Light within the Harem

Mahidevran's Sadness

Naturally peace within the Harem never lasts long, soon it was confirmed that the Sultan's Bas Kadin was pregnant, but that wasn't the only news as it was also confirmed that Melekşima was pregnant as well.

With how many times both Kadins walked the Golden Path before and during Hürrem's exile to Eski Palace, everyone expected the second Kadin to be called to reclaim the nights she had missed during her exile, the Harem was in high spirits as two new members of the Ottoman Dynasty were to arrive weeks if not a month apart.

Mahidevran was certain that she was carrying a Şehzade, showing off the necklace that Suleiman had gifted her to the Cariyes that were loyal to her, knowing full well that Hürrem Sultan was within ear shot.
Melekşima was different, even though Hürrem was jealous that the Sultan's Bas Kadin and his Haseki Sultana were pregnant, she thanked Allah that Melekşima wasn't flaunting the pregnancy or gifts in her face.

Suleiman gifted Melekşima a ruby and gold jewellery set, with a matching headdress, rumours stated that the headdress was in fact a small crown.

The rules of the Harem forbade the Kadins to wear any sort of tiara until the Valide Sultan gifts them one from her own collection, Valide Sultan had already gifted Mahidevran and Hürrem a tiara, now it was Melekşima's turn.

Valide Sultan handed Melekşima a silver tiara, decorated with diamonds, pearls and rubies.
"This was the last gift from my beloved Sultan, Selim, the Sultan's father."
Melekşima gasped, kneeling down at the Valide's feet. "My Valide, I cannot accept this! This is of sentimental value to yourself and holds treasured memories. "

Valide Ayşe Hasfa Sultan helped the pregnant Sultana to her feet, patting her hand softly. "And you shall make new memories, with Sultan Suleiman Khan. Accept it, please."

That was a first for Melekşima, hearing the Valide almost pleading for her to accept a gift.
"I thank you, Valide, for the gift."

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"I heard that my Valide has gifted you a tiara." Suleiman spoke making Melekşima look up from the book of poems she was reading.

"Yes. It was the last gift your father had gifted her before he passed."

Suleiman fell silent, Melekşima thought that she had overstepped by taking the Valide's gift.

"Have... have I done something to upset you, Suleiman?"

"No." Suleiman replied, brushing his fingers across her face. "I never thought my Valide would part with that tiara, perhaps she sees some of her younger self in you."

A faint flush of colour danced across Melekşima's face at his compliment, Suleiman then rose to his feet, offering Melekşima his hand. "Come, I have a gift for you."

Melekşima was curious as to what the gift was, she arched an eyebrow as Suleiman came to a stop. "But first, you must close your eyes."

Following his orders, Melekşima closed her eyes and put all of her faith in Suleiman to lead her back inside, the warmth of the dying ambers of the fire danced across her face as Suleiman made her suddenly stop.

Keeping her eyes closed, Melekşima listened as Suleiman's footsteps went to her right, there was some shuffle of paperwork and he was back in front of her.
He took hold of her right hand, soon a heavy ring was placed on her finger, naturally Melekşima knew that it was forbidden for a Sultan to marry his concubine.

Hürrem almost succeeded at getting her freedom at being the Sultan's slave during the circumcision of Şehzade Mustafa and Şehzade Mehmet celebration but Suleiman saw through her manipulation tactic to make Suleiman break another tradition and marry her, soon she may try and again and this time, Hürrem may be successful.