Isabella Fortuna's Bedroom

Isabella stood from her prayers, receiving Ibrahim with grace and calmness as she also took in the news he had for her. She closed her eyes, thinking of her dear brother Charles and how he still could not arrange a pact to have her leave. Looking up as she was told she was one of the sultan's favorites. She felt a surge of pride, mixed with an overwhelming affection for Suleyman. She bowed her head in thanks. "Please convey my gratitude to the Sultan, along with this, a token of my utmost and deep affection." She took a ring off her finger and held it out to Ibrahim.

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She smiled a little sadly and nodded back, returning to her seat by the window where she could look out and see the beautiful aviary with its exotic plumed birds. She imagined herself as one, in a cage she may never leave.

A concubine entered and bowed respectfully

"Princessa Isabella, Hunkarim wants to see you in his Chambers..."

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She heard the messenger's announcement and nodded. Picking out a lovely gown to wear, she dressed quickly and left for the sultan's chambers.

A concubine knocked at the door and entered

"My princess, Valide Sultan wants to see you"

I turned my head placing my hairbrush down at my vanity I was curious to know what she wanted unlike the others slaves I was so much different I was of Royal Blood not just a commoner of the street and Suleyman still respected me as a Princess. Coming away from my vanity I nodded at the concubine. Of course where does the Valide want me to meet her.

"She is here my princess"
Concubine bowed and Ayse entered the chamber. She looked at Isabella and she smiled at her. She was really beautiful.

"Princess Isabella! Finally we can meet!"

I watched the concubine leave and Valide Sultan walked in I was in awe of her beauty and her evident authority that just naturally came to her without even trying I sank into a curtsey. Sultana I have heard nothing but praises said about you I am honoured to meet you at last you have raised a son who is nothing but the perfect Sultan. Incredible women I thought to myself everything just fell into place her hair and jewels all was a perfect fit.

Ayse viewed her from head to toe. She was really beautiful. Big eyes and a smooth skin.. Pure beauty.. She was a princess. She did not like the other concubines. She was of royal blood.
Ayse smiled and she sat on the sofa.

"I have heard that you are a Spanish. Are you a relative of the Emperor, Isabella?"

Yes I am of an relation to him the last time I saw him he was thinking of war with England but that is all I know but I quite like being kept here with the Sultan I am left alone most the time which gives me a lot of time to think. I did have the pleasure of meeting your daughter Hatice not so long ago. I said kindly sitting myself down placing my hands in my lap. I am also trying very hard to learn of your religion Suleyman asked me and I would not want to displease him. I ordered the concubine outside my room to bring some of the Valides favourite refreshments she was rather a pleasant women whos company was enjoyable.

A concubine entered and bowed deeply

"My Princess, Sultan Suleyman is here.."

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Isabella was looking out the window her thoughts were a million miles away from here. Being here with nothing to do gave Isabella time to let her thoughts trouble her. Suleyman had been very kind to her letting her have her own place to stay whilst he figured out what to do with her most probably. Isabella was Spanish she had tough skin and could put up with a lot. The one thing, the only thing that taunted Isabella's mind was being a piece in a large chess game. Lost in her own little world she didn't hear the concubine enter she simply turned her head and muttered in return. Sultan Suleyman, you have remembered that I am still here. Isabella said in a playful tone to him.

Isabella took his hand and kissed it before falling against his chest. I tease you Hunkarim! I know you still remember me. I actually had a visitor the Valide. It was only for the briefest of moments but she is rather stunningly beautiful. Isabella wasn't expecting the Valide to be so nice and she could see suleyman in her a lot. I missed you too. So what do I owe the pleasure of this visit.

Isabella sat down with her arms firmly crossed together. I see.. And I also presume Suleyman that their is a distinct connection to me in this. The feeling of being used yet again made her very angry Indeed. Isabella eyed up Suleyman this was a touchy subject. And this treaty with Francis what is to be the outcome for both kingdoms.

Cover it up as you wish Suleyman but I still feel like a pawn piece. Isabella looked at him with an ironic smile. She clutched his hand as she continued speaking. If I go back what if I get captured again by a much eviler capturer. Charles has many enemies if I did get captured again it is not your fault. Isabella thought of her fate once she was to return home back to Spain. No one would have to know if she had lain with the king or not! We can give it a try, see if this actually works.

Isabella wouldn't miss the scheming that the concubines did. Would she miss Suleyman? She had never met such a handsome man before. She would miss him dearly. You have enough concubines to keep you company Suleyman. You will hardly notice my departure so I accept. If she could she would leave now rather than dragging out the prolonged waiting. Isabella dreamed of taking him away from here for a few days before she left. A few blissful days with just each other that would be the perfect gift. This was an experience for me and I shall always think of you. If I could give you a gift I would but I only have myself. I know I shall send you one upon my freedom.

Isabella pulled away getting up from the bed. Keeping one hand firmly on his shoulder. I have just conjured up an idea that both of us shall find the most pleasurable. Isabella leaned her knee on his leg. She looked as his beautiful topaz eyes as it struck her that this could be their final intimate encounter. It ached inside her to think this. Will you come to me tonight Süleyman for our final chapter.