|Ayleen's POV|

-3 November 1664-

"The children will be delighted to hear the news" Orhan said with a genuine smile, just as he always did when speaking about them.

"Except for Nuray" I teased with a knowing smile, watching his reaction "She already complains about the noise Osman and Selim make, another baby will definitely not be good news for her"

"Well, she'll just have to endure it" He lifted his glass, took a slow sip, then added with a smirk "Osman and Selim are almost three now.. we need more children... I mean, we're making adorable babies, why not keep going?"

I smiled, blushing, just as I always did when talking to him, but quickly hid it by taking a pretend sip from my glass of juice.. Orhan had insisted on overseeing my breakfast after Zeynep informed him that I hardly ever ate properly.

"The news will start spreading tomorrow morning, once the Prussians depart" Orhan said after a brief silence.. that must have been the thought occupying his mind.. as soon as their ship sets sail, rumors will stir, reactions will form, and opinions will begin to take shape.

"As I told you yesterday, many may not understand your vision yet because they don't know your plans, but they trust your decisions" I placed my hand over his, offering a reassuring smile.

He nodded in response, then lifted my hand and pressed a gentle kiss to it before returning to his breakfast.

This conversation felt like it had opened a window in my mind, one I had been trying to close since last night.

Theodora's betrayal and the question of what to do about it lingered.. after telling Orhan about my pregnancy, I had nearly confessed everything about her as well, but I hesitated.. I didn't want to ruin our moment.

I lifted my gaze from my plate, meeting his eyes for a brief moment before sighing and returning to my pretense of focusing on my food. Yet, in my mind, a strange comparison was beginning to take shape.

I am pregnant.

And so is she.

No matter the circumstances, a baby is innocent.. what fault does her child bear? Would it be fair to let a harsh punishment claim her?

This isn't just about telling Orhan.. no.

If she returns to her country, her fate will be uncertain, and judging by her fear, death almost certainly awaits her.

I pictured her on a ship sailing home, despair pressing heavily on her.. she might harm herself... or worse, her uncle might get rid of her in the middle of the ocean.. I know how men like him think.

Letting that girl meet such a fate would haunt me forever.

I may not know her well, and at times, I resented her because she made me feel threatened, but now, I couldn't help but see her as a younger sister.

"Enter" Orhan's voice pulled me from my thoughts.. he was looking toward the door, where Farouk Agha appeared.

"Your Majesty" Farouk Agha stepped forward but maintained a respectful distance between us "There is urgent news"

"What is it?" Orhan asked, his tone curious.. he must have known it was something serious, Farouk Agha never interrupted him unless it was important.

"Ayse Sultan's mother, Mahienver Hatun, passed away a few hours ago"

The news made us both rise in silence.. Orhan's expression remained unreadable, while I sat in stunned disbelief.

From what I remembered of his stories, Ayşe Sultan was his younger sister, now fifteen or sixteen years old.

"May she rest in peace" Orhan murmured with a sigh before turning his attention back to Farouk Agha "Prepare the funeral and bring Ayşe Sultan here"

I watched as Farouk Agha left, then turned my full attention to Orhan.. he remained standing beside me, hands clasped behind his back.

He must have felt awful for his little sister, born just moments after their father's execution, granted only a few short years with her mother, and now losing her as well.

"I'm not entirely surprised" Orhan finally said, meeting my gaze "I received word weeks ago that she was unwell and had planned to visit Ayşe soon, but I never imagined her condition would take such a turn"

"May she rest in peace" I murmured, letting my fingers graze his arm "When Ayşe Sultan arrives, she will have the support of everyone here and I promise you, I will personally see to everything"

»»-----　♔　-----««

"You may regret all of this, Ayleen" Sibylle warned, her gaze serious "You don't owe her anything.. It's her own fault"

"I might regret it if I do nothing as well" I adjusted my veil before stepping closer to her "I don't want to carry this guilt, even if not for her, then for the innocent baby... that child deserves a chance to live"

I exchanged a brief glance with Sumbul before we quietly left the harem, making our way to Theodora's chamber.

When the door opened and I stepped inside, I found a few maids bustling about the room.. Theodora stood with her back to me, her face hidden from view, but the subtle tremor in her hand didn't escape my notice, I could only assume she had been crying.

