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...
That night, I held my children tighter than ever. My heart ached as I thought of Şemsirushar's tragedy; the joy of learning she was pregnant must have been overwhelming, and to lose it so suddenly must have been unbearable. I prayed that I'd never know such sorrow, but also, a small wish flared within me: that I might feel the joy of pregnancy again, bringing Murad another child who might bind him closer to me.
"Raziye, I have a favour to ask," I said to my dear friend the next morning, watching her playing with my children, Selim and Mihrimah, as if they were her own kin. "You know how I don't want a wetnurse for the twins..."
"Yes, because your milk is enough even though there are two," she teased with a grin.
I laughed, the lightness of her humour lifting my spirits. "Yes, but I've seen the love that Halime Daye shares with Murad, the care she provides him as if he were her own. I don't need a wet nurse, but I want that kind of bond for my children."
Her expression softened as she listened, nodding slowly. "You want someone who will love and guide them as they grow, someone they can trust without question when you are unavailable conquering the world."
"Yes," I said, hesitating. "I want that person to be you, Raziye. To be their Daye, to protect them and give them love even when I'm not there."
Her eyes shone with unshed tears as she took my hands in hers. "I would be honoured. I love you, Hatice. And I promise I will love them as a second mother."
Just then, Gülbahar threw her arms around us. "And I'll be your ever-loyal Kalfa! Let's make this family official," she joked, squeezing us both, bringing out smiles and laughter as the three of us hugged in our little haven.
‧͙⁺˚･༓☾ ☽༓･˚⁺‧͙
Later, I went to the garden to clear my thoughts. The scene from yesterday kept replaying in my mind—Safiye's rage, the unbearable loss etched on Şemsirushar's face. To my surprise, I found Şemsirushar nearby with her daughter, Rukiye. She stared blankly at the path ahead as her daughter took unsteady steps, watched over by two attentive maids.
"Sultana," I said softly, bowing to Rukiye, who paid me no mind. Then I addressed Şemsirushar, careful to keep my tone gentle. "How are you, truly?"
Her face darkened, but I stood my ground as she sneered. "Why should you care? I'm sure you all enjoyed watching me suffer."
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"No one wishes that on you. I genuinely wanted to check on you," I said quietly, the sincerity evident in my voice.
She held my gaze for a moment, the anger ebbing slightly from her features. "It's easy to offer words, Hatice, but words won't give me back what I've lost," she whispered, her voice breaking.
"I pray Allah brings you peace and protects you both," I murmured, bowing my head, even though I was of higher status than her.
I knew my words were limited in their comfort, but I could only hope they'd reach her heart as I quietly left her to her thoughts.
‧͙⁺˚･༓☾ ☽༓･˚⁺‧͙
That evening, I joined the other women in the harem, hoping to lift my spirits. I was glad Raziye was watching over the twins, giving me the freedom to relax and enjoy the company of the girls I hadn't spent time with in so long.
"Defne, it's been too long!" I greeted my old friend with a warm smile. "How have you been?"
"Quite well, Kadın, thank you. The chambers feel much roomier now that I have them all to myself."
"Oh, is that so?" Nilüfer piped up, grinning. "I'll move in with you if you'd like—I'm tired of sleeping on the floor."
"On the floor?" I laughed, arching a brow.
"Alright, fine, it's a mattress on the floor," she said, making us laugh at her childlike anger. "But it's not enough! I'd rather have a bed like the gözdes!"
"And I'd rather you eat your vegetables, Nilüfer," I teased as we all shared a laugh, the warmth of friendship filling the room.
Just then, a Kalfa entered, calling my name. "Hatice Kadın! Prepare yourself, the Şehzade has called for you in the hasoda."
A spark of excitement lit up within me as I rose, barely able to contain my smile. It would be the first night since the twins' birth that I'd have Murad all to myself. With my heart full, I hurried to prepare, knowing tonight could be a chance to deepen the bond I longed for so desperately.
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Which one of Hatice's friends is your favourite? Raziye, Nilüfer or Gülbahar?
