A-Game ✔

the harem / episode nine / sophia

The grand palace loomed above Sophia, its intricate domes and towering minarets stretching toward the sky like hands raised in prayer. The walls were adorned with colorful tiles, the designs swirling together like an ocean of beauty and power. Despite the pain in her leg, she tried to keep her head held high, refusing to let the ache slow her down. Her mind, however, was not on the grandeur of the palace. It was on him—Sultan Orhan.

Since their brief, charged encounter in the forest, Orhan had occupied her thoughts. There was something about the way he had looked at her, the intensity in his eyes, that stirred something deep within her. He was the Sultan, a man of unimaginable power and responsibility, yet in that fleeting moment, she had felt as though they were equals—connected by something she couldn't explain. She had been hoping, foolishly perhaps, that she might see him again upon their arrival.

But there was no sign of him.

The captives were herded through the palace gates and into the heart of the harem, where the air was thick with incense and the distant sound of women chattering softly echoed through the halls. Sophia's heart pounded in her chest as she looked around, taking in the grandness of the place. She had heard stories about the harem, a place of luxury but also one of competition and intrigue, where women lived under the ever-watchful eyes of the palace.

As the women were led deeper into the harem, they were stopped in a large room, and two figures stepped forward—both women, regal and poised.

One of them had flowing brown hair, her fair skin glowing under the warm light. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd with a calm intensity. She had an air of authority, but there was also a kindness in the way she carried herself. This was Cihanşah Sultan, the eldest sister of Sultan Orhan, though the women whispered her nickname: Cihan Sultana.

The other, who stood slightly behind her, was more severe in appearance. Her blonde hair shimmered like gold, and her blue eyes, just as striking as her sister's, held a colder, more guarded gaze. She seemed younger but carried herself with a sharpness that put Sophia on edge. This was Viernşah Sultan, the younger of the two sisters.

➣ "Line up," Cihan said softly but with command. The captives obeyed immediately, moving into a straight line before the two sultanas, and bowing. Sophia followed their lead.

As they began to walk down the row, inspecting each girl, Sophia kept her head down, heart racing. Her limp made her stand out, and she could feel Viernşah's eyes on her as she passed. The two women were clearly vetting the girls, deciding which of them might be fit for more than just menial labor. Sophia prayed she would go unnoticed, hoping they would dismiss her because of her leg.

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟSophia's Thoughts ･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧

➣ I don't belong here, Sophia thought desperately. I'm not like the other girls—beautiful, graceful. I can barely walk properly. They'll see I'm useless... won't they?

Her thoughts flickered to Sultan Orhan again. She had heard whispers among the other girls about him—the handsome, young ruler. They were all in awe, and yet they hadn't even seen him. Sophia, however, had. And now, the memory of his intense gaze wouldn't leave her. What had he seen in her that night? Did he remember her?

Before she could lose herself further in her thoughts, Cihan stopped in front of her.

The sultana's blue eyes met Sophia's, and for a moment, there was a softening in her gaze. Cihan smiled gently, tilting her head as if she saw something deeper in Sophia.

➣ "What is your name, girl?" Cihan asked, her voice gentle but commanding.

Sophia hesitated, her throat dry. "Sophia Fazekas."

Cihan nodded thoughtfully, her eyes flicking to Sophia's leg.

➣ "You have a limp," Cihan remarked, though her tone was not unkind.

Sophia swallowed, trying to stay composed. "Yes, Your Highness. It's from an accident... years ago."

Viernşah stepped closer now, her cold gaze fixed on Sophia's leg.

➣ "A limp?" she muttered, clearly unimpressed. "How would she be of use in the baths or anywhere else for that matter? She can hardly move without hobbling."

Sophia felt a flush of embarrassment rise to her cheeks, but she kept her head down, knowing better than to speak out of turn.

Cihan shot her sister a quick glance before turning her attention back to Sophia.

➣ "Perhaps not for the baths," Cihan mused. "But she has a certain charm, doesn't she?"

Viernşah narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms.

➣ "You see something I don't, Cihan," she said skeptically.

Cihan smiled gently, her gaze still lingering on Sophia.

➣ "Let her stay in the harem," Cihan said softly, as if making up her mind. "We will see how she fares here."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected this—hadn't expected to be allowed to stay in the heart of the palace. She had thought, for sure, that they would discard her because of her injury. But Cihan's kindness, and the curiosity in her eyes, had saved her from being sent off to a life of menial labor.

Viernşah, however, was less pleased.

➣ "You think she could be a concubine?" Viernşah asked incredulously, raising an eyebrow.

Cihan shrugged lightly. "Time will tell. There's more to a woman than beauty, Viernşah."

With that, the sisters moved on, inspecting the rest of the captives. Sophia let out a quiet breath, relief washing over her. But as they continued, she felt Viernşah's lingering suspicion. The younger sultana hadn't taken to her at all, and Sophia knew that if she wasn't careful, Viernşah would find a way to send her away.

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟSophia's Resolve ･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧

As she stood among the other girls, Sophia couldn't help but wonder what was next for her. She was no closer to finding Sultan Orhan, and now, she was stuck in the palace, surrounded by women vying for power and position. And yet, she felt something stirring inside her—a resolve.

If she was to survive in the harem, she would have to be careful, especially with Viernşah watching her. But she had survived worse. She had survived the forest, the ship, and now the palace.

➣ I will find a way, she thought. I have to.

And as the evening wore on, Sophia's thoughts drifted once again to Sultan Orhan. She had a feeling, deep in her heart, that this wasn't the end of their story.

It was only the beginning.