For Mihrimah - the Sultan, marriage with Rustem - Pasha was undesirable. But under the pressure of his mother, Mihrimah gives his consent to this union.
Rustem Pasha, on the other hand, loved his mistress and throughout their life together, tried to be a devoted and exemplary husband.
Years passed, Mikhrimakh gave birth to Rustem's daughter, but she could not fall in love with Pasha.
Perhaps, if this marriage was not forced, Mihrimah would have awakened feelings for the pasha. But she always remembered how she was forced to get married, despite the fact that there was another man in her heart then - Malkochoglu Bali bey.
Years later, the young lady's heart began to beat again in unison of love.
The lady's body was covered with red spots, which caused a terrible itching. The overlord's doctors were unable to cure the mistress, and then Sokol offers his Spanish doctor Pedro.
Despite Rustem's jealousy, the sovereign orders the young healer to examine the mistress.
A spark runs between the young.
Mihrimah secretly from her husband often meets with Pedro, although their relationship does not go further than conversations. Later, on the orders of Suleiman, the Falcon was given by Pedro Mihrimah, and she settled him in her palace.
Upon learning of this, Rustem Pasha flew into a rage. At first, he squeezed the doctor's face a little, and then decided to take his life. At the time, Mihrimah arrived in time to save the life of her beloved, granting him freedom. And according to the laws of the Ottoman Empire, a free man cannot be in the lady's palace.
Pushing the doctor out of the palace, Rustem Pasha, with tears in his eyes, said to his wife:
- What were you thinking when you accepted this jackal as a gift! Didn't you understand that I would not tolerate this. You know that I have always been devoted to you! One word of yours was worth the whole world to me. But, from the very beginning you didn't seem to notice me. You seem to have forgotten long ago that I am your husband, Mihrimah! And now, I'm tired of it. Enough. With this paper, I release my love for you to freedom. Consider that my love is dead. From now on, our family and marriage exists only on paper. Don't you dare to humiliate me again. I will trample your honor, Mihrimah.
And indeed, after this conversation, Rustem Pasha seemed to have forgotten about his mistress.
Hungry for love and affection, he enters into a love affair with Grazia Mendes.
