|Victoria's POV|

-One Week Later-

A lot has happened in these days. Everyone now knows that Sultan Mustafa got married, and according to what Nisa told me, the people are not very happy.

They are questioning who I am and why this happened so suddenly, but I don't care. I want to enjoy these days without worrying about their disappointment in Mustafa or me.

The tailor comes every day to discuss the details of the wedding dress with me. I didn't expect it to be this enjoyable; the preparations seem beautiful, and Mustafa is very supportive despite his many commitments.

My aunt is also helping me, providing her opinions on everything I choose. It's nice to have this opportunity to select what I want, especially since Halime Sultan and her daughter seem completely uninterested, and I suspect they are plotting something.

Also, two days ago, Mustafa's aunt, Hümaşah Sultan, arrived... She was unaware of the wedding and came to celebrate the birth of Mustafa's daughter. When she learned that he named his daughter Hümaşah, she was very happy.

However, now that she knows our wedding is approaching, she has decided to stay here for an extended period. She is truly an elegant, beautiful, and composed woman, and it seems she dislikes Halime and Dilruba.

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I was brushing my hair when my aunt entered my room, standing in the middle of the space with a piece of paper in her hand.

"What's the matter, Aunt? I thought you were already asleep" I said softly, a small smile dancing on my lips as I caught my reflection in the mirror.

"I was about to sleep, but this letter from Henry just arrived" she said, unfolding it, ready to hand it to me.

"Read it to me while I finish brushing my hair" I replied calmly, awaiting what I was about to hear.

Your Highness

I have heard the news circulating everywhere, and I am in shock. All of us who support you are also stunned. Some are angry, while others are deeply concerned. However, I hope this is just a step you have taken for the sake of our plan. If not, then we are disappointed, and this is considered a betrayal to Scotland by someone who was trusted and for whom we risked everything to protect.

I stood up, feeling a surge of anger "Is he serious?" I threw the brush from my hand, my heart racing "Who does he think he is?"

"Victoria, calm down.. We knew this would be their reaction" my aunt said, stepping closer to me "Besides, they don't know about the letter you received or the plans you've set in motion"

"But he should show me some respect!" At that moment, the door swung open, and Mustafa entered, his expression a mixture of surprise and concern at the scene before him.

"What's going on?" he asked, his gaze shifting between us.

"Your Majesty" my aunt said, bowing slightly "I will withdraw so you can speak in private" She shot me a glance that said to calm down before leaving, hiding the letter in her hands.

"What happened, Victoria?" He stepped closer, and I tried to adjust my posture, not wanting him to know that Henry had sent that letter; that could cost him his life.

"I don't know.. I just felt tense, especially with the wedding approaching" I said, forcing a smile.

"There's no need to stress yourself to the point of losing your composure" he said, drawing nearer and cradling my face in his hands "You look beautiful"

"You too" I rested my head against his chest, wrapping my arms around him, desperately craving support after what I had just heard "How was your day?"

"Very busy" He began to run his fingers through my hair "I've started making some decisions that I will share with you soon"

"So have I" I replied, recalling the numerous conversations I needed to have with him.. I lifted my head and placed my hand on his cheek "You look tired; you need to rest"

"You need rest too" He traced his fingers along my cheek "If I didn't have important matters with Mahmud right now, I would stay with you until you fell asleep"

"It's alright, honey" I smiled as he leaned in closer, placing a gentle kiss on my lips.

After he left, I lay down on my bed, thinking about what was to come... I couldn't deny my anxiety about Halime Sultan; she held significant power and influence here, and I felt a little fearful of what she might do to me or those around me.

The only thought that crossed my mind was the realization that I was now Mustafa's wife, which meant I was forever a part of this empire.. I needed to plant my roots here and assert my authority and strength.

I tried to push these thoughts aside, and to regain some positive energy, I reminded myself that there was only one week left until my wedding.

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-One Week Later-

I sat in front of the mirror, admiring my reflection with satisfaction and happiness as the maid gently placed the crown on my head. The look was complete, and without exaggeration, I looked more than perfect.

The door swung open to reveal my aunt standing there, her eyes wide with shock, and I could tell she was on the verge of tears. I smiled and gestured for everyone to leave the room, giving us a moment of privacy.

