Chapter 5
"See? I told you." Nilüfer gloated, barely able to contain her mirth and need to dance in victory. Half victory, really. "They had seen something in you that night, by the way they watched you dance and the whispers they exchanged…" Nilüfer rambled on and on, I had tuned out of her monologue, pouring over the embroidery in front of me. I had been tasked on making as many beautiful handkerchiefs as I could, to deliver personally to the Valide Sultan and Hatice Sultan. I also participated in the embroidery of a kaftan, a gift to the Sultan to be given soon. I had been given other fictitious tasks, which were actually more lessons from teachers outside the Palace, who were whisked in secretly. I was glad Valide Sultan had ferreted out Hürrem Sultan's spies and managed to keep a modicum of secrecy, at least when it came to my lessons. Since I was terrible with poetry, I improved my voice, so I could either read or sing beautifully the words written by others. Some more suggestive dances were also taught by the best Egyptian troupe dancers, passing by Istanbul. The art of maintaining pleasant conversation was mostly taught by the Sultanas, during our meetings, while we embroidered the kaftan. They excelled when it came to the art of pleasant conversations, so I benefitted the most from learning directly from them. There was an added bonus, for it gave me clues of how the political status was of the Ottoman Empire and of Europe. In between the pleasantries, I could milk out several details. The continuous bickering of the Kings of Europe was good for Suleyman, giving him the chance to turn his sights to other war points. The Vatican still struggled against the threat of Lutheranism and Protestantism, which spread like wild fire through the Northern Europe. Despite the endless calls for Crusades, the European Kings and the Holy Roman Emperor were more concerned with battling each other and trying to stop the spread of their form of heresy. The Pope, as usual, kept his behind on Saint Peter's throne while throwing words here and there, calls for Crusade, requests for ending the feuds, orders to ferret out the heretics and burn them and their books for their sins. At least, in this aspect, the Ottomans were proactive. Their form of heresy was stamped out whenever they possibly could, to avoid the contagion from spreading. Well, Selim the Grim had. Suleyman had a more relaxed approach. From Valide's arguments, he was bound to go to war and destroy the Shiites himself soon. However, this didn't come to pass. Instead, Hürrem's hold on the Sultan was so powerful, he even allowed, more like ordered, his armies go to war without him, which was unheard of and heavily frowned upon, by both the Janissaries and the people. The Divan and Ibrahim Pasha tried to convince him otherwise. Hürrem, with her fake tears and sorrowful words, managed to sway the Sultan. From Hatice Sultan's words, Ibrahim despaired, for the lord was mostly concerned by his kadin's worries than governing his territories and commanding his armies, as a Muslim leader ought to do. Especially one who ruled such an extensive territory that was the Ottoman Empire.
"He doesn't even heed me when I tell him this is not proper for a Muslim leader." Valide Sultan complained, sighing deeply. The cares of both the harem and the Empire weighed on her. "He has always been too headstrong, I'm always uncertain of what he'll take into consideration and what he'll let go, when I give him my advices. It troubles me." Hatice saw the same happening with Ibrahim, her husband, who had been a companion of Suleyman for most their life. I had been silent through all of this, absorbing all the information for later use.
"Hürrem is the one he listens to." Hatice sighed. That was causing more problems than they had anticipated, for her interference went beyond the harem walls. Had it been another Ikbal, the solution would be to marry her off or off her in secret, while the Sultan was away. Unfortunately, her position as Kadin protected her from Valide Sultan's grasp.
"This cannot continue." Valide Sultan grumbled, which was unlike her. Hatice and I exchanged baffled looks but said nothing. It was true, the status quo in the Palace couldn't be allowed to continue. The Janissaries would, eventually, demand the Sultan to lead them. His public opinion would suffer immensely, plummeting and causing a more generalised grumbling. It would take plenty of time and effort to, not only catch the Sultan's attention, but also to gently whisper in his ear the right path, the path his father, Selim the Grim, had followed. The path all conquering Sultans before him had taken to form the Empire he ruled. Hürrem continued to strut around the Palace, as if she owned it and all those within. She behaved as if she were Valide Sultan. Mahidevran was more contained in her actions, but as Bas-Kadin, she had the right to rule over the harem, being careful never to try and extend her powers and overrule the Valide Sultan. That would cause her trouble, and she had already suffered enough due to Hürrem's scheming, from what the other girls of the harem had confided.
"She struck Hürrem, years ago." Efsun told in a low voice, despite being a widely known story, she was careful not to let her words carry to the next table. "After she suffered a miscarriage, she wandered off and found Hürrem Sultan, returning from the Sultan's room. No one really knows what happened, other than Mahidevran attacking Hürrem and leaving her bleeding. Valide Sultan tried to cover the incident, but Hürrem was crafty, and the Sultan found out." Efsun grimaced at the memories. "His anger was terrible. Mahidevran was lucky to have Valide Sultan defending her, she would've been exiled to the Old Palace, and forgotten." I winced at the thought of being bundled up and sent to the Old Palace. It was said to be filled with old women and disgraced favourites. A bitter end to those serving the harem.
"That sounds a terrible fate." I said, my grimace mimicking that of Efsun. Nilüfer scoffed.
"Don't worry, Mihrişah." Nilüfer patted my arm, confidence shining through every pore of her being. "With Valide Sultan as your supporter, you'll be safe." I nodded but didn't speak. In a place filled with conspiracy and backstabbing, I was unsure of how safe I was, even with the most powerful woman in the harem behind my back.
