Chapter 34 – The Cousin
The word cousin echoed in Murad's mind. A chill ran down his spine—he was taken aback. It was the first time he was face to face with a relative from his mother's side. In fact, he might very well be the first sultan in Ottoman history to ever meet a maternal relative. His eyes fixed on the woman's face. Though he tried to remain expressionless, the slight twitch between his brows betrayed the storm within.
"So… we're cousins," he said slowly, his voice tinged with astonishment and a reluctant acceptance. An unfamiliar feeling stirred inside him—something both familiar and foreign, warm yet distant. He looked away and let out a faint sigh.
"We were… expecting a man," he continued. "So seeing a woman... caught us off guard. Forgive us."
The woman tilted her head with a sweet but confident smile. She rose from the bed and took a few steps forward, standing right in front of Murad.
"My father was supposed to come," she said, her voice soft yet clear. "But something came up—something he couldn't cancel. So I came instead."
Then her gaze locked with Murad's—fearlessly, unflinchingly. It had been a long time since anyone had looked him so directly, so openly. Not since his mother. Normally, he would've instinctively retreated under such a gaze. But this time… he oddly felt at ease.
The woman stepped even closer.
"But," she added, her voice laced with subtle defiance, "if you doubt my ability to help... I can leave."
Her words didn't sting, but they struck deep. At that moment, Balibey found her confidence a bit too bold. Taking a firm step forward, he spoke sternly:
"Watch your tone. Do you know who you're speaking to?"
The woman didn't flinch. In fact, a faint, amused smile formed on her lips.
"Of course I know," she replied calmly but with an edge. "He's my cousin."
The emphasis in her last word was deliberate as she gave Balibey a subtle nod. That lightly sarcastic gesture introduced a brief silence.
Just as the tension began to rise, Murad intervened. His voice was calm but firm.
"It's alright, Balibey."
He kept his eyes on the woman.
"It seems our helper has arrived."
Balibey's eyes still burned with unease, but he managed to contain himself before the sultan. The woman, unbothered, sat back on the bed with a smug grin.
Murad, keeping composed, asked directly:
"What is your name?"
The woman tilted her head slightly and replied with a half-smile:
"My name is Victoria. But you may call me Viki."
Murad nodded. "Very well, Viki… Now tell me, do you know why we came to Venice?"
Viki straightened, her demeanor growing serious.
"Yes. I know you're searching for someone. But my aunt—Kösem Sultan—didn't mention the name in her letter. If you tell me who it is, I can help."
Murad didn't hesitate.
"We're looking for Signor Gritti. He's the current head of the Gritti family. We believe he fled Istanbul and took refuge here."
The smile that had lingered on her face vanished instantly. A hardened, thoughtful look settled in its place. She didn't avert her eyes.
"Yes… Gritti returned to Venice a few days ago. In fact," she said, hesitating slightly, "my father's unmissable obligation was related to him. Gritti is planning a grand banquet in a few days. My father is one of the most renowned chefs in Venice. We own several restaurants, and Gritti requested that my father handle the banquet's food."
Murad thought to himself, "Fate is finally turning in our favor." He turned back to Viki.
"Does Gritti know about your relation to my mother?"
Viki shook her head firmly.
"No. No one knows about my connection to her. My aunt specifically requested that it remain secret."
"Good…" Murad nodded, then turned to Balibey.
"We need to make a plan. But first, I want you to go with Viki and scout the banquet's location. Map out all the entrances, exits, escape routes. Every detail matters."
Then he looked back to Viki.
"Do you know where the banquet will be held?"
"Yes," Viki answered. "At a noble palace on the western side of Venice, right along the Grand Canal."
Murad inclined his head in approval, then politely asked:
"Can you show Balibey the place?"
Viki winked playfully at Murad, then turned to Balibey.
"I don't usually enjoy going out with grumpy men. But for my cousin's sake… I'll make an exception."
Murad chuckled lightly at her words.
"Thank you, cousin," he said. And the word cousin—for the first time—carried a newfound warmth, a strange sense of belonging.
Balibey didn't seem too thrilled, but the sultan's command was absolute. He buckled his dagger, his expression still stern. Inwardly, he muttered to himself:
"It's going to be a long day."