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Chapter Text

ACT ONE: A LINK TO THE PAST.

Main cast

Nur Fettahoğlu as Milena Brankovic / Haseki Mahidevran Gülbahar Sultan / Valide-i Muazzama Mahidevran Gülbahar Sultan.

"I will live long enough to see my son become the next Sultan. I don't care what price I must pay to see Mustafa being crowned. I'm going to destroy all of you if necessary to get what I want, starting with you Hürrem."

***

Halit Ergenç as Kanuni Sultan Suleiman Khan, "The Lawmaker".

"I'm going to warn you because I appreciate you, but if you don't want me to lock you up in the dungeon for being insolent, don't question my decisions. For your own good."

***

Meryem Uzerli as Alexandra Lisovska/Hürrem Hatun.

"I am Sultan Suleiman's favourite concubine since he was a sehzade. He has broken many traditions out of love for me, and I gave him many heirs in exchange. You're just another wretched princess, and you won't even notice when I'm getting rid of you just like all the others who came before you, little Milena."

~~~~~~~~~~~

WARNINGS AND CONTEXT:

1. There will be mature content (sexual content, violence, mental health issues, and so on). If that's not your tea, my advice is to not to read this story.

2. Not suited for Hürrem, Mihrimah or Mehmed stans.

3. This story is set after the fall of Belgrade in season 1. For more context, Hürrem was the undisputed queen of Suleiman's harem since he was in charge of the Manisa province as a sehzade. Mahidevran is reborn after her death in 1581 but she's born as a noblewoman and not as a commoner.

4. That being said, certain real historical events and the source material (Magnificent Century series), will be altered to make sense for this fanfiction.

Chapter Text

Belgrade, 1521.

Months after her eighteen birthday, Milena was in her chambers reading a history book from her father's library. She was deeply focused on her reading time, in hopes to distract herself from the visions that have been plaguing her in her dreams from some time ago.  These visions were strange to say the least, like a call from destiny, but Milena feared if she confided them with someone, she would be taken for a lunatic.

She gazed the landscape of Belgrade from her window, pondering about her visions. They were sad. They were about a grieving mother who was dying in poverty and calling her son's name before her death by natural causes. She was calling a man named Mustafa, who Milena believed him to be that poor woman's son. She couldn't understand the visions fully, but despite the sympathy she felt towards the dying woman, the visions terrified Milena every night. 

Aside from that, there were other anxieties running around her family that she couldn't avoid. Her father was always talking about the Ottoman threat if they went to war against the Hungarians, and the side they would take. The path was clear among her family, they would side with the Hungarians, despite Milena thinking it was an a inevitable but a suicidal choice. But neutrality was out of the table and siding with the Ottomans was unthinkable.

When her personal maid, Maria, came to see her Milena, to made sure she was fine Milena felt a certain relief and an idea crossed her mind. Maybe telling Maria about her worries would ease her mind.

"Maria". The always soft spoken and well—mannered Milena was calling her. "Do you have a moment?. I need to talk to you".

"Of course, milady". The maid answered with the same respectful tone she always addressed Milena. "What's worrying you, milady? It is something about the war?".

 "Partially. But there's another thing that is worrying me more and has me sleepless for several nights, maybe its a stupid thing Maria, but... I need to take this out from my chest". Milena answered, worry crossing her green gaze. "I... its strange what I'm going to tell you, but I trust you won't spread anything I will tell you. Do you understand?". Milena finished, with authority being shown subtly on her soft voice tone.

"I won't divulge a word from this conversation. I promise".  Maria promised. She was known to have an unwavering loyalty to Milena.

"Good. From some nights, my dreams have become... nightmares". Milena started with the uneasiness evident on her voice. "I have visions of an older version of me, dying in poverty as I call the name of my deceased son... its so strange, its like a prophecy..."

 "Maybe you're a little tired, milady". Maria answered kindly as she helped Milena to brush her silky auburn hair before going to sleep as she did every night. "They are just nightmares, there's no way you're going to end poor claiming for your dead son. Maybe you will end being married to some prince and live forever with more comfort than most people"

Milena pondered about her friend's response. That's why she loved and valued Maria's friendship above most things in her daily routine. Despite her reality hits, she was always sincere but kind and never treated her like a stupid brat or showed her false flattery, like most people did with her.

***

Constantinople, 1521.

Hürrem hatun was taking a small stroll with her oldest son, Sehzade Mehmed who was four, in the secret gardens of Topkapi Palace. A little exercise would be beneficial to her and her newcoming baby, that she hoped would give birth to another prince. His younger siblings Mihrimah and Selim, were under the care of the maids assigned to assist Hürrem in her daily chores and childcare. Mehmed was the oldest, Mihrimah came two years later after Mehmed's birth and Selim was a year younger than Mihrimah.

Aside from her remarkable beauty, which made her to stand out from Suleiman's harem since he was governing Manisa, she also was smart enough to keep Suleiman's affections strong for her, enough to break the rule of one prince per concubine as soon as he ascended to the throne, much to Valide Ayse Hafsa Sultan's chagrin.

Unbothered and knowing she had secured her place on her Sultan's heart since he was a prince and without mattering the ferocious and neverending competition, Hürrem always felt that she could always aim for more than being just another concubine of his harem. Despite giving Suleiman more children, Hürrem had this dream of him closing his harem, then becoming his only wife one day and being the only mother of all his children.

But her actual lavish lifestyle that she enjoys in Constantinople came with a high price. Before being Hürrem, she used to be Alexandra, a common ruthenian peasant. She was born in Ruthenia around 1498 and had a humble lifestyle by being the oldest daughter of an christian orthodox priest and his wife. One day, tragedy hit her village when the tartars raided it and came for young women to be sold in the Crimean slave trade. 

Alexandra was sixteen when she witnessed how the tartars killed all her family in front of her and she promised herself that someday she would be so powerful that no one would dare to even disrespect her. She was brought later to Topkapi Palace and her beauty caught the attention of then Sehzade Suleiman in one of his visits to the Palace. Hürrem was selected among other concubines to conform his harem to his last sanjak in Manisa before being crowned Sultan. Even if she was rebellious and difficult to begin with, she had a cheerful personality that matched her beauty and captivated Suleiman the first time he laid his eyes on her. That's why he gave her the name Hürrem as soon as she converted to Islam.

Back to the present, Hürrem observed with tenderness how Mehmed seemed to be mesmerized with the discovery of the secret gardens and being curious about the plants and flowers being there. They differed a lot from the gardens of Manisa Palace. To see her son growing fast and being a happy child running through the gardens was enough to warm her heart. No matter what, her beloved Mehmed would be always her biggest adoration.

Life was good and fortune seemed to be kinder to Hürrem in her present, because there was nothing to worry than typical harem stuff she knows perfectly how to deal with efficiency and cold blood. For now.

***

Constantinople, 1521.

Suleiman was absort checking some state documents and informs about the rebellion in Syria on his own chambers when Ibrahim came to announce that Piri Mehmed Pasha requested an audience with him and the council, in order to discuss the growing rebellion in Syria led by the Damascus governor after he allied with rebel Arab lords and Mamluks leaders. As expected, Suleiman ordered the rebellion to be supressed by any means to secure his sense of order and justice. He would made sure to send the message that anyone who dares to challenge the will of the sovereign, victory would be ensured and the traitors face the consequences immediately.

There was another matter to discuss in the council. News about the diplomatic envoy sent to Hungary to discuss the tax payments owed to the Empire by the Hungarian Kingdom reached Constantinople. What they saw next, horrified all the men present in the council. The Hungarian king sent a jar full of honey but inside, there was the head of the beheaded envoy. Enraged, Suleiman promised he would behead King Louis II by his own hand.

"We will reach Buda". Suleiman swore as he trembled of rage after seeing such act of cruelty by the Hungarian king in his opinion. "I will find Louis II to see him beheaded personally and his head being hanged from my banner will set the example of anyone who dares to disrespect me".

After this cassus belli by killing the diplomatic envoy and the tax debt affair, war on Hungary would be declared soon. But in order to reach Buda, the council agreed that Bogundelen, Sofia and most important, Belgrade, had to fall first if they wanted to secure the success of campaign against Buda.

***

Topkapi Palace, 1521.

Before departing to war, Suleiman went to his mother's chambers in order to seek her blessings. Next to her there was his sister, Hatice Sultan, who was holding Mehmed's tiny hand. Hürrem was next to Hatice, she was holding her youngest son, Selim and one of her maids was holding Mihrimah. 

"Your Majesty. May your endeavour be frutiful, safe and blessed". Valide Ayse Hafsa wished to her son with sincerity. "I will pray to Allah for your safe return to home and the victory in your hands, my lion".

"I will lay the first brick for my father's tomb with my own hands and later I will pray, then I will depart to war". Suleiman informed his mother, who looked at him with a mix of pride and concern.

Then Hatice kissed her brother's hand in silence followed later by Hürrem. The ruthenian's face was unreadable as usual, but there was some uneasiness from her part. Her intuition was telling that this would be the last time she'd see the Suleiman she knew and loved, but she dismissed those thoughts quickly because she didn't want her mood shifts to affect to her or her unborn baby. He turned his attention to Selim, who was still a baby and kissed his head and then he turned to his daughter, Mihrimah, to whom he said goodbye with affection.

Finally, he turned to his oldest son, Mehmed.

"My lion". Suleiman hold his son looking at him with pride. "Take care of your mother and your siblings, my brave prince".

"I will father. Them, and my auntie Hatice and the Valide too". Mehmed answered to his father with the typical innocence of a child of his age, making his mother, grandmother and aunt to look at him with tenderness. His father smiled at him as he kissed his cheek. "One day father, I will grow up and we will go to war together and the infidels will fear us".

"One day, we will conquer more lands for the Empire together and the infidels will be terrified of us. But for now, you have to focus on your studies and school. Don't neglect your lessons, my cub". Suleiman promised as he said goodbye to his oldest son.

Like he said, he left his mother's chambers to attend the ceremony where he was cheered and given the blessings for the war. Hürrem, Hatice and Ayse Hafsa witnessed it from afar. Later he went to the place where he wanted to build his father's tomb to put the first brick and then he prayed to ensure the victory and a safe return to home. 

***

Belgrade, 1521.

After the fall of Sofia, Bogundelen and the castle of Zemun, the next objective before Buda, was the Belgrade castle, where Milena lived. The day Milena feared for so much time finally came and she knew there wouldn't be no good outcome from it, no matter if they sided with Hungarians or the Ottomans. After taking a look to the landscape of Belgrade, Milena saw clearly the cannons coming, brought by the Ottomans.

Milena had the growing feeling that this day would be the last where she saw her family and that her life was about to change forever. Her earlier visions of entering  the Great Turk's harem were stronger, despite trying to supress them, because they horrified her. A guard came looking for Milena and pressured her to hide in the secret passages of the castle, to ensure her escape along with the rest of her family. 

"I will hide". Milena answered to the guard looking at Maria. She wouldn't leave the castle without her best friend. She'd rather die before leaving Maria behind. "But only if she comes with me".

"We need to leave now. They will siege the castle with those cannons at any minute". Maria urged Milena as the latter took quickly some jewelry with her family's emblem.
Both women followed the guard in hopes to reach the secret passages and run away from the Ottomans. To their horror, the guard who was leading both Maria and Milena to the secret passages encountered a couple of Janissaries who killed him in front of them. Milena thought if they were in that situation, the posibility of the Ottomans taking Belgrade and annexing it under their control after the fall of the city, was real.

After that, both Milena and Maria tried to resist the capture but it was in vain after being outnumbered and overpowered. The Janissaries captured both and brought them in front of Ibrahim.

"My lord". One Janissary addressed Ibrahim as he gave Milena's family heirloom, a necklace. "We found these women trying to escape and the green eyed one was wearing this".

Since Milena was focused to escape safely with Maria, she didn't notice that her necklace had fallen from her. Ibrahim took a look to Milena. She was young, probably highly educated and not to mention that she was a very beautiful woman, even more prettier than Hürrem for his taste.  He sensed that Milena would be the right person if he wanted to counterpoint Hürrem's power and influence inside his best friend's harem. Hürrem and Ibrahim had longtime rivalry over Suleiman's attention since their days living in Manisa. Rivalry that only has deepened with the years passing.

Milena remained quiet and didn't lower her gaze in front of Suleiman's best friend, despite sensing the weight of Ibrahim's inquisitive gaze on her. Then he took a look to the necklace with her family's emblem engraved on it. An idea crossed his mind and a small smile crossed his lips before talking to the Janissaries.

"Bring these women before our Padishah's presence". Ibrahim ordered looking directly to Milena. "He will decide about the future of these women".

The Janissaries took both Maria and Milena out of the castle following Ibrahim's orders and placed them along the local other peasants. A moment later, she saw him and some memories came back. Despite her calm and collected demeanor, Milena looked at Suleiman as he apporached his throne with contempt. Her green gaze locked with his blue one for a moment and she knew already who Suleiman was in her past life. Milena had the sensation that he had ruined her life again.

 "You shouldn't be afraid. I don't raise my sword if you ask for mercy. Belgrade is now under Ottoman control". He was talking to everyone present, but it was clear that his last message was directed to Milena. "I will rule you all and you'll witness my sense of justice, prosperity and peace. As my subjects, I promise you that I'll protect you. Piri Mehmed Pasha, you're in charge of the reconstruction of Belgrade and I'll give this land two million of akce from the Empire's treasure to ensure the goal of the reconstruction. Build schools, mosques and don't collect taxes from this land in a year. "

 Milena then witnessed how Suleiman invested a man she didn't knew and who probably was a turk like him as the new bey of both Belgrade and Smederevo. That was the moment she realized everything she knew was over. The city was over, her family was over and her life was over. All she knew was over for good and her family left her behind without remorse to aid that useless pig who ruled Hungary and she knew he would dismiss them when they were no longer useful for his plans. That would be their punishment. 

Whatever the destiny has in store for her in the future, Milena realized she had nothing to lose from now, except Maria's friendship.

***

Belgrade, 1521.

Suleiman was on his personal tent finishing a letter he was dictating to his notary making an account of the conquest about the victories of the Ottoman armies led by him in Sofia, Bogundelen and Belgrade. He was in a great mood and he smiled when he saw Ibrahim entering to his tent to bring documents and letters from the capital.

 
"Hunkarim,"  Ibrahim addressed his lord with the outmost respect handing him some state documents and a letter of Hürrem brought from the capital. "I'm bringing these treasury records and a letter from Hürrem hatun. I wanted to make sure they reached your hands".

"I'm grateful fot that, my friend, but I need to talk to you. It's a private affair and I want the opinion of someone who I trust on the matter". Suleiman spoke dismissing the documents and the letter from Hürrem, which suprised Ibrahim slightly, because Suleiman never dismissed a letter from the redheaded concubine that quickly and he wondered why he did that. A moment later, Suleiman made a gesture for everyone to leave the tent except for Ibrahim, who remained with his typical stoic demeanor in front of his best friend. 

"Ibrahim, I want to know who was that woman. The green eyed one who looked like a princess. I felt like I had known from somewhere but I can't quite explain it". Suleiman spoke, demanding tacitly a response from Ibrahim. "She... she's the most beautiful woman I have seen in my entire life. It's something that goes beyond her physical beauty, its... I don't know... its like she channels an inner beauty that irradiate peace, respect and dignity... I'm drawn to that".

Ibrahim kept hearing his friend talking and raving about Milena's beauty and he saw the perfect opportunity to counterpoint Hürrem's influence on him. It would be no easy task, but hearing Suleiman talking so highly of Milena after leaving him a good impression with a mere encounter outside of the Belgrade castle, he knew Milena would be his ticket to success on his longtime quarrel with Hürrem for Suleiman's favors. 

"My lord, from all the information my men had gathered, she's a local noblewoman. Her name is Milena. From the Brankovic family". Ibrahim answered as Suleiman heard him intently as he handed Milena's family heirloom, a necklace, which Suleiman examined with the technical eye of the seasoned jeweller he was.

"I can give her the best crafts done by myself... better than this. But return it to her anyway". Suleiman spoke as he handed the necklace to Ibrahim. "We will see if she stands out like her ancestors did before her. For now, make sure she and her friend are fine. Then bring your best men and make sure to send both Milena and her friend to the capital unharmed. The friend can work as a odalisque in the Palace but I want Milena on my harem. I'll punish harshly anyone who dares to harm or mistreat her or her friend, ¿is that clear?". Suleiman ordered with authority as he unfolded Hürrem's letter.

"It will be done as you wish, my lord. I'll take care of this affair personally". Ibrahim promised as he left the tent after making a reverence to his lord. He had to make sure Milena arrived safely to the capital personally, because she was the key for the success of his own future plans. 

"So Milena is your name...". Suleiman whispered to himself as he quickly read Hürrem's letter and folded it again. It had some news about her current pregnancy, but nothing he didn't knew before, so he discarded it quickly. "Soon, you will be my Mahidevran. My Mahidevran Gülbahar".

Chapter Text

Constantinople, 1521.

News of the Ottoman victory in Belgrade with minimal casualties among the army reached soon to the capital, bringing joy to everyone. Valide Ayse Hafsa, Suleiman’s mother, was not an exception but she was one of the first people to know about the results of the war through of her son’s most prominent pashas, Lala Pasha, who had been in charge of the Empire as Suleiman was focused on the campaign in Belgrade and Buda.

“I’m glad to hear good news of the Victory in Belgrade and Buda from you, Lala Pasha. Allah has heard my prayers and blessed my Lion with the first of many victories”. Ayse Hafsa spoke, revealing her pride and joy for her son. “With Allah’s guidance, more victories will come for the Empire and more lands will become Ottoman provinces”.

“It was such a swift victory. Not even that scurrying infidel of Louis stood a chance against our army. He died by the hand of our Padishah”. Lala Pasha explained satisfied too with the outcome of the war. 

“Please inform people about the outcome. I want a good celebration for my Lion’s first victory”. Ayse Hafsa asked. “I will starting the preparations for a magnificent welcome when he returns. I want everything to be perfect. But I need to ask a last question before you leave, pasha”.

The Pasha nodded as he awaited for Ayse Hafsa’s question.

“There’s a woman that my Lion met in Belgrade. He mentioned a woman maned Milena in one of the letters he sent to me because she aided him to secure the victory in Buda by telling the whereabouts of the King of Hungary”. Ayse Hafsa spoke remembering the last letter Suleiman sent to her making an account of the events from the war. “Do you have any information of who this woman could be?”.

“Sultanim, all the information I have about that woman is that she’s a noblewoman from Belgrade and rumor has it that she’s related to Mara Hatun, Fatih Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror’s Valide”. Lala Pasha answered as his response seemed to pick Ayse Hafsa’s attention. “Our Padishah ordered explicitly to send that woman to his harem and as I far I know, Ibrahim Pasha was entrusted with the arrangements to make her travel safe to the capital”. 

“I want to meet that woman to assess her first by myself alone”. Ayse Hafsa replied calmly as an idea crossed her mind. “Please, as soon as you have more news about her arrival to this Palace, keep me informed”.

“As you wish, Sultanim”. Lala Pasha spoke as he bowed before leaving.

Ayse Hafsa pondered about the last recount of events, but the woman her Suleiman mentioned on his letters intrigued her. Hürrem’s influence on her son was one of the things she worried the most and she needed to counter her at any cost. That’s why she wanted to assess Milena by herself first to see if she was worthy of join her son’s harem and to see if she had the potential to actually challenge Hürrem’s growing influence.

***

Hürrem was in her chambers getting ready with the help of her friend Gülnihal. Her current pregnancy was on her final stages and soon she would give birth again. Suleiman had ordered to both her and his mother that if the child was born before he returned from the campaign in Hungary, he wanted the baby to be named Abdullah if he was a boy. If the baby was a girl, the Valide would be free to name the girl of with any name of her liking.

As the cannons were shot to announce the return of Suleiman, news about the Ottoman victory at the war in Buda and Belgrade had reached Hürrem’s ears before. She was happy to learn that Suleiman had succeded and couldn’t wait to see him again. She missed Suleiman and the children missed their father too, but she had a bad feeling. Her intuition was telling Hürrem something was going to change them forever, but as per usual, she dismissed those bad thoughts out of her mind. There was no point on worring on things she was not even sure were going to happen soon. After all, she was still the mother of two princes and she still enjoyed Suleiman’s favor.

“Hürrem, what you will do if the baby is a girl?”. Gülnihal asked her innocently. “I mean, there’s always a chance…”.

“It won’t be. Allah will hear my prayers”. Hürrem cut her off annoyed at the implication the baby she was expecting would be another girl. “I will give birth to another baby boy. My Abdullah. He will be a good prince and I will raise him to do everything for me. He will be a good son, undoubtedly”.

Gülnihal kept helping Hürrem in silence when Firial Kalfa came to see Hürrem. The Kalfa wanted the redhead to go to the harem quarters and choose new fabrics, so the tailor could make her more new dresses. Hürrem suspired annoyed again, she knew well she wouldn’t like any of the fabrics like the last time.

***

Milena and Maria arrived safely in Constantinople. Despite being tired for travelling for so long from Buda to Constantinople, Maria was specially at awe with the greater buildings of the city, Constantinople was a completely different city compared with Belgrade. Everything was bigger, more sophisticated and prettier for her taste.

Milena seemed more indifferent, its like she had known the place before arriving to the city. She had been crying quietly last night thinking about her past life in Belgrade and she felt that horrble sensation about repeating memories from a another life she couldn’t explain logically. Milena had to make a choice, forcefully, and now she had to deal with the consequences, like being a slave in a foreign country.

“Milena, have you ever been in Constantinople before?”. Maria asked to her friend.

“Yes, I visited it with my parents when a was a child a couple of times.”. Milena lied convincingly. She didn’t want to tell her friend that she knew better the city due to her past life and not because she visited it before. “Maria, I need you to promise me  something”.

“Sure, what it is?”. Maria asked as she paid attention to Milena.

“No matter what happens between both of us, just promise me that we won’t betray each other. I would never leave you alone here”. Milena promised sincerely, as Maria was the only thing that connected to her past life.

“I would never betray you or leave you alone Milena. I love you like a sister”. Maria promised as she hug Milena.

“I love you like a sister, Maria”. Milena replied affectionately to her friend.

Milena and Maria were received by the chief eunuch of the harem, following orders of the Valide. He sent ordered them to take a shower at the baths and later they had to pay a visit to the doctor, to know if they were healthy. An unknown woman gave them the necessary items to wash themselves at the bathroom. To avoid further conflicts with these people, they complied.

Once they were clean, clothed and passed the doctor’s examination, Maria was sent directly to the harem headquarters to sleep. Milena was ordered to meet Ayse Hafsa Sultan directly in her private chambers. She was the valide sultan and Suleiman’s mother, which meant that she was just below her son in the hierachy of power among the Imperial Family. She was accompanied by her oldest daughter, Hatice Sultan, who seemed to be a younger version of her mother.

To say that Ayse Hafsa Sultan’s presence was imposing is an understatement. She seemed to be in her early forties and despite her delicate gestures, she was a woman who irradiated energy, elegance and authority above everything. Her dark eyes scanned Milena from head to toe and she ssemed pleased with the presence of the younger woman. If Ayse Hafsa played her cards right, she would soon end Hürrem’s influence over her son. Despite her quiet and silent demeanor, Hatice was very observant of Milena.

“You must be Milena”. Ayse Hafsa greeted her as soon as she noticed her. “My lion has talked so highly about you on his letters and I wanted to meet you in person. Tell me, where you coming from?”

“Belgrade, validem”. Milena replied in their native tongue as she kept her gaze down. She spoke it with a clear foreign accent but both women valued the effort from Milena’s part.

“Where did you learn our language, Milena?”. Hatice asked genuinely interested, there was no malice on her question.

“I learned it when I was younger. My father used to say that learning other languages was always a useful skill. Aside from my maternal tongue, I’m fluent in Greek, Turkish, Italian and French”. Milena replied calmly to Hatice’s question. Her composed response piqued Ayse Hafsa’s interest.

“Now… I see why my Lion spoke so highly about you. You’re definitely an interesting woman, Milena”. Ayse Hafsa pondered as she kept looking at her. “I know your story. One day, if you wish, you will rule the world like your ancestor Mara Hatun if you follow my advice”.

The Valide lifted Milena’s chin to look at her straight to her eyes. The younger woman listened intently as Ayse Hafsa was speaking.

“Milena, I see you’re kind of familiar with our customs but there’s one thing you have to learn if you want to survive our system. Many things have changed after your ancestors came here but I have some expectations about you”. Ayse Hafsa spoke with her authority lingering in each word she said. “Loyalty and obedience means everything here. Obey and you’ll rewarded. Make my son happy with your company but don’t expect him to be exclusive of you or that he will fall in love for you. Those things are for foolish women like Hürrem”.

Milena listened quietly despite trying to digest in her brain some of the harsh advice the older woman was giving to her. But she couldn’t help but wonder who could be that Hürrem. That name sounded too familiar, like she had known that woman from somewhere and had caused so much grief in another life. Milena felt a small pang of pain when she heard that name and she wondered why. Maybe it had to be with that sensation of pain and sorrow.

“Like I said, I expect you to make my son happy. Bore him enough children. If you give birth a Prince, there’s always a chance for him to become the next Sultan if you raise him well when the time is due”.  Ayse Hafsa continued. “Also, I have to warn you one thing. Since you entered his harem, you’re his property and there’s no way you’re going back to your old life. Go to sleep, you’re dismissed”.

After hearing that, the girl bowed respecfully and left the chambers silently. She was panicking as she went to her bed. It was too much to digest but deep down, she had no other choice but to accept her fate and try to make the best out of it, even if a part of her refused to be part of this life. But she had nowhere to go and her family left her behind, not to mention they must be gone for good. Milena was grieving her loss of the life she knew but she made a promise to herself.

One day, her name would be known and feared, this was just a time for adaptation to her new life. In her mind, her sadness and fear to the unknown will be a temporary thing. Milena would become so powerful, she would give birth the most beloved, respected and feared Prince to the dynasty, a respectable heir worthy to succeed his father.

Because, she somehow knew how to do it and wouldn’t rest until to achieve her goal.

***

Some days later after Milena's arrival, Suleiman had arrived to the Palace safely to his mother’s relief and happiness to see him back. Hafsa was holding the hand of little Mehmed, who was excited to see his father again. Next to his mother was his sister, Hatice who was holding little Mihrimah in her arms as she bowed to him. Suleiman wondered why Hürrem was not there, but assumed that she must be resting due to the last stages of her last pregnancy or taking care of Selim.

Mehmed couldn’t countain his hapiness to see his father again and the child ran as soon as he entered to the Valide chambers. 

“BABA!”. Mehmed cried as he ran towards his father, with a big smile on his face.

“My beloved son, my Lion. I’m so happy to see you”. Suleiman greeted his son as he lifted Mehmed to give him a kiss before he turned his attention to his mother. “Validem”.

“My lion, my love. Welcome home Your Majesty”. Ayse Hafsa greeted her son as she hugged him after he kissed her hand. “Hürrem is resting in her chambers, she was too tired, the baby is fine. Firuze is coming soon from Edirne with the girls. And Milena arrived safely as you ordered”. Ayse Hafsa finished whispering to her son.

Suleiman seemed pretty disapointed with Hürrem’s absence but understood her motives to not being here. Then he turned his attention to his sister and his toddler daughter. He seemed to be pleased with their presence.

***

Despite being annoyed by both Gülnihal and Firial, Hürrem decided to go downstairs in direction to the Valide headquarters to be there when Suleiman arrived, something caught her attention in the get go. It was the sound of two people engaging actively in an interesting conversation from afar. One of the voices was a masculine and a familiar voice and there was another from a woman she didn’t knew. Hürrem was fuming out of jealousy and rage. The only thing she wanted was to see Suleiman again because she missed him and the only thing she got is that harpy kissing Suleiman and wearing that ring was meant for her, from what she saw from her own balcony. It didn’t help that it was thursday, a little detail that made Hürrem angrier.

¿Who was that Milena, like he called her? ¿Where did he met her? ¿Why he summoned her on thursday? ¿Why she was wearing the ring Suleiman had intended for her?. She had more questions without answers that she was going to find them out soon, but not now. Hürrem knew exactly what to do and she had to act quickly, before Milena could get pregnant by Suleiman. That Serbian harpy would meet the same fate of Isabella soon, Hürrem promised to herself.

The words of the Valide had stung in her mind. She was always telling Hürrem that she lived in a harem, that her son was not her property and that she would do better for herself if she started caring more about her children instead of worrying about with who Suleiman shared his bed. It was never a secret that despite Ayse Hafsa did an effort to maintain a respectful relationship with Hürrem for the sake of both Suleiman and her grandchildren, but it was so obvious that she never really liked the redhead and was waiting patiently for the chance of Hürrem making a crucial mistake to plot her downfall.

But deep down, Hürrem was truly worried about Milena. She was different than most of her past rivals. She noticed that Milena was younger, prettier and far more cultured and educated than most of women of the harem, which had both Suleiman and the Valide enchanted with her, as her informants told her. This was the first time that Hürrem actually feared another concubine of Suleiman’s harem since her Manisa days, not even Isabella came that closer to him like Milena. Hürrem was no fool and soon noticed how infatuated he was with Milena.

Hürrem went to one of her ornate cupboards and extracted a small bottle of poison. She was instructed by one of her most loyal allies, Gül Aga, that a few drops were enough to make someone to loss conscience and a little more was needed to actually kill another person by poisoning. Milena would meet her final fate soon, but before doing anything, Hürrem thought she had to learn more about Milena and her daily routine in the Palace before attacking her. As an idea crossed her mind, Hürrem decided to call one of her most loyal maids to entrust the mission of gaining Milena’s trust, Gulsah.

Gulsah came quickly as she got called by Hürrem. Always impassible, Gulsah presented her respects to the Sultan’s most prominent favourite and listened intently as Hürrem spoke.

“All these years, you have served me with the outmost loyalty. I’ll give you a very important mission. If you succeed, you will be rewarded handsomely, Gulsah”.  Hürrem spoke emotionlessly as she composed herself before meeting Gulsah.

Despite her shortcomings, the redhead was well known for being generous and fiercely protective to her most loyal servants which helped to create a reliable web of informants who were willing to tell her anything relevant that was happening in the Palace, especially harem’s affairs. But any mistake was punished harshly by her.

“I’m listening milady” Gulsah answered paying full attention to Hürrem.

“There’s a new concubine in our Lord’s harem. She arrived yesterday from Belgrade.” Hürrem spoke again as a glint of jealousy appeared on her eyes. “Auburn haired, green eyed, her name is Milena. I want you to gain her trust. Meet her, get yourself to know her well, and then you’ll tell me everything you’ve found about her. I don’t want mistakes. You’re dismissed”

“As you wish, milady”. Gulsah bowed to her before leaving.

Gulsah left Hürrem’s chambers leaving the redhead alone. Her unborn baby was starting to kick inside her, which brought a small smile to her lips as she put her hands in her pregnant belly protectively in order to make the baby calm down.

“Your father arrived, my baby. We will pay him a visit soon, so he won’t forget you, me and your siblings”. Hürrem told to her unborn as she was lost in her own thoughts about the recent events between her, Suleiman and Milena. “We are his family and we are part of the Royal Family, and no one will take that from us”.   

Hürrem darkened her eyes thinking about her posibilities, especially the bad ones. No one would dare even to try and steal what the redhead thinks is her position and her place in her Sultan’s heart, not even her mother in law. Truth is, Hürrem and Ayse Hafsa never really liked each other and if the latter wanted to use that pitiful, wannabe—princess as her pawn to undermine her and her position, then she would learn soon what Hürrem was willing to do in her fight to secure her children’s safety and her own.

Chapter Text

Firuze hatun took a little stroll along with her daughters in the gardens of Topkapi Palace, Mahpeyker who was already four years old, and Nilüfer who was two years old, the girls were still infants. Firuze took a stroll along with the maids assigned to her and her children before showing her respects to the Valide upon her return from Edirne. Taking a break away from Hürrem was a much-needed respite from her presence and spending time with her little daughters and seeing them grow so fast was one of the moments she cherished the most. Despite the redhead's disparaging remarks about her failure to provide Suleiman with a male heir, Firuze took immense pride in her daughters.

Firuze's story begins with her being a Persian concubine who became Hürrem's strongest rival during their time in Manisa. Firuze was sent to Prince Suleiman as a gift. She was born in Tabriz as an orthodox Christian commoner named Hümeyra. She was taken as a slave during one of the many Ottoman invasions in the East. Upon entering the prince's harem, her beauty quickly caught his eye. Hümeyra, tall, slim, and dark-eyed, became known soon not only for her physical beauty but also for her quiet and easy-going nature, which contrasted with Hürrem's extroverted and rebellious personality. After converting to Islam, she was given the name Firuze, which meant “turquoise”, in order to highlight how beautiful and delicate she was, like a jewel. She was the very first woman to threaten Hürrem's privileged position in the harem before the arrival of Isabella and Milena, posing an actual challenge to the redhead, who obviously was not happy to share her man with another woman again.

