Light within the Harem

Chapter 10:

Pregnant.
She was pregnant.
Melekşima glanced over at the Harem doctor, wanting to hear the news herself for fear of her ears playing tricks on her, she had been in the Harem for nearly a full year and most of that time she was in the Sultan's company- would Allah grant such wishful thinking?
"I'm pregnant?" Her eyes fully on the Harem doctor, the very one that check her all those months ago, when Melekşima first came to the Harem.

"Yes, Hatun." She replied. "You are around two months."
Melekşima fell back onto the pillow, Suleiman holding her hand and smiling bright, he was overjoyed with the news.
All the incidents with Hürrem came flooding back, how many times she did not eat for the sake of being poisoned, her child would've been at risk!

"Another child for the Dynasty." Valide sighed happily, but the happiness would not last long for Sümbal Agha appread, with a grave expression.
Melekşima's heart jumped into her throat, has her cousins been found?
They surely wouldn't execute her now... Her position has now been fully secured, well not that secured unless the child is a Şehzade.

Suleiman stood up, his expression unreadable as he awaited the news that Sümbal Agha brought. "The intruders?"
Daye Hatun and Sümbal Agha exchanged glances before the usually cheerful man addressed the Royal family.
"My Lord... My Valide..." He began speaking in that slight manner of his, where Sümbal Agha was trying to deliver the bad news without making it as bad. "The Aghas and Kalfas are still searching, no corner shall be unchecked!"
The bad news was clear as day, Suleiman's body tensed, ready to give order for whoever was responsible for the security of the Palace to be punished; when a gentle squeeze on his hand brought him away from his dark thoughts.

Melekşima.
"I have ordered security to be tightened, the Cariyes and Gözde have been ordered to remain in the Harem with several Kalfas to watch them, Aghas have been doubled at every entrance." Daye Hatun spoke, numbering of the steps they took whilst the search was still being continued. "I also took liberty to send a message to Hürrem Sultan, warning her to not leave the Royal Wing until all is clear."

Valdie Sultan nodded, pleased with the news, her eyes landed on her son.
"Good." He spoke, pressing a kiss to Melekşima's forehead. "Very good. I am pleased with the news."

Suleiman had left after a while, mentioning he wishes to dine with Melekşima later on, the woman then realized she was no longer in the Valide's chambers but in the Harem's infirmary- did someone carry her all the way here?

Melekşima's attention fell back onto Valide Sultan,  who gave her a small smile. "You must remain in the infirmary for the rest of the day." Valide ordered, her voice a little stern. "You are now with child, Melekşima Hatun, it is now that imperative that you are safeguarded from here on out. You will be here, to rest and regain your strength under the careful watch of the doctor. Daye Hatun," Valide Sultan spoke, her facial expression serious as she faced the older woman. "I entrust Melekşima into your care, when the doctor clears her, please bring her to my chambers."

This was also another reason that the Harem whispered about Melekşima, no matter what meetings the Valide Sultan had, Melekşima was present for them all. It was known that from time to time, Valide Sultan has organised a small get together with the Kadins and their children, mainly Mahidevran Sultan and Mustafa were present- as the first Şehzade and the Bas Kadin, their presence was needed.
Hürrem and her brood, however rarely joins the Valide in the slight family reunion, she'll rather parade her success in front of the Harem.

Melekşima glanced over at the Bas Kadin, who was still present, eyes lowered to the floor and a sour look on her face. With this new pregnancy, Melekşima has now become an even more of a threat to Mustafa's claim to the Ottoman Empire, but unknown to the Bas Kadin; Melekşima vowed to have at least a friendly kinship with Mahidevran.
Hürrem was totally out of the question, but her children were innocent, influenced by their mother.