Sultan Mehmed II was silently fuming.

His council stood before him in rows, but no one dared say a word. Two weeks ago, the Sultan and his council received word about Vlad ordering his men to attack villages on his territory. There were many casualties; the villages attacked were nothing but ash.

Vlad made his message very clear: he wanted war.

The Sultan stood up as he looked at his councilors. "I had had enough of Vlad's defiance. My father was merciful when his father broke his word. I was merciful when he couldn't pay his dues to me, but what he did to my men and my territory is something I cannot forgive. Send some of my men to ambush him. Meanwhile, I will have the rest of my military prepare to go to Wallachia."

"Your orders shall be done, Sultan. However, where in particular do you wish to attack the infidel?"

"It-."

The door opened, and a servant opened the door and bowed. "Sultan, forgive me for the interruption, but Lord Alexandrei wishes to speak with you all."

The council members looked and murmured to one another. "He dares to request an audience with the Sultan!? For shame!"

"He must have heard on what happened to the villages. Hey may have something to do with this!"

"Mehmed sat down on his throne and motioned everyone to become silent. "He may enter." The councilors were shocked but decided not to speak against their Sultan. The Sultan and the councilors watched as Alexandrei walked into the meeting room, proud. 

Alexandrei walked and stopped at the center; he bowed before Mehmed II. "Sultan, forgive my sudden appearance. I have heard what happened and-"

"Of course, you heard what happened. Word spreads or perhaps you have ears that are put in places that shouldn't be," said a councilman.

"You distrust me, which is your right. I have heard many of the Aghas speak of the news. It is troublesome that even the council speak of what happens in the meetings outside these doors. It is unwise and a foolish things to do; the wrong ears can get the information." 

"Why are you here, Alexandrei? It would seem as if the news delights you," stated the Sultan.

Alexandrei sighed, "The truth is, I wasn't surprised that Vlad made his attack. It would have been a matter of time when he would make his first move. Although, he does things unexpectedly. I came here to offer my help to kill Vlad."

Mehmed II raised an eyebrow while his council looked at one another. "You wish to return to the homeland that you ran from. If Vlad knows about your return, then you will surely be killed. Is that what you wish?"

"I am full aware of the consequences, Sultan. Vlad must be stopped and as I said, I care more about the future of Wallachia. It is my home. Besides, I know more of Wallachia and I can give you more of my insight. You have me as your advantage. Although, there is something I would like in return."

The councilors were about to intervene, but Sultan Mehmed II motioned with his hand for them to stop. "Only if it is reasonable, then I shall allow it."

Alexandrei mentally smirked. "Once Vlad is out of the way and Prince Radu is on the throne. I wish to be his second-in-command and that we shall have your protection."

Mehmed II expected Alexandrei's conditions; he was prepared. Alexandrei believed he was intelligent, but his pride blinded his perception. Mehmed II had the urge to smirk but contained his composure. "It seems reasonable but how will I know that I will have your loyalty? How will I know if you will not harm Radu?"

"Prince Radu is the only hope for Wallachia. I know many of the living boyars will give him their entire support. You may send your spies to look upon us, but it will be up to you if you wish to trust me or not."

Meanwhile, outside the meeting room, in a secret room connected to the meeting room, Efe Agha stood by a small hole behind Mehmed II's throne chair. He heard everything that was being said. The news of Vlad attacking parts of the Ottoman territory finally reached the Sultan.

Efe Agha was relieved that Sultana Mara's plan went to fruition. He feared that her assassins and spies would be hesitant, but they did their duties well. The Agha was amazed at Sultana Mara's intelligence, since she expected Alexandrei to try to make his move. Everything was going to plan. He immediately covered the small hole and ensured he would leave the secret compartment undetected. When no one was in sight, he immediately headed to Sultana Mara's chambers. Female servants saw him, and one of them knocked on the door. 

"Enter."

The servants opened the doo,r and Efe Agha entere. He saw Sultana Mara sitting on her lavish sofa, reading documents. She looked up to him, put the documents aside, and ordered her servants and ladies-in-waiting to leave them alone. Once everyone else was out, Sultana Mara gave Efe Agha her attention. "Well?"

"It is as everything you have expected, Sultana. Your assassins and spies created havoc; they killed two priests."

Sultana Mara smiled while putting her hands together. "Excellent. Make certain they get paid extra; they surely got Vlad's attention. And I assume Vlad retaliated?"

"Yes, Sultana. The infidel cannot let that go unpunished and now war is imminent. I also was listening into the council meeting and as you anticipated, Alexandrei made himself known. He wishes to be Radu's second-in-command once he becomes Voivode."

The Sultana stood up from her seat with her hands together. "His arrogance and pride is getting the best of him and he is leading himself to his demise. I know that Mehmed is no fools; he suspects that Alexandrei will either try to control or kill Radu when the time comes. I assume he will help in the war effort?"

"Indeed. Everything is going according to your plan. I..." Efe Agha was hesitant to speak about the topic.

Sultana Mara noticed and knew what he wanted to talk about. "Do not be saddened by my departure. You know that this is my final act as Sultana. I want to ensure that those infidels will be out of the way so Mehmed does not have to deal with troubles during his rule. Also, I want Radu out of this palace so Gülbahar has less to worry about."

Efe Agha nodded. "You have always thought about the best for this empire, Sultana."

"Yes. Now, it is time for the next phase of the plan. When the preparations for war are complete. I want the money and letter hidden within Alexandrei's belongings. I want my spies to be put under his command."

Efe Agha bowed. He was proud of the Sultana's intelligence. She was doing her last act as Sultana for the greater good of the Ottoman Empire. He was genuinely going to miss her presence. "Yes, Sultana."