Soon Firuze rose in prominence quickly after becoming friends with Hatice Sultan first and later gaining the favour of Suleiman's mother, which made more easier for her to get to know him better making them closer, despite Hürrem's chagrin and displeasure against Firuze for sharing the bed with Suleiman for years. Despite her jealousy towards the Persian concubine, luck was on the Ruthenian side anyway. Firuze managed to get pregnant three times by him, but she only gave birth to girls on her first and second pregnancies, and the third ended in a spontaneous abortion. Even if Suleiman loved his daughters dearly, the lack of male heirs made him and Firuze grow apart gradually and finally he stopped calling on her to his private chambers. He went back again to his other main favourite, Hürrem.

The rivalry between Hürrem and Firuze for Suleiman's affection was long dated since they were living in his harem when he was governor of Manisa. The most algid moment between both women happened when Hürrem found that Firuze was pregnant for the third time and out of rage, she attacked physically the Persian concubine to make her lose her unborn child because Hürrem couldn't afford Firuze to give birth to a boy someday, which would strengthen her position on his harem. That day, Firuze was found battered and unconscious in her private chambers by one of her maids who reported everything to Ayse Hafsa Sultan, who oversaw her son's harem back in Manisa. Firuze remembered little of the beating after she became unconscious from the vicious attack, but she remembered clearly that it was Hürrem who attacked her.

Ayse Hafsa intended to exile Hürrem to the Old Palace after she attacked Firuze and her unborn grandchild. However, Hürrem managed to convince Suleiman with lies that she was innocent and had nothing to do with Firuze's attack. Suleiman ordered his mother not to banish Hürrem to the Old Palace, arguing that there was no solid proof of her involvement in the incident. This incident between Firuze and Hürrem was the main reason Ayse Hafsa rightfully despised Hürrem. Firstly, as the prideful woman Ayse Hafsa always was, she never forgave Hürrem for making her look incompetent in her son's harem affairs, as Hürrem got away with everything after she attacked Firuze. Finally, but no less important, Hürrem dared to attack a member of the dynasty in the form of the unborn baby, a crime that, in Ayse Hafsa's eyes, should have been harshly punished if justice had been served correctly.

But Firuze never forgot that incident itself. Witnessing Hürrem getting away with the murder of her baby and later having to coexist with her as if nothing happened nearly destroyed her mental sanity. However, she found solace in the company of her daughters and the support of Ayse Hafsa, and Hatice. Firuze promised herself that if justice were not served on Hürrem for killing her baby, she would someday get revenge on her and later Suleiman for not acting when it was due. Back to reality, Firuze pondered about her present. While she gave birth to two daughters and kept a civil and respectful relationship with their father, there was no love between them after that incident. There was nothing between them, except her growing contempt towards him. She successfully masked her resentment against him under a façade of respect and submission, something he did not seem to notice. Indeed, he seemed to like her supposed submissive behaviour.

At least, she was lucky not to see her children competing for the throne, as girls were not allowed to take the throne when their father died. Although she accepted this, she looked forward to Hürrem's eventual downfall as their conflict was far from over. Firuze was holding Nilüfer in her arms and her oldest daughter was walking beside her, who was holding her mother’s hand. Firuze and the little girls visited the Valide in her chambers, who was accompanied by her eldest daughter, Hatice Sultan. The Valide seemed to be in good spirits after seeing her granddaughters. It was well-known that she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and doting on them. Firuze entered the chambers with the girls as the doors opened and bowed before Valide and her daughter out of respect for them.

"Mahpeyker, my little princess, we missed you so much. How are you?" Ayse Hafsa asked the little girl in the same affectionate tone she always used to refer to her and the rest of her grandchildren. This brought a small smile from her granddaughter.

“I’m fine, I missed you too and Auntie Hatice.” Mahpeyker answered innocently as she hugged her grandmother. She went to greet her aunt Hatice, who hugged the little girl too.

"Firuze, come here with Nilüfer," Ayse Hafsa greeted Firuze. Obeying, Firuze brought her youngest daughter to her grandmother and kissed her hand in greeting.

"Where is my daddy, Auntie Hatice?" Mahpeyker asked politely, eager to see her father.

"Your father is a little busy right now, but he will come to visit us soon, my little princess," Hatice answered with a warm smile. "How about we go to the gardens and have some sweets?" Hatice asked her niece, who agreed with a big smile. It was obvious that Mahpeyker was Hatice's favourite niece and decided to take her outside to spend some time with her and sensing that Firuze wanted to talk to Valide privately too. So, Hatice took the hand of the little girl and went to the gardens, accompanied by some maids, leaving Firuze alone with Ayse Hafsa and Nilüfer.

After noticing how uneasy Firuze looked, Ayse Hafsa wanted to reassure the younger woman that nothing bad would happen to her if she could prevent it. She understood why Firuze felt this way, as she would have to face Hürrem once again and relive her most by traumatizing moments of her life by seeing that woman again. Deep down, she felt it was unfortunate that Firuze could not provide her son with a male heir. The Persian concubine was silent, waiting for the Valide to speak.

Ayse Hafsa openly favoured Firuze from the beginning because she was hardworking, obedient, and respectful of the harem rules, never complaining about them unlike Hürrem. She felt sorry for everything that happened to Firuze back in Manisa and thought she deserved better, even though her son was no longer interested in her. Firuze always appreciated Valide's and Hatice's consistent support. As her son's lack of interest in her was mutual, her primary focus was on her daughters.

“Firuze, my dear, I am just so sorry things must be this way. You know I would have banished that woman to the Old Palace long time ago after she attacked you and your baby, but he did not believe us.” Ayse Hafsa spoke to Firuze in a very unusual apologetic tone. She felt responsible for her wellbeing to some extent. “But Hürrem’s days manipulating my son with her deceitful ways will be over soon, my dear, and my lion will realize the mistake of believing Hürrem’s lies.”

“How so, validem?” Firuze asked quietly waiting for the Valide’s response.

“There will be a celebration tomorrow, and I will send new girls to entertain him like we used to do in Manisa. Hopefully, one of them will catch his eye.” Ayse Hafsa was considering sending Milena, knowing how interested Suleiman was in her after he returned from his campaign in Belgrade.

If Milena manages to obtain the purple handkerchief and then walks the golden path, she will do everything she can to strengthen her position and to finally undermine Hurrem's. This would be her retribution for what she did to Firuze and her baby. Ayse Hafsa was convinced that Hurrem, being the non-conformist and impulsive person she was, would try to do something reckless and stupid again, this time against Milena. The redhead would not receive a second chance, and Ayse Hafsa was determined to ensure by herself that Hürrem did not get that opportunity again.

“Validem, I just wanted to thank you… even if we did not get to see justice for what Hürrem did to me, you and Hatice Sultan never left me alone. Your support always meant a lot to me.” Firuze spoke with a subtle sadness on her voice as she remembered the loss of her baby. She was not mad at her mother-in-law. She did the best she could to support her and her children. Firuze’s problem was with her son and Hürrem specifically, not the Valide.

“Oh dear, I understand your pain but try to not to be sad. We will see justice someday. Maybe not so quickly as we wanted, but trust me, Hürrem will be punished for what she did. You need to be strong for yourself and the girls.” The Valide kindly promised to the dark haired hatun as the younger woman nodded. “Tomorrow, you will be proudly at my side celebrating and witnessing Hürrem’s downfall. But I need you to be patient. I have arranged your own chambers, go with Nilüfer, and take some rest.”

“Thank you Validem, for everything you’ve done for us.” Firuze thanked the older woman as she took her youngest daughter and went to her own chambers.

Firuze went to her chambers with her youngest daughter as her oldest was still with her aunt in the gardens, her maids accompanied the hatun and they found soon the chambers the Valide had arranged for her. They were very beautifully decorated, comfortable and spacious and Firuze liked them. As soon as she entered, there were two young girls being almost done putting her stuff carefully from the chests to the shelves under the attentive gaze of Firial Kalfa. By judging for their foreign accents, Firuze thought they would be from somewhere in the Balkans, one of them, the green-eyed one was particularly very beautiful, and she already felt sorry for her.

“That’s enough for now. I wish to be alone with my daughter please”. Firuze asked politely after seeing the young girls finishing their work.

***

The celebration day arrived and as Ayse Hafsa expected, the celebration went smoothly as she was pleased to see her son approving the girls she had sent to entertain him, as Daye informed her. Among them was Milena, who looked stunning as she danced. The eunuchs had taught Milena the steps to her and the other slaves on their dancing classes, and she seemed to excel at it. She was following with the practised steps of the choreography with grace and ease as the music played, capturing Suleiman's interest. A thing that even his best friend, Ibrahim Pasha, seemed to notice too. Ibrahim was particularly interested in the possible turn of events in the future and how they would play on his favour. Much like Firuze and Ayse Hafsa, he had more than one motive to see Hürrem banished for good.

As soon as the music ended, Milena made eye contact with Suleiman for a few seconds and could see how much pleased he was with her presence, as he seemed to not to care about the other girls as his gaze was fixated on her. She had to succeed for her own good and her mental sanity, because she was not born to be a slave forever. She was born a under the Brankovic dynasty anyway and her family had intermarried with local and foreign dynasties for centuries. She was born to rule, not to be ruled and power was never a strange thing to her.

Milena had made her choice in her heart, and she thought the wisest and safest way to reach her aim was to adapt, learn and follow the Ottoman rules and traditions carefully. Later, she would bore Suleiman’s children, at least one of them would be the next Sultan succeeding their father by any means and finally, Milena would rule the world next to her son’s side as his Valide, much like Ayse Hafsa did with her own son. That was her dream and her goal, and she was ready to fight for it.

The purple handkerchief had fallen right in front of her, meaning that Suleiman had chosen her to walk the golden path. Now, Milena would shape the future she had envisioned for her and her future children in her own terms and not his. Of course, love was out of the table. She could respect him and promise him loyalty because she was not stupid to challenge Suleiman, but Milena was almost certain she could never love the man who ruined her life after the siege of Belgrade. And the same man who ruined her in the past too.

That small piece of silk on her hands had sealed Milena’s fate. She was ready to face her destiny.

Chapter Text

Constantinople, 1521.

After receiving the purple handkerchief on her hands, the celebration was over, and Milena went back to her communal chambers with the rest of the girls who danced for Suleiman that night. They were accompanied by Sumbul Agha and Firial Kalfa. The other girls were envious of her success, but she didn’t care about their opinion, what mattered now were the facts. Suleiman liked her enough to invite her to walk the golden path and the small piece of purple silk was the proof of that. As they walked, Firial cleared her voice to explain to Milena the importance of that small handkerchief.

“That small handkerchief our lord gave to is very important. Don’t lose it”. Firial warned Milena with her typical serious voice. She commanded authority as she spoke.

“Tomorrow, you will be sent to our lord’s chambers. If you please him enough, he will ascend you to be one of his favourites after walking the golden path”. Sumbul Agha added in the same commanding but indifferent tone as Milena listened attentively to their instructions.

“Does this mean that I might share his bed with him tomorrow…”. Milena thought as she was evaluating all the possibilities. She remained silent as she waited for more instructions from Firial and Sumbul.

“That being said, our lord will be expecting you and you will be on his bed”. Firial finished bluntly before leaving her and the rest of the other girls in their chambers. “Go to rest Milena, tomorrow will be a long day”.

“And what happens if I refuse to go? I mean if I refuse to be with him”. Milena asked tentatively. She knew the answer beforehand, but she wanted the answer straight from Firial’s voice.

“You don’t want to be beheaded, do you Milena?”. Firial asked back sarcastically. “Stop asking stupid questions Milena before I punish you for being annoying and insolent. You’re our lord’s property right now, he can do as he pleases with you before you even dare to protest”.

There was a lot to think about. Milena was overwhelmed with the turn of events, even if she was happy for succeeding, deep down she was terrified and anxious. Maria was sleeping next to her. Milena decided not to disturb her friend but tomorrow she would seek a moment to confide to her everything that happened moments ago.

Milena tried unsuccessfully to sleep, but she couldn’t after everything Firial told her. Her mind kept repeating that her fate was sealed and there was nothing she could do to prevent it.

***

The next day, Milena and Maria were working normally, this time, they were in Hatice’s chambers tidying her clothing and jewellery on chests, under the cautious gaze of Firial Kalfa who seemed to be scrutinizing every movement from both girls as they worked. Maria noticed some uneasiness on Milena’s part but didn’t dare to ask her in front of the Kalfa. Milena looked at Maria and she seemed to understand that her friend needed to talk to her later. Maria wondered if it had something to do with Milena being chosen to dance for the Sultan last night.

Milena looked briefly at the rich clothing and jewellery that belonged to the sultana. They seemed to be more colourful, prettier, and have far better quality than the clothing and jewellery she used to wear back in her homeland, despite being already a privileged woman there. She wondered if that was the life that was waiting for her if succeeded tonight. 

“If you want to talk about what happened last night, we can do it when we are done with this”. Maria whispered. Milena just nodded appreciatively.

The girls were done with their work quickly, and Firial seemed to approve of it before sending them to eat. Moments later, they were eating together in a corner of their chambers, being wary of the other girls’ looks. When no one was looking except her friend, Milena showed her briefly the small purple piece of cloth to Maria before hiding it on her clothing. Maria looked at it and covered her mouth with her hand trying to suppress her gasps of surprise. Maria remembered what it meant that piece of purple silk from what the aghas had told them in their lessons. Milena had been chosen to spend the night with the Sultan.

“How do you feel about that?”. Maria asked in a low voice, genuinely concerned for Milena. There was not any trace of envy in her voice.

“I’m terrified, to be honest”. Milena answered, still shocked by being chosen by him. “I don’t know what is going to happen next after tonight. That’s the thing that terrifies me most”.

“You… you will do great. I do not doubt it. You are a Brankovic, you were born for this, to be a queen, to be revered, loved and remembered by the people”. Maria reminded her trying to uplift her spirits earning a smile from her friend. “And no matter what happens, I will be always by your side. Just do your best”.

Milena was grateful for her friend’s words and hugged her silently. They meant a lot to her, and Milena promised herself that she would do her best to succeed, at least to make it worth it for her and her friend to be there away from their homeland. If there was one certainty Milena had, for sure Maria would be next to her if she reached the top of the hierarchy of the harem. Maria had been her rock all this time, and someday Milena would reward Maria’s unwavering loyalty and patience handsomely.

***

In her private chambers, Ayse Hafsa was once again in good spirits. She seemed pleased with the turn of events after Daye confirmed to her that Milena had enchanted her son with her beauty and dance skills, enough for him to choose her to walk the golden path. Her plans to diminish Hürrem’s influence seemed to be going smoothly and with Allah’s blessing, Milena would become pregnant and give birth to a prince in the future. Soon, the older woman would make sure that the redhead would learn what it meant to cross Ayse Hafsa Sultan.

Ayse Hafsa was discussing with Daye about overseeing Milena's training and education about the harem system. She had also instructed Daye to prepare Milena to be sent to Suleiman's private chambers that night. However, little did they know that Hürrem was eavesdropping all their private conversation behind the door. The redhead was furious and decided to confront her mother-in-law directly by storming into her chambers without warning. Her rude behaviour instantly angered the Valide.

"What are you doing here? How dare you to enter my chambers without my permission?" Ayse Hafsa asked coldly, expressing her very evident displeasure at the sight of Hürrem, who was really upset after learning that Milena was going to spend the night with Suleiman. "I always knew you weren't smart enough to understand the rules of the harem, but I would expect at least some basic manners from you when addressing me. What do you want?". Ayse Hafsa finished annoyed.

"Is it true what I heard?" Hürrem asked directly to Ayse Hafsa without even greeting her, the redhead was still upset enough with the older woman to be that rude in front of her. "I know you've always hated me, but there was no need to humiliate me by sending that pathetic little girl to his chambers this Thursday."

"Humiliate you? Excuse me?" Ayse Hafsa asked sarcastically, feigning surprise after the audacity of Hürrem to talk back to her. "Maybe you need your memory to be refreshed again, Hürrem. You live in my son's harem, and you don't get a say about who he asks to be sent to his chambers."

"So... he... he asked for her?" Hürrem asked, not wanting to believe that it was Suleiman himself who asked for that little Serbian snake, as Hürrem called her mentally.

"Yes, he did choose her to walk the golden path. And before you start complaining, I don't owe you an explanation, and my son doesn't owe you permission if he wants to share his bed with other women," Ayse Hafsa answered her question with cold bluntness, without caring if Hürrem was upset. She was done with her attitude and overall rude behaviour. "You know perfectly well that given your pregnancy, you are not allowed to share the bed with His Majesty, and my son has certain obligations to attend to regarding his harem and the dynasty. You should be grateful that you're pregnant because, in another context, I would have punished you harshly for being so disruptive and insolent."

“One day Validem, your era will be over. When the time is due, mine will begin after the end of yours. Mehmed will be the one who succeeds his father; I promise you that and I suggest you stop lecturing me as if I were a mere cariye. I’m not Firuze in case you have forgotten that”. Hürrem spat out of resentment towards her mother-in-law, who merely smiled sarcastically before she answered the redhead.

Hürrem’s attitude reminded Ayse Hafsa of the other women she used to battle in her youth for Suleiman’s father's affections in the past. From Hürrem’s part, there’s no way she’s going to give up on Suleiman. Not after she sacrificed so much against her will to be there and even gave up her identity to please him. And his mother was not going to be in the way of the redhead’s goals.

“You’re so sure of it, don’t you? I pity my poor grandson, you’re his biggest misfortune, and one day you will lead him to his death with your own stupidity, you mark my words. Which is unfortunate for such a kind boy”. Ayse Hafsa spoke calmly as sarcasm and venom were dripping from her voice, after listening to the veiled threat from Hürrem’s voice. “Don’t start games that you can’t finish with me Hürrem, you are not that special or remarkable enough to challenge me. All my life I have encountered women with the same attitude as yours. Do you want to know how they ended? They ended up lying in caskets next to their sons and being forgotten. Now, leave my chambers and stop ruining my day, I don’t want to see your face for now”.

Hürrem was still pissed with her mother-in-law, but she could not deny that everything the older woman said had gotten to her. She repressed her urge to cry in front of her because she was not going to give the Valide the satisfaction of witnessing her weeping in front of her in a moment of weakness but the war between the redhead and Ayse Hafsa was far from being over. Without wanting to be there, the redhead stormed out from the chambers trembling with fury.

Ayse Hafsa sighed out of annoyance. The younger woman had ruined her good mood and the Valide looked to her old friend with an order on her mind.

“Daye, make sure to send Milena to the bathrooms and get her prepared for tonight for my lion. I don’t want mistakes”. Ayse Hafsa ordered still pissed after the encounter with Hürrem. “Keep an eye on Hürrem too and report me everything she does, if she keeps being this rude to me, I’ll make sure she ends up in the Old Palace at the very first mistake. She’s very wrong if she still thinks that my lion is going to be her slave”. 

“As you wish, Validem”. Daye promised obediently.

***

Following Daye’s orders, Milena was sent to the bathrooms where other cariyes were helping her to bathe. After finishing her bath, she went to her chambers where other girls were already there to help her get ready. They adorned her with a white dress and jewellery, styled her hair, and applied her perfume. When Milena looked at herself in the mirror, she looked stunning, but she saw a completely different woman. It appeared though she was seeing a different version of herself in her own reflection, but her intuition told her that this was just the beginning. She knew that after tonight, she would have to give up her identity if she wanted to survive and rise to the top of the harem's hierarchy.

The aghas escorted Milena to his chambers, telling her that tonight could change her life if she behaved like a woman worthy of being with the Sultan. Milena could barely speak due to her nervousness and anxiety, which seemed to worsen when they encountered a redheaded woman who seemed to be in the middle of her pregnancy accompanied by a blonde maid. It was Hürrem hatun and her maid, Gulsah. Despite the angelic beauty of the Hatun, Milena knew straight away that woman was not someone to be messed with, at least not for now. Still, she didn’t care about Hürrem’s predatory and territorial attitude. Milena was certain that Suleiman had asked for her company tonight, so she was going to stand her ground and not lower her gaze against a mere peasant who thought she owned the Palace because a man gave her some attention.

“Keep going, girl. Hürrem hatun should not be there, and it’s for the best not to keep our lord waiting,” Sumbul Agha spoke without fearing the tantrums of the redhead. He was used to them.

“Why shouldn’t she be there?” Milena asked curiously, feigning ignorance. She knew Hürrem was not allowed to be there at night because it was forbidden for a concubine to share the bed with the Sultan if she was pregnant.

“Because she’s pregnant,” Sumbul answered with annoyance like it was an obvious thing. “Hürrem is a lost cause. She will never learn her lesson until our Padishah punishes her directly. The Valide is going to punish her too again for being there and not obeying her.” He finished, whispering in a barely audible voice, but Milena heard what he said and didn’t comment nothing more, but made herself a mental note about what Sumbul said about Hürrem.

Hürrem approached Milena with a sour expression on her face, having seen the younger woman wearing the emerald ring that was meant for her. It was evident that Hürrem was jealous, and she came to make a scene, thinking Milena was another naive, young, and pretty Christian girl like Firuze back in the day, always trying to steal her man. However, Hürrem was wrong if she thought Milena was another pushover she could mess with, and she would make sure Hürrem learned that lesson in their first direct encounter.

“You're either daring or stupid to come here wearing that in front of me. Or maybe both,” Hürrem spat out of jealousy, looking at Milena’s ring. Milena observed her quietly before pushing her buttons.

“This is a gift from our lord given to me. If you have a problem with that, you can always express your discomfort with him directly. But you can’t because you can’t question him, am I wrong Hürrem?” Milena answered with a small smile, her gaze never faltering, a thing that seemed to irritate Hürrem even more. “It’s such a pity that a mere concubine like me gets the gifts that were meant for a favourite like you. Don’t you think?”

“How dare you talk to me like that! I’m the mother of his princes, you pathetic little wench,” Hürrem shouted angrily as Gulsah tried to calm the redhead down without success. "I am Sultan Suleiman's favourite concubine since he was a sehzade. He has broken many traditions out of love for me, and I gave him many heirs in exchange. You're just another wretched princess, and you won't even notice when I'm getting rid of you just like all the others who came before you, little Milena."

“If you don’t have anything important to say, I need to go. Our lord is waiting for me, and you should know better that it’s not a good thing to make him wait,” Milena retorted calmly but with a hint of annoyance.

Hürrem was still shouting nonsensical things after Milena spoke. The auburn-haired woman was merely observing how Hürrem was losing her control by making a scene, after saying one or two things. The noise might alert Suleiman after sending Ibrahim directly to put an end to the scandal and ensure that Milena was on her way to his chambers. Gulsah and the aghas went pale after they saw Ibrahim coming towards them, but Hürrem seemed not to notice him.

“Aghas! By orders of our lord, make sure Hürrem hatun goes to her chambers. Now,” Ibrahim ordered with authority, and no one dared to question him. Hürrem was agitated after she stopped shouting, and after Ibrahim turned his attention to her, the aghas approached her.

“You should not be here, Hürrem hatun. Also, you must be more careful. After all, you’re carrying a member of this dynasty, and you could harm yourself or the baby with this fit,” Ibrahim explained to Hürrem, who was still very angry. Ibrahim was making sure to express clearly how annoyed Suleiman was with the redhead. “Go to your chambers, and our lord will have a word with you tomorrow. He’s not happy with your recent attitude towards his mother and the rest of the harem, hatun.”

“I can go on my own feet. I don’t need you to escort me,” Hürrem spat at the aghas before turning to Milena. “This is not over yet, Milena. Mark my words.”

Deep down, Hürrem feared being in trouble with Suleiman enough to upset him and lose his attention. Her biggest fear was not being able to maintain his affections because he and her children were her only family.

“Milena, please, go to our lord’s chambers and don’t make him wait any longer.” Ibrahim ordered coldly before leaving. Milena just obeyed silently as the aghas escorted her to Suleiman’s chambers.

***

Suleiman was impatiently waiting for Milena, the beautiful woman who had helped him ensure victory efficiently in his Hungarian campaign. Her help had saved countless lives of his men in battle. He was used to being with the most beautiful women without much effort, but Milena was different from Hürrem, Firuze, and all the other women he had been with, and Suleiman knew it.

Soon she would no longer be Milena. He was debating if he should name her Mahidevran or Gülbahar if she asked him to convert.

He wanted a different woman because his needs were changing as time passed. He needed someone who could rely on but also challenge him in every aspect of his life and make him improve, to be a better man, ruler and person. There was no point on denying that Milena was that woman, not only because she was the most beautiful woman he had seen on his life, but she was also intriguing, mindful of their traditions and rules, but intellectually challenging enough to keep him interested on her. He also hated to admit it, but no matter how much he loved Hürrem in the past, his feelings for her were waning after witnessing her being constantly rude and entitled behaviour towards his mother. He already had so much on his plate to deal with her immaturity on top too.

Suddenly, the doors from his chambers opened, revealing Milena who looked more beautiful as if that was possible. Seeing Milena made him smile, he was not mad at her after all.

To be continued…

Chapter Text

As Ibrahim had adverted her last night, Hürrem was summoned to Suleiman’s chambers where he was waiting for her after finishing breakfast with Milena. His expression turned serious upon seeing Hürrem. His veiled dissatisfaction made Hürrem feel uneasy, as she knew immediately that she was in trouble.

"Hunkarim," Hürrem spoke to Suleiman with the utmost respect as she bowed to him. "You summoned me."

"Indeed, I did," he answered emotionlessly as he was busy finishing a rich and very detailed necklace. It was a very beautiful piece of jewellery. Suleiman didn’t bother to look at the redhead, and she didn’t dare to ask him if that necklace was for her. He took his time to speak to Hürrem again. "Have you wondered why I summoned you here?" he asked.

"I don't know, Hunkarim. Have I done something wrong? I can explain..." Hürrem tried to explain herself before being cut off by Suleiman, who raised his hand silently, implying that he was not in the mood to hear the same excuses she always gave when she did something wrong. His piercing blue gaze seemed to instantly intimidate her.

“Indeed, you did. You don’t need to explain yourself, but I want you to know that you wronged me twice yesterday Hürrem. If you don’t understand what I mean, I can explain it to you quickly,” Suleiman interrupted her in a tone that didn’t allow Hürrem to retort. Despite speaking calmly, Hürrem had never seen him being this upset with her before. “First, you wronged me by being rude and disrespectful towards my mother. Also, you wronged me again by berating the woman who saved my life and the lives of many of my men in battle in the campaign in Hungary over a ring that was not even meant for you in the first place. How dare you to question my decisions? Who do you think you are?”.

Hürrem remained silent as he kept talking, not to piss him off more. She was trying her best not to cry in front of him after his harsh reality check on her. In Hürrem’s mind, Milena not only had managed to sneak her way to Suleiman’s bed last night but also made her experience the worst embarrassment of her life in front of him. She would make her pay for this, but she had to act quickly and get rid of her before she got pregnant like she did with Isabella just before arriving at Topkapi Palace. Hürrem had enough of Firuze already being so close with the Valide and Hatice Sultan, she didn’t want Milena to become another nuisance in her life like the Persian concubine. 

“Instead of being rude to my mother, you should listen more carefully to her when she says that men like me or my father don’t belong to one woman.” Suleiman kept talking relentlessly without raising his voice. “I need you to understand that I’m no longer a sehzade. I’m the Sultan right now, I have other duties and responsibilities and I can’t waste my time dealing with your immaturity.”

Hürrem was listening at the verge of tears and was unable to speak, she couldn’t believe that the man she loved so dearly could be so dismissive of her and her feelings by shattering her dreams to be the only woman in his life. Hürrem felt stupid for thinking about the fantasy of Suleiman closing his harem for her and that she could be his wife someday. She had paid a high price for a life she had never asked for after she saw her family die and being sold as a slave. To Suleiman, she would never be more than another beautiful slave like Firuze, just being there to please him and bore him children but nothing more than that. He made it that clear but she refused to accept that reality.

“I told this to Firuze in the past, but now I’m going to repeat it to you Hürrem. Your main role here is not to be my wife or something like that, get rid of that idea from your mind because I don’t remember promising you anything of the sort. What I expect from you is the same I expect from the other women from my harem, that is to provide enough heirs to ensure the future of this dynasty. I don’t expect more than your focus on Mehmed’s upbringing to be a decent heir”. He finished his tirade emotionlessly.

“My lord… can I ask a question?”. Hürrem asked Suleiman after he stopped talking. The redhead was openly weeping in front of him after being heartbroken by him at this point and was struggling with her words. Suleiman just nodded letting her talk. “I just need to know… are you falling for her?”.

“No.” Suleiman lied to Hürrem as he answered her question sternly to her. Her question had annoyed him because he felt he didn’t owe her an explanation about his private life and his feelings for Milena. “But if I did, I wouldn’t give an explanation to you about my private life or my feelings for other women. Don’t forget this conversation Hürrem, for your good. You’re dismissed.”

After reluctantly bidding farewell to Suleiman, Hürrem wiped away her tears and returned to her chambers. On her way, she unfortunately came face to face with Firuze, who wore a satisfied smile after seeing that Valide's plan had gone smoothly. Firuze had heard the rumours about Milena impressing Suleiman and the argument between the two women before Milena went to Suleiman's chambers. Firuze was pleased that Hürrem would now experience some of the hardships that Firuze had endured during their time in Manisa. Although Firuze no longer had feelings for Suleiman, she didn't care if he developed feelings for the new girl. She just wanted Hürrem to go through the same challenges and difficulties she had faced.

Firuze’s smile pissed Hürrem off to no end and she was waiting for Firuze to say something to her to retaliate against the dark-haired concubine. 

“Good morning, Hürrem”. Firuze spoke without missing the chance to throw a dig at the redhead. “I bet you have seen our lord being so smitten with the new concubine he brought from his last campaign, so that explains how sad you look. I always told you that another woman would come to steal your place, well that day came when Milena arrived here.”

“Do you want some advice Firuze?”. Hürrem quipped back. She was not in the mood to hear Firuze’s tirades. “Mind your own business with your daughters. Just like you in the past, she’s his temporary plaything. As soon as I give birth my Abdullah and he gets bored with her, he will keep calling me because I can give him sons, unlike you.”

Firuze, who was no longer affected by Hürrem’s snarky remarks on her most sensitive topics, remained composed before replying to the redhead.

“Maybe I never gave him sons or perhaps I would have given birth a son if the baby you killed had a chance to be born,” Firuze replied referring to the unborn baby she lost when Hürrem attacked her back in Manisa. “But at this point, I don’t care anymore. But no matter how many children you give to him, he’s not going to close his harem just because you asked him or that he’s going to marry you someday, be real.”

Firuze sarcastically bowed to her before speaking one last time.

“I have a bet with the other girls from the harem,” she said, her voice dripping with venom. “We're betting on how long it will take for the Valide to send you to the Old Palace after your altercation with Milena. I give it a month, but the other girls think you’ll do something foolish and be banished in less than two weeks. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important things to do than continue this conversation. Enjoy thinking about him with Mahidevran. That’s the name he gave to her, Hürrem.”

Without waiting for Hürrem's reply, Firuze walked away, leaving Hürrem alone. Normally, Hürrem would have responded aggressively to this kind of provocation from Firuze, but after her conversation with Suleiman, she was emotionally drained. She retreated to her chambers, closed the doors, and finally allowed herself to cry freely. Her heartbreak was unbearable.

Mahidevran was her name now…

Her heart ached as her nostalgia hit by thinking of all the promises he made to her in the past when they were just Alexandra and her Sehzade Suleiman in Manisa. She felt so stupid thinking that someday they would be exclusive to each other, them and their children alone. But instead, she had to endure seeing the man she loved being shared with other women without a second thought and Hürrem couldn’t lie to herself. She knew she could never accept the reality that she had to share him with his harem. Hürrem also felt discarded by Suleiman after seeing how little she mattered to him after their last conversation. 

As much as she hated to think about it without feeling like a hypocrite, she couldn’t help but think that Firuze had felt the same pain when he stopped doting on her. It’s not like she cared about her feelings, the ruthenian couldn’t help but wonder about it. Since he ascended to the throne, Suleiman became a completely different man, a man she barely knew and who was far from the man she fell in love with in Manisa and for who she gave up everything for him. And now, Hürrem was alone in her chambers crying with no friends to comfort her after she pushed them away out of jealousy, while the other girls were making fun of her behind her back and worst of all, he was sharing his bed with that snake without any remorse. 

But she would rebuild herself to come back, stronger than ever because her sadness was just a temporal thing. She had to be strong. For herself first, to fulfil the promise she made to her family because their sacrifice wouldn’t be in vain but most importantly, for her children’s future.

***

In the middle of the morning after finishing her breakfast with Suleiman, Milena went back to her chambers where Maria and the other girls were working by cleaning and tidying it before going to their classes under the strict gaze of the kalfas around them. As soon as she entered the chambers, the girls stopped what they were doing to talk and ask questions out of curiosity to her.  Maria approached Milena as she saw her crossing the door.

“Milena!”. Maria exclaimed as she and the other girls approached Milena as soon as she entered the chambers. “How do you feel?”.

