MIHRIŞAH SULTAN ✔️

8th Chapter

Two months have passed since the Ottoman army went on a campaign in Cyprus. Today was the day when the Sultan and his army would be welcomed. That day made me happy because I knew I would finally see my Murad.

During this period, Kosem Sultana gained enormous trust in me. Although I initially refused, I started listening to her. She taught me manners and order in the Harem. She told me her life story that made her become what she is. She gave me advices and gave me an education. She assigned me teachers who taught me Turkish, even though I knew it, I needed to master it to the end.

I gained deep respect for Kosem Sultana when I heard her life story. From a Greek slave she came to the Harem and became the wife of Sultan Ahmed. She bore him eight children. After his death, she coped with difficult things, but managed to get her son Murad to come to the throne.

Kosem and Haci talked about many secrets in front of me. Kosem knew I had no idea about anything about the Empire and the rule, so she had no problem talking about it in front of me. She loved me because she wanted me to become the concubine of her son Murad, and that through me she could influence him, because lately he had been listening to her poorly. I really learned a lot about everything, even though she thought I didn’t understand what was being said.

That day has finally come. While Kosem and her family welcomed Sultan Murad, I secretly went to the Secret Gardens to meet my Murad Bey. I was waiting for him there. Long time. But he did not show up. I was very disappointed, how he could have done this to me. Why did he do that? What's the point of all this? Why did I wait for him for two months even though he didn’t keep his promise? I was there for hours, but no one showed up. When the sun started to set, I gave up. He's gone for me. She waited for him for hours, and he didn't show up. It simply meant he didn't care. I left the Secret Gardens and returned to the Harem. As of today, Alexandra has forgotten about Murad. Maybe the destiny that Kosem Sultana wants to me will bring me better than Murad would bring me.

- Aleksandra, where are you all the time? We've been looking for you for hours. Prepare yourself. Kosem Sultana ordered you to settle down. Tonight you are going to the havlet at Sultan Murad's chambers. - Lalezar Kalfa told me when I entered the Harem. I was shocked.

- Lalezar, why? I don't want to. - I started making excuses, because I really didn’t want to spend the evening with the Sultan. I didn't want to sleep with him. Any slave in this Harem would give anything for it, but I still didn’t want to.

- Alexandra, don't make up excuses. Sultan himself has asked for you. Go get ready! - Lalezar said to me. I could see all the girls in harem around me are jealous of me, but I didn't want to do it.

I went to the Hamam to get ready. I heard footsteps of someone walking, but I didn’t pay attention as I thought it was Lalezar.

- You said you aren't interested in Sultan, but now when he called for you you decided to go there? - Ayse Sultan came in Harem and said to me.

- If you asked me, I wouldn't go. I'm not interested in the Sultan, but I didn't called for him, he called for me. - I told her trying to ignore her words. I knew she was jealous of me, but I didn’t know why. She already has kids with him, and I don't even want him.

- If I were you, I'd rather run away from this Harem. You won't last long here. I'll get rid of you at the first opportunity. - She told me in a threatening voice, but at that moment Lalezar entered.

- Aleksandra, come on, it's time to get dressed. - She told me and I followed her.

She went with me in gardrobe where was plenty of dresses and jewerly. It was really beautiful.

- Kosem Sultana made special dresses for you. - Lalezar said as she pointed me to the clothes Kosem gifted me.

First, I putted black crown with blue diamonds which Kosem gifted to me.

Then, I putted a necklace that was also Kosem's gift and also a beautiful ring Lalezar found just for me.

One of the Kalfas made my hair. I looked in the mirror and I had never been as tidy in my life as I am now. I have never felt more beautiful.

- Masallah, Aleksandra. You look gorgeous. My son will not remain indifferent to you. You will enchant him at first. And now forget your past, today is the day that will decide your fate. If you are smart, you can become a powerful Sultana like me, but if you make a mistake, you will end up in the Palace of Tears where there will be no salvation for you. So be smart. - Kosem Sultana told me, measuring me from the corner of the room. She was right, as of today I forget about old Alexandra. Old Alexandera who was betrayed by Murad Bey and left stranded.

- Don't worry, Sultana. I will do whatever is in my power. - I said to her as I smiled to her and bowed.