Caterina spent her whole life being underlooked and misunderstood.
Hatice spent her whole teenage years chasing a man who loved another.
But Hüsniye became more than a pawn. She became a queen. She conquered the heart of the Ottoman Sultan, the hear...
Officially, forty days had passed since Süleyman's passing, and the royal family called for a dinner to celebrate the new reign of Selim II. I could hardly contain my excitement to see Murad again. I wanted him to see our children, to notice that our son had his eyes and our daughter his spirit. Perhaps he might finally love me as much as he did Safiye.
I chose my favourite dress, a mint green one, paired with my tulip necklace and a simple headband. I dressed Selim and Mihrimah in matching colours, symbolizing our united family.
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"Your Majesties," I said, bowing deeply to the Sultan and my teacher, Nurbanu, as I took my place beside her. Beside the sultan were his daughters and nieces, and beside me, Gülbahar held Mihrimah, and a girl named Bülbül held my little prince. I exchanged a discreet smile with Nurbanu before directing my attention to the entrance.
"DESTUR! His Royal Highness, Şehzade Murad, with his children, Şehzade Mehmed, Hümaşah Sultan, and Rukiye Sultan!" an Agha announced, and my heart began to race. "And Her Graces, Safiye Kadın and Şemsirushar Hatun."
"Murad, my son." Selim's voice was warm, almost paternal. Murad greeted his father and mother with reverence, then moved down, greeting his sisters before turning to me. I smiled up at him after kissing his warm hand, my heart quickening as he touched my cheek affectionately.
"Hatice," he murmured.
"Şehzadem, my heart is so full with seeing you again."
He smiled. "How are the children?"
"Very well, Your Highness. Here they are." I held them up proudly, savouring the warmth in his gaze as he observed them.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
The servants began to bring in the first course—a rich array of olives, pickled vegetables, and yoghurt-based dips with fresh pide. The table buzzed with quiet conversations as I settled at the far end next to Safiye and Şemsirushar. Murad's sisters sat closer to the Sultan, the sultanas laughing and sharing stories from the court.
Esmehan turned to me with a warm smile. "How are the twins, Hatice?"
"Very well, Sultanım, thank you. They grow stronger and more beautiful each day. May I ask, how are yours?"
We exchanged stories of our children, laughing quietly over their antics and endearing habits. She had three children, Safiye, Ahmed, and Ibrahim, currently heavily pregnant with the fourth.
Safiye's voice cut in. "Hümaşah and Mehmed are also very well, sister," she said, glancing between us. "Mehmed is already showing such strength. He'll be a fine successor one day, and Hümaşah... she is the prettiest sultana."
I held back a frown at being talked over and replied with measured warmth, "Mashallah, Your Highness. May they have long and happy lives."
"Amen," Gevherhan joined in. "Hatice, that necklace is lovely."
I felt my cheeks warm. "Thank you, Sultanım. His Highness gifted it to me during my pregnancy."
Gevherhan smiled, turning to her sister. "Doesn't it remind you of Grandfather's craftsmanship?" She showed me her brooch, set with rubies and emeralds in the shape of a tulip. "Grandfather made this for our grandmother Hürrem Sultan. She loved it dearly."
"It's beautiful, truly," I murmured, admiring the piece.
Safiye leaned forward with a smile, her tone just light enough to hide its edge. "Yes, Hümaşah has taken an interest in my jewellery as well. I would have worn one of the pieces Murad had made for me, but of course, it's more important to share."
I glanced away, unsure if her words were a friendly jab or a reminder of her closeness to him.
As the main course arrived—saffron rice pilaf with roasted lamb and vegetables—the Sultan's deep voice quieted the table. "I have news." He paused, letting the anticipation build. "I have decided to grant Nurbanu, my beloved consort and mother of most of my children, the title of Haseki Sultan." My happiness was notorious as I congratulated her, the rest soon followed–although I suspect his children already knew, almost as if the Sultan had asked for their blessing.
"May Allah grant you a long life, Sultanım," I said, raising my cup. "And to all of you," I added, glancing down the table, catching Murad's eye as I toasted.
Şemsirushar suddenly broke in, her face flushed with excitement. "I have news as well," she said, clearly eager to share. "I'm with a child."
A surge of emotion hit me like a wave. While everyone around the table congratulated her, I was left trying to process it. So Murad hadn't missed me as much as I'd hoped; he had kept himself busy with his harem. I struggled to keep a serene smile on my face, but my heart was heavy.
Gevherhan noticed and leaned over with a sympathetic smile. "Don't let it trouble you, Hatice. Life here always has its turns. But look," she glanced toward Murad, "your children are very much his pride. And that's no small thing."
Esmehan nodded, her gaze warm. "You and your little ones are a part of this dynasty now, Hatice. Remember that." The moment lightened as the servants brought in platters of honey-soaked baklava and rosewater sherbet.
Quietly, I promised myself that I would do everything in my power to strengthen my children's place—and mine as well. This was only the beginning.
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I'd like to dedicate this chapter to athanan1010 , because she brings up great points in her comments and I deeply appreciate her support and her sweet words.
Please comment, I love to talk with you guys!
And OMG THANK YOU FOR 500+ READS
Last chapter before Manisa, where their love will bloom! Do you have any predictions? Hopes?
