𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲- [Magnificent Century]

CHAPTER 17

Mera made sure to act swiftly, the next day after Hurrem's poisoning, she visited her in her newly appointed chambers, given by the valide herself, she also had sent her gifts as a wish for good recovery, and talk, privately of course, about how Mahidevran was so vile for what she did.

Once she was done, she went to her rooms where she was followed by her children, Osman and Murad told her all about how bad Mustafa was acting and how bratty he was about their newest upcoming sibling. Mihrisah, however, brought news that is, by far, more interesting, the valide was looking for a worthy groom for her daughter Hatice.

Mera almost laughed at how absurd it was, but she still made sure to be able to give the news to Ibrahim personally, when she was on her way to visit the sultan later.

He was not a worthy man for a sultan, and that made him insecure and angry, but it put him in his rightful place, something Suleiman failed to do so, as he was blinded by his love, but Mera was planning to make him see the wrong in his ways.

As Mera had helped Suleiman organise his campaign to Belgrade, she had managed to gain his trust even more, this time, in international affairs and war planning, it seemed like a good sign, along with her Jewish war general, she already had managed to get her sons a step closer to the throne.

Now, that she had proven her worth in politics, Suleiman seemed much more interested in listening to her opinions, secretly of course, because who would respect him as a man if they knew he just resaid what his concubine told him? That night, they spoke of the island Rhodes, and how Suleiman's army could conquer it.

Mera was adamant that it must be taken into Ottoman hands, the island is the heart of the Mediterranean, she said. Whoever controls it, controls the sea. Besides, it was a disgrace that pirates were holding royal members as hostages and demanding money for them, the sultana made sure to tell him how bad it is, for any of his great-uncle's grandchildren could gather an army of mercenaries and usurp the throne from Suleiman or his kids.

Then they talked of how Suleiman dealt with the Florencian ambassador and the Russian one, and Mera had made sure to compliment him to soothe his ego, all the while telling him what to do next without him even noticing.

After a happy night, the good mood seemed to follow through the morning, when Suleiman asked for the kids to come to their chambers and join them for breakfast. Once it was all done, Mera was about to leave for her chambers so that she could leave Suleiman to his divan, but to her surprise, he asked her to follow him.

When they reached a corridor, the sultan dismissed the aghas guarding him and took Mera's hands in his.

"What is happening Suleiman, where are we going?" Asked Mera worriedly. The thought that he might have been sending her to her death was not something she liked to think and was rather ashamed of doing, she was the mother of his two sons and only daughter, and he'd not just get rid of her so easily, not when he moved her so clearly.

"You'll see Mera." Sighed Suleiman for the tenth time in a row.

Just as he said that he pushed a few stones on the wall and a passage opened. After a few steps of walking, they finally arrived. The room was dark and cold, and the left wall had a hole in it, a few murmurs sounded through. When Suleiman signalled for Mera to get closer, she did, imagine how surprised she was when she could hear the men of the privy council. She turned surprised to look at her lover.

"Is that-"

"Yes, you can always come here to listen in, even when I'm not there." He assured her with a smile before continuing. "You proved time and time again that you're the only one who I can trust, I need your smart mind."

Mera stood up and went over to him, she lifted her hand and smiled at him while caressing his cheeks softly. "I promise, I will always be with you and at your side, forever." She promised.

Suleman, just like everyone else at the palace, fell for her façade of feelings she bore him, she did love him somewhat, she just happened to love her children and their rightful throne more.

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