Happy Ever After: Sultanah Fahriye and Mehmed III Giray

1. Ship

It is in the flicker of his eyes, that I knew, he decides that it is best to leave his brother behind. I couldn't lie to myself, the guilt is mine that I feel relieved of his choice. I know my dear Mehmed loves his brother. He would rather save him, but we would not see the dawn of sea if he is to follow the call.

"We will find a way to your brother," I said, pleadingly. "I know it's a trap. We must leave."

He sighs. It is difficult for him to leave Şahin behind. But I know my own people. I was born in it. I grew up in it. I know how everything works in the empire. There is no real intention to this rescue.

And I am glad he listens to such reason.

"Go, meet my brother. We will get in touch," Mehmed says to his subordinate. "I cannot risk Sultanah. Not when we are this close."

"My prince---"

"That's an order."

The subordinate pales. "Very well, sire..."

I feel sick as this might fail. No one runs away from the empire. No one has ever succeeded. Yet here I am to challenge.

Mehmed kisses me. "I will get the captain," he says.

I nod, afraid, but glad he listens. Because if he leaves this ship to save Şahin, it will be a deathbed. It will be a twisted fate of lies. I sit back down on the bench and watch my dear love go up on the deck. I can hear him shout to start all of this.

Hoist the sails! Raise the anchor!

I watch the harbour slowly drift away, gradually picking up the pace of the wind. And then my eyes squints.

"Mehmed..." I utter. Upon more inspection, it is true. So I run up to the deck. "Mehmed!" My love is standing with the captain by the steering wheel, arguing. I shout at him again so he stops to look at me. "They're coming! Derviş and the others!"

Mehmed looks at the harbour. He sees them. The ship has yet to go far. He orders everyone to get ready and fight. He and every men on this ship pulls out their swords.

"My Love, hide in and lock the door!" Mehmed says.

So I have. I am back in the cabin and I look outside to see Derviş and the ten jannasaries jump up onto the ship. Everyone starts to be loud outside. I curb in the corner, praying for everything to be over.

I hope Mehmed wins.

I am tired of living in this cage of a city. Born and raised to be wed by the plan of my so called mother. There is no love in this country. I want to be free.

So now I am on my knees. I pray to god that we will escape this travesty. I wish Mehmed win this battle. I wish, he knocks the door, and tell me we are free.

The door knocks twice once the screaming ends. My voice chokes on my neck like a tightening noose. In trembling fear, I reach for the door. What if it's Derviş? What if I have to be dragged back again to jahanam?

Yet once I unlock the door, it swings open. And there he is, my love, my everything. Mehmed heaves tiredly with blood on his face.

"Sultana...," he utters. He moves in to kiss me. His hands of blood caress my back ever so gently. "We are free ..."

"Sire!" said a subordinate from before.

In reluctance, Mehmed releases and looks at him, angry as he is, he listens.

"I swear to you, Şarin is alive and well. Now that Derviş is dead, I will fetch for him, by your pardon, sire."

"I do not wish to wait."

"I promise you ... I promise you he is away in a room ..."

"If you are not lying to me. Bring Şarin to my next destination and we will talk. Get out of this ship."

"Sire ... yes, sire," says the subordinate.

We set sail far west. The sky is blue and bright. Mehmed takes my hand and guides me up to the deck. Such air I have never felt before. The breeze is salty and refreshing. I am taken to the front and watch the ship break the sea. Dolphins? Dolphins!

"Oh, I have never seen dolphins in my very own eyes!" I say.

And my love embraces me from behind, kisses my neck. "There are worlds where we can be what we want..."

"I can be your wife?" I tease.

"Yes, you can," he whispers and a kiss on my cheek.

"I can start my own farm?"

Mehmed chuckles. "If that is what you wish."

"I can..." my eyes glints above at the seagulls. "I can plant my own tomatoes?"

"You can be everything, my darling." Mehmed hooks my chin and goes for a deep kiss.

This is happening. I am finally free. I am finally living with him.