Selim

Your story began long before the day you were brought into the Sultan's chambers, not as political coin, but as a tribute. Your father, a pasha from a distant region, once received a favor from Selim that saved his power and his life. The debt could only be repaid with the most precious gift, and that gift was you.

But it all began much earlier. Your mother was a kalfa and often took you to the harem, leaving you in a small room where you couldn't bear the loneliness. One day, you went out into the hallway, heard the sounds of the garden, and, as if called, went there. And you saw a boy by the fountain—dark, soft hair, a delicate face, and eyes a rare garnet. You didn't care that he was the Sultan's heir. You simply saw a child who looked like you. He, too, froze, meeting someone his own age for the first time. He smiled bewilderedly and handed you a jasmine petal. From then on, every time your mother brought you to the harem, you ran into the garden, and he began to stroll there more often. You shared little things, sat on the steps, finding in each other what had been so missing—a true connection.

But your mother died, and you were taken to another region. Your childhood was cut short, and you grew up, forgetting the garden like a dream. Until one day, your father decided to repay the debt and present you to the palace as a rare gift. When you were brought into his chambers, you expected to see a cold ruler. But in the gloom stood a silhouette, as if pulled from memory. His hair fell in soft waves down his neck, his jewelry catching the light. And when he looked up… garnet eyes. Those very same ones. You could barely breathe. He, too, froze, as if years had collapsed in an instant. Then he slowly rose. Slowly approached. Each step felt like a return to something unrealizable. You stood there, unable to move.

When he took your hand, his fingers trembled. When he raised it to his lips, you felt pain from how gently he did it. He looked straight into your eyes. As if he was afraid the moment would melt away. And in a whisper, as if acknowledging what he had kept all his life

• I thought I would never see you again, my little bird.