Light within the Harem

Chapter 15:

Melekşima was kept in the infirmary for a few days, she was visited by the Valide Sultan, Hatice Sultan and even Suleiman. Işmilah filled her in on the Harem gossip  during Melekşima's absence, Suleiman had called for Ayşe to keep him company, Hürrem threw a temper tantrum when she found out, even went to physically assault the Ikbal.
Thankfully, Ayşe escaped unharmed but the Valide had punished Hürrem by placing the children in the Royal nursery and away from their mother's influence, Hürrem tried to complain to the Sultan, but even he agreed that her actions has consequences.

Once the doctor had deemed her well enough to leave the infirmary, Daye Hatun personally escorted Melekşima to her new chambers, since the child was almost due. The room was similar in size to that of Mahidevran's, beautifully decorated with elegant furnishings and tapestries, the bed was on a raised platform and to the right was a small nursery for the baby to sleep.

The room had a small terrace, filled with blooming jasmine flowers, a gift from the Sultan.
Melekşima was gifted with a choice of two concubines, naturally she went with Işmilah and Eşmahan. They would step in if Halimë was indisposed with other duties befitting an Ikbal's concubine, the Valide Sultan had visited her once she had settled in her new chambers.

"You are to abstain yourself from all that may stress you."
Melekşima smiled, softly. "I do try, my Valide. I do not go looking for these confrontations."
Valide caressed Melekşima's pregnant belly softly, listening attentively, her eyes then landed on Halimë; who handed Melekşima the small vial of calming concoction the doctor had prescribed for her to take. "I had tasked Halimë Hatun to not leave you unattended."

Halimë fidgeted with the hem of her dress. "There was nothing Halimë could have done against Gül Agha, my Valide." Melekşima spoke, giving Halimë a small look. "He would simply do as he pleased, regardless with her interference."

Halimë looked chastised anyways, wishing to blend into the wall to escape the Valide's annoyance. Eşmahan comforted the older Cariyes with a small smile, once the Valide Sultan left the room, tasking Daye Hatun to keep an eye out on Melekşima's safety for the few months, Halimë sat on the edge of the bed.
A look of remorse as she was simply powerless to stop Gül Agha.

_______

Suleiman called for Melekşima's presence frequently, disregarding the pregnancy, like he had done so with Mahidevran and Hürrem.
The Valide was unhappy with it, since there was a dozen or so Cariyes or Gözde that were willing to walk the Golden path, though there wasn't much she could do. The Sultan's will was absolute, but she did not hide her displeasure towards this, especially not from Melekşima.

Moments after Melekşima returns from the Sultan, Valide Sultan would immediately bombard with questions about the child's health, if not pleased, the Harem's doctor would do frequent checks inside the Valide's chambers.
Of course, Melekşima willing goes along with this, just to appease the older woman.

Sometimes Gülfem Hatun and Mahidevran Sultan would be present during the check ups, Melekşima would lock eyes on the Bas Kadin who would give her a small smile for encouragement, Gülfem on the other hand would roll her eyes behind the Valide's back- knowing that these precautions were unnecessary.

Suleiman only called on Melekşima for company, nothing more, he would be attending to royal documents or working on some new jewellery design whilst Melekşima would read a book or do some embroidery needlework.
Sometimes they would share discuss their thoughts on some political issues within the Ottoman Empire, with King Louis now dead- Suleiman would be looking elsewhere for his next conquest.
He had his sights set on Rome.

Most of the time, he kept to himself, always staring out in the distance for long periods of time and then realize that they were in the middle of a conversation, Melekşima would always wait for him to come back- never interuppting his train of thought, unless he seemed deeply disturbed by something.