Milena, who was not used to being around the other girls because she was always working with Maria, felt overwhelmed by the bunch of questions but she was nice enough to answer them all because her intuition was telling her that it was for the best to be in good terms with the girls from the harem.

"I'm fine, Maria. Our lord was a gentleman all the time we were together, and he treated me like a queen. He's a kind but a very pleasant man. Hopefully, I will give him a child soon," she answered candidly, looking at Maria and remembering her first night together with him. "But from now on, you all will have to address me as Mahidevran. He gave me that name this morning," Milena finished. She was still struggling with her new name because she felt she was losing a part of herself by being given that name. But, on the other hand, after her family abandoned her in Belgrade, she had nothing to lose by accepting her new reality to survive. She needed to talk about it with Maria in private.

Milena was in the middle of a conversation with Maria and the rest of the girls when Daye and Sumbul barged into the communal chambers with gifts from Suleiman. "Milena, you need to pack your things quickly. New chambers will be assigned to you," Sumbul informed her in a direct tone.

"Sorry, but I must inform you that our lord named me Mahidevran. I'm no longer Milena," Mahidevran politely corrected Sumbul, a statement that visibly annoyed him.

"So Mahidevran is your new name, then so be it, Moon of good fortune," Daye spoke as she handed a bag of coins and a small box to Mahidevran. "You're now his favourite, Mahidevran hatun, and our lord has sent some gifts to you."

"Thank you for the gifts," Mahidevran thanked Daye firmly as she kissed her hands. "I appreciate our lord’s never-ending generosity."

"Nigar," Daye addressed the kalfa as Nigar approached with her utmost respect. "When Mahidevran is finished packing her belongings, guide her to her new chambers."

"You heard her," Nigar ordered Mahidevran with her characteristic authoritative voice. "Pack your belongings quickly. I don’t have all day to wait for you."

Mahidevran went to her bed, grabbed the few things she owned and gave a last look to Maria. No matter what happened, she would never leave her friend behind. She then went to Nigar, who awaited her.

“Come, follow me”. The kalfa ordered firmly.

Mahidevran followed silently to Nigar, as she led her to her new chambers. In contrast to the simpler chambers where she used to sleep with the rest of the girls, her new bedroom was far more prettier and comfortable. As she was tidying neatly her belongings in her new bedroom, Nigar cleared her throat before speaking again.

“You must be smarter than everyone else if you want to survive. Many women are vying for your position and they will try to attack you. Be wise, give a son to our lord soon and don’t trust anyone”. Nigar warned seriously to Mahidevran without sugarcoating the truth. “Be aware of your surroundings and avoid fights. Now, if you excuse me, I have other things to do”. She finished before leaving.

Mahidevran saw Nigar leaving her leaving her chambers and finally leaving her alone. She collected her thoughts, many things had happened since last night and many things were going to change. She looked at herself in the mirror and saw a completely different woman than the girl she used to be in her homeland and a tear escaped from her eye. A part of her missed her past life.

A few minutes later, lost in thought, Mahidevran opened her eyes and saw what seemed to be an older and sorrowful version of herself in the mirror, dressed in somber black robes. She heard the older woman, with whom she had previously had nightmares, crying over her deceased son and imploring her to "Please save Mustafa from him." Mahidevran realized she wasn't hallucinating and wondered if the older woman meant that she should save her child or children from Suleiman. She wondered what she had gotten into after the events of that day when she and Maria were captured by the Janissaries.

In a moment of rare clarity, Mahidevran experienced a deep revelation, understanding everything with a newfound sense of purpose. She was resolute in her determination to utilize all her resources to shield her future son from any potential harm, especially that which could be inflicted by Suleiman. If she were to bear a son, she made a solemn vow to ensure that he would not meet the same tragic fate as Mustafa, the older woman's deceased son.

Before becoming known as Mahidevran, the name Suleiman gave to her, was born Milena, bearing the full name Milena Despina Brankovic. In her heart, she harboured an unwavering commitment to demonstrate to all that she was more than just another naive, ignorant, and foolish Christian peasant like Hürrem. Because the redhead with her boisterous attitude and her huge ego was not going to stand a chance if she wanted to fight her. Delving into her family history, she recognized that her esteemed ancestor, Valide Mara Hatun, had played a crucial role in guiding wisely her stepson, Sultan Mehmed II—Suleiman's great-grandfather— to greatness by collaborating with him in the conquest of Constantinople. In the present, she fervently held onto the personal aspiration of witnessing her future son ascend to succeed his father and ultimately rule the world as the next sultan. She would personally pay attention to his education and formation and her son would outsmart quickly his half-brothers. Her children would be equally loved and feared because they would have an equally strong and wise mother.

Because that was meant to be. It was written in her destiny.

***

Ayse Hafsa and her daughter Hatice organized a party to lift the spirits in the harem under the excuse of having fun listening to music, dancing and eating nice food. All the girls, including Mahidevran, were invited. Mahidevran sat between Hatice and Maria, all of them engaging in a pleasant chat and soon they found Hatice to be an actual charming young woman. The Valide was having a good conversation with both Firuze and Daye and she laughed from time to time, while Hürrem sat with her friend Gülfem and her maid, Gulsah. It was clear that she didn't want to be there, as she occasionally threw dagger stares at both Mahidevran and Firuze, something that Hatice noticed.

"I'm just so done with her childish attitude when she doesn’t get what she wants. I can’t help but wonder what my brother saw on Hürrem." Mahidevran heard Hatice mutter, clearly annoyed at Hürrem. Ayse Hafsa also noticed her daughter's annoyance and sighed.

"Is there something wrong, sultanim?" Firuze asked, seeing the evident displeasure on Hatice's face.

“Indeed, I do have a problem,” Hatice replied pretty upset looking directly at Hürrem. “If you didn’t want to be there, you just could have excused yourself instead of ruining the mood.”

“I don’t enjoy being around people who envy and hate me, that’s all, sultanim”. Hürrem replied to Hatice in a tone as if she were the owner of the Palace. “Maybe I’m bored too… perhaps little Milena could entertain us with her revered dance skills.” The redhead finished with a sardonic smile in an unsuccessful attempt to humiliate Mahidevran.

Mahidevran looked at the redhead with an unreadable expression on her face as she prepared quickly her comeback. She didn’t lower her gaze against Hürrem.

“Just in case you didn’t know, our lord has forbade everyone to call me by my former name, you included too. You have to address me as Mahidevran from now on because it’s the name our lord gave to me last night.” Mahidevran replied simply with satisfaction after Hürrem stopped smiling when the first addressed her halvet time with Suleiman last night. “And for your information, I will dance only if the validem asks me”.

Ayse Hafsa looked at both women before talking again.

“¿Do you want to dance, Mahidevran?”. Ayse Hafsa asked the younger woman. Soon she was going to teach another lesson to the redhead.

“No,” Mahidevran replied, very sure of her answer as she looked at Hürrem. She gained a small smile from Hatice.

“Then you won’t dance if you don’t want to, Mahidevran.” Ayse Hafsa conceded to Mahidevran. “No matter how many times I try to explain this to you Hürrem you will never learn, your insolent attitude is going to be your downfall one day. Go to your chambers, I don’t want to see your face again.”

Upset at both women, Hürrem stood on her feet and left her mother-in-law’s chambers being followed by Gülfem behind. As soon as they and Gulsah left the chambers, the rest of the assistants resumed the party, having a good time. Mahidevran had in mind what Nigar had told her about women like Hürrem. By seeing the attitude of the redhead, she soon realised what the Kalfa meant. Her intuition was telling her that at least, she should be aware of the redhead and her uneducated and aggressive behaviour.

Chapter Text

Constantinople, 1522. Months after the last chapter.

Mahidevran was in her chambers waking up to get ready for the day with the help of Maria and other cariyes after being summoned by the Valide early in the morning. Things about harem affairs seemed to chill a little after the last incident between Hatice, the Valide and Hürrem. The redhead was in the last stages of her current pregnancy and soon she would enter labour at any time. Hürrem spent most of her time resting in her quarters accompanied by her maids and her children, she was barely seen outside of it. But still, the auburn-haired was always aware of her surroundings and kept a low profile by avoiding fights as Nigar had advised her before. At this point, Hürrem may not be able to attack her directly, but she could send a maid to do so by following her orders.

As she was getting ready, the fatigue came back to her again. It was the same mix of fatigue, dizziness and aversion to certain foods she had been feeling since some weeks ago. But a realisation dawned on her after thinking about it. Could she be pregnant with her first child?. Being pregnant with his child was a real possibility. After all, Mahidevran had spent many nights with Suleiman in his chambers as he kept calling on constantly after giving her the purple handkerchief and being promoted as his favourite, especially on Thursdays. 

“Mil… sorry, Mahidevran.” Maria apologised before talking to Mahidevran. She was not used to referring to her friend by her new name and felt weird. “You look way too pale, do you want me to get a doctor to check on you?” She offered.

“No, it’s not necessary. I’m not sick, it’s just a mild discomfort, Maria.” Mahidevran answered dismissing her morning sick as she finished getting ready. “But I will seek one if this gets worse, thanks for your concern. If you don’t mind, I need to be alone” She requested Maria before seeing her friend leaving her chambers.

Mahidevran was finishing getting herself ready in front of the mirror when she felt a strange sentiment of nostalgia and sadness. Was the older woman intruding in her thoughts again?.  Her common sense would say that the older woman was an illusion, a product of her imagination. But deep down, she knew she couldn’t just avoid her, so she just stood there hearing what she had to say.

In an instant after being alone in the mirror, Mahidevran was not looking at her young self in the mirror, but at the same older version of herself she saw before. She was still beautiful with her grey hair but she carried the same sad and forlorn expression of losing someone she loved so much in her past life. For some weird reason, she was not afraid of her older self.

“Milena, I see he gave to you the same name he gave to me. I used to be Rösne before being Mahidevran.”  She heard the older woman asking her looking directly at her eyes. “Does he treat you well, at least?”

“I’m not happy with my life, but I have no other choice but to endure this the best I can if I want to survive. He has not mistreated me personally, despite ruining my life the day he besieged Belgrade with his Army.” Milena replied to her alter-ego with honesty. “I can’t go back home, I don’t know where my family is and I’m not even sure if they are alive as we talk. Do you mind if I call you by your former name?”.

“Go ahead, I don’t mind being called by my Albanian name by the way. I rather be called by it instead of the name he gave to me.” Rosnë replied with her gaze lost in her memories about her lost family and her beloved son. “I was like you when I was a young woman. I was full of life in my homeland, like a flower about to bloom before being kidnapped and sold as a slave. I hated that life but Mustafa was my only joy. Do you love him?”

“Do you mean Suleiman?. I do respect him Rosnë, but I don’t think I’d ever love him. Not in the way he expects from me. Romantically, I mean.”  Milena asked back and later answered Rosnë’s answers quietly. “Besides, my mother always taught and told me that love for women like her or me is both a luxury and a fantasy. I can’t afford something like that in the middle of my goals.”

“And your mother taught you well, Milena. In time, you’re about to discover something that’s going to change your life forever. If you do, please avoid making the same mistakes I did in the past. Like caring too much for a man who didn’t deserve it like Suleiman. Focus on your children first, he’s just not worth it.”  Rosnë warned Milena with a soft voice before disappearing.

Milena stood in front of the mirror, engrossed in her reflection, but to her surprise, Rosnë had vanished without notice. 

***

Following Ayse Hafsa’s orders after seeing her almost fainting, Mahidevran went to the doctor to get herself checked. Hatice accompanied her to the doctor after seeing her dizziness was getting worse. During the months that Mahidevran had lived in Topkapi Palace, she and Hatice Sultan had become quite close. It seemed to Mahidevran that while Hatice was a compassionate, kind and patient woman, appearances could be deceiving. Hatice could also be extremely firm without losing her composure like the Valide and she was not afraid to show her authority if needed, which reminded her of her sisters and her mother in her homeland. The young sultana was like a princess and embodied that by acting according to her title and social position.

On the other hand, Hatice believed that Mahidevran had everything that was required to survive in the harem beyond her obvious physical beauty. She was a relatively educated woman and intellectually prepared within her means, she had a strong personality without being insolent and she was caring enough to be respectful of the rules and traditions of the harem. Maybe that's why her mother chose her to counteract Hürrem's influence in the harem. Like the Valide, Hatice knew her brother better than most people and knew that he was used to the attention of very pretty women who were willing to do anything to do his bidding, but a beautiful woman who was intelligent enough to keep him interested in those deep conversations that he always enjoyed with those closest to him would be enough for her to stand out on his eyes.

Mahidevran was almost certain she was expecting a child from Suleiman but wanted to assure herself before telling him. She explained everything to the doctor her symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, the delays in her menstrual cycle and so on. The doctor listened to Mahidevran attentively and made her lie in a special bed before putting a sheet on her lower body and starting her examination moments later. After waiting some minutes, the examination finished. After analysing the results of the examination and the symptoms Mahidevran told her, the verdict was clear to the doctor. She was pregnant and her life was about to change forever as Rosnë said in the morning. Mahidevran was happy for herself, not him. She would love the child and if he were a boy, she would make sure to raise him to be the best among his half-brothers.

“Mahidevran hatun, congratulations.” The doctor confirmed her verdict as she gave the good news to Mahidevran with a small smile, congratulating her. “You’re pregnant.”

“Pregnant? Are you sure?” Mahidevran asked happily, not believing her luck. Pregnant with Suleiman’s child. She had to tell everything to Maria.

“This is wonderful, you have to tell this to my brother and my mother, quickly”. Hatice spoke unable to contain her happiness. “We need a celebration for this, congratulations Mahidevran.” Hatice finished with a smile, hugging Mahidevran. The sultana was pleased, she knew her mother would be over the moon learning that she would become a grandmother again.

“Indeed. Under my estimations, you must be at least six to eight weeks pregnant. Be careful with what you eat and try to not stress yourself”. The doctor advised her before leaving and bowing to both women.

“I will,” Mahidevran answered the doctor as she fixed her clothing before telling the news to Valide and Suleiman.

After the doctor left, Hatice stayed in Mahidevran’s quarters before returning to her mother’s. She wanted to talk with her and give her some advice, because despite being happy about her pregnancy, Hatice feared Mahidevran would end like Firuze.

“We need to talk, Mahidevran”. Hatice spoke with a more serious tone laced in her voice. “I’m going to tell this to you because I like you. But I’ll start by saying that I’m happy about your pregnancy, I really am. But you need to be careful if you don’t want to end like Firuze in her last pregnancy”.

“What happened to her?”. Mahidevran asked Hatice. She had an idea of what happened to Firuze from what she had heard from the other girls of the harem, but she wanted to confirm these stories from Hatice directly. It was well-known that Firuze Hatun was still very close to Hatice Sultan and the Valide, unlike Hürrem.

“It’s a long story. When my brother was appointed to his last sanjak in Manisa before ascending the throne, Hürrem was his most cherished concubine back then. By that time, my father was busy leading military campaigns in the east front and my brother was appointed by him to be in charge of his throne. In one of those campaigns, Firuze was captured and sold as a slave in the capital’s slave market, later sent as a gift to my brother’s harem.” Hatice explained Firuze’s story calmly to Mahidevran who was listening attentively. “As soon as she entered his harem, she caught his eye with her beauty and chill behaviour. Also, she never overstepped boundaries about the harem rules which made her gain my mother’s trust. Logically, Hürrem felt her own position being threatened by Firuze’s presence and started to make plans to get rid of her. She tried to poison her countless times, to start with.”

“And by feeling threatened, what does mean that?”. Mahidevran asked, taking mental notes and contrasting them with what Nigar had told her about other women vying for her actual position.

“My brother, like I said, was drawn to her beauty and her kindred attitude despite all the hardships she endured. I could even say that he was in love with her at some point, to Hürrem’s displeasure. I think his biggest regret was not being able to conceive a male heir with her.” Hatice answered Mahidevran.“As time passed, Firuze got pregnant twice by my brother, but she gave birth to two girls. And by the time of her last pregnancy…”

Hatice stopped speaking for a moment to collect her thoughts before expressing them in front of Mahidevran. By judging the expression of the sultana, it seemed that Hürrem had done something terrible to Firuze that ended in the abortion of her last baby. Something terrible enough to anger and disturb Hatice’s perennial serenity at the mere thought of it.

“...my brother barely paid any attention to Hürrem because he was more focused on Firuze’s pregnancy and her wellbeing. Being the jealous and aggressive person she is, Hürrem sent one of her maids to beat Firuze until she lost her conscience. Soon after, Firuze lost her baby as a result of the attack. She was devastated when she found she had lost the baby.” Hatice resumed, recounting the events that led to Firuze’s abortion. “My mother was able to catch the maid who attacked her and punished her harshly, but it was in vain. Suleiman refused to believe that Hürrem was behind the attack despite the proof. After that event, my brother’s interest in Firuze waned and it was… mutual on her part too. They barely talk unless it’s strictly necessary.”

“Can’t blame her, I’d be furious at both. Or maybe she’s a better person than me because if I were her, I’d be making both of their lives a living hell after that.” Mahidevran kept her thoughts to herself, and despite being disgusted with everything she told her, deep down Mahidevran understood what Hatice was trying to warn her.

“And that explains why Firuze hatun is always upset and the neverending disgust from the Valide towards Hürrem. I quite understand that I need to be more careful from now on.” Mahidevran spoke before leaving the chambers. “If you don’t mind sultanim, I have to tell our lord about the news. He needs to know… but thank you for this conversation. It was very useful.”

“It’s okay and the sooner you tell him, the better will be for you. I also have other affairs to attend to but I’ll tell my mother about your pregnancy first. She will be delighted!”. Hatice replied with a small smile after seeing Mahidevran leave. “Now, go!”

Mahidevran made a small bow to Hatice as a sign of respect and she went directly to Suleiman’s chambers by her own feet. She was feeling better from her morning sickness and didn’t need any kind of assistance to reach them. Mahidevran was on her way when she encountered him directly. He was busy talking with Ibrahim about some details of his next campaign in Rhodes. Both men were deeply focused on their conversation about building bigger cannons and Suleiman wanted Ibrahim to supervise their construction personally.

Suleiman was not aware of Mahidevran’s presence until he dismissed Ibrahim, who left quickly in another direction without noticing her. Suleiman’s stern and serious demeanour when he was talking with Ibrahim had disappeared when he noticed Mahidevran. He seemed to be more relaxed around the auburn-haired and was pleased to see her again. 

“Hunkarim,” Mahidevran spoke after bowing to Suleiman with her most respectful tone to him. “I… I need to talk to you about something important, but if you are busy, I can come later… I didn’t mean to bother you.”

Suleiman looked at Mahidevran, amused with her excess of formalities. His blue eyes were shining and a small smile appeared on his face after seeing her.

“If it’s an important matter to you, then it’s an important matter to me, Mahidevranim.” Suleiman replied, still amused at her but interested in what she had to say. “You could never bother me. I’m listening.”

“Well, this morning I went to the doctor because I was feeling unwell. Your sister, Hatice Sultan, was kind enough to accompany me”. Mahidevran started. The mention of her visit to the doctor picked his interest.

“How do you feel?”. He asked simply but worried about her health state.

“I’m fine. The doctor examined me and I’m not sick. I’m pregnant with your child, Hunkarim”. Mahidevran replied quietly waiting for his reaction. He studied her for a moment and lifted her chin softly to look at her green eyes.

“You have made me the happiest man this morning, Mahidevranim”. Suleiman spoke kindly as he kissed her forehead. “Tell my mother that I want a celebration. Our child deserves to be celebrated. Follow me to my chambers, I have a gift for you”.

Mahidevran followed Suleiman to his chambers as she was told to, but little she did notice that Gulsah hatun, one of Hürrem’s most loyal servants was hidden and had heard everything Mahidevran told Suleiman about her pregnancy. As Hürrem ordered her when she learned about Mahidevran’s arrival at the harem, she had been following Mahidevran quietly to learn her full daily routine. Gulsah already knew what to do by informing Hürrem about what she found about Mahidevran and then waiting for the redhead’s next instructions, even if her findings were about to upset the redhead more than she already was. 

Chapter Text

One day after the events of the previous chapter, Topkapi Palace, 1521.

The celebration of Mahidevran's pregnancy had passed smoothly. As the Valide had requested, sweets, juice and lots of gold were distributed among the harem girls. The Valide was so happy and in her best mood after learning the news about Mahidevran's pregnancy, that she distributed herself a good amount of gold among the harem in the company of her oldest granddaughter, Mahpeyker, and Daye. After learning about her pregnancy, Suleiman gave Mahidevran a very beautiful and elegant diamond necklace and she proudly wore it to the celebration. Despite the festive atmosphere, the detail of Mahidevran's wearing a new necklace did not go unnoticed by other concubines, especially Hürrem. The redhead did not hide her annoyance and displeasure at the news of Mahidevran's pregnancy, but she did not dare to say anything to her in front of the Valide. Apparently, Gülsah had told her everything she could find out about the brunette's pregnancy.

"That shameless snake... damn you Mahidevran... I hope that Serbian witch dies during childbirth..." Hürrem whispered venomously, as she looked with envy at the diamond necklace worn by the younger concubine, which she obviously thought that it was a gift from Suleiman.

After Mahidevran noticed Hürrem's mixed expression of both anger and envy in her face, she couldn't help but smile sarcastically in response to her immature and childish attitude. On the other hand, the redhead was also furious with herself because she knew that she had to attack Mahidevran right after she spent the night with Suleiman. It was too late and now Mahidevran was pregnant, she could not do anything to her without thinking about the consequences she might face first if she dared to do it, unless she sent one of her maids secretly to attack her.

Maria had also noticed the redhead's reaction and looked at Mahidevran back. Mahidevran seemed unbothered by Hürrem’s attitude, and she even seemed to be amused by seeing Hürrem's seething out of jealousy in silence.

"Don't do anything Maria, we just need to let her keep getting angry with herself. This baby is just the beginning. Soon she will spend every day annoyed, depressed or angry about something, especially when my prince is born. She needs to get used to it". Mahidevran whispered sarcastically to Maria, who simply watched as Hürrem kept talking quietly to Gülsah. Her other maid, Gülnihal, seemed to be embarrassed with Hürrem's attitude.

The Valide was in excellent spirits, and she seemed to be unbothered too. It was evident that Ayse Hafsa was satisfied with the good news as it meant that her plan was going as she had planned. She was hoping that Mahidevran could give birth to a Sehzade soon to counter Hürrem's power and influence in the harem. She was talking animatedly with Firuze about some subject that Mahidevran did not manage to hear well but that she sensed had to do with Hurrem. At times, they both stared at the redhead, who simply ignored them. Not because she didn’t want to tell one thing or two to Ayse Hafsa, Firuze or Mahidevran, she just wanted to keep a low profile and not draw Suleiman's attention in a negative light for her behaviour.

Once the celebration of her pregnancy was over, Mahidevran went to sleep in the new private quarters assigned to her. Unlike the chambers where she used to sleep when she was promoted to favourite, these chambers were much more spacious, elegant, and comfortable and were intended only for her. She no longer needed to share her chambers with anyone else. She was also assigned maids to her service and she did not doubt that she wanted Maria as one of them because she would not entrust the care of her children to anyone else and she had a blind trust in her childhood friend. Maria had also been given a new name and was now known as Fidan.

Tired of the social effort at the celebration, the brunette felt that sleep was taking over her body and decided to put on her silk pyjamas with her corresponding robe. As soon as she lay down in bed, she fell into a deep sleep almost instantly. It had been a very tiring day, but the girl was happy about her pregnancy and could not stop thinking about the future, imagining her baby in her arms. Suleiman had already told her and the Valide that if the baby turned out to be a boy, she wanted to name him Mustafa. Ayse Hafsa had explained to Mahidevran the meaning of the name Suleiman had chosen for her grandson. It meant "the chosen one" in Arabic and was also another of the names by which the prophet Muhammad was referred to.

As Mahidevran crossed the line between reality and the dream world, it didn't take long for her to realize that he was back home. She could see Belgrade in the distance, the castle that used to be his home. For a moment she saw her family, specifically her parents and siblings, dining and sharing pleasantly inside the castle but they seemed to be in her world without realizing that she was there. It was as if there was an invisible barrier between her and her family. Suddenly, her mother seemed to notice her presence, she seemed to be sad and somewhat embarrassed in the presence of her daughter. Mahidevran's mother was no more than fifty years old and physically she looked like her youngest daughter, with the same brown hair, the same fine features and the same green eyes. It was like seeing a more adult version of Mahidevran herself.

"Daughter... my little Milena..." muttered the sorrowful woman. Her name was Jelena. Her father and siblings were still doing their thing without noticing her. "I'm so sorry... But I can't... We can't turn back time..."

"Mother, I..." Mahidevran was about to say something, but she cut off the sentence before her mother spoke again. She wanted to know what had happened to them in Hungary since the siege of Belgrade.

"I know, I see it in your eyes... you want to know what happened to us in Hungary. Is not that true?" The woman asked in a calm tone despite the sorrow she felt at meeting her daughter again. Mahidevran simply nodded so she could hear her mother.
"Well, I'll tell you what happened, but I want you to promise me that you won't do anything stupid that puts you at risk... and the child you’re expecting. You must survive at any cost and become powerful, but I don't want you to forget who you are. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Her mother asked before continuing with what she had to say.

"Yes". Mahidevran replied in a quiet tone.

"Good. There are things that I think you already know and that you don't need to be repeated, but I'm going to try to summarize as best as possible what I have to tell you, without distorting the truth of course". Mahidevran's mother spoke in a tone in that it was best not to contradict her. "When your father decided to go to the support of the King of Hungary with his men to fight against the Ottomans, we made all the necessary preparations and set off. I thought it was stupid to have supported that scoundrel".
Mahidevran continued to listen to her mother attentively. Her intuition was telling her internally that she was going to find out something terrible, like that they were ambushed on the road by the Janissaries or something similar. But what she heard from her mother was something far worse and more disgusting than she realized.

"When we arrived in Buda... The King of Hungary betrayed and ambushed us". Mahidevran's mother recalled. "They accused us of terrible things that were not true, that we were spies for the Ottomans and they tortured us for days. I think you can imagine how it all ended".

Mahidevran listened silently as a rebellious tear threatened to come out of her eyes. After hearing everything, she was glad to have handed over the King of Hungary so that Suleiman could end his life. Even the quick death he gave to the Hungarian King was an act of kindness for all that he deserved. In her eyes, he deserved to suffer more before dying for what he did to her family. However, the realization that she was alone and that she would not see her family again had devastated her emotionally. She got closure at least, but the loneliness was still stinging.

"Mother, I don't know what to tell you... I wish things had been different". Mahidevran replied sadly.

"But they are not, and now you must look after yourself." Her mother replied as her reflection faded. "Remember what I'm telling you, you must become powerful so that no one will dare to disrespect you. Remember well who you are a daughter of and if you do things right, maybe your son will reign the world... don't let our sacrifice to be in vain Milena..."

"Mother, I promise you that the blood of my family will not be shed in vain..." Mahidevran promised, this time weeping openly and making no effort to dry them. "One day I will be the most powerful woman in this world when my son becomes the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and I will be the one to rewrite my history and the history of those around me".

Mahidevran's dream became more and more blurred, causing the image of her mother and family to slowly fade. Despite that, her mother's message had been very clear, and the brunette saw her purpose in this life more clearly. She didn't even know how to start, and I was confused, but... of one thing she was sure. Her son Mustafa would be the next Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, whatever the cost.

"Mother... mother... don't leave me..." Mahidevran gasped asleep as she moved back and forth on the bed.

The dream disappeared and everything went black. A few hours later, she woke up agitated and sweaty. To calm herself down, she got up and went to the balcony to get some air. It was just dawn and Mahidevran hoped that no one would be awake at that time, she didn't want to be seen.

"No one will even dare to raise their voice to me without losing their head... I will make my name to be forever remembered as the mother of the next Sultan of the Ottoman Empire". Mahidevran promised herself before entering her chambers again.

***

One month after the celebration, Topkapi Palace, 1521.

Hürrem was in her chambers, as she was in labour. Before her were the midwives, who were preparing themselves for the event before the redhead started pushing. On the other hand, in the chambers of the sultana mother, there were several women gathered praying and reciting passages from the Quran, wishing that the birth would not be laborious for Hürrem and that the baby would be born healthy. The redhead was very irritable from the discomfort and intense pain of the contractions but on the other hand, she was anxious, as she wanted to have her Abdullah in her arms. Because of the pain, Hürrem was unable to articulate a word, she kept screaming desperately and wanted the labour to end soon.

"Come on, come on girls, bring the doctor, move quickly!" Nigar Kalfa ordered as she organized the whole process.

The redhead had been in labour for more than three hours and pushing non-stop when the midwife told her that the baby's head was coming out.

"Keep pushing Sultana, the baby's head is coming out!" The midwife exclaimed to encourage the redhead, who was extremely exhausted at that point.

The redhead seemed slightly more relieved, even though it had been the most difficult of all her births, the baby had been born healthy, and soft crying flooded the room.

"The baby is already coming out, make one last effort... Congratulations Hürrem!" The doctor congratulated her and gave the baby after they cleaned her to Nigar.

"Give me my son Nigar, I want to meet my Abdullah," Hürrem demanded haughtily of Nigar.

"I am sorry to inform you, Hürrem, you didn’t give birth to a prince". Nigar replied sarcastically as she carefully handed the redhead baby girl to Hürrem. "Congratulations Hürrem, you are the mother of another sultana. May Allah give her a long life".

"That's not true Nigar, I gave birth to a prince". Hürrem insisted arrogantly, not wanting to accept that she had given birth to a girl.

"I've already given you your daughter, you can see her for yourself". The kalfa replied with annoyance at Hürrem's attitude.

Hürrem glared at Nigar but after looking under her daughter's clothes, she realized that Kalfa was not lying. To the disappointment of the Ruthenian, who did not hide her discomfort at having given birth to a girl.

***

Hürrem's Apartments, Topkapi Palace, 1521.

Ever since the birth of Huma Sultan, Hürrem had no desire to leave her chambers. She was devastated and emotionally frustrated, but the fact that Suleiman didn't even bother to go and see Hürrem or ask her how she was feeling after the birth of Huma, was something that had the redhead deeply depressed and very disappointed from his avoidant behaviour towards her. She barely got ready because Nigar forced her to bathe, she was eating very little and sometimes she outright refused food. Also, she felt exhausted from crying so much for having given birth to a girl again, it was as if she wanted to sleep all the time to forget that she should have given birth to a prince. Her older children were in the care of their maids.

"Every day is a never-ending hell in this Palace, the Sultan takes me out of his life as if I were to blame for having given birth to a girl and yet he is with that woman..." Hürrem lamented without addressing anyone and with a blank look as tears welled up in her eyes again. "I should be here with my Abdullah... "

Gülnihal suddenly entered the redhead's chambers, but she did not notice her presence. She didn't know how to give him the news about the birth of Mahidevran's twins, no matter how tactful she tried to be now to give her the news.

"Hürrem, how are you?" Gülnihal asked tentatively, listening to Hürrem's reaction.

"How do you think?" Hürrem replied sarcastically.

"There's something you need to know Hürrem, Mahidevran Hatun is..." Gülnihal tried to explain tactfully what she had found out trying to change the subject, but Hürrem stopped her dryly before she could continue talking.

"Don't talk about that woman or the other Persian bitch in front of me..." Hürrem snapped furiously at Gülnihal. "I know she's giving birth, and I hope that the wretched snake who ruined my life dies in childbirth."

"I know you're very stressed Hürrem and that giving birth to a sultana wasn't what you expected, but I thought you had to know that she gave birth to a pair of twins... I'm so sorry Hürrem..." Gülnihal apologized for giving her such news in the redhead's state of mind.

Hürrem burst into bitter tears in Gülnihal's lap from the pain of knowing that Suleiman seemed to have forgotten her and her newborn daughter after the birth of Mahidevran's twins. Hürrem had vied and fought so hard for his attention against other women since his days governing Manisa, but she had never felt so abandoned by him. For the first time since she entered the Suleiman harem, she felt anguish and actual fear of being displaced by another woman.

It was a taste of what Firuze felt when she was outplaced by Hürrem.

***

Months after the announcement of Mahidevran's pregnancy, Topkapi Palace, August 1521.

Two months had passed since the birth of Hürrem's youngest daughter, to whom Suleiman named Huma. The little girl was in excellent condition and the girl was adored by both her father and her paternal grandmother. Claiming that she had no breast milk, Hürrem demanded that her daughter be fed by a wet nurse, an attitude that Ayse Hafsa did not like at all and that had not gone unnoticed by Suleiman either. When she was not with Hürrem's wet nurse or maids, little Huma spent more time with the Valide than with Hürrem.

Fidan was helping Mahidevran to sit up after the strong contraction he felt a while ago. The brunette was almost certain that she was not carrying a single baby but was carrying twins in her belly. She was going to give birth at any time since the brunette was in the final stage of her pregnancy as the doctor who treated her regularly told her. The doctor kept a close eye on Mahidevran and the babies for any health problems. Mahidevran saw other women of the same build as her while pregnant, such as her older sisters or her cousins, and she remembered that none of them had a pregnant belly as big as hers, as she told Suleiman on one of her walks with him in the gardens of the Imperial Palace. He recalled that this detail had brought a smile to the Sultan's face and that in response, he had told her that he would be very happy if she brought a boy and a girl into the world if Allah allowed him.

