The nights in Topkapi Palace were always filled with secrets. From afar, the glow of oil lamps lined up along the corridors looked like fireflies marching in perfect order, illuminating the heavy shadows lurking behind silk curtains and thick stone walls.
But inside the princess's chamber, that light felt distant. Lara sat on the edge of her bed, her eyes fixed on the small scroll of parchment resting on her lap. She had read its contents over and over again, yet every time her gaze fell upon those words, her heart was struck by the same feeling: horror mingled with fascination.
Trust only the one who wears the ring of the lion.
The message was too short, too vague. Yet precisely because of that, Lara knew it had been written in haste—perhaps by someone who risked their life to warn her.
She drew in a long breath. The night was far too silent. Elif had already fallen asleep in the chair by the window, her head resting against the wooden frame, her breathing steady. Lara hesitated to wake her. She knew Elif would forbid her from doing what she was now planning.
But time did not wait. The full moon was only five nights away.
She rose slowly, folding the letter back and slipping it into the sash at her waist. With careful steps, she unlocked the small side door, the one rarely used, which led directly into the servants' corridor.
The corridor was deserted. The air smelled of oil and damp wood. Lara moved quickly, sweeping her gown aside so that the fabric would not drag too loudly across the floor.
Her destination was clear: the Forbidden Garden.
It was the only place Elif had mentioned earlier that day—the place where someone had once seen a guard wearing a ring with a lion's crest. If that was true, then tonight was her only chance to confirm it.
Each step felt like a gamble. If she was caught, she could be accused of breaking the rules of the harem. Worse still, she could be accused of conspiring with those who sought to overthrow the Sultan.
And yet something within her urged her forward. Whether it was courage or desperation, she could not tell.
When Lara reached the end of the corridor, she caught the sound of water. The Forbidden Garden spread wide before her, with a great pool at its center, surrounded by lush trees and marble pathways gleaming under the moonlight. The silver glow upon the water's surface was soothing, yet terrifying at the same time.
From behind a bush, she spotted the guards on watch. Four of them that night, each holding a long spear, standing tall, their faces hidden beneath the shadow of their helmets.
Lara held her breath. Her eyes scanned their hands, searching for something—the ring.
One by one she observed.
The first guard—nothing.
The second—nothing either.
The third—he raised his hand briefly to rub his nose, and the moonlight caught a glint of silver on his finger.
Lara's eyes sharpened.
On the guard's right index finger gleamed a silver ring engraved with the head of a lion. Its eyes shone red, as if alive in the moonlight.
Her heart pounded.
He… truly exists.
But how was she supposed to approach him?
The garden was open, and the other guards could notice her at any moment. If she dared to reveal herself, all of Topkapi's watchmen would know she had left her chambers in the dead of night—a scandal that could ruin her.
Suddenly, soft footsteps echoed behind her. Lara turned, her body tensing. From the shadows of the corridor, a woman stepped forward in a gown of deep blue. Her face, bathed in moonlight, revealed a cold beauty that Lara knew all too well.
Nafisa Hatun.
"Ah… so it's true." Nafisa's voice was quiet, yet dripping with venom. "I already suspected it since this afternoon, Princess."
Lara took a step back, her heart racing. "What are you doing here?"
A thin smile curved Nafisa's lips. "That question suits you far better. A daughter of the Sultan, wandering alone into the Forbidden Garden at night… imagine what would happen if this story reached his ears?"
Lara clenched her jaw. "You followed me."
"Of course." Nafisa advanced, her gown whispering against the marble. "I never believed your innocent face was truly innocent. You've always been hiding something. And look—turns out I was right."
The moonlight caught in Nafisa's eyes, making them glimmer like a cat's. Lara knew that if she wasn't careful, this night could end very badly.
But before Lara could reply, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from another direction. Nafisa turned sharply, then looked back at Lara with triumphant eyes.
"It seems we are not alone, Princess. Tonight… will be very interesting."
From the direction of the garden, the guard with the lion's ring stepped forward. His face remained hidden in the shadows, but his stride was steady, purposeful—as though he had come here to meet someone.
Lara held her breath. Nafisa narrowed her eyes.
The three of them now stood in a tense triangle: the princess with a secret in her grasp, Nafisa with her burning ambition, and the lion-ringed guard who perhaps held the key to unraveling every mystery that loomed over Topkapi Palace.
