|Victoria's POV|

-After a Month-

This month has been somewhat perfect. The political matters progressed smoothly with the help of Suleiman Pasha, and I even thought that when Mustafa returns, I would suggest to him that he appoint Suleiman as his Grand Vizier.

I tried to enjoy motherhood as much as possible... His giggles are like the sweetest melody,... His tiny fingers, so delicate and soft.. His big, hazel eyes are so beautiful just like he's father and his chubby cheeks invite endless kisses.

The only source of annoyance has been Halime Sultan and her daughter, who now spend long hours together. It seems they are frightened of what is to come, fully aware that they are about to face Mustafa. The signs are evident, and the witnesses are plenty; they have dug themselves into a deep, dark pit with no way out.

According to the news we received a few days ago, Mustafa succeeded in his plan, achieving his first victory in history-a great triumph that was supposed to be a painful defeat. Although this happened two months ago, we just learned about it, and he is now on his way back.

If our calculations are correct, he should arrive today. So, I woke up early as usual, prepared myself, and gave orders throughout the palace. I wanted everything to be perfect... suitable for the arrival of Mustafa... my victorious husband... that's what I told myself.

I stood in front of the large open windows in one of the corridors, giving me a clear view of what lay beyond the walls. This is where Mustafa would come from, this is where he would appear... Even though my aunt advised me to wait in one of the rooms, my excitement wouldn't allow it.

As soon as I spotted several horses, my heart leaped with joy. I grabbed my spyglass, and he was the first thing my eyes fell upon. Dressed in black, riding his favorite white horse, it felt like it's been years.

He looked tired yet happy, his face adorned with a beard that made him appear a bit older, as if he were in his thirties. But despite that, he remained incredibly handsome, and everything he did suited him perfectly.

I placed my hand over my heart and turned to Nisa "He has arrived"

As I made my way to my room, everyone was already rushing around. It seemed the sultanas would soon be standing in Mustafa's chamber to welcome him.

"Murad" I said softly, a wide smile spreading across my face as I caressed his cheek "Come on, my dear, this isn't nap time" I carefully lifted him into my arms and planted a kiss on his cheek, inhaling his sweet scent that I could never get enough of "Your father is here" I whispered gently in his ear before heading to Mustafa's chamber.

I stood, as usual, beside Hümaşah Sultan, and just moments later, Sedef Hatun, little Hümaşah Sultan, and my aunt joined us.

Halime was not in the best condition; she wore a black dress and looked pale, while her daughter stood silently beside her, not uttering a word as we waited there together.

Finally, the door opened to reveal Mustafa. Despite the signs of fatigue on his face, that beautiful smile quickly emerged on his lips. What made him even more captivating were his beautiful hazel eyes.

"Aslanim" was the first thing Halime Sultan said as she tried to smile.

"Validem" Mustafa approached her, and after kissing her hand, he looked at her with concern "What's wrong? You look tired"

"I've been a bit unwell these past few days" she said in a weary voice, and I was sure this was just one of her lies; she hadn't been sick at all.

"Have you seen a doctor?" he asked, placing his hand on her forehead as if checking her temperature.

"Don't worry, it's just a bit of fatigue from my high blood pressure" she smiled again "I'll be better soon"

Mustafa nodded and turned to his sister, who smiled back and kissed his hand "I'm happy you're back, Mustafa" she said calmly.

"How are you and your son?" he asked, holding her hand.. I knew how much Mustafa loved his sister, and I wished she loved him back just as much.

"We're fine, Your majesty" she replied, nodding her head.

"Your Majesty... my Mustafa" said Hümaşah Sultan, looking cheerful and trying to spread positive energy everywhere.

"I'm happy to see you" he said, exchanging a brief hug, just like the day he was leaving.

Finally, it was my turn. Since he entered, we had exchanged brief glances, but now we would have a few direct words, and I would savor the sight of he's smile that belonged to me.

"Victoria" he said, as he always did when starting a conversation with me.

He kissed my forehead, then his gaze fell on my hands, where I was holding Murad in his blue blanket. Of course, he would understand that we had welcomed a boy... not that the child's gender mattered to us.

"We were waiting for you, Your majesty, so you could meet your son" Hümaşah Sultan said happily, looking at him with pride.

"I'm so glad to see you, Mustafa" I said with a smile, watching him place his finger between Murad's tiny fingers and kiss his hand.

"I promised you that" he said, lifting his eyes to me with a smile.

He turned to Sedef, who kissed his hand "Welcome back, Your majesty" She took her daughter from the maid and handed her to Mustafa, who held her joyfully.