The pregnancy had certainly been a very long, tiring and strenuous process both physically and psychologically for Mahidevran, but it had also been rewarding in some ways. Regardless of the circumstances, she felt a deep and genuine connection to the babies she was carrying in her womb. It was a feeling I couldn't describe in simple words. It was something inexplicable that went beyond words, logic or thoughts. Still, she couldn't deny that while pregnancy was a new experience for her, she was also afraid that something might happen to her or her children in childbirth.

As she wandered in her thoughts, a new contraction that came suddenly brought Mahidevran back to reality. It was a more painful and intense contraction than the previous one and she sensed that she was going to give birth at any moment.

"AHHH!" Mahidevran exclaimed in pain. Her friend immediately went to check on her, who quickly realized that a liquid was dripping from the favourite's legs. "Fidan, help me, find the midwife!"

Her friend did not need her to repeat the order, she quickly went to find a midwife in addition to notifying the sultana mother, who gathered a group of women who began to pray that Mahidevran's labour would be calm and that the children would be born healthy. Soon the news spread throughout the palace. Suleiman was busy on the council with his pashas discussing the final details for the campaign in Rhodes when Sumbul Aga rushed into the room where Suleiman was. He glared at the agha for interrupting the advice before speaking to him.

"I hope you have a very good reason to come in that way and interrupt the council if you want to keep your head in its place". Suleiman spoke, extremely annoyed by the interruption.

"Hunkarim, the childbirth has come earlier than expected and Mahidevran Hatun is giving birth to your son, my lord". The Agha replied, terrified by Suleiman's reaction.

"How is Mahidevran?" Suleiman asked in a more moderate tone, he was genuinely concerned for the well-being of Mahidevran and his children.

"As far as I could tell, she's already given birth to a baby girl but she's giving birth to another baby as we talk". Sumbul replied quickly.

Hearing the news from Sumbul, Suleiman abruptly ended the council and hurried to Mahidevran's chambers. The brunette had been in labour for more than three hours and had already given birth to her older twin, a baby girl. Outside the chambers were gathered a lot of girls from the harem and agas looking to know if Mahidevran had given birth to a prince. Among them were Hürrem's maids such as Gülsah and Gülnihal. The redhead arrived shortly after to find out directly the outcome of Mahidevran's birth.

"Is there any news?" Hürrem asked Gülsah.

"Apparently she gave birth to a girl and now she is giving birth to another baby, with Allah's favour, it will be another girl, my sultana," Gülsah replied with some arrogance as she looked over her shoulder at the rest of the harem girls present. There were many people gathered outside waiting for more news.

"WHEN IS THIS TORTURE GOING TO END! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" Mahidevran screamed in desperation as she continued to push with great effort clinging to the posts of her bed to give herself more strength. She was extremely exhausted and in pain, as Fidan tried to wipe away Mahidevran's sweat. "AAAAAAHHHHHHH! MY SON IS COMING!

"Mahidevran, calm down and breathe, the baby's head is already coming out. Keep pushing!". Nigar tried to reassure her before giving orders to the maids who were helping in the delivery.

The cry of the second baby seemed to reassure Mahidevran a little more. She hoped it was a boy. Not that Mahidevran was disappointed in her daughter, on the contrary, but to secure her place in the harem and succeed in her plans, she needed the other baby to be a boy.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Mahidevran kept screaming in pain as she continued to push with difficulty.

"Make one last effort, keep pushing Hatun, the body of the second baby is already coming out!" The midwife tried to cheer her up by seeing how the baby came out without complications. "Congratulations Mahidevran Hatun! The second baby is a boy... It's a prince, sultana!"

Mahidevran smiled exhaustedly as she listened to the boy's cry and sank into the bed of exhaustion as she breathed heavily. Once she caught her breath, Fidan helped her sit up on the bed and brought her water to help her recover.

"Bring me my children Fidan, I want to see them," Mahidevran asked, her voice still down from extreme exhaustion.

"Mahidevran Hatun, we are going to clean up the prince and hand him over to you. The midwife replied, who gave the newborn to Fidan to take him to her mistress's arms.

Once they cleaned the newborn of the remains of amniotic fluid and blood, bathed and dressed him and his twin sister, they handed the baby over to Fidan, who gave the baby to Mahidevran. The instant connection she felt with her children was something that could not be explained. Seeing how small, fragile and delicate her babies were in her arms, her protective mother's instinct automatically awoke. She gave him a small kiss on the forehead and caressed the newborn's cheek gently.

"My little prince, my baby..." Mahidevran spoke to the boy affectionately despite her tiredness. "From now on... Everything I do will be for you, my little lion".

"ATTENTION!" HIS MAJESTY SULTAN SULEIMAN KHAN IS HERE!" A guard shouted announcing Suleiman's arrival. Suleiman rushed in without even looking at Hürrem before entering Mahidevran's quarters.

Mahidevran was engrossed in her babies when she heard Suleiman come in. She looked at him, smiled at him, and handed the baby boy to Suleiman so that he could hold him. Suleiman took his son in his arms and the feeling of pride invaded him when he saw his little lion and his twin sister who was in Mahidevran's arms. He was extremely relieved and happy to see his twins healthy and safe. The Valide arrived shortly after to meet her grandchildren and could not hide her joy at the birth of the twins.

"You don't know how happy you made me today, Mahidevran". Suleiman commented proudly as he looked at his newborn son in his arms.

"They are beautiful... may Allah give the children a long life". The Valide commented tenderly.

"Allah willing, you may live many years to see your grandchildren grow up," Mahidevran replied smiling sincerely as she handed her baby girl to the Ayse Hafsa to hold the newborn girl in her arms for the first time. Joy and pride were present in the eyes of Suleiman’s mother as she held her granddaughter.

The ceremony of naming the children began shortly after Hürrem and Firuze arrived at Mahidevran's chambers. The Valide was attentive to any outburst from the redhead, but to her surprise, the woman behaved up to the occasion even though she clearly did not want to be in her rival's chambers. Reluctantly, the redhead bent down and went to place a protective charm on the newborn, who was in his father's arms.

"May Allah give a long and good life to the prince, Padishah," Hürrem spoke respectfully as she placed the amulet on the baby.

"May Allah always protect Selim and Mehmed too, Hürrem." Suleiman replied almost without looking at her. The expression on the man's face was indecipherable, but Hürrem didn't comment on it.

The naming ceremony continued normally and Suleiman had already decided on the names he wanted to give his children. The girl was named Mihrisah and the boy was named Mustafa.

A new era had started for Mahidevran after giving birth to Mustafa and Mihrisah. The age of the Sultana.

***

A few days after she gave birth to the twins, Topkapi Palace, 1521.

"You must understand one thing Fidan, unlike Hürrem, I do not seek the love of the Sultan, I want power". Mahidevran confessed to her friend about her own ambitions, after telling her about the dream she had about her family while carrying Mustafa. "If there is something that I have learned in this time, it is that love is irrelevant, what matters is loyalty. Even loyalty per se isn't enough either... you have to know how to make yourself indispensable... so he won't forget you. But changing the subject, I want you to do me a favour Fidan".

"What do you want, Mahidevran?" Fidan asked. She was one of the few people outside the imperial family who was allowed to call Mahidevran by her name directly in private, without using her title of Sultana".

"I want you to find out about that woman who makes charms that Firuze Hatun and Hatice Sultan always talk about". Mahidevran asked in a serious tone. "Bring her before me and I will reward you well. I want her to make an amulet that will protect my children, especially to Mustafa. But I also want an amulet for myself".

"As you wish." Fidan simply replied before leaving to find the charm maker, but Mihrisah's soft cry made her turn back. "Don't you want me to help you with the Sultana before I go?"

Mahidevran finished breastfeeding Mustafa and shortly afterwards handed him over to Fidan to lay in the cradle and put the child to sleep. She then handed Mihrisah over for Mahidevran to feed. Having given the newborn girl to her mother, Fidan left the Sultana's chambers to fetch the charm maker.

While feeding her daughter, Mahidevran stayed for a long time. Although Mustafa's safety was her priority because princes were always more exposed to danger mostly due to their place in the lines of succession, in no way it mean that she would neglect Mihrisah.

She had her plans for her, taking into consideration the example her parents set for her regarding her and her siblings's upbringing in her homeland, especially concerning her education. Having grown up in a completely different environment than her daughter, Mahidevran was going to be directly involved in Mihrisah's upbringing because she didn't want her to be just her brother's shadow to protect him. She also wanted her daughter to be her own person having her own agency and personality. Just as her mother had raised her and her siblings.

"It's okay my princess, mom has everything under control". Mahidevran spoke softly to her daughter as she snuggled her up to breastfeed. "My pretty princess... One day you will be a great sultana because you will have a powerful mother. I come from a lineage of powerful women, and you will not be the exception".

Mihrisah was finishing her breastfeeding time, and the girl began to fall asleep in Mahidevran's arms. The brunette arranged her clothes and put the child in her crib when Fidan arrived with the charm maker. To Mahidevran, the charm maker seemed insane in her opinion, but she did not comment on it.

"Please come in, the sultana is waiting for you in her chambers," Fidan asked politely. Mahidevran looked at her with a neutral expression on her face before speaking.

"Are you the charm maker?" Mahidevran asked tentatively.

The woman did not answer Mahidevran immediately and fixed her gaze on the twins, especially Mustafa, something that made the brunette uncomfortable. Then she looked directly at Mahidevran.

"Yes, I am. That's what do you want?" asked the charm maker again bluntly in a very haughty way.

"I have heard many good things about you from people I esteem very much and need your help". Mahidevran replied politely, though she didn't like the way the charm maker answered her previous question.

Mahidevran took out a large bag of gold that she left near her before speaking to the woman again. The bag of gold caught the attention of the charm maker.

"I want her to know that I'm going to reward you very generously." Mahidevran continued to speak, this time with a small smug smile on her face. She had noticed the bag of coins caught the attention of the charm maker. "Having clarified that first, I want you to make an amulet for each of my children and... I want one for myself. When do you think you can have them ready?"

"I can have them ready for tomorrow if you like." The woman replied with the same haughtiness before accepting the bag of gold that Mahidevran offered her. "Sultana, I need you to tell me what your wish is so that I can make the amulets you want."

"As for my children's amulets, I want them to be amulets of protection. I want them to have long and peaceful lives, free from the evil eye and other curses, but I also wish for my son to be the next Sultan of the Empire." Mahidevran replied calmly, looking into the eyes of the charm maker. "And about the last thing I told you, I want you to make me an amulet... may it give me good luck and with which I can secure my power. I don't want love, riches or other things, I want power because I want to protect my children at any cost."

"Well, as I told you, I'll bring you the amulets tomorrow." The woman promised in a more moderate tone before leaving. The woman looked back at Mustafa and then turned to Mahidevran. "You are in front of the next Sultan of the Ottoman Empire," the woman finished suddenly before leaving without even looking at Mahidevran and Fidan.

Both women looked at each other strangely after seeing the erratic behaviour of the charm maker was... strange, to put it kindly. Mahidevran handed the gold she promised to Fidan before making any comments.

"She's a very..." Fidan commented, unable to find the exact word to describe the charm maker’s bizarre behaviour.

"...special person, so to speak." Mahidevran finished seriously thinking about what had happened. "I hope she's just not lying. Pray for me Fidan, I must get pregnant again and give birth to another prince. I need to do it if I want to dethrone Hürrem and become Suleiman's chief consort". Mahidevran finished with her next goal in mind.

Chapter Text

Six months since the birth of the twins, Topkapi Palace, 1522.

Mahidevran was in her chambers, trying to get Mustafa and Mihrisah to fall asleep after she had fed them. The children were sleeping peacefully in their cribs when she smelled something burning and wondered where it came from. Minutes later, Fidan opened the door. She was very agitated but wanted to alert her friend of a fire that broke out in the palace.

"Quick, Mahidevran, we must escape, there is a fire!" Fidan urgently alerted her. "Give me the little girl, and you take the prince!"

Mahidevran didn't need to be told twice what she had to do. She took her youngest son and ensured that Fidan did the same with Mihrisah before they fled the fire together. Smoke filled the room, and fire threatened to burn down the rooms Mahidevran shared with her twins. The woman was desperate and hysterical, fearing for the health and safety of her babies and her friend.

Luckily, after managing to open the door, Fidan discovered a safe passageway leading to the main entrance. A few minutes later, they found out that Hürrem was also attempting to escape with three of her children and Gülnihal. Little Hüma was safe with her aunt, Hatice Sultan, and her cousins in another wing of the palace, away from the fire.

"Come on, what are you waiting for? Move!" Mahidevran shouted at Hürrem when she noticed that the Ruthenian was paralyzed with fear by the fire, urging her to wake up.

Hürrem didn't even have time to answer Mahidevran; she just nodded and ran away, making sure Selim and Mehmed were in good condition and safe. Gülnihal was behind the redhead, carrying Mihrimah in his arms. A few minutes later, Mahidevran and Fidan managed to escape unharmed with the twins. Finally, one of Firuze's maids, Cennet Hatun, arrived with her daughters, and they managed to escape unharmed. This seemed to bring relief to the woman, who had been struggling and screaming with Sumbul Agha to let her pass almost ten minutes ago.

"Blessed be Allah, my daughters are safe," Firuze exclaimed as she ran to embrace her frightened daughters who were crying in her arms.

After being alerted to the fire at the Palace, Suleiman rushed to ensure the safety of his children. He quickly passed by and went directly to Mahidevran and her babies to confirm they were okay. Hürrem saw the whole scene and her mind started to be filled with thoughts of rage due to jealousy.

"Mahidevran," Suleiman called out to her with concern as he took Mustafa in his arms to make sure the child was okay despite the circumstances. Hürrem couldn't believe that Suleiman had passed by without looking at her or asking her how her children were doing first. "How are the children? Are you okay?"

"Hunkarim, I thank you very much for your concern, but fortunately the twins and I managed to escape unharmed thanks to Fidan," Mahidevran answered sincerely, not ignoring her friend's help as she tried to calm her daughter's cries.

"Mahidevran, please go to a safe place and go to see a doctor to make sure the twins are okay," Suleiman asked him emphatically before handing him Mustafa and turning to Firuze. Mahidevran nodded and without wasting any more time, she left with her children and Fidan for other rooms that were safer.

"I wish she and her children had perished in the fire," Hürrem whispered, consumed by jealousy. Thankfully, Suleiman did not hear her, or so she thought.

"Don't say those things, Hürrem. Do you want to be executed for saying that?" Gülnihal quietly admonished her, trying to bring Hürrem to her senses.

"Is everything okay, Firuze?" Suleiman asked, worried about her and her daughters.

"We're all fine. The girls are still very frightened by the fire," Firuze replied more calmly. Her eldest daughter interrupted her when she saw her father.

"Daddy, Daddy!" little Mahpeyker exclaimed after seeing Suleiman.

"My little moon, I'm very pleased to see you safe," Suleiman replied with paternal affection to the little girl as he took the child in his arms. Hürrem was getting angrier when she saw how Suleiman ignored her.

"I know who started the fire," Hürrem exclaimed venomously, looking directly at Firuze.

"If you have concrete proof of what you are affirming, you must send it to Ibrahim. I appointed him and he's going to be in charge of the investigation about the origin of the fire, Hürrem," Suleiman replied in a very serious tone. As Hürrem knew that Ibrahim was not going to take her seriously, in her impulsiveness she ignored Suleiman's order and continued talking.

"It was this Persian snake and her daughters! My children were about to die in the fire... how can't you see it, Suleiman?" Hürrem continued to speak aloud, causing a commotion. Suleiman was extremely upset at Hürrem's involvement with his daughters, but Firuze was outright furious. She was not going to allow Hürrem to speak ill of her daughters, slander them, and then get away with it like she was accostumed to. If Suleiman didn't stop her, she was going to do it.

"How dare you..." Firuze replied angrily to the redhead, but Suleiman silenced Firuze with his hand. He was going to speak, and he was not going to tolerate any interruption, neither from her nor from Hürrem.

"First off, I see Mehmed, Mihrimah, and Selim being fine and unharmed. Second, I'm not going to allow you to talk about my daughters in that tone, and even less, to make serious and unfounded accusations against them or their mother. I'm going to repeat it to you one last time Hürrem, learn your limits or pay attention to the consequences if you disobey me again and challenge my authority once more." Suleiman replied firmly to Hürrem without getting upset, emphasizing the phrase 'my daughters.' It was clear that he was extremely upset with the redhead's aggressive attitude against the girls. "Finally, if you have strong evidence against Firuze or anyone else about the fire, you'll send it to Ibrahim. Otherwise, you will personally face how your Sultan's justice works if you dare to bear false witness against an innocent person."

Hürrem stared at him in amazement, in a negative way. Suleiman had never spoken to her so harshly and so coldly. The woman was scared because it was obvious that her plan to blame the Persian concubine for the fire had not turned out as she wanted. She got embarrassed in front of the entire harem, and it was very late when she realized that it was foolish to mess with Firuze's girls, knowing the little girls were Suleiman's weakness. The man ignored Hürrem for a while longer and turned to his eldest daughter. On the other hand, Firuze would have killed the Ruthenian with her gaze if looks could murder.

"Daddy, neither I, Nilüfer, nor my mommy started the fire," the girl defended herself against Hürrem's accusations in her childish innocence. Suleiman kissed her on the forehead.

"I know it wasn't you or your sister, and even less your mother, my princess. Tell Cennet Hatun to take you to your grandmother and your aunt Hatice to eat some sweets," Suleiman replied affectionately to the girl, but it was obvious that the message had a double meaning. Then he changed his tone of voice to a colder and more sparing one when addressing Hürrem and the rest of those present again. "Let one thing be clear to everyone: whoever dares to slander my children without evidence is going to face Suleiman's justice directly, without exceptions," he finished coldly as he stared intently at Hürrem, who was unable to refute or protest.

The atmosphere was so tense that it could be cut with a dagger. After Suleiman finished speaking, there was an absolute silence and no one dared to speak in his presence.

"Hürrem, Firuze... I am not going to let today's incident pass without being addressed properly," Suleiman spoke again to the two women in a highly authoritative tone. "You're both going to go to my chambers and wait for me there. For the sake of both of you, I hope you behave as I expect the concubines who make up my harem."

Firuze remained calm and simply nodded respectfully in silence. Hürrem was still seething with rage after Suleiman ignored her and her children, but she didn't dare to say anything try to not to make the situation worse. Suleiman ignored the two women before turning to Sumbul Agha to give him a new order.

"Sumbul Agha," Suleiman summoned the eunuch. "Go and find Mahidevran too, and tell her to go to my chambers with the others, too. It's good that she also starts to understand her boundaries early on if she doesn't want to have problems with me in the future," he finished before leaving without looking at anyone else.

Fifteen minutes later, Suleiman was in a meeting with Hürrem and Firuze before Mahidevran arrived. The atmosphere was still extremely tense in the Sultan's chambers. Suleiman was upset about something either of the two women had done. Hürrem looked like she was going to explode with rage at any minute at any minimal provocation, and Firuze was furious about something Hürrem did to her after noticing the murderous looks the Persian gave to the redhead. Mahidevran wondered why Suleiman had called her, since she gave birth to the twins she spent more time with her children than in the harem. Mahidevran had a relatively cordial relationship with the Persian concubine mainly because of the animosity of both against Hürrem for her constant disrespect from the redhead towards the two women and her disparaging comments. Despite this, Mahidevran and Hürrem actively avoided each other since the last incident with the Valide, following the advice given to her by Nigar Kalfa.

The guards opened the door, and Mahidevran entered silently. The brunette bowed to Suleiman as a sign of respect. Neither Mahidevran nor Hürrem could hide their mutual dislike for each other.

Mahidevran spoke to Suleiman in her most respectful tone after bowing to him.

"Mahidevran," Suleiman replied in a terse tone. "Come and listen carefully to what I am going to say to both Hürrem and Firuze because it also concerns you as the mother of one of my princes and one of my sultanas."

Mahidevran was shocked by Suleiman's attitude and wondered why he would be so upset, as she didn't remember doing anything to upset him but chose to remain silent. She didn't want to piss him off.

"After putting up with this Persian snake here, I also have to put up with the other Serbian witch in the same place, what a surprise" Hürrem whispered under her breath, rolling her eyes. This time, Suleiman managed to hear her and glared at her before continuing with the meeting.

"Hürrem. Firuze. Mahidevran," Suleiman began to speak in an authoritative tone and without giving them the chance to interrupt. "If I asked to meet the three of them here, it's because there's an incident that happened after the fire that has me extremely upset. Let it be clear to the three of you that I am not going to accept any type of slander or unfounded accusation against any of my children.

"Suleiman, I..." Hürrem tried to justify herself because she knew well that Suleiman was referring to the incident between her, Firuze, and their daughters.

"It's Hunkarim to you, and I do not remember giving you permission to talk, Hürrem," Suleiman replied coldly. It reminded Hürrem of the way he used to talk to Firuze when they lived in Manisa's harem whenever the redhead had a problem with her. "Anyone who dares to accuse any of my children without evidence is going to face Suleiman's justice directly, let it be clear to you."

The three women fell silent after Suleiman finished speaking, but Hürrem was about to explode with anger at any minute.

"Finally, there is something else I want to say that is no less important than the above," Suleiman continued in the same tone. "I'm going to tell you this just once. I want peace and harmony in my harem. I want to make myself clear to the three of you when I say this is my harem and that I can dispose of it as I see fit. I don't want to find out again that there are fights or disrespect between the mothers of my princes and my sultanas. The bare minimum I expect is that you all behave like the mothers of my children that you are. At the very first complaint from my mother or anyone else, you all will suffer the consequences of your actions. Hürrem," Suleiman finished, calling the redhead dryly.

"Hunkarim," the woman snorted, doing her best to hide her anger.

"I want you to apologize to Firuze for what you said about my daughters after the fire, now," Suleiman ordered in the same tone.

"And why do I have to apologize to this Persian snake? Because of her, my children almost died and you don't care, Hunkarim, because you are way too smitten with the other witch..." Hürrem couldn't take it anymore and exploded with anger, venting her feelings out. Being sorry to Firuze was the last straw and she was not going to go through that humiliation. She preferred Suleiman to have her punished rather than apologize to Firuze.

"ENOUGH HÜRREM!" Suleiman interrupted her furiously as he punched the table. "I won't forget this incident and the way you spoke to me here. Go away, I don't want to see your face again, you insolent brat,"

Hurrem left with cristalline eyes, holding back the urge to cry, because she wasn't going to give Firuze the satisfaction of seeing her destroyed and humiliated, let alone apologize to her. She bowed quickly and then hurried off in the direction of the door.

***

Hürrem's chambers, Topkapi Palace, 1522.

Hürrem slammed the door shut and dropped down as she continued to cry bitterly in her loneliness after Suleiman forced her to apologize to Firuze. In her paranoid mind, Hurrem kept thinking that she had done nothing wrong and that she had no reason to apologize to Firuze since the Persian always wanted to see her and her children dead. Hürrem felt that the bad omen she had before Suleiman left for the campaign in Buda was becoming a reality.

"Why is Suleiman doing this to me? He always told me that I was going to be his greatest love forever, so why does he punish me in this way?" Hurrem continued to cry non-stop after Suleiman's rudeness to her. "I didn't do anything wrong..."

It was a reality. Suleiman had changed forever since he went on that campaign and met Mahidevran in Belgrade. It was evident that he had fallen in love with her. Meanwhile, Hürrem had begun to suffer the same contempt Suleiman had shown Firuze as soon as he stopped caring for her when he was in Manisa before ascending the throne: he ignored her, criticized her for frivolities and minimal things, did not like her attitude at all, and stopped calling her to his chambers.

Everything began to make sense to Hurrem: since she became pregnant with Hüma and he went back from Hungary, Suleiman had not called her back to his chambers to spend the night together once, as he used to do before she became pregnant for the last time. The reality of her heart being broken by Suleiman hit Hurrem in the face, and she felt her heart shattering more once again after thinking about that.

Nothing mattered to her anymore except her children now.

***

Months after the fire, Topkapi Palace, 1522.

It had been over nine months since Mahidevran gave birth to her twins and some time had passed since the fire. For Mahidevran, experiencing motherhood fot the first time was a tough challenge due to the newness and her inexperience in giving birth and raising her twins. However, her children filled the void left by the loss of their family in their homeland. The love she felt for her twins was stronger than any she had felt before.

Mahidevran enjoyed spending time with her children, observing and learning about them. She noticed that Mustafa was extremely restless, much like she had been as a child. She imagined him taking a keen interest in military arts like his father. Meanwhile, her daughter Mihrisah was more quiet and cried only when hungry or waking up. Mahidevran sensed that she would be extremely curious and might develop a keen interest in politics and diplomacy much like her great-aunt, Mara Hatun, inheriting the intelligence of her parents, especially Suleiman's taste for poetry and finer arts.

While busy feeding Mustafa, Mahidevran began to feel unwell and nauseous. She realized that she hadn't been with Suleiman since he left for the campaign in Rhodes about two months ago. Pondering her symptoms, Mahidevran considered the possibility that she might be pregnant again and decided to see a doctor to confirm.

***

Ayse Hafsa's Chambers, Topkapi Palace, 1522.

The Valide was gathered in her chambers with Sultana Hatice and Suleiman's concubines. They were embroidering and chatting about trivial matters concerning the harem, including Hürrem, although she had not spoken at all since the recent incident with Suleiman. Daye came in unexpectedly and was visibly shaken as she brought the Valide the latest news regarding the campaign in Rhodes. Ferhad Pasha had requested to speak exclusively with Ayse Hafsa to deliver a series of distressing news about Suleiman's whereabouts.

"Give me strength, Allah, save my son Suleiman, you are all I have..." The woman mentally implored as she went to meet the Pasha.

In another room, in private, the woman met with the Pasha. Ayse Hafsa felt a deep pain in her chest, and her intuition told her that something terrible had happened to Suleiman. She prayed to Allah that it was only a bad hunch because first and foremost, he was not only her Sultan but also her son. However, it was enough for her to see the Pasha's face to know that something bad had happened to Suleiman.

"Whatever you have to tell me, tell me now. How is my Suleiman?" Ayse Hafsa ordered Ferhad Pasha to speak with clear cristalline eyes. She was accompanied by Daye.

"Validem, I am very sorry, but our Padishah's ship was attacked by the enemy on its way to the Rhodes campaign, and there is a very real possibility that our Sultan was killed in the attack. I'm very sorry, Sultana," the man spoke in a quiet tone and with his head bowed as he watched the Valide cry.

"Daye, go and communicate the news to the Palace. We have to be prepared for the worst," Ayse Hafsa asked Daye as she wiped tears from one of her eyes.

"As you wish, Sultana," Daye replied dutifully before leaving. The Pasha spoke again as soon as Daye left.

"Validem, I know it's a very complicated issue, but with regards to the succession... the council wishes that if our lord has departed to the eternal realm, they want you to take over as imperial regent..." Ferhad Pasha spoke again before Ayse Hafsa interrupted him dryly. The very thought of Suleiman's succession was both disgusting and painful to address as a mother without any certainty about his whereabouts.

"Ferhad Pasha," the Valide called out, snapping at the Pasha. Ayse Hafsa was already very upset by the news she had received regarding the attack on Suleiman. "My son is going to come back healthy, safe, and victorious. Until the whereabouts of my son are met with certainty, let any discussion regarding my son's succession be prohibited."

Rumors that the Sultan had been attacked in the Aegean on his way to Rhodes spread quickly in the harem, and speculation about the Sultan's fate and succession was not long in coming. The girls in general were frightened at the thought of being sent to the Old Palace. With each passing day, Ayse Hafsa became sadder and more depressed as there was no news of Suleiman, and Hatice Sultan stayed a while longer in the palace to accompany her mother. In addition, the Valide had forbidden the entire palace to make any comment regarding the succession until she was certain of Suleiman's whereabouts.

Mahidevran did not consider herself a particularly fearful person, but she prayed every day together with the Valide that Suleiman would reach the capital safely. She did not love him as a man, but he was the father of her children, and if something happened to him, Mustafa was in danger of being executed because she was fully aware of the existence of fratricidal law as a custom among the Ottomans at the time of succession to the throne to avoid civil wars in the future. Also, she knew that she was pregnant again with Suleiman's child again, and that put her at risk of also being executed along with Mustafa. On the other hand, she also did not want her daughter to suffer the pain of losing her father and being left alone at such a young age. Hürrem seemed to be particularly quieter about the news of the attack on Suleiman and somewhat expectant because if Suleiman passed away, she was not going to waste the opportunity to put Mehmed on the throne and why not, become the imperial regent of the sultanate of her eldest son, Mehmed III.

A week had passed since the last news had been received about Suleiman when the postman arrived with an update for the Palace. Ferhad Pasha was the one to inform the Valide about Suleiman's whereabouts, just like when Suleiman was reported missing.

"Validem, we have news of our lord," the man remarked solemnly. "It was reported that our lord arrived safely on the coast of Marmaris. "Allah willing, our Padishah will return alive, victorious, and with Rhodes as an Ottoman province." The Pasha finished as he handed the letter signed by his Grand Vizier to the Mother Sultana.

"Allah be praised... my lion is alive!" Ayse Hafsa exclaimed joyfully before the pasha left. Less than ten minutes later, Mahidevran asked to see the Valide. She went there intending to communicate her second pregnancy. "Daye, go and communicate the good news to the whole Palace!".

"What happened, mother?" Mahidevran asked in her ignorance, unaware that Suleiman had survived the attack.

"My lion... my lion is alive, Mahidevran," Ayse Hafsa replied happily.

"May Allah guide our lord on his way and may he return home safely and victoriously," Mahidevran sincerely expressed her wishes, genuinely happy for the Valide and inwardly relieved to know that Suleiman was safe.

"Amen, Mahidevran. You came to see me, tell me how I can help you," the Valide asked her affably. She was in a good mood after learning her son was alive.

"Mother, I went to the doctor a few days ago because I wasn't feeling well and her diagnosis was accurate. I am pregnant again with our lord's child," Mahidevran replied sincerely. "I'm sorry if I didn't tell you before, it's because I was looking for the right moment to give you the news of my new pregnancy."

"It's wonderful news, I'll have my Lion informed as soon as possible of your new pregnancy and we'll have a celebration," Ayse Hafsa commented as she hugged Mahidevran affectionately like if she were her own daughter. Knowing that her son was alive and well at the Marmaris camp and that she was going to have a new grandchild had lifted the Valide's spirits a lot.

Ayse Hafsa wasn't going to tell Mahidevran openly what she thought about her, she didn't want to give her a wrong idea and even less to boost the ego of the younger woman, but she felt that Mahidevran had a lot of potential to be the next Valide Sultan. She was pretty, behaved properly, was genuinely interested in learning Ottoman traditions, and very importantly, she made her son happy.

Mahidevran certainly reminded her of herself when she was her age, raising Suleiman in his infancy years.

***

Marmaris, Ottoman Empire, 1522.

Despite the attack on the ship in which he was traveling for the campaign in Rhodes, Suleiman managed to survive thanks to the wind that pushed the ship to the coast of Marmaris. Faced with the failure of the plan, Piri Mehmed Pasha offered him his resignation to which Suleiman flatly refused, arguing that the Empire needed stability above all, but he did put another Pasha in charge of the navy. Despite the attack, the campaign was proceeding normally as Suleiman and his Pashas planned it. He was busy reviewing some imperial documents when Ibrahim arrived to bring him news from the capital and the campaign in Rhodes.

"Hunkarim, the campaign is going according to plan. Mustafa Pasha has everything under control regarding the Empire's possessions in Egypt, Syria, and Aleppo. On the other hand, the Venetians are afraid that we will conquer Cyprus and are demanding more reinforcements from Spain. In addition, our men are working tirelessly in the war tunnels and our flag has already been hoisted on the islands of Nisyros and Herke, before starting the attack on the castle of Rhodes," Ibrahim told him, summarizing the highlights of the campaign before delivering the news from the capital. "I have news from the capital, Hunkarim."

"The Venetians can continue wasting their time worrying about the inevitable. The castle of Rhodes will be ours," Suleiman commented with a sarcastic smile. "I want to hear the news you bring me from the capital, Ibrahim."

"We received a letter from the harem, Hunkarim. It is a letter from Mahidevran Hatun," Ibrahim replied seriously, handing the letter to Suleiman.

Suleiman stopped what he was doing and went to read the letter from Mahidevran that Ibrahim had given him, deeply interested in what she had to say in the letter. It was evident that she was the one who had written the letter because he knew the woman's delicate handwriting well. In it, she was telling him that she was pregnant again and that she would pray for his safe return and victory. Although the text was brief, it felt sincere coming from her as he was reading her letter. That was enough for Suleiman to fill his heart with joy, pride, and optimism.

"May Allah bless this conquest and my son who is on his way. Rhodes will be part of the Ottoman Empire," Suleiman said with conviction.