"Leave us" I commanded, my voice calm.. the maids immediately set down whatever they were holding and hurried out, leaving only Theodora, Sumbul, and me in the room.

As Theodora turned to face me, a flicker of worry crossed her expression, her gaze shifting in particular to Sumbul.. It was clear she had realized, he knew everything.

"Don't be afraid" I said softly, stepping closer.. the last thing I wanted was for her to panic, especially in her condition, stress wouldn't be good for her or the baby "I'm here to help you"

"Really?" She looked even more shocked than before and this time, she was the one who stepped closer "Are you sure?"

"Yes.. I want you and your child to have a life of peace and stability" A faint smile touched my lips as my gaze drifted to her stomach.. almost instinctively, I placed a hand over my own "I want this to turn out well for you"

"How are we going to do this? Do you have a plan?" she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation as her fingers twisted together anxiously.

"Yes, we've planned everything" I nodded, gesturing toward Sumbul, who stood behind me, his expression making it clear that he was still judging her.

"Alright, here's the plan" I began as we settled onto the couch "One of Sumbul's most trusted men will help you escape tomorrow.. Instead of boarding your assigned ship, you'll board another.. you'll still leave with your uncle as planned, we can't risk any scandal suggesting you fled the palace"

"Can I trust him?" she asked, her voice filled with anxiety as she looked between me and Sumbul, searching for reassurance.

"Yes" I assured her "He'll be watching closely when you reach the docks.. A small distraction will be arranged, just enough for you to disappear into the crowd, then he'll lead you to the other ship.."

I placed my hand over hers before continuing to explain every last detail, ensuring she understood how carefully we had arranged everything.

"I will never be able to repay you for this" Without warning, perhaps even unintentionally, she closed the distance between us and wrapped her arms around me in a firm embrace "I'm sorry for all the stress I caused.. my prayers will forever include you"

"You and your child will be in mine as well" I returned her embrace with a small smile, then, after one last look at her, I rose from my seat and left the room.

»»-----　♔　-----««

-4 November 1664-

I sat among everyone in tense silence. I couldn't tell them I was pregnant, not in times like these, when we had all gathered here to meet Ayşe Sultan, who had just arrived moments ago.

I placed my glass of water down, then shifted my gaze to Rana.. she sat on one of the sofas, her head lowered, her hands, stained with traces of henna, hidden away as if repulsed by them.

I remembered that her wedding was next week and silently prayed that nothing would hinder it.. I could no longer bear pretending that everything was fine just so no one would suspect anything.

"It is God's will" Turhan Sultan said, gently placing her hand over Ayşe's "May she rest in peace"

"Amin" Zeynep and Ayşe murmured in unison, while I merely nodded, whispering a silent prayer under my breath.

I observed them quietly.. as far as I knew, there had never been any conflict between Turhan Sultan and Mahienver Hatun. After all, Mahienver had belonged to Sultan Ibrahim's harem at a time when Turhan had already been exiled.

Then, on the very night Ayşe Sultan was born, Sultan Ibrahim was executed.. from that moment on, she lived in the Old Palace with her mother.

According to Orhan, he would visit her occasionally, no more than once or twice a year. As for Zeynep, she had never met her sister before, yet her affection was undeniable, she had spoken of her endlessly since yesterday, and now she was embracing her with so much kindness.

"If you're feeling tired, you may rest in the room prepared for you" Turhan Sultan suggested with a warm smile.

The shy young girl barely uttered a word, responding only with small nods, her face pale and delicate.

Zeynep was about to speak when a knock at the door cut her off. As it swung open, Nuray burst in, with Ebru and Sümbül hurrying in after her.

"I apologize, she was insistent on coming" Ebru murmured, lowering her head slightly before offering a respectful bow.

"It's alright" Turhan Sultan assured her, extending her arms toward Nuray, who quickly nestled beside her.

"Who are you?" Nuray asked, her brows knitting in slight confusion as her gaze settled on Ayşe Sultan.

"This is your aunt, Nuray" I answered calmly, sensing that the curious child was about to bombard us with more questions.

"Like Aunt Zeynep?" she asked, looking at me before turning her attention back to Ayşe.

"Yes, we're sisters" Zeynep replied, sharing a gentle smile with Ayşe.

I glanced at Sümbül, who looked visibly relieved that I had finally acknowledged him. He subtly gestured with his fingers, trying to convey a message, and it became clear that he was merely following Nuray as a pretense to approach me.

