|Victoria's POV|

-Two Weeks Later-

The past few days have not been good at all... There's something that has been bothering me deeply.

Mustafa, even though he said he didn't want to lose our friendship, has given me a lot of space... I know it was my choice, but the situation now doesn't sit well with me.

We no longer share meals together, and when we meet in the hallways or the garden, he just gives me a smile or a quick greeting before leaving.

My mind won't stop racing... I feel like I should split into two to satisfy all these thoughts... I'm truly lost... Maybe I really miss him.

------

After finishing breakfast, which I barely touched, I headed to the garden because I need to meet Henry.

Yesterday, he sent me a letter with one of the guards saying he wanted to see me about something important.

I arrived at a hidden spot between stone walls and stood waiting for him... It seems I came early, or maybe he was just late.

Not long after, Henry appeared, looking rushed.

"Hello, your highness" he said, pulling something from his small leather bag.

"Hi, Henry" I replied, following his hand "What's going on?" I asked, feeling a bit anxious.

"I found this, and it says it's for you" he said, pulling out a letter and handing it to me.

"Where did you get it?" I asked hesitantly, taking the letter from him.

"I don't know.. I found it in the room where I'm staying in at one of the old houses" he replied, shaking his head "I was gone for a few hours, and when I returned, it was there"

"Okay, I need to get back inside quickly" I gave him a small smile and rushed back to my room.

As soon as I closed the door, I started to open the letter to see what was inside and who sent it.

-The Next Day-

I literally spent hours thinking.. What I read yesterday was beyond my expectations... Was it a hint? A tempting offer? A solution? Or doom?

All my mind kept reminding me was: "The final decision is mine.. I will think carefully and remember that I hold the power in this situation; I am not forced to agree or disagree"

I was standing by the window when the door opened, and Aunt Catherine walked in with a small smile on her lips.. I wanted to talk to her and tell her about the letter and what I had figured out.

"Something important happened, Auntie" I said softly "I discovered something, but I'm scared"

"Oh my God, Victoria, you look pale" she said, stroking my cheek... Then she took my hand, and we sat on the couch "Tell me, what's wrong?"

I sighed a little and looked at her "I received this letter last night" I pulled the letter from my dress and handed it to her, watching closely as she read it aloud, looking a bit shocked.

"She's really clever to do this" my aunt said, closing the letter and looking at me "What were you thinking, Victoria?"

"I'm afraid of disappointing everyone" I said, my eyes filling with tears "I've been thinking a lot these days.. The space Mustafa gave me is painful but helpful... I've started to dream and have nightmares, and I realized I just want my brother to fall.. I never aimed to have power or rule Scotland... I criticize Charles, but I don't think I'm fit to rule Scotland"

"And what does Mustafa have to do with all this?" she asked, gently stroking my hand.

"Coming here was like a miracle.. I enjoyed my time with Mustafa so much, and I thought it was only friendship.. But now that he's away from me, I think it would be impossible to leave everything behind and start a new life in Scotland" I spoke slowly, as if trying to confirm my own words.

"So, I think you will accept this offer and stay here with Mustafa?" my aunt said, still holding my hand and looking at the letter.

"I don't know... Everything here is different-religion, traditions, and ideas" I shook my head "I don't even know if Mustafa wants me.. I don't know what the future holds for these feelings, and I can't tell Henry and everyone who depends on me that I can't be a queen... The only thing I'm sure of is that I love Mustafa... I don't care about how you all see this love or what everyone thinks about it"

"Dear Victoria, I'm not judging you" she smiled and hugged me tightly "You are my baby, and all I want is for you to be happy... Don't worry; things will get better"

---

|3rd Person POV|

Mustafa sat in his desk after telling Mahmud not to let anyone in.. He spent long hours studying the documents Victoria had given him.

As she had said, this was the right time to start working.. Many kingdoms and important figures were listed there, plotting to unite against the Ottoman Empire.. There were also dates and plans that were set to happen soon-only a few months left.

After finishing, many questions filled his mind.. He stood up and left his room to discuss his questions with Victoria. But before he opened the door, he heard Victoria and her aunt talking.

Minutes passed, and although eavesdropping wasn't something he usually did, he found himself listening intently.. From the moment Catherine started reading that letter until their conversation ended with Catherine's supportive words to Victoria.