Hatice Sultan's Chambers

''I'm honored and grateful to have a respect of you and your family.'' Gulfem said in honesty, then added, ''It touch my heart deeply.'' She placed her hand on Hatice's sleeve in friendly gesture. ''You'll always have me at your side, My Sultan. No matter what.''

To impatient to wait any longer I squeezed her hand and stood up with a slight bounce. I was excited about this little picnic but inside I was even more happy that their was a chance Ibrahim would be their. Be still my beating heart for when I shall see him I become a loved up lady who felt like her head was in the clouds.

I think I am finally ready to go to this little gathering. I am nervous with happiness and excitement would you like to borrow some of my jewellery.

Gulfem stood up and gave a Hatice a knowing smile. She knew her sultan to be nervous about seeing Ibrahim again. ''Gathering shall be splendid, indeed.'' She said and shook her head lightly.  ''Thank you, My Sultan, for your kindness. But I'm good as this. Shall we go?''

Yes let's go although it would be more fun if a presence would make themself known.

I sighed fixing a piece of hair before ordering the guards to open the doors.

Esmehan wanted to meet her dear, young aunt, so she decided to go to her room and checked if she's there or not. One of her slaves told her, that Sultana is inside. Esmehan ordered to announce her coming and then, she entered to Hatice's chamber.

'Sultanim'

She bowed deeply and then smiled.

'I wanted to visit you and talk a little. I've missed you so much.'

It was mid afternoon and I had spent my time playing on my violin. It always soothed me even if at times I was a little bit rusty. This was my most favourite things to do when my dear friend Gulfem was not around and my beloved Ibrahim was away from the palace. The gentle voice of a young girl had made me stop. Turning around I saw that my niece stood in the entrance of my chamber.

Esmehan I am glad to see you back at palace! Have you seen your cousin Nuriye lately.

I held out my arms and embraced her with a hug. I loved all of my nieces and it was always a comfort to have the family in one place.

You can always talk to me. Tell me what is on your mind my sweet niece.

'Unfortunately I haven't seen her yet but I'm sure we'll talk soon.'

Esmehan loved Hatice very much. She could remember how many hours they spent together and her sister Leyla in gardens. But now Esmehan was not a child and good days became a history.

'I'm happy to be here. After my father's death my Valide didn't want to visit Topkapi Palace. When she changed her mind I decided to join her. You are all my family.'

Conversation with Sultan Suleyman was important to young Sultana. She knew that she was wanted in palace.

'I'm glad to see you in good health and mood. Life here is more difficult, but more interesting also. And you're in love.'

It was a very awkward situation to be in. My brother was king and all must obey him even the men who married his sisters. But those marriage matches had been made by our father not him. So it wasn't his fault if they turned out to betray our empire. Fatma seemed like the only sister to have a happy marriage. Her husband respected Suleyman just like my Ibrahim did.

We all love our great Valide she is the first Valide of this harem. But tell me how do you really feel coming back here. It must be very very hard for you but I guess you feel somewhat like a new person.

"I think you're right, Sultanim."

She admitted.

"I feel like a hundred not a few years passed away. Maybe I am a young woman, but a feel like I'm much older. I decided to be stronger and helpful to my mother. I'm still a dreamer but... you know, it's hard when everyone try to hide the truth. I'm not a child anymore. And this palace is full of life but also full of sadness. But I like this place. I like talking with girls in harem, hear about people outside. Our Sultan even gave me permission to go to town, meet people who I want to help. Maybe I'll find myself in this world, become stronger but stay the same, cheerful girl as always."

She smiled to her aunt. Esmehan was a good person. She believed in better world, people, dreams, love. She lost her father, seen grief in her mother's eyes, try to be a supporter and friend to her younger sister. Days in Topkapi could be her chance to change something.