Chapter Text

Months after the announcement of Mahidevran's second pregnancy, the atmosphere within Topkapi Palace was filled with anticipation as 1522 drew on. It had transpired that at least three months had passed since it became known that Suleiman was alive, and a couple of weeks had gone by since the tidings of his campaign's success in Rhodes rippled through the capital. Suleiman had returned home to Constantinople safely, much to the relief of Valide, who awaited him eagerly alongside his children and their respective mothers. Firuze maintained her usual impassivity, her demeanour as quiet as always. In stark contrast, Hürrem fidgeted restlessly, her mood dark and brooding due to some unseen concern. Strangely, Mahidevran exhibited an unusual eagerness to see him, driven by a desire to showcase the state of her pregnancy.

“ATTENTION! MAKE WAY FOR HIS MAJESTY, SULTAN SULEIMAN!” a guard proclaimed, his voice echoing as the eunuchs dutifully opened the ornate doors to allow Suleiman's entrance.

Upon entering, Suleiman’s gaze was immediately drawn to his mother first, and then to Mahidevran, whose pregnancy appeared noticeably advance, something that filled him with an overwhelming sense of joy and pride. Except for Valide, the mothers of his children present bowed respectfully before Suleiman.

“My beautiful mother, it brings me joy to see that all remains well in your absence,” Suleiman said, greeting his mother with a gentle kiss upon her hand, a gesture steeped in familial affection.

“I am profoundly grateful to Allah for ensuring your safe return, replete with victorious tidings—making both your family and your homeland proud, especially after all the distressing news we endured, my lion. We all were very afraid,” Ayse Hafsa replied warmly, her eyes shining with maternal pride.

Suleiman nodded, acknowledging her words. “Though the campaign we encountered difficulties and numerous obstacles, Allah surely heard your prayers, dear mother. We overcame them all. I nearly lost my life on two occasions, because someone tried to stab me when we were praying yet Ibrahim valiantly saved me. Thankfully, my injuries were superficial and the doctors are attending Ibrahim's injuries.”

As he spoke, Suleiman turned his attention to Hürrem, feeling his demeanour shift from relaxed to tense. Contemplating whether to tell her something, he ultimately chose to bypass her completely, seeking solace in the company of Mehmed, Mihrimah, and Selim instead. Hürrem, increasingly disheartened by Suleiman's indifference, remained stoic, suppressing her urges to voice any complaints. Yet, jealousy simmered beneath her composed exterior as she observed Suleiman's affectionate demeanour toward Mahidevran. Every sign of admiration Suleiman showed only increased Hürrem’s inner turmoil.

Suleiman's countenance brightened upon reaching Mahidevran, who appeared more radiant than ever since his last visit.

“Your Majesty, I prayed nightly to Allah for your safe return, and now, look at the joyous victory we celebrate,” Mahidevran greeted him, pressing her lips gently to Suleiman's hand.

“My moon of good fortune, your news has brought me happiness. My son, how he's doing Mahidevran?” Suleiman inquired, placing a tender hand on her noticeably swollen belly. At that moment, a gentle kick from the baby reverberated beneath his palm, inducing laughter from both parents.

“As you can see, my Sultan, while my little prince is a tad restless at this moment, but he's always well-behaved,” Mahidevran replied with a genuine smile, which prompted Suleiman to affectionately kiss her forehead in the presence of the gathering.

Suleiman then gestured toward the maids carrying his twins, inviting them to draw closer. “Mustafa, my lion! Each day, you grow stronger, just as your sister does,” he exclaimed, embracing the boy with warmth before casting his eyes upon his twin sister. “Mihrisah, my sweet princess, how I have missed you!”

Finally, Suleiman turned his gaze towards Firuze, extending his hand for her to kiss. She lowered her head, but Suleiman gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. The years seemed to have left her untouched, her beauty undiminished since their first encounter. Yet, she understood that his display of affection was merely a ruse, designed to further provoke Hürrem.

---

Two months after Suleiman's triumphant return, in the same palace of Topkapi, Mahidevran found solace in her chambers after giving birth. Though exhaustion weighed heavily upon her, she summoned all her strength to inquire about the nature of her newborn. Doubt nagged at her: had she delivered a prince?

“What was it? Was it a prince?” she pressed urgently towards Cennet, the kalfa who had assisted her through labour, before collapsing into a fatigued state.

“Sultana, you have indeed given birth to a beautiful prince,” Cennet replied, a radiant smile illuminating her face. “The doctor is currently attending to your precious child before he presents him to you. For the moment, rest easy. His Majesty will arrive shortly with the sultana mother to formally name your son.”

In quiet relief, Mahidevran sank deeper into the cushions of her bed, her heart swelling with happiness. The arrival of her second son undoubtedly elevated her status within Suleiman’s harem. For Mahidevran, witnessing her healthy child thriving in her arms became an exquisite form of vindication against all those who had once belittled her, particularly Hürrem.

“It is a boy, my sultana, many congratulations!” cheered Fidan as she brought the newborn to Mahidevran, who eagerly cradled him, yearning to relish the sensation of holding her youngest child. Although she had been through childbirth before, cradling Osman felt profoundly special.

Moments later, Suleiman entered the company of the Valide, drawn by the joyous announcement of his son’s birth.

“I am the happiest man alive, my spring rose,” Suleiman declared proudly, lifting his son into his arms while planting a gentle kiss on Mahidevran's forehead.

“He is a most beautiful boy; may Allah grant him a long life,” Ayse Hafsa added affectionately, witnessing her grandson nestled securely in his father's embrace.

The baby-naming ceremony transpired flawlessly, and as Mahidevran had anticipated, her youngest son was officially named Osman by his father.

---

In the shadows of this palace, Gülnihal wept alone in a secluded room, having just returned from a meeting with the doctor. She was attempting to elude Hürrem’s wrath following the beating she had suffered at the hands of Hürrem and Gülsah for failing to carry out the order to poison Mahidevran and her newborn son. Lurking behind her fear was a deeper moral conflict; it was not merely the dread of retribution that kept her hand from harming the innocent baby, but the weight of her conscience.

Much like Hürrem, Gülnihal’s journey commenced in the quaint village of Rohatyn, in Poland. Born under the name of Maria into an impoverished peasant family, her life altered drastically on the very day the Tartars invaded their village, abducting young women to be sold into slavery in Crimea. Maria witnessed the brutal murder of her family while being dragged aboard a ship, only to meet Alexandra, who later would be known as Hürrem, they swiftly forged a bond born out of shared suffering.

As the years ebbed away, their friendship endured, but it began to unravel the moment Hürrem, ascended in the hierarchy of the harem, triggering a shift that rendered Gülnihal being little more than Hürrem’s servant. The years within the harem broke what remained of their friendship and left Gülnihal feeling like a mere shadow of her former self.

“What has caused her to change her behaviour completely?” Gülnihal pondered, desperately seeking some rational explanation for Hürrem’s cruel behaviour. Perhaps she was simply stressed by the arrival of Mahidevran or saddened that the Sultan no longer summoned her to his chambers. Nonetheless, Gülnihal realized that no excuse could justify Hürrem's readiness to harm an innocent child. Reflection led her to the painful conclusion that Hürrem had not changed—she had only revealed her true nature, being always aggressive and selfish with everyone except the Padishah and her children.

Crying and letting her tears run freely, Gülnihal wrestled with the dilemma of remaining a loyal servant to Hürrem, a loyalty she had upheld since their arrival at the Manisa harem. Cennet’s insights about Hürrem often rang true, yet Gülnihal had been too naïve to heed them, assuming their friendship would never falter. Ultimately, the moment Hürrem’s cruelty became intolerable, she fled to serve Firuze during her pregnancy.

Fearing for her safety, Gülnihal sensed that Hürrem would not rest until she had exacted her revenge. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and an unfamiliar woman entered. Stifling her sobs, Gülnihal tensed, grasping a dagger—prepared to defend herself if this intruder turned out to be another of Hürrem’s minions.

It turned out to be Mahidevran's maid, Fidan. Her serious countenance suggested that she sought Gülnihal on Mahidevran's behalf. Gülnihal instinctively adopted a defensive posture.

“Put that down; I am not here to cause you harm or to deliver you to Hürrem Sultan,” Fidan asserted, her voice unyielding and composed. She was undeterred by the dagger's threatening presence and, after a moment, Gülnihal reluctantly lowered it. “Mahidevran Sultan has sent me to escort you to her."

“Why would I wish to pay a visit to Mahidevran Sultan?” Gülnihal countered, her defensiveness intensifying.

“Because she knows all about your attempt to poison her, as ordered by Hürrem—and how you ultimately refrained from doing so. Read this; Mahidevran Sultan possesses the original evidence,” Fidan replied, passing Gülnihal a piece of parchment. Gülnihal turned pale at the revelation, the dagger slipping from her grasp. “She wishes to extend an offer to you in exchange for your collaboration.”

Processing Fidan's words, Gülnihal felt cornered, an overwhelming sense of dread seeping into her consciousness. The thought of Mahidevran reporting her to the Sultan or the Valide was paralyzing; she had attempted to poison both a sultana and a prince of the dynasty, which would result in dire consequences. For once in her life, Gülnihal steeled herself to evaluate the situation coldly, prioritizing her safety over Hürrem’s well-being.

“Are you coming or not?” Fidan pressed flatly. “Neither she nor I have time for unnecessary delays.”

“I will go,” Gülnihal resolved, finding no remorse in her decision.

---

Three months after the birth of Şehzade Osman, in Topkapi Palace, in 1523, Mahidevran cradled her youngest son in her arms while the maids tended to her twins, who played joyfully under her careful gaze. The passage of time astounded her, just three months had passed since Osman’s birth, and her other children, Mihrisah and Mustafa, were on the verge of turning two.

As she completed the task of breastfeeding Osman, Fidan entered, bowing respectfully as she accompanied Gülnihal, whom Mahidevran had summoned.

“Fidan, my dear,” Mahidevran greeted her warmly, transferring her youngest son into the maid's care, a gesture that surprised Gülnihal. Hürrem had never once shown such kindness to her. “Please, take the children; I need to speak privately with Gülnihal Hatun.”

Fidan complied silently, stepping out with Osman cradled in her arms while the other maids led the twins away. Once the door closed, Mahidevran settled into an armchair, her piercing gaze fixed upon Gülnihal, whose head remained bowed in modesty. Yet Gülnihal could not help but observe the elegance embodied by the sultana. In every movement, Mahidevran exuded calm and grace, contrasting sharply with Hürrem’s brusque and aggressive demeanour. Eventually, Mahidevran broke the silence.

“I can see why you are intrigued after I summoned you, Gülnihal,” she began, scrutinizing Gülnihal's every reaction, aware of her trepidation over Hürrem’s potential wrath.

“Fidan informed me of your reasons and why you wanted to see me, Sultana,” Gülnihal replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Well, then, I shall be forthright and concise,” Mahidevran stated with renewed firmness. “I am aware that Hürrem sent you to poison me and Osman, but that you reconsidered at the last moment, which resulted in her aggression towards you. I want to propose you a deal in exchange for your potential collaboration.”

The plan Mahidevran and Fidan had meticulously crafted was unfolding with precision. If Gülnihal chose to reject Mahidevran’s proposition, her treachery, along with Hürrem’s, would be reported directly to His Majesty for their attempted act of murder by poisoning.

Nonetheless, Mahidevran perceived an opportunity to sow seeds of doubt in Gülnihal’s mind against Hürrem. Their prior friendship had crumbled, fueled by Hürrem’s violent attack. Recognizing this fracture, Mahidevran sought to leverage it to her advantage. Gülnihal was well-regarded among the harem for her well-behaved attitude, and Mahidevran intended to make use of that for her own advantage.

“Please have a seat,” Mahidevran implored, her tone firm yet inviting. “I am open to overlooking your previous attempt to poison me and my child, given that you failed to execute Hürrem’s orders. Nonetheless, I must inform you that I must report this matter to my Sultan, as I cannot allow any individual to pose a threat to my children. Do you understand?”

Gülnihal nodded quietly, her attention riveted to Mahidevran.

“Furthermore, I see no benefit in proceeding without addressing the source of the problem,” Mahidevran continued, her calm demeanour unyielding. Gülnihal marvelled at Mahidevran’s eloquence, recognizing she stood before a woman of genuine education. “If I were to place the blame entirely upon you, my children would remain vulnerable. Hürrem could very well send another maid to endanger my family. I am willing to provide you with protection from Hürrem, but I require information in return. If you deceive me, you must understand that I can make your existence a living hell, Gülnihal. Do we have an understanding?”

“Yes, Sultana,” Gülnihal affirmed, a tentative resolve emerging within her. “I will tell you the truth.”

The ensuing conversation was extensive, as Gülnihal candidly answered every question posed by Mahidevran. Her revelations corroborated the previous tales of Hürrem's misdeeds, including the violent attack on Firuze like Hatice told her before, and the tragic tale of Isabella, who had met her end after Hürrem’s machinations left her disfigured.

“...Isabella Hatun shared a striking resemblance to you. She was a breathtaking and refined woman, and His Majesty’s admiration for her was clear. In an attempt to eliminate her, Hürrem had her face burned through Gülsah, rendering her unrecognizable. My advice to you is to remain cautious around Gülsah; she is dangerous and lacks moral scruples when it comes to securing Hürrem's favour,” Gülnihal cautioned. “I will provide you with official records and documentation confirming the truth of my claims.”

“I will take your warnings into consideration, Gülnihal,” Mahidevran replied earnestly. “Our discussion has been exceedingly fruitful; I promise I will not disclose anything you have shared, and I will explore means to assist you against that treacherous snake. However, you must remain alert as well, Gülnihal. Maintain your facade to avoid arousing any suspicion.”

---

Weeks passed following her meeting with Gülnihal. True to her word, Hürrem's former confidante had supplied Mahidevran, via Cennet, an aged diary filled with intimate details of her time in the harem alongside stacks of documents proving Gülnihal and Gülsah's culpability in the violent attack against Firuze that resulted in the devastating loss of her last child and the attack on Isabella. As Mahidevran prepared for her next step, she wrestled with where to deliver this sensitive information: would she go directly to the Valide, speak to Ibrahim Pasha, or take the ultimate risk and confide in Suleiman himself?

Awakening early, Mahidevran learned that the Valide had invited her to breakfast, eager to see her grandchildren. During this visit, she encountered Hürrem, who shuffled toward her with obvious difficulty, reliant on her maids for support after the punishment Suleiman had enforced following her disrespect towards the Valide.

Mahidevran frowned, stifling her irritation. She could neither ignore Hürrem’s presence nor overlook the hostile tension that radiated between them. Hürrem’s unfriendly expression hinted that confrontation was inevitable, regardless of the path Mahidevran chose.

“Mahidevran,” Hürrem spat, her reluctance evident in her tone.

“Hürrem,” Mahidevran replied, displeasure colouring her voice. Though she was eager to depart, she acknowledged she could not merely walk away. “I’m busy; I lack the time for your antics.”

With a determined stride, Mahidevran pressed onward, accompanied by her maids, attempting to shrug off Hürrem’s presence. However, Hürrem seized her arm, halting her advance.

“Be wary, Mahidevran. You can't talk to me like that. I am the mother of two princes, not a mere slave like you,” Hürrem growled, the venom evident in her tone.

“You never learn, Hürrem. Have you forgotten His Majesty's stance on disputes between his concubines?” Mahidevran countered sarcastically, her defiance rising. “I too am the mother of two of His Majesty's princes. We share an equal standing. Your threats do not intimidate me; rather, I pity you. If I’m honest.”

“It may well be that I soon find myself pregnant again with His Majesty’s child, thereby producing another prince, something neither you Mahidevran can claim. That’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it?” Hürrem snapped, her voice tinged with fury. “You are but a mere slave, just like that Persian viper. I am his greatest love.”

Mahidevran stifled a laugh at Hürrem's delusions, aware that Suleiman’s affections weighed more heavily towards her children’s well-being than any emotional bond he might share with Hürrem, a stark contrast to the lengths that Hürrem seemed willing to go for fleeting attention from him.

“Are you done, Hürrem? I doubt you even believe those words yourself,” Mahidevran retorted, relishing the control she held. “One word from me was enough to bring Sultan's wrath upon you without hesitation after you disrespected the Valide. If I were merely a simple slave and you were indeed Suleiman’s great love, he would have dismissed my claims and turned his back on me. Instead, he did not hesitate to punish you before even hearing my full account. Is this what you call love, Hürrem?”

For a moment, Hürrem stood at a loss for words, fighting the harsh truth of Mahidevran. In earlier times, she would have easily found a rebuttal, silencing her rivals effortlessly. But, as it stood, nothing she said could evoke the anger she used to stoke; the painful reality loomed, suggesting Suleiman's devotion to her had waned.

“If you don’t visit his chambers, how do you expect to conceive a child with His Majesty before he sends you off to the Old Palace?” Mahidevran spat in response, maintaining her composure effortlessly. “And don't you dare to threaten me or approach my children again. I am not Isabella.”

Mahidevran’s next reply was cold, unyielding. “I am fully aware of your secret, and it would be a tragic shame if His Majesty discovered your role in dispatching Gülsah to inflict harm on Isabella, especially if the evidence landed in Ibrahim Pasha’s hands.”

At that moment, Hürrem grasped the revelation before her: Mahidevran was not nearly as defenceless as she had presumed, nor was she as easily manipulated as others had been in the past. Like Firuze or Isabella.

“Once again, your delusions resurface, Mahidevran. Your imagination, while vivid, does not indicate a firm grasp on reality,” Hürrem shot back, irritation bubbling to the surface as she attempted to dismiss Mahidevran’s assertions.

“It is not my problem if you are surrounded by incompetent maids who fail to keep their crimes hidden, like Gülsah.” Mahidevran finished. Hürrem's façade slipped momentarily as she heard Mahidevran, revealing her ferocity as she prepared to strike Mahidevran, unaware that others had gathered around them.

Hürrem's hand was raised, ready to deliver a blow, when Hatice emerged unexpectedly. Having sought Mahidevran because her absence had grown too prolonged, Hatice's sudden appearance interrupted the confrontation, exposing the disturbance at hand.

“You truly have learned nothing, have you, Hürrem? Firuze is right; you are a lost cause,” Hatice rebuked openly, frustrated by Hürrem's tempestuous behaviour. “If you lash out once more, consider that this incident is likely to reach my brother's ears. Come on, Mahidevran, my mother awaits our presence.”

While Hatice generally attempted to remain aloof from the conflicts of the harem, today was different; Hürrem's combative demeanour crossed lines and threatened to turn matters volatile again. She was pissed. Without saying anything else, Mahidevran followed Hatice's and left the room to meet the Valide as she requested it.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Topkapi Palace, 1523. Ottoman Empire.

Hürrem was caught in a whirlwind of anxiety, disturbed by the shocking revelations Mahidevran had shared with her that morning. This news hit her psyche with the force of a hammer, forcing her to question how this woman had come to know about the infamous assault on Firuze and the cruel murder of Isabella. Her mind spun frantically, weaving dark threads of distrust and fear that enveloped her in a sombre cloak of anguish.

However, as hours passed, Hürrem began to calm the internal storm that threatened her mental stability. Deep inside, she knew that Mahidevran might try to talk to the Valide, or even to Suleiman himself, but the accusations would be baseless without concrete evidence linking her to those heinous acts, which had been committed long before her arrival. It was vital for Hürrem to accept that, despite the weight of her conscience pressing down on her, she was the one who had ordered Gülsah to attack Firuze brutally, resulting in the loss of her child. 

Without a moment's hesitation, she also condemned Princess Isabella to death when she started to catch Suleiman’s attention. Life in the harem was a cruel game, and each dawn reminded Hürrem that survival demanded not only beauty but also cunning and coldness in an environment where beauty, which initially seemed to be the key to all doors, often became an unbearable burden. Hürrem sat in the shadows of her room each night, trying to find solace in the justifications she wove around the horrendous atrocities she had committed. She was convinced that everything she did was for the well-being of her children. 

In the balance of her miserable life, she had always placed her children above Firuze's. It was only a matter of time, she thought before Mahidevran met a similar fate—perhaps with even more atrocious violence, entangling Mustafa and Osman in the web of her vengeance. Hürrem swore that snake would never dare to stand in her way to power again. With relief, she recalled having urged Gülnihal to eradicate any trace that might betray her in these dangerous attacks. 

If Mahidevran were about to accuse her, she would need more than empty words to support her claims. Without concrete evidence, convincing Suleiman to believe Mahidevran's malicious chatter would be an impossible task; the Sultan would probably consider punishing her for slander. This same logic applied to Gülnihal, should she ever decide to betray her loyalty.

Speaking of Gülnihal, Hürrem could not help but notice a change in her behaviour. The young woman had begun to act coldly and distantly, far from the sweet and helpful friend she had once been. However, Hürrem found solace in considering that the beating she had given her was, in essence, an act of protection, ensuring the well-being of both. Gülnihal must never forget that Hürrem was, above all else, a Sultana—deserving of respect and loyalty not only for her position but for being the mother of two dynasty princes.

Suddenly, a knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts. Recognizing Gülsah’s knock, Hürrem opened the door, tension thickening the air around her. The maid entered the room and, as expected, performed the formal bow she always offered her Sultana.

"Sultana," Gülsah said, bowing. "You called me."

Hürrem nodded silently before giving her next order. Amid intense paranoia, she began to suspect that perhaps Gülnihal was the one who had revealed all the information to Mahidevran. Although she was not entirely sure, if Gülnihal turned out to be the traitor, Hürrem would not hesitate to exert revenge on her. 

“Keep an eye on Gülnihal. My instincts tell me she might be responsible for all this,” Hürrem ordered Gülsah grimly. “Find out who is keeping Mahidevran informed and eliminate whoever it is. I do not want any mistakes.”

***

Meanwhile, Mahidevran was in her chambers, surrounded by Fidan and her children, deep in thought about the decisions she had to make after uncovering the secrets that Gülnihal had revealed to her. With a flash of determination in her eyes, she decided to discreetly send the evidence to Ibrahim Pasha after discussing it with him.

Cradling her little Osman, a robust child of barely six months whose dark blond hair resembled her own, Mahidevran kissed his forehead. The gesture brought a radiant smile to the child.

"You are growing quickly, my little Osman," she whispered, letting maternal love intertwine with deeper shadows. Even though Osman was too young to understand, Mahidevran felt that his arrival brought irrevocable change to her painful past. While her love for all her children was unconditional, Osman would always hold a special place in her heart. 

Fidan, always watchful of the twins as they played, was present when Mahidevran chose to confide her next moves to him, thus nurturing the trust that had developed between them. With a sense of determination, Mahidevran outlined her intentions in the intrigues swirling in her mind. This time, she would be meticulous; each step would be calculated on a chessboard where victory was essential.

There would be no room for haste, and her patience—her meticulous planning—would one-day yield results when Hürrem fell into misfortune. Mahidevran had not forgotten that although Hürrem wasn't the primary architect of her previous sufferings, she had played a crucial role.

A profound pain tugged at Mahidevran's heart for the innocence of Hürrem's son. Mehmed was merely an innocent child caught in the wrong situation. Yet, the stark reality remained: it was a matter of her son’s survival versus Mehmed’s legacy. Her heart would always lean toward her son, far above all of Suleiman's children with other women.

"I have made a decision, Fidan," Mahidevran declared while lulling Osman into a gentle slumber. "I will send all the information to Ibrahim Pasha, but I need to speak to him first to gauge his perspective on Hürrem before I act."

"Be cautious with him; he is not an ordinary person and can be dangerous. I've heard he is very close to His Majesty..." her friend warned, a note of caution in her voice.

"I don’t think he’s more dangerous than Hürrem—rest assured," Mahidevran replied, weighing her options. “He’s not foolish… perhaps I can persuade him to ally with me if I offer him the chance of a lifetime to remove Hürrem from the equation, assuming my information about his relationship with her is true.” She concluded with a sarcastic tone that hinted at her disdain.

"What are you implying, Mahidevran? This is becoming increasingly twisted..." Fidan commented, her alarm barely concealed beneath her disdain. Mahidevran, however, chuckled at her friend's vivid imagination.

"No, it’s not what you think," Mahidevran replied, still laughing. “The enmity between them runs deep, fueled by an age-old rivalry since they met in Manisa. He and Hürrem cannot stand each other.” With a resolute look, Mahidevran decided on her next course of action. She was going to see Ibrahim Pasha.

“Fidan, stay with the children. I have to meet Ibrahim Pasha,” Mahidevran said, checking her reflection in the mirror as she adjusted her veil before leaving her chambers.

***

Mahidevran hurried to the Pasha’s office. If she played her cards right in her feud with Hürrem, she could secure a vital ally in her quest to place Mustafa on the throne. She understood he was a complex man but felt no intimidation. Gathering her courage, she approached the guards stationed at the entrance to Ibrahim Pasha’s office.

“Please, I need to discuss an important matter with Ibrahim Pasha,” Mahidevran requested. “The Pasha is very busy and has asked not to be disturbed,” one guard replied, keeping his eyes downcast.

“It’s something very important, and I promise to be brief…” Mahidevran persisted, but a commanding male voice interrupted her.

“Let Mahidevran Sultan enter,” Ibrahim ordered from inside his office. The guards stepped aside, allowing Mahidevran to enter the Pasha’s office. She realized it was going to be a long and serious conversation.

“Sultana, what brings you to my presence?” the Pasha asked in a serious and formal tone.

“I won’t take up much of your time, Pasha,” Mahidevran assured him, greeting him with a bow. “I want to ask for your help.”

Ibrahim examined Mahidevran from head to toe. The woman appeared neither nervous nor anxious, but he was curious about the matter she wished to discuss. He didn’t feel any rush, knowing that Mahidevran was prudent enough not to waste his time on trivial matters. He suspected that if she had something valuable to share concerning her conflict with Hürrem, he would be eager to ally with her to eliminate the redhead. Both had compelling reasons: Mahidevran’s position continued to rise within the harem, and strategically, Ibrahim pondered whether Mahidevran could soon become the next Valide. It was always beneficial to maintain a cordial relationship with her.

"Pasha, I have come to you because I have learned something important and need your assistance. This matter is serious and I fear for my children's safety. You are a pragmatic man, and I am sure you will spare me some of your time to listen," Mahidevran began, striving to conceal her nervousness before Ibrahim. 

"Your safety, and that of your children, is always my priority, Sultana. I want you to be sure of that," Ibrahim said clearly. Mahidevran studied the man for a moment before continuing the conversation.

"As you know, Gülnihal Hatun was attacked unexpectedly by one of Hürrem Hatun's maids. Fidan and I found her badly injured and decided to help her," Mahidevran recounted, wanting to provide context for her request.

"And what does Gülnihal Hatun have to do with this? Get to the point, Sultana," Ibrahim interrupted with exasperation in his voice.

"I was merely providing context, but I will get to the point," Mahidevran replied, slightly irritated. "I know about your deep enmity with Hürrem Hatun. After helping Gülnihal Hatun, I discovered some evidence of Hürrem’s past crimes that I believe you would want to hear and read." 

Ibrahim gestured for Mahidevran to continue.

"First, regarding the attack on Firuze Hatun that resulted in her abortion and the murder of Miss Isabella. Hürrem is the one behind those attacks. I have evidence to prove it. Hürrem masterminded those crimes, but it was Gülsah who executed her orders," Mahidevran explained, passing Ibrahim the documents that both Cennet and Gülnihal had provided. "If Gülnihal Hatun didn't speak up before, it was because Hürrem threatened to kill her if she revealed what she knew."

At the mention of Isabella's murder, Ibrahim's interest was piqued. He was aware of Hürrem's involvement in Firuze's attack, and though he had always suspected her in Isabella's assassination, he now had the evidence needed to incriminate her before she targeted another concubine.

"If you're finished, Sultana, I need you to leave so I can read all the evidence you've brought me," Ibrahim said, his interest firmly fixed on the documents.

"There's one last thing I want to discuss before I go," Mahidevran said, a satisfied smile on her face at seeing her plan take effect. "My Mustafa is almost two years old now, and he will soon need an education, something I won't spare any effort on. I’ve heard good things about your intellect. If you see potential in my son, I would like you to be his mentor at some point. Don't answer me now, but take your time to think about it. Good night, Pasha."

"It will be an honour, and I thank you for your trust, Mahidevran Sultan," Ibrahim replied in a more relaxed tone. "Rest well, Sultana."

Mahidevran bowed slightly to Ibrahim and knocked at the door to have it opened. Now she needed to find a way to protect Gülnihal. An idea crossed her mind, and for that, she would need to speak with the Valide.

***

When Suleiman summoned Hürrem to his chambers, she felt an overwhelming sense of anxiety. It was the first time he had called her in a long while, and she wanted to look beautiful to impress him. If luck was on her side, perhaps she might become pregnant again with a prince for her Padishah. She was eager to return to Suleiman.

Gülnihal finished the last preparations for Hürrem while helping her put on her perfume, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that her friend was hiding something from her.

"Ready. Do you need anything else, Hürrem?" Gülnihal asked, maintaining a neutral expression after applying the perfume.

"No, it's fine," Hürrem replied haughtily. "Gülnihal."

"Tell me," Gülnihal responded, feeling a surprising lack of fear towards Hürrem's outraged outbursts.

"Before I go to my lord’s chambers... is there something I should know?" Hürrem asked, scrutinizing Gülnihal with a malicious glint in her eye.

"No," Gülnihal answered firmly, locking eyes with Hürrem.

"Well, I'm going to give you a warning anyway," Hürrem snapped rudely, though Gülnihal was unfazed. She was used to Hürrem's tempers. "If I find out that you disclosed any information about me to Mahidevran, I will make you regret it. Is that clear?"

“As you wish, Hürrem," Gülnihal replied in the same calm tone. If time allowed, Hürrem would have given Gülnihal another beating for her insolence.

A few minutes later, Sumbul Aga returned to escort Hürrem to Suleiman's chambers. Giving Gülnihal one last annoyed look, Hürrem left with Gülsah and Sumbul Aga. Within ten minutes, she arrived at Suleiman's chambers, expecting to see him, but was taken aback by the sight inside. Unlike previous nights when she shared the bed with Suleiman in the past, he was still dressed, finishing up on a turquoise jewel, and did not notice Hürrem's entrance.

"My lord," Hürrem greeted Suleiman, trying to catch his attention, but he remained unresponsive. Despair washed over her as she realized he was ignoring her. "Hunkarim, you still have not forgiven me for Firuze and her daughters, have you?" Suleiman continued his work, not even glancing at her. 

"Stay there, Hürrem. I have not permitted you to speak," Suleiman said calmly, though his disappointment in her behaviour was evident.

Hürrem's desperation grew as she noticed that Suleiman had no intention of spending the night with her, as he once had. He set aside the jewel he was working on, irritation clear on his face, and finally looked at her. It seemed he was searching for the right words to express his feelings. When he spoke, Hürrem was taken aback.

"I... I... I loved you, Hürrem. You were the love of my life, the mother of my children, the light of my eyes. I loved you so much that I broke old traditions. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing by giving you so many privileges that perhaps you did not deserve. Every time I see how you treat Huma, I am increasingly convinced that I placed my trust in you too readily." Suleiman's tone was cold and emotionless, despite the subject's impact on him. "You crossed a line that should never have been crossed, and you did so shamelessly. I allowed you the chance to repair your mistake in my eyes, but you chose not to. I am deeply disappointed in you, Hürrem. Who do you think you are to step over my children?"

"My lord, please forgive me. I’ll do better. I know I was wrong to assume things about your daughters. I miss you, and I swear on my children's lives that I cannot live without you, my Sultan…" Hürrem begged, kneeling and fighting back tears. "Please, I beg you to spend the night with me."

"No, that is not going to happen. The Hürrem that I loved died the moment you tried to blame my daughter for something she did not do," Suleiman replied frostily. Hürrem's tears no longer moved him as they once had. "It has been a long time since I called you to my chambers. Have you ever wondered why?"

Hürrem continued to cry inconsolably. She did not expect such rejection from her Sultan and knew the answer to his question but lacked the courage to voice it. "Since you will not answer my question, I will do it for you." Suleiman continued in the same cold tone, unfazed by her tears. "All the love I once felt for you died that day. I felt pity, disappointment, and anger, but eventually, I stopped missing you. The pain of your absence faded, and that void was filled by someone else. I no longer feel the need to spend time with you as I did when I was in love. That void in my heart, which was once yours, is now filled by Mahidevran."

"Damn you, damn you a thousand times Mahidevran . I swear that I will destroy you and all your children, damned Serbian bitch. " Hürrem mentally cursed Mahidevran while she listened through tears as Suleiman was breaking up with her for good.

"And before you go, Hürrem, there is something else I want you to know. Mahidevran, like Firuze, are my main consorts, and you are going to learn to respect them and behave when you are around them. Any insult or offence against them or my children will be seen as an insult to me, and you know very well what the consequences are for those who do not abide by my decisions." Suleiman concluded with an icy tone, his gaze filled with contempt as he looked at an ornate mirror she once had given him. "Take that mirror; I do not want anything that reminds me of your presence, Hürrem."

