___

IT HAD BEEN two days since I had been locked in this cold and dark cell, the sultan has yet to come save me from this cruel fate but I assume that he had been told about my foolish actions and decided to keep me in here forever until I rot–

I had been going insane just imagining all the things that could be happening while im trapped in here.

I pace the cell holding and shaking my head like a crazy person.

I can't believe I let that witch Gülfem Hatun get inside of my head!

I stop pacing and I pull my hands out of my hair and look down to see a clump of my hair in my hands.

I gasp throwing the hair on the floor, "how could I be so stupid! Ahmed will never forgive me..." I sob falling to the ground.

I hold my knees close to my chest sobbing, I lift my head a bit thinking I am hearing footsteps.

Suddenly I hear the rusty gate open and I jump up from where I was sitting.

Cennet Kalfa and a few others are standing there looking nervous.
"Why are you here?" I tilt my head slightly.

"shut up won't you, and just come out!" Cennet scolds me.

I shake my head as two harem agha's try to drag me out of the cell, "let me go!" I shriek, Cennet Kalfa slaps me out of frustration making me even angrier.

I try and struggle to free myself from the aghas.

"Where are you taking me!" I shout angrily, Cennet takes a deep breath in,  "the Sultan has learned of your actions and requested to see you, " Cennet admits.

My facial expressions change all of a sudden, my lips began to tremble and I can just feel the tears building up.

"He will have me beheaded! I am sure of it!" I let out a sob, "you must help me Cennet Kalfa!" I beg.

Cennet only sucks on her teeth and nods to the harem agha and they continue to drag me out of the cell.

I am dead.

____

As soon as we reach the main chambers I am pushed rather rudely–
Into the room.

I look at the ground watching as my tears fall on the floors.

Drip, drip, drip.

My tears fall down my face and I hear Ahmed's footsteps getting closer and closer, and soon enough I feel his hand stroke my head.

I lift my head a bit and I grab his robe, sobbing sadly I soak in my sadness not ever daring to say a word, mostly too scared too.

"I-I-" I try to spit out some words my I can't even get my emotions to calm down.

Ahmed lifts my chin so that I am looking at him right in the eyes, I can see his anger in his eyes, I slowly stand to my feet not breaking eye contact with Ahmed.

"I'm disappointed Benetta, " Ahmed says not smiling at me or anything, I tears fall down my cheeks making their way to my lips, "I'm so sorry my Sultan, I-I-" as I try to apologize for my foolish actions all I can get out is tears.

"How could you!" Ahmed raises his voice, I take a deep breath in looking at the ground.

I sigh lifting my head, "I did not expect to fall for you my Sultan–" I say with my breath shaken, "but I did and I go insane with the thought of being away from you for even a day!" I say through my tears.

"I was dumb and immature and I now know that and I am sorry Ahmed, " I sob, I wipe my tears away quickly trying to finish my words, "please forgive me, " I drop to the floor on my knees.

I look up at the Sultan with a sort of pout on my lips, "I will do better!" I whimper.

Ahmed looks down at me and rests his hand on my head, "stand up, "  he says taking his eyes off of me, I slowly get up not looking at the Sultan.

"You made a big mistake, " Ahmed speaks up, I take that as a signal to look at him, I nod quickly at his words.

"You will apologize to Gülfem when she has fully recovered, " Ahmed moves his eyes to look at me.

"I will apologize, but the thing is–" I take a breath in, "do you forgive me?" I softly ask.

Ahmed takes a deep breath in, "No Benetta, go back to your chambers, I will speak to you when I feel like it." Ahmed walks away from me.

I close my eyes taking a deep breath in, "Yes, my Sultan, " I say sadly.

I turn away from Ahmed and I leave the room with tears still in my eyes.

My anger will be the death of me.

____