Everywhere became as silent as a graveyard. Roksolana realized that everyone was afraid of losing their lives. Even Sodeeq who seemed to be a friend of the Sultan was immediately quiet. This means the Sultan meant the threat he just issued and no one can change his mind. But Roksolana knew she couldn't just watch the men die. True, their offense earned them a punishment but not to the point of dying.

"That's more like it. And just in case my order wasn't clear enough, I meant to kill ...