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Rümeysa stood in her apartment with her eyes weeping.  Mustafa, meanwhile, entered and hugged his lover from behind while laying his face on her shoulder. They both knew what was coming. The sultana took a deep breath as she wiped her tears from her face.

"Nothing will happen to me, my dear. This is our last night."

"For heaven's sake! Do you even hear what you are saying? My plea doesn't matter? Please do not go." Rümeysa begged.

"Our night together before departure.  You are a gift from Allah to me, Rümeysa. I will return to you and our children alive and well."

Mustafa pulled her close and kissed her passionately.  Rümeysa weakened in her husband's arms.  The love that connected them blazed even more than ever.  The sultana kissed Mustafa over and over again.

"I want you to promise me. Give me your word. Promise me. I want to hear."

"What?"

"Promise me you'll come back.  Promise me you will hold me in your arms again. You are my life, Mustafa. I want to feel your kisses."

"I swear to our children that I will return."

The next morning the children, Mahidevran and Rümeysa, were already lined up in the yard. Mustafa was ready to go. The nine-year-old Prince Murad was standing next to his mother. He wanted to be brave in front of his father.  Mustafa waved goodbye to his children and his mother, who hugged her as tightly as if she had seen him for the last time. A small smile sat on Rümeysa's face.  She believed in her husband's return.  Mustafa, in the company of his wife, retreated to the waiting escort. Taslicali nodded.  He knew exactly what Rümeysa's plan was.

"Allah help you in your way, my prince!  I will pray for you and your people." Rümeysa said.

"I love you, my Sultana! I am grateful for your love and support." Mustafa got on his horse and looked for Atmaca.

"Taslicali, one word, please!"

"What can I do, Sultanim?"

"You know your business, right? As soon as Mustafa entered the sultan's tent, we immediately attacked.  At dusk today, my men and I will go after you, but the prince must not guess anything. Everything is in his best interests. If things go wrong and he has to flee, give him an escape behind the camp. Close the way for the sultan."

"As you command, Sultanim.  I'm staying with the prince." Taslicali replied.

"Good. Take care of yourself, Taslicali! You are a loyal friend for us."