Light within the Harem

Chapter 13:

For nearly the entire next day, Melekşima had heard the same story over and over again, about how Mahidevran Sultan's generosity towards the poor.
After the thirteenth time of hearing the exact same words, from some unknown Cariyes, Melekşima's feelings towards the Bas Kadin's good fortune began to sour.

It was also know that Hürrem was in a slight sour mood, after hearing of Mahidevran Sultan's wish being approved by both the Sulatn and the Valide, she too tried to ask for her own but was denied.
No one was really unsure as to why, and no one dared to ask, for they may be on the receiving end of the Russelana's anger.

Melekşima was surprised that both Işmilah and Eşmahan hadn't bombarded Melekşima with the never ending news of Mahidevran's announcement, she made a note to ask Halimë later.
Keeping her head held high, Nilüfer Hatun suddenly approached the pregnant Hatun as she was exiting the hammam, grabbing Melekşima by the arm.
"Have you heard, Melekşima Hatun?" Her tone was soft, but they knew better- she was putting on a show. "Mahidevran Sultan received a grant for charity work, she had asked Gül Agha to search poor locations for the construction of fountains, hammams and the like."

"That is mighty generous of the Sultana." Melekşima replied, arching an eyebrow at the older Cariyes. "Mahidevran deserves something good after all the bitterness she had received from your Sultana, Nilüfer Hatun."
Eşmahan quickly came, removing Nilüfer's hold on Melekşima. "Are you doing this out of concern, Nilüfer?" She snapped, eyes glaring daggers at the annoyed Hatun. "Or are you just being petty, because Hürrem Sultan is no longer has a hold over our Padishah?"

The Harem became slightly quiet, whispers were still heard but the conversation between Nilüfer and Melekşima Hatun seemed to gain more attention than necessary.
From Nilüfer's expression, she enjoyed Melekşima's slight discomfort. "Well, I was only wondering-..."
"If I had not heard about it?" Melekşima's replied, her tone harsher than she wanted, yet she didn't feel sorry for it. "That is all the Harem is talking about, why wouldn't I in the name of Allah hear about it to?"

Nilüfer went to speak, but Melekşima held up her hand, making the girl stop. "You have decided to try and rub salt in my wounds, that is a foolish thing to do. If anything, I am happy for the Bas Kadin."

Waving her hand away to dismiss the Hatun, who seemed more annoyed that she failed to hurt Melekşima- was this a ploy from Hürrem?

Once Melekşima was alone with Halimë, she took the chance to ask her the question that had been on her mind, nearly all day.
"What did you tell Işmilah and Eşmahan?"
"Nothing to worry about, Melekşima." She replied, with a smile. "I simply reminded them to mind their words and actions, to be in your good graces because you are their best chance at rising in the Harem."

Melekşima laid in her bed, Ayşe Hatun and Halimë sleeping peacefully, the older woman's words were right.
If by chance that Melekşima gave birth to a Şehzade, her friends would be rewarded as well, and those that betrayed or tormented would be left behind.

But, that was only if Melekşima births a son.

___

Ever since her charity work was granted, Mahidevran had been lavishing the Harem with all kinds of gifts, sometimes it was gold coins shared amongst the girls; other times it was refreshments and sweetmeats. Whether or not they were loyal, Mahidevran didn't even shun Melekşima or Hürrem, who was putting on a brave face, though whenever Mahidevran wasn't facing the Russelana, her façade will drop for a few moments.
Sometimes Şehzade Mustafa, Mement and Mihrimah Sultan would join their mother; who held the growing Şehzade Selim in her lap, other times it was just Mihrimah Sultan as her brothers would be attending lessons with their tutors.

One afternoon, Mahidevran Sultan arrived with the Valide Sultan, into the main room followed shortly by four Aghas that carried two, heavy looking but beautifully crafted chests.
They placed the chests in front of the small, raise area and bowed once Valide took her place on the divan, Gülash and another concubine in Mahidevran's service opened them both; showing endless arrangements of beautiful fabrics, some were decorated with elegant jewels or embroidered floral designs. Many of the girls rose, gathering around the chests to have a look at Mahidevran's gifts to the Harem, whispering amongst eachother of the beautiful fabric.
Valdie had announced that this was another gift from Mahidevran, each girl was to choose a bolt of fabric each to take to the seamstress to make into dresses for them to keep, squeals of happiness echoed.

Melekşima noticed that Işmilah, Eşmahan and Halimë seemed eager to have a look but they stayed where they sat, she waved her hand.
"Go on." Halimë had wanted to argue, but Melekşima held up her hand, shaking her head. "Go. They are gifts meant for us all, no need to worry about my feelings."

And as if right on cue, Mahidevran Sultan had called for Melekşima, she had found it joyful that Melekşima stayed sitting while the rest of the girls crowded the chests.
"Melekşima Hatun, why not come and choose one for yourself?"

Melekşima bowed her head in respect towards the Bas Kadin. "Thank you, my Sultana." She replied, glancing towards the other girls. "But, I would like to let them choose first, we all must be charitable towards those that has less than us, I already have enough dresses, I thank you for your generosity,  though."
Valdie Sultan smiled, watching her son's Bas Kadin his favourite getting along, how she wished that the Russelana would be able to get along, then peace would come to the Harem.
But Hürrem was being difficult, true there were times that she listened to the Ottoman laws and rules, but the Russelana lacked respect to those with a higher position.
Ibrahim Pasha, Mahidevran Sultan and sometimes the Valide Sultan, herself.

Suleiman had confided in his mother, the child within Melekşima's womb would be a son, Allah had given him a vision, he would have a son named Osman.
Melekşima then gave a small smirk towards Işmilah and Eşmahan, turning back to Mahidevran Sultan. "My Sultana, perhaps instead of choosing fabrics for myself, perhaps Halimë Hatun can have my choice?"
Mahidevran Sultan paused for a moment, then smiled. "I do not see why she can not. Come, Halimë Hatun." Gülash opened a path towards the chests, Halimë gave Melekşima a small look, taking the pregnant Hatun with her.
It was a little weird, but Mahidevran Sultan helped Melekşima choose some fabrics that would suit Halimë's tanned skin complexion, they settled on a dark blue with some elegant beading trim and white lace from Venice.

"Best if you go to the seamstress now, for she may be busy later on." Melekşima replied, with a small smile. "And do not worry about me, I have Işmilah and Eşmahan to look after me."
Halimë bowed low to Mahidevran Sultan and the Valide, holding the bolts of fabric choose for her close to her body and ran out of the room, Melekşima arched an eyebrow as Sümbal Agha made his appearance.

"Sümbal Agha." The Valide called, gaining everyone's attention. "What is it?"
"The Sultan wishes for Melekşima Hatun's presence."
The pregnant Hatun glanced over at Mahidevran, who seemed to be hiding her disappointment with a smile.
"If our Lord requested it, then it shall be so." Valide spoke, waving Melekşima away. "But, be mindful of the child within your womb, Melekşima Hatun."

Melekşima nodded as Eşmahan ran to get her a veil, Işmilah was tasked in bringing a small tray of refreshments, since the Sultan may be hungry.

Soon, she was again walking down the path towards the Sultan's chambers, her heart was skipping a few beats as each step came closer to the Sultan.