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 air in my chambers was thick with incense, the scent meant to soothe my frayed nerves. Yet, even the most potent fragrance could not calm the storm in my mind. I was the Valide Sultan—my word was law. But Safiye's growing influence was a thorn in my side, a danger not just to me but to the stability of the empire.
I looked up as Hatice entered, her face composed but her eyes blazing with resolve. For weeks now, I had been observing her; the quiet girl who once seemed content to live in the shadows had transformed. Whatever happened that made her change so? Even her wardrobe had drastically changed, now wearing deeper and richer colours.
"Valide Sultan," she bowed deeply, looking at my servants from the corner of her eyes. I understood what she wanted and dismissed them. "You had once told me that Safiye was a liability for our dynasty." She spoke once we were left alone.
I arched my brow, since that was said more than a decade ago. "Yes, and her influence does nothing but grow. She has started to try to make her way into politics, disrespecting me more each passing day," I invited her to sit next to me. "Tell me, Hatice, why bring this up?"
"I'm ready, sultanım; she has gone too far this time. I will not hide and live with fear of her. I'm willing to do what you see fit to ensure that she isn't a danger to me or anyone else, especially the children of the sultan."
I smirked, "What happened to make you change your mind?"
"And what has driven you to finally admit this?" I probed. Her gaze flickered for a moment, a shadow passing over her features.
"She hurt someone dear to me," Hatice said quietly, her voice strained but steady. "I cannot allow her cruelty to persist."
I leaned forward, calculating. "Good. Then you'll understand we must take decisive action. Safiye's influence has reached dangerous heights. Murad must see her for what she truly is."
Hatice nodded. "But how? He won't believe mere words. She's too clever to leave visible wounds."
A smile curved my lips. "Witchcraft," I said, watching her reaction. "It's a sin against Allah, and an unforgivable crime in the empire. Safiye's arrogance will be her downfall. She dabbles in charms and rituals, trusting no one would dare accuse her. We will find evidence—or plant it, if we must."
Hatice's eyes widened, then narrowed with resolve. "If we accuse her of witchcraft, even Murad cannot ignore it. But it must be airtight."
"Precisely. We'll find willing servants—people Safiye has wronged—who can testify. We'll plant charms, symbols, and written spells in her chambers. When the time is right, we'll present it all before the court, where she'll have no chance to defend herself."
Hatice stood, her determination clear. "I'll find the proof we need, Valide. For my children, for everyone she's hurt."
As she left, I felt a surge of satisfaction. Safiye thought herself untouchable, but she was a parasite, feeding on the dynasty's strength. Soon, Murad would see her for what she truly was—and I, Nurbanu Sultan, would ensure that justice prevailed.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
The cry of a newborn echoed through the harem, piercing the heavy silence like a blade. A nursemaid emerged from Safiye's chambers, her hands trembling as she bowed to me. "Congratulations, Sultan. Safiye Kadın has given birth to a healthy daughter."
A girl. My lips curved into a smile, and I turned to Hatice, who stood beside me, her expression mirroring my own delight. Safiye's carefully crafted confidence would shatter like glass at the sight of us. She wanted us disheartened, threatened by her growing influence. Instead, we stood there, our joy radiating in stark contrast to her unspoken hopes.
"Another sultana to bless the dynasty," I said, my voice warm. "Alhamdulillah, the empire thrives."
Hatice inclined her head gracefully, adding, "May she grow in health and virtue."
We entered the chamber together, where Safiye lay propped up against plush pillows, her face pale and damp with the exertion of childbirth. The baby was nestled in her arms, her tiny face serene.
"Safiye," I greeted her, my tone as smooth as silk, "A daughter is a gift beyond measure."
Safiye's lips tightened, her sharp eyes darting between Hatice and me. "Indeed," she replied coolly. "A sultana is a treasure to her father and her family."
Hatice stepped forward, her gaze soft as she looked at the baby. "She is beautiful, Kadın," she said sincerely.
"Your joy seems... surprising," Safiye remarked, her voice laced with suspicion.
I met her gaze evenly, letting my amusement flicker through. "Why should we not rejoice? A new member of the dynasty is always a cause for celebration. Surely, you didn't expect otherwise?"
Her knuckles whitened as she clutched the swaddled child. For the first time, Safiye seemed uncertain, her composure cracking under the weight of our unshakable confidence.
Hatice and I exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between us. Safiye thought she held power, but she didn't realize how fragile her position had become. Let her stew in doubt and paranoia. Soon, the storm we were brewing would reveal her for the danger she truly was.
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Nurbanu and Hatice against Safiye...
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) ⸺Fatma Sultan (20/11/1576)
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) ⸺Hatice Sultan (18/5/1576)
Sultan Murad + Fakriye Hatun ⸺Beyhan Sultan (6/8/1575)
