Light within the Harem

Melekşima's Plight (Part II)

They had shared the refreshments before dinner was served, now they were enjoying time out on the balcony, overlooking the Ottoman Empire.
Melekşima couldn't help but let a small smirk danced across her face, as she noticed Hürrem Sultan on her balcony, that once belonged to Hatice Sultan.
The Sultan had been calling his Kadins or Gülfem Hatun as of late, allowing Melekşima alone to do whatever she wanted- well not exactly whatever she wanted.

There they were, Suleiman with a book of poems and reading his favourite ones, lightly stroking her hair. Melekşima wanted to turn and face him, but the way she was laying, it was impossible without being uncomfortable.

Sleep was creeping up on her, she was becoming more and more exhausted duets being pregnant, fortunately the baby had settled down from kicking or moving to much; only giving a small kick every once in awhile.

Suleiman had laughed when the baby kicked where his hand was, he whispered small prayers in Turkish, praying to Allah that the baby comes out strong.

"Mahidevran Sultan is in good spirits." Melekşima spoke, nonchalantly as she slightly yawned. "She has been lavishing the your Cariyes and Gözde with gifts ever since you approved her grant."
He glanced over from the book, searching her face for something- jealousy?
"And how do you feel about that?" His tone did not sound assuming, though she knew he was wondering if she was jealous, maybe even demand something for herself, like Hürrem had.
Melekşima lifted her head. "May I be honest, Suleiman?"

He nodded, she nibbled on her bottom lip, schooling her expression well, perhaps this was a difference between Hürrem and herself?
"I am happy for Mahidevran, she deserves to dispense charity and earn prayers in return, as the mother of the first Şehzade, she is expected to show that she's charitable to those less fortunate." Melekşima explained, with all seriousness. "There has been rumours circling the Harem that Mahidevran had lost all your favour ever since Hürrem became your Ikbal then Kadin."

Suleiman closed the book suddenly, Melekşima quickly bowed her head. "I apologize if I spoke out of turn, my Lord."
He then touched her face, making her head rise. "You asked to be honest, Melekşima, and you given it. I have heard the rumours as well, even though many believe that they never reach my ears, Aghas do talk amongst eachother as well."
Letting out a small sigh, Melekşima returned to lie in Suleiman's lap, allowing him to resume playing with her hair.

"Do you not wish for something for yourself?" Suleiman spoke a few moments later, still pressing on the subject they spoke about earlier.
"Eventually." Melekşima replied, yawning again. "Everyone desires to be charitable if the oppunity arises, but I am fine as I am now. All I wish for is to have a happy hour and have my babe in my arms. Perhaps when our child is older."
Suleiman seemed a little shocked by her answer, Melekşima was indeed different, from his very own self serving Vizers and the like, even his own women only thinking of themselves and their children's inheritance. He came to doubt anyone that even remotely sounded truthful, after years of people using his favor to gain status.

___________

Melekşima was kept in the Sultan's company for almost a full week, when she returned to the Harem, escorted back by Sümbal Agha since Işmilah and Eşmahan had been called back to the Harem to attend their duties.
Sümbal Agha scampered off in some direction the moment Melekşima step foot into the Harem's main room, soon the pregnant Hatun was crowded.
Halimë pushed her way through the crowd, glaring at some of the girls that seem too eager or overexcited for gossip. "Did you go back to the Sultan's bed?" A girl from Croatia asked, her eyes filled with awe and shock.
"Oh, so now you are curious?" Halimë hissed towards the girl, that sank behind Fatmä Hatun. "Why should Melekşima tell you anything?"