Gardens

Mahidevran had distanced herself from the others in fear that she would lose a second child. Eating some apricots she sat under the sun enjoying the peace.

Esmahan was searching everywhere for her cousin Nuriye, she walked through the gardens enjoying the sun and the sweet flowers.

She noticed a lone figure sitting in the sun and as she got closer realised that it was her Aunt the Queen, feeling rather shy as they had not yet been introduced she walked forward and knelt before her My Sultana

Mahidevran lifted up her chin not knowing if this was Nuriye or not.

Hello young lady, tell me what is your name. You are of a high rank you must be Suleyman's niece.

Mahidevran smiled moving so she could sit next to her. She wiped her fingers taking in the dark features. Mahidevran wanted her own Ottoman princess.

When court life is busy I like sometime on my own especially when withchild. How are you settling in here.

I am Esmahan I smiled as I looked up at my Aunt, my eyes moved to her stomach and my smile widened many congratulations on the news I pray to Allah that all is well with you and your child.

I take a seat by the side of my Aunt happy to rest from my search, I am settling in very well I am happy to be amongst my family again I give a sad smile I feel I have missed out on so much being away from them

Mahidevran smiled gently rubbing her belly her unborn child fluttered around like a butterfly spreading it's wings.

Thank you Esmahan as long as my child is healthy that is all I really care about. One day you shall have a child and a husband of you're own. No one grows up here their shall come a time when my own son shall be sent away to grow up.

For now Mahidevran pushed all thought from her mind and focused on her company.

You can always catch up on the lost time you think you have lost out on. Tell me how can I make your stay here better?

Esmahan looked thoughtful - her with a child and husband had not yet crossed her mind but she hoped it would happen one day but for now she wanted to enjoy her life.

Everyone has been so kind to me and I am slowly finding my way here she smiled just spending time like this talking and getting to know my family again and them to know me would make it easier I think and it may make it easier for Nuriye too.

Mahidevran looked thoughtfully for a second. The circumstances of these two girls were very different. Mahidevran highly doubted Nuriye would last long here.

It probably feels like time drags on here but it goes pretty quickly. Days turn into months, the months turn into years. I take comfort in the fact that many ambassadors write about my beauty when they return to their kingdoms. Not even your uncle has noticed such things.

The Ambassadors are very true with their talk I smile I am sure my Uncle has noticed he is a very wise man and notices many things.

I look at my Aunt's stomach, I can not recall ever seeing a pregnant woman before and I am full of wonder at the miracle of life

Forgive me for asking such questions and I do not mean to pry I start to blush but how does it feel to have a child within?

Mahidevran smiled she felt at ease to let her niece know how it felt.

Motherhood is raw and pure. It is fierce and gentle. It is up and down. It is magic and madness. Single days last forever and years fly by. You have this feeling to see them on their rightful throne as my son is the true heir. But when you give birth you just look at this precious bundle of joy and think. How can I love such a person more than anyone else in the world.

I let my Aunt's word sink in as I leaned back and let the sun's warmth wash over me, I closed my eyes and tried to picture myself with a child.

I think I would like many children when the time is right but first I want to marry a man that loves me truly and is loyal and kind I smile but I am too young and not sure if such a match is or would be possible

No of course not you will know when the time is right that I can assure you. You are still very young and I don't want you to worry about marriage this young. Just remember that nothing can be done without Hunkarim say he has the last word.

Mahidevran smiled hoping that this would ease her mind for her.

You are safe here the only person who could fall in love with you is my Mustafa! He adores Hatice just like you do.

I am sure Hunkarim will have my best interests at heart and I trust him fully as he not only very wise but he is my Uncle I smiled back relieved that the tales I had overheard about being married off while still a young girl was untrue

Ah yes young Mustafa is very sweet and has a beautiful smile, it is very easy to adore Aunt Hatice is such fun to be around I grin I wish to get to know all my Aunts as well as I know Aunt Hatice