I had intended to run into the Sultan. I didn't, however intend for what happened instead. One afternoon, I had been keeping company to the Valide Sultan, while repairing one of her dresses, under her supervision. It had been a spur of the moment decision for her, I had been helping out tending to the harem jewellery, cleaning them or checking whether they were in need of repair. Daye Hatun came to fetch me, saying the Valide Sultan required my assistance. By now, word that I was favoured by the older woman had spread, earning me quite a lot of envy and dark looks from Cariyes and Gözde alike. Only those from my immediate group supported me, Nilüfer mainly. We talked while I sewed, light chatter to pass the time. Suddenly, Sümbul Agha ran in and announced the Sultan's presence. Valide Sultan nodded to me, a silent order to retire and return to the harem, I handed the dress and sewing material to Daye Hatun, bowed to Valide and backed out of the sitting area. But, as he climbed the few steps to the sitting area, I tripped on my dress, and fell…
…only to be caught by our lord, Suleyman.
I noticed strong arms caught me instead of the floor, on impulse I rose my eyes to meet his. Breath left my body momentarily, the realization of what had transpired sinking quickly. I rose quickly, bowing to our lord.
"Ah, Mihrişah Hatun, it's a pleasure to see you." He greeted me, amusement colouring his voice. I tried to apologise, stuttering my words, which were brushed aside. "No harm was done. I'm glad you're alright." He said, then gestured for me to rise. I saw his eyes shone, brightening his usual serious expression. "I haven't seen any dancer that can match you, so far." He mused, scratching his beard in thought. "I hope to see you dance soon." I bowed again, glad for the compliment.
"As my Sultan wishes, I shall dance whenever you call for my presence." It was a bold move, but I felt a rush of courage filling me temporarily. He grinned, pleased.
"Good, I'll see you soon, then." He gestured a dismissal, so I backed out of the room quickly, allowing my legs to sink after the door closed. 'I did it!' I thought to myself. The first step had been taken. Now to spread my influence as far as possible.
The opportunity to dance for Suleyman came not long after my…incident. Valide Sultan called for a private feast, just Hatice, Valide and Suleyman. Daye Hatun stood nearby, directing the servants and making sure no glass was left unfilled. Musicians sat in a corner, strumming their instruments lightly and filling the room with relaxing tunes, for the pleasure of our lord. I stood outside the door, awaiting the call for desserts and the entertainment to accompany them. Voices, laughter and music could be heard through the thick doors, I stood with servants, and watched with trepidation as they walked in and out, carrying large heavy trays of food and ewers of beverages. No one spoke, for it was not our right to interfere with the Ottoman family. Suddenly, I was awakened from my thoughts by Daye Hatun's call to remove the plates and bring the desserts. One of the girls, Faryhia, hurried out of the door.
"Mihrişah Hatun, it's your turn!" She said, beckoning me to enter. Taking a deep breath, I followed her inside. The three sat together, sharing smiles and words freely, oblivious to the presence of servants. But I caught their attention as I bowed, head down. I could feel their eyes on me. Not waiting for any order, the musicians began playing a slow tune, to which I matched my movements. I kept my eyes on the Sultan, while I danced, first slowly, then gradually increasing speed as the music evolved. I purposefully ignored the Sultanas and danced only for our lord. I was graceful in my movements, twirling and gesturing closer and closer to him. My smile was wide, and hurt to maintain, but dropping it in the middle of the dance would hurt my objective. So I made the extra effort. His bright eyes never left my moving body. And, when the music came to a close, I threw myself to his feet, head bowed and hands up, in a supplicant position. I stayed like that for some moments, until a hand grabbed my chin gently and pulled my head up. I stared into his eyes and nearly lost myself in their beauty. Suleyman smiled wide, clearly pleased by my entertainment.
"You dance beautifully." He complimented me, releasing my chin. His eyes were still on mine, I felt as if he was searching for something. He tilted his head to the side, an enquiring gesture. "So much emotion in your moves, I felt like you were telling a story." I smiled back, I couldn't help myself.
"It was a story, my lord." My voice was low and husky, further entrapping him. "A story only I know the words." He laughed, slapped his leg.
"Well said, my Cariyes. You must, then, tell me one day." I rose and bowed, waiting to be dismissed. Instead, he gestured to the pillow nearest to him. "Come and sit. Enjoy the night with us." Stunned, I could only stare for one moment before taking the seat he indicated. Valide and Hatice were clearly pleased, and never reproved us for ignoring them the rest of the night. We talked of poetry and some history. Since my hold on their history was still not complete, he revelled in enlightening me in parts where my knowledge was weak. I came to learn some of their laws, through him, for he explained some of their decisions by backing them with Muslim Law. I couldn't help but compare with what I knew of the Christian Laws I had lived under. They were different, I gave them that.
The following day, I was called early to Valide Sultan's presence.
"Yesterday's feast was a success. Suleyman was enthralled by you." I smiled, knowing all too well the Sultan had fallen for my trap. All I had to do now was keep him in my thrall. Valide was well pleased by my plot, even overlooking my disrespectful act, waving away my sincere apologies. "That is of no moment. My Aslan is well impressed and so am I." Her smile was a balm to my worries. "Now you must fight to maintain his eyes on you." Gülfem smiled to me as well. The first objective was fulfilled. The hardest part was what came next.