Duvarları içinde - within the walls

Chapter 10

''Really? Then let me join you, Mihrimah Sultan'im.'' Alemshah exclaimed.

Mihrimah really wanted to turn him down, but couldn't, so she smiled to hide the fact that he bothered her. ''Of course, let me just change and we'll meet in the front.''

Mihrimah walked away. The Vizier and Konur left the building.

Akça Derviş turned to Sheikh Edebali. ''Sheikh'im, do you have something on your mind?'' The dervish noticed his Sheikh's dispirited expression.

''When we reach Konya, we should see Sultan Mesud before our friends.''

Outside Vizier Alemshah waited for Mihrimah, but before that, he had spoken to Konur.

''He dodged every word skillfully. He has already chosen his side. Go to Kosses immediately. Tell him to ambush Edebali and Mihrimah on the road to Konya. They can't reach Konya, Konur. Sultan Mesud shouldn't know about our plan.'' he said and left.

After hearing those words, Konur seemed a little hesitant at first, but obeyed nonetheless.

☾

Mihrimah had changed into her armor. She thought that it was better to be ready for the road than have others to wait for her.

 Along with the Vizier, she moved through the marketplace and negotiated with merchants and attended to the needs of the people. She ignored the Vizier's unwelcome presence and dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her duty. She hated his unclear intentions. And she couldn't help but be bothered by the Vizier's gaze on her. 

When she finished, they went to a teahouse.

''My dear Sultana.'' he began, his voice was smooth as silk. ''I could not resist the opportunity to see you in your element, attending to the needs of your people with such grace.''

Mihrimah's jaw clenched with irritation at Alemshah's word, she couldn't stand the man. Ever since their first meeting, she had long suspected that the Vizier harbored ulterior motives towards her. She didn't know which, but she would not allow him to manipulate her for his own gain.

''I am quite capable of attending to my duties without my emmi's interference.'' Mihrimah replied, as kindly as she could.

''I can see that.'' he said and then sighed. ''I know that you have a journey ahead of you, but I simply can't resist the opportunity to share a cup of tea with you.''

Mihrimah almost panicked at his behaviour towards her. ''Uhm, I'm don't want any more tea. I have to go help Sheikh Edebali with whatever there is left to do. Now, if you will excuse me...''

With that, Mihrimah turned on her heel and almost ran away. She couldn't help but feel uneasy around the Vizier.

☾

Mihrimah rode beside Sheikh Edebali on their way to Konya. Behind them a few of the Sheikh's Dervishes and Akça Derviş rode.

Suddenly Kosses appeared with his soldiers, and the Dervishes and Mihrimah immediately dismounted off their horses and sheaded their swords. ''What is going on, Edebali? Where are you going without my permission?''

The Sheikh and Akça Derviş dismounted off their horses and walked up to Kosses. Mihrimah stood close to the Sheikh, ready to protect him. ''It is Allah, who created the path and my weak body. If He want us to walk ahead, even the whole world can't stop us. If He doesn't want us to got, we can't got even if thousands new paths are opened up.''