---
The shadows of the trees in the Forbidden Garden swayed gently, as if bearing silent witness to the encounter. The night was filled only with the trickle of water from the fountain and the whisper of wind brushing through the leaves.
The guard with the lion-ring halted a few steps away from Lara and Nafisa. Up close, the ring gleamed even more—an engraving of a lion's head with two blood-red eyes. The brilliance was so sharp that Nafisa narrowed her gaze for a moment.
"Who are you?" Nafisa asked, her voice low yet heavy with suspicion. "Why approach the harem grounds without permission?"
The guard did not answer at once. Instead, he inclined his head slightly—only toward Lara, as though in a gesture of reverence. His voice, hoarse yet firm, finally broke the silence.
"I come not to defy the rules, but to protect."
Lara swallowed hard, tension rippling through her body.
"You… that ring. Are you the one mentioned in the letter?"
The guard lifted his eyes, meeting Lara's directly.
"If you received that message, then your time is short, Princess."
Nafisa scoffed and stepped forward. "Message? What letter do you mean?" Her gaze was sharp as a blade, trying to carve an answer from Lara's face.
But Lara restrained herself, forcing calm. She could not reveal the secret in front of Nafisa.
The guard seemed to understand. He glanced at Nafisa briefly, then returned his attention to Lara.
"Not everyone here can be trusted."
The meaning in his tone was clear. Nafisa clenched her fists, her face flushing with offense.
"How dare you insult a Hatun before the Sultan's daughter!"
The guard did not flinch, his demeanor steady.
"I meant no insult. Only a warning. A scheme is in motion. On the night of the full moon—blood may be spilled within these walls."
Lara held her breath. Nafisa, however, regarded her with calculating eyes and then smirked.
"Interesting… So you do know something, Princess."
"Silence, Nafisa," Lara snapped, her voice sharper than she intended. "You know nothing of what is happening."
"Oh, I know more than you think," Nafisa replied, her tone triumphant. "I know who speaks in secret with Prince Kadir. I know who prowls the eastern corridors. And now… I know that you have received a secret message from someone."
Cold dread coursed through Lara's veins. Nafisa had already gathered enough fragments to ensnare her at any moment.
Yet the lion-ringed guard stepped forward, closing the distance to only a few paces.
"If you truly know, Hatun, then you should also know how dangerous this game is. One wrong move could cost a life."
Nafisa straightened, her eyes blazing with defiance.
"I do not fear death."
The guard turned to Lara again, his gaze sharpening.
"But you, Princess… if you wish to live, meet me tomorrow night at the eastern gate of the Forbidden Garden. Come alone. Tell no one. Let no one see."
A heavy silence fell. Nafisa's eyes flicked quickly to Lara, clearly probing her reaction.
Before Lara could answer, another set of footsteps echoed—a heavy, disciplined march drawing near. Nafisa's expression shifted at once, hiding her sly smile.
From the garden's gate, Prince Kadir appeared, flanked by two guards. His eyes immediately seized the scene: Lara, Nafisa, and a soldier standing together in a place forbidden to a princess at night.
Moonlight cast over Kadir's face, making his smile all the darker.
"Am I interrupting… a secret meeting?"
---
Prince Kadir's steps halted only a few paces from them. His gaze brimmed with suspicion, yet his smile lingered—like a serpent poised to coil around its prey.
"How fascinating," he murmured, his voice slicing through the night like a whisper of steel. "A princess, a Hatun, and a guard… meeting in secret in a garden meant to be empty."
Lara held her breath. Nafisa, on the other hand, allowed a faint smile to curl on her lips, as though she had been waiting for this very moment.
"Your Highness," Nafisa bowed gracefully, her tone sweet as honey. "I merely found Princess Lara lost in the garden. I feared for her safety, so I summoned a guard to keep watch."
Lara wanted to protest, but her tongue faltered. The explanation sounded plausible—Nafisa had twisted the truth so deftly that Lara now appeared the helpless victim.
Kadir turned to the lion-ringed guard, his eyes narrowing. "You. What is your name?"
The guard bowed his head, his tone calm and steady. "This servant is called Iskandar, my Lord. I only perform my duty."
