Katerina is living peacefully with her family in Russia in 1520 until one day tatars attack her small town and kidnap her, bringing her straight to the Ottoman Empire, the imperial palace, the harem of the new sultan- sultan Suleiman.
The next day I get dressed into a beautiful dress. I put on a pair of silver earrings and my tulip necklace from Suleiman. Ayse is with me, in my room as I pass nervously around. I am not allowed at the official welcoming and so is Hurrem since we haven't given birth yet. On the welcoming are only the Valide, Hatice Sultan, Mahidevran Sultan and the 6 year old Sehzade Mustafa. However after the welcoming I hope I will be the first one he will call to his chambers.
"Don't worry, Yusra. I'm sure you will be the first one he calls to his chambers. He has missed you just as much as you have missed him." Ayse smiles but I only my head as I keep passing around, eagerly waiting for Nigar to show up.
Finally she appears with a wide smile on her face.
"Yusra, you have been summoned by the padisah."
I pick up the skirts of my dress a little as I rush out of my room and I almost run down the hallways. I keep hurrying, leaving Nigar to try to catch up with me.
I stop by the doors, fixing my dark curls as the guards open the doors and I walk inside. Suleiman immediately turns around and looks at me with a soft smile. I quickly make one bow as my eyes don't leave his and there is a smile on my face.
"Suleiman!" I exclaim as I finish the bow and rush towards him to hug him.
"My love, I have missed you so much." He says and hugs me like he never wants to let go.
"And me? My heart was barely beating for those 5 months while you were away. I wrote it in my letter, did it reach you?" I ask.
"Yes, I received your letter. Reading your words brought me comfort during those long months of war. You are always in my thoughts, my Yusra." He replies before leaning in a passionate and deep kiss which I return.
"I really wanted to announce the news to you myself but I am happy that the Valide told you." I say as I take yet another bite of the tasty meal we are having for dinner.
"Yes, my mother told me. I am overjoyed by the news of your pregnancy. Our child will be a symbol of our love." He reaches for my hand and places a kiss on the back of it, making me grin.
Soon enough the door opens as one agha brings us the dessert.
"Sweets!" I clap my hands as the plates are placed on the table.
"I love sweet especially since I got pregnant. I was wondering why I crave it so much!" I giggle as I take a few bites of one of the pastries, eating more and more of it, loving the sweet taste, making Suleiman grin with amusement.
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I smile a little as I keep eating more and more. Until I swallow the last bite and feel a sharp pain in my stomach.