"Thank you, God, for letting me see my baby in her white dress" she said, kissing her cross before stepping closer to stand behind me, gazing at me through the mirror "Oh, Victoria, you look so beautiful. May God protect you"

"Thank you, Auntie" I smiled, placing my hand over hers resting on my shoulder "Words can't express how grateful I am to you.. You have supported me in every decision I've made, risking everything for me" I stood and moved closer, trying not to cry "I love you, and I pray that we always stay together"

"I will always be by your side" she said, embracing me briefly before she began to open the box she had been holding in her other hand.

"You didn't have to" I said with a smile.

"Oh, come on" she replied, giving me a playful look before opening the box to reveal two earrings. I recognized them instantly.

"Auntie, are you serious?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in surprise.

"Yes, I am" she smiled back, her eyes shining "My late husband, Edward, gave them to me as a gift when I met him on our first date.. I remember he pursued me for months, but I ignored him.. When I finally agreed to meet him, he was so happy and gave me these earrings.. I wore them almost every day during our marriage, but after his passing, I couldn't bear to wear them.. Now, I want to give them to you as a gift from both of us"

I smiled, tears welling up in my eyes. Uncle Edward was a wonderful man. Even knowing that I would bring him troubles, he continued to protect and support me. Since he and Aunt Catherine had no children, they considered me their daughter.

"Thank you, Auntie" I said, taking the box from her and hugging her tightly once more.

It's time! I sighed softly and stood up to head to the harem, where the wedding would take place. Of course, it would be according to Ottoman traditions, but I had added my own special touch.. There were things I had wanted so much.

When I arrived, everyone was already looking at me. I smiled at my aunt, who was sitting in her spot, then I made my way through the harem with some maids following behind me.

I ignored the glares from Halime Sultan and Dilruba Sultan because today, I was going to enjoy myself, and I wouldn't let anyone ruin my moment.

I took my seat near Halime, Dilruba, Hümaşah Sultan, and my aunt, then I watched the girls dance and sing.

"Welcome to the family, Victoria" said Hümaşah Sultan with a captivating smile that drew everyone's attention.

"Thank you, Sultana" I replied with a smile, looking at her.

"The family you won't be a part of for too long" Halime Sultan said without even looking at us.. It was clear that I was the person she hated the most.

"Halime, show some respect" Hümaşah said, as if scolding a servant.

I admired her; everyone respected her, and she seemed to have a very strong personality. They say she inherited this from her mother, Safiye Sultan.

Nisa approached and signaled to me that it was time to go to Mustafa.. I smiled, already feeling my cheeks flush, and then I stood up, causing the music to stop and everyone to bow. I walked with steady, slow steps and left the harem.

"Calm down, Your Highness" Nisa said, following me from behind.

"I'm trying" I replied with a smile.

We stopped when we reached Mustafa's room, and I saw Mahmud leaving.. He lowered his head in respect and gestured for me to enter.

I took a deep breath and then stepped inside. I found Mustafa standing in the middle of the room, and as soon as he saw me, a beautiful smile spread across his face.

"My beautiful wife" he said, looking at me as if he couldn't take his eyes off me. I moved closer, and he took my hand, placing a soft kiss on it.

"You look handsome too.. I've been waiting for this moment all these past days" I said, gazing at his beautiful eyes and lips.

Taking a deep breath, I prepared to express my deepest feelings "Mustafa" I began, my voice steady yet filled with emotion "today, I give you not just my hand, but all that I am, all that I will be"

I reached out, intertwining my fingers with his "I promise to stand beside you, to support you, and to face everything with you" I said, the words flowing from my heart.

Mustafa smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his entire face "And I promise to protect you, to cherish you"

"Actually, here is your gift" He stepped back a little and showed me a box where there was a beautiful necklace, but he didn't let me react because he quickly added, jokingly "But I don't see the point in you wearing it because I already have too many things I need to take off for you" He placed the box down and moved closer to me while my eyes widened and a laugh was about to escape.

As soon as he finished those words, he gently placed his hand under my chin and began to kiss my lips, as if this was all that had been on his mind. He must have been waiting for this moment even more than I was. His hand moved to my waist, pulling me closer until our bodies were pressed together.

I ran my fingers through the back of his hair, savoring the taste of his lips. With Mustafa, I had experienced so many emotions, and now it was time to explore this new feeling as well.

The kiss deepened, and I felt a rush of warmth spread through me.. His touch was both tender and passionate.