Conqueror | Murad III

chapter forty-six

𝕸𝖎𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖆𝖍

"Daye, where is our Valide?" I asked curiously. Normally, she was there to greet us when we got back from our lessons, but she was nowhere to be found. The spacious sitting room felt odd still without her presence, the sunlight filtering through the arched windows casting long shadows over the embroidered cushions and polished marble floor. "Aunt Raziye?" She turned around, frowning, her dark hair tucked neatly under her embroidered veil.

"She's not with you? And where are your siblings?"

"Selim is with our father, Rukiye is taking a stroll in the gardens, Hanzade is with our grandma, Abdullah and Süleyman are in his 'secret garden' with Aunt Gülbahar. I have a headache, so I decided to come back." I searched the room, scanning the richly adorned walls with delicate tilework depicting tulips and hyacinths. "Valide?"

"Surely she is with one of your siblings, sultanım, don't worry." She sighed as she adjusted her veil. "Do you wish to search for her?"

"Yes, please."

She smiled and took my hand, her grip warm and steady as we left the chambers.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

The gardens were alive with the soft hum of nature. Bees flitted and the sound of distant fountains echoed through the courtyard. Neatly trimmed hedges lined the pathways, and clusters of daisies swayed gently in the breeze.

We found Rukiye seated on the soft grass near the flowerbeds, her slender fingers weaving a delicate crown of daisies. Her dark hair, pinned back with a jewelled comb, glistened in the afternoon light. "Sister!" she smiled at me as I bowed respectfully, for she was older than me. Her smile was bright, her hazel eyes warm. "Did your headache go away?"

"Unfortunately, no," I replied with a small shake of my head. "I came to see if our mother was with you."

Her brows furrowed as she looked around, her gaze lingering on the flowerbeds as though expecting Valide to emerge from them. "She isn't with me. Maybe she is with Hanzade?" She rose gracefully, brushing the grass from her skirts, and held up the flower crown she had made. "I'll join you," she said, her voice tinged with determination. "I made a crown for her!"

I laughed softly and nodded, and together we walked back toward the palace.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

The Valide Sultan's chambers radiated elegance and power. Thick carpets, woven with intricate patterns of gold and crimson, covered the floors, while silk drapes cascaded from the windows, their edges embroidered with tiny pearls. A faint aroma of rosewater and sandalwood lingered in the air, blending with the soft murmur of conversation.

Inside, we found Hanzade seated beside our grandmother, Nurbanu Sultan, at a low, gilded table. Tea was served in delicate porcelain cups, and the faint clink of silver spoons punctuated their chatter.

"And how does the harem work?" Hanzade asked, her voice filled with innocent curiosity as she looked up at Nurbanu.

It seemed we had arrived at an opportune moment.

"Grandmother," we all said, bowing deeply. Hanzade curtsied as she caught sight of us, her small frame wrapped in a pastel silk gown.

Nurbanu smiled at us, her face lined with age but still regal. "My flowers," she greeted warmly, gesturing for us to sit. "What brings you here?"

"We are looking for our Valide. She isn't in our room, nor the gardens or kitchen. Have you seen her?"

Nurbanu's smile faltered just enough for me to notice, though she recovered quickly. "I did see her," she said slowly, "but she is supposed to be in her chambers."