Zevki Sultan | 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐘

~ Chapter 25 ~

I yawned as I rubbed my eyes. My eyelashes slowly fluttered open, and I saw light passing through the windows of a room that I was in. I wasn't quite sure where I was, until I saw that I was lying in the most luxurious bed I'd ever seen, and the room I was in was massive.

I turned my head to my right slowly and almost yelped when I saw a man there beside me, though he was sound asleep as far as I could tell.

Sultan Süleyman.

Now I remembered it all, the events of the previous night, and I suppose I fell asleep while we were talking. It was amazing that I could get so far. Francesca Fortuna, the Christian Princess of Spain and heiress to the throne was now sleeping with Sultan Süleyman, an Ottoman Ruler of the Islamic faith. I couldn't think of any other way to be able to meet stranger than these circumstances.

I began to slowly crawl out and made sure not to disturb the Sultan in his slumber. The pitcher of wine sitting at his desk was empty with two cups beside it that were almost empty, and I knew that we most definitely had some. Unfortunately I don't really remember it, though I do love wine and I will make sure to find a way to have some again soon.

There was a beautiful marble balcony I saw, and I wanted to go and see the kind of view the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire had. I approached the open doors and took a deep breath in of the fresh air from the sea, that I believe Nigar said was called the Bosphorus. Down below, there were loads of large ships and traders I could see scurrying around almost like ants to my view. 

There were probably a number of goods coming from Spain, Italy, France, and other European nations, as well as from the Asias, like China. I so desperately wanted a Chinese silk dress for my birthday next year, but since I have been kidnapped and taken here I may never get what I wanted.

As my hands gripped the edge of the balcony, I remembered that Nigar told me what to do as soon as I would wake up.

"As soon as you wake up Francesca, take your things and head straight back to the harem. Not a word to anyone, just straight to your room." Nigar said.

"Why?"

"We have to ensure nobody knows you are the one that is going to Sultan Süleyman," Nigar answered. "There are enemies everywhere, and I am going to need you to cooperate."

I nodded at her command.

I didn't want to go back inside his room for the fear he may wake up, but I saw that my over dress was on the floor so I crawled downwards and across the floor to grab it, and put it on. My shoes were there too so I slipped them on as quickly as I could. With everything else already on me, I dashed out of his room.

The guards were also asleep but I assumed Nigar Kalfa or even Sumbul-aga informed them of what is to happen usually. I dashed down the hall as second by second light began to flow through the iron barred windows on either side of me and the candlelights began to dim and wax dripped on the floor beside me.

If any of the girls were to see me in the harem right now, I might be screwed over and revealed to Hürrem or Mahidevran, and they would probably try to kill me. That possibility scared me, and I needed to stay safe as long as possible.

I was now in the main hall of the harem, when I saw Nigar slowly opening the curtains to let in light. I tiptoed to her and bowed as Nigar let out a small squeak of surprise.

"Hatun! Don't scare me like that anymore!" Nigar Kalfa whisper-screamed at me. I chuckled nervously.

"Sorry. But I followed your instructions and came as soon as I waked up."

Nigar slapped her forehead. "You missed the most important part. Waking up way earlier. Like several hours ago. Remember that for the future Francesca, or you may get in trouble."

I bobbed my head up and down eagerly awaiting the conversation about my time to be over and what comes next to come up, though it seemed that Nigar Kalfa had moved on as she blowed out candle after candle and the room darkened a bit along with it.

I followed her until she finally turned around and groaned softly as to not disturb the girls who were soundly sleeping in the hallway, on cots, and sadly they looked like they were all on top of each other. Somewhere on these cots was lying my friend Angelina Carillo, and also girls from the dance like Alsu, Kristina, Sylvie, Margaret, and... Amia. She was beautiful and rivaled even me, but she spoiled her chances really quickly. No matter your beauty, if you aren't making smart choices you probably won't get anywhere.

"What do you want Francesca? Can't you see I am very busy right now?" Nigar muttered. I felt bad for bothering her, but she seriously needed to make more clear instructions.

"What do I do now?" 

"Go back to your room, and wait till breakfast. Thank Allah you no longer have a roommate to spoil the process."

I bowed and quickly went away to obey her commands. I hoped nobody else saw that I was out and about, and I trust Nigar made sure of it though I can never guarantee her loyalty.

When I came to my room, I sadly saw that Elisabeth's half of her room was gone, though intrigued when I saw a scroll of paper lying on my bed. What is it?

I walked over and lifted the paper up to inspect it through the light to see if it had any poisons or such material on it, because of fair warnings in some of my classes. It didn't appear to me to have anything of such written on it, so I took it and unfurled it.

The scroll didn't go down far, but it was a message of sorts addressed to me I suppose. I began to read it.

Francesca

They know.

Only 3 words, but it spoke lengths. Chills went down my spine as I read the last two words over and over again. They know. They know. They know.

Who? And what do these people know? I could be in very grave danger. It could be about me being the princess of Spain, or it could be about being the Sultan's new concubine. Any sort of dirt one could find.

I wasn't going to investigate, I have neither the nerves nor time to deal with it. But I must remember that there is a looming threat at all times, and I must remain cautious and observant. Francesca Fortuna won't back down to any threats.