Chapter 8
Valide Sultan had been more than pleased by my success. This was due to the fact that, from then on, Sümbul Agha called me almost every night. Sometimes, I returned late in the day, even the day after; others I'd return shortly after rising from Sultan's bed and breaking fast with him. It really depended on Suleyman's moods. Those days, he was cheerful, always kind, always attentive to me, his rewards plenty. He showered me with his attention and gold. Even books, whenever I slipped and mentioned longing for this or that book I had read in my childhood. My most treasured book was Le Morte d'Arthur. It was a rare piece of literature and spoke volumes of Suleyman's fondness toward me. Even so, I had my doubts. And, without me noticing, a month went by quickly.
"I'm unsure of what this means." I confessed to Nilüfer, as we completed our daily chores, speaking in hushed tones, lest we are overheard by the busybodies who would gossip about any little thing. "He calls on me, without sparing the days reserved for his kadins." The nights reserved to the kadins were violated, for he didn't respect the tradition, instead calling me whenever he should call either Mahidevran or Hürrem. Still, I couldn't complain, nor could Nilüfer and the rest of my friends. I'd share my rewards with them, earning me their utter loyalty. Others were envious of us, which could be a danger in itself. I could be facing opposition on three fronts: Mahidevran, Hürrem, and the other women of the harem.
"Be careful." Nilüfer warned me, echoing Efsun, which was awfully uncharacteristic of her. "Hürrem won't like the status quo and you'll suffer, no matter who has your back." She meant Valide Sultan, who was more than pleased by the attention the Sultan paid to me. I wondered if Valide Sultan had put Mahidevran and Hürrem under her thumb and kept them quiet while I did my part, but even if she managed to restrain Mahidevran, the Bas-Kadin still found herself sending Gülsah to threaten me. Or maybe Gülsah herself took the initiative, I couldn't say. It happened one afternoon, while I returned to my room in the mezzanine from another meeting with Valide Sultan, where Sümbul Aga gave me Suleyman's latest gift in the presence of all of the Sultanas, to Mahidevran and Hürrem's displeasure. Being a favourite had its advantages and disadvantages. Everyone was my direct rival. Even those professing to be my friends would be, at some point, rivals. The kadins were the biggest threat, especially the russelana. Hürrem was furious, even though I was another slave, my ranking was better than hers. I was noble by birth, while she was the peasant daughter of a priest, despite pretending otherwise. If I ever became a kadin as well, she would have to bow to me, in spite of being the second kadin, and that would sour her mood further. Back to the 'incident', I arrived to the mezzanine area, only to find Gülsah standing in front of the door to my room. Her eyes were on me the moment my feet touched the last degree, sneering. I stood quietly at the foot of the stairs, Gülsah walked up to me instead of waiting.
"You better beware, Mihrişah Hatun." She spoke in a disrespectful tone, disregarding the difference of ranks. I didn't take it personally. After all, I was expecting something of the sort to occur. Mahidevran was the first, Hürrem would come soon. Actually, I had thought Hürrem would be the first to threaten me. The first meeting didn't count, in my mind. I hadn't really caught the Sultan's eye at the time, he had been somewhat interested in me, but not enough for me to travel the Golden Road without Valide Sultan's aid. "Even if Valide Sultan supports you, you should take care not to overstep your boundaries." Her warning did nothing to me. I faced her completely, showing no fear, only amusement.
"Like you said, Valide Sultan supports me." I smiled, doing my best to corner her. "Do you think it wise to overstep YOUR boundaries? I'm above you, Gülsah. I can always tell Valide Sultan of this warning of yours." She gasped, I could see this was outside her expectations. Valide Sultan was my support, and I had her ear. Mahidevran Sultan's protection could only go so far, whereas Valide Sultan's word was law, inside and outside the harem. "I might not be expendable, but you, on the other hand…" I walked away, heading to my room without finishing my sentence. My meaning was clear, and, despite the lack of brains, it hadn't gone over her head. Mahidevran would hear this, and I hoped she would heed my warning. The sudden paleness of her face told me enough.
