Later, they wandered into the Imperial Gardens, where the flowers were in full bloom, a cascade of color stretching to the horizon. The gardens overlooked the Bosphorus, and Lucas and Lara stood in silence, admiring the tranquil view.
"Do you think Suleiman and Hurrem ever stood here together, just like this?" Lucas asked, wrapping his arm around Lara's waist.
"I think so," Lara whispered. "After all, even in the midst of all their responsibilities, they found time for each other. They found love in the chaos, just like us."
The garden air was sweet, the wind carrying with it the scent of roses. They walked hand in hand to the edge of the terrace, gazing down at the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus below. Lara's thoughts drifted to Hurrem and Suleiman again, their love surviving wars, political intrigue, and the weight of an empire.
"Their story wasn't always easy," Lara said softly. "But it endured. It was real. Just like ours."
