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 words still sounded foreign to me, as though they belonged to someone else. Yet, as I walked through the harem, the concubines bowing deeper than before, the reality began to sink in. My new name and title carried a weight I hadn't anticipated, but it was also a sealed promise—a testament to Murad's love and trust.
Despite the honour, my heart was heavy with longing. Murad was away at war, and I missed him deeply. Until his return, I would focus on what brought me joy: my children and the quiet wisdom of Valide Nurbanu Sultan.
I made my way to her chambers, greeted by the sound of my children's laughter spilling through the doors. The sight warmed me—Selim played with Abdullah while Hanzade and Süleyman mirrored them, Rukiye and Mihrimah deep in a conversation. When they saw me, they stood up and courtised in a perfect, practised form.
"Valide Sultan," I greeted, bowing respectfully to Nurbanu.
"Hüsniye," she said, her tone warm as she gestured for me to sit beside her. "You seem well."
"Thanks to Allah, His Majesty, and you," I replied with sincerity, taking my place on the cushion.
She studied me for a moment, her gaze both curious and proud. "How has the life of a haseki been treating you?"
"I am grateful every day for this honour," I said earnestly. "I will do my best to fulfil its duties."
Nurbanu's expression softened into a smile. "I must admit, I was surprised when Murad sought my blessing. I always feared he might grant such a title rashly or to someone unworthy. But he chose wisely."
Her words, though kind, carried a weight that made my chest tighten. "I only hope to live up to your faith in me, Validem."
"You will," she said firmly. "But do not underestimate the challenges ahead. A title such as yours brings jealousy and scrutiny. Even now, the court watches your every move."
"I have already felt the sting of envious whispers," I confessed. "But I trust in Murad's protection—and yours."
Her hand covered mine, a gesture of reassurance. "You have more than just protection, my dear. You have his heart. That is a gift many here would trade everything to possess. Guard it well, and hold your head high. You are his haseki, a symbol of strength as much as love."
Her words filled me with renewed resolve. "Thank you, Validem. Your guidance has been my light since the day I arrived in this palace."
Nurbanu smiled faintly. "You were a girl then. Now you are a mother, a sultana, and a woman of great worth. Never forget that."
The sound of my children's chatter broke the moment. Rukiye, always inquisitive, looked up at me with wide eyes. "Valide," she began, "if you're a sultana now, does that mean you're a Valide Sultan too?"
Hanzade giggled and clapped her hands. "Long live Valide Hüsniye Sultan!"
Their chorus made me laugh softly, but I raised a hand to quiet them. "Children, don't say that. InshAllah your father will live many more years, and your brother Mehmed will ascend the throne as it's his right as crown prince. I doubt I'll ever be a Valide Sultan. I am simply your mother."
Nurbanu's gaze lingered on me, her expression unreadable. Then she reached for her tea, her silence speaking volumes.
A knock on the door interrupted us, and an Agha entered, bowing deeply. "A letter for Her Highness, Haseki Hüsniye Sultan, from the Old Palace."
The note, written in a hurried scrawl, read: Long live Haseki Hüsniye. —S.
"Who is it from, Valide?" Mihrimah asked curiously.
"I am unsure," I replied, folding the paper carefully. "But it seems to be a message of goodwill."
As the children resumed their play, I sat quietly, absorbing the significance of the day.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Later that evening, after the palace had grown still, I retrieved a pen and paper. My children were too young to understand what this title meant, but one day they would.
My beloved children,
On December 25th, 1576, your father gave me the greatest honour of my life. He made me his Haseki Sultan, a title that symbolizes not only his love but his faith in me. I wish you to know that this is not just my triumph, but ours as a family. You, my darlings, are the light of my world, and it is for you and your futures that I accept this responsibility. For your protection.
As you grow, remember that love and strength go hand in hand. Your father, our Sultan, has taught me the meaning of both. Never forget the bond we share as a family, and always strive to uphold the values of kindness, wisdom, and faith.
In the years to come, you may face challenges, but my heart and prayers will always be with you. You are my greatest treasures, and I am so proud of each of you.
May Allah guide and protect you always.
With all my heart,
Your mother, Hüsniye.
I sealed the letter carefully, tucking it away for a future day. As I looked out over the moonlit gardens, I whispered a silent prayer for Murad's safe return.
The title of Haseki was an honour, but my true joy would always lie in the love that made it possible.
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Who could the letter be from? Safiye, Şemsirushar,...?
By the way, completely forgot to mention—and I don't feel like rewriting the chapter—a consort is pregnant! Who could it be?
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 + Haseki Hüsniye Sultan ⸺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)
