part thirty five

                                    

                                          
Mila's formal work on Hürrem Sultan's portrait began with precision and focus. Each stroke of her brush brought the radiant figure of the Sultan's wife to life. Hürrem was pleased with Mila's progress, often commenting on how the portrait seemed to capture her essence.
"I have no doubt this will be a masterpiece," Hürrem said one afternoon as she observed Mila work.
"Thank you, Sultana. I will do my best to honor your grace," Mila replied, her voice steady, though her heart felt heavy.
When Mila returned to the inn that evening, she was too tired to notice the practice sketch that slipped from her belongings. Leo, sorting through some of their shared supplies, found the sketch on the floor. His heart nearly stopped as he recognized the face—Alexandra La Rossa.
"Mila!" Leo called out sharply, his voice echoing in the room. Mila, startled, turned to see him holding the sketch.
"Why do you have this? It looks just like Alexandra. What is this supposed to mean?" he demanded, his tone a mix of confusion and suspicion.
Mila's mind raced. She couldn't tell him the truth—it would break his heart and jeopardize everything. She took a deep breath and forced herself to speak calmly.
"It's... from memory," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "I've thought a lot about Alexandra since we left Ruthenia. I suppose I was imagining what she might look like now if—if she had a different fate."
Leo stared at her, his eyes narrowing. "You're saying you drew this from memory? It's so detailed. So... exact."
Mila nodded quickly. "I remember her face well. She was important to you, and... I wanted to honor her in some way."
He studied her expression for a long moment, searching for any sign of deception. Mila held her breath, hoping he wouldn't press further.
Finally, he sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I suppose that makes sense. It's just... seeing her face like this, it brings everything back. I miss her so much, Mila."
Mila's heart ached at his words. "I know, Leo. We'll find her. We'll keep searching."
He nodded, folding the sketch carefully and tucking it into his coat. "Thank you for remembering her so vividly. It means a lot."
Mila forced a smile, relief washing over her. As Leo walked away, she felt the weight of her lie settle heavily on her chest. She had managed to keep the truth hidden for now, but she knew the secret wouldn't stay buried forever.