I was willing to do.

I had no personal animosity toward the Ottoman Empire, but their children would soon become pawns in a malicious game, and I, like a chess piece, was being moved at their will.

She sat with a group of noble British girls in the palace garden, the golden rays of the sun gently caressing their faces, while the flowers released their sweet fragrance into the warm air.

"There are so many princes who have proposed to you, yet you dismiss them so hastily," Elizabeth remarked, casting a knowing glance at Charlotte.

"Indeed," Catherine agreed, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. "Every one of us here has a suitor, a man with whom we will marry." The others nodded in agreement, save Charlotte. "What is it you’re waiting for?"

Charlotte sighed deeply, her thoughts far away. After a moment, she replied, "My father insists that Prince Arthur is an excellent match."

"So, then what's holding you back?" Maria asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

"I’m not sure." Charlotte shook her head, clearly conflicted. "I know all of you will marry princes, some of whom may one day become kings. That’s all well and good for you," she paused, taking a steady breath, "but for me, I haven’t yet found the right person. I feel he is out there somewhere. I don’t know if he’s a prince, a king, a nobleman, or even a poor man, but I believe we will eventually find one another."

After a long pause, Catherine and Elizabeth began to laugh. "Charlotte, you really must stop reading those silly love stories and find yourself a wealthy man who is suitable for your status," Catherine teased, amusement in her eyes.

Charlotte, feeling a surge of irritation, lifted her teacup and said, "In any case, we’re here to enjoy the spring and sip tea, not to debate marriage."

The moment I opened my eyes, the dream came flooding back. It wasn’t just a dream, it was a memory I had lived nearly nine months ago. Was it a sign? Or was it just another night reliving fragments of my past, when I was noble and free, like a butterfly?

Damn.

It’s the promised day.

Tonight, I will meet the Prince, and I am not ready.

I got up and helped tidy our space. They prepared breakfast, but I couldn’t eat a thing, nor could I register a word Alice was saying, she talks endlessly. I truly envy her boundless energy.

My thoughts snapped back when I heard Mehmet’s name.

"Eylem, I heard Şehzade Mehmet returned early this morning," one of the girls said, walking closer. "Will he see you today?"

Eylem’s brows arched, already defensive. "What does it matter to you? My Şehzade needs rest."

The girl laughed mockingly. "Oh, that’s right. Tonight, another blonde will be visiting him. What was her name again?" She scanned the room while I silently prayed for the ground to swallow me.

"There—Mary." She pointed straight at me.

Shock swept across Eylem’s face. She jumped to her feet and stormed toward me. "Is that true?"

I raised a brow. "What does it matter to you?"

"You can’t do this," she snapped. "I won’t allow it."

Annoyed, I stood up. "Then stop me. You’re the most irritating pregnant woman I’ve ever met."

She stared, speechless, as I stormed off. I was supposed to go to the baths. Honestly, I don’t understand why these women are all fighting over one man. Where I come from, men are the ones competing for beautiful women.

I headed to the baths with Fahriye Kalfa and took a seat. For the first time since arriving here, a maid was assigned to wash my hair and tend to me properly.

Later, in a room overflowing with gowns and jewels, Fahriye Kalfa held up four dresses for me to choose from.

"If you want my opinion, the light blue one would suit you best," she said, holding it out.

Did they think I had no sense of style? I used to have gowns made just for me. Still, there was no point in saying that.

I simply nodded. "Alright. I’ll wear it."

After more than an hour of having my hair elegantly arranged, my face carefully tended to, and being dressed in my gown with the finest selection of jewels, I was, at last, ready to be presented.

"This is strange," Fahriye Kalfa murmured, adjusting the bodice of my gown.

I raised a brow. "What is?"

She hesitated for a moment, then leaned in and whispered, "I heard something… I’m not entirely sure, but they say Şehzade Mehmet was injured during the hunt. Yet, there’s been no word of canceling tonight."

I couldn’t tell whether to feel anxious or relieved. Something didn’t feel right. "If that were true, the entire palace would know."

She shook her head. "Not necessarily. Hürrem Sultan might want to keep it quiet—to avoid giving anyone the chance to act recklessly."

Her reasoning made sense. In truth, I hoped he was injured—just enough to avoid seeing me.

As I stepped out of the harem, I could feel the weight of their stares—most of the girls looked as if they’d strike me if given the chance. Alice, ever cheerful, offered me a radiant smile—more thrilled than I was myself.

At last, I stood before his door. Ali Agha entered ahead of me, remaining inside only briefly before returning and gesturing for me to step in.

My heart nearly stopped.

I took a few steps forward without lifting my gaze. That’s all I could truly remember. When Fahriye Kalfa was giving me instructions, my mind was elsewhere.

I couldn’t help but think, perhaps it won’t be me who ends the prince’s life, but rather he who orders my execution.