Chapter 13.

Prince Vural, ceasing to eat with Mustafa's remark, fixed a serious and stern gaze on Mustafa. In an attempt to break the serious atmosphere, Prince Bora said, "Oh, look at my brother. You've changed a lot over the years. Sadi Pasha's sharp philosophical spirit has significantly influenced you. What's going on, my prince? Or have you started writing poetry, and we're not aware of it? Look, I might get offended," he said.

Prince Mustafa, without changing his serious look, replied, "No, poetry is not my thing, my boy. But if you're talking about determination, strength, and endurance, yes, I'll never deny that Sadi Pasha has taught me these in their perfect form."

Prince Bora, in a joking manner, commented, "Well, that's good, bro. I like this Sadi Pasha. If you stay here a bit longer, I'd like him to educate me too. Science is sprouting from every part of the man."

Prince Vural, in a mocking tone, responded, "You? You'll last a maximum of three days at Sadi Pasha's school. I'm writing this down right here," he said.

Prince Mustafa, with an affectionate smile, said, "Come on, bro. Don't break this kid's enthusiasm. Go ahead, my son. I'd sacrifice myself for you," as he planted a kiss on Bora's hair.

Prince Vural, with a laugh, added, "Yeah, go ahead. Maybe you'll learn a bit of princeliness. Who knows."

Prince Bora, with a somewhat sad expression, said, "Mustafa bro, please say something about this. Look, he crushed all my enthusiasm from the first day again."

Prince Mustafa nodded and said, "Vural, don't do that. Look, you were like this years ago, always breaking this kid's enthusiasm. Don't bother with this kid."

Prince Vural, setting aside the serious atmosphere around the table, stated, "Okay, I won't say anything." At that moment, he took a large lamb shank and began to chew on it with great delight. Chewing away, he remarked, "But look, if you get expelled in the first three days, I'll write what I said right in the middle of the palace, so be prepared for that." His eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, as if challenging even when making a joke.

Prince Bora, elevating the humor, asked, "Are you up for a bet?" However, Vural, with a slight smile, rejected the proposal, saying, "Get lost. Don't act like a child." Their dialogue created a light wave of amusement.

Expanding his plan further, Bora continued, "Alright, then. You two will race right now. After that, I'll decide whose word I'll listen to, yours or my brother Mustafa's."

As Prince Vural sipped his drink, he confidently asked, "Okay, this suits me. I enjoy participating in races repeatedly. Mustafa, are you up for a bet?" His gaze carried a hint of challenge, yet at the same time, he seemed to embrace the situation with pleasure.

Prince Mustafa, gently swirling his drink, spins his glass around, creating a ripple of tension and silence in the surroundings. The other princes around the table turn their eyes to him, waiting with curiosity as he makes this sudden and attention-grabbing gesture.

Prince Nevzat, with concern and bewilderment, remarks, "See, he's not talking. Besides, he just broke his leg. Are you going to kill the man?" His words escalate the tension in the room.

Prince Mustafa stands firm against these words, challenging the other princes with a determined expression. He interrupts Nevzat's words and, in a resolute tone, says, "I'm in!... But on one condition." Mustafa's statement intensifies the atmosphere around the table, capturing everyone's attention.

Prince Vural: Tell me, what your condition is or isn't? Come on, spill it.

Upon Prince Vural's words, Prince Mustafa, after sipping his drink slowly, scanned the people at the table with a sly smile. At that moment, he drew the attention of the surrounding princes, creating an atmosphere of mystery and curiosity. Swirling his glass around, he performed a ritual that emphasized the weight of the moment.

Silence spread, accentuating the impact Prince Mustafa had left in the room. His cunning gaze reflected the powerful ambitions and regal qualities he had gained over the years. Once merely the spirited Mustafa, he was now more than just a prince sitting on his throne. This moment resembled a tableau, portraying his evolving personality, internal transformation, and the power he had amassed.

Prince Mustafa's eyes, especially, locked onto Vural's gaze. This silent eye contact transformed into a dialogue carrying traces of the past, turning the present quiet atmosphere into a community trying to decipher the codes. In that moment, everyone attempting to understand this mysterious prince of the palace was left with a question mark in their hearts.

Prince Mustafa spoke with a mysterious tone, altering the atmosphere of the room: "Are you ready to hear my condition? Let me tell you, this will truly challenge you."

Prince Vural confidently replied, "In a competition I'm already winning, all conditions suit me."

Prince Mustafa continued with determination, "Alright, I'll reveal it. If I win, Adekür will be mine from now on!"

Prince Vural and the other princes at the table were taken aback by the condition they heard; their eyes turned with curiosity towards Prince Mustafa. There was a tension in the room because this agreement seemed to transcend the ordinary expectations of a simple competition.