After the failed attempt to frighten me, Gülsah tiptoed around me whenever we crossed paths. She was polite, but not friendly. I hadn't said a word about the 'incident', not even to Nilüfer. Nothing good would come out of speaking about it, so I kept my peace. Mahidevran's eyes would sear holes on my back if she was able to will it so. I remained polite and respectful, and days went by, with Suleyman calling me more often than not to his chambers. We would talk about anything, he would mention politics and I would listen. If he asked me something, I'd give my honest opinion, taking into consideration all the information he would spill, conscious or unconsciously. I was unsure whether he did use any of my suggestions, but that was the least of my concerns. Hürrem grew riotous, as the Sultan shunned her company for mine. One particular event I could never forget came three months after my first time walking down the Golden Path. I had been called that day by Hatice Sultan, who had heard from Ibrahim Pasha that Suleyman wished my presence that night. As evening came, I walked at a slow pace down the halls, Nilüfer and Husni and two aghas behind me. In my hand, one of the poetry books Suleyman had gifted me, as reward for the pleasure I gave him, while my friends brought small trays of foods for Suleyman's pleasure. We walked in silence, so we heard the angry steps echoing through the halls from afar. I was unperturbed by the sudden appearance of Hürrem Sultan, walking out of Suleyman's room angrily. Her face held a nasty snarl, eyes flashing dangerously, even as we stepped away from her path and bowed to her. I would have continued walking after paying obeisance, had she not grabbed my arm roughly. Behind me Nilüfer bristled at the rough handling by the second Kadin, but had enough sense not to make a scene. The consequences would be worse for her than for me.
"Where do you think you're going, Hatun?" She demanded, cold and furious at my sight. I wondered why she was so angry, but, then again, everything seemed to anger Hürrem easily enough these days. And, because I was feeling petty, I smiled brightly.
"My lord requested my company today. Again." Needling Hürrem was never smart. But we were close to Suleyman, the aghas and guards at his door were deterrents to her wicked actions. "I've come as he bid me." I wondered if it was possible for her to be angrier than she already was.
"Suleyman is busy." She snarled, nails piercing my skin through the thin sleeve of my gown. "He won't see anyone tonight."
"Won't see anyone, or won't see you?" I asked, going too far. "He requested me, Sultana, and I intend to do as he bid. If he sends me back, then it'll be his words and not yours." You're not in charge of the harem. I wanted to say, but the meaning was there, behind what I had said. She would've spoken further, but Sümbul Agha's arrival silenced her. He stopped between us, and Hürrem released my arm, as if it burned her.
"What's happening here?" He demanded, eyes jumping between the two of us.
"Our Lord Suleyman requested my presence tonight, I had word from Hatice Sultan and Ibrahim Pasha. But Sultana told me to return to the harem." That last part wasn't completely true, but it was implied. Sümbul Agha didn't allow her to reply.
"Sultana, if our lord asked for her, then she has to go. Go, go!" He shooed me quickly, making me hurry. "Our lord is on his balcony. Perhaps you'll be able to cheer him up." The last part was whispered, unheard by everyone but me. I wondered about it, but not for long. The bracelet of precious stones on my arm came off quickly and found its way to Sümbul Agha's large hands.
"Thank you, Sümbul Agha." I whispered back, releasing his hands. I made sure to sweeten him, whenever he did me a kindness, for it guaranteed me his goodwill more often than not. Unlike Hürrem, I tried not to speak harshly to others of the harem. Honey attracted bees, more than vinegar ever could. He smiled, bowed and walked to where Hürrem stood, paralysed by the turn of events. He shooed her unceremoniously, not giving her the chance to see me turn the corner and walk up to the balcony. My entourage remained in the shadows, at the edge of the balcony, while I approached the Sultan and bowed deferentially, keeping my face turned to the floor but with the man still in my line of sight. I looked upon his figure, barely visible under the dim light of the candles surrounding the balcony. He sat on the couch, in an apparent relaxed position. But his shoulders were tense, hand clenched tight, deep frown on his face, blue eyes staring into the distance. I bowed and remained so, until he noticed me and gave me leave to rise. It didn't take long for him to see me.
"Rise, Mihrişah Hatun." His voice betrayed his annoyance. I obeyed and approached his couch, kneeling on the floor by the couch, at his feet. I looked up to him, using a pleasant expression. He sighed and closed his book, turning to me instead. "What do you want?" He was blunt, and tired. I smiled, not offended or hurt by his tone.
"I've come to see you as you bid me, my lord. Hatice Sultan told me of your wish for my company." I told him pleasantly. "All I wanted was to sit here, maybe read a bit by your side." I showed him the Latin book he had given me, but I frowned and reached his face, tracing the deep lines on his forehead, the corner of his eyes, with my fingers. His frown lightened considerably, lips turning up to a small smile. "You look angry, have I offended you, my lord?" I asked, wondering what had happened to leave him in foul mood.
