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...
"Mommy, can we swim in the pond?" Ahmed asked. He was giving me his adorable puppy eyes but that trick will not work on me anymore, I was no idiot, I knew he wanted to play in the pond with Suleiman so he could show off his better swimming skills.
"No Ahmed, it's too dangerous" I answered shaking my head. Ahmed huffed annoyed and crossed his arms with a frown on his face.
"How about we duel?" Suleiman suggested brightly. Ahmed's frown morphed into a smile and he nodded happily. The two boys jumped up and ran towards one of the aghas demanding he brings their wooden swords. The agha looked at me and I gave him a nod of approval.
I noticed someone walking towards me from the palace, it was Gevherhan Sultan with her maids trailing over behind her. Ever since Mahmoud had given me the power to rule the harem she hasn't visited or said a word to me. When Mahmoud and I returned from the hunting lodge she did not even bother to welcome us, unlike Yenisah Sultan who had pulled me and Mahmoud in for tight hugs.
"Sultana" I stood up from my throne and bowed to the superior Sultana. It annoyed me a little that I got less respect despite the fact that I am the legal wife Sultan Mahmoud Khan.
"Neslihan" She nodded and sat down on a separate throne. I sat back down starting to feel a little mad about her presence because knowing her she will probably ruin my day with my children.
"How is the harem?" She asked. I looked at her noticing how she was having a hard time controlling her facial expressions. Jealousy looked natural on her face.
"Well Sultanim, the Valide Sultan knew what she was doing when she put the rules and traditions in the harem and I will walk the same path as her" I answered. I turned to watch Ahmed and Suleiman fighting with their wooden swords. Ahmed was able to pin Suleiman down however the second boy redeemed himself in a second.
"No one will ever be like my mother," Gevherhan Sultan said. I smiled and nodded, the Valide Sultan was a nice lady and no matter what the conflicts between us were about she was still Mahmoud's mother and the woman who raised him.
"Of course Sultana, I will never even dream of such a thing, because I want to build my own name and legacy. Now is my turn and my era" I answered shrugging. I knew that my words were going to get under her skin.
"Neslihan!" She yelled as she stood up. I stood up too and raised my eyebrow feigning confusion. "What is it, Sultanim?" I asked acting innocent. She clenched her hands into fists as she glared at me.
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"How dare you say such words in front of me?" She asked raising her voice even more at me earning the attention of the maids and aghas around us.
"Isn't that why you wanted to rule the harem? To show how strong Gevherhan Sultan is? To make your name known and spoken on every tongue?" I asked stepping closer to her. She stalked over to me and slapped me straight in the face.
"No!" We both turned to the sound of the scream. Ahmed came charging toward us and pushed his aunt away making her stumble on some pillows and fall on top of them.
"Do not ever touch my mommy" He yelled pointing his finger at his aunt. Gevherhan Sultan's eyes widened as Ahmed glared down at her with as much hatred as his small body can.
"You are a horrible aunt," Suleiman said sadly hugging my waist. I picked up the six years old who hugged my neck tightly and placed a kiss on my cheek.
"Mommy has a baby in her belly and you should be protecting her not hitting her" Ahmed sound almost like a grown-up.
"You poisoned your sons' heads" Gevherhan Sultan accused as her maids helped her stand up and held her back from attacking me again.
"I did not, when a child sees someone they love they will naturally protect them" I answered. I took Ahmed's hand and led him away from his evil aunt with Suleiman still in my arms hugging me tightly.
"I'm alright darling, it did not hurt" I whispered to Suleiman when we reached my room. It did in fact hurt a little, it hurt my cheek and my dignity and I will return her slap tenfold, she should just wait and see.
"Are you sure, mommy?" Ahmed asked looking up at me with teary eyes. I placed Suleiman down on the ground and kneeled down in front of the two boys.
"Yes, darling" I answered patting their heads. Ahmed pulled me in for a hug and rested his head on my shoulder.
"What about the baby?" Suleiman asked. Ahmed pulled away and looked down at my belly making me chuckle and ruffle their hair.
"He is alright" I pulled them in for a group hug. Them being protective over me made me realize how much of a good job I actually did raising them, they will protect me from anyone, even their own aunt. If they care so much about me then they must care just as much about Sahihuban and I could only hope they will protect her as they protected me today. A tear slid down my cheek, it was a joyful tear but still a humiliating tear, she slapped me in front of all the maids and aghas in the garden, I definitely will get revenge for that. My room's doors opened and Mahmoud walked in with a smile. I pulled away from the two boys and stood up to bow to the Sultan.
"Neslihan?" Mahmoud stepped closer to me and placed a hand under my chin and raised my head up so he could get a better look at me. He traced the place Gevherhan Sultan slapped me which sent a jot of pain through my cheek and made me pull away from him with a hiss.
"Who did this to you, my love?" Mahmoud asked angrily. I looked up at him with tears in my eyes and then looked back down at the floor, I need to play my cards right.
"Aunt Gevherhan" Ahmed answered behind me stomping his foot angrily. Mahmoud turned to look at Ahmed with fire in his eyes.
"Why would my sister slap you?" Mahmoud asked. I hugged myself and took a step away from him. I turned to Ahmed and signaled for him to leave us alone. Ahmed took ahold of Suleiman's hand and pulled him out of the room with a huff.
"We had a fight about the harem. It seems her majesty wanted to rule it instead" I answered turning back to Mahmoud. He let out a long sigh and shook his head disapprovingly.
"Maybe you should give it to her" I whispered turning away from him. Mahmoud stepped closer to me and wrapped me into his arm, he hugged me close to his body and placed a kiss on the crown of my head.
"No one is going to rule the harem other than you for as long as I live. With her raising her hand against you she lost all privileges to rule even her own maids" Mahmoud hissed. I hugged him tightly feeling a smirk for on my face. I didn't even have to plan much, revenge came on its own two legs.
