Excerpt: Pillars of Gold and Light (not a real title, working)

“Mother,” he intoned, softening his voice and using the fond familiar title to asage her temper, “I did not mean to offend you. I only want you to be happy here and-” a wicked grin, “if that means an illicit glance for my teacher every now and again, or even a word or two, well then, I would be more than happy to arrange it.”
Before he could complete his thought, Mara has grasped one of the pillows and was pummeling him with it. “You naughty child, this is hardly a conversation-“
“I am hardly a child, Mother.” In the tone was a warning, tempered by his actions as he sat up and offered her space at his side. When she sat, she did look concerned, which silenced any continued retort he had planned to offer her.
“You have such fantasies, Mehmed. This world that you live in, it is not so cooperative as you think.”
“Don't you think I know this?” The voice was sullen. “Don't you think that I remember what happened?”
“Of course you do. But there was nothing to be done, and there is nothing to do now but wait.”
“And Halil?”
“The old wolf will have his day. Trust me.”
“And when he does, I will be Sultan.” He did not add that he too would have his glistening prize, the city he dreamed of, with pillars of gold and light.