Ladies's dormitory

After my chat with my cousin I was curious to see this Harem he knew I was full of mischief and would go around being nosey. It was practically empty some were doing their duties others were dancing for him I walked further down the hall noticing one young lady her hair was curly and wild I was curious to learn about this Harem some more and where these girls originated from.

Mihirinnisa was enjoying the activity in the dormitory but she had not met many here yet. She lingered on the edge of the groups watching and learning from the others. She loved the music and the dancing but she was shy when she tried to dance so she stood off to the side watching them instead.

There were so many here that she just looked from new face to new face but the Sultana's words and warning to her echoed in her mind so she took care not to smile too much or to appear too taken with her surroundings. She wanted to appear stronger than she was.

I spotted the new girl immediately and strolled on over to her.

Hello you must be the latest arrival at the Harem. Mahidevran spoke of you I am the Sultans cousin. I am a bit curious about the Harem but you all seem in good spirits since the loss of their baby. How are you finding it here

Bowing her head in respect at first Mihirinnisa then gazed up and smiled, "It is my pleasure to meet you, I am very new here but so far I am enjoying it. The Sultana has been very kind to me." She remembers the advice she was given in kindness then stares at the girl, "lost baby? I have no knowledge of that. Poor lady, I wish her well and many sons."

Mihirinnisa looked back at the dancers, "I cannot wait to learn how to dance like that, it looks like fun."

I liked this new concubine she was lovely a real jewel

She speaks highly of you I am sure that you would be of great comfort to her you are different from the others here you are kind with pure honesty. I am not a very good dancer I like dancing and sword fighting! That may seem unusual but it is a reassurance to know that I can pull a dagger just don't tell my cousin he wants me to be more lady like next I will be wearing dresses

I shuddered at the thought of wearing a dress too much hard work. I noticed that she took a keen interest in the dancing and leaned closer

Can you keep a secret. The best dancer here is Nigar Kalfa she along with her two favourite eunuchs teach the girls how to dance. You have to connect with the music aswell somewhere inside of you. Dancing and music can show a multitude of emotions when their is lack of words

Smiling I tried to keep up with the concubines all of them seem different

Mihirinnisa smiled brightly hearing Aybige speak of the Sultana. Hearing that she said such sweet things about her make her very happy. She looked up to the Sultana and wanted to find her place here. She nodded to Aybige, "I hope not to be like the others."

Swaying to the music Mihirinnisa hummed softly to the music, "I do feel the music, if makes my body move and I do hope Nigar Kalfa might have time to teach me. I would love to learn."

I nodded understanding why Mahidevran spoke so fondly of her.

Interesting how do you wish not to be like the others

I whispered quitely to her I loved sharing secrets

You already have formed a bond with the Queen so you are already different. Nigar is very helpful and full of knowledge she is the eye's and ear's of this Harem. Tell me where do you descend from Persia,Russia,Bosnia.

Whispering quietly Mihirinnisa turned her head towards Aybige, "All the girls here are the same, I do not want to be just another pretty face. I want to be more if I can."

She loved feeling like she already had people here that she could trust and Aybige was one of them along with the Sultana. "I look forward to meeting Nigar. And I come from Persia but my family has so much diversity. I wish I knew more of it."

I looked back to her then at the girls she had a difference between her and them already kind opal shaped eye's and she was from Persia.

But you do stand out already. You have dark features but your eyes are like blue beads and you are from Persia. A country full of history like the Spartans. I had to move here because a family feud broke out and my cousin took me in he says I should be more lady like

I sighed with a frown on my face

"But I do not wish to stand out." Mihirinnisa sighed herself, standing out in the crowd would make it easier for the Sultan's eyes to fall upon her. "I do not to be merely a pretty thing."

She looked Aybige, "I can help you to become more ladylike if you wish."

I patted her arm tentatively.

You are very beautiful I would love to have hair like yours. You are one who holds natural beauty and when people get to know you they will understand that you are more than a pretty face that you are strong minded and have thoughts about life and not just pretty diamonds and silks.

If she taught me how to be more ladylike then we would both be helping each other out.

Ok I accept your proposal very kind it means that I would need to be taught at least two days a week and also it would help you out aswell I shall tell Nigar

Mihirinnisa smiled in delight, "I would gladly do that." She nodded. "We shall have fun while we do it as well and please do mention to her that I would love very much to be taught to dance."

I nodded understanding her predicament and this situation she now found herself placed in.

No I shan't mention that to her now let's concentrate on just having fun

I beamed with happiness

Mihirinnisa returned her smile with a bright one of her own. "Fun is what we shall have. So shall we dance or are you as hungry as I am?"

"That sounds delicious and rich, I would like to try that. I have a terrible sweet tooth." She admitted with a smile.

I went out of the room for the briefest of moments returning with some.

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You will spend the rest of your life in Turkey unless my cousin or Mustafa frees you. Maybe it is best to it now we also drink sorbet aswell would you like to try that to.

Nodding to her Mihirinnisa reached for one of the treats to try it. She closed her eyes in delight then licked her lips. "That is delicious and sorbet? I have never had that."

I smiled maybe it was time for her to meet my cousin the Sultan.

That is not all all the concubines have to dress the same and you will have to attend lessons too!

I stood on my toes so I could whisper in her ear.

You know the Eunuchs they are men but in other aspects they are not. Before the become an Eunuchs they are slaves and when they are brought to join this palace they have their private parts chopped of and spend days with their bodies buried in sand to heal.

I hoped this information made her feel much safer among the Eunchs they could not hurt her unless with their hands.

Watching her Mihirinnisa nodded to her and smiled, "thank you for telling me that. I did not know that, I still have much to learn about this place. Thank you again for being such a good friend."

Dilara was preparing herself to go to bed. It was night, and all the concubines were preparing their beds. They slept all together in the same large room. She was knelt to fix her pillow when suddenly she heard a noise coming from the corridor. She turned immediately her head, wondering what was going to happen

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