Light within the Harem

Hurrem's Plight/Another Rival?

Marriage!

Her Sulieman was thinking of marriage! Finally! Now she would get the respect she deserves!

Hurrem was in high spirits ever since her spy within the Valdie Sultan's service, she hummed in front of the mirror as she prepared to visit Sulieman after evening prayer, with Mahidevran on bed rest and Melekşima not far into starting her confinement, Hurrem would be called to keep Sulieman company – true, there was still Gülfem Hatun, but she barely left Hunsi by herself as the paranoia of losing her son still plagued her mind.

Nigar Kalfa walked in to see that Hurrem's concubines were all buzzing around, pulling jewels, perfumes and body oils for Hurrem to chose from. "What is all this noise for, my Sultana?"

"I am to visit the Sultan, Nigar." Hurrem replied, as she put on the final touches to her clothing.

"Has he called for you to keep him company?"

"He does not need to call for me!" Hurrem snapped, eyes narrowing. "With Mahidevran on bed rest and Melekşima starting her confinement, only I can keep him company."

The older Kalfa shuffled slightly, the Kadin noticed her disappointment, she sighed – dramatically. "What is it, Nigar? Any specific reason why you are here?"

"Valdie Sultan has arranged for a concubine to walk - ..."

Hurrem turned to face the Kalfa, anger written across her face. "Then stop the Cariyes from walking. This is my night! MINE! No other woman would share him!"

Nigar quickly bowed not wishing to face the fury of Hurrem any longer, she almost ran into one of Melekşima's concubines – Eşmahan.

"Nigar Kalfa?" Melekşima called out, the heavily pregnant Sultana walked with Işmilah and Halimë helping her. "What is happening in Hurrem Sultana's chambers? What is with all the noise?"

"Forgive me, Sultana," Nigar replied, sighing. "Hurrem was preparing to entertain the Sultan, but the Valdie has already arranged for someone else to keep him company."

"And who is to walk the Golden Path?"

"Eda Hatun, my sultana."

Eda. The concubine that was formerly known as Helena, a daughter of a Greek fisherman and the very same girl that Melekşima had previously sent to Sulieman when she was on bed rest recovering from her birth of Osman.

"Send Eda to my chambers."

"Sultana?"

Melekşima sighed. "The poor girl must be aware of Hurrem's wrath, who knows what she has planned for the girl – it is better for Eda to be somewhere safe."

___

Eda Hatun stood in Melekşima's chambers, distracted by the luxury of it all as the blonde Haseki sat on the small divan, observing the concubine.

"Do you know why I have called you here, Hatun?"

Eda slowly nodded her head; eyes lowered to the ground. "I am to walk the Golden Path."

"You will do well to remember that after tonight, your position may rise to that of Ikbal, a favourite of the Sultan's." Melekşima spoke, her voice strained from exhaustion. "Those loyal to Mahidevran and Hurrem will be circling, be alert with who you speak to from this moment on."

Eda bowed, nodding her head. "Yes, my Sultana."

"Now I will allow you to go to the hammam to prepare," Melekşima spoke, rubbing small circles on her pregnant belly. "Işmilah will go with you."