Conqueror | Murad III

chapter fifty-six

"Well, this is a pickle," Murad commented with a faint chuckle, glancing between Niccolò and me. We both turned to look at him, confused. "I was going to propose marrying him to Mihrimah," he added.

Niccolò blinked, bewildered. "Who is Mihrimah?"

"My eldest daughter."

"Oh," Niccolò said, the corners of his mouth twitching as he processed the information. "Giulia did tell me you had children... Oh, my Cati, how I missed you." His voice grew thick with emotion. "I searched for you everywhere after I found out what our so-called parents did to you."

I stepped closer to him, moved by his sincerity. "Life has treated me well, Nico. I cannot complain. I have eight beautiful children, and I'm married to the man I love. There is truly no better outcome that could've come from being sold into slavery."

"I don't have words for how relieved I am to hear that." He shook his head in awe. "Giulia has twin daughters now. She wanted to send you a letter, but the embassy said no 'Hatice Kadın' could be found in the Empire."

"She is now Haseki Hüsniye Sultan," Murad added calmly, pride in his voice.

Niccolò let out a laugh. "I must admit, I was worried His Majesty had married someone else and left you behind... but thank God it was you all along."

I smiled gently, but then Murad's earlier words echoed in my ears. I turned back to him. "Wait. Did you say you want to marry off Mihrimah?"

"Yes," he said, matter-of-factly. "Along with Rukiye, Hümaşah, and Fahriye. They're all of age now, and it is time."

Niccolò cleared his throat awkwardly. "This seems like a discussion between husband and wife. With your permission, Your Majesty, I'll take my leave. I'm expected elsewhere today."

Murad nodded, and Nico pulled me into one final hug, holding me tightly before walking away.

When the door closed behind him, I turned back to Murad, folding my arms. "What is this, my love? Why are you in such a rush to marry our daughters?"

Murad exhaled, rubbing his temples. "They're of age, Hüsniyem. Mihrimah is already as old as you were when we had her. She's ready. And my older sons must begin their training in the provinces—it's how the system works."

I sat beside him, my hands cold in my lap. He was right, of course. This was tradition. Yet my heart clenched. "I know. I know it's the way of the Empire... but I'm scared, Murad. Everything's changing so fast. One moment they're little, clinging to my skirts, and now you're telling me it's time to let them go."

Murad gently took my hand and brought it to his lips. "My beautiful wife... you're not losing them. You're watching them step into their destinies. You've raised them to be strong and wise—they will carry your light into the world."

I nodded, though my heart still ached. "I want a say in their husbands."

He chuckled, nodding. "Of course. I wouldn't dare plan otherwise."

A smile tugged at my lips despite myself.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

"Married? I don't want to be married!" Rukiye practically shrieked as she stood up, her hair flying in every direction.

"It is our duty as sultanas, Rukiye," Mihrimah replied coolly as she sipped her sherbet.

"But all of my jewels are here! And the palace has the best mirrors! What if I get sent somewhere ugly?"

"I, for one, can't wait for you two to leave," Selim chimed in smugly, tossing a date into his mouth.