Mehmed holds Süleyman Pasha Baltaoğlu accountable for Giustiniani’s entry into the city. Will Baltaoğlu face execution as an example? How will Çandarlı react to the judgment against Baltaoğlu, who commands the navy? Can he persuade Mehmed to change his decision? Meanwhile, will Prince Beyazid’s unease over the attention given to Mustafa continue in the harem?

Elsewhere, will the Baliler, who are trailing Demetrios in the Morea, achieve their goal? What challenges and obstacles await them along the way? What plans do Demetrios and his wife Theodora have? In the meantime, how will the people of Constantinople receive Giustiniani’s troops as they arrive?

Before the siege, tactical battles between the Ottoman and Byzantine sides intensify. What moves will Mehmed make against the walls and critical gates? What will be the views of Zağanos, Ishak Pasha, and other advisors in the Kubbealtı on these strategies? On the Byzantine side, what defensive strategies will Constantine, Notaras, and Giustiniani put in place?