|3rd Person POV|

-After a week in Scotland-

Caroline held her four-year-old daughter's hand as she entered the room of King Charles.

"Good morning, Your Majesty" she said, bowing before him... She looked elegant and beautiful, like a shining sun as always.

"There's nothing good about this morning" he replied, clearly annoyed, throwing some papers aside and standing up from his desk.

"What's wrong, Your Majesty?" she asked, curious to understand what had happened.

"It's none of your business... I'm not in a good mood right now... Take the child to her room" he said without looking at either of them.

Caroline lowered her head to glance at her daughter, Sophia, who was excited to see her father but now bore a sad expression.

Before she could leave, the door opened, and one of the king's ministers entered.

"Your Majesty, it's time" he said respectfully, gesturing toward the door with his hand.

"Let's go" King Charles said angrily, heading for the door quickly and leaving with his minister.

Caroline sighed... Before she left, she noticed some papers on the desk... Intrigued, she approached and began reading them.

She was used to examining the king's documents without his knowledge... Once finished, she took her daughter's hand again and headed to her room.

She sent Sophia off with some maids to play in the garden while she settled onto the couch, sipping a cup of coffee and chatting with her lady-in-waiting, Francisca.

"Your Majesty, I have something very important to tell you" Franziska said, looking pale "I've heard that the king wants to marry his mistress... He's obsessed with the idea of having a male heir"

"I knew this would happen" Caroline sighed, trying to calm herself "This will never happen; I won't allow it... I'll use the people's hatred for him against him... Right now, he's busy trying to get rid of Victoria first, and then, of course, he'll want to get rid of me and frame me for something to have me executed so he can marry that stup girl.. He thinks she'll fulfill his dream and give him a son... All of this will happen only in his dreams"

"Do you have something in mind, Your Majesty?" Francisca asked with curiosity.

"Yes, he has left me no other choice" Caroline said, lifting her gaze and placing her coffee cup down "Has Gregor done what I asked regarding Victoria?"

"Yes, Your Majesty" Francisca replied.

"Good, Tell him I'll meet him in the garden" Caroline said as she stood up, taking a deep breath as she left the room.

This was the first step she would take, and she hoped everything would go as she wanted... for Scotland and for her daughter, Sophia.

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|Victoria's POV|

-In the Ottoman Empire-

"You seem very relaxed these days" my aunt said as she walked beside me, admiring the flowers that looked beautiful this time of year.

"Yes, Mustafa seems to be in good spirits, and he keeps assuring me that he's still willing to help... He wants to get rid of my brother to give me peace" I replied with a smile.

"How is Henry? We haven't seen him in a while" she asked, stopping in her tracks.

"He's well; he sends me letters from time to time" I turned to her and sighed "Although I feel as if he's pressuring me about this whole situation... I know what's best for my country, and the greatest gift I can give is to rid it of a failed king like Charles"

"I pray every day..." she said, placing her hand over her cross "that we find light at the end of this twisted and dark tunnel"

We heard footsteps approaching, and when I turned around, I found it was Mustafa with his guards.

He looked different, almost radiant... At first, I saw him as just a crazy man, and then I felt a bit sorry for him, noticing his innocence...But now, he seemed transformed-smart and aware of everything around him... Those qualities matched his handsome face perfectly... He's somehow Perfect.

"Your Majesty" I said, smiling and bowing with my aunt as he came closer.

"Hello, Lady Catherine... How have you been? We haven't seen each other for a while" he said with a warm smile, glancing at my aunt.

"I'm well, thank you for your kindness; we are enjoying your hospitality and safety" she replied, smiling back...Then she bowed again "I'll go to my room" I could tell she wanted to leave us alone.

He gestured to me with his hand "Shall we continue our walk together?" he asked, his eyes sparkling as they met mine.

"Yes, of course" I replied, exchanging brief but meaningful looks with him before we moved from our spot.

As we walked, we admired the bright tulips and fragrant jasmine... I loved listening to him talk about the garden's beauty... His voice was warm, and I could see how much he cared for this place.

Suddenly, he paused and pointed at a patch of red roses "Wait here"

"Are you planning to steal my heart with roses?" I shouted after him, giggling.

"Well, maybe" he called back, plucking the most beautiful roses he could find... He returned to me, holding the flowers like a prize "Your roses"

"Oh, how lovely!" I exclaimed, taking the roses from him.

I quickly started weaving them together to make a crown, I used to do that the whole time "What do you think? Am I the fairest in the land?" I asked, trying to keep a straight face.

"Absolutely" he said with a serious expression that made me laugh "But beware, princess; with great beauty comes great responsibility"

We both laughed, and I could feel my heart fluttering... As I finished the crown, I placed it on my head "Now I am the princess of the roses" I declared, twirling around to show him.

He took a step closer, looking at me with such admiration "And I am but a humble sultan at your service" he said, his voice low and playful.

I always love it when we exchange small silly jokes; it has become essential in all our conversations. I didn't realize I was still looking into his eyes with a smile on my lips while he was giving me beautiful glances in return.

He leaned in closer, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest...Our lips met in a gentle kiss, surrounded by the beauty of the garden... His fingers brushed my cheek, sending shivers down my spine.. It felt magical, like time had stopped just for us.

As we pulled away, my heart was about to stop, and I was overwhelmed by a wave of emotions. The kiss was sweet, and my admiration for him was clear, but there was something strange that held me back.