Zevki Sultan | 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐘

~ Chapter 29 ~

Today was to be a very busy day. Hürrem Hatun was thankfully still in the dungeon for the time being, so my rank and prestige here was starting to be recognized more and more, so the Valide Sultan wanted me to come to her room for tea at lunch, and then the Sultan would have me in his privy chambers tonight. It was all very exciting.

At the moment however, I was to go and have breakfast in the Harem with the other girls. Now that I was a known favorite, there was an exclusive table I was to sit at, on a lower cushion, and Mahidevran Hatun on a slightly higher one to signify her power, but I didn't have to worry about it- things would change very soon once I have my way, and for that I needed to keep calm and low and not give myself away as a potential threat to them.

I was the first to arrive at our table and as I sat down I could hear faintly whispers of the other girls, saying things like 'she won't last too long if Hürrem has her way' and 'she looks weaker than I thought a new favorite would be'. I didn't honestly care. All these women will be sent to the old palace pretty soon from what Nigar Kalfa had told me about, and would be replaced by newbies, and then again newbies, and at least I am ahead in staying here. 

Gülfem Hatun arrived after me, smiled tightly, and then proceeded to sit to my left. 

"How are you, Gülfem Hatun?" I inquired lightly, trying to make conversation.

"Very well, thank you Francesca. And yourself?"

"I am doing amazing, thank God. Who else is to join us for this fine meal?" I asked, trying to see if there was anyone else I needed to potential be aware of.

"Mahidevran Hatun of course, and perhaps Hatice Sultan. Nowadays we don't really have any other favorites or anything to have variety." Gülfem pursed her lips. "And we all know of the rivalry between... you know who. At least we have you now."

I wasn't sure wether I should comment anything, so I simply nodded. At this point I heard the voice of Mahidevran and turned to see her approaching our table.

"Gülfem Hatun. Francesca Hatun!" She smiled. "Glad to have you join us today in our breakfast."

"Thank you, Mahidevran!"

Gülfem now spoke up. "I was just telling Francesca, how nice it is we have a little more variety in our table group. At least till Hürrem gets out."

Mahidevran scowled. "I can't believe she still gets to live in the Topkapi harem. After all the trouble she's caused everyone, all the stress she did to me and Valide Sultan, and she does whatever she wants!"

"Mahidevran, watch your words." Gülfem warned. "Hürrem was the favorite of our Padishah Sultan Süleyman Khan, and he does what he wants, when he wants, with any slave of the harem. You are no more special than she is. And now she is being punished for her actions, the way he deems it appropriate."

Mahidevran's expression darkened from a little shame at at the words of Gülfem, but didn't say anything, proceeding to simply sit down in the back center cushion and quietly eat her food. We didn't speak any more than that, until the guards rushed in and yelled,

"Destur! Hatice Sultan Hazretdleri!" Everyone promptly cleared out of the halls and those sitting at the tables stood up to bow. 

"Sultana Hatice." Mahidevran said, as she moved from her seat to another so the Sultana could sit there.

"Hello my friends." Hatice said happily. "How are you all?"

"I'm very good, thank you my Sultana, though I must confess if I had known you'd come I would have bought all the Sherbet in the world for breakfast." Gülfem sighed as Hatice giggled.