A-Game ✔

decision / episode eleven / cihan

The soft glow of candlelight flickered in Cihan Sultan's private chambers as she sat alone, the noise of the harem's preparations muffled beyond the thick walls. The palace was alive with excitement for the grand celebration, but in this quiet moment, Cihan felt the weight of her heart pressing heavily against her chest.

She let out a shaky breath, her fingers tracing the edge of an embroidered cushion as her thoughts drifted to her mother—Ayşe Neslişah. Memories of her mother's gentle touch, her soft voice, and her warm smile came flooding back.

But as those memories surfaced, so did the pain. The loss of her mother had left a deep, unhealed wound, one that still ached with every beat of Cihan's heart. She had always been her mother's favorite, the one her mother called her "little jewel." But now, that light was gone. Ayşe Neslişah Sultan had passed away, leaving a void in Cihan's life that no amount of royal duties could fill.

And now, here she was, expected to carry on with strength, to lead, to rule. Yet, some nights, all she wanted to do was cry.

➣ Just a few minutes... she told herself, her eyes welling up as she allowed the tears to come.

She buried her face in her hands, the sobs quiet but heavy. For a while, she stayed like that, alone with her grief, the weight of loss bearing down on her.

Her mother—Nadezhda—had come from a distant land, much like Sophia Fazekas. Cihan's mother had been born in Russia, a concubine brought to the Ottoman court against all odds. Nadezhda had been far from the obvious choice for greatness, yet she had captured the heart of the Sultan and become his beloved wife. She rose through the ranks, becoming not only a symbol of beauty but of strength, wisdom, and grace.

Cihan's heart twisted as she remembered the stories her mother would tell her at night, of her own journey, of the fear she had felt when she first arrived, and how she had used that fear to make herself strong.

Now, years later, Cihan found herself thinking about Sophia. The girl reminded her so much of her mother—an outsider, someone who didn't fit in with the rest, yet had a quiet strength about her. Sophia was not the most beautiful girl in the harem, nor the most graceful. But there was something about her that caught Cihan's eye. Something familiar.

➣ She has the same spirit that Valide had...

Cihan wiped her tears and stood, her resolve hardening. She wouldn't let that spirit be lost in the harshness of the palace. Sophia deserved a chance—just like her mother had once deserved a chance.

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ The Sisters' Discussion ･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧

A knock on the door pulled Cihan out of her thoughts. She quickly composed herself, smoothing her robes before allowing Viernsah Sultan, her younger sister, to enter. Viernsah strode in confidently, her blonde hair catching the light, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

➣ "The girls are ready," Viernsah announced, her tone casual as she settled into one of the ornate chairs. "Shall we go inspect them?"

Cihan nodded, though her mind was still on Sophia. She knew Viernsah had her own opinions about who should be chosen to dance for Orhan tonight. They rarely saw eye to eye, especially when it came to matters of the harem.

➣ "I have someone in mind for the dance," Cihan said softly, her gaze thoughtful. "Sophia Fazekas."

Viernsah's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in displeasure.

➣ "Her?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief. "The girl with the limp? Sister, you can't be serious."

Cihan's jaw clenched. She had expected resistance, but not this quickly. Viernsah had never understood the importance of seeing beyond appearances. To her, beauty was all that mattered.

➣ "Sophia may not be the most graceful," Cihan admitted, "but there is something about her—something that reminds me of our late Valide."

The mention of their mother softened Viernsah's expression, if only slightly. Though they had both loved their mother deeply, Viernsah had always been more distant, less sentimental. Still, there was a flicker of understanding in her eyes.

➣ "Cihan," Viernsah said carefully, "I know you miss her. We all do. But this is for Orhan. We need to choose girls who will truly impress him."

Cihan took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure.

➣ "I believe Orhan will see what I see in her," Cihan insisted, her voice steady. "She deserves a chance, just like Valide did."

Viernsah hesitated, clearly torn between her desire to win favor with their brother and her loyalty to Cihan. After a long pause, she finally spoke.

➣ "Fine," she said, her tone resigned. "But only if we also choose Mara Vellas-Andres. She's beautiful, poised, and everything a concubine should be."

Cihan's lips pressed into a thin line. Mara was everything she disliked about the harem—a shallow, manipulative girl who thrived on making others feel small. But this was the compromise she would have to make.

➣ "Agreed," Cihan said at last. "Mara, Sophia, and three others of your choice."

Viernsah smiled triumphantly, pleased with the outcome, while Cihan remained deep in thought. She had gotten what she wanted—Sophia would be given a chance. And as much as she disliked Mara, Cihan knew that this was the best she could hope for under the circumstances.

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ The Selections Begin ･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧

Later, as the two sisters walked together to oversee the final selection of the dancers, Cihan kept her eyes on Sophia. The girl stood toward the back, not fully believing she would be chosen. Her limp was still noticeable, but her spirit was unmistakable.

When Cihan's eyes met Sophia's, there was a moment of recognition. A silent promise that, no matter what, Cihan would protect her. Just as her mother had risen from obscurity to become something extraordinary, so too could Sophia.

And tonight, the world would see her for more than her limp.

The final selections were made. Mara, as expected, looked smug as she was chosen, while Sophia seemed stunned, almost unsure if it was real. The other three girls, beautiful and graceful, filled out the group. But to Cihan, it was Sophia who stood out.

As the harem prepared for the night's festivities, Cihan felt a sense of peace wash over her. She couldn't bring her mother back, but she could honor her memory by giving someone else a chance at greatness.