The Valide Sultan’s death plunges the empire into mourning and leaves the harem’s power in Mahidevran’s hands, though she is unaware of the leverage Hürrem now holds. Daye, crushed by guilt, tries to leave palace life behind but cannot escape her conscience. Nigar escapes Gülşah’s watch just as Hatice returns to the palace, only to have her world shattered by a letter. Meanwhile, pressure mounts on İbrahim as Figani’s case stalls; pushed by İskender Çelebi and Süleyman, he personally takes charge of the poet’s interrogation, knowing Figani may be his only link to the powerful Efendi Hazretleri.