Esmahan Sultan's Bedchamber

I gently place my hand on my Aunts shoulder I have heard it said that love conquers all and Uncle and Ibrahim have always been the best of friends so I do not think he will allow any harm to come to him

I look down as I take in my Aunts words Will Uncle find me a suitor when the time comes Aunt Hatice or will I be allowed to marry a man I love like you I whisper as I lean my head against hers

I don't believe that Sultan Suleyman is really happy for us at all. I don't like him anymore. Marrying for love that is up to your dad and I am sure that he would let you why do you have your eye on someone. My cousin Aybige has a secret love affair with Bali Bey the royal bodyguard. Apart from your mother and Aunt Fatma none of us want to have an arranged marriage.

I rested my head back on a cushion running my fingers through her silky brown hair my mind in a turmoil of thoughts.

I believe their is some love within your parents the problem is Sultan Suleyman. Your farther has the same rank as Ibrahim does but Sultan Suleyman never takes on any of his ideas so the frustration gets taken out onto your mother because Sultan Suleyman is our brother. But my Ibrahim is cunning and clever his voice shall be heard in a different way I want to marry Ibrahim as quickly as possible so Sultan Suleyman can't place the blame directly on his shoulders.

No I do not have my eye on anyone yet, I wanted to know if I would be allowed to choose

I rested against my Aunt, I relished the bond between us and happy that our time apart had not weakened it. It was strange to hear of the love between my parents when all I could recall was bitterness but they must have loved each other once

Aunt Hatice when you marry Ibrahim I hope he is always good to you and your children I smile and look at my Aunt

I laughed I never really saw myself as a mother I only saw my future with Ibrahim and that was it.

Only your mother and farther can decide that answer they are not so cruel. They married for love. If I had it my way I would of run away with Ibrahim on a merchants ship to Venice it was all arranged and then my farther died. Real love can't survive in this palace without people wanting to pull the rug out from under your feet.

If you wish to marry in secret I will help you if I can I turn to face my Aunt although I will be sad to miss your wedding I only want you to be happy

I let silent tears fall onto her silken black hairs. She was so wise for her age. My love for Ibrahim reminded me of a story my farther read to me when I was little.

It is to late now that my brother is king he shall certainly keep a watchful eye on Ibrahim. But if ever you need my help with that I shall do it.

I am sure there will be distractions of a female kind for Uncle as well as his duties as Sultan that will keep him busy I whisper as I glance towards the door suddenly aware that our every word may be heard

Also Nuriye will want to be with her Father so if we plan it carefully it can be arranged for you and Ibrahim, your happiness is important to me

What a clever little niece I had a pang of guilt was now building up as Nuriye might have to be put into the plan without knowing. Getting up I made the guards outside stand on the opposite side of the wall still guarding the door for safety though. Coming back I brought some sherbet with me for us to drink while we discussed plans.

Ok but if we have Nuriye in the plan she must not know Allah only knows what she has had to endure. I get sad that you both were not allowed to live here when growing. When I marry I shall have to leave as well and my brother... well I always thought I was like his daughter as well but things get sent to try us. Concubines get between the relationship I have with my brother except Gülfem I love her like a sister she is the one concubine you can always count on always know that. She is different from the others you can trust her.

The idea of my beloved Aunt leaving makes my heart feel heavy yet I know her happiness must come first May I visit you and Ibrahim often when you marry I give a small smile I hope we can still have moments like this


I take a deep breath at the mention of the concubines, it was one of them that I had heard speaking loosely of my Aunt and Ibrahim's love for each other You must introduce me to Gulfem so I know which of the ladies I shall be able to trust

I gently began to run my fingers through her hair soothingly. With the help of my mother also I could be able to bequeath a castle unused for me and Ibrahim to live in after all it was part of ny Farthers will and my brother could never go against that he wouldn't stoop so low. I was the rightful princess of Sultan Selim no one could touch me my blood runs with blood of royalty.