"Did you know I have a cat?" Nuray suddenly blurted out, as if from nowhere.. Lately, it seemed as though her entire world revolved around that cat.

"Oh, really?" Ayşe said with a warm, encouraging smile "What's its name?"

"Um..." Nuray paused, seeming to realize for the first time that she hadn't actually thought about it.. After a moment, she turned to me with wide eyes "Mommy, we never picked a name for her!"

"You still can" I replied gently, then added with a smile "Why don't you introduce her to Ayşe Sultan? Maybe she can help you choose a name"

"Yaay! Let's do it now" Nuray exclaimed, springing to her feet and eagerly releasing Turhan Sultan's hand before tugging Ayşe along with her.

I felt a flicker of embarrassment, but it quickly faded when I saw Ayşe rise with a gentle smile, glancing toward Turhan Sultan as if seeking permission to leave with her niece.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I should check on my children" I announced as I rose gracefully from my seat.. Turhan Sultan offered me a warm smile, and with a slight nod in return, I turned and exited the chamber with Sümbül by my side.

"I've just received news, Sultanim" he murmured, lowering his voice "The plan was a success, Princess Theodora and her maid have boarded a ship bound for France"

"Thank God" I breathed in relief, turning my gaze to him "Now, her escape is her uncle's problem.. I highly doubt he'll risk telling anyone before he reaches Prussia"

»»-----　♔　-----««

-26 November 1664-

"Which one do you prefer?" Anastasia asked, holding up two necklaces for me to choose from, but my mind was elsewhere, Selim was tugging at my crown, giggling as he tried to pull it off, while I struggled to keep his little hands at bay.

"Selim, this is not a toy" I said, laughing as I gently grasped his hands to stop him.. then, glancing up, I added "The emerald one, I haven't worn it in ages"

"You know..." Sibylle murmured as she approached from behind, gently cradling Osman in her arms "This pregnancy celebration feels like a well-earned reward after all the stress"

I met her gaze in the mirror and smiled warmly, I knew exactly what she meant.. with the whole Theodora situation finally behind us and Rana now married and gone with her husband, it was, at last, a time to relax, to laugh, to love, and to celebrate my pregnancy.. I had only shared the news a few days ago, once I was certain that everything was finally safe.

"Yes, I can only hope this happiness lasts" I murmured with a soft smile, carefully handing Selim to Büşra.

Anastasia fastened the necklace around my neck, then added a delicate touch of perfume before stepping back and just as I was about to rise, Sümbül entered the room.

"A letter for you, Your Highness" he announced with a slight smile as he approached, carefully placing the sealed parchment in my hands.. he knew well how much I cherished receiving letters from my family.

I took it from him, and although I was already late for the party, I decided I would read it first.

To My Dearest Daughter, Ayleen,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you.

Your father, His Majesty Emperor Rudolf II, has succumbed to his illness and passed from this world on the second day of November in the year 1664. For two long months, he fought bravely against his suffering until God deemed it time to grant him rest.

The bells of Vienna toll in mourning, and the people grieve the loss of their sovereign. As his family, we find ourselves caught between sorrow and the immense responsibility of ensuring a smooth transition of the throne to your brother.

You were his cherished daughter, Ayleen. On his final night, he spoke of you at length. He missed you and your sister deeply, and he prayed endlessly for you, for your well-being, and for your future.

My dear child, I know this news will bring you pain, and I can only imagine the sorrow now weighing upon your heart. But please, take the time you need to grieve. Do not let your grief consume you. Accept that this was God's will, one we must submit to, no matter how much it hurts.

May your father rest in peace. And may you find comfort in those around you, just as I pray for the day when I can once again see you, embrace you, and lay my eyes upon you.

Your mother.

»»-----　♔　-----««

I know this chapter was a bit late!!

tbh I kept confusing myself cuz I recently changed my plans! originally the whole Theodora situation was supposed to last much longer and be way more dramatic (though she was never going to marry Orhan don't worry lool) + Ayleen's pregnancy wasn't even supposed to happen until a year and a half later! but I've been trimming down a lot of events to focus on the most important ones cuz let's be real none of us want it to start dragging and getting boring...

we still have a few more chapters left in this era before moving on to the next one!!!!

Love you all! <33