MY SELIM| MAGNIFICENT CENTURY |

CHAPTER 30

The calm and love that had enveloped the Manisa palace in the months that had passed were a welcome change for Selim and Meylisah, a respite from the tumultuous events that had previously gripped their lives. However, the news of Meylisah Sultan beginning her labor had thrown Selim into a state of panic. He had been attending to state affairs and hadn't expected the arrival of their child to be so imminent.

Rushing back to the palace, still dressed in the clothes he had worn to the council meeting, Selim's heart pounded with worry. He burst into Meylisah's room, his eyes wide with alarm. The sight that greeted him, however, filled him with relief and joy.

Meylisah was perched on the bed, a tired but radiant smile on her face as she cradled a white bundle of blankets in her arms. The baby's soft coos and delicate features captured the essence of new life, and Selim's fear dissipated in an instant.

He rushed to sit beside Meylisah on the bed, his heart pounding with a mix of emotions. "Meylisah, are you alright? Is the baby okay?" he asked, his voice trembling with concern. His gaze was locked on his wife, his love and worry evident in his eyes.

Meylisah's smile remained as she looked at Selim. "I am fine, Selim," she reassured him, her voice filled with warmth. "And our child is perfect."

Turning her attention to the tiny bundle in her arms, she carefully peeled back a layer of blankets to reveal the precious face of their newborn. Selim's eyes glistened with tears as he beheld their child for the first time. The little one's eyes blinked up at him, filled with innocence and wonder.

Tears of joy filled Selim's eyes as he reached out to touch their baby's soft cheek. "Our child," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "A new chapter in our love, Meylisah."

Meylisah's heart was filled with a mix of emotions as she handed their newborn daughter to Selim. She had held her breath, fearing how he might react to the news that their third child was a girl. In many cultures and eras, the desire for a male heir was strong, and she worried that Selim might be disappointed.

As she whispered the words, "It's a girl," her voice quivered with a hint of anxiety. She watched his face closely, uncertain of what his reaction would be.

But to her immense relief and joy, Selim's eyes lit up with delight and tenderness. He cradled their precious daughter in his arms, his fingers brushing over her tiny fists with love, care, and a gentleness that only a father could muster. He leaned down to kiss the baby's soft cheeks and tiny fingers.

Selim's joy was evident in the way he gazed at their daughter, his heart filled with love for the little life they had brought into the world. "She's perfect," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "Our beautiful daughter, Meylisah."

Meylisah's heart swelled with gratitude and love as she watched Selim's interaction with their child. The depth of his love and the joy he felt at becoming a father to a daughter was a precious gift. She had feared disappointment, but instead, they were gifted with love and celebration.

In that moment, the harmony and love that had come to define their life in the Manisa palace continued to flourish. Selim and Meylisah embraced the joy of parenthood, united in their love for their precious daughter and the promise of a future filled with love and happiness.

The arrival of Murad and Orhan, their eldest two children, filled the room with an air of excitement and curiosity. Murad, now three years old, and Orhan, two years old, were eager to meet their new sibling. Murad's excitement was palpable, and as he was brought into the room, he couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "Sissy!" he exclaimed, having overheard the maids' whispers about their new sister.

Selim couldn't help but laugh at his sons' exuberance. Their innocence and joy added a touch of warmth and happiness to the room. He gestured for one of the maids to hand Orhan to Meylisah, ensuring that their son was safely held in her mother's arms.