Light within the Harem

Chapter 6

Another week passed, still there was no summons to the Sultan's chambers, Melekşima knew his attention was more focused on the new campaign that was coming- that and the news of Hürrem's sudden pregnancy announcement.

The Russelana was again in the Sultan's favour, Mahidevran Sultan seemed more withdrawn as whispers of a new Şehzade being born, hopes of Melekşima rise had slowly began to dim; perhaps Hürrem's hold over the Sultan was just too powerful.

Going along with tradition, once the pregnancy is announced, Hürrem would not be able to keep the Sultan company as it may risk the welfare of the child within her womb.
So there was a glimmer of hope.

Hürrem paraded herself around the Harem, showing of her slight baby bump, happy to be the centre of attention again.
Şehzade Mehmed and Mihrimah Sultan at her side, Şehzade Selim in the arms of her concubine, Nilüfer Hatun.

Melekşima rolled her eyes, focusing back onto the task at hand, which was to mend a small tear in the only elegant dress she had- almost poking herself with the needle as Eşmahan Hatun run up to where she was sitting.
"Melekşima, he is coming!"

Confusion danced across the Cariyes face, as the younger girl was almost jumping in sheer excitement. "Sümbal Agha is coming!"
"So? He is allowed to come to the Harem, it is apart of his job."
Eşmahan rolled her eyes, lightly hitting Melekşima with a cushion. "What if he is here to call upon you?"
That earned a small scoff from Ayşe Hatun, who came down from her perch to mingle with the Cariyes and Gözde. "Did we not believe that last time, do not get your hopes up, Eşmahan Hatun."

"Hush." Halime narrowed her eyes. "He is here."
They heard his voice before seeing the man, he barked orders at the girls that stood around, and suddenly he was in front of them- eyes directly on Melekşima.
"Melekşima Hatun!" He spoke, loudly over the whispers that began to spark up again. "You have been called to walk the Golden path, go and prepare!"

Sümbal Agha eyes glanced over at Halime and Eşmahan, waving his hands towards them. "You two help her prepare, you'll be exempt from your lessons and chores."

"I hear and obey the command, Sümbal Agha."
Happy with the response, Sümbal Agha quickly left the room as quickly as he came, muttering to himself a list of things to prepare for tonight.

Eşmahan grabbed Melekşima's arm, jumping in excitement. "You see! I was right, you've been called!"
"It is a starting point." Ayşe cleared her throat, sipping on some sweet drink. "From this point onwards, all eyes will be on you, Melekşima Hatun. After tonight, you may continue to rise or fall victim to one of the many schemes brewing in the Harem. It all depends on how well you perform tonight."
Heeding the warning, Melekşima nodded as the older Gözde waved them away. "Now go, there is much to do and little time to prepare."

With that said, Melekşima was whisked off towards the baths, her body was washed and her hair was pampered. Halime chose the dress that she was to wear, which was a ivory white with sheer laced sleeves and small pearl beading framed the cleavage.

Two Kalfas also helped in schooling the girls on what will happen, what Melekşima should and should not do, they talked as Melekşima's hair was dried and styled using hot tools; her skin glowed as several different liquids and creams were used to make her skin soft.
She was given a choice of what perfume to use, so Melekşima settled on a sweet but delicate scent.

The jewels she was given were made of simple silver, as a way of not overshadowing the dress, soon the worries of the Kadins were forgotten as the time drew closer and closer for Melekşima's walk.
They were served a small snack, as Melekşima would dine with the Sultan, and either Halime or Eşmahan would be present outside with the Sultan's Aghas.