I am not to sure Süleyman will probably stop you from visiting me knowing him he would probably kill Ibrahim as well if he found out we were to marry in secret. Before my Farther died he knew that I had a soft spot for Ibrahim I wished he lived a little longer so we could of married under him. At least my Farther would never threaten to take Ibrahim away from me. Gülfem had a son with the Sultan and he died then he went on and had Nuriye. Clearly he was annoyed that he didn't have an heir as he sent her off his only daughter forced to live a life that is not fit for us to live not even a slave.

I do not wish to be parted from you again Aunt Hatice I struggle to hold back the tears that threaten to flow so freely why must we be treated so differently because we are girls

That was a question I myself had been trying to answer sadly I could not.

That is a question I can't answer sweetheart, your uncle has great respect for women especially if they have a talent. We argue because I fear to lose him to a concubine he is my brother blood of my own blood. Like you are blood of my own blood.

I damped a piece of cloth into water dabbing at her eyes.

Do not cry as you are my niece. Right now it is your time to be here it is your age.

I look at my Aunt and smile, she is my closest friend and my heart swells with love for her I will try not to cry and to enjoy my time while I am still young and getting used to being back at the Palace.

Aunt Hatice's hands are so soothing I feel my troubles melt at her fingertips I wish I could do the same for her worries. I hold her hand I have heard it said that there are no ties thicker than blood and it bonds us all

You have no need to cry? I should cry my brother has changed into someone I do not hardly reconize.

I shook it of I did not need his approval I started courting Ibrahim when my late Farther was alive, only we were more discreet.

I do not believe that blood bonds us as even blood can turn against you. I know you shall never as I would never you.

Esmahan looked thoughtful as she pondered her Aunt's words, she had hoped that her family would be close as she had once remembered them but time changes and she was learning to adapt.

I know you will never turn against me I smile and I will never betray you or Ibrahim any secrets you tell me I shall take to my grave

I noticed her mind was plagued with sadness it portrayed on her face.

How are your siblings sweet one you must want to keep contact with them.

I stroked her cheek gently.

"I believe they are all well and we write regularly, I pray to Allah I never loose contact with any of my family" I reply as my Aunt's touch seems to melt away all my worries

I was happy to hear that she was still in correspondence with her siblings. I had many sisters, and sometimes I wondered if my farther had other children from his concubines.

I was born premature which is why I think I never like to leave my mothers side.

I look at my Aunt and smile If I could I would never leave my Mothers or your side ever again but we will always be together in my heart no matter what life decides

Life does change when one decides to marry. One thought that is impending my mind is this: When a woman marries she has to obey her husband first. But I am the sister of a king so surely I obey him first. I think men should obey their wives if it wasn't for us women they wouldn't have a rod to lay on.

I fumed as I thought that a little bit of breaking the ties with my brother would be much healthier.

I like the idea of the man obeying the wife I giggle But I shall think I will always have to answer to Uncle first.

I look at my Aunt I know that you will be happier when you are married and I am certain he will worship the ground you walk on and treat you like the Princess that you are

I could talk with you for hours. I think in a way men do obey us they just don't like to admit it.

I giggled hearing my words aloud. I don't think that their wasn't anything we both didn't tell each other which was nice.

Shall we go and find our little Mustafa I'm sure he would love to meet you.

I smile I can not think of a nicer way to spend the day than with you Aunt Hatice, we shall always have this strong bond between us which no man will ever break.

I heart leapt at my Aunt's mention of Mustafa, I knew he adored my Aunt as much as I and I longed to see my dear little cousin

Oh yes let us see the sweet child I hope he will like me

I'm not allowed to have a favourite niece but you are so very special to me. As for Mustafa I do believe the young prince is awaiting for us shall we go.

I was excited for my darling niece to meet my darling nephew. Mustafa would adore her I was positive in that. I ordered an eunuch to prepare the young prince for our visit.

Oh Yes we can not keep the Prince waiting I smile