Wazir Janali’s nephew Shahbaz’s death fuels his thirst for revenge, driving him to pursue Rizzo, brother of Ottoman Navy captain Suleiman. Despite warnings from Sultan Mehmet, who emphasizes the importance of empire over personal vendettas, Janali’s unrelenting pursuit continues, further jeopardizing his standing within the Ottoman hierarchy. His personal mission clouds his judgment, putting him at odds with the Sultan’s carefully laid plans for conquest.

Constantine’s Struggle for Survival and Allies

Within the besieged walls of Constantinople, Emperor Constantine grapples with a dwindling supply of resources. After his plea to Pope Nicola for help is denied, hope seems lost—until Giovanni Giustiniani, a Christian commander from Genoa, answers the call. Giovanni’s timely arrival with 1,000 troops and ample grain supplies rejuvenates Constantinople’s defenses, giving Constantine the morale boost he desperately needs. Meanwhile, Ottoman spies within the city, led by Balibey and Saltuk, attempt to sabotage the food supply further, igniting a game of cat and mouse between Constantine’s defenders and the Sultan’s covert operatives.

An Unexpected Bargain: The Capture of Nadia

To strengthen his position, Janali resorts to kidnapping Nadia, daughter of Constantine’s close ally Menito. Using her as leverage, Janali demands Rizzo in exchange for her safe return. Despite the complications, Constantine ultimately agrees, hoping this exchange will ease the pressure on Constantinople as he focuses on preparing for Mehmet’s impending assault.