|Victoria's POV|

When Halime Sultan lost consciousness, the doctor rushed in quickly.. After letting her smell a certain scent, she regained her senses, but she looked very pale.

What worried me was Mustafa's evident concern for his mother and his fear for her well-being. Perhaps they didn't always agree on everything, but it was undeniable that he loved her deeply.

The day seemed filled with events, as shortly after that, Dilruba Sultan began to feel the pains of childbirth, causing Mustafa to become even more anxious.

Everyone felt the tension, fearing that something might happen to her because of her worry for her mother, but the doctor reassured everyone that this was indeed the right time for the birth.

I stayed with Mustafa in his chamber, trying to calm him while we waited. Hours passed, then finally, a maid came in to tell us that Dilruba Sultan had given birth to a healthy baby boy.

"Dilruba" Mustafa exclaimed as he entered her room, with me following closely behind "How are you?"

"I'm fine, brother" she replied with a bright smile, cradling the tiny baby in her arms, clearly overjoyed.

"Congratulations" I said with a small smile, standing beside Hümaşah Sultan and Sedef Hatun.

"I want to see my nephew" Mustafa said, beaming as he took the baby from Dilruba's arms "This beautiful family is growing.. Now Hümaşah will have her cousin to play with, and soon she'll have a sister or a brother"

Everyone smiled and chimed in with "Inshallah" At that moment, all I could think about was hoping my baby would arrive safely and that I wouldn't face any trouble while Mustafa was away.

Mustafa allowed Davut Pasha to enter, and my aunt Catherine joined us as well.. Then the naming ceremony began... Ibrahim was the name chosen for the little baby boy.

"Don't overthink it, Mother" Mustafa said, taking her hand in his as we all started to leave the room "Just trust me, and everything will be alright"

I couldn't bear the scene before me; she truly didn't deserve a son like him.. So, I left with my aunt, Hümaşah, and Sedef to take a stroll in the garden.

The weather was pleasant, and we decided to enjoy a little outing, settling in a lovely spot where refreshments and some sweets were brought to us.

-----

-A Week Later-

I sighed as I looked at Mustafa's reflection in the mirror, then picked up his coat and helped him put it on.

"You can't imagine how anxious I am, Mustafa" I said, my voice tinged with worry "I'll pray throughout these months that your plans succeed"

"My beautiful Victoria" he said, turning to me and taking my hand, placing a long kiss on it "I don't want you to worry or to be afraid" He placed his hand on my belly "Just think about your health and the health of our baby"

I smiled and nodded.. The doctor had said that since three months had passed in my pregnancy, the danger phase was over, but I still needed to be cautious.

"I promise you'll return to find your state in good condition.. I'll do everything I can to make up for your absence" he gave me a look filled with assurance.. He stepped closer and kissed me gently.

After a long embrace, we headed to the Valide Sultan's chamber, where Mustafa would say goodbye to his family.

Dilruba had already said her farewells the night before at her palace, as she couldn't come due to her exhaustion.

Of course, everyone believed that Mustafa was heading on a campaign to North Macedonia, which would take him months to reach. Little did they know, he would never arrive there and would soon be embroiled in war with the allied European nations against him in the spring.

"I will pray for you" Halime Sultan said, extending her hand for him to kiss, which he did after flashing her a warm smile.

"Good luck, Your Majesty" Hümaşah Sultan said with a smile, giving him a brief hug.

She loved him dearly and she was proud of the changes he had made.

"Thank you" he replied with a small smile as he stepped closer to me.

We exchanged a brief hug and some smiles.. I couldn't say anything, and it seemed he understood that, so he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.

He moved to his daughter next, kissing her forehead and her tiny hand.. He gazed at her for a moment, as if trying to memorize her little details, then he left.

In that moment, I realized the games were about to begin... Perhaps Mustafa would be fighting a war outside, but I would be waging my own battles within the walls of this palace.

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|3rd Person POV|

-After a Month in Scotland-

Caroline grasped her daughter's hand, watching as Charles walked away. They had just bid him farewell, even though he had been ignoring them the entire time. Yet, Caroline knew she must be patient; there wasn't much time left.

Caroline felt a wave of happiness wash over her because Victoria was now an ally, and they had begun to put the pieces in place, clarifying their plans.

Secondly, Charles was heading off to join the other kings of Europe, finalizing the last touches to crush the Ottoman Empire. Caroline had informed Victoria of this trap, only to discover that Victoria was already aware of it and had warned her husband.

