Mehmed managed to prove his loyalty to his father, Sultan Murad, by successfully apprehending the traitor Capello. Yet, even with this victory, Murad had pressing questions about the silver coins minted in his son’s name—a concern Mehmed was quick to explain away. As news arrived of the Crusaders’ advance, Mehmed pitched a bold plan for an Oghuz alliance, a strategy immediately opposed by the wary Grand Vizier, Çandarlı. The final decision, as always, rested with Murad.
Acting on his father’s orders, Mehmed soon discovered Wallachian forces fleeing from the Hungarian commander Janosh and saw an opportunity to launch a joint attack. Unbeknownst to him, Janosh was simultaneously devising his own strategies against the Ottomans, leaving the outcome of their impending clash hanging in the balance.
Meanwhile, within the palace walls, a sudden tragedy unfolded in private: Prince Ahmed choked on a handful of roasted chickpeas, with only Hüma and her apprentice Çeşmidil as witnesses. Frozen, Hüma was torn between action and inaction, a split-second dilemma that could ignite immense tension throughout the harem, particularly with the formidable Halime.
Across the sea in Byzantium, a shocking political upheaval was underway. Demetrios had not only escaped a deadly trap but had also seized the imperial throne, a stunning turn of events that left Helena, Konstantinos, and Notaras reeling. The city now held its breath, waiting to see how the new emperor would judge those who had conspired against him, and how they would respond.