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Hey everyone!
I just want to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who have sent Power Stones to my book, Osman II: Rebirth of a Dynasty. Your support means the world to me and keeps me motivated to keep writing.
Falken19, Oxsinus, Daoist8ZKfWR, raa_ra, 00Zero, Frozen_One, hamdi_kaya, Nirvana_homeless, Mustifa_89, Modderfkr, Mustafa92_6115… Thank you all so much! Every stone you send is like a spark that fuels my passion to bring this story to life. This journey wouldn't be the same without you.
I also love reading your comments and feedback they make this whole process even more rewarding. I hope the story continues to excite and entertain you. You're the best!
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Osman was deeply engulfed in sorrow following the unexpected death of Mahfiruz Sultan. His pain stemmed not only from the loss of a beloved wife but also from the unraveling balance within his family. He felt lost within the empty and cold chambers of the palace. Yet, the comfort he found in Mehri Banu Hatun's presence anchored him to life once more. Mehri Banu would often sit beside Osman, spending quiet moments with him. Sometimes he spoke of worldly matters, and other times he poured out his inner grief. Mehri Banu's kind words and patient listening helped to heal his wounds.
One evening, while Osman was walking silently in the courtyard, Mehri Banu approached him and handed him a delicate handkerchief. "My Sultan, even in the most desperate moments, there is always a glimmer of hope," she said softly. Seeing her resolute yet serene expression, Osman took a deep breath and said, "Your presence by my side gives me the strength to endure these difficult days." Mehri Banu responded with a gentle smile, saying, "Every dark night is followed by a dawn."
As days passed, the bond between Osman and Mehri Banu deepened. Their shared moments, Mehri Banu's thoughtfulness, and Osman's profound appreciation for her turned their connection into something special. However, one morning, Mehri Banu Hatun's sudden illness alarmed everyone in the palace.
While resting quietly in her chamber, Mehri Banu felt a sharp pain in her abdomen and began vomiting due to the discomfort. Alarmed by her condition, the servants rushed to inform Osman. Dropping to their knees as they entered his room, they cried out, "My Sultan, Mehri Banu Hatun is unwell! Immediate action must be taken!" Without a moment's hesitation, Osman went to her side. Seeing her pale face and weakened state deeply saddened him, yet he maintained his composure. He immediately summoned the palace physician and ordered a thorough examination of Mehri Banu's condition.
The palace physician entered the room hastily. Servants bustled around him, some bringing water, others carrying medicine chests. Osman stayed by Mehri Banu's side, never leaving her for a moment, watching the physician's every move intently. "What's happening? Will Mehri Banu be all right?" he asked, unable to conceal the worry in his voice.
After carefully examining Mehri Banu, the physician turned to Osman with a slight smile and delivered the joyous news: Mehri Banu Hatun was pregnant. "It is my honor to inform you, my Sultan, that your lady is carrying a child," he said.
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. The servants exchanged joyous glances, while Osman, initially stunned, repeated the physician's words as if to confirm them. "Pregnant?" The physician nodded affirmatively. Caught between shock and happiness, Osman took Mehri Banu's hand and whispered, "I'm going to have a child," as though trying to convince himself of the reality. Mehri Banu, weary but content, smiled at him, and they shared a silent yet profound moment.
This tender moment stirred Osman's thoughts about the medical system in the palace. Although pleased with the competence of the palace physicians, this incident prompted him to consider necessary reforms in Ottoman medicine. He realized that a more systematic organization and better-trained physicians would greatly benefit the empire's future.
The news not only allowed Osman to revel in the joy of becoming a father but also helped him rediscover his sense of belonging to this world. Kneeling beside Mehri Banu, he gently held her hand and said, "Together, we will raise our child." Mehri Banu, exhausted but happy, smiled at him, and they shared a quiet yet profound moment.
The palace community celebrated this joyous news with enthusiasm. Osman ordered a grand feast to share his happiness with everyone. The palace kitchens prepared the finest dishes, and servants scurried to distribute trays filled with sweets to the guests. The palace gardens were adorned with vibrant flowers, and cheerful melodies filled the air. For Osman, this celebration symbolized not only his personal joy but also the hopes for his child's future reign.
The wonderful news spread beyond the palace walls, creating waves of joy throughout the Ottoman lands. The people renewed their love for the dynasty at the thought of a new prince being born. The streets came alive with festivities and prayers, while food was distributed in city squares. The people offered their well-wishes to Osman and his family, revitalizing the spirit of unity and solidarity within the Ottoman society.
Osman deeply felt this wave of love, yet the weight of responsibility grew heavier behind his happiness. Realizing that his future child would one day rule the world he left behind, he felt an urgent need to ensure stability within the empire and eliminate any potential threats. Determined, Osman vowed to himself, "I will make this empire stronger and more just for my child's future."
Amid these thoughts, Osman became aware of the approaching Hotin Campaign. The raids of the Cossacks from Poland on Ottoman lands were the primary cause of this campaign. Historically, Sultan Osman II had viewed this war as an opportunity to prove himself to the palace and his people. However, his efforts in the campaign did not yield the success he had hoped for. Despite the young Sultan's determination and willingness to fight, the war ended with a peace treaty against his wishes, diminishing his authority within the palace.
Would our Osman follow the same path? He understood that the Hotin Campaign was not merely a war but also a game of diplomacy and strategy. Would he choose to engage in battle, or would he use diplomacy as a weapon and pursue a different path? While he had not yet made a definitive decision, this uncertainty sparked a profound planning process in his mind. This lingering question heightened the readers' anticipation of what steps Osman would take for the dynasty and the empire, keeping them eagerly engaged.