A-Game ✔

shifting sands / episode twenty three / cihan and sophia

The soft glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the intricately carved windows of Cihansah Sultan's private quarters. The room was filled with delicate silks and embroidered cushions, the faint scent of jasmine wafting through the air. Cihansah sat by the window, absently running her fingers over the smooth surface of a pearl necklace as she stared out into the garden. The past two months had been serene—or as serene as life in the palace could be. Yet, she sensed the mounting tension, and her worries had finally become real.

The door swung open with a sharp thud, and Viernsah stormed into the room, her expression a mix of irritation and impatience.

"We can't wait any longer, Cihan! It has been two months! Two months, and still, no child," Viernsah's voice trembled with anger. "This is unacceptable. You know as well as I do, the dynasty is at risk!"

Cihan turned slowly to face her sister, maintaining her calm composure. She had expected this conversation sooner or later, but it didn't make it any easier. "Sister, you mustn't panic. The Sultan is young, and these things take time—"

"Time?!" Viernsah cut her off, eyes blazing. "How much time do you think we have? Every night the Sultan spends with Sophia is another wasted opportunity! If she cannot bear him children, we need to act now. The empire cannot wait."

Cihan felt a stab of guilt pierce her heart. Sophia. The girl who reminded her so much of their mother, Nadezhda. Cihan had grown fond of her, seeing her as more than just a concubine in the harem. There was a quiet strength in Sophia, an authenticity that the other girls lacked. But this was the empire. This was the dynasty. Sentiment could not come before duty.

Viernsah moved closer, her voice lower but still sharp. "Cihan, we've humored your compassion long enough. It's time we send Mara to the Sultan. We need a child to secure the future of the line."

For a long moment, Cihan said nothing. Her heart ached for Sophia, but she knew Viernsah was right. The empire needed heirs. The future could not be built on sympathy or personal attachments. She sighed, the weight of her decision heavy on her chest.

"Fine," Cihan said quietly, her words laced with resignation. "Send Mara."

A triumphant smile flickered across Viernsah's face, but Cihan looked away. She couldn't bear to meet her sister's gaze. The decision was made, but at what cost?

Sophia sat by the window in her own quarters, watching the fading light of the evening settle over the palace. She traced the embroidery of her silk robe absentmindedly, her thoughts a whirl of confusion and unease. It had been two months since she had arrived at the palace, and nearly every night she had spent with Orhan. They had shared conversations, quiet moments, and more—but still, no child.

And she knew the whispers. The eyes of the harem, the sultanas, even the palace staff—they were all watching, waiting. Each day that passed without news of a child only tightened the tension in the air. She could feel it like a weight pressing down on her shoulders.

"What if he no longer wants me?" The thought sent a shiver down her spine. She had confided her fears to Melania earlier that day, and now, her friend sat beside her, offering quiet comfort.

"You shouldn't think like that, Sophia," Melania said softly, her hands gently resting on Sophia's. "You've been more to him than just a concubine. He cares about you. I can see it."

Sophia nodded, but deep down, a part of her remained unconvinced. Could Orhan truly care for her when she couldn't fulfill the role she was brought here for? It had been over two months, and nothing had changed. Her condition—the limp in her leg from the accident—only worsened her doubts.

"What if they replace me, Melania?" Sophia whispered. "What if I'm no longer... enough?"

Melania squeezed her hand. "You are enough. You've always been enough. The harem is full of politics and schemes, but that doesn't mean your worth is tied to bearing a child. You have something the others don't—a connection with the Sultan that goes beyond that."

Sophia smiled weakly at her friend, grateful for her kindness. But even as Melania's words echoed in her ears, she couldn't shake the dread gnawing at her insides.

Later that night, Sophia paced around her room, the anxiety rising with each passing hour. She had heard rumors circulating within the harem—rumors that Mara Vellas-Andres had been chosen to spend the night with Orhan. The thought made Sophia's heart twist painfully in her chest.

She had seen Mara's cruel smile earlier in the day, her eyes full of superiority. Mara had always been quick to sneer, quick to remind Sophia that she didn't belong here—that she was just a crippled girl from Hungary who wouldn't last in the Imperial Harem. And now, with Mara being sent to Orhan, it felt as though those words were finally coming true.

The door creaked open, and Melania slipped in, her expression full of concern. "Sophia, I've heard something..."

"What is it?" Sophia asked, her stomach knotting.

Melania hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Mara. She's been chosen. Tonight."

Sophia's heart dropped. She felt as though the ground beneath her had crumbled, leaving her suspended in uncertainty. Mara. The one who had mocked her, ridiculed her for her limp, would now have the chance to win Orhan's favor—perhaps even become the mother of his child.

"I knew it," Sophia murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I knew this would happen."

Melania moved closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Don't lose hope. This doesn't mean it's over. The Sultan values you, Sophia. He's spent more time with you than anyone else. That means something."

Sophia nodded, but her mind was already racing. What if Mara succeeded? What if Orhan grew fond of her, or worse—what if she bore him a child? Sophia didn't know if she could bear the thought of being replaced, of losing the fragile connection she had built with the Sultan.

As the night wore on, Sophia remained by the window, watching the stars twinkle faintly in the sky. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew one thing for certain—she couldn't afford to lose hope now. No matter what happened with Mara, she had to believe that her bond with Orhan was strong enough to withstand it.

But as the palace whispered with secrets and plans, Sophia's heart remained heavy with uncertainty, the weight of her place in the harem growing ever more fragile.