"My beautiful princess... the apple of my eye" we all smiled as we watched him hug her, then place a kiss on her forehead.

"Is she doing well?" he asked Sedef, even though she was nearly a year old, he was still worried about her health after what happened during her birth.

"Yes, Your majesty, the doctor always says she's fine, and there's no need to worry anymore" Sedef replied then after a moment, she took the baby from him, and everyone left to give him some rest, but he told me to stay.

"I missed you" he said, approaching me.

He ran his fingers gently along my cheek, then pressed a warm, short, sweet kiss on my lips. I knew he wanted to say a lot of things, and I did too, but we were still speechless.

"I missed you too" I replied with a smile, looking into his eyes before handing him Murad "Life here was chaotic without you"

"I still can't believe we have a baby now" he said quietly, careful not to wake Murad, then he motioned for me to sit beside him.

"Tell me how everything went" I said, examining him closely, then I brushed a strand of hair away from his face "What happened during this time?" I was worried because, despite seeing him safe in front of me, fear filled my heart that he might have been hurt or something had happened.

"I'll tell you everything" he replied with a smile, then after ensuring Murad was sound asleep, he stood up and placed him in the bed.

"You look tired; I think you should also rest" I said with a smile. As soon as he sat back down beside me, I raised my hands and began to massage his shoulders.

"Yes, that's a good idea, but first" he took my hand and placed a kiss on it "how about you ask them to prepare the hamam, and I want you to be with me"

"Okay" I placed a kiss beside his neck, then stood up and told two maids to prepare the bath.

After a few moments, I confirmed that Murad was asleep and under the watchful eye of one of the maids, then I headed to Mustafa's private bath.

As soon as I stepped in, memories started flooding my mind-the night I thought I might die.

"Victoria" Mustafa said, pulling me from my thoughts "What's wrong? You look pale... it seems I'm not the only one who needs some rest"

"Oh" I tried to smile, raising my eyebrows "Well, motherhood isn't easy at all"

Mustafa sat in the marble bathtub while I perched on a raised ledge beside him, beginning to massage his shoulders gently with a fragrant oil I had read in a book was good for relaxation.

"So tell me, how did things go these past months?" he asked in a calm voice, looking relaxed.

"This isn't the time for such topics" I replied with a smile, thinking about the mountain of troubles I had to share with him.. I wanted him to relax first and enjoy his victory, then later share the news that would spoil his mood "Today is a day for relaxation"

"Well, there's only one thing that can truly relax me" he gently pulled my hand until it was right in front of him, then with his other hand submerged in the water, he loosened the towel I had wrapped around my body "It's you"

---

|3rd Person POV|

"Caroline!" Charles stormed into her room in anger, causing her to jump in surprise "I know this is all your doing" he said, gripping her chin tightly.

Francesca hurriedly took hold of Sophia's hand. Now five years old, Sophia needed to be kept away from this scene.

Charles was furious because protests had erupted outside the palace for days.

The people were outraged that the king hadn't gone to war himself but he and the other kings of Europe hid in one of the palaces like cowards. They only sent soldiers, forcing all males, even seven-year-old boys, to go despite their lack of experience.

They were easily defeated, which left many mothers weeping for their children. Now, the country was facing a severe crisis, with people on the brink of starvation. Just yesterday, news spread that, amidst this turmoil, the king had gifted his mistress a ring and necklace worth an outrageous sum.

He wasn't stupid enough to miss the animosity his wife, Caroline, held towards him. However, he never took it seriously, believing she was just a foolish woman who couldn't do anything... but now he realized the mess he was in, although it was too late.

"You've ruined everything!" he said, raising his hand and slapping her hard.

Despite the pain, Caroline held her cheek and looked directly into his eyes. She wasn't afraid and felt no guilt... she did what she had to do and was certain of the path she had chosen.

"You've always been stupid, Charles" she laughed sarcastically "I don't even know how you became king.. You've failed at everything in your life, and I believe what history will remember about you is that you were the ruler with the shortest reign in Scottish history-and, of course, the worst"

"And history will remember you..." he gripped her chin tightly again "sorry, it won't remember you" He pushed her away forcefully and shouted to the guards as he left "Lock her up in the room with her daughter and that foolish maid of hers, and don't let her leave ever!"

Caroline watched him leave, knowing he couldn't do anything to her during this time-first, because of his poor relationship with the people and his reputation, and second, because her royal family would be visiting soon. One more thing she was sure of: this was the last time she would see him... alive... The Ottoman army would arrive soon.

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Hey lovelies...I'm sorry for this long chapter but I couldn't divide it into two parts... I didn't see the usefulness in doing so 🤍💌