Sultan Mahmoud was the most lustful sultan the Othman empire has ever known since it rose from nothing to the strong dynasty it is now. He was a womanizer and the whole dynasty knew that but they didn't care as long as he was leaving for campaigns t...
"You had a hand in this, do not even try convincing me otherwise" Gevherhan pointed at me accusingly. I huffed rolling my eyes at her, if a mountain fell on the other side of the world she will find a way to blame it on me.
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"How in the world do you think I did it? How can you even think for a second that I would do such a thing?" I questioned. I was feeling furious with her for making such an accusation. Of course, I had a hand in it, I was not dumb enough to let a son to be born to Mahmoud and endure my sons but of course, no one has to know that.
"Other than the fact that you control the entire harem and the midwives included" She hissed. I shook my head feeling a headache coming closer the more she shrieked.
"Sultanas" Dervis interrupted the screaming of Gevherhan making me sigh in relief, at least I would not have to hear her scream anymore.
"His majesty is asking for you all" He informed. Aynisah and Warda eyed each other also curious as to what Mahmoud would want with all of us at once. I was thankful that Esmahan Sultan was dead and no longer with us, otherwise, Gevherhan and her would have eaten me up.
-Flashback-
"I do not want any mistakes, Dervis" I warned the eunuch. I handed him the vial with the medicine that enhanced labor. He took it from me and hid it in his belt.
"Do not worry Sultanim, no one will know" Dervis fixed his Kaftan so no one would be able to see the vial in his belt.
"And do not forget to get rid of the maid that will slip it in Emine's drink" I reminded. He nodded his head before turning to look at the window where we were able to see the poor maid who thought she will live long enough to enjoy the money I was giving her to do this.
"Consider her dead" Dervis said. I patted his shoulder before moving towards the door. I knocked and Daphne opened them for me. I saw Ali who was guarding the doors so no one would suspect who was standing there.
"Thank you, Ali, you will be awarded greatly" I patted the back of his shoulder. He bowed his head with a content smile on his face.
"I only exist to serve you, Sultanim," He said. I smiled at him one last time before making my way back to the harem with Daphne behind me.
-End of Flashback-
"What is the matter, brother?" Aynisah questioned. Mahmoud was sat on his desk with all of us standing in front of him.
"Is it not obvious, Aynisah? He is here to tell us Neslihan's punishment for killing his son" Gevherhan snipped glaring at me. I rolled my eyes feeling fed up with her words. No matter if they were true or not (Which they were) she has no right to accuse me with no evidence.
"Enough Gevherhan, no one will speak of this matter anymore!" Mahmoud slammed his hands on his desk and stood up. We all jumped shocked by his outburst.
"Calm down, brother, we mean no harm, we are only worried for you" Warda spoke in her calm and collected voice. Mahmoud took a deep breath to calm himself down.
"I am here to inform you that I have decided to send my sons to their sanjaks, Ahmed, Suleiman, Selim, and Orhan" Mahmoud moved to stand in front of the desk instead of behind it. My heart dropped hearing that four of my sons will leave altogether instead of one at a time, who will I go with? How will I be able to manage them all by myself?
"Where are you sending them?" Gevherhan questioned. Now, this interested her, my sons going on their own to their sanjaks.
"Ahmed Cem will go to Manisa. Suleiman's sanjak will be Hatay, he is strong and I need him at the border" Mahmoud spoke. I wondered if the boys knew or if he had at least sent them the information.
"Selim will be going to Kütahya and Orhan to Ankara" Mahmoud finished. I was sweating from fear at this point.
"Who will I go with?" I asked, trying to stop my voice from breaking. Mahmoud's eyes turned to look at me and softened at the sight of me.
"You will travel with Ahmed first and after three months you will go to Suleiman and then to Kütahya and last to Ankara, by the end of the year you will be able to come back here" Mahmoud explained. I did not know if I wanted to leave my children if I was being honest, they will be all alone to protect themselves.
"She will return here? That is against traditions" Gevherhan shrieked. I closed my eyes for a second feeling my ears ring from how loud her voice was.
"Enough, Gevherhan" Mahmoud raised his hand ending her shrieks and fighting. She huffed rolling her eyes but stayed quiet.
"Is Orhan not too young to go? he has not even turned fifteen yet" Yanisah questioned. Mahmoud's head snapped in her direction, it seems his son's death really affected him.
"Do I have to remind you that I was ten when I went?" Mahmoud sent a question as an answer to her question.
"But that was a different time and he is not you, you were able to handle it but maybe he cannot" She fought back. Mahmoud sighed looking like he was trying to control his anger.
"I will start the preparations" I interrupted whatever argument that was about to take place between the siblings.
"Aynisah, tell Suleiman Pasha that he will be going with Sehzade Suleiman," Mahmoud said causing silence to fill the room. He wanted to send the Grand vizier to a Sanjak as the helper and adviser of a Sehzade, which made us all question if he was still a Grand vizier at this point and sure hope so because if Gevherhan's husband, Mehmed Pasha became the Grand Vizier the Dynasty will suffer a lot.
"O-of course" Aynisah bowed. I noticed the quiver of fear in her voice and tears filling her eyes and she had the right to be afraid.
"Prepare for Ahmed and Gülcemal's wedding as promised before Ahmed leaves for his sanjak" Mahmoud seemed to have finished all his orders. His sister bowed and left his room. I felt like I did not know Mahmoud at this point, he seemed like a whole different person than the Mahmoud I have spent over twenty years with. He moved to sit back on his chair.
"Mahmoud-" I began but he raised his hand making me stop talking. I was shocked, he has never interrupted me before.
"If you are going to complain about my orders then it is preferable that you stay quiet" He hissed. I moved to stand beside his chair.
"I would never" I promised. I slid onto his lap as he sighed exhaustion all over his face. I placed a hand on his cheek and moved his lips closer to mine.
"I will never question your decisions" I whispered against his lips before capturing them with my own.
