Light within the Harem

Chapter 11:

When the doctor confirmed that Melekşima's pregnancy was stable, Valide Sultan allowed the news to be shared with the Harem, but it did not stop there. It was spread throughout the entire Empire, Melekşima was now exempt from work and serving the Sultan, which gives Hürrem a chance to rise again.
Hürrem and her schemes were to be ignored for now, as Melekşima stood behind the Valide Sultan, caressing her stomach whilst Daye Hatun stood beside the Valide like a loyal friend.

From the elevated walkway, which overlooked the main room of the Harem, Valide Sultan called for attention.
"Today, we are blessed by Allah with another child for the Empire." Valide spoke, nodding towards Daye, who began throwing gold coins down to the girls below.

Shouts of happiness and blessing towards both Melekşima and the child in her womb echo, Melekşima thought she seen Hürrem standing in the corner, watching the scene unfold but Melekşima ignored her.
"My Valide," Melekşima spoke, gaining the older woman's attention. "Why do you shower the Harem with gold at the news of a pregnancy?"
"Oh, child." Valdie laughed, patting Melekşima's hand. "It is another way of spreading good news and everyone sends prayers for the mother to have a good hour and for the birth of a Şehzade."

Melekşima nodded, watching as the girls and some of the Kalfas scattered around to pick up the gold coins.

Since the mention of her pregnancy, Melekşima found herself getting more attention, from both friends and rivals. Mahidevran Sultan acknowledges Melekşima whenever they crossed paths, asking questions of her pregnancy and answering any questions Melekşima had with Mahidevran's pregnancy woes she faced with Mustafa.
Hürrem Sultan was another story.

Melekşima had a small entourage of her own, so whenever they crossed paths, Hürrem's bitterness and temper always had a witness- Halimë was afraid that sooner or later, the Russelana will strike.
Suleiman had been ignoring the Harem again, which also befalls on Hürrem, he called for no one to serve him.

But the rare moments he summoned Melekşima just for company over dinner, his eyes stared off into the distance- his mind elsewhere.
Sümbal Agha had been disappearing from the Palace, Melekşima had caught him once or twice whispering in the Sultan's ear before disappearing once again.
He was a weird man.
Suddenly the Sultan took up hunting again, going out nearly every day, sometimes alone or with Şehzade Mustafa and Ibrahim Pasha. With the Sultan's lack of interest with the Harem, it gave Hürrem the opportunity to rise again as the Russelana would take the chance to enter the Sultan's chambers the very moment Melekşima steps out of it.

Melekşima had been meeting with Valide, frequently, aside from the times that she shared with the Sultan, Melekşima knew that the older woman was keeping an eye on her and the child growing within her. Pregnancies were a delicate thing in the Harem, those threatened by such a small, harmless child could easily do things to end an innocents life- which Melekşima had shared with the Valide.

Soon, two Aghas were stationed at the chamber she shared with Ayşe Hatun, who said nothing more of the subject, Sakdia Hatun was even released from her duties with the Valide and tasked in looking after Melekşima.
Halimë had a feeling that Sakdia wasn't too happy with her new position, but never raised the concern with Melekşima, since the pregnant woman had other things to worry about.

That was when Eşmahan quickly came up to her, with a look of worry on her face.
"Melekşima, why is Halimë Hatun requesting to see Valide? She even took Sakdia Hatun with her."
Melekşima caressed her belly, soothing the child, trying to not think of bad thoughts that could hurt the child.
"Perhaps she got sick of Sakdia's incompetence at simple tasks?" Melekşima replied, with a shrug.

She knew what Eşmahan was thinking, perhaps Halimë got sick of waiting and wanted a chance to walk the Golden path, but why take Sakdia with her to visit Valide Sultan- that was what puzzled Melekşima.