Just as Suleiman finished speaking, a eunuch entered to announce the arrival of Mahidevran, along with his children, adding to Hürrem's humiliation.

"Tell Mahidevran Sultan to come in with my children; we are all having dinner together tonight. Hürrem Hatun is already going to her chambers," ordered Suleiman, emphasising the words 'sultan' and ‘hatun’ while he glared at Hürrem one last time. Upon receiving the order, the doors opened to reveal Mahidevran, along with her twins and little Osman.

Feeling humiliated, Hürrem made a final bow to Suleiman, took the mirror she had given him as a keepsake, and left— but not before issuing a veiled threat to Mahidevran.

"This is not going to end like this, Mahidevran. I swear it," Hürrem whispered venomously.

"Do whatever you want, Hürrem; I will be waiting for you. Just remember, if you come near my children, I will destroy your life," Mahidevran whispered back quickly, directing her words to Hürrem before continuing toward Suleiman with Osman in her arms and her maids carrying the twins.

"Always remember that there are fates worse than death, Hürrem," Mahidevran thought to herself.

Chapter Text

It was the worst humiliation Hürrem had ever endured, and it was one of many she had recently faced. Hürrem was very upset, and was fully aware of the consequences of losing Suleiman's love, having witnessed herself the shift in his affection toward Firuze when he was a prince; Suleiman had fallen in love with her and stopped paying attention to the Persian woman again and Hürrem feared suffering the same fate of Firuze or even a worse one. Wanting to be alone in her chambers, she rudely dismissed the maids who were taking care of her sleeping children.

“Are you all deaf? I SAID GO AWAY!” Hürrem shouted angrily at her maids without giving them a chance to take the children with them as she ordered them to leave. “Damn you all! Validem, Hatice Sultan, that Persian snake and her daughters… and above them all, Mahidevran. Damn you, bitch!” Hürrem concluded, mentally cursing those she held responsible for her fall from grace, especially Mahidevran.

Naive. No one is indispensable in the harem, not even you Hürrem, after all the promises he made to you. Suleiman may have broken many traditions for you, but it means nothing after he discarded you and your feelings, moving on to Mahidevran at the first chance he got.

For a moment, the redhead felt that in some way, Mahidevran was the punishment she deserved for all the harm she had caused Firuze in the past. But she quickly pushed those thoughts away.

No, she had to banish those thoughts from her mind. If she wanted to regain control, she had to eliminate Mahidevran and her children from Suleiman's life at any cost. Nullifying Mahidevran, as she had done with Firuze in the past, was not enough to secure her victory. And by victory, she meant Suleiman's love.

Mahidevran was neither the punishment Hürrem deserved nor was she repentant about her past actions towards Firuze. Living in the harem meant to kill or be killed. Hürrem had made her choice and made it clear from the beginning. If she wanted to dominate, she would kill; others had to die.

" It's not just you; your children depend on you too. "

Yet, deep in her heart, Suleiman's rejection burned with pain for Hürrem as the woman in love she was. Despite loving the lifestyle, the luxuries, and the privileges of being one of the main consorts to the most powerful man in the world, Hürrem genuinely loved Suleiman as a man, seeing him beyond his status. She had never given up on the dream that one day he would close his harem and free her to marry her, making her the only woman in his life. However, after the incident involving Firuze's daughters, Suleiman did not wish to see her and actively avoided Hürrem, a thing that was hurting her deeply because she missed him. Hürrem had sensed it, but hearing him telling her directly that he no longer loved her had destroyed her self-esteem as a woman.

Or perhaps Mahidevran was correct about you when you overheard her calling you just another foolish, naive Christian girl from a backwater town that no one knows.

She wondered when all the pain in her broken heart would end. In a fit of rage, she took the mirror she had given Suleiman and smashed it to pieces. What she didn't realize was that in the next room, Mehmed was sleeping with Mihrimah and Selim, but Hürrem's cries and the noise of destruction in her chambers woke and frightened the children. Mehmed, as the older brother, felt it was his duty to calm and reassure his younger siblings.

"Mom is just going through a rough time... she'll get over it soon," Mehmed in his innocence tried to justify his mother and also comfort and reassure his siblings as best as he could, even though he was terrified. He was scared as he heard Hürrem screaming, throwing things, and breaking others, leaving a mess behind.

Eventually, Hürrem grew tired and fell to her knees, utterly exhausted. She continued to cry until she finally fell asleep amid the chaos. Half an hour later, after Hürrem had fallen asleep, Mehmed quietly left her chambers without her noticing. He saw the damage and disorder in his mother's room and felt frightened by what he discovered. Worried about his little brothers and finding Gulsah nowhere to be seen, he wanted to run to his grandmother.

The agas opened the door for Mehmed, who rushed off to the Valide's chambers. Fortuitously, he encountered his grandmother on the way, along with Gulsah. To say that Valide was upset would have been an understatement; she was furious with Hürrem's behaviour, especially after seeing Mehmed so scared and stressed. To Ayse Hafsa, her grandchildren were just as precious as her son and daughters.

"My little lion, I already know everything. Do not be afraid. Gulsah will go look for Mihrimah and Selim; she will take the three of them with Daye until your mother wakes up and everything is settled. I will stay here with you, I'm never leaving you alone" Ayse Hafsa assured her eldest grandson, kissing him on the forehead and signaling for Gulsah to enter Hürrem's chambers and bring the children.

Gulsah obeyed Ayse Hafsa's command and went into Hürrem's chambers to fetch the children. It didn’t take long for her to return with the two children in tow.

"Take my grandchildren to Daye's room and then tell Sumbul to come to Hürrem's chambers. Quickly!" Ayse Hafsa ordered sternly.

After a few minutes, Sumbul arrived and was taken aback by the furious expression on Valide's face. He bowed to her and waited for instructions.

“Tell my son that I want to see him in Hürrem's chambers. Additionally, once I leave, I want this mess to be cleaned up,” Ayse Hafsa demanded, her tone as severe as it had been when addressing Gulsah earlier. "When Hürrem wakes up, please inform me so that I can be the one to tell her about the punishment for the mess she caused last night".

***

Suleiman always knew that Hürrem was not an easy person to get along with. He was well aware of her strong and overwhelming character. Despite the warnings from his mother and Ibrahim about the consequences of not setting boundaries with her, Suleiman always excused her behaviour and sought ways to justify Hürrem to others. At the end of the day, her sincere love and unwavering loyalty towards him were undeniable. He'd give that to her.

In his youthful idealism, when he was still a prince, Suleiman had never lost hope of finding a woman with whom to share a love story that would be talked about for centuries. He believed he had found that woman in Hürrem. However, time had passed, and the weight of the crown had taken its toll. He had changed, and so had she. She changed from being the loving and fun Alexandra he had fallen in love with in Manisa into someone unrecognizable. Time had forced him to confront the bitter reality that such longings and desires were a privilege for men like him. Guilt occasionally plagued his thoughts, and he couldn't help but blame himself for nurturing the monster Hürrem had become over the years.

However, there were lines he could not allow himself, much less allow Hürrem to cross, especially concerning the safety of his children. He couldn't shake the mental image of Hürrem, with her smeared makeup running from her tears, sleeping amidst the chaos in her chambers. It was a pitiful sight.

When he learned from his mother that Mehmed had witnessed the destruction while trying to calm his younger brothers, Suleiman felt a surge of rage. He determined that Hürrem needed to be punished so that she would learn her lesson the hard way. He decided to temporarily exile her to the Old Palace to reflect on her actions away from their children.

An aga informed him of the presence of the sultan's mother and let her in. Ayse Hafsa entered silently and immediately sensed that something was wrong with Suleiman. He could not hide his emotions from his mother; even if he denied it, he looked dejected.

“Son,” Ayse Hafsa said, hugging him gently as she had when he was a child. He accepted his mother’s embrace. “I know you loved Hürrem deeply, and I regret having to bring you this painful news. But seeing the children so frightened, I thought you needed to understand the full context of what happened. They were terrified by the chaos Hürrem caused.”

“Mother, you did what you had to do. I appreciate you informing me, and I have already decided on Hürrem's punishment. She will go to the Old Palace for an indefinite period. What happened with Mehmed exceeded all limits,” Suleiman stated firmly, pulling away from his mother. “I want you to prepare everything necessary for Hürrem to leave as soon as she's ready. I don’t want to see her until I deem it appropriate. She will not be allowed to see the children without your authorization or mine, and she is completely prohibited from sending any letters or establishing any kind of communication outside the Old Palace. Perhaps she needs this time away from her children to truly understand that her actions have consequences.”

“If that is your wish, I will personally communicate your wishes to Hürrem. You already have a lot on your plate, and I don't want you to feel any more stressed about this matter, Suleiman,” Ayse Hafsa said, showing her concern for her son.

“I would appreciate that, Mother. But before you go, there’s something else I want you to know. I have news that brings me particular joy this morning,” Suleiman said, adopting a more relaxed and affable tone. “My spring rose is pregnant again. According to the doctor who examined her, she's a month and a half pregnant. When Hürrem leaves, I want to celebrate in her honour and honour of my child.”

“Allah be praised! That is wonderful news you’ve shared, my Lion. It will be done as you wish. I'll organize the celebration,” Ayse Hafsa promised, smiling with pride as a grandmother. “If you allow me, I will take Mustafa and Mihrisah to distribute gold in the harem and announce Mahidevran's pregnancy.”

“Take the children and distribute gold in honour of their new little brother,” Suleiman replied, feeling more positive before she left.

Ayse Hafsa had left her son's chambers to fetch the twins, intending to distribute gold to the harem and announce Mahidevran's new pregnancy. Meanwhile, Mustafa and Mihrisah were having fun tossing coins with their grandmother and Daye Hatun, eagerly sharing the news of Mahidevran's pregnancy. The harem girls happily received the coins, voicing their good wishes for the Valide, Mahidevran, and her new baby.

As Valide explained to the children that they would soon have a little brother, she noticed Hürrem passing by, once again screaming and causing a scene upon hearing about the punishment imposed on her by Suleiman. The commotion frightened the twins, prompting Ayse Hafsa to instruct Daye to take the children to their mother while she addressed Hürrem's uproar and relished one last glimpse of the defeated expression on the Ruthenian’s face.

"You cannot separate me from my children! I am the mother of two princes of our Padishah ! Let me go! I will not go to the Old Palace!" Hürrem screamed wildly, struggling against the agas who were escorting her to a carriage. She had yet to see the sultana mother, who remained unfazed by Hürrem's aggression, accustomed as she was to the redhead's outbursts. "You are to blame! You have always hated me because I’m not like that hypocritical Persian snake! You got what you wanted, Valide. I congratulate you! I hope you sleep with a clear conscience after separating a mother from her children!"

"I only came to witness your defeated expression one last time, Hürrem, as it will be a long while before I see it again in this palace. My son is unhappy with your behaviour after Mehmed witnessed you in such a pathetic state, which is why he sent you to the Old Palace. Don’t worry about me; I will sleep soundly with you gone," Ayse Hafsa replied calmly, though she seemed to take some pleasure in Hürrem's pitiful drama. She had awaited this moment for years. "Agas, before Hürrem Hatun goes to the Old Palace, I want her to receive forty lashes on her feet for insulting me, and another twenty for speaking ill of Firuze Hatun behind her back."

Ayse Hafsa did not linger to witness Hürrem's reaction as she was taken to the harem to be punished, but she could hear the redhead's screams as her feet were whipped. She didn’t mind; in her opinion, it was the least Hürrem deserved after years of disrespect.

***

Ayse Hafsa was in her chambers, awaiting Mahidevran's arrival. Now that the brunette was pregnant again, as her son had informed her, and with the prospect of a new grandson, she felt very happy. However, she had sent for Mahidevran because she wanted to discuss a matter that concerned her regarding the harem and decided to test Mahidevran's mettle. Ayse Hafsa planned to propose sending new concubines to Suleiman's harem and carefully observe her reaction. Depending on how she would respond, she would provide her with more information about her plans.

“Mother,” Mahidevran greeted her with a slight bow. “Daye Hatun told me that you wanted to see me.”

“Mahidevran, dear, please sit with me,” Ayse Hafsa requested kindly, pointing to one of the armchairs in the room. “You look radiant today. My lion has given me the good news of your new pregnancy. Allah willing, you will bless the dynasty with a new prince or a sultana. Once Hürrem leaves for the Old Palace, we will celebrate your new baby. Congratulations, Mahidevran.”

“Allah willing, my child will be born healthy. Thank you very much for your kind words and good wishes, Validem .” Mahidevran respectfully thanked Ayse Hafsa as she took a seat near her.

“Mahidevran, there is a matter I must discuss with you. This is not an easy topic, but I expect nothing less than your understanding. Do you understand what I am saying?” Ayse Hafsa asked, waiting for Mahidevran's reaction. The brunette nodded silently in acknowledgement. “According to our customs in the harem, it is clear that during your pregnancy, you cannot visit my son in his chambers, and I believe you are already aware of this. You also know that my lion has certain obligations towards the dynasty that we cannot just ignore.”

Ayse Hafsa paused before continuing. Mahidevran waited attentively, wondering why the Sultan's mother had summoned her. If her remarks about the customs of the harem indicated her thoughts, then Mahidevran already had an idea of what Ayse Hafsa was about to bring up. Mahidevran was well aware of the harem rules and she did not feel upset, let alone jealous, about having to share Suleiman with other women.

As the mother of two princes, Mahidevran's only direct rival was Hürrem. Since Suleiman had not yet forgiven her for her altercation with Firuze's daughters, it would be a long time before she could enter the Sultan's chambers again. It would also take time for another concubine to surpass her within the harem hierarchy. Mahidevran anticipated what the Valide was going to ask and she wanted to prioritize maintaining the Valide's favour over any jealousy regarding a man she didn’t even love. She began to consider how to make the best of the situation.

“Mahidevran, when I was younger, I had a hard time accepting sharing my sultan, Selim, with other women. I understand that this may cause you discomfort, but I need your good judgment to guide me,” Ayse Hafsa continued, speaking as tactfully as possible to avoid further stressing her daughter-in-law due to her condition.

“Mother, I understand that there are rules in the harem, and there are aspects that our lord cannot ignore, such as the need for heirs,” Mahidevran replied calmly, grasping the gravity of the situation. “I am honoured that you seek my advice, and I will not betray your trust. I have not forgotten your lessons; loyalty to our lord is of utmost importance, even above any personal feelings I may have toward His Majesty.”

“Mahidevran, I see that my Hatice was not mistaken about you. I am pleased that you have not forgotten what I have taught you,” Ayse Hafsa responded this time with a warmer tone than her usual authoritative demeanour, surprising Mahidevran. “Now, I will get to the point. I need to send girls from the harem to my son's chambers. I would like your help in choosing a girl for that purpose. Do you have anyone in mind?”

Mahidevran pondered her options for a moment. Strategically, it seemed beneficial to suggest Gülnihal for Suleiman's chambers. If Gülnihal became pregnant, even if Hürrem found out about the betrayal, she would be unable to take action against Mahidevran or Gülnihal. Moreover, unlike the time she confronted Firuze, Hürrem's current image in Suleiman's eyes was far from the idealised version he held in the past, and it was already clear that Hürrem was destined to spend a good amount of time in the Old Palace.

“I have observed Gülnihal Hatun's behaviour, and I believe she should go to our lord's chambers. She is very young and beautiful, and Allah willing, she will bear healthy children for our lord. She is also very proper and respects the rules of the harem,” Mahidevran stated formally. Ayse Hafsa considered Mahidevran's suggestion for a moment before providing her verdict.

"That girl was always very polite and attentive. It's a shame she remained hidden for so long under Hürrem's shadow," Ayse Hafsa reflected to Mahidevran. "But I agree with your judgment. I will ask Daye to prepare Gülnihal Hatun for a visit to my son's chambers tomorrow. Mahidevran, just be patient, and Allah's willing, you'll see how far you can go one day. Now go rest, and remember that we have to rise early to finalize the preparations for Hatice's home."

"Rest well too, Mother," Mahidevran replied, kissing her mother-in-law's hand as she said goodbye.

***

The story of Hatice Sultan begins with her birth around the year 1490 in Trebizond, a province ruled by her father when he was still a prince before ascending the throne. She was the eldest daughter of Sultan Yavuz Selim I and his favourite concubine, Ayse Hafsa Sultan. Above all, she was her father's favourite daughter and her brother Suleiman's cherished sister. Everyone knew how close Hatice Sultan was to the Padishah, which helped her greatly to assert her authority as the dynasty sultana she was when she deemed it necessary.

Although she demonstrated her power subtly, without ostentation, Hatice Sultan never hesitated to assert herself. Like her father and her brother, she could be ruthless when required. In the harem, no one with any sense dared to contradict or disrespect Sultan Suleiman's elder sister without facing direct and indirect consequences. Mahidevran always recalled the very first advice given to her by the Valide to survive in the harem, which specifically concerned her eldest daughter.

***

"Because I esteem you and love you like a daughter at this point, Mahidevran, I want to offer you this advice. You can choose whether or not to take it." Ayse Hafsa spoke seriously , not allowing for any interruptions. Mahidevran listened attentively to her mother-in-law. "If you are wise, never, ever think of annoying or contradicting my daughter Hatice".

"I would never do that, Mother. Hatice Sultan has always been very kind and gentle with me since I arrived at the palace." Mahidevran responded honestly. After all, she had never had any issues with Hatice Sultan. On the contrary, Hatice always treated her kindly and gave her valuable advice to navigate the harem intrigues, a privilege few others enjoyed.

"Consider yourself privileged then, because my daughter is extremely selective about the people she associates with and places her trust in. Never forget that." Ayse Hafsa warned Mahidevran. "You must understand that of all my children, Hatice is the one most akin in personality to my late husband, Sultan Yavuz Selim, may Allah grant him peace."

"If I may ask, Mother, what does that mean?" Mahidevran inquired cautiously.

"It’s better to ask before than to make a mistake that could cost you dearly, Mahidevran." Ayse Hafsa replied calmly. "What I mean is this: if you try to undermine Hatice's authority or betray her trust, she will make your life miserable before eliminating you. Like her father, she never forgets or forgives disrespect and betrayals".

"Hürrem repeatedly dared to disrespect me long before you arrived, and she has yet to be forgiven for the harm she did to Firuze. Look at the consequences of her actions; Suleiman hasn’t even bothered to look at her since her last pregnancy because he often listens to his older sister. Hatice's words carry great weight with Suleiman and he always valued her advice when he had to make a decision. When Hürrem least expects it, Hatice will deliver the final blow. I know this because I know my daughter fully. Do not make the same mistake that Hürrem did, Mahidevran."

***

Hatice Sultan, a widow since the loss of her first husband, often spent time with her mother, significantly influencing her judgment regarding the management of the harem. Many harem slaves who maintained a good relationship with Hatice quickly improved their living conditions and had a much better chance of being sent to Suleiman's chambers by the Valide. Hatice was instrumental in training and educating Firuze to prepare her for Suleiman's harem while he was still a prince. She also recognized Mahidevran's potential —when Mahidevran was still known as Milena—and convinced her mother that Mahidevran was the most suitable to counter Hürrem's position in the harem. After that, Valide deemed it necessary to train and educate Mahidevran to be sent to her son's chambers as soon as possible. And their plan was an actual success.

Hatice's relationships with her siblings varied widely. While she was close to the Sultan and her sister, Beyhan Sultan, her relationship with her other sisters was different. She had a cordial but not particularly close relationship with her half-sister, Fatma Sultan. However, her relationship with her other half-sister, Sah-i-Huban Sultan, was marked by animosity; they could not stand each other and avoided meetings at all costs, as both were in constant competition to prove who was the most influential and powerful among the Sultan's sisters.

Life had been quite kind to Hatice, and she always had everything she wanted, which led to a lot of envy directed at her, especially from Sah-i-Huban, who resented Hatice for this. Hatice was a young, beautiful, wealthy, and powerful woman. She was preparing to marry again, this time to Mehmed Shalovi, the son of the current grand vizier of Suleiman. The Valide herself oversaw every detail of her daughter's wedding and future home, insisting that Hatice have a residence befitting a dynasty sultana. As a gesture of trust, Hatice wanted to invite Mahidevran to her new home. By this time, the two women had grown very close; Mahidevran regarded Hatice as a role model, especially for the way she asserted her authority, while Hatice appreciated Mahidevran's obedience and respect for Ottoman traditions.

"Good morning, Sultanim . I came as soon as I received your invitation," Mahidevran greeted, accompanied by her children and maids. "I am honoured that you invited me to your home."

Pregnant again for the third time and being in the first trimester of her fourth child after giving birth to Mustafa, Mihrisah, and Osman, Mahidevran often faced the typical discomforts of her condition, yet on this day, she felt particularly motivated and in good spirits due to Hatice's invitation to discuss the final details of her new home.

"Mahidevran, I’m so glad you could come and bring the children. You look radiant," Hatice said, genuinely happy to see her as she hugged her affectionately. "There’s someone I want you to meet, but it will be very brief," Hatice added, finishing her thought with a whisper.

Mahidevran hesitated for a moment, not wanting her children out of sight for too long, but she felt reassured knowing that Fidan was always vigilant in caring for them. Meanwhile, despite her distance from her half-sisters, Hatice had contacted Fatma Sultan and was surprised to discover how many common goals they shared. She invited Fatma to her home to form a political alliance.

"I’m going to introduce you to one of my half-sisters, but I must warn you: always be very careful with what you say in front of Fatma," Hatice cautioned Mahidevran in a low voice. "Fatma is very gossipy. She loves gossip as much, if not more than, her jewelry and dresses. She always knows everything and could get you into serious trouble if she doesn’t like you. However, if you gain her trust and she takes a liking to you, she can be a great ally."

Hatice and Mahidevran arrived at the chambers where Fatma Sultan was staying. Fatma, a middle-aged woman dressed elegantly, exuded vanity and joy. She appraised Mahidevran from head to toe with a broad smile before speaking.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Fatma's well-known arrogance and sharp remarks with a lack of filter were legendary. Dressed in blue silk attire and glittering jewellery, her dark hair fell in curls over her shoulders, adorned with fine golden brooches. Her presence filled the air with tension, especially among the sisters every time they met, including Hatice, who watched the interaction with a mixture of curiosity and concern, as if she was about to see one of those palace dramas between them and any of her brother’s concubines unfold before her eyes and in her own home.

“Hatice has told me so much about you; you are certainly the most beautiful concubine in our lord's harem. I can imagine how Hürrem must feel after being replaced by a prettier woman than herself, and how she must be burning with jealousy...” said Fatma, revelling in the image evoked, in a tone brimming with her barely concealed mockery. “You have borne our Padishah many children, something worthy of… being noticed. Not everyone goes as far as Hürrem or Firuze.”

Fatma's comment caused Mahidevran visible discomfort. Although she was aware of her duty as the sultan's consort, she could not help but feel diminished under Fatma's constant scrutiny. Nevertheless, she kept her composure and responded politely, with a touch of irony. She knew of the enmity between Fatma and Hürrem, something Mahidevran planned to use to her advantage in the future when the time was right, so she chose not to give in to her provocations. Besides, from what Hatice had told Mahidevran about her half-sister, Fatma knew a lot about palace intrigues and was better off to have her as an ally.

“I have done my duty and have been prepared for it since I arrived in the harem. The Valide has been an exceptional guide with her advice, which has allowed me to reach my current position because no one knows our Padishah and how his harem works better than the mother sultana, is that not so?” Mahidevran replied politely, though there was a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she sought approval in Hatice's gaze, who smiled briefly before returning to her seriousness. “If Allah is willing and our Padishah wishes, perhaps I will continue to give more healthy princes to our dynasty.”

Fatma's eyes flashed with a spark of defiance. She knew that every word had the power to manipulate and shape the atmosphere in her favour. With a slight movement, she adjusted one of her golden bracelets, reflecting the light.

“That is true. You have not lacked intelligence in maintaining our Padishah’s favour over the years, it’s not an easy task. My brother grows easily bored with his concubines or dispatches them to the Old Palace at the very first mistake they make. But Hürrem was an exception, and she was lucky, that woman should have left for the Old Palace long ago” Fatma replied sarcastically, without hiding her dislike of Hürrem, as a crooked smile formed on her lips. “On the other hand, Firuze was also obedient to the Valide, my brother loved her very much and look how it ended.” Fatma finished, earning a warning glance from Hatice, who did not approve of the comment towards her mother and her friend.

“Be careful Fatma, you are going too far with your comments. Behave yourself, don't forget you're in my house.” Hatice warned Fatma firmly, unwilling to tolerate her speaking ill of her mother and her friend in her home. Fatma continued with the same indifferent attitude, something that annoyed Hatice deeply.

Mahidevran felt a chill running down her spine. Fatma's words reminded her of the constant dangers and betrayals at court. Determined to be unaffected, she lifted her chin and looked directly into Fatma's eyes, conveying a renewed firmness.

“What happened to Miss Firuze was a tragedy. Unfortunately, she never received the justice she deserved. If my son had been the victim of such an attack, I would not have rested until I sought revenge, because justice would not have been enough for me,” Mahidevran commented seriously. “But Allah is all-seeing, perhaps he will punish the aggressor where it hurts the most. You know, divine justice sometimes works in unexpected ways.”

“Or maybe the punishment has already come to the aggressor and only the final condemnation is missing, because it would be a pity if our Padishah found out with proof who was really behind the attack on Firuze. I think we all know that answer, don't we?” Fatma finished with a jocular smile, earning another disapproving look from Hatice. “We'll leave this conversation for another day; Hatice is already in a bad mood, and I don't want to spoil my day with a lecture from her. Before I leave, I want to tell you something, Mahidevran.”

“You tell me, sultana.” Mahidevran replied neutrally.

“Nevertheless, I think I like you enough to help you and, Allah willing, maybe one of your sons will be the next sultan. I will keep you in my prayers Mahidevran,” Fatma finished as she fixed her veil before leaving. “Hatice, next time you invite me I hope you'll be in better spirits because clearly, the stress of the wedding is getting to you”

Hatice glared at her half-sister one last time before she left. True to her habit of leaving without warning, Fatma left without saying goodbye to her sister, something that did not surprise Hatice. Once she was gone, Mahidevran stepped in to share her impressions with Hatice.

“Sultana, forgive me for saying so, but your half-sister is...”. Mahidevran managed to comment before Hatice interrupted her.

“I know Fatma is a bit childish, but it's always good to keep her close,” Hatice interrupted as if tacitly agreeing with Mahidevran. “But once you get to know her, she can be very helpful, don’t forget that.”

***

The first night in the Old Palace was extremely difficult for Hürrem. The cold stone walls and dark corridors contrasted brutally with the opulence and warmth of the main palace. This experience represented a significant humiliation, courtesy of the Valide this time. Although she still needed assistance to get around due to the foot whippings ordered by the Valide as punishment before she was sent to the palace, but the pain in her feet and the wounds on her hands that she inflicted on herself were no match for the emotional pain she carried in her heart.

Hürrem remembered her children and their daily activities together and it brought tears to her eyes. She remembered Mehmed smiling as he told her what he was learning in class, braiding Mihrimah’s hair or hearing Selim talk with enthusiasm about some tale he had heard from Gulsah before going to sleep. Hürrem wondered if they had eaten well if they were sleeping or how their classes were going. She longed to talk to Mehmed about the lessons over dinner, but her heart would break at the thought of the suffering caused by her impulses, the fear of her children, and the mess in her quarters due to a fit of jealousy. Guilt was a constant weight that stayed with her, each memory transporting her back to moments of happiness and agony.

“It's all over... Despite the harm I did to Firuze for which I have no regrets, I always feared I would end up like her... I should have gotten rid of Mahidevran myself...” Hürrem murmured as she struggled to move. Her words reflected her mistakes and decisions, an echo of her inner conflicts.

The scourge of past sins flashed in her mind, reminding Hürrem of her ruthless actions and insecurities. At the same time, meditating on her deeds made her question her acts of mercy and harshness. The palace intrigues had left deep scars on her soul, and every decision she made had repercussions that echoed through time. She struggled against physical and mental immobility, trying to find a way out of his inner torment. She ached to see her children again to assure them that everything was going to be okay and soon they would be all reunited.

“Don't be discouraged, Sultanim. Our lord will forgive you because he cares for you deeply and your children miss you,’ Gulsah tried to encourage her, without much success, although the mention of her children seemed to motivate her slightly.

“You could write a letter to the little Şehzade. You know better than we do that rules can be broken for your convenience.” Esma suggested, managing to bring a small smile to Hürrem's face. “If you wish, I will get paper and ink for Gulsah to write the letter, and I will see that it gets into Prince Mehmed's hands. They owe me many favours in the harem…”

“Thank you” Hürrem murmured, grateful to her maids.

“Go and get some rest, Sultana. Tomorrow we'll bring what you need to write the letter,” promised Gulsah.

Gulsah and Esma helped Hürrem lie down on a simple bunk assigned to her in her small room as she sobbed quietly. The mattress was hard, and the blanket barely provided warmth in the cold room, but that was the least of Hürrem's worries. Internally, Hürrem vowed to become stronger to reunite with her children and take revenge on those who had wronged her, especially the Valide and Mahidevran. She would never again allow them, and especially Mahidevran, to pass her by, let alone humiliate her, and if they did, they would face whatever reprisals she deemed most appropriate.

“No one, not even they, will stop me from reclaiming what is mine,” Hürrem vowed to herself as she slowly fell into sleep, the image of her children fixed in her mind. “Though my heart is broken, and my soul is empty, I swear by all that is holy that I will come back stronger than ever. I can give up Suleiman, but not my children, I swear it by Allah”

At dawn, Hürrem awoke early, surprised that she was not alone. Soft sunlight was beginning to stream through the windows, faintly illuminating the room with a golden hue. She was relieved to see Şah-i-Huban sultan, her former mentor, instead of a rival concubine intent on harming her. Şah must have bribed someone to get in, Hürrem thought, though she didn't think anything of it at the time. The atmosphere in the room was tense; the gardens of the Old Palace were glimpsed through the windows, barely visible behind the thick curtains. Unable to read Şah's expression, Hürrem waited for her to speak.

Şah, dressed in a very elegant green silk dress, matching veil and jewellery reflecting her high status, had a cold, unperturbed look on her face as she analysed Hürrem.

“I never thought you would be my brother's first favourite to end up here,” Şah commented wryly, clearly displeased at having to visit her former ward in the Old Palace. “It's a pity, I thought I had trained you better. What happened to you? did you go soft, Hürrem?”

Her green eyes scanned every corner of the room as if looking for traces of weakness in Hürrem. The distant sounds of birds in the gardens only accentuated the awkward silence that settled between them. Hürrem plucked up the courage not to respond badly to the sultana's sarcastic remark and preferred to keep her composure, even though she knew that Şah was looking at her as if she were an insignificant, disposable gnat. She didn't want any more trouble, least of all with her former mentor, for she knew she could humiliate her with a single sentence.

“I didn't go soft, Sultanim, I just made a series of mistakes that cost me dearly,” Hürrem admitted with difficulty.

“A string of mistakes that could have cost you your life, and by extension, that would have meant that your children would have been left to fend for themselves. Of all the excuses you could have come up with, this is the most convenient on your part,” Şah scolded her, openly annoyed, as if the scenario had evoked some painful memory in the sultana. “How many times did I not tell you that you were not going to get anywhere by being aggressive and haughty with the Valide? Now you're seeing the results of not listening to me”.

“But she... she and Mahidevran have been conspiring against me ever since she set foot in the palace...” Hürrem tried to defend herself, but Şah shut her up with a gesture, clearly more irritated.

“And what did you expect? This is a harem, and I imagine you know very well how it works. Or so I thought that you at least you would be smarter to understand how it worked. I was wrong I guess - Şah snapped at her irritably. -I'm going to tell you this for the last time, and I hope you don't forget it again: you're the mother of two princes, start behaving yourself, and above all, stand up for yourself. Stop doing stupid things.

Suddenly, Şah pulled out some writing implements from a bag: some parchment paper, ink and a quill. Without saying anything, the sultana began to write in front of Hürrem, the redhead was tempted to ask her for some of those supplies to write a letter to Mehmed, but Şah's murderous look made her back away.

“Sultana, if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to...” Hürrem spoke timidly, but Şah simply ignored her as she continued writing the letter. It was the same kind of contempt that Suleiman used to give Hürrem when he was openly angry with her.

“What do you want, to write a letter to Mehmed? Don't worry, I'll do that myself, at least so he can rest easy knowing that at least you're breathing,” Şah replied cruelly. Hürrem's eyes were filled with tears at the sultana's hurtful answers, but Şah didn't care. “As stupid and impulsive as you are, you might even get that poor boy into trouble by writing about your personal issues with Suleiman”

“Sultanim, I...” Hürrem tried to justify herself again, but Şah interrupted her again in a curt manner.

“Shut up, just shut up,” Şah answered her again in the same tone as she finished writing the letter. “I want to tell you something before I leave”

Hürrem simply nodded, as she kept weeping in front of Şah.

