Conqueror | Murad III

chapter forty-four

The palace bustled with anticipation, the atmosphere tense yet jubilant as we stood in perfect formation, awaiting Murad's arrival. The line stretched regally, each of us adorned in our finest silks and jewels, presenting a tableau of Ottoman splendour. I stood beside Nurbanu Sultan, her calm composure a stark contrast to the storm of emotions within me. Beside me was Şah, holding her infant son Ahmed, and further down were Nazperver and Fakriye, each carefully poised.

Our children stood in front, ordered by age—Mehmed and Selim, with their constant squabbling managed by placing Mihrimah and Rukiye between them. Though their bickering remained verbal, the tension was palpable, a reminder of the delicate dynamics of this family bound together by blood and ambition.

"Destur! His Majesty, Sultan Murad Khan!" The herald's voice echoed through the hall, and my heart leapt as the doors opened. Murad entered, the very embodiment of strength and authority, his presence filling the room with an air of both awe and comfort. Months of worry melted away as I saw him, alive and victorious after his campaign.

He smiled—a rare, radiant expression that lit up the space. "Validem," he said warmly, bowing to kiss Nurbanu Sultan's hand. "I trust all was well during my absence?"

"All was well, my lion," she replied, her tone tinged with pride. "Your son Ahmed was born."

Murad's gaze flicked to Şah and the infant cradled in her arms. He nodded approvingly, his voice filled with a measured joy. "Mashallah. Allah has blessed us yet again."

As he made his way down the line, my anticipation grew. When he reached me, I lowered my gaze and kissed his hand, pressing it to my forehead in respect. Before I could release it, he took my hand and brought it to his lips, his kiss lingering with an unmistakable tenderness.

"Hüsniyem," he murmured, his voice low but audible enough to send whispers rippling among the women. "I missed you, my haseki."

"I missed you too, my sultan. Allah has blessed us by bringing you back safely."

His eyes softened at my words, and he placed another kiss on my hand before moving on, his attention turning to Şah.

"Şah," he said, his tone courteous. "I was overjoyed when the news of Ahmed's birth reached me. I trust all went smoothly."

"It did, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice steady though her eyes betrayed a flicker of nerves. "Allah has granted us a healthy boy."

"Indeed," Murad agreed, nodding. He then addressed Nazperver, whose coquettish smile made my stomach tighten. "Nazperver, it's been a while. I trust you've been well."

"You know me, Sultan," she replied with a playful tilt of her head. "I often am a bad girl."

Murad offered no response, his expression unreadable as he turned to Fakriye. "Fakriye, your family sends their regards. They were of great assistance during the campaign."

Her eyes widened, glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she managed, her voice breaking. "I am grateful they are safe."

Murad continued to greet each of our children, crouching to their level and asking about their studies, their hobbies, and their well-being. His attentiveness was unwavering, though the room buzzed with subtle tension. Even as he spoke kindly to Mehmed and Selim, the hostility between them was evident in their stiff postures and clipped responses.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

Later that evening, Murad summoned me to the royal courtyard. My heart raced as I approached, finding him surrounded by our children and Nurbanu Sultan. They were all dressed in their finest attire, their smiles wide and brimming with excitement.