I was taken in May of 1560 from my home in the Balkans by men who they called "raiders".
I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember the rancid smell on the ship, the horrible taste of the food they forced us to eat, the sound of the crying girls, the beauty of the land when we disembarked, the kindness of the friends I'd met on the journey, and the cruelness of mankind when I was sold.
The day I was sold is forever engraved in my mind, for good and bad reasons because this was the beginning of my journey and also the end of my innocence.
I was sold to Berlebey Ahmed Pasha, he was about 36 when I met him, greying and he had the prettiest of eyes, they were green like a viper.
2 Weeks later
I had settled into the large home of Ahmed Pasha, The Grand Vizier. It was here that I first met Leila (Humasah Sultan) his daughter, back then I had served her as a handmaiden and was given the name Ayla.
I was treated well for a servant, sure it took some time to get used to serving someone, and learning the rules but I excelled and soon became the favorite servant of Leila (Humasah)
Every day I combed her hair, bathed her, dressed her, comforted her when she was sad, entertained her until she was happy, gave her advice, and requested in turn she taught me to play various instruments, read, write, talk properly, walk properly, dance, and all other talents befitting of a lady.
We talked for hours and hours about many things from clothes to fresh gossip and even boys which I didn't understand at that age, I mean I was only 14 at this time, while she was 19, young and ripe for marriage and if she was married I would be behind her which I wouldn't mind as I loved her like she was my sister and she treated me well but I-I-I just can't imagine serving her for the rest of my life.
I decided that I needed to plan for the future, I didn't know I was going to do but I Knew that I didn't want to be a "slave" forever but instead I wanted to decide my destiny, is that so horrible.
I just wanted my freedom back I wanted to escape from this cage but I knew the consequences of running away for a slave and death was not in my plans so I just had to think of another way, and soon.
Tell me what you think, should I continue this book OR Nah?
(440 words)
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Dilara's Intrigue: Woven in Sultan's Silk
Historická literaturaExplore the intrigue of Dilara Sultan's journey in the opulent Ottoman court, a tale of ambition, love, and betrayal. As a concubine to Sultan Murad III, she navigates the world of whispered alliances, and vicious scheming as she unveils the untold...