“I will try to intercede for you with Suleiman to get your punishment lifted and don’t keep your hopes high, but it will be the first and last time. You must learn to behave because you know very well that there is not going to be a second chance,” Şah finished as she gestured to her maids to put their things away before leaving. “At least, if you're not going to be smart enough to survive, at least try not to do stupid things, or... you're going to end up just as bad as my mother did, I'm warning you right now” 

After he finished speaking, Şah quickly left the Old Palace. Beyond all her annoyance with Hürrem, the situation itself seemed to have brought back painful memories of her childhood to the sultana.

“I can't lose to Hatice and her mother; I can't let them get away with this any longer...” Şah said to herself as she made a great effort to remain stoic and not let the situation get to her more than it should.

“Mummy are you all right?” asked little Esmehan with concern as she saw that her mother was uneasy for some reason she couldn't quite understand, as they drove home in the carriage.

Şah cursed herself and softened her expression before answering her daughter.

“It's all right, my dear child,” Şah replied affectionately to her daughter as she kissed her on the forehead. “There is nothing to worry about.”

***

More than three months had passed Mahidevran’s youngest child was born, and it was a girl. The little girl was named Ayşe by her father, to honour her own grandmother. Also, almost a year had passed since Hatice's wedding. The sultana was in the sixth month of her pregnancy and would soon give birth to her first child with her husband, which is why she frequently visited her home together with the Valide to offer her support throughout the process. Hatice looked radiant, yet visibly excited, anxious about the arrival of her firstborn and always had many questions, as it was her first experience having a child of her own. She felt a mixture of happiness and nervousness, sharing every detail of her experience with the Valide, who offered wise advice and words of reassurance to her daughter.

In the morning, Mahidevran had come with the children to visit Hatice. The twins' laughter and Hüma's laughter echoed as they ran among the flowers, making up games and enjoying nature. The happy faces of the children as they played only reflected their innocence. Osman fell asleep on his grandmother's lap after lunch, a smile on the child’s tired face. The Valide gently stroked the little boy's blond hair, watching tenderly as her grandson rested. Meanwhile, Ayşe, still a newborn, remained quiet throughout the afternoon, except when she was hungry. Her little body rested peacefully in her mother's lap.

By nighttime. Mahidevran was in her chambers brushing her eldest daughter's hair as he used to do every night before putting her to sleep with her siblings. The rooms were decorated with rich tapestries and embroidered cushions, and soft light from oil lamps illuminated the room. At almost four years old, Mihrişah was a very bright child and represented the joy of the Palace alongside her twin Mustafa. The children were both restless, always playing together and constantly accompanying each other, filling the corridors with their laughter.

“Mother, is it true that you are a princess like my aunt Hatice?” asked Mihrişah suddenly as Mahidevran brushed her hair gently. Her daughter's question took Mahidevran, who had a comb in her hand, by surprise.

“And who told you I was a princess, my dear?” Mahidevran replied, making her daughter look at her. Telling his daughter her family story was not what he had planned for that night; she used to tell her and Mustafa bedtime stories.

“My father always says you are a princess like my grandmother. Mustafa also thinks he is a prince.” Mihrişah replied innocently, eliciting a slight smile from her mother. Mahidevran pondered her answer before replying to her little daughter, but she was amused that Suleiman spoke of her in such a special way.

“Your brother is right. He and Osman are both princes because they are sons of the Sultan, just like you,” Mahidevran explained to her daughter as simply as possible so that she would understand her position. She watched as Mihrişah's eyes sparkled at this revelation.

“And am I a princess too, mother?” Mihrişah asked more curiously. Mahidevran kissed the girl on the forehead before answering. At another time, she would tell her the story of her family and the importance of her ancestors throughout the history of the empire.

“In theory, you are a blood sultana like your aunt, as is your sister Ayşe, since you are both daughters of the Sultan, like your brothers,” Mahidevran replied to her daughter. “I want you to promise me something, my little child.”

The girl nodded, paying attention to her mother, trying to understand the seriousness in her mother's eyes.

“I want you to promise me that, no matter what happens, you and Ayşe will always be very close,” Mahidevran asked as she stared at her eldest daughter. “One day, you and Ayşe will become very powerful women, more powerful than me, because you are our Padishah’s daughters. Your orders will be obeyed without question and many powerful pashas will fight for your attention. Never forget what I have just told you, my child, and promise me that you will never leave your sister alone”

“I love my little sister very much and I will never leave her alone. I do love Mustafa and Osman very much too.” The girl replied, which filled her mother’s heart with tenderness towards her daughter.

“I do not doubt that my little sultana. Now go to sleep, because tomorrow we must get up early because you and your brother are going to start your classes” Mahidevran dismissed his daughter with a kiss on the forehead before Fidan came to fetch the child to put her to bed as he did every night. Fidan, Mahidevran's trusted maid, took Mihrişah by the hand, making sure the little girl was settled in her bed. Mustafa was already fast asleep along with Osman.

Mahidevran thought for a moment before going to sleep. It was true that she felt a lot of peace in the harem after the Valide punished Hürrem by sending her to the Old Palace, but she felt a certain uneasiness despite the apparent calmer environment. If Suleiman forgave Hürrem at some point and she returned, Mahidevran knew very well that Hürrem would come back to take revenge on her. But it was also clear to her that nothing would ever be the same as before between Hürrem and Suleiman, no matter how hard she tried, for she had gone too far in insulting and threatening the Valide in full view of everyone present. The tension between them was palpable and affected every aspect of palace life.

“That's the difference between you and me, Hürrem.” Mahidevran thought as another maid had brought little Ayşe to her. She put the newborn baby gently in her cot to make her sleep. “I will always be a mother first before being a woman”

Chapter Text

It was early in the morning when Suleiman went to see his mother in her chambers, seeking the advice of the Valide. A few days ago, he had received a visit from his half-sister, Şah-i-Huban, who had tried to intercede for Hürrem before Suleiman, asking him to allow her to return to the Palace. It was an awkward conversation, and although Suleiman did not like her getting involved and expressing her opinions about his decisions regarding his harem, he had to admit she was right when she told him that the cause of Mehmed's sadness and melancholy was Hürrem's absence.

The Valide received her son as always, but with her motherly instinct, she saw the conflict in Suleiman’s eyes and was certain it was because of Hürrem.

"Mother." Suleiman greeted his mother respectfully, kissing the woman's rings.

"My lion." The Valide greeted him back with concern. "I see you're troubled by something, is there anything I can help you with?"

"I’m... I’m worried about something. I need your advice." Suleiman began speaking. "First, I want to know how you've seen Mehmed."

"Well, I’ve seen him very sad and distracted. The only moments when I see him in better spirits are when he plays with Mustafá in the gardens." The Valide answered sincerely. "Why do you ask me, my lion?"

"Because as you already know, I received a visit from Şah-i-Huban, and she made an observation that left me thinking about reconsidering the punishment I imposed on Hürrem." Suleiman answered awkwardly, clearly bothered by the idea of changing his decision. "She made me realize that maybe Mehmed's melancholy is due to the absence of his mother."

Ayşe Hafsa shifted uneasily in her seat. It was true that she got along terribly with her Ruthenian daughter-in-law: she found her a liar, aggressive, and very manipulative, especially when she dragged Mehmed into her problems with her or any other woman from the harem. But the wellbeing of her grandson was more important than any grudge she might have with Hürrem, so she was willing to tolerate the redhead again, but with well-established limits.

"Son, you know very well what I think of Hürrem. But..." Ayşe Hafsa intervened, making her opinion known to Suleiman. "Mehmed's well-being is the most important thing right now. If at any point you consider that Hürrem should return, then I will support you in whatever you deem necessary to do."

"Then it’s decided, she will return, but let it be clear there won’t be a next time. I'm doing this only for Mehmed." Suleiman stated coldly.

"I think that’s appropriate, my lion. I will order the servants to prepare Hürrem's chambers for her arrival." Ayşe Hafsa commented neutrally, even though she didn’t like the idea of Hürrem returning to the Palace at all.

"Alright, I’ll leave now because I have other matters to attend to." Suleiman concluded, heading towards Mahidevran’s chambers. There was a very serious matter he needed to discuss with her. Specifically, a favor he wanted to ask regarding Mehmed.

***

Mahidevran was in her chambers finishing getting Mustafa ready for his first day of school. Although the boy was naturally very smart for his age, he didn’t much like the idea of attending classes with a teacher when he could be playing instead.

"Mum, why do I have to go to class with Mihrisah?" Mustafa asked, displeased, in the same tone he used when he was about to throw a tantrum. Mahidevran knew her son well. "I’m going to be really bored with my sister and the teachers locked up, I want to go play with Ibrahim or Mehmed."

Mahidevran gathered her patience to not scold her son for what he had just said, but her daughter interrupted her before she could respond to Mustafa.

"Because daddy doesn’t want stupid children around him." The girl interrupted, clearly upset by her twin brother’s comment.

"I’m not stupid, Mihrisah..." Mustafa replied gruffly before Mahidevran intervened to stop the argument between the twins.

"Enough!" Mahidevran exclaimed firmly, looking sternly at both children, who immediately stopped upon their mother’s intervention. "Mustafa, you have to understand that you can’t play every day and that both Mehmed and Ibrahim Pasha have things to do. Your responsibility is to go to class."

Mahidevran paused before addressing her older daughter.

"Mihrisah." Mahidevran continued in the same serious tone. "It’s true that your father believes it’s necessary for you to start going to school, but that’s no reason to tell your brother he’s stupid. Now, apologize to your brother, Mihrisah."

"Sorry, Mustafa." Mihrisah muttered begrudgingly, with her head down.

"You too, Mustafa." Mahidevran ordered.

"Sorry, Mihrisah." The boy whispered, struggling.

"Very well. Let this kind of incident not happen again." Mahidevran spoke sternly. "You both need to learn that I will not tolerate any disrespect between you. Now, when Fidan finishes feeding Osman, she will take you to class, and I don’t want to hear about any more scandals between both of you. Understood?"

The two children nodded silently at their mother’s reprimand, secretly exchanging sharp glances. Mahidevran noticed this but said nothing; it was normal for the twins to ignore each other for a while when they had been scolded, but then they would make up and start playing together again, so she decided not to say anything more.

Fidan, who had already finished feeding little Osman, approached Mahidevran, seeking her approval to take the twins to class.

"Sultanim, I’ve finished with sezhade Osman. Would you like me to take the twins to class?" Fidan asked, waiting for Mahidevran’s command.

Mahidevran glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Fidan never addressed her by her title when they were alone, but she understood it was because Ayşe’s nurse was present, so she didn’t say anything.

"I would appreciate it." Mahidevran nodded as she sat Osman on her lap. The nurse who attended to Ayşe had already finished feeding the baby. The little girl was sleeping soundly in her crib.

"Sultanim, I’ve finished nursing your daughter. If you allow me, I’d like to take my leave." The nurse requested. "If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me."

"Thank you very much, I’ll keep that in mind." Mahidevran replied diplomatically.

Fidan had already taken the twins to their classes, and shortly after, Ayşe’s nurse left, leaving Mahidevran alone with Osman and Ayşe. However, no more than fifteen minutes passed when Suleiman entered unannounced into Mahidevran’s chambers.

"My lord." Mahidevran greeted him with the utmost respect, bowing before him with Osman in her arms.

"My beautiful Mahidevran." Suleiman greeted her affectionately, lifting her chin to look her in the eyes. Even though the years passed, she was still as beautiful as the first time he saw her in Belgrade. "How are you? And the children?" He asked while taking Osman in his arms, the boy gurgling happily upon seeing his father.

"I’m doing very well, thank you very much for asking, Hunkarim." Mahidevran answered respectfully. "Mustafa and Mihrisah went to class with the teachers you arranged, the nurse the Valide sent to help me with Ayşe just left a while ago, and Ayşe is sleeping. And as you can see, Osman is very happy to see you again, Hunkarim."

Suleiman gave a loving kiss to the little boy’s forehead before handing him back to his mother and paused before speaking to Mahidevran.

"My lord, is there anything I can help you with?" Mahidevran asked, patiently awaiting Suleiman’s response.

"Indeed, there is something I need you to help me with, Mahidevran." Suleiman answered, adopting a more serious tone. "It’s about Mehmed."

Mahidevran awaited Suleiman’s request. Behind this request, she was sure he would ask her for something concerning sezhade Mehmed.

"Mehmed has me very worried. Since Hürrem left for the Old Palace, he’s been very depressed, lonely, and withdrawn. And this is where I need your help." Suleiman continued in the same serious tone. "I know you’re very good with children, and I want you to help lift Mehmed’s spirits, keep his mind occupied."

"I understand, Hunkarim. It’s natural for the boy to feel this way, he must miss his mother very much. And I will do everything within my power to help the prince." Mahidevran replied kindly. "But you know him better than I do, what does he like to do?"

Suleiman took little Osman from Mahidevran’s arms and placed him on a nearby couch. Pleased with Mahidevran’s warm and caring response, he gently took the woman’s hands before answering her.

Even despite his rivalry with Hürrem, she was willing to help the son of his great rival, and that was not something just anyone would do.

"Mehmed likes intellectual challenges, reading a lot, learning new languages... my mother told me you speak Greek fluently." Suleiman replied with a small smile, seeing Mahidevran’s good disposition.

"That’s true, Hunkarim... if you deem it appropriate, perhaps I could teach the sezhade the language." —Mahidevran agreed.

"Then it’s decided. After lunch, I’ll tell Mehmed to meet with you in the gardens." Suleiman concluded, satisfied with Mahidevran’s response. "Mahidevran."

"Hunkarim." Mahidevran looked at him, waiting for what he had to say.

"This... this means a lot to me. Thank you, Mahidevran." Suleiman thanked her warmly before leaving, a gesture he rarely made.

***

As expected, Mehmed obeyed his father's command to meet with Mahidevran as soon as he finished his lunch, in the gardens of the Imperial Palace. As the boy approached, Mahidevran questioned herself why she had agreed to Suleiman's request. Clearly, she had done it not to please Suleiman, but because she genuinely wanted to help the boy, even though he was Hürrem's son.

"Sehzade." Mahidevran gave a small bow to the boy. "I imagine your father already told you why he wanted you to meet me in the gardens."

"Yes... he told me that you know many languages and that you want to teach me Greek." Mehmed responded politely.

Mahidevran observed the boy, and he seemed quite motivated. She was supposed to be on the defensive with him, but all she saw was a kind boy seeking companionship.

"Come, Mehmed, sit here." She kindly invited him. "Tell me, why do you want to learn Greek?"

"Because my father thinks it's the language of many brilliant men. Plato, Aristotle, and even Alexander the Great. My father admires him greatly and he's always debating about his life with Ibrahim Pasha." The boy answered Mahidevran's question. "Sultanim, I want to know... how did you learn the language?"

"Well, it's true that I was born in Smederevo, but my mother's family is Greek, and they started teaching me the language when I was a bit younger than you." Mahidevran answered Mehmed's question, sharing a personal anecdote. "Now, let's start with the basics and take it step by step. The goal for this is you to be able to speak the language fluently and read a book so you can understand it. Does that sound good to you?"

The boy nodded enthusiastically, and for the first time, she saw him smile genuinely.

"Good, let's start with the alphabet," she began.

The class was progressing normally, and Suleiman observed from the balcony for a while how the lesson between Mahidevran and Mehmed was going before retreating to his chambers, satisfied. More than an hour had passed since the lesson began, and Mahidevran saw Fidan approaching with the twins and Hüma after they finished their classes. Mustafa was happy to see Mehmed and ran over to his brother, but Mahidevran quickly noticed that Fidan seemed worried about something as she approached with both Mihrisah and Hüma in hand.

"Exactly. To say good morning, you say 'kalímera.'" Mahidevran praised the boy. "Mehmed, let's stop the class for today. It might be good for you to go play with your siblings for a moment, what do you think?"

"Let's play, Mehmed, let's play!" Mustafa insisted eagerly.

The boy felt motivated and went to play with the twins and Hüma in the gardens. Mahidevran waited for the children to move a little further away before asking Fidan what was going on.

"Sultanim... you won't believe what I just found out." Fidan whispered urgently. "Hürrem Sultan... she's back. The Padishah forgave her."

"I expected it. It was obvious that woman would return, especially since sehzade Mehmed has been depressed because of her absence." Mahidevran replied as if it were completely expected. "Get ready for trouble, because that woman is going to make our lives miserable, mine and Valide's."

"Actually, the first thing she did was start arguing with Firuze Hatun. Valide was furious." Fidan continued to share the gossip about Hürrem's arrival in a low voice. "Also, during the fight, Gülnihal Hatun's pregnancy came up, and Hürrem was livid because she felt stabbed in the back after learning that Gülnihal slept with our Padishah."

"And what did she expect? This is a harem, she couldn't refuse if he requested to spend the night with her." Mahidevran responded with some satisfaction. "May Allah grant Gülnihal a healthy pregnancy."

"Amen." Fidan concluded.

Mahidevran smiled with satisfaction. If the rumors about Gülnihal's pregnancy were true, then Hürrem wouldn't be able to do anything, even if she found out that Gülnihal was the one who provided the evidence that Hürrem and Gulsah were behind the attack on Firuze in the past.

No more than half an hour had passed when the children had tired of playing and were eating sweets peacefully when suddenly, an unmistakable redhead, exactly like Hüma's appeared out of nowhere. It was Hürrem, clearly coming to argue with Mahidevran, but her face hardened even more when she saw Mehmed and Hüma chatting and laughing with Mahidevran and her children. She was furious.

Mahidevran tensed up but she was sure that if Hürrem crossed the line in front of the twins, she wouldn't hesitate to respond forcefully. It was only a matter of time. Mustafa became defensive, Mihrisah and Hüma were scared, and Mehmed grew nervous.

"MEHMED, HÜMA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE WITH THIS WOMAN?!" Hürrem screamed frantically, disturbing the atmosphere. She then turned to Mahidevran. "AND YOU, DAMN SERBIAN WITCH, STAY AWAY FROM MY CHILDREN!"

"Mother, Hüma and I were playing with the twins, and my father asked Mahidevran Sultan to..." The boy tried to explain, but Mahidevran gestured for him to calm down, signaling that there was no need to justify it. She would handle the situation.

"Mehmed, it's not necessary. Neither you nor Hüma were doing anything wrong." Mahidevran intervened to calm the boy's nerves. "Aren't you ashamed of making this scene in front of your children? Look how nervous Mehmed and Hüma are!"

"And since when do you care so much about my children?" Hürrem asked, still agitated. "You have nothing to do with Mehmed and Hüma. Stay away from my children."

"Stay away from your children? You'd be surprised to know that it was our Padishah who asked me to teach sehzade Mehmed Greek because he was depressed." Mahidevran replied forcefully. "Because of you. Because you ruin everything with your presence." Mahidevran hissed quietly with contempt to provoke her even more.

"And what do you know about why Valide sent me to the Old Palace? It was because of you!" Hürrem kept arguing heatedly until an idea crossed her mind when she saw the small ink bowl.

Suleiman, who had been alerted by the shouting of Hürrem and Mihrisah's crying, went straight to the garden to clarify a few things with Hürrem. He was as furious, if not more, than Mahidevran was when he caught Hürrem throwing the ink bowl at Mahidevran's dress. She had gone too far. Mehmed was deeply embarrassed and ashamed of the whole situation.

“YOU BIT…” Mahidevran was about to screech back after Hürrem threw the ink on her dress but stopped when she saw Suleiman.

"HÜRREM!" Suleiman roared angrily when he saw the redhead throw the ink at Mahidevran. "What is the meaning of this scandal? Is this how you repay the trust of Şah-i-Huban and my generosity? Scaring my children and fighting with Mahidevran over something I personally asked her to do?"

"Hunkarim, I..." Hürrem tried to apologize, but it was in vain. Suleiman glared at her before turning to Mihrisah, who was crying in fear.

"My little one. There’s nothing to fear, Baba will take care of everything, don’t cry." Suleiman gently took the girl in his arms. But the message was also directed at the redhead. "Never forget that anyone who harms you or any of your siblings will have to face the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire directly. Now go with your mother and Mustafa to your chambers to rest, it's been enough for today."

Suleiman set the girl down, and Fidan quickly took her in her arms to carry her to her chambers. Mahidevran gave one last deadly look to Hürrem before leaving with Mustafa in hand. She had crossed any boundary by involving Mihrisah and throwing the ink at her, but the conflict was far from being over.

"Mehmed. Take Hüma and stay in your grandmother’s chambers. Now." Suleiman ordered his eldest son in a tone that brooked no argument.

The boy took his younger sister's hand and left silently, head down, towards Valide's chambers, accompanied by a few maidservants.

"This will not end like this, Hürrem, but let me make one thing clear." Suleiman spat angrily before leaving. "There will not be a next time."

***

As Suleiman had ordered, a servant had brought Mehmed to his chambers. That night, Suleiman intended to dine alone with his eldest son to know if Mahidevran had fulfilled his expectations regarding the task he had given her in the morning. He had specifically requested Ibrahim and his Valide not to disturb him during dinner. From what he could observe, Mehmed seemed to be in better spirits, but Suleiman was sure that the incident in the afternoon with Hürrem was worrying Mehmed. He knew his eldest son well and was certain that Mehmed cared more than he should about Hürrem, as if it were his duty to bear the problems of the redhead, something Suleiman would not tolerate.

She was an adult woman and had the ability to deal with her problems without Mehmed being obligated to get involved in them, so Suleiman would not stand for Mehmed taking responsibility for things that were not appropriate for his age, like adult quarrels.

"Mehmed, my son, sit here," Suleiman ordered. "Tonight, we will dine just the two of us because I want to talk to you."

The boy nodded calmly and sat in the place Suleiman had indicated.

"How are you, Mehmed? How was your day?" Suleiman asked casually but paying attention to every detail of his son's answer.

"I'm fine, father. Mahidevran Sultan was very kind and attentive with me. She started teaching me Greek, and I like the way she teaches me," Mehmed answered calmly and sincerely. "When the lesson ended, I was playing with Mustafa, Mihrisah and Hüma in the gardens. We had a lot of fun..."

Suleiman seemed satisfied with Mehmed's response, but he quickly noticed the discomfort in his son when the topic changed.

"Also, my mother came back..." Mehmed continued with uncertainty. It was clear that the afternoon incident between Mahidevran and Hürrem had affected him.

"And the incident this afternoon with your mother worries you. Or am I wrong?" Suleiman finished with a rhetorical question while he started eating and gestured for the boy to eat.

Mehmed simply nodded. The boy had a noble heart, and Suleiman felt the need to teach him to set boundaries so no one would take advantage of his good heart and intentions with others, including Hürrem. Suleiman couldn’t help but see himself reflected in his son. At Mehmed’s age, he too would defend his mother against everyone. The difference was that Ayse Hafsa always tried to avoid conflicts to keep Suleiman or Hatice out of her issues with the other concubines of the harem, unlike Hürrem.

"Mehmed, my son. I’m going to tell you something, and I want you to listen carefully." Suleiman resumed the conversationcalmly. "I find it very noble that you want to defend your mother. It’s normal, I also defended my mother a lot when I was young when someone disrespected her. But…"

Suleiman paused before continuing. Mehmed looked up, paying more attention to what his father was trying to convey.

"...there is a big difference between defending your mother from an offense and justifying her wrong actions. This afternoon, your mother made a mistake by disrespecting Mahidevran Sultan, your siblings, and even you by causing a scene for something that I myself asked Mahidevran to do," Suleiman summarized in the same calm tone. "I’m going to ask you something, do you think you did something wrong this afternoon? Something that deserved your mother yelling at you like that?"

"No, father. In fact, I felt really bad when Mihrisah started crying from my mother’s yelling, because we weren’t doing anything wrong in the garden," Mehmed admitted, agreeing with his father.

"That’s what I wanted you to understand. Your mother did something unjust, and that’s why I addressed her. She needs to understand that she can’t just come and insult Mahidevran, and she especially can’t act so aggressively with you in front of your younger siblings," Suleiman continued with the same seriousness and calmness. "Before we change the subject, there’s something else I want you to understand. Your mother is an adult woman, and if she has a problem with any of the adults, she should come and speak to me directly, or to your grandmother if she can’t handle it on her own. She shouldn’t drag you into her problems. Your only obligation is to study and prepare yourself, not to resolve your mother’s conflicts with the other women in the harem. Your mother’s only obligation is to care for your education and Selim’s. Understood?"

"Yes, father," Mehmed nodded more calmly.

"Good. Now, let’s change the subject," Suleiman shifted the conversation because he wanted to know what Mahidevran had taught him. "Tell me, Mehmed, what did you learn with Mahidevran?"

Mehmed’s demeanor changed to one of enthusiasm.

"We started with the basics. She taught me the alphabet, and before my mother came, she was teaching me basic phrases, like how to say good morning, greet, and thank…" Mehmed answered, genuinely excited about the things he had learned in the morning and the challenge Mahidevran had given him. "But she gave me a challenge."

"And what challenge did she give you?" Suleiman asked curiously.

"She wants me to progress step by step until I can read a book," Mehmed replied with motivation. "She talked to me about many books by ancient thinkers, but there’s one that caught my attention."

"And which book caught your attention?" Suleiman inquired.

"There’s one by a philosopher named Aristotle, called Nicomachean Ethics. It’s about how men can achieve happiness through ethical living," Mehmed answered, a smile on his young face.

"You’ve chosen well, son. It’s a very good book, and it reminds me of the time when I used to debate with Ibrahim about the books I read in my youth," Suleiman commented with pride toward his son, also with some nostalgia about the past. "When you finish reading the book, let me know, and you’ll come and debate it with me."

"Alright, father," Mehmed agreed.

"Now, I want you to go rest, and I don’t want you to forget this conversation, Mehmed," Suleiman concluded seriously.

The boy nodded and quietly stood up from the table. He gave a small bow to Suleiman and left for his chambers.

***

"Mommy, I really liked playing with Mehmed. When is he going to come back?" Mustafa asked excitedly and enthusiastically as Mahidevran dressed him in his night clothes. Ayşe, Mihrisah and Osman were already sound asleep, but Mustafa was particularly restless that night.

Mahidevran smiled at her son while listening to him talk about his half-brother with the clear excitement in his little voice. She liked seeing him happy. And although she didn’t want to admit it openly, Mehmed was a very kind, respectful, and intelligent boy, and overall, a good influence on Mustafa. She truly regretted the circumstances of both children growing up because she knew that politics and the race for the throne would inevitably separate them. It was the fate of princes within the Empire, but for now, she would let Mustafá be just a child.

"When your father thinks it's necessary, my son. Mehmed also has other responsibilities and tasks to attend to. I’ve already told you that he can’t always be with us to play," Mahidevran explained to her son in simple words why Mehmed couldn’t come to see him every day.

Mustafa made a little pout, clearly disappointed by his mother's answer, as it was evident that he really enjoyed spending time with Mehmed. But the next comment from Mustafa would surprise Mahidevran due to the level of determination in his childish tone.

"I like playing with Mehmed and Hüma, but I don’t want their mommy to yell at you again, Mommy," Mustafa suddenly said. "I got really scared when Hürrem Sultan started yelling and Mihrisah started crying."

Mahidevran had to hold back internally so she wouldn’t show the anger she felt toward Hürrem. She could tolerate any attack on her, but she would not allow the impulsiveness and aggression of the redhead to frighten the children.

"That’s not going to happen again, my son. I promise you, she’s not going to scare you or your little siblings again. Do you understand, Mustafa?" Mahidevran promised her son firmly while hugging him. Mustafa was her complete adoration.

Normally, Mahidevran would have let the afternoon incident with Hürrem slide and would have ignored her outbursts as always because, in Mahidevran’s mind, Hürrem was insignificant enough not to give her the attention she craved with her scandals, but she was still furious. No one would yell at her in front of her children to intimidate them, as Hürrem had done to Mihrisah.

"Mommy, one day I’ll be a very strong sehzade to protect you and my little siblings from that woman. Just like Mahpeyker always protects Firuze Hatun from Hürrem Sultan," Mustafa replied solemnly, filling his mother’s heart with tenderness. But she wasn’t going to allow her son to take on a role that wasn’t appropriate for his age. She gathered her patience to not transmit her anger to Mustafa and upset him further.

Mahidevran nodded silently while Mustafa cuddled up next to her. She kissed his forehead before replying. Although her son’s bravery filled her heart with tenderness and pride, she wasn’t going to allow him to bear that responsibility at such a young age. Not when it was her duty to ensure that her children grew up in a safe and peaceful environment.

Mahpeyker was the eldest daughter of Firuze Hatun and Suleiman’s firstborn. She was the same age as Mehmed. Mahpeyker Sultan was charming and well-educated, something Mahidevran often saw whenever the little girl played with Mihrisah or when she came to visit Ayse. But she also had a strong character for her age, similar to Valide's. She never hesitated to defend her mother from Hürrem’s verbal attacks, even though Firuze had tried to dissuade her daughter from doing so on several occasions. From what Mahidevran had observed, Firuze didn’t mind getting into arguments to defend her daughters, but she feared that Hürrem might one day take revenge on the girl.

It was exactly the same fear Mahidevran had regarding Mustafa’s attitude. For his young age, she could see the same determination and conviction in his voice as Suleiman when he made a decision.

"My son, my little lion. One day, you will be a great sehzade, I have no doubt about it because you have a bright future, and I’ll make sure of that myself," Mahidevran whispered softly while stroking her eldest son’s hair. "But it’s my duty to make sure no one hurts you or your little siblings. Besides, your father wouldn’t allow that woman to harm us, as you saw this afternoon."

Mustafa seemed to relax, and his childish worries seemed to disappear a little more, but there was still something he wanted to say.

"Mommy, when I’m older, I’ll always protect you like Mahpeyker always protects her mommy from everyone who says ugly things about her…" Mustafa finished as he slowly fell asleep in Mahidevran’s lap.

"Well, my son, but that’s a conversation we’ll have when you’re a little older. Now I want you to rest. Goodnight, my lion," Mahidevran cuddled Mustafa before falling asleep beside her son. It had been a long day. "And never doubt that I’ll always be there to protect you and your little siblings..."

Chapter Text

***

"Who am I?" Hürrem asked herself when she looked in the elaborate gold-framed mirror that dominated a corner of her private chambers.

The golden light of sunset filtered through the carved lattices of her windows, creating geometric patterns that danced over the Persian rugs and silk cushions that adorned her room. After the shameful incident in the gardens with Mahidevran and the children, Hürrem had locked herself in her ornate room, desperately seeking the solitude that would allow her to process the whirlwind of emotions threatening to drown her.

But the mirror had been merciless with her, reflecting a truth she could no longer ignore: the woman who had once proudly boasted of being Suleiman's great love had completely disappeared, along with what little dignity she had left and the supposed love he had once professed for her. Her appearance betrayed her deteriorated state of mind without lies: the black kohl that lined her eyes was smeared down her cheeks due to the tears she had shed uncontrollably, creating dark furrows over her pale skin. Her red hair, normally styled with care in elaborate headdresses adorned with pearls and precious stones, now hung in disheveled strands that escaped from golden hairpins. Her emerald green silk dress, one of her favorites that she used to wear to impress Suleiman, was still stained with the remains of the black ink she had impulsively thrown at Mahidevran hours before, stains that had spread like small reminders of her humiliation.

The shadows of nightfall began to invade her room, filling the spaces between the ebony furniture with a darkness that seemed to reflect the state of her soul. The bronze braziers that normally kept the environment warm and welcoming remained unlit, letting the night's cold slowly seep through the palace stones.

"There are days when I wish I could go back in time..." Hürrem murmured as she thought of her childhood and her life in Rohatyn with an overwhelming mixture of fatigue, melancholy and deep nostalgia. She curled up in her bed covered with silks embroidered with gold threads, but the luxurious fabrics felt cold against her skin. "Go back in time to being simply Alexandra and never having met you in that cursed palace in Manisa, Suleiman..."

As sleep gradually claimed Hürrem, her exhausted mind began to wander toward territories she had carefully kept sealed for years. Unconsciously she began to dream of her homeland, of that previous life that had been buried under layers of survival and forced adaptation. In her dream state, she could see herself walking with light and carefree steps through the thick spruce forests of Rohatyn, where the centuries-old trees created a natural cathedral of intertwined branches that filtered sunlight into golden beams. The familiar aroma of damp earth, moss and pine leaves transported her completely to that time of lost innocence, while melancholy overwhelmed her again like a relentless wave she couldn't contain.

In her dream world, everything was infinitely simpler and purer. She saw herself with painful clarity, desperately wanting to return to that simpler life when she was simply Alexandra —the beloved and protected daughter of a respected Orthodox priest and his devout wife— before tragedy brutally claimed the lives of her parents and her little sister when the Tartars razed their village on that cursed day which eventually would split her existence and identity into two irreconcilable halves.

She continued walking through the forest of her dream, and her home remained intact, suspended in time like a perfect painting, preserved just as it was weeks before the devastating Tartar attack that destroyed everything Alexandra knew and loved until then. Her father was in his usual place, sitting at his small oak wood desk in the study that smelled of parchment and candle wax, meticulously studying ancient manuscripts and dedicatedly preparing Sunday's sermon. His fingers were stained with black ink as he carefully traced words in Church Slavonic on paper. Her mother worked singing softly in the small farm they had behind the house, milking the goats while humming traditional songs before collecting the warm eggs from the chickens that ran freely through the yard.

