Dynasties: Mahidevran's Revenge

Disaster

It was early in the morning when Suleiman went to see his mother in her chambers, seeking the advice of the Valide. A few days ago, he had received a visit from his half-sister, Şah-i-Huban, who had tried to intercede for Hürrem before Suleiman, asking him to allow her to return to the Palace. It was an awkward conversation, and although Suleiman did not like her getting involved and expressing her opinions about his decisions regarding his harem, he had to admit she was right when she told him that the cause of Mehmed's sadness and melancholy was Hürrem's absence.

The Valide received her son as always, but with her motherly instinct, she saw the conflict in Suleiman’s eyes and was certain it was because of Hürrem.

"Mother." Suleiman greeted his mother respectfully, kissing the woman's rings.

"My lion." The Valide greeted him back with concern. "I see you're troubled by something, is there anything I can help you with?"

"I’m... I’m worried about something. I need your advice." Suleiman began speaking. "First, I want to know how you've seen Mehmed."

"Well, I’ve seen him very sad and distracted. The only moments when I see him in better spirits are when he plays with Mustafá in the gardens." The Valide answered sincerely. "Why do you ask me, my lion?"

"Because as you already know, I received a visit from Şah-i-Huban, and she made an observation that left me thinking about reconsidering the punishment I imposed on Hürrem." Suleiman answered awkwardly, clearly bothered by the idea of changing his decision. "She made me realize that maybe Mehmed's melancholy is due to the absence of his mother."

Ayşe Hafsa shifted uneasily in her seat. It was true that she got along terribly with her Ruthenian daughter-in-law: she found her a liar, aggressive, and very manipulative, especially when she dragged Mehmed into her problems with her or any other woman from the harem. But the wellbeing of her grandson was more important than any grudge she might have with Hürrem, so she was willing to tolerate the redhead again, but with well-established limits.

"Son, you know very well what I think of Hürrem. But..." Ayşe Hafsa intervened, making her opinion known to Suleiman. "Mehmed's well-being is the most important thing right now. If at any point you consider that Hürrem should return, then I will support you in whatever you deem necessary to do."

"Then it’s decided, she will return, but let it be clear there won’t be a next time. I'm doing this only for Mehmed." Suleiman stated coldly.

"I think that’s appropriate, my lion. I will order the servants to prepare Hürrem's chambers for her arrival." Ayşe Hafsa commented neutrally, even though she didn’t like the idea of Hürrem returning to the Palace at all.

"Alright, I’ll leave now because I have other matters to attend to." Suleiman concluded, heading towards Mahidevran’s chambers. There was a very serious matter he needed to discuss with her. Specifically, a favor he wanted to ask regarding Mehmed.

***

Mahidevran was in her chambers finishing getting Mustafa ready for his first day of school. Although the boy was naturally very smart for his age, he didn’t much like the idea of attending classes with a teacher when he could be playing instead.

"Mum, why do I have to go to class with Mihrisah?" Mustafa asked, displeased, in the same tone he used when he was about to throw a tantrum. Mahidevran knew her son well. "I’m going to be really bored with my sister and the teachers locked up, I want to go play with Ibrahim or Mehmed."

Mahidevran gathered her patience to not scold her son for what he had just said, but her daughter interrupted her before she could respond to Mustafa.