Sultan Mahmoud was the most lustful sultan the Othman empire has ever known since it rose from nothing to the strong dynasty it is now. He was a womanizer and the whole dynasty knew that but they didn't care as long as he was leaving for campaigns t...
"Sultanim, Ali agha is waiting for you in the garden as you've asked," Daphne said earning my attention from Suleiman. I stood up and handed him to her before pulling on my shawl to cover my head.
"You two stay with the children" I ordered Daphne and Malike who nodded and went back to their jobs. I walked down the harem and out into the garden taking a deep breath of the refreshing air. I walked into the hidden section of the garden where Ali agha was waiting for me.
"Sultanim" He bowed to me when he saw me walk over. I nodded in acknowledgment as I stopped walking in front of him.
"How are you today, Sultanim?" He asked kindly. I chuckled and nodded, trying to flatter me I see.
"Let's not beat around the bush and tell me, Ali, how did you get me back?" I asked looking at him closely.
"Like you've been told, Sultanim, a maid saw you in your room while bringing Shehzad's milk" He answered shrugging his shoulder.
"Is that so? We both know that's a lie Ali, I don't make my children drink normal milk yet, so go on tell me how did you do it?" I asked stepping closer to him giving him a sharp look so he would give in and answer truthfully.
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"I found a willing maid" He answered like it was nothing and shrugged his shoulders. I looked around to make sure there was no one around to hear any of this.
"A willing maid? Why would anyone agree to lie for me?" I asked raising an eyebrow at him. He smirked and turned around, I too looked behind him as a figure walked over covered from head to toes. She pulled the veil off of her face causing my eyes to widen in shock as my eyes ran all over her body drinking her in.
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"Albina?" I questioned confused as she smiled at me. I rushed over bringing her in for a hug feeling so many emotions as we held each other tightly.
"I thought you died" I pulled away and looked over her face as tears ran down both of our faces. She shook her head and pointed to her mouth before shaking her head. I turned to Ali agha for an explanation.
"Your sister can no longer talk. Doctors said that she became mute from fear" My heart broke at his words and I brought her in for another hug.
"Come, I will ask the Valide to let you join my woman" I nodded at Ali agha before pulling her into the castle and harem.
"Darvis" I called to the man talking to some maids. He shooed them away before walking over to me and bowing.
"Is the Valide in her room?" I asked taking my sister's hand into mine as she looked around overwhelmed.
"Yes, she is in her room with Leyla hatun and Yenisah Sultan" I nodded and pulled my sister out of the spotlight.
"She can't know we're sisters or they will hurt you, it's our secret" She nodded her head before we reached the valide's room. The maids opened the door and let us in, I walked in and bowed to the valide which Albina mirrored.
"Validam, I hope you're having a great day" She smiled at me and nodded before her gaze moved to my sister.
"Who is this young lady with you?" She asked turning back to look at me.
"When I was walking in the garden I saw Ali agha with her and when I asked him he said that she was an orphan he found and wanted to help so I thought not let her join my woman, with your permission of course" I answered smiling a little at Albina to reassure her that everything will be alright.
"Of course but I expect you to teach her our harem ways" I grinned at the Valide happily.
"Of course Valida" I bowed and pulled my sister out of the room and to the bathroom so she could shower and left with her a maid to lead her to my room since she didn't know her way around this huge castle.
"Daphne, there will be a new girl joining us from now on" I informed earning her and Malike's attention. They jumped up and ran over to me.
"That girl would be my last remaining family, she's my sister Albina and she's mute at the moment and I expect you two to treat her no less" They both nodded understandingly.
"Take care of her when she gets here, I'm leaving to Mahmoud's room" I walked out after kissing my children.
I walked down the golden road for the millionth time in my life. I walked into Mahmoud's room and bowed to him. Without a word being said I walked over to where he sat on his desk and stood behind his chair massaging his shoulders making him groan a little and lean back into my touch.
"Keep going, you don't know how much I need that" He whined making me smile and continue massaging his tense shoulders.
"Neslihan, there is something I have to tell you" He started taking my hand into his and pulled me forward to sit sideways on his lap.
"What is it, my love?" I asked letting my fingers play with the collar for his kaftan to calm myself. He just has that effect on me that makes me go crazy.
"Today in the council meeting it was decided that we will be going to war soon" I frowned and looked down at my lap feeling sad.
"When will you be leaving?" I asked looking back up at him feeling tears fill my eyes. Not only will he be away from me but in danger too.
"In a couple of months" He answered softly pulling me closer and let me rest my head against his shoulder as the first tears left my eyes.
"So you won't be here when our baby is born?" I asked. He placed his hand on my stomach and rubbed affectionately.
"I don't know. We're still preparing so maybe I will leave after he or she is born" He answered pulling me up bridal style and walking over to the bed and laid me down.
"I don't want you to leave" I hiccuped as he laid down beside me and pulled me closer to him rubbing my back up and down to calm me down.
