Chapter 3

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"Attention! Sultan Safiye is coming!"

Rümeysa bowed to her grandmother who took her seat in the chair. And her granddaughter sat down on the pillow. The servants gave fruit and refreshment to the sultana. Safiye was one of the women who had a great influence in the Ottoman Empire. She was the favorite sister of Sultan Selim and the wife of the late Grand Vizier Mehmed. Rümeysa sought refuge in the beauty of the garden. The love she felt for Mustafa remains just an eternal dream. A tear rolled down her eyes, but since she was a sultana, she could not afford to cry.

"Rümeysa, my child! You have to be prepared. You're going to marry Rüstem soon."

"I don't love him, Sultanim! And I never will.  I cannot be the wife of a man I do not love. My heart already loves someone, Sultanim!" Rümeysa replied.

Anger settled on Safiye's face.

"What did you say? How dare you say you won't be Rüstem's wife?"

"As you have heard, Sultanim! The one I love is Prince Mustafa. The firstborn son of Sultan Suleiman."

"Do you understand what you're saying, child? You cannot love the sultan's son. You are a faithful subordinate to the prince and nothing more. Girls of your own kind can never touch love." Safiye said.

"Forgive me, Sultanim! You yourself were madly in love with my late grandfather. You told me you never loved anyone as much as him. My father loved my mother. The love that binds me to the prince is stronger than anything. If I have to, I will also sell my soul to the darkness, but I will not stop until ........." Rümeysa didn't finish what she had to say. She paused for a moment.

"Until then? Finish what you wanted to say!"

"Until Mustafa ascends the Ottoman throne. If I have to, I plant it myself in the place that deserves him."

"Think about what you're doing, Rümeysa. The path you have taken can also mean your loss. What you have said before, only a strong sultana can do.  I knew you had that ability. You're like me."

"I will trample anyone who dares to harm Mustafa. I will do everything I can to make him the next sultan."

"My beautiful granddaugter!  Your father's blood is flowing in you. Mustafa needs a strong woman."

"Supporters must be obtained who stand by the prince. My late father's friends are by our side. But even in the innermost circles of the sultan, one must seek supporters."

"Trust them on me. The old comrades-in-arms of your prosperous grandfather, Mehmed, are also important. They are advisers to the sultan. There is Pasha Ibrahim, who is the prince's chief hope."

Rümeysa finally visited the sultan with the permission of her grandmother. Suleiman was talking to his wife,  Hürrem Sultan, as he entered the door. A smile appeared on the sultan's face and he greeted his guardian daughter with a hug. Rümeysa looked deep into Hürrem's eyes. She knew the biggest rival she would be. She was the mother of four princes and a sultan. Rümeysa also smiled back at the sultan.

"Rümeysa, beautiful child! What can I do for you?"

"Your Majesty! I ask your permission to visit Prince Mustafa in Manisa. A lot of time has passed since the prince's last visit."

"Mustafa will join me for the campaign soon. You must postpone your visit until later, Rümeysa!"

"I'm begging you, Your Majesty! I would only stay in Manisa for a short time. As soon as the prince comes to the capital and I return to Konya with my grandmother."

"I won't let you back to Konya. You will stay here in the capital where I can protect you. Go to Manisa for a short time, but you'll be right back when you get back."

A few days later, Rümeysa arrived in Manisa. Mustafa and his entourage were just hunting. Mahidevran received the tired sultana. Rümeysa's belongings were taken to a spacious apartment, which was right next to the prince's. Mahidevran brought a large bowl of fruit to Rümeysa. Mustafa had no idea about the mysterious surprise guest.

"Rümeysa! My son will be happy for you. What is the reason for your visit?" Mahidevran asked.

"I wanted to see you, Sultanim! In your letters, I thought I would discover the sadness."

"What can I say? Hürrem achieved what she wanted. She loved the sultan from me. But at least I can be with my son. She will do anything to get my son out of his father's favor."

"We can't let that happen! Whatever it takes, Mustafa must be seated on the Ottoman throne." Rümeysa replied.

"What do you mean?"

"Hürrem will do anything to get the prince out of the sultan's grace and put her own son Mehmet on the throne. That is what we must do, Sultanim! We must enter into an alliance with people who are the most loyal followers of Prince Mustafa. If my life goes too, he will be the next sultan."

"But we have to take care of everything behind my son. Mustafa can't know anything about this."

After a few hours, the prince returned. Mahidevran greeted her son. Rümeysa was waiting in her own apartment. Mustafa listened to the accounts. In Manisa many loved the prince for his kindness, nobility, and great heart.

"Son! Someone came to you who really wanted to see you."

"So let her in!"

"Rümeysa Sultan asks for your admission, my prince!"

"Is Rümeysa here? Allow the sultana to enter but immediately!"

Rümeysa entered the door of the prince's quarters. Her heart began to beat wildly. Mahidevran left.

"My prince! I'm glad to see you again. I longed for you in the greatest secret."

"The feeling is reciprocal. Your voice is like a tune that can never fade. I have to be with my father on the campaign soon."

" I know, prince! But I wanted to see you before you left. Manisa is one of the fondest memories of my childhood."

"Your words fill you with confidence and happiness, Rümeysa! And your presence fills you with hope, maybe there will be a future for the two of us."

Rümeysa took the prince's hand and placed it on her chest.

"My heart beats so hard when you're near me. It beats as fast as it would jump out at any moment."

"I will not give up my happiness. Give me your heart."

"My heart has been yours since I was a little girl, Mustafa! Only yours. Every prayer, every sigh and every thought is just yours."

"I never thought love could be so strong.  From today, you're just mine. My Rümeysa!"



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