Sah Sultan chamber

I walked in silence towards my Mothers chambers, a smile upon my lips as today was going to be the most special - I was to spend the day with my Mother just the two of us which is something I had longed for for what seemed an aged.

The morning sun shone through the windows as I approached the guards outside the door, they bowed as I stood before them waiting to be announced

As the doors opened, Şah put down her brush and went over to her daughter. Şah loved her daughter more than anyone else in this world. Esmahan. Şah opened up her arms to her.

Mother my smile wide as I saw her and almost ran into her open arms You look so radiant this morning I whisper as she held me close

Despite having been reunited for a while now, the time I had spent away from the Palace and my Mother had been a nightmare for me, I had missed her so much and I held her tight never wanting to let my Mother go again

I blushed at my Mother's compliment

How could I not be loving and kind, I am of your flesh I smile You are one of the most loving women I know along with my Aunts

I was so thankful that I was part of this wonderful family with such strong females that I could look up to and follow their examples

I smile at my Mother and followed her further into the room

It is most welcoming and here I feel at peace I reply Although I am still finding my way but the servants have been most helpful. I have spent time with Aunt Hatice and I am ashamed to say I have not really met my Uncle.

I lower my head and take a breath

I believe I should have gone to Uncle first but my heart ached to see you and Aunt Hatice

I know Mother and I was so pleased to see him yet I feel that I should have met my Uncle first on our own and that maybe I have been disrespectful

I feel my body relax in my Mother's arms

I love him not because he is a great man but because I recall when I was young and loved spending time with Uncle I look at my Mother and smile I hope one day to have a husband who is as honourable as my Uncle

I smile warmly at my beautiful Mother

I had heard that our Valide has returned to the Palace and I would so much like to see all my Family

Knowing that my Mother and Uncle would choose my future Husband eased my mind greatly, they are both so wise and will always have my best interest at heart.

I look forward to the day you choose my future Husband I reply feeling my cheeks warm as I blush

Dilara was escorted by an eunuch until Şah Sultan' chambers. It was time to introduce herself to the Sultan's sister. She felt a bit nervous. As she entered, she noticed that her daughter was with her. She bowed deeply

"Sultanim.."

She whispered lowering her eyes

Dilara smiled softly raising from her curtsy. She looked at her and at her daughter

"I feel very honoured to serve you, Sultanim. My name is Dilara. I just came to Palace.."

She said with soft voice. She noticed that her daughter was beautiful like her mother, and she looked like her

Dilara smiled softly

"I come from Albania, Sultanim. But my mother is turkish. I was raised into a little village. And this is the first time I see Istanbul and this beautiful Palace, Sultanim.."

She replied, still keeping her eyes lowered, as Nigar Kalfa taught to her when she came in harem

Dilara joined her hands together and took a breath

"My mother met my father here in Turkey. He was an albanian trader. So he brought her in his country after the marriage. That's why I have albanian origins, Sultanim.."

She explained, still keeping her glance on the floor. After finishing her sentence, she thought that even Mahidevran Sultan, Sultan Suleyman's Haseki, was albanian

I think that you would get on perfectly with our Valide. Her lineage is rather amazing would you like to meet her. People feared the Valide who was an amazing woman and founder of the Mesir Festival. Among many other things as well.

Dilara was very surprised hearing such invitation. She knew that Valide Sultan was very selective towards ladies in harem. She smiled

"This would be a great honour, Sultanim. Of course I would like to meet her.."

She replied, lowering again her eyes at the end of the sentence

Sah was very pleased to hear this. Unlike some her new lady in waiting seem rather enthusiastic of meeting the very first Valide of our dynasty. Our Valide mother always liked to know what was going on in the harem. So in time they would've met somehow. Good I shall let you know when I am next to meet her and you can accompany me. Until then would you like to see our gardens. I imagine it can get rather stuffy being cooped up in harem.

Dilara showed a grateful smile. Her sultana was kindest that she thought

"Thank you, Sultanim. I would love that very much. I heard a lot talking about Topkapi's gardens. I shall be honoured to accompany you.."

She said with a low curtsy

Dilara came back to Turkey after her misadventure in France and she decided to pay a visit to her mistress, Sah Sultan. She walked into her room and she curtsied deeply

"Sultanim.."

Today was another sunny day, but it was very different. I had summoned Dilara to come and see me after her brief absence from the palace. Hello sweetheart, please come and join me for something sweet to eat. I have missed your company immensely. Two kalfas entered and brought in tea with some sweet treats to accompany it.

Dilara curtsied again and she sat next to her upon a big cushion

"Thank you, Sultanim..You are too kind. I just arrived from France..where I lived terrible moments because of Emperor Charles. I am fine, now. But..I don't wish to bore you, Sultanim.."

She said, not knowing if her Sultana wished to know what's happened to her