Suleyman's Study Room

Mustafa jumped up immediately into his arms. His head was rested peacefully against his father's chest. His little hand clutched at his father's clothes. "Babba you look cross and your eye's are watery too! Have I displeased you." Mustafa blinked his eyes. So far he had been very well behaved and he missed his aunt Hatice greatly.

"Who's she." Mustafa inquired as he rumpled up his nose in disgust. For a bit he tried to raise his eyebrow like his Babba did but had yet to perfect this look. He watched Atmaca take the lady away and came to the conclusion that she was bad. "Has she been naughty as Atmaca had other guards help him. Can you keep a secret? Bali Bey hardly ever helps me neither Ibrahim too! We use to play with swords but now they go red in the face whenever Aunt Hatice or Cousin Abiyge comes about."

"But secrets are a bad thing to have papa the truth will out eventually." As his papa spoke Mustafa played with his bejewelled had. One ring caught his eye and he turned it this way and that, catching it in the light. He looked up at his papa with his innocent eyes fixed on him. "So secretly papa you knew all along about Aunt Hatice." He placed his little hand on his chin attempting to raise his eyebrow the way his papa did. One day Mustafa would follow in the path of his papa and be exactly like him. "I have never been to a wedding before tell me what will happen. And.. has mother really given birth to a brother for me? I am happy to hear this very I shall have someone to play with. Can we make some jewellery together papa! A ring like one of yours were they your farthers before yours."

What young Mustafa couldn't understand was why they sneaked around? Perhaps they were scared he decided to himself. "Ibrahim is like family already Baba,Like a brother to you. People say that you are embarking on this new dynasty." His little eye's sparkled like stars as he spoke. He may be small but he knew how hugely important his Baba was to the people of Turkey. "Baba... What was your Baba like no one speaks of him around here."

Their was somethings Mustafa was simply to young to understand about. He did ponder on how this alliance would change Ibrahim or not. He never saw the other men whom married his aunts his father had kept Mustafa securely away from them. "I see did you know Baba, my mother treats me like I am a prize jewel. I want to be tough and strong like you, can you help me with that."

I had been thinking a lot since the summer gathering, we all had together as a family it was no secret anymore that loneliness was starting to creep up on me now that my daughter was no longer here. There were things I needed to tell my brother straight from me and no gossips. Being oblivious to how much he really knew about the state my marriage was in I decided to tell him everything that had been going on. A servant privately announced me. Hunkarim your sister Sah Sultan wishes to see you should I send her away or let her come in my sultan.

I entered the room to find my brother sitting at peace with a piece of jewelry it was a refreshing sight to behold as normally he would be busy doing something else.

Hunkarim; I called out softly to my brother. Not wanting to disturb him with his hobby feeling rather bad that I had.

Brother! It is so good to see you; I tell my brother as I make my way over to where he is currently seated. How are things going here at Topkapi. We hardly see you;

I widened my eyes before adding. There is news spread in the harem already hunkarim; about the new concubine; I sucked in a breath. Our family's private affairs were struggling to stay private; but it was a low blow to believe harem gossip. I felt my entire body go cold. No marriage is easy brother! Especially when it is not a love match; He can't know; can he? I barely see my husband; am just happy to be here with you all;

So it seemed my lady in waiting could not be trusted!? I am shocked that you do not even believe my word; Lufti has yet to even return to palace; It felt like such a fresh Something I hadn't felt in a long time betrayal from Dilara.

I had arrived in the Ottoman Empire as I wished to speak with the Sultan about a certain matter that had been on my mind and I ordered the servant to announce me.

I looked at the Sultan and was a little annoyed at his remark.

"What is it that has offended you my lord for I came to speak of a certain matter with you