4: Palace politics
4-1. Extra duties
Fahriye, one of the Valide's personal maids, arrives to instruct Esme, Nilüfer and I in the duties we are expected to perform while we are living in the Royal Wing. Our previous training didn't cover many of the extra duties we must provide as personal servants to a sultana … even a temporary one. Hürrem listens while Fahriye goes through a long list of rules and procedures applicable to all residents of the Royal Wing. Finally Fahriye finishes her instruction and leaves us to ourselves.
"I'll go and fetch us some food," says Nilüfer. "If you approve, Hürrem Hatun."
I suspect Nilüfer is anxious to go and explore our new surroundings. She only just remembers that she must take her orders from Hürrem and that she isn't allowed to wander around the Royal Wing when and where she likes.
"I have another task for you, Nilüfer," replies Hürrem. "Esme will fetch us something to eat."
Esme gives a short curtsey and leaves the room on the errand Hürrem has given her. Nilüfer waits patiently to see what task Hürrem wants her to do.
"Gülnihal. Please will you find Nigar Kalfa and ask her to visit me later this afternoon," says Hürrem.
Although I would like to know what task Hürrem wants Nilüfer to perform, I have no option but to obey Hürrem's order. I follow Esme out of the room. I suspect Hürrem doesn't want anybody else to know what task she is giving Nilüfer. Which suggests the task isn't entirely legitimate. Hürrem has obviously arrived at the same conclusion as me; Nilüfer isn't afraid to take risks and has a knack for achieving things that most other girls wouldn't dare to attempt.
I find Nigar Kalfa in the main harem. She is busy organising the sleeping arrangements now that the first of the pashas' wives and daughters have arrived. Despite being rushed off her feet, Nigar Kalfa promises to visit Hürrem later on today. I return to our suite to find that Esme has returned with a large tray of food, and that Nilüfer has already left on whatever task Hürrem has set her.
"Nigar Kalfa will visit you later this afternoon," I say to Hürrem. "The first of the pashas' families have arrived. Nigar Kalfa is busy getting them settled."
"Did you see Mahidevran while you were out of the room?" asks Hürrem.
"No," I reply. "Did you expect her to be in the harem?"
"Not really," replies Hürrem. "It's just that Mahidevran hasn't been seen for several days. The same applies for Şehzade Mustafa. I don't think either of them are currently in the Old Palace."
"I saw Gülsah yesterday," I add. "Surely she would be with Mahidevran."
"Not necessarily," replies Hürrem. "She could have been left here to act as a decoy. I think it is possible that Mahidevran has taken Mustafa somewhere outside of Constantinople."
"But why?" I ask.
"The situation in Constantinople may be more dangerous that we are being told. The Valide may have decided to move Mustafa to a safe place in case there is more trouble than the Grand Vizier can handle."
"What about Hatice Sultan?" I ask. "If she is still in her own house in the city, then the situation can't be too bad. The Valide would never risk the safety of her daughter."
"We don't know where Hatice is at the moment," says Hürrem. "Gülfem was with her when they left the Old Palace, but neither of them have been seen in the harem since then."
"The Valide will surely tell us if there is anything we need to know," says Esme.
"Possibly," replies Hürrem. "But I don't like waiting for something to happen. I'll never rise to be a haseki by sitting around doing nothing."
It is several weeks since I last heard Hürrem mention her long term ambition to become Sultan Suleiman's haseki … his highest ranking wife. She clearly hasn't forgotten her dream despite all the events happening around us.
"What do you propose to do?" I ask, sensing I probably won't like the answer.
"I shall go and greet the new guests in the harem," replies Hürrem. "Esme. Prepare my blue dress and my jewellery. Gülnihal. Get ready. You will be coming with me."
"Daye Hatun said we are not to socialise with the guests," I say.
"I don't think that instruction applies to sultanas," says Hürrem with a level of confidence which I don't share.
I could remind Hürrem that she isn't a sultana, but I don't think that will stop her. I do as she asks and get myself ready to accompany her to the main harem.
This is the first time I have travelled along the passage which leads directly from the Royal Wing to the mezzanine of the main harem. Two agas stand watch at the entrance to the Royal Wing, but neither attempts to stop our progress. Hürrem leads the way as though she knows exactly what she is doing.
We see a woman in her early forties in the first room that we pass. There is a girl about our age with her. I presume she is the older woman's daughter, but in this society they could just as easily be wives of some pasha. Both are dressed in fine clothes and adorned with expensive jewellery. Despite their obvious wealth and social standing, both women look terrified.
Hürrem puts on a pleasant smile and says welcome. She too senses their fear and she sets about trying to ease their worries. During their conversation we learn that they are mother and daughter. Our concerns about the situation in the city seem more or less correct, and many wealthy people have abandoned their homes and fled to the countryside. Other than listen to their worries, there isn't a lot Hürrem or I can do. However Hürrem has gained two friends as a result of our visit.
Hürrem and I visit the other family who have moved into the harem. The family consists of a mother and two daughters. The room is cramped with three people together, but they are too afraid to split up the family group. Again there isn't much Hürrem or I can do other than try to ease their worries.
