Chapter 42 – Shadows and Masquerades
Evening slowly descended upon Venice. The sky was painted in hues of crimson, resembling the soft glow of burning candles. The gentle sound of water lapping in the canals and the distant melodies of violins wrapped the city in a dreamlike ambiance.
After a long day of preparations, Murat and his men had returned to Giovanni's house. Dinner had already been served, and they had now moved to the summer garden—a tranquil corner under the cool shade of orange trees. Silver pitchers of sherbet, steaming tea cups, and the faint aroma of incense set the tone as they sat together.
It was Murat who broke the silence:
"Tomorrow is the big day…"
His voice was neither too solemn nor too casual, but it carried a weight of determination. He turned his gaze to Giovanni.
"Is everything ready for Kasım and Cafer?"
Giovanni took a puff from his pipe and gave a slight nod.
"Don't worry. There's a place prepared for them in the kitchen. I even brought two waiter uniforms for them to wear. The invitations are with Viki. The ball will begin after sunset."
Murat nodded with satisfaction.
"Good," he said, then turned to Balibey.
"You've seen Gritti before, haven't you, Balibey?"
"Yes, my Sultan."
"Then your task will be easier. During the ball, you and Viki will keep Gritti under close watch. Follow his every move, see who he talks to. When the right moment comes, we strike."
Viki turned to Murat, frowning slightly.
"But everyone will be masked. How are we supposed to recognize Gritti among so many people?"
Murat smiled faintly.
"If you were hosting a ball, wouldn't you give a speech or greet the guests yourself?"
Viki didn't immediately grasp his meaning, but after a moment of thought, realization dawned on her face.
"You're right…" she said.
Murat nodded in agreement and turned to Cafer.
"Cafer, you'll watch from the shadows. Your eyes must be everywhere. Silent but effective."
Cafer bowed his head. "As you command."
Meanwhile, Kasım waited with anticipation for his turn. When he caught Murat's gaze, he quickly looked away. Murat noticed this and smiled gently.
"Kasım…" he said softly. "You'll be our messenger. You'll carry commands, information, and warnings during the service. A waiter is far more invisible than a soldier. Stay alert."
Kasım straightened up and answered with confidence.
"Leave it to me, my Sultan."
Murat stood up. "Then the plan is set. Let's end it here for tonight."
Everyone was to stay the night at Giovanni's house—it had been decided earlier.
Everyone retired to their assigned rooms, except for Balibey. He remained in the garden. The moonlight streamed through the branches, casting soft beams on the stone ground. The breeze rustled the leaves of the orange tree, blending with the stillness of the night.
After a while, Viki came out to join him. She looked him in the eye and asked,
"Why aren't you asleep?"
Balibey answered briefly,
"Couldn't sleep."
By the time he finished speaking, Viki had already taken the seat across from him. Her presence no longer unsettled him.
She turned to him.
"How long have you been working for Murat?" she asked.
Balibey stared for a moment, then after a short pause, he began to speak:
"I met our Sultan when I was eight years old. I'm originally from Crimea…"
He realized he was about to say too much. His eyes froze for a moment. He brought his hand to his lips—I almost said everything…
Then he quickly composed himself and turned to Viki, who was still waiting for him to continue.
Suddenly, Balibey stood up.
"Good night," he said, and briskly walked to his room.
As soon as he entered, he leaned his back against the door and took a deep breath.
"I almost…" he muttered to himself.
"I was about to tell a woman I've only known for two days... things I've never told anyone. What's happening to you, Balibey? Is a single look from a woman enough to sway you?"
He continued muttering to himself:
"Get it together. This is a mission. Don't cloud your heart. Do your duty."
As he bent over the basin to wash his face, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror.
"No weakness. No vulnerability," he whispered. Then he blew out the lamp and lay down on the bed.
Meanwhile, outside in the garden, Viki remained seated, bewildered.
"What was that? I thought he was going to speak, then he just left. Am I expecting too much?"
She grumbled to herself, then stood up and quietly made her way to her own room at the end of the night.