|Victoria's POV|

I was walking behind the maid I learned was named Nisa, who would be at my service for the duration of my stay here.

"I don't think this is the way to Sultan Mustafa's chamber" I said as I walked beside her, noticing that we were taking a path I had never seen before.

"Your Highness, the Sultan is waiting for you in the garden, not in his room" she replied calmly with a small smile on her lips, and we continued on our way.

After a short distance, we arrived at the garden... Without the stars, the moon, and some firelight, we wouldn't have been able to see anything in this place.

She gestured with her hand, indicating that I would continue on my own... I lifted my head to see a large tent-like structure where some guards were standing, and I could see that someone was sitting on a long throne.

I took a deep breath; only moments ago, I had been preparing myself for the worst-case scenario, fearing this could be a trap to lure me in and kill me... I could trust no one at all; that's the first rule.

"Your Majesty" I stood in front of the throne and bowed slightly before raising my head to see Sultan Mustafa, who seemed very focused on playing chess, and my voice had pulled him from his concentration.

"Oh... Princess Victoria!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement "You've arrived! The stars must have aligned just for this moment.. Wait! what are you doing here?"

"Your Majesty" I felt a bit tense; he was truly unpredictable, and I could expect anything from him "You were the one who told them you wanted to meet me"

"Really? Did I?" He placed his hands behind his back "Yes, yes! I wanted to share dinner with you... Shhhh keep your voice down! We don't want the shadows to hear us and report back to my mother, do we? The shadows are always listening!"

"Oh" I paused for a moment to process this, then nodded my head, realizing I should go along with it and be grateful that he wanted to meet me "Yes, of course"

I sat in the spot he had indicated, and he returned to playing chess, seemingly indifferent to my presence.

The minutes of silence stretched on, and I felt I was in an awkward position... Did he call me here just to place me in front of him like a statue while he immersed himself in his game? I thought we would discuss why I was here and what I wanted... Damn, what was I expecting from a Sultan playing chess alone?

After thinking for a long while, I decided I should do something since this was an opportunity that didn't come every day, and I needed to take advantage of the fact that we were alone here, and his mother wasn't around.

"I also grew up playing chess" I said with a smile trying to catch his attention.

"Really?" he shouted, eyes gleaming with a manic delight "Tell me, do you hear the whispers of the pawns? They tell stories... and you know what? I am unbeatable at chess! The board is my kingdom, and every piece is my loyal subject!"

"Yes, yes, of course, Your majesty" I replied, a hint of concealed tension beneath my strange smile...I could see so much in his eyes; he spoke of illogical and strange things, but I couldn't help but wonder what had led him to all of this.

"Come on, let us play together" he said in a somewhat commanding tone, then raised his hand to one of the guards "When we finish, I want our dinner to be ready"

I watched the guard leave, then began to play chess with the Sultan... I couldn't deny how good he was at this game, and this also brought me back to realize something else: he might be mad, but he was certainly not foolish.

"Do you know what I love about chess?" He raised his hand and moved one of the pawns "When I die, I can try again... It reminds me of a time I was close to death, but fate had other plans" He threw his hands open and shouted with excitement, causing me to jump in my seat "And look at me now-I'm the Sultan!"

If there was one thing I had just decided, it was that I wanted to know the story from the beginning... Understanding his secrets would greatly help me get close to him in the coming days and gain his trust.

"Even though you have just taken the throne, I am sure you will accomplish great things, Your Majesty" I said with a smile... When I looked back at the chessboard, I smiled because I had just realized that I had been defeated.

"Princess Victoria" he said out of nowhere in a serious tone "why are you here exactly? I know everyone wants something from me"

I looked into his eyes with some shock... Since meeting him days ago, I had seen many things in his eyes, but for the first time, in this moment, I saw-or perhaps imagined-that behind this madman, there was a rational person who occasionally showed up.

I didn't know, but I was certain he was there somewhere, and I swore I had just seen him... I couldn't speak because he interrupted me as he continued.

"I mean, perhaps you want something-gold? Power?" His eyes widened dramatically "Or maybe you want my throne!"

Here he was again, the madman whose greatest fear was betrayal and conspiracy.

"Of course not, Your Majesty" I smiled, trying to maintain eye contact between us "All I need is your support and assistance with something important; I even came here to offer my help as well"

He didn't answer me because the maids began to set the dinner, and he returned to rearranging his chessboard.

After finishing dinner, which had passed in a rather calm atmosphere, I thought it was time to leave, but I needed to confirm something first.

"Your Majesty" I stood up when he did, then bowed slightly before him "Can I meet you again?" I looked into his eyes with a soft smile, hoping for a positive response.

"Yes, yes... I would like that" he said casually, then picked up the chess table and left, mumbling something as if talking to himself.

I sighed a little and headed to my room, playing with the hem of my dress while my mind was filled with various thoughts.

The Sultan seemed to have some psychological burdens that led him to this state. Since I had always been interested in therapy, herbs, and certain mental illnesses, I decided to research this topic. Perhaps I could find something that would help me convince the Sultan to support me.

I would give him the documents, and he would grant me the throne of Scotland... Of course, he didn't own it, but he should help me take it from my brother... I am the eldest, and I am the rightful heir to the throne... I never wanted power, but when I learned that my brother wanted me dead, I realized that I must reclaim my right to survive.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard footsteps behind me... I turned quickly, my heart nearly leaping from my chest, to find Halime Sultan and some maidservants with her.

"Princess Victoria" she said with a strange smile "you're still awake"

"Sultana" I felt a bit flustered, but I gathered my confidence "Yes, I didn't feel sleepy, but I'm going to bed now... After spending some time in the garden, I felt tired"

"Of course" she stepped closer while maintaining that smile "Perhaps we met under stressful circumstances, but I truly like you" She raised an eyebrow "Tomorrow morning, I will be waiting for you for breakfast in my chambers"

"Thank you, Sultana... I will be there" I smiled slightly, then turned and quickly continued my way to my room.