Dynasties: Mahidevran's Revenge

First encounters

Constantinople, 1521.

After receiving the purple handkerchief on her hands, the celebration was over, and Milena went back to her communal chambers with the rest of the girls who danced for Suleiman that night. They were accompanied by Sumbul Agha and Firial Kalfa. The other girls were envious of her success, but she didn't care about their opinion, what mattered now were the facts. Suleiman liked her enough to invite her to walk the golden path and the small piece of purple silk was the proof of that. As they walked, Firial cleared her voice to explain to Milena the importance of that small handkerchief.

"That small handkerchief our lord gave to is very important. Don't lose it". Firial warned Milena with her typical serious voice. She commanded authority as she spoke.

"Tomorrow, you will be sent to our lord's chambers. If you please him enough, he will ascend you to be one of his favourites after walking the golden path". Sumbul Agha added in the same commanding but indifferent tone as Milena listened attentively to their instructions.

"Does this mean that I might share his bed with him tomorrow...". Milena thought as she was evaluating all the possibilities. She remained silent as she waited for more instructions from Firial and Sumbul.

"That being said, our lord will be expecting you and you will be on his bed". Firial finished bluntly before leaving her and the rest of the other girls in their chambers. "Go to rest Milena, tomorrow will be a long day".

"And what happens if I refuse to go? I mean if I refuse to be with him". Milena asked tentatively. She knew the answer beforehand, but she wanted the answer straight from Firial's voice.

"You don't want to be beheaded, do you Milena?". Firial asked back sarcastically. "Stop asking stupid questions Milena before I punish you for being annoying and insolent. You're our lord's property right now, he can do as he pleases with you before you even dare to protest".

There was a lot to think about. Milena was overwhelmed with the turn of events, even if she was happy for succeeding, deep down she was terrified and anxious. Maria was sleeping next to her. Milena decided not to disturb her friend but tomorrow she would seek a moment to confide to her everything that happened moments ago.

Milena tried unsuccessfully to sleep, but she couldn't after everything Firial told her. Her mind kept repeating that her fate was sealed and there was nothing she could do to prevent it.

***

The next day, Milena and Maria were working normally, this time, they were in Hatice's chambers tidying her clothing and jewellery on chests, under the cautious gaze of Firial Kalfa who seemed to be scrutinizing every movement from both girls as they worked. Maria noticed some uneasiness on Milena's part but didn't dare to ask her in front of the Kalfa. Milena looked at Maria and she seemed to understand that her friend needed to talk to her later. Maria wondered if it had something to do with Milena being chosen to dance for the Sultan last night.

Milena looked briefly at the rich clothing and jewellery that belonged to the sultana. They seemed to be more colourful, prettier, and have far better quality than the clothing and jewellery she used to wear back in her homeland, despite being already a privileged woman there. She wondered if that was the life that was waiting for her if succeeded tonight.

"If you want to talk about what happened last night, we can do it when we are done with this". Maria whispered. Milena just nodded appreciatively.

The girls were done with their work quickly, and Firial seemed to approve of it before sending them to eat. Moments later, they were eating together in a corner of their chambers, being wary of the other girls' looks. When no one was looking except her friend, Milena showed her briefly the small purple piece of cloth to Maria before hiding it on her clothing. Maria looked at it and covered her mouth with her hand trying to suppress her gasps of surprise. Maria remembered what it meant that piece of purple silk from what the aghas had told them in their lessons. Milena had been chosen to spend the night with the Sultan.