"Your ring…" Kadir's gaze lingered on the glint of gold on his finger. "Who gave it to you?"
Iskandar did not answer at once. Silence pressed down on the air. Lara nearly forgot to breathe.
At last, he spoke softly. "From my father, a veteran of war. The ring is his legacy."
Kadir studied him for a long moment, as if trying to pierce whatever lies might be hidden beneath the surface. Nafisa's eyes sparkled with amusement; she nearly laughed, well aware that something was being concealed.
Finally, Kadir let a thin smile form. "Very well. But I will remember your face, Iskandar."
The guard bowed deeper, concealing the flicker in his eyes.
Kadir then shifted his attention to Lara. He stepped closer, until only a breath of space remained between them. His stare pierced, his faint smile sent her heart racing.
"What are you hiding from me, Princess?"
Lara forced herself to stand firm. "I am hiding nothing, Prince. Nafisa speaks the truth. I only… wished for fresh air."
"Fresh air?" Kadir lifted her chin with his finger, angling her face so her eyes met his. "Or are you searching for something more than air?"
Lara's body stiffened. Nafisa watched the scene with evident satisfaction, reveling in Lara's helplessness.
But before Kadir could press further, Iskandar spoke. "Your Highness, if I may… the garden is not safe tonight. I have heard whispers of an intruder. That is why I kept watch."
Kadir paused, turning to him. "An intruder?"
Iskandar bowed deeply, masking the fleeting glance he cast at Lara. "Yes, my Lord. That is why I am here—to ensure no harm befalls the Sultan's daughter."
Nafisa nearly interjected, but restrained herself. Her eyes gleamed. She knew Iskandar was lying to shield Lara, and that knowledge was now a weapon she could wield at will.
Kadir exhaled sharply, then released Lara's chin. "Very well. I shall treat this as a mere misunderstanding. But if I uncover even a single lie… you will all pay for it."
The words hung in the air like a sword poised to fall.
Kadir turned, striding away with his guards. Nafisa kept her head bowed, hiding the thin smile of triumph that played upon her lips.
Once his footsteps faded, Nafisa straightened, her gaze sharp with cruel delight as she fixed it on Lara.
"You see? Only one step more and you will plunge into the abyss, Lara. And when you fall… I will be there to watch."
Lara clenched her fists, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, yet she held them back.
Meanwhile, Iskandar leaned closer, his voice a whisper meant only for her.
"Do not falter, Princess. Remember… the eastern gate, tomorrow night."
---
The night air felt heavier as Lara walked along the narrow path toward the eastern gate. Elif had begged her not to go, but Lara knew—the scroll left her with no other choice. The words "trust only the one who wears the lion's ring" echoed in her head every time she closed her eyes.
Only the sound of her footsteps crunching against gravel accompanied her, blending with the whisper of the Bosphorus wind. In the distance, the watchtower loomed like a dark sentinel, observing her every move.
When she reached the eastern gate, she saw a tall figure leaning against the old wooden post. The torch nearby revealed only fragments of his face: a sharp jaw, vigilant eyes, and on his left hand gleamed a lion-shaped ring with crimson eyes.
"Princess." The voice was low, deep, slightly hoarse. "You came."
Lara held her breath for a moment before stepping closer. "You… the guard?"
Iskandar straightened and bowed. "Iskandar bin Selim. I swore my loyalty to the Sultan— and to you, Princess."
The words sent an unfamiliar tremor through Lara's chest. "Why… to me?"
Iskandar's gaze fixed on hers. "Because what they fear is not the aging Sultan… but your bloodline. There is something within you that can change everything."
Before Lara could ask what he meant, the sharp snap of a twig broke the silence. Both turned instantly. Iskandar's hand went to the hilt of his sword.
From the shadows, Nafisa Hatun emerged. A faint smile curved her lips, though her eyes burned with triumph. "Ah… so I was right. Our little Princess has secret meetings at the eastern gate."
Lara stiffened. "Nafisa…"
The woman walked gracefully forward, her silk gown shimmering faintly under the moonlight. "You learn so quickly, Princess. Meeting a guard in the middle of the night? Dangerous, and yet… fascinating."
Iskandar stepped forward, placing himself between them. "Hatun, return now, before you regret being here."
A soft laugh slipped from Nafisa's lips. "Regret? Oh, Iskandar… the only regret I would have is not making use of what I've just seen."