Mission completed, Hürrem leads me back to our rooms. I don't know if anybody in authority noticed our visit, but I doubt it will remain a secret for long. I just hope the Valide doesn't object too strongly.
Nilüfer has returned by the time we get back to our rooms. She waits for Hürrem to change back into a casual dress before giving her report.
"Mahidevran Sultan, Şehzade Mustafa and two maids left the palace two days ago," says Nilüfer. "One of the agas believes they went to the palace at Edirne, but he doesn't know for sure. There's been no word about Hatice Sultan or Gülfem for several days. The Valide is very concerned for their safety. She wanted to send a troop of Janissaries to find them, but they can't be spared from guarding the palace."
I don't know how Nilüfer has been able to gather this information, and it is probably wise not to ask. If her information is right, then she has just proved how valuable she will be in the nasty game of palace politics. Assuming, of course, that we all live long enough for it to matter.
There is a knock at the door and Esme admits Nigar Kalfa into the room. She does her best to disguise her harried look, and greets Hürrem as though she is a real sultana. Hürrem sends Esme, Nilüfer and I to our room so that she can talk to Nigar Kalfa in private. We take the opportunity to finish off the tray of food, since we don't know when our next meal may arrive.
Nigar Kalfa leaves after a short meeting, and Hürrem calls the three of us back into the living room. Although she doesn't tell us what she discussed with Nigar Kalfa, her behaviour suggests that she expects something to happen very soon. The minutes tick by and Hürrem is obviously getting impatient.
It is early evening when there's another knock at the door. Nilüfer answers the door and admits Daye Hatun. Hürrem invites her to sit down.
"The Valide is in a council meeting with the Grand Vizier," says Daye Hatun. "She can't spare the time to see you today. You must wait until morning."
"Tomorrow morning may be too late," says Hürrem. "Hatice Sultan may be in danger, and it will be easier to attempt a rescue in the dark."
"How did you know about Hatice's situation?" asks Daye Hatun. "The Valide has gone to great lengths to keep everything secret. The last thing any of us need is a mass panic inside the harem."
"How I know is not important," says Hürrem. "Getting Hatice and Gülfem to safety is. I want permission to send Nilüfer to Hatice's palace, and, if possible, bring Hatice and Gülfem back here."
"What!?" cries Daye Hatun. "Have you lost your mind? You would need a troop of soldiers to get through the streets."
"If a troop of soldiers were seen on the streets, then undoubtedly there would be trouble," replies Hürrem. "However, a single person on foot could blend into the background and get through."
"I forbid it!" says Daye Hatun. "You are risking Nilüfer's life. Besides, even if she reaches Hatice Sultan's house, how is she going to bring Hatice and Gülfem back here?"
"Nilüfer has a plan," replies Hürrem. "She and I have discussed it and she is willing to do as I suggest."
"Is this so?" asks Daye Hatun of Nilüfer.
"Yes, Daye Hatun," replies Nilüfer. "I am willing to make the attempt if the Valide approves."
"Hmmm. What Hürrem Hatun says about it being possible to get there may be true, but what if you are caught on the return journey with Hatice Sultan in your company. The troublemakers would kill you and take Hatice Sultan as a hostage until their demands are met."
"There is always a risk," says Nilüfer. "We don't even know if Hatice Sultan and Gülfem Sultan are safe. If they are hiding, then the longer we wait, the greater the risk that they may be discovered."
"I shall talk with the Valide," says Daye Hatun. "I don't know if she will agree, but you should prepare yourself in case she allows you to make the attempt."
Daye Hatun leaves us and we immediately help Nilüfer prepare for her excursion. Nilüfer isn't from these parts, so her knowledge of Constantinople must be sketchy at best.
"Are you sure you can find Hatice Sultan's house," asks Hürrem of Nilüfer.
"I'm sure. I've studied a map of the city and I should have no difficulty in finding my way."
We wait for nearly half an hour. It is starting to go dark outside. Nilüfer needs to be on her way soon or the opportunity may be lost. Just as I'm beginning to think that the Valide is going to refuse, Daye Hatun returns. Esme lets her into our suite.
"Nilüfer may make the attempt providing she abandons the mission should it prove difficult to reach Hatice Sultan's house," says Daye Hatun. "Nilüfer. You are not to risk your life unnecessarily. If you find Hatice Sultan, you are only to return if you believe it is safe enough to reach the Old Palace. Show this token to the guards at the gate and they will let you pass."
Nilüfer takes the token and, with Hürrem's consent, she promptly leaves on her mission.
"I didn't believe the Valide would agree to my proposal," says Hürrem to Daye Hatun once Nilüfer has gone.
"She doesn't know about it," sighs Daye Hatun. "She's still in council and the guards have instructions not to disturb her. I have authorised Nilüfer's mission."
"What will the Valide say when she finds out?" I ask.
"If Nilüfer returns with Hatice Sultan, then I hope the Valide will forgive my unauthorised action," says Daye Hatun. "If anything happens to Hatice as a consequence of this rescue attempt, then I can only hope the Valide will grant me a quick death."
"I have faith in Nilüfer's ability to succeed," says Hürrem.
"I hope you are right," sighs Daye Hatun.