14 | Happy Times

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I always thought of myself and Osman to last forever... And with our children and friends alongside, we will always stand a United front. - Behic Sultan

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It's been 10 years since I gave birth to my twins Shezade Abdullah and Sultana Sanavber, and my, what happy times it has been. Watching my children grow up peacefully, no major wars, and campaigns will have preparations begin in a few years in time for my amazing son to join his brave father in taking over the world under the control of the great Ottoman Empire.

"Destur! Behic Sultan is coming!"

Sultan Osman decided that he didn't want fights or problems to arrive in the Harem, so he sent away most of the concubines to the old palace, including Arketá Hatun, to get married off

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Sultan Osman decided that he didn't want fights or problems to arrive in the Harem, so he sent away most of the concubines to the old palace, including Arketá Hatun, to get married off. 'later', he said, 'Abdul can get his own harem and there will be concubines at his province'. 

Though some of the top leaders were disappointed, expecting Sultan Osman to have multiple concubines and many sons to be heirs, he made a wonderful statement: 'I do not wish there to be a bloody battle between my children. I was fortunate enough to not have to kill one or more of my family, and so will my son. It is easier this way.'

I for one, very much agreed with this decision. It also helped me get into more power, and Sultana Nuray also agreed with it. She had gotten married to a man she enjoyed, Bayram Pasha, 3 years ago and together they moved to a palace not far from here, so she visited often and was even expecting a child in a few months.

I stepped out into the garden and walked to my usual covered seating tent where I saw my two wonderful children awaiting me. 

"Valide!" Sanavber squeaked excitedly

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"Valide!" Sanavber squeaked excitedly. Abdul bowed his head to me as Sanavber embraced me. 

"My two children, you are so special and amazing." I took them to the seating area as I sat in my big grand chair and my children on cushions and servants brought us plates of food. I for one, was very hungry. It's lunchtime.

"Valide, look, it's Baba Hunkarim!" Sanavber pointed up to the Sultan's balcony, where indeed Sultan Osman was standing in, watching us. When he caught me eye, he smiled and I exchanged it. Our children waved excitedly as the wind blew through my hair and I breathed in a fresh breeze of clean, Bosphorus sea air. Ah. These were our happy times.

Until Forever - Behiç Sultan ✔Where stories live. Discover now