Her eyes traced the gleam of the lion's ring on his hand. "Ah… the lion's ring. So the rumor is true. You are part of the old circle. I did not think the Princess had come this far."
Lara clenched her teeth. "You know nothing."
Nafisa leaned closer, her face mere inches from Lara's. "I know enough. Enough to ruin you with a single whisper into Prince Kadir's ear."
Iskandar shoved her shoulder roughly. "Do not even try."
But Nafisa only laughed, unafraid. "You may protect her tonight, Iskandar. But tomorrow? When the hall is full, when Kadir sits beside his father? Do you think you can silence me then?"
The night wind blew harder, carrying the salty tang of the sea, mixing with the charged tension between them. Lara realized—whatever happened tonight was only the beginning. Nafisa had seen far too much.
Iskandar's eyes turned to Lara, as if awaiting her command.
For the first time, Lara felt herself caught in the very heart of the storm: a mysterious ally with the lion's ring on one side, and the cunning Nafisa Hatun on the other.
And she knew—one wrong step, and everything would collapse.
---
Silence crept between them, broken only by the soft hiss of night insects stirring within the grass. Nafisa fixed her gaze on Lara, sharp and unwavering, as if every word the Princess uttered would be stored away as a weapon.
"Here's my offer," Nafisa whispered, her tone carrying the weight of a dangerous game. "I will not say a word to Prince Kadir… if you, Princess, promise to step aside. You know who truly deserves to sit at the Sultan's side, don't you?"
Lara stiffened. She understood perfectly what Nafisa meant: the seat of the crown prince's consort.
"So this is all about your ambition?" she murmured, her voice trembling with anger.
Nafisa's smile was sweet, but cold. "Ambition is the lifeblood of this palace, Princess. Without it, you'll be devoured by the shadows."
Iskandar stood firm between them. "Hatun, stop playing with fire. You have no idea how high the cost may be."
But Nafisa tilted her head, leaning ever so slightly toward him. "You… are always so gallant, Iskandar. But I wonder… that ring, and your oath—are they truly for the Sultan? Or for her?"
Her eyes flicked sharply toward Lara.
Lara's heart pounded violently, as though her chest had been struck from within. She wanted to deny it, to protest, but Nafisa's words seeped into her like venom—slowly spreading doubt, igniting fear.
Iskandar did not move. His jaw tightened, his fists clenched at his sides.
"Hatun, if you utter one more word against the Princess, I will not hesitate to drag you out of here—even if it means the whole palace questions why a Hatun wanders the gates at midnight."
For the first time, Nafisa hesitated. Her eyes gleamed with calculation. And then, instead of fear, a soft laugh spilled from her lips.
"Oh, Iskandar. You think you can threaten me with rules? Rules are nothing but curtains. What matters is who dares to tear them apart."
At last, Lara spoke, her voice calm but firm. "Nafisa, if you wish to test my strength, do it in the light of the hall, not in the shroud of darkness. I will not bow to whispers tonight."
The words wiped the smile from Nafisa's face. Her expression hardened, cold as stone.
"Very well, Princess. You are braver than I expected. But remember this—courage without allies is nothing but folly."
She turned, her gown sweeping against the stony ground, footsteps echoing into the dark. Yet before her shadow disappeared completely, she looked back once more.
"The full moon is only five nights away. Let us see who will stand… and who will fall."
Her steps faded, leaving behind an air heavier than before.
Lara held her breath, realizing only then how tense her body had been since Nafisa appeared. Closing her eyes briefly, she turned to Iskandar. "You… why didn't you deny her words?"
Iskandar regarded her for a long moment. His gaze was sharp, but beneath it lay something else—a secret locked tightly within.
"Because some things, Princess, are not best denied with words. What matters are actions. Trust that."
Lara fell silent. His words lingered in the air, stirring questions she dared not voice: did he protect her because of his oath… or because of something far deeper?
From the distance, the evening call to prayer rose from the city's minaret.
Time was slipping away. Nafisa now knew too much. And Iskandar—the ally with the lion's ring—was guarding a secret that might prove just as dangerous.
---
The air in the chamber still carried the scent of the night, mingled with the fragrance of jasmine drifting in from the garden. Lara sat by the window, her shoulders heavy, as though the weight of the palace had been poured onto her tonight.
