It was mid-afternoon in Topkapı Palace, and there was much energy. However, many palace inhabitants couldn't stop talking about Alexandrei's arrival. It wasn't easy to believe that someone from Vlad's court had arrived at the palace and that the Sultan had let him live.

Radu arrived at the palace on horseback, as he and the other Janissaries were out training. Before arriving, Sultan Mehmed II sent Radu a shocking message about Alexandrei's arrival. If Alexandrei arrived at the palace, then something went wrong with Vlad. 

Upon arrival at the palace, Radu and the Janissaries went to the horse stables, where the stable boys waited for their arrival. They took care of the men, who were tending to the horses. Radu was the first to get off his horse and immediately go inside the palace. While walking in the decorative halls, he noticed many noblemen's looks. There were distrustful looks.

Although Radu grew up within the palace and was educated, he still felt and was treated as an outsider by the nobles and council. Mehmed II treated and viewed him affectionately, but Radu hated the feeling of distrust. He went to the Sultan's section of the palace, where he went to one of the servants. "Where is the Sultan?"

"He is in his chamber with the Sultanas."

The Sultanas. Radu knew that this meant that Mehmed was with his adoptive mother, Sultana Mara, and his favorite consort, Sultana Gülbahar. He didn't enjoy being in their presence since they didn't think highly of him. Both Sultanas were aware of his and Mehmed II's relationship, which they disapproved of. Radu loved Mehmed deeply, and he was willing to be hated for him. Radu eventually arrived outside Mehmed's chambers and told the male servants about his arrival. 

One of the servants entered, informing the Sultan and the Sultanas about his arrival. The male servant walked back outside and motioned for Radu to enter. The young man slowly entered Mehmed II's chamber. The Sultan sat in a lavish chair opposite his bed. Before him were the two Sultanas, who wore their finery. Mehmed looked at Radu and stood from his seat. "Radu, you have returned."

Radu bowed and walked forward. "I have returned, Sultan."

"So you have." Mehmed motioned with his right hand, which Radu gently held and kissed. 

Radu stood apart from the Sultanas, who eyed him with disdain. Even if he was Mehmed's favorite male concubine, Radu still had to respect the sultanas, as they held a higher rank. He bowed to them. Sultana Mara. Sultana Gülbahar."

Neither Sultana responded, and Mehmed II noticed. He didn't want to begin an argument with them, so he sat down. "I assume you received my message."

"I have, Sultan. I am shocked that Alexandrei would come all the way over here. I assume, my brother had no use for Alexandrei anymore." 

"Indeed. Alexandrei mentioned of speaking against Vlad too many times, but Mustafa Bey told me that Alexandrei has been sending information to him about Vlad. Also, we have yet to believe that Alexandrei may done something else to lose Vlad's trust."

Sultana Mara huffed. "It is to be expected from that ruffian. Alexandrei cannot be trusted, Sultan. With due respect, it would be best to rid of him."

"I agree with Valide Sultan (Queen Mother). He only came here to save himself. For all we know, that infidel may send intel to your enemies," said Sultana Gülbahar, glaring at Radu, who didn't look her way. Sultana Gülbahar was the main favorite among Mehmed II's female concubines. Although he had other sons, her son was his favorite and heir to the throne, which gave her more opportunities to be with Mehmed. She heard the stories about Mehmed and Radu and found them disgusting. Although Gülbahar converted to Islam, she never forgot her Christian faith and believed homosexuality to be an abomination. The Sultana made her disgust clear, but Mehmed II reminded her of her place, and if she were to question his action, he wouldn't hesitate to send her away without their son.

The Sultan sighed as he massaged his forehead. He knew that Alexandrei's presence would cause a stir. "I understand all of your concerns but whether we like it or not, Alexandrei is useful to me. I am not a fool to trust him entirely." Mehmed II looked at his lover, who tried not to look at the way of his concubine and his adoptive mother. He knew that Radu didn't want to cause a stir with the Sultanas, who disagreed with their relationship.  "What say you, Radu?"

Radu cleared his throat as he felt everyone looking at him. "I have met Alexandrei a few times when I visited my brother and he seemed to wanting the best for Wallachia. Still, we cannot fully trust him. If my brother couldn't trust him, why should we?"

Mehmed II nodded. "It would seem that we are all in agreeance. You all do not need to worry for I know that Alexandrei shouldn't be trusted. Again, he is useful to me and to Radu. Since Radu will be a better fit to be Voivode. My Sultanas, I wish to speak to Radu alone." The Sultanas merely bowed, and as they walked out, they glared at Radu as they walked out of the Sultan's chambers. The men were left alone, and Radu sighed in relief. Mehmed chuckled as he looked at his lover. "I understand that it can be difficult to be with the Sultanas and I must imagine the sudden news of Alexandrei was stressful as it was."

"Worry not, my Sultan. Nothing I feel is compared what you feel. You have much in your mind."

The Sultan slowly stood as he went to his lover, putting an arm around Radu's waist, pulling him closer to him. "I do have much in my mind. There is something else you must know; Vlad is trying to the treaty with the Hungarian King, Matthias. Your brother also killed two of my envoys, leaving one alive." He felt Radu tense; Mehmed knew that Radu still cared and loved Vlad. Mehmed II knew that Radu had some hope that Vlad would see reason, but it wasn't to be. "You know what that means."

Radu walked away from his lover's embrace and wrapped his arms around himself. "I prayed, Mehmed. I hoped that God would have heard my prayers to prevent war, but it was for nothing." Tears slowly formed in Radu's eyes as he thought about Vlad. "Oh, brother, why did it have to be this way?"