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...
The gardens were alive with the vibrant colours of spring—roses and jasmines in full bloom, their fragrance carried on with the gentle breeze, mingling with the laughter of my children. Selim and Mihrimah ran ahead, their small figures darting between the hedges, their laughter ringing like music through the air.
"Valide, look!" Selim shouted, holding up a twig he had fashioned into a pretend sword. "I'm a great warrior, defending the palace!"
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"And I'm the queen!" Mihrimah declared, snatching a flower and tucking it behind her ear. She twirled dramatically, her dress flaring out like petals.
My twins were officially four years old, having celebrated their birthday yesterday—no poisonings in sight. Hanzade toddled beside me, her little legs working hard to keep up. She clutched at my skirt for balance, her wide eyes taking in the bursts of colour and light around us. Occasionally, she paused to point at a butterfly or reach for a flower, her curiosity endless.
"Careful, Hanzade," I said, steadying her as she stumbled on the uneven ground.
Gülbahar followed closely, a protective shadow as always. "The little sultana wants to explore everything today," she said with a smile.
"She takes after her siblings," I replied, glancing at Selim and Mihrimah, who were now embroiled in an argument over who was the true ruler of their imaginary kingdom. "You can both be rulers," I called out, unable to hide my amusement. "But you'll need to share the palace."
"No!" Selim protested, brandishing his twig–sword. "I'm the şehzade! I'm in charge!"
"Valide said we share!" Mihrimah countered, sticking out her tongue. "Even Hanzade can be a ruler!"
Hanzade, oblivious to the debate, clapped her hands, delighted by the attention like any other two-year-old.
The sound of approaching footsteps drew my gaze toward the garden's entrance. Murad appeared, his presence commanding even amidst the casual setting. His dark robes contrasted with the riot of colours around him, but his expression softened when his eyes landed on us. I bowed as I smiled at him.
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"Father!" Selim and Mihrimah shouted, abandoning their quarrel to race toward him.
He knelt, opening his arms wide to catch them. Their laughter mingled with his as they tugged at his hands, each vying for his attention.
"Have you come to play with us?" Mihrimah asked, her eyes bright with hope.
"I might," he teased, ruffling her hair. "But first, you must show me your kingdom."
Selim eagerly began pointing out the various 'fortresses' they had imagined among the hedges, his animated explanations making Murad laugh. Mihrimah clung to his arm, interjecting occasionally to correct her brother's tales.
Hanzade, still clutching my skirt, looked up at me with an expectant expression. "Go on," I encouraged gently, lifting her into my arms. She reached out for her father, and I carried her over.
Murad's gaze met mine briefly, warmth flickering there before he turned his attention to Hanzade. "And what about you, my little sultana?" he asked, taking her tiny hand. "Do you have a kingdom of your own?" Hanzade babbled something incoherent but emphatic, making him chuckle. He kissed her hand, then her forehead, before returning her to me.
We walked together, the children leading us deeper into the garden as they enacted their grand tales of conquest and diplomacy. Murad stayed close to me, his hand brushing mine occasionally as we moved. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and for a moment, it felt as if the rest of the world had melted away.
"You've done well with them," he said quietly, his voice carrying a note of admiration. "They're spirited, but kind. Just like their mother."
His words caught me off guard, warmth blooming in my chest. I glanced at him, finding his gaze already on me. "Thank you," I murmured, my voice soft.
The moment stretched between us, fragile but full of meaning. Then, Selim's shout broke the spell. "Father! Come see! I found a dragon's cave!"
Murad laughed, shaking his head. "I'd better see to that before the dragon gets loose," he said, striding toward Selim with a grin.
I watched him go, Hanzade still in my arms, and felt a quiet contentment settle over me. These moments, fleeting as they were, reminded me of the family we had built—a family I would protect with everything I had.
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If you follow me you'll know that I wasn't going to update today but oh well, writing it's such a good way to distract myself whilst studying.
