Hürrem is ambushed on her way back to the palace, and although Malkoçoğlu fights off the attackers, she disappears into the forest with one of them close behind. News of the assault reaches Süleyman immediately, prompting a massive search. The captured assassins point toward a conspiracy that leaves İbrahim increasingly anxious as he oversees their interrogation. While preparations for the princes’ grand circumcision ceremony fill the palace, the Valide Sultan fears Süleyman’s attitude may shift after the attack. Süleyman stands on the verge of a decision that will reshape the harem and alter the balance of power.