My dearest children,
A few years have passed since I last wrote to you, because your father's ascension to the throne had kept me preoccupied. Never fear, my loves, because we have spent every possible moment available together.
As usual, Mihrimah and I spend our Monday afternoons together, drinking tea and taking a stroll in the gardens when possible, with my darling ten-year-old beginning an encyclopaedia of every flower in the vast grounds. Selim's day is Tuesday, which we usually spend playing chess, an activity he has inherited his love from the former Sultan Selim II, may Allah grant him Jannah.
Wednesdays are for my gem, Hanzade, who at seven years old is eager to devour the palace's library, particularly history books, and no one bats an eye before her curiosity. Rukiye has my Thursdays, which are more often than not spent in the modiste, ordering dresses.
My Fridays are for Abdullah, who at a mere three years old enjoys reciting his so-called poems, often being inspired by his sisters or even myself! Saturdays are for my darling Süleyman, who always has a question to ask, and insists on trying to read the same books Hanzade does.
Of course, Sundays are for all of you to spend with the rest of your siblings; Hümaşah, Mehmed, Mahmud, Ayşe, Fahriye, Bayezid, and Beyhan. Sometimes your father or your grandmother joins, but you have a lot of fun chasing each other and laughing, most of the time with the older ones simply talking while sneaking coffee into your cups.
Being your mother is the greatest thing I have ever done, and if Allah so wills it, I intend to stay your Valide for the rest of my life.
With all my heart,
Your mother, Hatice.
‧͙⁺˚*・༓☾ ☽༓・*˚⁺‧͙
"Kadın, Her Majesty the Valide Sultan has summoned you to her chambers." I arched a brow. Such formal summons from Nurbanu were rare. "She requests that you come alone," added the messenger.
"Very well," I turned to Raziye, my trusted servant. "Please keep the twins entertained until their siblings return from their lessons. Do not let them eat lunch without everyone present."
Raziye inclined her head. "Of course, Hatice Hatun."
Following the maid, I arrived at the Valide's chambers to find the other consorts already gathered. Safiye lingered at a distance, arms crossed in irritation, while Fakriye perched close to Nurbanu, exuding a sense of entitlement that bordered on insolence.
"Validem," I greeted her with a deep bow, taking my place between Safiye and Şah.
"Welcome, Hatice. Now that everyone is here, we can begin." Nurbanu's gaze swept over us with measured authority. "As you are aware, the Duke of Milan arrives this week for diplomatic discussions. His wife, the Duchess, will also spend time in the harem. I trust you understand the gravity of this visit. Your behaviour, and that of your children, reflects not only upon yourselves but upon our entire dynasty."
The consorts murmured their agreement. "You need not worry, Sultanım," I assured her. "We will do our utmost to make you proud."
Nurbanu's nod of approval was brief but telling. "See that you do."
‧͙⁺˚*・༓☾ ☽༓・*˚⁺‧͙
The day arrived, bringing with it a mix of nerves and excitement. Ensuring my children were impeccably dressed and polished was my first priority. I took particular care in preparing myself, my mind racing with thoughts of the past. As Gülbahar helped me put on my tiara, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.
"Valide, will you take much longer?" Rukiye asked, impatiently adjusting her own crown.
"Just a moment, my flower," I replied, smoothing my gown. "Now, remember what I've told you: best-."
"Best behaviour," echoed my children in unison, drawing a laugh from me.
With my "army" of little ones following behind, I walked confidently to the harem's reception hall, where we joined the Valide and other consorts. My children lined up from eldest to youngest, perfectly poised. I took my place beside Safiye, who shot me a sidelong glance but said nothing.
The herald's voice rang out: "Her Grace, the Duchess of Milan!"
The air seemed to shift as the Duchess entered, her golden hair and regal bearing drawing every eye. But it wasn't her beauty that struck me—it was the shock of familiarity. My breath caught as recognition dawned.
"Your Grace, welcome," the Valide Sultan greeted, making the girl smile while she bowed deeply in a typical European custom. "Let me introduce you to my grandchildren and their mothers." The Duchess looked at us.
"I don't believe it!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with delight. "Caterina!"
"Giulia?" The name escaped my lips before I could stop it.
Safiye's brows shot up. "You know her?"
Giulia's laughter was like a cascade of bells. "Of course! She's my twin sister!"
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT
The darling Giulia is here!
family tree thus far:
Sultan Murad + Safiye Baş Kadın
⸺Hümaşah Sultan (16/05/1564)
⸺Şehzade Mehmed (8/07/1566)
⸺Şehzade Mahmud (22/01/1568)
⸺Ayşe Sultan (12/3/1575)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)Sultan Murad + Fakriye Hatun
⸺Beyhan Sultan (6/8/1575)
YOU ARE READING
Conqueror | Murad III
Historical FictionCaterina 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...