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...
Once the mandatory forty days had passed since the former sultan's death, hundreds of ambassadors and government officials were celebrating the new ruler, Murad III. Many were relieved not to have Selim II as a sultan anymore, as everyone knew him as a drunkard. Personally, I will always miss the kindhearted poet who loved his grandchildren as if they were stars who shone through the dark.
As was expected, hundreds of women arrived as gifts from kings and khans, but one of them stood out in particular, as she was no slave but the Princess of Hungary, Boglárka. The celebration in the palace was vibrant, filled with music, laughter, and the aroma of a hundred delicacies. The harem bustled with excitement, every woman speaking in hushed or exclamatory tones about the newest addition to the Sultan's household: Fakriye, the princess. Her arrival marked not just a peace treaty but also a shift in the dynamics of the harem.
I stood among the women, my veil slightly adjusted to hide my thoughts as Fakriye entered. She moved with deliberate grace, her chin held high, her blue eyes scanning the room with quiet assessment. Her gown, embroidered with silver and pearls, shimmered under the chandeliers. There was no denying she was beautiful, her every step an exercise in cultivated poise.
"Hatice'm," Murad's voice carried over the crowd, drawing Fakriye's gaze to me. "Meet Fakriye."
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I stepped forward, bowing slightly as was the custom. "Welcome, Princess Fakriye," I said, keeping my tone neutral.
Her lips curved into a polite, yet cool smile. "Thank you," she said, her voice lilting with a faint Hungarian accent. "You must be...?" Her pause hung like a challenge.
"Hatice Kadın," Murad supplied quickly, his tone firm. "A woman of great importance to me, mother to five of my children."
Her expression didn't falter, but I noticed the subtle shift in her eyes as she sized me up. "Ah, a Kadın. Forgive me. I am still learning the customs here. You must know how overwhelming it is to leave one's home for a foreign court." Her tone was sweet, but there was a trace of condescension beneath her words.
I smiled, though it felt strained. "I understand the challenges of adapting to a new life. I hope you find comfort here."
Her smile widened as she glanced at Murad. "Thank you. I am sure I will."
Murad's hand rested briefly on my shoulder, a silent reassurance, before he moved to speak with another guest. Fakriye's gaze lingered on me a moment longer, her smile unwavering.
"It is rare for a Kadın to have such confidence," she remarked quietly, so only I could hear. "I imagine you must have worked very hard for your position."
I kept my tone even, refusing to rise to the bait. "Hard work is a virtue," I replied, meeting her gaze. "It builds strength, something every woman in the harem must have."
She inclined her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with subtle amusement. "Indeed. I look forward to learning much from you, Hatice Kadın."
Her words, though outwardly respectful, left me feeling raw. As she moved on to greet others, I turned away, the weight of the exchange pressing on my chest.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Later that evening, the celebration continued unabated, but I slipped away to the gardens. The cool air was a balm against the lingering sting of Fakriye's words. The stars above twinkled faintly, and the fountains murmured softly, offering solace.
"Are you lost, Kadın?"
The voice startled me. I turned to see a tall man at the edge of the garden, his face illuminated by the faint glow of the lanterns. He was dressed in the uniform of the harem's Aghas. His dark eyes, sharp yet kind, studied me.
"No," I replied, steadying my breath. "I came for some air."
He inclined his head. "The festivities can be... overwhelming."
I nodded, appreciating the understanding in his tone. "And you are?"
"Halil Agha," he introduced himself, bowing slightly. "Harem Agha."
"Hatice," I said, though I hesitated on my title. "Ikinci Kadın."
"An honour to meet you, Kadın," he said, his voice sincere. "It is rare to find someone alone in the gardens during such an occasion."
"I find the gardens comforting," I admitted. "Sometimes the palace can feel... heavy."
He studied me for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Even amidst grandeur, it is easy to feel the weight of expectation."
His words struck a chord. For the first time that evening, I felt a small sense of relief, a reprieve from the gnawing self-doubt that Fakriye's presence had stirred.
"If you ever need solitude, the gardens are always here," he added. "As am I, should you ever need anything."
I nodded, offering him a faint smile. "Thank you, Halil Agha."
He inclined his head again before stepping away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. His presence had been brief, but it had given me a measure of calm I hadn't expected.
As I returned to the palace, the sounds of celebration grew louder. Fakriye's laughter rang out from the harem, a reminder of the new challenges ahead. But as I stepped into the glowing halls, I held my head higher.
I might not be a princess, but I was Hatice, a woman of strength and resilience. And no princess, no matter how regal, could take that from me.
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I'm not a 100% happy with this chapter but oh well.
Introduction to two major characters! Do you have any predictions? Hopes? Dreams lol?
family tree thus far:
Sultan Murad + Safiye Baş Kadın ⸺Hümaşah Sultan (16/05/1564) ⸺Şehzade Mehmed (8/07/1566) ⸺Şehzade Mahmud (22/01/1568)
Sultan Murad + Fülane Hatun ⸺Rukiye Sultan (31/05/1566)
Sultan Murad + Hatice Kadın ⸺Mihrimah Sultan (29/10/1566) ⸺Şehzade Selim (29/10/1566) ⸺Hanzade Sultan (15/1/1569) ⸺Şehzade Abdullah (17/12/1573) ⸺Şehzade Süleyman (17/12/1573)
Sultan Murad + Şah Hatun ⸺Fahriye Sultan (8/1/1568)
Sultan Murad + Nazperver Kadın ⸺Şehzade Bayezid (28/11/1574)