"Nothing, my dear." He took my hand and rested it against his own cheek. His beard tickled my skin. "Today was a complicated day, but you've brightened my night." Even the dim light was enough to show the redness of my cheeks, Suleyman chuckled. I pouted, feigning annoyance at the jest.
"You enjoy seeing me red, don't you, my lord?" I stuck my tongue out. Was it impulsive? Definitely! Not thought out? Of course. I hadn't felt the need to be childish in a long time. Suleyman surely needed a little childishness. And it bore fruits. He outright laughed at my little play.
"Ah, my sun!" He chuckled, holding my chin with one hand, while the other still held my hand to his cheek. I had to giggle, both from the tickles and his constant chuckles. "You have brought happiness in your hands." My heart soared, falcon high in the sky.
"Happiness is all we should carry." I told him cheerfully. "For life must be lived with a light heart and bouncy step." He laughed, and pulled me up to sit by him on the couch. His arms surrounded me with warmth and tenderness. "I really did come to read, my lord. Reading in good company is double pleasure." I turned to my friends, who stood in the shadows with their burden and beckoned for them to advance. "Also, I wondered whether you'd enjoy a sherbet and sweetmeats, while reading." They put down the trays within reach and backed out of the balcony, disappearing in the shadows.
"You are very thoughtful, Mihrişah." He complimented me, as I handed him the sherbet and held one plate of sweetmeats, so he could reach them easily while we spoke. The tray returned to the side table, so I could open my book and enjoy it in good company, but Suleyman stopped me when he suddenly asked: "Do you know Zapolya?"
"You mean the Voivode of Transylvania?" I thought back to the time in my father's court, as he received the older man, once as he travelled through our lands for a meeting with the Archduke Ferdinand and King Louis, and another time as he had travelled to control a rebellious band of serfs, who had tired of the taxes and servitude and raided whichever village or town they encountered in their path. He had been kind, but distant, toward me and my siblings, but respectful to my parents, despite his higher standing. I had liked him well, and his tales of cruelty to those who betrayed him were very well known and brought fear to his name. "I have heard tales of him, as well as met him once or twice before." My reply was guarded. I wondered the reason of his questioning. But his expression was relaxed, even open, contrary to that of moments ago.
"After the defeat of Louis, I have been wondering who to rise to the throne of Hungary in order to control it for me." He replied honestly. "Zapolya never fought in the decisive battle against us, but neither did he align with Louis, despite his obvious past loyalty. If no one occupies the throne in the next few months, one of the Catholic kings will obviously make a move to secure it."
"With the Pope's blessing, I can see that." I finished the thought for him, scratching my chin in deep thought, ignoring his amused, twinkling eyes on me. "I do believe Zapolya would be the best choice, given he has an army at his disposal to defend himself from the Catholics, as long as you put him under your suzerainty. Choose his advisors and give him the crown, give him some leeway and you'll have a loyal hound to guard the European Gate for you, while you focus your attention elsewhere." My mind worked through the intricacies of political strategies. I enjoyed the game as I enjoyed a good book. But I knew too well my opinions were worthless, in the eyes of common men. Suleyman asked my opinion, however, so I felt free to offer it fully. I looked up, to see his amused expression and my heart fell. Did he think my words were those of a silly girl playing at politics?
"You are indeed wise, my sun." He praised me, reaching for my sherbet glass and sipping from it. I pouted at the jest, he knew terribly well I hated to share, but never denied him when he did so. "I was thinking if he was worthy of the place, but there is no one else of his standing."
"He can be worthy, if you take care with the assignment and lay down proper conditions to ensure your power over the area." I supported his statement with my own opinion again, causing him to laugh.
"Shouldn't you ensure your Catholic brethren's rights, my dear?"
"Why should I?" I asked, incredulous. "I'm not Catholic anymore, as your Ikbal, my lord."
"I don't deny you the right to worship Allah in your way, as long as you respect us." He told me gently and I shook my head.
"As I shed my life as Aliz, so did I turn from Catholicism." I shrugged. "Besides, living with you made me open my eyes towards their…foul behaviour. I do not regret shedding a religion that is not tolerant of others, as others are of them." The Muslim law was applied equally throughout the Ottoman lands, and Catholic were respected as were the Muslim living alongside them. Despite the head tax and the sort, they could worship at their pleasure and live freely under a protective ruler. Suleyman had his bad points, but he was a fair ruler, from what I heard and witnessed. "Why would I want to retain a religion that shuns others and enforces their beliefs with iron and fire?"