Light within the Harem

Rise of Melekşima Hatun

Valdie Sultan was immediately impressed by Melekşima's success in such a short amount of time, true that she thought it would've taken a little more time for Melekşima to rise, as Hürrem still held such a big part of the Sultan's heart and now that she was pregnant; her hold on Suleiman tighten.

Melekşima was almost called every night, asides from the nights reserved for the Kadins, she would stay with the Sultan until late the following day other times she would return the moment breakfast was finished.
It really depends on his mood, everything was planned around his moods, the moments he shared with her- he was in good spirits; sharing his thoughts and visions for his Dynasty with her.

He showered her with attention, gold and new gifts, the newest gift was a plant. Already plotted and placed in her room, with blooming jasmine flowers, Melekşima had wondered if he planned that surprise on their many walks around the gardens.

On the nights they did not share a bed, he voiced his concerns about the growing problems with the Catholic Lords and the Vactican, Suleiman was a little wary about Melekşima's opinion as she was the daughter of a Catholic Lord.

She still had a lot to prove, though everyone could see the growing fondness their Lord had for the girl, even the Kadins.
Melekşima tended to her daily chores, even though she was an Ikbal, she still helped the lower Cariyes with the simplest of tasks. Sharing her gold with the girls, building some friendly terms with most but kept others, like Halime, Fatmä and Eşmahan close.

"I am unsure what any of this means, Halime." Melekşima whispered, as they folded the freshly cleaned linens, putting them in their rightful place. "I know I should not complain that he calls for me on the nights that he does not share with Mahidevran or Hürrem Sultan, but I do not know where this is leading- if I am doing what the Valide tasked me to do. Hürrem Sultan still has the Sultan's in her grip, and each day her child grows within her, that hold gets tighter."

"Be wary of how you speak from now on, Melekşima Hatun," Halime warned, which was very uncharacteristic of her. "If Hürrem Sultan hears, she will not like it and may try something, no matter who supports you."
Melekşima instantly knew that Halime spoke of the Valide Sultan, they were unsure if the Valide had something to do with steering the Kadins away from Melekşima to allow her to do what she was tasked with, knowing that Valide had the Bas Kadin under her thumb but no one can vouch for the second Kadin.

Even if Mahidevran couldn't outright threaten, she can however get someone to do it for her, as Melekşima found out when she returned to the mezzanine from her meeting with the Valide; after Sümbal Agha given her another present from the Sultan- the necklace she inspired.

The metal base of the necklace was silver, pearls and diamonds woven with each other to form a pattern, a Tulip.
The symbol of the Ottoman Dynasty.
Melekşima gave her gratitude for the gift, much to the annoyance of both Kadins that were present.

Being an Ikbal had its advantages and disadvantages, everyone was now a rival, including those Melekşima called friends; they too, perhaps one day would become rivals.

The Kadins was the biggest threat out of them all, especially Hürrem, the Russelana thought Melekşima was none other than another slave to boss around but the girl was now proving to be an obstacle.
One that no matter how many tears she shed to the Sultan, Melekşima was not losing favour, in fact she was gaining more.

And that annoyed Hürrem Sultan, it also worried the Russelana because if Melekşima ever became a Kadin, she would have to bow to that pathetic, lowly slave.
She already had to bow to Mahidevran, now another Kadin?

Gülash Hatun waited for Melekşima, pouncing on the unsuspecting girl as soon as her foot hit the last step of the mezzanine, just outside the door of Melekşima's room.