I fell in love with my Sultana- English Version-COMPLET

1. My Name is Ayşe Sultan

In the vast and resplendent Ottoman Empire, amidst its opulence and splendor, I, Ayşe Sultan, flourished. I was born in the sweet season of spring, but my arrival into the world was not solitary; minutes later, my dear brother Murad joined me on this journey of life. For our father, that day was the most radiant of all, for his longed-for wife, who had struggled for years to give him an heir, had finally succeeded; but not because of her but because of my mother, a concubine who lived in our father's chambers, hoping to bestow a legacy upon him, had achieved the impossible.

Although my father already had numerous daughters, the birth of Murad and me marked a unique milestone in the history of the family. My mother became the first to give him an heir, which placed me as the twin sister of the future sovereign and granted me a special closeness to our father, unlike that of my other sisters. Thus, I grew up with Murad and then with our dear brother Selim, in the luxurious halls of the palace, surrounded by servants, eunuchs, education, exquisite fabrics and dazzling jewels, in an always festive atmosphere.

And twenty-five years passed since that day when I found myself again with my brother, in the sweet season of spring, sharing a dinner with our father and his favorite, who was also his wife.

-"Father," said Murad, intervening promptly, "today is a day of glory. We have finally returned victorious from battle. It fills me with joy to be once again in your presence."

A smile lit up our father's face as he nodded in satisfaction. It was then that I decided to give him my gift:

-"Your majesty, if you allow it, I would like to present you with this modest gift, made with my own hands."

The Sultan delicately took the canvas that I offered him and began to slowly unfold it, revealing an exquisite landscape where our beautiful capital was drawn bathed by the sunset.

- "Father, I have created this especially for you," I said tenderly, "so that in your absence you can remember us and feel our love, my Sultan."

A shudder ran through the Sultan's body, and in a soft voice he pronounced "Mashallah," an expression that means "God has willed it" in Arabic, recognizing the beauty and blessing of the moment.

Thus, we continued to share those moments of complicity and family love, toasting the victory and the union that strengthened us as an empire and as a family.

I continued my life in the palace, where I resided as a widow. At seventeen, I agreed to marry the late Grand Vizier, a man who never treated me as a wife due to his advanced age and instead considered me as a daughter. Despite this, we both understood the importance of our marriage in strengthening the empire. During that time, the Grand Vizier instructed me in the ways of trade and taught me several languages. However, his departure five years later left me a widow, although what I learned at his side allowed me to become the wealthiest and most educated sultana in the kingdom. I often yearn for the wisdom and teachings of my late husband, the Grand Vizier.

After the banquet, I decided to visit my aunt, who oversaw the harem. However, on the way, one of the harem maids approached me with news that shook my world to the core.