Chapter 4

The following week was simply the usual schedule for Cariyes. Lessons, tasks, socialising, among the other Cariyes and Gözde, no drama or unusual events happening. We were bored out of our minds by the strict routine. Mahidevran Sultan would walk by our room frequently, looking majestic in her beautiful silks and sparkling jewellery. Sometimes, she would bring her son, Mustafa, on her walks. The Şehzadeh was a bright, cheerful boy, despite his attempts at being serious and mature, his true colours shone through around his mother and father. But his appearance at Mahidevran's side was rare, for he had his own lessons to attend, as heir to his father's empire. Hürrem's children were paraded more frequently. My guess was she loved to show off the life we dreamt of but could never attain, due to her hold on the Sultan's heart. Most of the Cariyes were mightily jealous and wished they had the chance to sway the Sultan and capture his attention, even for one night. I, on the other hand, allowed my life to humbly take place. Whether I'd be able to meet the Sultan or not…well, weeks passed lacking any summons or acknowledgements after the celebration's incident, I resigned myself. My friends were certainly disappointed, except for Nilüfer. She seemed to expect something to happen, never losing her faith in whatever she saw coming. I shrugged and went on with my business. Nilüfer's wait was not short, however, and did pay off. Over one month passed since the celebration and Hürrem's attempts to threaten me, when Daye Hatun came to the main room of the harem. We all rose reverently for the older woman. She was fair with all, regardless of status in the harem hierarchy. Our respect wasn't forced or fake. As Nigar Kalfa, she had power and didn't flaunt it. She was strict but kind and all, mostly the Cariyes, were grateful for it. Showing up in the main room wasn't a typical event, though. Her eyes wandered, searching among the curious faces of the girls. Until she looked at me and I froze. She slammed her short staff on the floor, mighty sound echoing around us and to the ceiling high above the mezzanine level. I came to stand in front of her, obediently, without waiting to be called. She was pleased as I rose from the courteous bow.

"Mihrişah Hatun." She called my name kindly but firmly. "Valide Sultan has summoned you to her presence. You will meet her immediately." It was an order, the same as Hürrem, but more powerful, second only to that of the Sultan. I bowed my head.

"As the Valide commands, I will obey." I replied firmly, obedient but not weak, my eyes staring at her, not as a sign of defiance, but as sign of strength, yet compliant. That seemed to please her greatly, for she smiled and beckoned me to follow her out. For the second time in less than one month, I was brought to the Royal Wing of the harem, this time to the more luxurious, grander area reserved to the members of the Dynasty. Ladies in silk stood on both sides of what I believed to be the entrance to Valide Sultan's chambers. Daye Hatun knocked twice, and the doors instantly opened, as if not waiting for the order to be given from inside. As if it was mere formality, she was given instant entrance. The rooms were glorious. The raised area for sitting and lounging occupied half of the room, with low couches on two sides, a large divan in the middle, reminding me of European thrones. Low pillows surrounded a low, metallic, intricate table, covered with delicacies and sherbets. On the divan, sat the two prominent ladies of the Dynasty: Valide Sultan, and Hatice Sultan, Suleyman's sister and Ibrahim Pasha's wife. On one of the pillows, sat Gülfem Hatun, their companion. I bowed deferentially, daring not to look directly to the beautifully dressed women in front of me, fearing they would take it as defiance. I was no Hürrem. Daye Hatun stood next to the divan where the Valide and Hatice Sultan sat, all three looking at me gravely, measuring me and finding me lacking, while Gülfem's were more speculative than measuring. I knew I wasn't the most beautiful, but my looks were appealing and my demeanour sweet and gentle enough (or so I had been told). Maybe too much for the hell that was the Ottoman harem. I had been brought up as any noble daughter, including some tutoring that wasn't usual for girls to be taught. But to handle jealous and scheming women…it fell outside my range of skills. I was learning, though. I was brought out of my thoughts by the Valide Sultan, who broke the silence finally.

"Mihrişah Hatun, you came as tribute from one of the Catholic vassals from Hungary, am I correct?" The Valide Sultan asked, although it was a mere formality than confirmation. She had to know all of this, for nothing went unnoticed by the one governing the harem. I nodded in confirmation, nevertheless. Valide Sultan turned to Daye Hatun, who held several folded letters in her possession and relinquished them to the lady. "These have been sent to the Topkapi Palace, addressed to one Aliz." I looked up, startled. Then turned my eyes back to the divan, trying to hide my dismay and fear. Who had written? Why had they written? Will they kill me for what comes in those letters? "Do you know someone of that name in the harem?" She asked, obviously amused by my reaction. If she was amused and not angry…

"I do not know anyone of that name within the harem, my Valide." I answered meekly, fear turning me from strong Cariyes to a meek slave. She chuckled and exchanged amused looks with Hatice Sultan, who, herself, tried not to laugh. I was stunned when one of the letters was handed to me by the Valide herself, with a compassionate smile on her face.

