Sultana Mara sat silently on her long, luxurious sofa, watching her maids prepare the table and arrange the plates of food. Her spies informed her that the meeting between the Sultan and Alexandrei lasted a long time. The Sultana wondered what had been said between them and hoped the Sultan was cautious regarding Alexandrei. 

"Sultana," said a masculine voice.

She got out of her thoughts and saw her Agha (butler). "What is it, Efe Agha?"

"Forgive me, Sultana, but you looked worried and I was concerned if the Sultan would notice it."

Efe Agha was the Sultana's second-in-command and was by her side when she first arrived as a foreign bride at the palace. Her family arranged her marriage to Sultan Murad to maintain peace between their lands, but her husband continued the raids. Sultana Mara refused to sleep with her husband since she never loved him. However, he respected her enough to name her his principal consort for her nobility and experience. 

However, the Sultana still faced her difficulties and jealousies within the harem, as well as from the other consorts who had sons, but Efe Agha was her biggest supporter. He knew everyone and their secrets, and because of him, she earned the respect of Sultan Murad and Mehmed II, becoming Valide Sultana. 

"Ah, yes. I am alright, just waiting for Mehmed's arrival."

When the table was arranged, Efe Agha motioned the maids to leave, leaving him alone with the Sultana. "Were you thinking about the meeting between the Sultan and that infidel Alexandrei?" 

Sultana Mara wasn't surprised that Efe Agha read her so well. Although she was royalty, she held the Eunich in high regard, not only for his age but also for his intellect. "I cannot help but worry; things are slowly getting out of hand. Things have gotten tense ever since Vlad refused to make payment, and he had killed two of the envoys. I always knew that when Vlad was sent back to Wallachia, he was nothing but trouble. I even told Murad that he should have killed him when his father went back on his word."

"True, Sultana. However, it would seem that war was always inevitable, but you should be relieved that the Sultan wants Radu to take the Wallachian throne. Everything will be back to the way it was."

"Yes, but if there is anything I have learned of the politics in Wallachia, many Voivodes do not always last on the throne. I do not care what happens to Radu, but what I do worry is of that Alexandrei."

Efe Agha couldn't help but be curious about the Sultana's worry. He knew that Sultana Mara was wise and had a reason to worry. "I agree that Alexandrei should not be trusted, but he is nothing but a mere noble."

"Although he is a mere noble, he should not underestimated. I have a feeling that he is lying about something. He could easily manipulate Radu and try to use the Sultan. When Radu becomes Voivode, I know that Mehmed will give him much financial support."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door; the Sultana and Efe Agha composed themselves. Efe Agha walked away from the Sultan, where the maids were. The Sultana stood as the maids opened the door.

Sultan Mehmed II entered. He climbed up the small steps, gently grabbed Sultana Mara's hand, and kissed it. "Sultana, thank you for the invitation."

"The honor is all mine, Sultan. I must imagine you are having quite a day, but I am happy that you are doing well." Sultana Mara motioned the Sultan to sit on a cushion before the food. "It is not everyday that we can eat together like this. I remember when you were a child on how much you enjoyed when I asked for your favorite desserts."

The Sultan chuckled as he remembered how often Sultana Mara invited him and his mother. She was the only one of his father's consorts who got along with them. The Sultana wished never to have children with his father, Sultan Murad. She couldn't be blamed; Sultana Mara was forced into a marriage she had never wanted. He still felt indebted to her for protecting him and his mother when facing his brothers for the throne. The Sultana became his mother figure after his mother died. "This brings back memories. You always found ways to lessen the stresses of my duties." Mehmed II took a piece of Turkish delight and ate it with enjoyment. 

"I have heard that you are sending Şehzade Bayezid to Amasya. That is quite a step for him, but I am certain that he will make you proud."

"I know he will do well since he is at the age of his life where he needs to learn how to govern. Although Bayezid is the eldest of my sons, his brothers will eventually have the opportunity to govern. The wisest will become Sultan."

"You are right in that regard. I remember how young you were. You have went through so much to become Sultan and more now that you are one."

Mehmed II took a sip from his drink and looked thoughtful. He knew that Sultana Mara wanted to extract information from him regarding his meeting with Alexandrei. He knew that she was worried about him and the empire. "You wish to know how it went with Alexandrei, correct?" The Sultana chuckled, confirming his suspicions. "I wish you would not worry too much, Sultana."

"I know, my Sultan. Still, I cannot help but worry for you. You cannot trust that brute. I know you and he wish to send Radu to Wallachia, but once Radu takes the throne, Alexandrei may take advantage of him."

The possibility crossed his mind; Mehmed II always thought of the possibilities. He knew his lover had a gentle heart, but didn't want Radu to be manipulated. "During the meeting, Alexandrei was quite cunning. However, I saw through his ruse as he told me how much he wished to put Radu on the throne. I have a feeling he is hiding something."

"So what will you do?"

"He knows useful things but when the time comes, he will be disposed of." The Sultana got her cup of wine and sipped it; she smirked. She felt relieved that the sultan thought of disposing of Alexandrei. That part of her worry was gone. "There is something else I wish to speak to you about." Mehmed II was hesitant, but he looked at her. "Now that my father is dead, I want to keep the promise that was made when you married him. I want to send you back to your homeland."

Sultan Mara stilled, almost dropping her drink. 

Efe Agha stood afa, but also stilled when hearing the news. 

"What?"

"I want you to return home. My father promised you when you both got married."

The Sultana put her cup on the table and stood, trembling. "You wish to send me away!? This is my home! I have made this palace, this country, my home! I do not wish to return!"

Mehmed II looked at his stepmother, expecting her reaction. He did wish to have her counsel, but there were other reasons why he wanted her to return to her homeland. The Sultan stood with his hands behind his back. "I know, Sultana. However, I have been getting word that your family is turbulent. There is a possibility that some members of your family will rebel. If you return to your family, then there will be an order. If they hurt you, I will not hesitate to make war against them."

Sultana Mara tried to control her nerves by playing with her fingers. She couldn't believe her stepson wanted her to return to her homeland. Looking at the Sultan, she couldn't help but feel that he was hiding something. "Are you punishing me by letting me astray?"

"Nothing of that sort. I have not told you this because I did not want to worry you, but after receiving many letters from your homeland, it could no longer be hidden. I will have the letters given to you to show you that what I say is of no ill intent. You will-"

"Mehmed."

The Sultan raised her head high, not wanting to show the hurt. "I understand. I know you are trying to keep your father's promise. If that is what you wish, it shall be, but I have a condition if you allow me." When given permission, Sultana Mara continued, "I wish to give you my council until the war with Vlad is done. Afterward, I shall return home."

Stepmother and stepson looked at one another in silence. Sultan Mehmed II nodded. "Very well, but I have conditions as well. Do not mind what I do regarding Alexandrei or Radu." When his stepmother nodded, he sighed and continued eating. 

The Sultana slowly sat on her seat, trying not to be bothered. However, it was not easy to concentrate. She had time to do what she needed to do. Her main concerns were Gülbahar and Bayezid, as well as eliminating Alexandrei and Radu, which means that Sultana Mara would have to go far beyond to achieve her goals.