Elif busied herself drawing the curtains, ensuring no shadow could peer from outside. Meanwhile, Iskandar stood firm by the door, his eyes scanning every corner of the room before finally settling on Lara.
"Princess," his voice was low yet edged with authority. "Whatever Nafisa said, do not let her words poison your mind."
Lara slowly lifted her gaze. "But you didn't deny her, Iskandar. Not once. Do you truly protect me only because of your oath to the Sultan? Or… is it something else?"
The question dropped like a weight. Elif turned, holding her breath, her eyes shifting between Lara and Iskandar.
Iskandar bowed his head briefly, then raised it again, his expression unreadable. "Princess, my loyalty to you… is greater than words I could ever explain tonight. What you must know is this: as long as I breathe, no one will harm you."
The answer soothed her, yet it tightened Lara's chest all the same. There was something left unsaid, something hanging in the air, making the room feel smaller with every breath.
At last, Elif broke the silence. "Princess… the scroll."
She pointed at the table, where the letter bound with a red thread still lay. "We must decide what to do. If there truly is a traitor within the palace, we cannot remain idle."
Lara nodded slowly. She picked up the scroll, her eyes tracing the hurried black ink.
"They will strike at the full moon," she whispered. "And there is only one person to be trusted… the one who bears the lion's ring."
Her gaze shifted to Iskandar's hand. On his right index finger, the lion-shaped ring glimmered faintly in the candlelight.
"So it is you," she said softly, her voice trembling. "You are the one named in this letter."
Iskandar did not deny it. He removed his glove, revealing the golden ring engraved with a lion's head. "Yes. This ring is the emblem of an oath sworn by my father—a guardian who once shielded the Sultan from a coup. Now, I bear that duty. And… I believe you are the key they wish to bring down."
The words sent a chill through Lara's blood. "Why me? I am but a princess taken from a foreign land."
Iskandar's gaze deepened, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Precisely because of that. Your blood is not only foreign, Princess… it carries a lineage more dangerous than you realize."
The room froze. Elif's eyes widened at Lara. "What do you mean, Iskandar?"
But before he could answer, a heavy knock thundered at the door. Three times—firm, authoritative.
"Princess Lara," the voice of a palace guard resounded. "Prince Kadir summons you at once. It is urgent."
Lara froze in her chair. Elif's expression turned panicked, while Iskandar's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword.
"I must go," Lara whispered, though doubt clouded her heart.
Iskandar stepped closer, lowering his voice to her ear. "Be careful. Whatever happens… do not show fear before Prince Kadir."
Elif clasped Lara's hand tightly. "I'll be waiting here. Return safely."
With heavy steps, Lara rose. She slipped the scroll beneath her gown, then walked toward the door. When it opened, the glow of torches from the corridor stung her eyes. Two guards bowed low, ready to escort her.
Behind her, Elif closed the door softly, and Lara knew—tonight was only the beginning of a far greater storm.
---
Meanwhile…
On the other side of the palace, Nafisa Hatun strode swiftly down a shadowed corridor toward Prince Kadir's private chamber. Her gown whispered against the stone, her eyes alight with intrigue.
The guard at the door bowed deeply and allowed her to enter without question.
Inside, Kadir stood before a wide window opening toward the Bosphorus. The night wind swept in, stirring the curtains, carrying the briny scent of the sea.
"Nafisa," his voice was calm, laced with command. "What did you discover tonight?"
Nafisa's lips curved into a sly smile as she bowed low. "Enough to corner Princess Lara. And enough… to ensure your victory when the full moon comes."
Kadir turned, his gaze dark yet gleaming like a drawn blade. "Good. Then let us allow the lion to step from its hiding place."
Nafisa bowed deeper, concealing her satisfied smile. In her heart, she knew: the night of the full moon would be a stage of blood—and Lara was nothing more than a pawn, waiting for her turn to fall.
---
This is the first time I've typed this many words (3 thousands and above)!!😍😆🥳!!!Thank you very much to the readers who have read this novel by this author!!! Sorry if it doesn't meet your expectations, the author is still a beginner so please understand!!!Peace be upon you and Allah be upon you.
Indonesia,Central Kalimantan
Kuala Kapuas