"Here." I hesitated, but took the folded paper and looked at her questioningly. She chuckled again and gestured to one of the pillows near her divan. "Sit and read. Don't worry, take your time." Even in my shock, I did as I was told and quickly opened the folded letter. Obviously, they had read it first, to make sure there was no threat against the Royal Family or the Sultan himself, or that I had been sent with the purpose of spying for the Catholic leaders. The words contained longing and love, though. Words from my brother and my half-sisters, whom I missed dearly. I couldn't help but shed some tears and giggles at the stories penned on the parchment, oblivious to all around me. In that small moment, I felt like I was back in my hometown, surrounded by servants and family. My half-sisters nagging me, my brother teasing me, mother's firm voice speaking to me the words written, father smiling benevolently, the way he would whenever brother and I came to see him. It was short lived, the fantasy ended with the signature of all my siblings. And my mother. My father must've been kept unaware of their letters. It wouldn't have been sent if he had. I was thankful to the Valide Sultan. She allowed me a small reprieve. There were many more letters in her hands, but I was given only one.

"Thank you, my Valide." My gratitude was too much to be put in simple words, to be allowed the small blessing of my family's letter. I crawled and kissed the hem of her dress, then brought it to my forehead, as token of my respect. I held the letter up, for her to take it back. I was sure they would be burned, for I was no longer Aliz, and they were no longer my family. But she patted my hand and pushed the letter back to me.

"Keep that one." She offered. "I'm sure you are aware we don't allow you to correspond with those that are potential enemies, even though they are our vassals. But nothing in these letters can be construed as treason. The rest will burn, but that one you may keep." Her kindness touched me, to the point of tears.

"Your kindness is as a shining beacon to me, my Valide." I didn't stop the tears from falling. "I shall forever be in your debt." I spoke fervently, cradling the letter to my chest. I rose, backing a few steps from the divan to maintain a respectful distance, wondering if I would be dismissed then. Instead, Hatice Sultan spoke.

"I'm glad." She said. Her pride as princess of the Ottoman Dynasty shone through every fibre of her being, through her words. "For we shall collect the debt. We have done you a kindness, we expect something in return." I nodded, accepting her request. They could order me, instead, they exchanged favours. Kindness could earn more loyalty than a mere order.

"Anything you require, my Sultana, I shall obey." They were pleased by my immediate acquiescence.

"Mihrişah Hatun, what will be said here must not leave the room, or else you and all who hear these words won't live to see the next sunrise." I shivered upon hearing Valide's words, but acknowledged her order with grace. She sighed and looked to Hatice, as if searching for words. Her daughter spoke for her, sparing her the task of instructing me.

"We have been worried by Hürrem's influence in the harem." Hatice spoke clearly, but in a lower tone, maybe fearing being overheard. I look to the lattice window to my right, where anyone could be listening in, but I doubt anyone other than the Sultan would do such thing. However, I can see why they worried. Hürrem held the Sultan in her thrall, which in turn gave her power over those living within the palace. It was dangerous, not only for the lower concubines, but for the Royal Family as well. Mahidevran had already suffered at the hand of the russelana slave, when she became the favourite of the Sultan, from her ascension to Ikbal and then Kadin. "She's causing too much mayhem, toppling the traditions and rules imposed by our ancestors. It is our intention to put her in her place." Hatice let her words sink in before continuing. "To do this, first we must turn the Sultan's attention elsewhere and hold him long enough to clear his heart and soul of her presence, so he'll see her for the disrespectful slave she is." I pondered over what I was hearing. They were searching for someone who could capture the Sultan's attention and keep him otherwise occupied, away from Hürrem's claws. It took me by surprise, so shocked I was that I turned my stunned gaze to the two women sitting in front of me. They didn't chide me for the breach of protocol or the disrespectful length of time I kept my eyes on theirs. I shook myself awake from the stupor and turned my eyes to their feet.

"My Valide…" I stuttered, unable to form clear thoughts from the surprise. "I'm not sure I'll be able to catch our lord's eyes." My words held no lies. Hürrem and her minions were everywhere, it was hard to catch the Sultan's eyes without them singing praises to his favourite and successfully distract him from any potential rival. "She is too dear to our lord for him to see any of us court ladies." Valide nodded, agreeing with me.

