Sultana Gülbahar was in her chambers as she watched the sun slowly settle down. Such a view relaxed her. She remembered bits of her childhood where she had her parents and a sister with whom she was close. The Sultana smiled as she vividly remembered how her father would prepare the fire while her mother cooked dinner. Her family would eat and sit together while watching the sunset and eating under the night sky. 

It was a way of comfort to sometimes forget the poverty they all lived in. Still, the Sultana never realized that she and her family were poor. Having her family was the most luxurious thing to have. Until she was kidnapped to become a slave, her father tried to fight off the captors but was killed in the process. Seeing her mother and sister cry while seeing her father's bloody face, it was a sight that the young Sultana would never forget. There were many times when suicide was always on her mind, even when being in the harem. 

When she became Mehmed II's favorite concubine and gave birth to two children, Sultana Gülbahar felt her life had meaning and purpose. However, her son was always in danger of being killed by his other brothers if they ever became Sultans. It was tiring to always survive in a life of luxury and privilege. "Sultana?"

Sultana Gülbahar got out of her thoughts and looked at Murat Agha, who looked concerned. "Oh, what is it Murat Agha?"

"Forgive me, Sultana. You looked deep in thought and I wondered if something troubled you?"

"Something always troubles me, Murat Agha. I had always believed that being the Sultan's favorite would be easier but it brings nothing but more problems when there are other women and their sons. I can never have a single moment's rest. It gets exhausting."

The Agha couldn't help but feel worried for his Sultana. He remembered the first time they met, the Sultana was very innocent and shy, like many women who entered the harem. However, he felt she had the determination and strength to survive, which helped her when she became a favorite and gave birth to a son. "Being in such a powerful position is never to be expected to be easy, Sultana. You must keep fighting for your children and the empire's future. With Allah's guidance and will, Şehzade Bayezid will become Sultan, and you will be Valide Sultana." When seeing his Sultana relaxed, he continued, "Also, do not forget that you have Sultana Mara's support."

"Yes, you are right. Although, I have noticed that Sultana Mara has been distant for a while. I am concerned as of late."

"Perhaps Sultana Mara has much responsibilities. You must not fret too much."

The young Sultana nodded, but a knock on the door captured her attention. "Enter."

Two maid servants opened the door, and Efe Agha entered, surprising the Sultana and Murat Agha. Efe Agha stood before Sultana Gülbahar and bowed. "Sultana, good evening. Apologies that I have arrived at such a time, but it is with great urgency."

The Sultana firmly sat, her attention entirely on Efe Agha. "What is it? Is Sultana Mara well?"

"She is healthy and safe, thank be to Allah. However, I was ordered by Sultana Mara not to speak of this but I cannot hide this much longer. The Sultan plans to send Sultana Mara back home."

Sultana Gülbahar immediately stood. "What!? When was this order made!?"

"Months ago. I believed it was best to tell you this but the Sultana believed that it was more of her right to tell you this but she has delayed this and there is something else."

Efe Agha looked uncomfortable, and the Sultana slowly walked toward him, feeling anticipation and stress. "What is it? Tell me." The Agha looked at the maid servants and then at the Sultana. She understood and instructed Murat Agha to send the women out, leaving the three alone. "We are alone; now speak." 

"A while back, a letter arrived and I was informed of it since Sultana Mara has spies everywhere that she pays well. It was a letter from Vlad himself and he sent money. It would seem that he wants peace and sent money to pay off his debts."

Murat Agha's eyes widened while Sultana Gülbahar gasped. "What? Why would he? This must be a trick! Vlad has created hell for Mehmed, and now all of a sudden he wants peace!?"

"Sultana Mara also found it odd and concerning and felt that it was a trap to lure the Sultan and take his life."

"Does Mehmed know of this letter and money?"

Efe Agha shook his head. "The letter and money were immediately taken into her possession. She did not wish for the Sultan to go into a possible trap and sent a spy to see what Vlad has been planning. What was found was that Vlad has built an army and wishes to attack Bulgaria, that is part of the Sultan's territory."

The news came as a shock. Sultana Gülbahar was processing everything, from Sultana Mara being sent away back home to Vlad sending the letter and then creating an army. "So that infidel was lying!? Sultana Mara was wise not to trust him, but what of the money and letter?"

"It is only a matter of time when Vlad makes his move but Sultana Mara does not wish to wait so she made a plan to attack first."

"What? Meaning?"

"She sent secret orders to attack near Vlad's territory, but has the plan to frame Alexandrei for making the order."

Sultana Gülbahar was shocked that Sultana Mara would think of such a plan. Making such a dangerous plan would lead to immediate execution even if he were Mehmed II's stepmother. However, planning to ensure that Alexandrei was blamed was another thing. She and Sultana Mara agreed that Alexandrei would always be a threat, even if Radu became Voivode. If he became Sultan, he would cause problems for Mehmed and Gülbahar's son. Still, the young Sultana couldn't deny that Sultana Mara's plan was very calculating. Sultana Mara's political knowledge and scheming were frightening, making Gülbahar fear her more than Mehmed II. 

"I-I see. So, you are certain that the Sultan does not know of this?"

"I am certain. The Sultana does not wish for him to know until Vlad makes his attack and that is when she will make her move."

"You told me this behind Sultana Mara's back and she could have your head for this. Why tell me this if you know the consequences?"

Efe Agha was momentarily silent, but sighed, "I respect Sultana Mara very much, and I am saddened that she will leave this palace. Sh-She even gave me my freedom."

Murat Agha clapped his hands. "Praise be to Allah! Sultana Mara has given you such an honor! You-"

"This place has always been my home. I know no other. I have been given money and can choose a house, but being here is my life's purpose. If I leave here, then life has no meaning for me."

The Agha's loyalty was strong. Sultana Gülbahar remembered when Efe Agha helped her and Sultana Mara with many of their plans to protect Bayezid. He also went against his Sultana's orders to tell her the truth of what she was planning. She put her hands together. "You came here not only to tell me of the Sultana's plans but to see if I would take you under my wing." When he didn't respond, the Sultana continued, "Sultana Mara has always told me about your loyalty. You also helped me to achieve my plans; you are fiercely loyal. Once Sultana Mara leaves the palace, you will also work for me. I need all the help I can get to put my son to the throne."

Efe Agha sighed in relief as he bowed. "Thank you, Sultana. I shall serve you until my dying breath. I know Sultana Mara wishes to have Şehzade Bayezid become the next Sultan. I will help you to achieve your dream. I shall leave you." He bowed and immediately walked out of the room.

Murat Agha sighed while massaging the back of his neck. "That was why Sultana Mara has been distant. Not only is she returning to her homeland, but she is trying to help you to rid one pest that will create future troubles. Sultana Mara is very admirable indeed."

Sultana Gülbahar then walked to the fireplace for some warmth. She intently looked at the fire while putting her arms around herself. "Now that Sultana Mara will leave, I will not have the most powerful ally. I am fortunate to know what will happen before my other competitors know, so I need to take action immediately. At the moment, we all have to wait until Sultana Mara's plans go into motion."