Gardens

As it was a warm sunny day Mihirinnisa wandered out into the gardens wanting to feel the warmth of the sunshine upon her face. She wandered humming to herself as she walked slowly. The gardens were her favorite place, she loved the colors and the scents of the flowers as well as being out of the palace.

Mahidervan took a slight detour back to her chamber. She heard a sweet humming tune coming from a young girl and it seemed to ease her for awhile taking her mind off her husband she approached the young girl full of smiles.

Young Hatun you have a sweet voice bestowed upon you tell me where are you from before arriving here

With kind hands she gestured for the girl to come forward and speak with her.

Mihirinnisa heard a voice behind her and turned slowly to see who is was. She recognized her at once as the Sultan's wife and dropped her head in respect at once. "My Sultana." She answered, her voice soft and as she looked back up she smiled at her. "I am Mihirinnisa, I have come to live here in the harem. Thank you, I love to sing." She looked again at the woman, she was dressed beautifully and was just as beautiful herself.

Mihirinnisa bowed her head in respect again, "I am honored to be here."

Mahidervan smiled she was nice and polite she gestured her to rise

You like the Harem then? Has the mistress of the Harem told what was expected of you whilst you are here. Her name is Nigar Kalfa I shall introduce you many ladies of the Harem become the Sultans Concubine that is something I have to turn a blind eye to.

Listening to her words intently Mihirinnisa nodded, then rose up slowly. "I have not met her yet but I do like it here very much. The palace and the harem is so beautiful but these gardens are already my favorite place. Such beauty."

She looked around her with a smile, "I have been told what was to be expected of living in a harem, I know my job is to please my Sultan and to obey. I am ready to do that."

I shall be kind to you as you are very innocent and shy by pleasing the sultan you realise that you would be bedding my husband

Mahidervan gestured towards a bench under a flower scented tree the ladies of the Harem were getting younger and younger this was a concern.

She flinched a bit at that, she knew it was her duty and she had been told this her whole life but the thought of bedding another man's husband made her feel dirty and without meaning to she shuddered at the thought. Then she looked up at her and sighed, "I know, that part does not please me. I would not wish to be between a husband and a wife."

Mahidervan raised and eyebrow then began to rub her temples

I am not angry with you I was onced picked for the sultan in a different way my bubba was a Prince so everything was arranged and planned that moment I shall never forget. My husband needs his Harem but he will tire of me you can see it in his eye's love never lasts I have learnt that now

Motherly Mahidervan turned and looked at her

You are young correct? You must always remember who you are and where you come from otherwise this Harem will eat you up alive. Do not let others see this sweet side that you have as they will take advantage of it.

Her words were very kind and Mihirinnisa knew she spoke from experience. She was right, if she wanted to survive she would need to find a harder side of herself then hid her true self so she was not hurt. "I thank you for your advice and I will heed your warning. I am very young and this all overwhelms me. I want nothing more than to be happy here but I understand your words. I will be careful."

Mihirinnisa smiled at her, "You are a mother, it shows in your ways. You are very kind and loving. Your son is lucky to have you."

You remind me of Hatice the sultans sister she to is very sweet hearted but also strong willed when needs be he has another sister Şah the peace maker do you play the violin.

Mahidervan smiled she was too sweet and she had hoped the Harem wouldn't change her Mahidervan perked up when she mentioned her son

Mustafa yes I love him very much he is a favourite with his Aunts and the Valide. I am expecting another but this feels different like it has no place if that makes sense. We had Mustafa before Suleyman became a king and I was alot more happy in that pregnancy than this one. Have you ever been in love before

Mihirinnisa's eyes lit up when she was told she was pregnant, "oh my most humble congratulations my Sultana. I adore babies and I have seen your son, he is adorable." She smiled at the thought of another precious baby here, "I have been told of this place but it does seem strange that a man should have so many partners other than just his wife."

Mihirinnisa looked around to make sure no one else was near and lowered her voice, "no I have never been in love, not yet but I have been only around my family till now."