|Victoria's POV|

Two days have passed, and every time I think of that scene, shivers run down my spine... It's not that I've never seen a dead body or taken a life before, but Sadia's death turned my world upside down.

Even now, I'm struggling to find a solid answer, and the investigations are still ongoing.

When Halime Sultan came, she accused me of killing Sadia and claimed she would soon learn the truth, which made me question if she really did it or if someone else was involved.

Despite being a bit tired from her pregnancy, Dilruba Sultan visited me, assuring me they would find who did it soon... She even suggested that my brother's spies might be behind it... a weak theory because why would my brother kill Sadia instead of me?

I know Sadia didn't take her own life.. I can't think of any reason she would do that.. Even if she had, she was brutally murdered, and no one would inflict that kind of pain on themselves.

Sultan Mustafa has been holed up in his chambers, seeing no one except Mahmud.

Just when I thought everything was finally going my way, everything changed... Mustafa's condition is only going to get worse now that Sadia was the one providing his medicine, and Halime will surely find someone else to take her place, leading to his poisoning again.

The real disaster is that the documents are with him... I must help him; I need him!

In the middle of the night, I woke up with a slight headache and a dry throat... I got up to get some water and then paused by the window.

I placed my hand on the cross around my neck and prayed for guidance-hoping for a solution or at least a simple answer to ease my troubled mind.

Feeling exhausted, I sighed and returned to my bed, but noticed a small piece of paper lying there.

Anxiety surged through me as I reached for it... Taking a deep breath, I opened it and began to read.

"Nothing remains secret in this palace, your highness... Everyone is under watch, and there are eyes everywhere... Anyone you think is trustworthy could turn against you at any moment... If you seek help and wish to understand everything that's happening, come to the garden tomorrow evening after dinner"

I couldn't sleep a wink all night... When the sun rose, I got ready and decided to visit Mustafa myself... I couldn't bear this situation any longer.

"I want to see His Majesty" I said, standing before Mahmud Pasha.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but he doesn't wish to see anyone" he replied, lowering his gaze.

Just as I was about to leave, I turned back and asked with concern "Is he alright?"

"Not exactly, Your Highness" he said softly, shaking his head... I didn't respond but turned again, only to have him say "Well, maybe..." He gestured to the door "but don't take too long inside"

I nodded with a smile and made my way to the door... Was this a trap? Did he want to appear kind? I knew very well that everyone was under Halime Sultan's influence.

The door opened, and I stepped inside to witness a strange sight.. Mustafa was lying on the floor, staring at the ceiling, looking deeply focused.

"I said no one is allowed in my chamber" he said quietly, without looking at me.

"Your Majesty" I replied, my voice trembling a bit as I tried to process the scene before me.

"Victoria" he sat up and finally looked at me "what... how are you?"

"I'm fine, Your Majesty" I said, intertwining my fingers nervously "I just wanted to check on you, but I can leave" I smiled gently and turned to go.

"No! No" he quickly stood up "stay"

A big smile spread across my face; deep down, I hoped he would ask me to stay.

"Alright" I approached him slowly "I wanted to talk to you many times, but everything happened so fast"

"I know" he sank back onto the couch, looking defeated "I... I just don't understand; I feel lost... even the voices that used to comfort me are gone"

I took a seat across from him, my heart racing... There was something about the way he looked-like a lost soul searching for a way back to the light.

"Mustafa" I began softly "you don't have to go through this alone.. I'm here for you"

He glanced at me, his eyes revealing a mix of vulnerability and confusion "But how can you help? Everything feels so heavy, like a storm inside me that won't pass"

I leaned forward, wanting to bridge the distance between us "Sometimes, sharing your burdens makes them lighter.. You don't have to face the storm by yourself"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair "I feel trapped in this palace, surrounded by walls that close in on me.. It's suffocating"

"I understand" I replied gently "But remember, the walls can also be your protection.. You have friends, people who care about you"

"Friends?" he echoed, a hint of bitterness creeping into his voice "It's hard to trust anyone now"

I reached out, placing my hand on his "Trust takes time, but I promise I won't let you down.. I'll stand by you, no matter what"

He looked at my hand, then back at me, his expression softening "Why do you care so much?"

"Because you matter" I said earnestly "Your happiness matters..I can't just stand by and watch you suffer"

For a moment, silence enveloped us.. Then, he nodded slowly, as if considering my words
"Maybe... maybe I do need help.. I just don't know where to start i feel like something is missing"

I smiled, feeling a spark of hope "Let's start with talking.. Share your thoughts, your fears... I'm here to listen"

He took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he settled back on the couch "Alright, I'll try. It's just... everything feels so overwhelming right now"

I smiled encouragingly "One step at a time.. We'll face it together"

As he began to open up, I felt a warmth spread in my chest.. This was the first step towards healing, and I was determined to help him find his way back to himself.

Helping Mustafa will mean solving many of my problems, so I must succeed in this.

He told me that he was impressed with the documents and that they contained valuable information.. He seemed genuinely still interested in helping me and assured me that he would do everything he could to support my cause... It felt like a glimmer of hope amidst all the confusion.