Light within the Harem

Birth of Melekşima

The weeks that followed simply went along with schedule, without any interruptions from either the Russelana Kadin, Valide Sultan or even the Sultan; Ayşe Hatun had given up the false hope of Anastasia's walk down the Golden path but Fatmä and Halimë didn't.
The girls were beginning to go insane from boredom from the reoccurring days of lessons and cleaning, even though the lessons would shift some days from music and poetry to that of mathematics and writing.

The Bas Kadin, Mahidevran Sultan would sometimes mingle in the main room, sitting with the Cariyes that were loyal to her or have her favour, sometimes Şehzade Mustafa would accompany her on these walks.
Anastasia had the pleasure of talking to the young Şehzade, he was bright and cheerful like most children would be even though Mustafa was trying to be serious and mature.
They had a small conversation in Italian, he was surprised that a lowly Cariyes was fluent in other languages, he spoke highly of her to his mother- which earned the Bas Kadin's nod of approval.

Mahidevran Sultan didn't parade her Şehzade unlike Hürrem Sultan, who lived off the fact that she was a Kadin, a mother of Princes.
Şehzade Mehmed, Selim and Mihrimah Sultan were always by her side whenever she visited the main room, a smirk was always on the woman's face.

Hürrem Sultan loved the attention, some Cariyes and Gözde were loyal to the Russelana, in hopes that would give them a chance to rise.

It had been nearly three months since the celebration, Hürrem's threat had been all but forgotten as Anastasia made herself busy by medding a small tear in Ayşe Hatun's dress, Fatmä's hunch had not been forsaken as Daye Hatun entered the main room.
All the girls stopped what they were doing, rising to their feet and bowed, the older woman alongside with Sümbal Agha and Nigar Kalfa gave treated everyone the same.
Regardless of status.

Her wise and all-knowing eyes scanned the sea of faces, stopping at once on Anastasia, Daye Hatun smacked the stick that echoed loudly to those that sat at the mezzanine level above and peered over, Ayşe Hatun were amongst the Ikbals standing there, looking puzzled.

Anastasia quickly shuffled forwards, bowing low, waiting to be spoken to.
"Come, Anastasia." She spoke, her voice calm and kind, but still held authority. "Valide Sultan has requested your presence, you will meet with her instantly."
The order was similar to that of Hürrem's but much more powerful, Anastasia didn't dare to compare the Valide Sultan with the Russelana Kadin.

Anastasia nodded. "As my Valide Sultan commands, I will obey."
Daye Hatun had heard many things about the Sultan's gift from a noble, Catholic Lord- a daughter born to his mistress.

The girl was obedient but not weak, which was a good sign to survive in Topkapi Palace, especially when Hürrem Sultan has the Sultan in her charms.

For the second time, Anastasia was led to the Royal Wing, yet this area was far more grander and luxurious. An area only reserved for the members of the Dynasty.
Ladies dressed in the finest silks stood on either side of the door that lead to the Valide's chambers, Daye knocked twice and the doors instantly opened without waiting for permission, she entered with Anastasia following behind.

The room itself was indeed beautifully crafted and glamorous, the raised area occupied half of the room strictly for sitting or lounging, decorated by pillows cushions of expensive and colourful fabrics.
The large divan was beautifully crafted in that a throne, and there was a low but elegant crafted gold table covered by delicacies and drinks.
Sitting on the divan were the two women of the Dynasty.
Valide Sultan in the middle, to her left, sat Hatice Sultan, Suleiman's sister and the Grand Vizier, Ibrahim Pasha's wife sat on her right- who seemed to be rubbing the small but noticeable baby bump.