Haseki Mihrişah Sultan

Meeting Queen Mother

I felt a a cool wind blowing on my feet. I moved a bit and put them inside the blanket. Now it was warmer. I pressed my face against the pillow. It smelled different, it smelled better.
I woke up. Unfortunately I was still in the Sultan's room. Looked around, but he wasn't there. The doors that led to the balcony were open, and I saw the clear blue sky filled with all kinds of birds. I slapped my forehead gently as I remembered what had happened last night.
Quickly, I got up and started looking for my dress. I dressed up fast and saw a sink on the left side of the room. Went there and washed my face. In a small table near the bed there was a glass. I took it and smelled it, but I left it down when I understood that it was wine. Without wanting to be late, I opened the door and got out. As I was leaving, I felt the presence of guards' stares. At first I stopped, I didn't know which way to go. Looked around if there was anyone laughing with my stupidity and then continued not knowing where I was going. Luckily, I managed to see a passageway of the Harem and went there. I stopped again.
What was I going to do? What if they know I went to the Sultan? No, Haci Agha took me out from another way. They saw me get to the make-up room, though. So confused at the moment. I made a few steps and heard the voices of the girls giggling and talking loud with each-other. I took deep inhales and slowly walked forward.
There they were. As soon as I was about to enter, one of the guards yelled:
- Attention! His Excellency, Şehzade Suleyman and His Excellency Şehzade Beyazid!

All the girls lined up right away while I stepped back in a corner and bowed down the same as them. For a moment, there was total silence, and then I noticed two feet getting nearer and nearer. Then they stopped right in front of me. "Oh no," I thought to myself. "Not him again". Without trying to be seen, I raised my head a bit.
Could not believe my eyes.

His face was shining as bright as the sun. A little sweat had covered his face, while in his belt, he had a sword. He looked at me and smiled. His brother, Şehzade Beyazid, a dark, black hair, white, and dour face, tall, young man, came behind him and pushed him forward. They two exchanged stares, and right before leaving, both threw their looks at me.
Not knowing what to do, I looked down. Imagine if the other girls had seen this, which I am extremely sure they have. My pride would be over. Everything that I've said I would never do, I have done it. All the boundaries I've put to myself, I walked upon them. This place brings the worst of you.

When they left, all the girls gathered together and started chatting on how pretty the Şehzades were. Right next to a small table were staying Eudokia and Olga and when they saw me they waved happily and asked me to go at them right away.
- How are you feeling? - Olga asked in a provocating tone.

- What do you mean? - I also asked.

The two sisters looked at each-other and laughed.
- Haci Agha told us last night that he had sent you there, - she said and lowered her voice at these last words.
I looked around trying to avoid their gazes. Although if one of them was in my place they would have felt the same thing. He was the Sultan in the end of the day. I could not say no to anyone, especially to these people who practically have my future at their hands.
- Don't worry, - Eudokia said as she touched my shoulder softly, - we know you had no choice. And try to look at this in a positive perspective, - she added while she was half-hugging me, - if all goes well you might not have to clean and serve for the others.
- But I want to clean and serve to the others, - I whined, but quickly smiled a bit as I faced Olga's look who made me feel as I had said something stupid.
- What did he say to you? - she then asked.
- He...he asked my name, my origin, how long I had been here and then...- there was no need for me to continue no more as they had understood what I meant.