ᴍᴇʟɪᴋᴇ sᴜʟᴛᴀɴ

Chapter one - Sultan?

I looked at him, surprised of course. His shoes alone seemed to be worth more than our whole house. Not to mention the knights behind him.

Of course my mother also picked that fact up and elegantly bowed.

As I was about to bow he smiled and then turned to my mother: «Elif Hatun, right? I am here to discuss something. Would you allow me to enter?» He asked.

«O-of course hünkarım.» she said opening the door fully and pulling my arm, giving me a warning look. But I didn't care.

— Did she just call him your majesty..? — I was to shocked to even say anything. I already knew he was someone important, but the Sultan?

As he walked in he let his knights stay in front of the door.

«Your Majesty..may I ask what the reason for your visit is?» Its the first time I saw my mother so nervous. «I am here for Alexandra.»

My mothers eyes widen as she looked at me, before bowing even lower. «Y-your Majesty- what ever my daughter has done, please forgive us-»

«She hasn't done anything, don't worry about that.» He said, «The reason I am here is to take her to the place.»

Leaving both, me and my mother in silence he continued: «Not to take her to my or my sons harem but solely to make her my guest. She still will be a free woman.»

I was the first to win my voice back: «due all respect you majesty..I would only like to ask one question..why?» I knew it wasn't smart to let my feelings control me right now which is why I asked the most logical question that came into my mind.

«You remind me a lot of my younger sister.» he smiled, it was a nostalgic smile.

— younger sister..? Hatice Sultan?! Right.. right..! He called me Hatice on our first    meeting. How could i have not picked up this clue..—

«Tomorrow morning a carriage will pick you up» he said standing up. «I wish you a good day.»

After he left I felt so tired, it was actually a miracle that I was still able to stand at that moment. — Who would bring a strange commoner to their Palace just because she looks like their sister?! —

My mother on the other hand looked as happy as I'll ever saw her. «Ah, finally all those years of raising you are finally worth it!» she said delighted.

«Moth-» I tried to say something but interrupted me: «Go into your room and pack your things, now.» her usual cold tone was back, making me flinch. And I did as she said. Still in a daze, I heard knocking. — Seems like uncle is back —

After finishing to pack my things I laid down on my bed. Trying to get my thoughts clear. There is nothing I can do. My mother agreed and he didn't make me a slave? As if being hit by a lightning I stood up. — If I look so much like Hatice Sultan, couldn't I use that? a plan, a plan I need a plan..! —

It was to dangerous doing it on paper, so I just sat down at my bed closing my eyes and started thinking.

Plan #1

1. be respectful to people above you, don't get arrogant!

2. Gather the peoples favor!

3. Let yourself look kind and innocent!

4. Don't fall in love!

With a soft nod I looked at the mirror. — I do look like a sweet and innocent child, now the acting part. — It was important that I didn't get arrogant, being arrogant with not just get me killed but also ruin my image.

If I am loved by the empire people will automatically believe me, even if I am in the wrong. And than being adored by the Sultan? It will give me lots of help. I wasn't naive enough to think that that Palace was easy to handle, the important thing is not to make too much enemies and not to loose the Sultans favor.

Of course not to forget number four: Don't fall in love. Love was something dangerous. It may sound beautiful but falling in love in the palace? Please, why not directly ask for death?

I solemnly nodded, as if trying to reassure myself. I was always able to adjust to things quickly, it was a ability I picked up through my mother. I have never been a proud person, dignity was something I couldn't effort.

If I was required to shamelessly flatter someone, I would do it. Suddenly I heard the sound of my door opening. I didn't even need to look up to know who it was: «Uncle, may I ask what is of such great importance that you did not even knock?» My voice was indifferent as I opened my eyes and looked him directly into the eyes.

He flinched, his eyes filled with uncertainty. I sighed in my heart, my uncle was always a timid person. When my mother did something to me he didn't raise his voice but only looked at me with pity.

Pity.

I never thought of pity as bothersome. It helped manipulating others, but I couldn't stand my uncle's looks while being scolded by my mother. It was disgusting.

After overcoming my grief the only thing I felt towards this man who shared my blood was indifference.

After some time of silence I was starting to get impatient. Right as I was about to lash out he said something that made me freeze:

«I-I am sorry..!»