Light within the Harem

Rivalry between Hürrem and Melekşima

Rumors of the incident between Hürrem Sultan and Melekşima Hatun spread throughout the Harem like wildfire, some of the Cariyes, Gözde and even the Kalfas were betting how long it'll take for Melekşima Hatun to end up being exiled to Eski Palace; for they all knew that Hürrem's hold over the Sultan's heart was never ending.

Melekşima was returning to Harem from a meeting with Valide Sultan, since Mahidevran was currently spreading time with Suleiman along with their Şehzade, Mustafa. Hürrem's pleasant expression soured immediately, Eşmahan froze as Halime pushed Melekşima slightly behind her.
"Good afternoon, Sultana." They all spoke and bowed in union, Melekşima dared to take a peek at the Sultana, the Russelana's beautiful face  marred by the fierce scowl she wore every time Hürrem saw Melekşima.
"Melekşima Hatun," The Kadin called, her voice was gentle, though her voice did not match her facial expressions. "Do you believe yourself to be above me?"

Melekşima rose her head, thinking her words carefully as not to anger the Kadin, but she knew whatever she said, it will always anger Hürrem.
"No one is above the Valide Sultan, my Sultana." Not answering Hürrem's question directly, afterall the Harem was under the Valide's authority. "I do as my Sultan and the Valide ask of me."
Melekşima knew instantly that Hürrem was talking about the incident outside the Sultan's chambers, where Ibrahim Pasha and Sümbal Agha sent her away whilst Melekşima was granted access to the Sultan.

Hürrem moved closer, Halime tensed up but Melekşima gave the older Cariyes arm a small squeeze, telling her to not move or be afraid.
"You are nothing but a mere Ikbal," She gloated, earning small smiles and giggles from Hürrem's entourage. "I am Suleiman's wife. Do not get above yourself."

Fear had a good way of keeping people on their toes, Melekşima held her tongue the best she could as Hürrem's unsuccessful bullying was becoming an annoyance.
"As you do, constantly?"
The atmosphere suddenly changed, it was quiet, too quiet.

It was at that moment a Gözde in the Valide's service came around the corner carrying a tray filled with sweetmeats and fruit, she tried to bypass the group to carry on with her errand, unfortunately that had caught the Russelana's attention.
With a devious smirk, Hürrem stuck her foot out and tripped the poor girl over, sending both food and the Gözde to the floor.

"Clean it." Hürrem ordered, smiling as if Melekşima was nothing. The poor unnamed Gözde brought herself to her knees, glancing at the Second Kadin, back down at the fallen food and the dented tray. "Hurry, you don't have all day!"

Melekşima let out a sigh, ignoring the Kadin's words as she helped the Gözde to her feet, exchanging a few words with the trembling girl as both Halime and Eşmahan began to clear the fallen food.
"I told you to clean up not those lowly Cariyes!" Hürrem hissed, making a move to strike Melekşima's face but was instantly stopped by the Nigar Kalfa, who was amongst Hürrem's entourage.
"Hürrem Sultan, you have been warned about this kind of attitude."
"Nigar, do not." She snapped, unkindly, towards the servant who bore deep respect to her, Melekşima hated the way the poor Kalfa was treated by both Kadins. "You clean this up, Melekşima Hatun not those lowly slaves!"

Melekşima's eyes narrowed, turning her attention back towards the Kadin. "Halime and Eşmahan are not lowly." Came her blunt reply, making sure to keep her tone low from prying ears. "They are good friends and loyal severants. I value people like that, unlike you, Sultana. You have been assuming that your place is above all because you birthed a few sons for the Sultan, including Mahidevran Sultan, have you even once paid others their respect?"

"You bitch!" She screamed, Nilüfer Hatun and Nigar Kalfa had a hard time holding the Russelana back, Melekşima avoided getting hit once again as she ushered the trembling Gözde onwards as Eşmahan and Halime finished gathering everything and handed her the tray. "How dare you speak to me in that manner!"