"We know this, which is why, if you accept our request, you will have our aid in your endeavours." She told me gently. Relief coursed through my body like waves from the ocean I used to play in with my other sisters. Long ago, in another life… "All you must do is make sure my Aslan's attention is on you and strive to keep it so. Siring more children is also desirable, but even then you will be required to entertain and distract him from the russelana." She explained.

"We will guide you to the best of our abilities, but you hold the biggest role in this: maintain the Sultan's interest long enough to cure him of Hürrem's poisonous presence." Hatice spoke bluntly. They had been on friendly terms, until she found out the slave had dared to try and get rid of her husband, Ibrahim Pasha, the Grand Vizier. She held no love for the slave and would gladly see her exiled to another, lesser palace. "Gülfem will also help you when I'm not here."

"You will be given permission to visit the Royal Wing as frequently as you wish. You can come to us for help and advice." Valide offered. "You have been to the harem school, and now I will teach you other things, invaluable information that may aid you in this."

"I will be honoured to receive such lessons from my Valide." Daye nodded, pleased by my respectful stance. "I accept this endeavour and will strive to please my lord and accomplish the goal you have given me." The room lost its tension and easy smiles appeared on all of the women's faces. Suddenly, one question popped in my head. It was a legit doubt and I couldn't help but ask. "What of Mahidevran Sultan? Will she support this plan?" I knew too well I talked without being asked, but I had to put the question on the table. Mahidevran was the Bas-Kadin, she had rights, we couldn't alienate her the same way Hürrem had done. The Bas-Kadin was embittered enough. More could cause further strife within the frail peace of the Topkapi Palace. By the looks the women exchanged among themselves, this had already been a topic of their discussions, and the answer was already been thought of.

"Do not fret over her, she won't interfere either." Valide assured me, but I had the nagging feeling it wouldn't be as easy as she said. She patted Hatice's hand, happy and relieved. I could see the reason they had been tense. Hürrem was a force to be reckoned with. The web she had woven over the harem threatened all of us, and Valide Sultan felt it in her bones. Now for the plans to attract Suleyman…

"My Valide…" I started, respectfully addressing her and pulling their attention to me again. "If I may, I'd like to receive more advanced instructions on dancing and other such arts. I believe it'll be a good starting point." I looked up to the silk-clad women, mischievous smirk on my face. Oh, this could prove fun, after all…

Fatma ran to me when she saw me walking to the harem room. Other heads turned to me but most just carried on their tasks, giving me little importance. Her face showed worry for my safety, usually a call from the Valide Sultan meant nothing good. I schooled my expression, or else others would be attracted and prone to eavesdrop.

"Are you alright?" Fatma asked worriedly, ignoring the looks we were receiving from other women surrounding us. Some of the favourites, sitting nearby, looked at us with a mix of emotions, ranging from curiosity to disdain. Some were friendly, others were openly hostile to all below them. I smiled back to some. "What did the Valide Sultan want?" She pressed, heedless of my cares to avoid being overheard. I shot her a nasty look, she wasn't good at subtlety, and approaching the subject right in the middle of the room attracted more attention than I wished.

"She simply wanted to speak to me." I answered, dispelling her worries, but feeding her curiosity. "My family has sent letters, but they wouldn't reach me, since I'm the Sultan's slave. She was gracious enough to allow me to read some, before burning them all." It wasn't a lie, and I had nothing else to say. Her face fell slightly, saddened by my tale.

"Oh, Mihrişah…" She sighed and hugged me. We missed home, unlike many others. As former nobles, we stuck together, and fended for ourselves, along with Husni and Nilüfer. Efsun was friendly towards us, but always refused being part of our group. Even being neutral in the harem war between kadins, we weren't immune to the taunts of both sides for wanting to stay out of the fray. Even after confronting Hürrem Sultan, I decided not to side with Mahidevran either. I'd rather make my own path, regardless of where it would take me, the Sultan's presence or the grave. I couldn't return home, so those two paths were the only ones for me. Speaking of Nilüfer, she appeared at that moment, silently questioning me. I nodded to her, smirking briefly behind Fatma before pushing the girl away, releasing me from her arms. I smiled sadly at her.

"My family is no longer in my mind." I told her. "They are from another time and place and I told Valide Sultan just that. She burned all the letters and assured me she'd write them back with assurances, and a warning to cease the communications."

"But you're a noble…" I stopped her then and there.

"Not anymore. I'm simply Mihrişah Hatun." I said, grinning. Then I turned to look at Nilüfer, who had approached us while we spoke, before saying my next words. "And, who knows? Maybe more, in the future." Nilüfer and I exchanged mischievous smiles, her face lighting up. Her hopes had not been in vain and she couldn't wait to gloat. As for me, I thought over the conversation I had with the Sultan's family and couldn't help but let out a low giggle. Things were bound to heat up, soon.