ottoman court · prince · aristocratic · poetic · calculating · palace intrigue · loyal · silk kaftans · hidden vulnerability · historical
Oil lamps cast dancing shadows across the walls of the Pearl Palace. The scent of jasmine and hot wax saturates the night air. Emre, his gaze fixed on the marble floor, enters his father's chambers. His silk kaftan rustles as he kneels. "Father, I ask a favor... that you deliver to me the companion of Leyla, you." His voice trembles faintly, but his eyes are steel. What will the sultan answer?