But it was the vivid image of herself helping her little sister braid with skill the ceremonial crown of aromatic herbs and wildflowers that moved her to tears the most. Daisies, red poppies and small blue flowers whose names she had never managed to learn intertwined under her young fingers while she hummed traditional melodies for summer festivals, especially for the sacred night of Saint John's Eve that was approaching. From her now adult perspective, Hürrem had never noticed this with such devastating clarity before, but by then, her sister Elia was not much older than her own daughter Mihrimah, and the physical resemblance between the two girls was brutal, almost disturbing in its precision. The same blue eyes like summer sky, the same mischievous smile, the same way of tilting her head when she was concentrated.

It also didn't escape Hürrem's notice in this revealing dream how much she had changed since then; she could barely recognize herself in that carefree and naive young girl she had been, that innocent child who believed the world was fundamentally good and that terrible things only happened to other people.

"Are we going to the river together tomorrow, right Alex?" asked Elia with the crystalline innocence typical of children, her blue eyes shining with expectation and contained excitement, while Alexandra carefully finished braiding the crown with a white linen ribbon that her mother had woven during the long winter nights.

"Yes, my little star. Tomorrow we're going to the river together with all the other women from the village to celebrate Saint John Eve's." Alexandra responded to her sister with the same infinite warmth and patience that had always characterized their relationship, gently caressing the little girl's golden hair that shone like spun gold under the sunlight. "We mustn't forget the special candles, Elia. They're very important so that all our deepest wishes come true."

The child nodded solemnly, but Alexandra realized with that special intuition she had for reading every nuance of her sister's mood, that she was worried about something deeper than she could express with words. She didn't like seeing that small wrinkle of worry on Elia's usually serene forehead, and she knew that the child, in her natural shyness and desire not to be a burden, wouldn't tell her anything so as not to worry her. So she decided to address the topic directly, as she always did when she perceived something was disturbing her little sister.

"Is something wrong, my little one?" Alexandra asked with infinite gentleness, setting aside the half-finished crown and taking her sister's soft little hands in hers. "Remember that you can always, always tell me everything, no matter what it is or how strange it might seem..."

"I'm scared, Alex..." the child responded with a trembling voice that was barely a whisper, her eyes filling with unshed tears that reflected inexplicable terror. "I don't know how to explain it with words... but I feel here inside"—she touched her chest with a little hand—"that something very bad is going to happen very soon, something terrible that will separate us forever and I'll never see you again..."

Alexandra immediately approached the child to embrace her with all the protective strength she possessed, feeling how Elia's small body trembled slightly against hers like a leaf in the wind. She didn't know it then, in her innocent youth, but fate had been cruel enough to turn her sister's inexplicable fears and premonitions into a prophesied tragedy that would be fulfilled with ruthless accuracy just a few days later.

"Elia, my sweet little sister, light of my eyes..." Alexandra whispered in her ear, gently rocking the child with the same rhythm their mother used to calm them when they were even smaller. "I want you to know that always, for all eternity, you're going to be my beloved little sister and that no one, absolutely no one in this world or the next, will ever separate us, do you understand? I promise you by everything that is sacred to us, by the memory of our ancestors, by the wooden cross that papa carved for me. Tomorrow we'll go together to the river to leave the crowns to drive away all the bad things and start anew with renewed hope. There's nothing to fear while we're together, my little star..."

The next morning, Hürrem woke up feeling as if she had been carrying stones all night. The dream had been so vivid, so real, that for a confused moment she felt disoriented, expecting to see the wooden beams of her house's ceiling in Rohatyn instead of the ornate marble vaults of her chambers in the Ottoman palace. She got up mechanically to get ready like every day, because she knew that soon Gülsah would arrive with the children for morning breakfast, and she couldn't afford to let them see her in the deplorable state she was in. But the vivid and painful memory of her little sister continued to cling to her thoughts like a splinter driven deep into her heart.

"It was the first promise I couldn't keep..." Hürrem murmured to herself with a broken voice, remembering the sacred promise she had made to her little sister that last golden afternoon in Rohatyn, when the world still made sense and the future stretched before them full of infinite possibilities.

A solitary tear escaped, which she quickly dried with the back of her hand in an automatic gesture of someone accustomed to hiding her deepest pain. She didn't want the children to see her crying again, not after everything they had already witnessed in recent days. Once she bathed in the elaborate pink marble tub perfumed with essential oils of Damascus roses and dressed in one of her simplest dresses—an ivory silk tunic discretely embroidered with golden threads—she sat in front of one of the ornate silver-framed mirrors at her dressing table to comb and makeup herself alone, categorically refusing her servants' help. She needed those moments of absolute solitude to recompose herself and build the mask that would allow her to face another day.

She didn't know if it was her imagination playing a cruel joke or if her mind was finally betraying her after so many years of systematically repressing her most precious memories, but the mirror seemed not to show Hürrem—the experienced concubine of the Ottoman harem—but a much younger and more carefree version of herself, without the suffocating weight of years and the constant stress of surviving day by day the daily brutality of the harem and its deadly intrigues. In the ghostly reflection that observed her, she wore the same simple white linen dress she had worn on that last Saint John's night she spent in the village with her sister, mother and the other women of the community, just days before the kidnapping that had violently split her life in two. Her hair fell in natural honey-colored waves, crowned with the same crown of wildflowers she had made with so much love alongside Elia.

It was Alexandra. The real Alexandra, not the artificial construction she had had to create to survive.

It didn't take long for her to realize that the young woman in the mirror was looking directly at her, as if she could see her through time and space, with an expression that mixed genuine compassion and a deep pity that cut like a sharp knife to the bone.

"That man will destroy you completely if you don't do something to stop him now." Alexandra spoke in her native language, in that Ruthenian of her childhood that had resonated joyfully through the hills and valleys of Rohatyn, but now her voice sounded with a resignation that seemed to come from centuries of bitter wisdom.

Although Hürrem had gone years without speaking it consciously, years of systematically burying that fundamental part of herself, she could perfectly understand every word she was saying, as if she had never really forgotten her mother tongue that remained dormant in the deepest part of her being.

"The crown reached the other side of the river, but it sank before reaching the opposite shore..."

The specific mention of the old superstitions she fervently believed in when she was an innocent and naive young girl inevitably transported her again to her most precious and painful memories in Rohatyn. Hürrem vividly remembered the ancient superstition of her village that all women knew by heart: if during the night of Saint John's Eve the crown of flowers that unmarried young women ceremonially threw into the river sank before reaching the other shore, it presaged permanent bad luck in marriage and love, condemning the woman to a life of lovelessness, betrayal and abandonment. Although technically she wasn't married to Suleiman and he probably would never marry her given the rigid Ottoman circumstances and traditions, she could clearly understand Alexandra's symbolic and prophetic reference.

"Do you still remember me after all these years?" asked Alexandra with infinite softness, without the slightest trace of accusation in her melodious tone of voice, only a deep and ancient sadness that seemed to have taken root in her soul. "Do you remember them? Mama with her morning songs, papa with his books and prayers, our little Elia with her laughter?"

Hürrem took several long minutes to respond, feeling how the words got painfully stuck in her throat like thorns. She rarely spoke of her past and her beloved family in her homeland, not only because it was extremely dangerous to show any sign of weakness in the ruthless harem, but because despite all the years that had passed and however much she had desperately tried to bury who she was before, molding herself completely and without reservations to Suleiman's changing desires to please him and ensure her own survival and that of her children. The past remained a living wound that had never fully healed, that bled every time she touched it. Hürrem seemed like a totally unrecognizable person to the Alexandra of her memories, just as Alexandra was a totally strange and distant entity to the woman Hürrem had become out of necessity and terror.

"I have never forgotten them, not a single day in all these years." Hürrem finally answered with a broken voice, each word an epic struggle against the overwhelming pain of memories. "Although that life is dead to me, I had to kill it myself to survive this hell..."

Alexandra remained silent for a long moment that stretched like eternity, and resignation took hold of her youthful expression like a shadow that slowly spreads at sunset. When she spoke again, her voice sounded like a distant echo of what could have been, of all the futures that would never be fulfilled.

"Look what you've become." Alexandra responded in her native language with a disappointment that cut deeper than any knife. "He turned you into something I can't even recognize, something that goes against everything our parents taught us about honor, dignity and compassion. If our father could see you now, he would be deeply ashamed to have a daughter who has to stoop to attacking others, innocent children included, under the desperate excuse of survival."

Alexandra's ruthless truths were hitting Hürrem in the face as if they were iron fists. She wanted to argue violently and scream at Alexandra to shut up, because no one—absolutely no one—had the right to tell her how she had to survive the daily brutality of the harem and how she had to process and manage her daily traumas that accumulated like layers of ice. But Hürrem was so deeply tired, so exhausted to the bone, that she couldn't find the energy to rebut Alexandra with the fury that would normally have arisen.

"That man is going to destroy you completely, because he doesn't love you and has never loved you as a person." Alexandra continued, implacable as divine justice. "To him, you have never been more than a beautiful object for his pleasure and convenience."

Tears began to flow uncontrollably from her eyes because deep in her heart, in the place where she kept the truths she didn't dare face, she knew that Alexandra was completely right.

"That's not true, he loves me." Hürrem rebutted Alexandra with much less conviction than she would like to recognize, her voice sounding hollow even to her own ears. "He has told me so many times..."

"He doesn't love you, and has never really loved you." Alexandra responded back with an unshakeable firmness that admitted no arguments. "Because if he did, if he genuinely loved you as a person and not as a possession, he wouldn't have forced you to do things you didn't want to do, things you can barely remember without your mind protecting itself by blocking the most horrendous details. He wouldn't have manipulated you when you were most vulnerable."

Hürrem knew exactly where the conversation was going, and her stomach contracted with nausea. She had always desperately convinced herself that her first night with the then prince had been an honor as he had told her afterward, and that many women would have given anything to be in her privileged position. But deep in her being, Hürrem knew that had not been the reality of what had happened that night that changed everything.

The memories of that terrible day were confused and fragmented, as if her mind had built protective walls around the most painful memories. She vaguely remembered that she had drunk sweet wine that he had offered her with a charming smile, telling her it was special, that it had been brought especially for her. She remembered that shortly after she had felt strangely dizzy and disoriented, as if the world was swaying under her feet, and then she had lost consciousness completely. The next morning, she had awakened naked next to the prince, sore in places she couldn't name, not knowing how she had gotten to his bed or what had happened during the lost hours.

"I believed that he truly loved me... and that's why... he did what he did that night..." Hürrem spoke again with a completely broken voice, the words coming out like broken fragments of glass. "He said I was special, different from all the others, that I would always be his great love, the light of his life..."

"And it was all lies, every sweet word he said was to manipulate you because you were vulnerable by them. He also said exactly the same sweet things to Firuze when they were in Manisa." Alexandra continued mercilessly. "And the same thing he says now to Mahidevran every time he invites her to his chambers. They are empty words that he uses as tools to get what he wants. He never had the slightest genuine interest in you as a person. He simply used you for his convenience until he got tired, and then discarded you at the first opportunity he had, like a broken toy is discarded. And I warn you again urgently: that man is going to destroy you completely if you don't do something to save yourself and your children."

"It's not true!" Hürrem replied desperately, still clinging to denial like a lifeline in turbulent waters. "He loved me, he still loves me..."

"Don't you believe me, sister?" Alexandra asked with exasperation tinged with infinite compassion. "Then see it yourself with your own eyes. The truth will come to you sooner than you imagine."

***

As if summoned by Alexandra's prophetic words, the heavy oak door of her chambers suddenly opened with a creak that resonated in the silence. Hürrem startled violently, thinking for a moment of panic that it might be Suleiman entering unannounced to confront her about yesterday's incident. Instead, it was Mehmed who silently entered his mother's chambers, carefully closing the door behind him.

The child seemed to be deeply depressed and worried about something that weighed on his small shoulders like a burden too large for his age, which immediately worried Hürrem. At eight years old, Mehmed already expressed himself with a seriousness and consideration for others that would characterize him in the future, but today there was something different in his posture, something that spoke of wounded innocence. Seeing her son in that lamentable state, Hürrem made the greatest possible effort to calm herself and not transmit her own emotional agitation to Mehmed.

"Mother..." Mehmed began to speak with notable hesitation, his words coming out slow and careful, as if he had done something terribly shameful that tormented him. His dark eyes, normally bright with childish curiosity, were dull and avoided direct contact with his mother's. "I wanted to ask you... forgiveness for something terrible I did..."

"And why should you ask my forgiveness, my little lion, light of my eyes?" Hürrem asked clamly as she could muster, although her heart began to beat faster while her maternal intuition screamed that something was terribly wrong with her son. "Come here with me, my love."

Mehmed approached slowly and sat beside his mother on the silk-covered bed, allowing her to embrace him. He was visibly distressed, his little hands trembled slightly, and Hürrem realized with growing alarm that the child was on the verge of breaking into tears. The room was enveloped in the shadows of sunset, and the candles she had lit before created an intimate atmosphere that contrasted painfully with the tension that could be felt in the air.

"I said terrible things about you... to Mahpeyker and the other children..." Mehmed began to cry inconsolably, tears falling down his rosy cheeks as he related the facts with extreme difficulty, words interrupted by sobs. "My father... my father told me that you are sick in the mind, that you are dangerous, because of what happened in the afternoon with sultana Mahidevran. He told me I shouldn't love you so much because you are crazy..."

As she listened to Mehmed's heartbreaking account, something fundamental broke inside Hürrem with a sound that only she could hear. It was as if all the illusions she had carefully maintained for years crumbled at once. She could expect the worst from Suleiman toward her—she had learned to endure his cruelties, his manipulations, his public humiliations—but that he would deliberately begin to fill Mehmed's head with poison to turn him against her, that he would use their own son as a psychological weapon against her, was a level of evil she had never expected, not even from Suleiman. It didn't take long for her to understand exactly what Alexandra meant when she warned that Suleiman was going to destroy her if she didn't do something to protect herself. This was precisely what she was trying to warn her about: the systematic manipulation of her own children against her.

"What else happened with Mahpeyker, my love?" asked Hürrem, clinging protectively to her son, there wasn't the slightest trace of accusation in her voice, only maternal love and genuine concern. "You can tell me everything, there's nothing you should be ashamed of."

"She got very angry with me, mother..." Mehmed answered amid the crying that intensified. His words came out interrupted between hiccups and sobs. "She yelled at me and told me that I should never, ever, say such ugly and cruel things about you, because even though my father may be the Sultan of the entire world, that doesn't mean he's always right about everything. She told me that the things he says about you are horrible lies. Is it true, mama? Is it true that my papa isn't really a good person like everyone says?"

Her son's question hit her like lightning. Hürrem remained silent for several long minutes, carefully pondering the response to her son's devastating questions. She couldn't tell him directly what she really thought of Suleiman without completely destroying the paternal image that Mehmed had, which would be deeply harmful for a child his age. But she also knew that Mehmed was extremely intelligent and perceptive for his age, and would immediately realize if she was blatantly lying to him or trying to manipulate him as his father was doing.

"Mehmed, my love, my most precious treasure..." Hürrem hesitated for a moment in responding, choosing each word with extreme care. "Your father is... a man with enormous worries being in charge of an entire Empire, and he is constantly under terrible stress that most people can't even imagine. Sometimes, when people are so stressed and worried, they don't realize how their actions and words deeply affect others, especially the people they should most protect..."

"But he always hurts you on purpose." Mehmed responded back with a clarity that surprised his mother, while he dried his tears with the back of his sleeve. "I heard him last night talking with Ibrahim Pasha in the hallway, and he was saying very ugly things about you, mama. He said you were always embarrassing him with your bad attitude and that you should be more like sultana Mahidevran, that she does know how to behave like a decent woman. Mahpeyker is right when she says that he always says horrible things about people who can't defend themselves, because he does exactly the same thing with her mama. I think you have a lot of sadness in your heart and that my father is the one who has you like this, who has made you sad."

After hearing her son's words, words that came from the mouth of an eight-year-old child with a heart-breaking wisdom, Hürrem felt overwhelming shame about herself. She wondered what kind of mother she had been by allowing Mehmed to be in the terrible obligation of defending her, by realizing before she herself did about the systematic abuse she was being subjected and that she had decided to ignore for years out of fear of the reprisals that Suleiman might take against her and her children.

"There is absolutely nothing to forgive, my beloved son." Hürrem spoke again, embracing Mehmed with all the strength of her maternal love while gently caressing the child's silky hair. "I love you more than my own life, more than my own soul. I don't care what others say about me, the only thing that matters to me is that you know I love you with every fiber of my being."

"I love you very much, mommy, and I don't care what my father says about you." the child responded with a fierce determination that was surprising in someone his age, while still clinging to his mother's protective lap as if it were his refuge against the cruel world. "I know who my mommy really is, and I know you're good and that you love me. That's the only thing that matters to me."

Shortly after, when night had completely fallen over the palace, Mehmed stayed to sleep beside his mother in the big bed. The child curled up against her as he used to do when he was smaller, seeking the comfort and security that only his mother's arms could provide. But while she jealously guarded her son's deep sleep, watching how his breathing became slow and quiet, Hürrem couldn't fall asleep for a moment. Her mind was a whirlwind of furious thoughts and revenge plans. Hürrem silently swore, by all that was sacred, that she would avenge herself on Suleiman somehow. She could endure him hurting her in the cruelest and most unimaginable ways—she had learned to survive his humiliations, his manipulations, his betrayals—but she was never going to allow him to psychologically harm Mehmed or any of her children. That line was non-negotiable, and Suleiman had just crossed it.

***

Next morning, Hürrem armed herself with courage the next day and left the safety of her chambers with the iron determination to face her personal demons. She went to look for Mahidevran to speak with her in the palace's extensive gardens, using as a plausible excuse the fact that she wanted to see where Mehmed was and make sure he was well after yesterday's traumatic incident. The palace gardens were an oasis of tranquility amid the constant bustle of court life. Carved marble fountains created a soft symphony with the murmur of falling water, while stone paths serpentined between perfectly maintained flower beds full of roses and jasmine that perfumed the air with their intoxicating aroma, and fruit trees whose branches extended to create natural shadows.

She found her son in one of the palace's main gardens, playing animatedly with Mahpeyker, Mihrimah and Mahidevran's twins. The group of children ran among the flowers and fruit trees, their crystalline laughter filling the air like celestial music. Seeing Mehmed laughing with that pure and innocent laughter of childhood, while participating in some invented game with the rest of the children, made the tension that Hürrem carried in her shoulders relax momentarily. It was beautiful and at the same time painful to see the children completely oblivious to the complexities, poisons and dangers of the adult world, still living in that precious bubble of innocence that she had lost so long ago.

Mahidevran was comfortably installed on a set of turquoise silk cushions under an elegant white fabric canopy that provided shade from the afternoon sun. She had six-month-old little Ayşe in her lap, a beautiful babygirl who had inherited her father's bright blue eyes but the dark brown hair that came directly from her mother. The girl received all of Mahidevran's devoted attention, who still maintained constant vigilance over the rest of her children while they played. Her most trusted servants surrounded her discreetly, always attentive to any need that might arise.

Little Osman, with his almost two years and that light brown hair he had inherited directly from Mahidevran along with his expressive emerald green eyes, had been taking a small exploratory walk through the garden under Fidan's careful supervision. The faithful servant returned to her sultana with the child in her arms once he tired of his adventure and came running toward his mother with that overflowing energy typical of his age. He gave a wet and resounding kiss to Mahidevran and another equally tender one to his little sister, spontaneous gestures of affection that provoked a genuine and radiant smile on his mother's face. Of all her children, Osman was undoubtedly the most similar to her in every sense: physically he was her exact copy, in temperament he already showed that characteristic silent determination, and in that intelligent gaze that could already be glimpsed even in his childish face.

As soon as she saw Hürrem slowly approaching the area under the canopy, Mahidevran automatically became defensive, all her survival instincts activating. Her body tensed in an almost imperceptible way, but her eyes remained alert. Unlike all previous occasions, the redhead didn't seem to come with the same haughty and aggressive attitude as always, that defiant posture she habitually adopted when she came specifically to pick a fight or claim symbolic territory. But Mahidevran couldn't afford to let her guard down with Hürrem nearby; after so many years of conflict and hostility, caution was an automatic survival mechanism.

Still, there was something markedly different in the redhead's attitude that transmitted a strange sensation. This time she seemed to genuinely come in peace, despite the superhuman effort that was evident she was making to maintain composure and not break down emotionally in front of her and the children.

Hürrem breathed deeply, arming herself with courage like a soldier before battle, and approached Mahidevran with slow and deliberate steps. She had the clear intention of conversing in a civilized manner, a gesture that would have been absolutely impossible, even unthinkable, just days ago.

"Mahidevran." the redhead began with notable effort, her voice barely a trembling whisper while calling the brunette's attention. There was something vulnerable in her posture, as if she had left all her defensive weapons elsewhere. "I was wondering if you have a moment to talk with me... it's something very important. It's about us, about everything that has happened."

Mahidevran slowly looked up and stared fixedly at Hürrem for a long moment, studying her intentions with the sharpness of someone accustomed to detecting threats and lies. She didn't see the usual malice or aggressiveness that normally characterized Hürrem's body language when she came to confront her. Instead, there was something completely different in the empty and deeply sad gaze of the redhead that made her look vulnerable and fragile, a version of Hürrem she had never seen before. Little Ayşe moved her curious little head in Hürrem's direction upon hearing her voice, her big and attentive blue eyes observing the visitor with that natural curiosity of babies.

"Alright, we can talk... but not here." Mahidevran agreed after a considered pause, her voice carefully neutral but not hostile. "There are too many people around, Hürrem. The children don't need to hear our adult conversations, and there are many curious ears in these gardens."

Hürrem understood the reference perfectly and nodded with genuine gratitude, appreciating Mahidevran's consideration.

Before leaving for a more private and discreet place, Mahidevran carefully asked Fidan to stay with Ayşe and Osman, explaining with a significant look that she needed to have this conversation without the distraction of caring for the youngest ones. The faithful servant, who knew her lady better than anyone after so many years together, immediately agreed and took little Ayşe in her arms, who settled quietly against her familiar chest.

The two women walked away in tense silence, maintaining a respectful distance between them, until they reached one of the palace complex's most discreet and secluded gardens. It was a space especially designed for moments of private contemplation and intimate conversations. They sat on an elegant white marble bench carved with floral motifs, strategically located near an octagonal stone fountain whose waters fell creating a natural and constant melody that would help camouflage their conversation from any indiscreet ear that might be listening from the shadows.

The private garden was exquisitely perfumed with blooming jasmine and roses of different varieties, while the golden light of the afternoon sun filtered through the leaves of centuries-old trees, creating an atmosphere of unexpected intimacy that contrasted strongly with the historical tension that had characterized all their previous interactions.

Both women began to study each other mutually in an initial silence full of meaning. Mahidevran had already realized how deeply vulnerable Hürrem was at this moment, how all her usual mask of authority and aggressiveness had completely crumbled, revealing the wounded woman hiding beneath. For her part, Hürrem seemed to gradually realize that Mahidevran had no malicious intention of mocking her current disgrace or taking advantage of her evident weakness. This mutual realization helped them relax a little more, although Hürrem's hands trembled slightly from emotional tension.

"I wanted to ask your forgiveness... for yesterday." Hürrem apologized with a trembling voice, despite the fact that the words felt strange and harsh in her throat, as if it were the first time in many years she had pronounced them with absolute sincerity. "I don't want to justify myself or look for excuses for my behavior, but I recognize that I have done horrible things throughout all these years... things I'm deeply ashamed of when I remember them..."

Mahidevran observed Hürrem carefully for several minutes that stretched like hours, studying not only her words but also her body posture, the way she avoided direct eye contact, how her hands twisted nervously in her lap as if she didn't know what to do with them. She realized that the redhead's apologies were genuine, that they came from a place of authentic pain and real repentance, not calculated manipulation or political strategy.

"I accept your apologies, Hürrem." Mahidevran finally answered, accepting the apologies with a sincerity that surprised both women. "I'm not going to pretend that you haven't hurt me with many of your actions over the years, because that would be lying blatantly and we both know it very well. But I also recognize that all of us have done things we're not proud of to survive in this ruthless place, things that go against our nature and our deepest values. I can accept and understand that because I myself have had to adapt in ways I never imagined possible when I was young. I also honestly recognize that I have said horrible things to you in the past, words specifically designed to hurt you where it hurts most, and I sincerely apologize for that."

Upon hearing the completely unexpected apologies from the brunette, Hürrem's emotions threatened to overflow completely again. The tears she had been containing began to flow freely, because it was a cruel and beautiful irony of fate that one of her most bitter and persistent rivals was one of the few people in the entire palace who could recognize and validate her fundamental humanity beyond her mistakes and sins. Rarely did anyone genuinely apologize to her for some transgression since she had set foot in Suleiman's harem; generally it was always she who had to apologize, ask forgiveness, beg for clemency and mercy.

"Thank you..." murmured Hürrem simply in a very low voice, with eyes crystallized by tears that threatened to become an unstoppable torrent. "You have no idea what it means to me to hear those words from you, after everything we've lived through."

The two women remained seated in a comfortable and reflective silence for several minutes that passed like eternity, each lost in their own thoughts and memories. Mahidevran, moved by an impulse of compassion that surprised her, discreetly passed a small handkerchief embroidered with silk threads to Hürrem so she could dry the tears that continued falling down her cheeks like spring rain. As soon as Hürrem recomposed herself a little and managed to control her interrupted breathing, she decided to break the contemplative silence that had settled comfortably between them.

"What was your real name?" Hürrem asked with genuine curiosity, her voice still a little hoarse from recent tears. "Before coming to this place, I mean. Your true name, the one your parents gave you."

"My name was Milena. Milena Despina Brankovic." Mahidevran answered with a naturalness that genuinely surprised Hürrem, as if it weren't something she had kept in hermetic secret all these years for survival reasons. "What was yours, Hürrem? I would like to know your real story, to know about your family, how your life was before fate brought us to this place."

"I... my name was Alexandra." answered Hürrem with a trembling voice, while trying mentally to organize and summarize her memories of her childhood and youth in Rohatyn, precious memories she had carefully kept buried out of necessity during so many years of survival. "My father was a very respected Orthodox priest in our entire community and neighboring communities... and I was his favorite daughter, his greatest pride and joy. We used to spend a lot of time together because he loved to teach me things he normally didn't teach girls of that era. That's how I learned Church Slavonic, Latin, and some Greek. I loved my mother with all my soul too, and I used to help her with all the household tasks, with cooking, cleaning, and caring for the animals of the small farm we had behind our house. I also had a little sister..."

Hürrem stopped abruptly with the account because she felt an impossible knot form in her throat. The memory of Elia was the most painful of all, the one that completely disarmed her regardless of how many years had passed since her loss.

"Her name was Elia and she was my absolute adoration, the reason I woke up every morning with a smile. " Hürrem broke down again when remembering her little sister, tears flowing without any control. "She had the same age of Mihrimah is now when the Tartars razed our village that cursed day, and I couldn't do absolutely anything to save her. I couldn't protect her. They didn't even have mercy or compassion for such a small and innocent child after they brutally killed my parents in front of our terrified eyes."

"It's okay, Hürrem... you can cry all you need..." Mahidevran tried to comfort Hürrem as best she could, consciously using her real name for the first time, while the redhead continued crying bitterly for the devastating losses she had never been able to fully process in all these years. The brunette soon realized that they both had much more in common than either of them would ever like to admit.

Once she managed to recompose herself again after several minutes of liberating crying that seemed to come from the deepest part of her soul, Hürrem carefully cleaned her face with the handkerchief Mahidevran had given her and spoke again. The conversation had awakened in her a renewed and respectful curiosity about who Mahidevran had really been before becoming part of the complex world of the harem.

"Now tell me about you, Mahidevran." asked Hürrem with genuine and respectful curiosity, once she managed to calm down enough to speak clearly. "I want to know your real story, I want to know who you were before cruel fate brought us both to this place."

"I was born in Belgrade, but I was raised mainly in Smederevo until I turned fifteen." Mahidevran began to tell her own story, allowing herself for once to remember her loved ones with a nostalgia she rarely allowed herself to feel completely. "I was the youngest of all my brothers, the beloved baby of the family. My father's family had been directly related to the despots who had governed Serbia for centuries before the Ottoman conquest, and we had a lineage that went back to generations of rulers. My mother's family was directly related to the family of the last emperor of Constantinople before the city was taken by the Ottomans decades ago. My mother's family had fled precipitously from Constantinople once the city fell into Ottoman hands, losing absolutely everything they had: riches, properties, status. My mother was born in Thessalonica and wasn't much older than I was when I entered the harem when she married my father in Belgrade for purely political and family survival reasons. There certainly wasn't romantic love between them at first, but they came to respect and appreciate each other enough to lead a relatively calm and functional family life."

"That... that explains so many things about your personality and your way of behaving here." Hürrem commented back without a trace of malice, but with genuine understanding that surprised Mahidevran. "You were truly nobility, born to rule I see. What finally happened to your family?"

"They found death in Hungary shortly after the siege in Belgrade, far from their home." Mahidevran responded with a sadness that went far beyond simple tears, a sadness that had permanently settled in her bones and would always accompany her. "From what I managed to find out later through different sources and contacts, they executed them all because the Hungarian king falsely believed they were Ottoman spies. It was a completely unfounded and ridiculous accusation, but fear and paranoia in times of war make people commit unimaginable atrocities. When I finally learned the truth about their terrible fate, I was already pregnant with the twins and that night I cried inconsolably until I fell asleep from pure physical and emotional exhaustion. But the next morning I made a sacred promise to myself: that I would survive all this, that I would become strong and influential, to honor the memory of my parents and my beloved brothers. Osman..."

Mahidevran made a significant pause upon seeing her youngest son playing happily in the distance with the other children, her heart filling with a complex mixture of deep love and bittersweet melancholy. The child brought her vivid and constant memories of someone she had loved deeply in her previous life.

"Osman reminds me enormously of my favorite brother, Stefan. He was the oldest of all my brothers and always protected me from everything and everyone, like a devoted personal guardian. He was brave, intelligent, and had that same silent determination I see reflected in Osman every day. He was my confidant, my protector, my best friend." Mahidevran continued with a melancholic voice, but full of unconditional love. "I love all my children equally, each of them is precious to me in different unique ways, but Osman... Osman is special to me because I genuinely feel that my brother lives through him, that Stefan is still taking care of me through my son."

"Something very similar happens to me, what you say isn't strange at all." added Hürrem as if she perfectly understood what Mahidevran wanted to express, nodding with deep recognition. "I also love all my children equally, they are literally my entire life, my reason for existing, but every time I look at Mihrimah... it's as if I had my little Elia with me again. It's like a connection that goes beyond what I can explain with simple words, something that comes directly from the soul and transcends time."

There was a contemplative and healing silence between the two before Mahidevran resumed the conversation, deciding to share something even more personal.

"It's ironic, but... before coming to this place, I was betrothed in marriage to another man I barely knew superficially." Mahidevran reminisced with a sad smile about her mother's teachings on the reality of noble women. "A Hungarian count who was twice my age, all arranged for strictly political and economic reasons. My family had been marrying for generations to maintain complex political alliances, where romantic love was as rare as an unattainable luxury for women like me. Sometimes I wonder what my parents would think seeing me here with another name and another religion, giving birth to the children of the Padishah. But ironically, it has been precisely their practical way of seeing life that has kept me afloat and given me strength to survive here."

"I think about exactly the same thing every night before sleeping..." Hürrem commented as if Mahidevran's memories had awakened something dormant from her own previous life. "Before the Tartars completely devastated my village, I was going to marry after the harvests with my fiancé. His name was Leo and he was a painter, artist, and had this beautiful dream of having a small farm together with our future children, giving them the same calm and love-filled childhood my parents gave me. But life is what it is, and dreams sometimes break into pieces..."

The two women fell silent again, watching all the children playing as if they were aloof of all the complexities of the adult world.

"Hürrem." Mahidevran spoke again while looking tenderly at all the children playing in the distance. "You and I know that although the children don't see it clearly now, inevitably the politics of the Empire will separate them and certainly we will be adversaries by necessity, because it would be completely naive and irresponsible to believe otherwise. But for my part, I don't want to continue with the same destructive hostilities as always because it doesn't do me any good, it's not a benefit for you either, and the children notice everything and worry about things that shouldn't be their obligation or responsibility."

"I understand perfectly, Mahidevran." Hürrem nodded, completely understanding Mahidevran's practical and emotional point. "Pretending otherwise would be complete falsehood, but I also don't want to continue being constantly hostile. It's exhausting and draining, and I don't want Mehmed to worry more than he should about this type of adult things. He notices everything, he's very perceptive for his age, and I don't want him to carry our conflicts."

And so, in that garden and under the protective shade of old trees, two women who had been enemies found something like peace, not permanent, but real. For the first time in years, they were not Hürrem and Mahidevran, the rivals of the Suleiman's harem, but Alexandra and Milena, two women who had suffered unimaginable losses and who had found the strength to survive and protect the only thing they had left in the world: their children.