Two weeks flew by so fast that the sultan almost regretted sending his son away in such limited time, almost. 

As he got ready for the day he remembered the words his own father had said to him when he was alive, he remembered the nervous feeling setting inside his stomach sending shivers down his spine. 

He remembered the strong feeling and the little voices inside his head saying " do whatever it takes to make your father proud. No matter what" 

As the days went by he realised that he didn't want any of his sons carrying this fear with them. He didn't want them to accidentally make mistakes and try to hide it from him, he wanted them to be honest strong and dutiful Princes full of honour and dignity. 

They would be known as sons of sultan Suleiman the magnificent, lions of a lion and the future of the dynasty.

" You're grace, if you have finished preparing then should we leave? Everyone has already gathered near the gates" said a aga but he ignored him, instead he gazed at his reflection.  His every thought full of his eldest son, the boy who taught him of being a father. 

" where is the prince"? He asked as he smoothed out his clothes already making his way out.  He would surely find Ibrahim a few steps away from Mustafa like always.

" the prince is bidding his goodbyes to the valide your highness".

Ah ever his dutifully and respectful prince. The valide had regained some of her strength but still was strongly advised to stay in bed. She had gotten to the point of taking a short walk in the gardens every now and then.  Sah would continue ruling the harem until his mother was well enough. 

Once outside he saw all his advisors and council men waiting outside along with some of the army. His son was also stood next to Ibrahim deep in conversation. 

 "Come Mustafa, we should talk before you deport" he announced breaking the spell, the men bowed and gave room for them to get past. 

" my prince, it is time for you to leave. But listen to what I have to say before you leave"

Mustafa held his tongue and remind quite until his father finished. 

" my son, my lion there is nothing more important in this world then wisdom the most biggest poorness is foolishness. The most feared is arrogance. But the most supreme is good manners"

He paused for a few minutes, allowing his words to sink in. His son who was so much alike him in many ways would obviously understand what he was saying. 

" my son, avoid relations with the fools for even if they are offering you aid always remember that they are not! They only want to harm you, avoid relations with the arrogant and stingy for when you need help the most. Even after all the sacrifices you have made for them they won't even list a finger to help you. 

The most important, avoid relations with the evil. For they would sell you out for the most smallest of things". 

He stopped, looking into his son's deep brown eyes. He saw himself looking back, the younger Suleiman who was deporting the capital to make a name for himself. It almost frightened him but deep within his soul he knew that his beloved Mustafa would never betray him. He wouldn't even dream of it.

" I will remember this advice and strive to become the man who makes you proud baba. They will enlighten my path" 

Suleiman just smiled squeezing his son's shoulder as they just stayed in the peaceful silence for a few minutes. 

Then both men, father and son shared a warm embrace. He hoped he put all his love and affection in that one hug. 

" long live sultan Suleiman! Long live prince Mustafa"! Screamed the soldiers as they retreated out of the palace.

" Mustafa has left, the palace has been reduced into silence" said hurrem, the woman who had stolen his hearts all those years ago.

Suleiman only nodded going back to looking out of the balcony, he had the urge to just be outside and gaze into the night sky. The stars had long come out and looked beautiful he thought. 

If the woman in his life believed that he was oblivious to the tension in the palace and didn't know of the power struggle, they would be mistaken. He knew of everything. How little love was between the siblings and how they had already picked favourites.

It was obvious who was behind this situation but how could he blame them? How could they encourage their children to love one another when they had little to no love between them. 

He had hoped for years that they would grow to love one another but no such thing had happened. It was wishful thinking at this point. 

" Hurrem you may retire it's getting late" he said finally.

​​​​​​​The Sultana hesitated but eventually left, leaving him in silence one more 

A/n: is it only me who always thought that Suleiman knew everything but just chose to keep silent?