Queen Eleanor's bedchamber

Dilara came finally in France after a long travel by ship and carriage. She was brought into Queen to be Eleanor of France. The guards led her inside room and she fell on her knees

"Your Majesty.."

She lowered her eyes. This young Queen had her future into her hands

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I was in my chambers when I was presented with the woman that I had been informed about and the guards bought her in and placed her on her knees. The woman looked up at me and spoke and I could see that the guards had tied her hands behind her back as she was a prisoner to Spain. I look at the young woman.

"You must be Dilara Hatun the Lady from the continent who it is said is carrying my brother's child? Tell me how long has my brother Charles been holding you in Spain?. Tell me how did you come to meet my brother Ferdinand? I say as I look at the guards and order them to untie her hands. "Release her.

Dilara looked up at Eleanor and stood up

"Your Majesty..thank you for receiving me in your new country and court. May Allah bless you. I met your brother Ferdinand in Bavaria. King Richard called me there from Turkey, and he gave me as gift to your brother. We spent a night together and we fell in love. I..I am already pregnant, Your Majesty.."

She paused for a moment

"When I arrived in Spain, your brother Charles took me prisoner in dungeons. He kept me in chaines and he folded my eyes with a hood. Obviously, he doesn't approve my relationship with Emperor Ferdinand. Your Majesty..I know you don't approve it neither. But please, have mercy. I have no claims on the throne, neither for my child. I know I'm just a slave and where my position is. If Ferdinand wants me as his mistress...it's enough for me. I won't do nothing to ruin your family's name.."

She lowered her eyes

I look at Dilara as I listened carefully to her words.

"You say that you are pregnant with his child? Well I always knew that Ferdinand was close to the ladies he meets and I can see why Charles opposed the match as he feels it would ruin the family and the name but he had no right to hold you prisoner like that. I say as I pause then think for a moment before continuing.

"You do have my permission to write to Ferdinand telling him of where you are and how you are and yes you are right I do not approve much of Ferdinand wanted a slave girl as his bride for our family's sake but if he wants a mistress then I am okay with that. You will have your own chambers prepared for you Dilara and join me for some wine tonight?

Dilara fell in a long curtsy after Eleanor's words

"Thank you, Your Majesty. You are very generous and merciful. Allah bless you and your Kingdom for many years, and your marriage with many children. I swear that I won't be a problem for your family. I heard that your brother wants me at your service in your household. But I'll be grateful if only you would allow me to stay alive and safe in France for a while. And if you would allow me to practise my religion. Also, my child won't interfere with your succession's line.."

She added leaning one hand upon her belly

"I don't think there is a chamber for me, Your Majesty. But I thank you if I can have some rest. I will join you gladly tonight, Your Majesty. It's a great honour for me..thank you. But I can't drink wine, because it's forbidden by my religion. I beg you to forgive me.."

Dilara curtsied deeply

"Thank you, Your Majesty. We muslim usually pray privately in our chambers. So I won't even enter into your Chapel. I am very grateful to you.."

She sat next to her after Elean'r invitation

"Of course, I understand. Every position will be fine for me. In Turkey I lived in harem's Palace. I was at service of Sultan's sister.."

Dilara smiled

"Thank you, Your Majesty. If I have your permission, I would be glad to attend your wedding, tomorrow. It would be a great honour to me.."

I looked at Dilara for a moment then smiled.

"You may of course attend my wedding tomorrow Lady Dilara you no longer have to be afraid.

Dilara smiled

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I wish you to be very happy. Do you think...that your brother Emperor Ferdinand will attend to your wedding as well?"

She asked hesitantly

I look up at Dilara as she mentions my brother.

"I have sent word to Ferdinand to attend and if the seas provide kind weather for him to arrive I am sure that he will attend.

Dilara just nodded at her words

"I do hope that he is in health, Your Majesty. I always pray Allah for him and all your family, including Emperor Charles. I deeply love the father of my child.."

She said placing one hand upon her belly

Dilara smiled

"Thank you, Your Majesty. But there is no need to trat me as a royal. Because I am not. And about a position in your household, I would be honoured to serve you, Your Majesty.."