But most importantly, Charles would be gone for a few months. When he returns, he would find everything had changed. Caroline would unleash her poison, spreading it among his ministers and the people. Charles would come back to a world where everyone knew of his treachery and vile deeds. In that moment, help would arrive from the Ottoman Empire, leading to his downfall.

She handed her daughter over to the maid, instructing her to take the little girl to the garden.. Then, she turned to Francesca, her expression serious "Call for Gregor now and tell him to meet me in the secret corridor"

With those words, Caroline moved swiftly towards the hidden corridor, her heart racing. The time for action had come, and she knew there was no time to waste.

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|Victoria's POV|

It has been a month since Mustafa left, and I've spent a lot of time in his desk, reviewing documents and drafting my decisions.. I haven't held a divan because there hasn't been a need for it.

But today, I prepared myself for an important thing that requires me to convene a divan and discuss it with the remaining viziers who stayed behind when Mustafa left.

I readied myself and stood in front of the mirror.. Since I am four months pregnant, my belly is starting to show.. It's good that I've begun wearing suitable dresses that allow me to move comfortably.. I sighed for a moment and then headed to the divan room.

"Destur, Haseki Victoria Sultan"

I entered through the door without looking around and took my seat in Mustafa's place.

I lifted my head to see the beautifully carved partition that separated me from the viziers. Although I could see them, they cannot lift their eyes and steal glances; after all, no one is allowed to see the Sultan's wife.

I was already familiar with their names and faces from the letters I had received and from glimpses of them from afar.

One of them raised his hand and recited some prayers, then gave the signal to start the divan.

"Pashas, we are here to discuss an important issue.. Over the past week, I have received several complaints and requests from you to gather and resolve this matter" I said with a steady tone.

"The problems in the provinces are getting worse.. The people are unhappy, and we could lose control" said Vizier Mehmet, keeping his head lowered.

I nodded, listening to his words while also observing the movements and expressions of the others.. I could see their discomfort and reluctance to be here; they sighed from time to time, as if my presence was taking away their breath.

"We need to act now.. If we don't take strong measures, a rebellion could happen.. The people need to see we are in charge" said Vizier Ali, interrupting with a sharp tone.

I raised my hand to signal him to stop speaking; I didn't want him to escalate the tension in the room.

"I understand your worries, but we must be careful.. Being too strict will only make things worse.. We need to listen to the people, not push them away" I said firmly, my voice slightly elevated.

I knew that a heavy-handed approach could only fuel further anger among the people.

"Your Highness, while talking is important, we can't ignore reality.. Some people may not respond to words alone" said Vizier Suleiman in a calm and respectful tone, appearing genuinely supportive.

I nodded, contemplating his words for a moment, then replied "Then let's do both.. We can send envoys to talk and also quietly strengthen our military presence.. We need to show strength while also reaching out"

Vizier Ali crossed his arms and said with a hint of mockery "And how will that work when you have no experience in military matters? Shouldn't we leave such decisions to those who know about these things?"

The others exchanged shocked glances at his audacity, but some seemed pleased, wanting to make me look stupid.

I smiled sarcastically and replied confidently "I may not have your years of experience, Ali Pasha, but I know that fear is not the answer.. The people need to trust us.. If we push them, we create enemies" I nodded "Now I understand why your methods have left the people in chaos"

Silence fell over the room, and once again, they exchanged uncertain glances. They had always supported violent measures, that's why everything is messed up.

"Your Highness, we respect your position, but the Sultan left us to govern while he is away.. There are traditions we must follow" said Vizier Ahmet hesitantly, after having been quiet throughout the discussion, merely observing.

I looked at my hands, then raised my gaze again "Tradition does not mean we should not change.. The state needs leadership, and I will not sit back while the provinces fall into chaos... There will be no oppression or violent actions; we will try to resolve these issues calmly, pleasing all parties involved"

I could see that the viziers were unsettled by my determination, but I knew I was right.

"We understand your passion, Your Highness.. But please think about the risks.. If we give the people space, they may rebel and believe we are weak while they hold the power" said Vizier Suleiman once again, with utmost respect.

I took a deep breath and stated firmly "I have made my decision.. Send letters to everyone ; I want their requests delivered to me by next week"

As soon as I finished, I stood up and left.. This experience hadn't been terrible, but now I was certain that I would hold more divans; some of those pashas needed a lesson in discipline, and I would show them who truly held the power here.