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...
"You are definitely having twins again!" Gülbahar exclaimed, her voice filled with giddy excitement as she circled me like a delighted hawk. "You're as round as a watermelon, just like the first time!"
I rolled my eyes and smacked her hand playfully as she poked my seven-month-pregnant belly. "I'll have you know, it's called 'carrying with grace.'"
Raziye chimed in, her grin wide, "Who knows? Her Majesty Valide Sultan had triplets before she bore our şehzade. Maybe you'll go for a record, Hatice."
I groaned dramatically, placing my hands over my face. "Allah save me, not triplets. One, two, or a thousand—it all feels like an awfully long birth."
Gülbahar laughed, patting my arm reassuringly. "Don't worry. We'll be with you every step of the way."
I shot her a playful glare. "Oh really? Because last time, you fainted halfway through."
Her mock gasp of offence had us all laughing. "I had a moment of weakness, all right? Let a woman faint in peace."
"Funny, you were all giddy the first time," Raziye teased. "Which, might I add, was far more intense."
"I'm a woman of mystery," Gülbahar declared dramatically. "Besides, I'm loyal to my Kadın. Who has time for distractions?" She gave me an exaggerated bow, her mischievous eyes sparkling.
I shook my head, trying to maintain my composure but failing to stifle my giggles. "You two are impossible."
Though I loved their banter, my thoughts often drifted to Nilüfer. She was no longer my personal attendant but had taken on kitchen duties, preparing meals for the children. "I'm going to visit Nilüfer," I announced suddenly, and with their help, I rose to my feet. "I miss her."
"As you wish, Your Highness," Gülbahar said, darting just out of reach as I playfully swatted at her for the cheeky tone.
As we walked through the bustling halls of the harem, other girls bowed in respect. Their heads dipped low, their movements respectful, except for one. A young woman sat stubbornly on her cushion, her gaze defiant. My brow furrowed in confusion rather than anger, but before I could react, Elif stepped forward. "Nazperver, get up. You must bow before our Kadın."
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With a sigh heavy with reluctance, Nazperver rose and offered a half-hearted curtsy. "I'm Nazperver Gözde," she declared, her tone proud and sharp. "His Highness's favourite. Haven't you wondered who he's been with all these nights?"
Her words hung in the air like a dagger poised to strike. Gülbahar was quick to defend me, her voice brimming with righteous anger. "Who are you to insult the mother of a şehzade and two sultanas?"
I met Nazperver's gaze evenly, my voice calm yet cutting. "And they didn't teach you manners along with the arts of seduction?"
Her face reddened, but I didn't wait for a response. Turning on my heel, I continued down the corridor, my loyal friends trailing behind.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Labour came like an old adversary—a familiar pain, sharp and unrelenting. My body ached, but I welcomed it as a necessary passage to meet the life growing within me. Gülbahar, to my great amusement, hadn't fainted this time. Instead, she and Raziye hovered by my side, their nervous giggles oddly comforting between each contraction.
"There he is," the midwife finally announced, her voice triumphant as the first cries of my child filled the air. "A healthy şehzade."
Relief and joy surged through me, and I managed a weary smile. Before I could reach for him, Gülbahar was already declaring victory. "Yes! Another one! I knew it!" She rushed to my side, beaming with pride. "One more baby, Hatice."
"Or two," Raziye added cheekily.
It wasn't long before the midwife spoke again, her tone brimming with excitement. "Mashallah! Another şehzade!"
Raziye peeked over the midwives' shoulders. "Is that all? No third one hiding in there?"
When the midwives confirmed there were no more, Gülbahar laughed victoriously, turning to Raziye with her hand extended. "Pay up!"
With a dramatic sigh, Raziye pulled out a few coins and handed them over. My exhaustion dissolved into laughter. "Did you two seriously bet on my labour?"
Later that evening, Murad came to see us. His eyes shone with pride as he held each of our newborn sons. He kissed my forehead gently. "Mashallah, Hatice'm. You've brought this dynasty great joy."
He turned to the first child, his voice firm and reverent. "Your name will be Süleyman. Your name will be Süleyman. Your name will be Süleyman." Then, holding the second boy, he declared, "Your name will be Abdullah. Your name will be Abdullah. Your name will be Abdullah."
I watched him, my heart swelling with a mix of pride and hope.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Dear Süleyman and Abdullah,
You were born on December 17th, 1573, to Şehzade Murad, son of Sultan Selim II, and Hatice Kadın, his Ikinci Kadın. You are the younger siblings of Şehzade Selim, Mihrimah Sultan, and Hanzade Sultan.
Your birth brought great joy to the empire. Abdullah was born first (I remember because he had light hair) and Süleyman second. You are not only the first twin şehzades in the empire—you are my sons. You remind me of my favourite brothers, and I cannot wait to see what you grow into.
With all my heart,
Your mother, Hatice.
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