CONQUEROR| MAGNIFICENT CENTURY|

CHAPTER 35

"Orhan? Such a beautiful name his majesty chose, but I'm afraid I don't know what it means" I said watching as the Valide swayed Orhan from one side to another. Mahmoud had sent us the name in a letter like he had done for Mustafa a couple of years back.

"It means Leader," The Valide said sitting down at the foot of my bed. I stood up from the couch with a plan in mind. I kneeled down beside her feet much to her shock.

"Validam, I know that you do not like me as much as you like Hatice or Leyla, but I want us to get over this for the sake of Mahmoud and your grandsons" I begged. She seemed to be in a trance for a second, her swaying had come to stop which caused Orhan to whine a little.

"I do not hate you Neslihan, that you must know. But you came like a breeze so soft and quiet and then that breeze turned into a storm, because of you my daughter is exile" She spoke. She placed Orhan down in his bed beside the bed in front of me on the floor still.

"I did nothing to her majesty, she chose to hate me for no reason," I said looking away from the Valida. I heaved a sigh knowing no matter what I do this woman's hate will only grow for me, I didn't do anything, I didn't tell Warda Sultan to kill my mother or kidnap my sister or give me hell.

"She's a sultana, you're a slave, she has the right to do whatever she wants" The Valida snapped standing up from the bed. I looked up at her shocked, she had never loosed her patience in front of me before. Her words felt like a slap to the face, she was right, I am a mere slave while she was one of the most powerful women in the world.

"I thank you for the reminder that I am nothing but mere dirt under your feet even after giving you grandsons and ensuring the Ottoman line of succession," I said harshly. I stood up on my feet and glared at her. Her hand came crashing on my face in a harsh slap but it didn't hurt as much as words have.

"If you don't stop this behavior then I will order for the children to be taken from you" She pushed me back on the bed before leaving the room. I couldn't help the tears that ran down my face as the doors closed behind her. I covered my face as sobs wracked through my body, she was right, I am a mere slave that they can buy and sell. I am replaceable for the Ottoman family, for Mahmoud. Does he feel like this too? Does he see me as a mere slave?

"I thought you would be happier with the Sultan's return," Daphne said as she helped me get ready for the welcoming of the Sultan soon. I sighed sadly as I sprayed some perfume on my neck.

"I am happy," I said simply placing the bottle down. I looked at myself in the mirror, I had expensive clothes on, jewelry, these were items, brought and sold like me. I am as much worth as they are.

"bring the rest of the children" I ordered picking up Orhan from his bed and held him tightly in my arms, the Valida's threat still played through my head and I can't afford to lose one more person in my life.

I stood in line with the rest of the women in Mahmoud's life awaiting his arrival. The valida looked like she could float from happiness at her son's victory and safe return, Yenisah couldn't wait for her husband's return. Hatice and Leyla were waiting for the man that we all loved dearly. Esmehan Sultan was stood like a statue not caring for anything while her mother had a smirk plastered on her face.

"DESTOR, SULTAN MAHMOUD KHAN, HIS HIGHNESS" a harem agha announced. We all bowed to the sultan except his mother. He walked in with all of his glory with a glint in his eyes. I couldn't help but smile a little at the sight of him all healthy and victorias. As he passed through his mother and sister it felt like time couldn't go slower until he reached me. I took his hand into mine and kissed the back of it.

"My son" He muttered taking the sleeping baby from between my arms. I watched him as he held our son proudly before he handed him back to me. After he was done greeting the children I handed Orhan to Albina to take to their room for their naps.