Summer time delight.

I moved closer to my Mother as the tempers of my Aunts and Uncle quickened I reached for her hand and kept my eyes to the ground till I heard silence.

I slowly raised my eyes and noticed my Uncle was looking at me, I tried to hold my fear back by biting my lip but my eyes betrayed my feelings I slowly lowered my head in respect

Esmahan looked around at her family and was relived that Nuriye was not present to witness this argument.

She raised her head and kissed her Mother's cheek before walking towards her Uncle and kneeling at his feet  Forgive me Hunkarim for interrupting but I ask your permission to leave and look for Nuriye she quickly raised her eyes to meet his I will bring her back with me if she is willing to join us

With a curtsey to her Uncle, Aunts and Mother Esmahan left the party to look for her sweet cousin, once outside the tent she took a deep breath she hated arguments and the scene she had just witnessed had upset her greatly.

As she walked through the gardens towards the Palace she tried to dry the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes

Gülfem was quite at the small argument between Suleyman and Hatice. She'd been far to long among them to know they were so much a like, and that they love each-other very much, even when they fight. And in the moments like this was always better to not involve and leave them be, until they calm and make peace. As Sultan suddenly spoke to her  Gülfem turned around and smiled. ''It's such honor to me to know Hunkarim had such trust in me to appoint me as lady in waiting to his sister, as it overjoy me to serve Hatice.'' She said in all honesty. From them all she was always close to Hatice even when she was one of Suleyman's concubines. ''Indeed we did. But Allah had different plans with him, and it brings less sadness in my heart, knowing he's in better place with Allah.'' Even if it was long ago her heart was still filled with pain over her lost son, and always would be.

I could hear my Farther's temper from across the courtyard it made sense I had a hot fiery temper but his sent a slight tremble. I observed their were many women surrounding my Farther sitting on cushions on the ground whilst he sat up high in all his glory. Which one was his haseki who was a concubine. Among the women was a slightly older one who was talking about freedom could she be a concubine. Then a mention of a man! A man who my Farther held in favour. Then a mention of a death of a child how sad I thought to myself. I kept on observing them I wanted to move but my feet would not permit it. I had little flutters in my tummy, palms sweating. I pushed the eunuch forward first hiding behind him.

As I came to the courtyard I saw a eunuch stumble slightly forward, I tip my head to one side and a slight smile appears on my lips as I spy my cousin hiding behind him

Ah Nuriye sweet Cousin I have been looking for you I greet her with smile I wish to accompany you to the party in your honour

Why was Şah looking shameful perhaps she was having a secret affair. I sat back still fuming from the threat of my brother and to my surprise Nuriye was here. Poor thing to feel so scared and shy in her own families presence. The saddest thing that really made me feel out of sorts was she was the exact image of my brother the nose, the complexion of her skin. She was the very being of him I tried very hard to see some reflection of her mother but their was none.

It was my pleasure Hunkarim I reply to my Uncle as I stand at Nuriye's side, I gave her hand a gentle squeeze as we stepped closer towards our family

You will be alright Nuriye I whisper to her as we curtsey I will not leave your side unless you wish me too, I am also a little nervous and it is good to have you here

I glanced towards my Mother and was concerned as she looked uncomfortable, maybe it was to do with the argument that had passed between my Aunt and Uncle. Our eyes meet and I smile

I rolled my eye's the poor girl had yet to even muster a word and everyone was talking at once to her. why don't you let Nuriye have some space to think for herself. I am sure if you were all patient she would speak. Their was more than fighting over the attention of hunkarim I wondered if she ever had his temper. Would she be as funny like Fatma, sly like Şah only to reveal a dark side or like Hatice gentle like a lamb, kind to everyone until you betray her then she is like a volcano mixed with thunder. She might be like her grandmother the Valide regal and strong knows exactly how to make Suleyman sweet. Perhaps Nuriye was like me chasing after forbidden fruit.. no wait I was the forbidden fruit to bali bey who just happened to encourage him. Which reminded me I had to see him tonight how to get away from here. Cousin seeing as you left me out of the introductions you won't mind if I go and rest my... leg it's rather sore from sitting on a sequined cushion. Placing my leg upon Fatma I showed them all my leg.

Esmahan walked over to her Mother knowing that something had occurred while she had been looking for Nuriye as both her Uncle and Aunt Hatice had been watching her Mother

"Nuriye and I have much in common it seems" I whisper as I sit by her side and take some fruit "Are you well Mother as you seem to be a little pale?"

I could not help to stare at Nuriye she could possibly be the male version of my brother I pondered this. I had to hide my laugh at our cousin.

Our mother the Valide brought you here dear cousin. It will be hard to forget you.

I looked at Gülfem surely she could bring Nuriye out of her shell. I made a space between me and her offering a place for her to sit.

Come and sit with us Nuriye. We don't bite apart from Fatma.

Esmahan Sultan wrote:

Esmahan walked over to her Mother knowing that something had occurred while she had been looking for Nuriye as both her Uncle and Aunt Hatice had been watching her Mother

"Nuriye and I have much in common it seems" I whisper as I sit by her side and take some fruit "Are you well Mother as you seem to be a little pale?"

Şah was brought out of her deepest thought's by the sound of her daughters voice. As she smiled she could feel their eye's crawling all over her skin as if for some explanation. Sitting up more comfortably Şah took some sherbet and begun to drink slowly. You do not need to worry about me my dearest daughter. I just need to be out in the sunshine for awhile.

Şah looked at her brother she was unable to relax. She had done nothing wrong never disobeyed her brother. The only trouble she could ever give him was the trouble of her husband but even then it wasn't her fault. Şah had been married to an evil and spiteful man her daughter was shielded from it naturally. Closing her eyes and sighing she managed a smile. If that pleases you Hunkarim. Enough about us Nuriye why don't you tell us about yourself. Şah smiled changing the course of topic.

I found this all a bit, overwhelming I was sure that Mahidevran meant well by her guide gesture. The comparison my cousin made about us having things in common was a far fetched cry.

Oh so when you was born you're farther sent you far, far away. To grow up without any rights and to be disrespected even though you are a true Princess. You are lucky Esmahan you had both of your parents to love and nurture you I had neither.

I tried to say it in the nicest way as possible so maybe they would understand me a little better. I searched the many faces of my aunts that sat before even if they had been to visit I would not of known. I was left standing on my own again nothing that much had changed with my life.