" When I saw you for the first time, I knew I won't forget about you easily. And I was right, in those years there was no day or night I haven't thought of you. You are the one who lights my life up, and I would be lost without you."
"Sultana, our Sultan decided that he will send Safiye Sultan on prison for life in Girl Tower." Kalika said to me when she entered my chambers.
" This is what she deserved." I said and sighed from relief.
" Safiye Sultana wants to see you before she leaves." Aybige said to me and I decided I will visit her.
I wanted to know what she wants from me for the last time. I entered her chambers and I saw her sitting on her throne which was main reason of her proud.
" Mahnaz, come sit next to me." she said and it surprised me she wants me to sit next to her on her throne.
" You may be surprised I allowed you to sit on my throne?" she asked me with a smile.
" Of course." I said to her.
"Because from now on Harem will be in your hands. You have venetian blood as I do. Nurbanu Sultan also had it. We will be successful no matter what. I know you will be also successful." she said and I had no idea why is she telling me all of this.
"This is the ring Sultan Suleyman gave to Hurrem Sultan. After her, Nurbanu Sultan inherited it. And after her, I did it. Only powerful Sultanas can get this ring. Now it's yours." Safiye said and took ring from her hands. She gave it to me.
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" This ring means a lot to you, why are you giving it to me?" I asked her as I placed ring on my hand. It was the most beautiful emerald ring I have seen in my life.
" Because after this drink I won't be here anymore." Safiye said and I looked at glass on her table.
At this moment, she started choking. I immediatley called aghas and servants. They all came in, but there was no more help to Safiye. She died on her throne as one of the most powerful Sultanas that existed.
Two days later everyone arrived on Safiye Sultan's funeral. Everyone was dressed in black.
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Many people were crying because they loved Safiye. She ruled for very long time and people admired her no matter how many bad things she has done.
Haci-aga whispered to my ear after the ceremony ended that Sultan Ahmed wants to see me.
I came inside his chambers and he awaited me with a hug. He was always happy when he would see me, and I was too.
"Mahnaz, as you know, place of ruler of Harem is empty now." Ahmed said to me and I had hope in myself he would chose me to do it.
" Will you appoint Mahfiruz for this, I mean like tradition says?" I asked him as I didn't want him to know I wanted this duty.
" I will appoint you. I don't care about traditions. I want you to rule the harem." Ahmed said and I couldn't hide happiness from my face.
" Ahmed, thank you! Thank you so much!" I said and hugged him how happy I was.
" And Valide Sultan chambers are yours now." Ahmed said and kissed my lips gently.
I returned back to Harem and I saw Mahfiruz and Gülbahar walking together. They became really good friends only to be together against me. Mahfiruz walked happily towards me.
" As I am mother of eldest Prince, and as tradition says, Sultan will name me as the ruler of Harem." Mahfiruz said to me and raised her head. Gülbahar smiled to that.
"Good time finally came, Mahfiruz. Everyone will be happier to see you as a ruler." Gülbahar smiled to Mahfiruz and then looked at me proudly.
" I wouldn't say so." I said and smiled to them. I could see both of them are really confused by my words.
"What do you mean with this?" Mahfiruz asked me and her expression changed very quickly from happy and proud to worried.
"Sultan appointed me as a ruler of Harem. He didn't want to follow the traditions." I said and smiled proudly to them.
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Mahfiruz looked at me in shock. She obviously couldn't believe this was true and that Sultan broke the traditions because he didn't want her to rule.
" Don't imagine it, Mahnaz. Sultan would never break this tradition. Obviously you are jealous of Mahfiruz and now you want to make her sad." Gulbahar said to me.
" I don't know why don't you believe me." I said to them and smiled.
"This is lie, Mahnaz! Stop lying! Sultan would never do this. Don't forget I am mother of heir to the throne and that he wouldn't give this duty to you." Mahfiruz yelled on me and I could see tears in her eyes.
At this moment Haci-aga came and he smiled to me. He heard the whole conversation.
" Tell them, Haci. They obviously don't believe me." I said and laughed.
" What Mahnaz Sultana said was true, Sultan gave her that duty and even gave her Valide Sultan chambers." Haci Aga said and both Gulbahar and Mahfiruz stayed shocked, because they knew it's true when Haci says it.
" Don't you make this mean something to you, because when Osman ascends the throne you will be banished to the Old Palace and those chambers and duty will be mine." Mahfiruz yelled on me.
" Don't forget that first in succession line is Şehzade Mustafa. You forgot that very quickly." I said to her and she angrily left to her chambers.
Gulbahar continued to stand in front of me and she raised her head proudly. I could see hate in her eyes towards me even though I have never done anything to her.
" Mahfiruz is right. You shouldnt act like this towards her because when Osman becomes Sultan you will have to worry about lives of your sons." Gulbahar said to me and I was ready to slap her, but I wouldn't do this because I didn't want Ahmed to be angry.
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" And you think she would keep you in Palace? Don't forget she has one son while I have four sons. I think you chosed the wrong side." I said to her.
