Dynasties: Mahidevran's Revenge

Allies (Pt.3)

Fatma's well-known arrogance and sharp remarks with a lack of filter were legendary. Dressed in blue silk attire and glittering jewellery, her dark hair fell in curls over her shoulders, adorned with fine golden brooches. Her presence filled the air with tension, especially among the sisters every time they met, including Hatice, who watched the interaction with a mixture of curiosity and concern, as if she was about to see one of those palace dramas between them and any of her brother's concubines unfold before her eyes and in her own home.

"Hatice has told me so much about you; you are certainly the most beautiful concubine in our lord's harem. I can imagine how Hürrem must feel after being replaced by a prettier woman than herself, and how she must be burning with jealousy..." said Fatma, revelling in the image evoked, in a tone brimming with her barely concealed mockery. "You have borne our Padishah many children, something worthy of... being noticed. Not everyone goes as far as Hürrem or Firuze."

Fatma's comment caused Mahidevran visible discomfort. Although she was aware of her duty as the sultan's consort, she could not help but feel diminished under Fatma's constant scrutiny. Nevertheless, she kept her composure and responded politely, with a touch of irony. She knew of the enmity between Fatma and Hürrem, something Mahidevran planned to use to her advantage in the future when the time was right, so she chose not to give in to her provocations. Besides, from what Hatice had told Mahidevran about her half-sister, Fatma knew a lot about palace intrigues and was better off to have her as an ally.

"I have done my duty and have been prepared for it since I arrived in the harem. The Valide has been an exceptional guide with her advice, which has allowed me to reach my current position because no one knows our Padishah and how his harem works better than the mother sultana, is that not so?" Mahidevran replied politely, though there was a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she sought approval in Hatice's gaze, who smiled briefly before returning to her seriousness. "If Allah is willing and our Padishah wishes, perhaps I will continue to give more healthy princes to our dynasty."

Fatma's eyes flashed with a spark of defiance. She knew that every word had the power to manipulate and shape the atmosphere in her favour. With a slight movement, she adjusted one of her golden bracelets, reflecting the light.

"That is true. You have not lacked intelligence in maintaining our Padishah's favour over the years, it's not an easy task. My brother grows easily bored with his concubines or dispatches them to the Old Palace at the very first mistake they make. But Hürrem was an exception, and she was lucky, that woman should have left for the Old Palace long ago" Fatma replied sarcastically, without hiding her dislike of Hürrem, as a crooked smile formed on her lips. "On the other hand, Firuze was also obedient to the Valide, my brother loved her very much and look how it ended." Fatma finished, earning a warning glance from Hatice, who did not approve of the comment towards her mother and her friend.

"Be careful Fatma, you are going too far with your comments. Behave yourself, don't forget you're in my house." Hatice warned Fatma firmly, unwilling to tolerate her speaking ill of her mother and her friend in her home. Fatma continued with the same indifferent attitude, something that annoyed Hatice deeply.

Mahidevran felt a chill running down her spine. Fatma's words reminded her of the constant dangers and betrayals at court. Determined to be unaffected, she lifted her chin and looked directly into Fatma's eyes, conveying a renewed firmness.

"What happened to Miss Firuze was a tragedy. Unfortunately, she never received the justice she deserved. If my son had been the victim of such an attack, I would not have rested until I sought revenge, because justice would not have been enough for me," Mahidevran commented seriously. "But Allah is all-seeing, perhaps he will punish the aggressor where it hurts the most. You know, divine justice sometimes works in unexpected ways."