Another week passed, still there was no summons to the Sultan's chambers, Melekşima knew his attention was more focused on the new campaign that was coming- that and the news of Hürrem's sudden pregnancy announcement.
The Russelana was again in the Sultan's favour, Mahidevran Sultan seemed more withdrawn as whispers of a new Şehzade being born, hopes of Melekşima rise had slowly began to dim; perhaps Hürrem's hold over the Sultan was just too powerful.
Going along with tradition, once the pregnancy is announced, Hürrem would not be able to keep the Sultan company as it may risk the welfare of the child within her womb.
So there was a glimmer of hope.
Hürrem paraded herself around the Harem, showing of her slight baby bump, happy to be the centre of attention again.
Şehzade Mehmed and Mihrimah Sultan at her side, Şehzade Selim in the arms of her concubine, Nilüfer Hatun.
Melekşima rolled her eyes, focusing back onto the task at hand, which was to mend a small tear in the only elegant dress she had- almost poking herself with the needle as Eşmahan Hatun run up to where she was sitting.
"Melekşima, he is coming!"
Confusion danced across the Cariyes face, as the younger girl was almost jumping in sheer excitement. "Sümbal Agha is coming!"
"So? He is allowed to come to the Harem, it is apart of his job."
Eşmahan rolled her eyes, lightly hitting Melekşima with a cushion. "What if he is here to call upon you?"
That earned a small scoff from Ayşe Hatun, who came down from her perch to mingle with the Cariyes and Gözde. "Did we not believe that last time, do not get your hopes up, Eşmahan Hatun."
"Hush." Halime narrowed her eyes. "He is here."
They heard his voice before seeing the man, he barked orders at the girls that stood around, and suddenly he was in front of them- eyes directly on Melekşima.
"Melekşima Hatun!" He spoke, loudly over the whispers that began to spark up again. "You have been called to walk the Golden path, go and prepare!"
Sümbal Agha eyes glanced over at Halime and Eşmahan, waving his hands towards them. "You two help her prepare, you'll be exempt from your lessons and chores."
"I hear and obey the command, Sümbal Agha."
Happy with the response, Sümbal Agha quickly left the room as quickly as he came, muttering to himself a list of things to prepare for tonight.
Eşmahan grabbed Melekşima's arm, jumping in excitement. "You see! I was right, you've been called!"
"It is a starting point." Ayşe cleared her throat, sipping on some sweet drink. "From this point onwards, all eyes will be on you, Melekşima Hatun. After tonight, you may continue to rise or fall victim to one of the many schemes brewing in the Harem. It all depends on how well you perform tonight."
Heeding the warning, Melekşima nodded as the older Gözde waved them away. "Now go, there is much to do and little time to prepare."
With that said, Melekşima was whisked off towards the baths, her body was washed and her hair was pampered. Halime chose the dress that she was to wear, which was a ivory white with sheer laced sleeves and small pearl beading framed the cleavage.
Two Kalfas also helped in schooling the girls on what will happen, what Melekşima should and should not do, they talked as Melekşima's hair was dried and styled using hot tools; her skin glowed as several different liquids and creams were used to make her skin soft.
She was given a choice of what perfume to use, so Melekşima settled on a sweet but delicate scent.
The jewels she was given were made of simple silver, as a way of not overshadowing the dress, soon the worries of the Kadins were forgotten as the time drew closer and closer for Melekşima's walk.
They were served a small snack, as Melekşima would dine with the Sultan, and either Halime or Eşmahan would be present outside with the Sultan's Aghas.
They were ushered back to the Harem, Melekşima's nerves flooded back as the noise of the Harem filled her ears, all eyes were now upon her.
Sümbal Agha stood at the door, along with that of Nigar Kalfa and surprisingly Daye Hatun, it was uncommon for her to escorted a girl down the path but Melekşima welcomed it.
"Come, Melekşima Hatun." Sümbal Agha called, nerves filled his tone. "Our Lord awaits his pleasure."
Daye Hatun took hold of Melekşima's arm, a small smile upon her face. "Do not forget to be calm and respectful."
"I am afraid, Daye Hatun."
The older woman tucked a small lock of hair behind Melekşima's ear, patting her cheek softly. "Just be yourself, Melekşima, that is all I can advise you on."
Placing some distance between them, Daye Hatun smacked her stick on the ground, Sümbal Agha and Nigar Kalfa stood together, blocking Melekşima's view and both Halime and Eşmahan flanked her sides.
The walk seemed to go on forever as their small procession was lead down the many halls and long corridors, Melekşima's nerves did not go away as it took almost everything for her to not faint, soon they approached the Sultan's inner sanctuary.
To her surprise, Ibrahim Pasha stood in front of the unmoving, bowing Aghas in front of the doors that lead to the Sultan.
They all greeted the Grand Vizer.
"Melekşima Hatun." Ibrahim spoke, nodding once. His voice was cheerful though his eyes held some sort of emotion that Melekşima couldn't dephir.
Glancing back as the doors were closed, her eyes locked onto Halime, as the older woman winked at her, giving her a small boost of confidence.
The Sultan's chambers were indeed spacious, twice the size of the Harem's main room, beautifully decorated with similar pieces that matched the Valide's chambers. Though what nearly took up the space of the room was the large bed that was decorated with elegant, dark silks and decorative cushions, Melekşima felt slightly foolish that she was more distracted by the brilliance of the room then the male standing in the middle.
Watching.
Waiting.
Remembering what she was taught, Melekşima knelt herself to the folds of his kaftan, kissing a corner before tapping it on her forehead and waited for him to tell her to rise.
His hand took hold of her chin again, Melekşima took it as a sign to rise to her feet, lifting her head up and locked eyes with him.
Suleiman was taller then her, a lot taller. His blue eyes twinkled as a smile appeared on his lips, framed by a small but perfectly groomed beard.
"So, the sun finally rises for her lord."
"My lord, Padishah." Melekşima greeted back.
He cupped her face, his thumb lightly brushing her cheek as he kissed her forehead. "Come, my sun, let's eat."
He escorted her to the lower oval-shaped table made out of gold, surrounded by multiple decorative cushions, golden plates and bowls was spread across the table; filled with different kinds of foods and a pitcher filled with some dark liquid with two golden cups was in the middle of it all.
Suleiman lowered himself first, as Melekşima followed, sitting close to him; the meal was silent with a little small talk followed by a laugh here and there.
Suleiman instantly found himself comparing Melekşima to his Kadins, though he had no idea why- she was a breath of fresh air, something that Mahidevran and even Hürrem were not.
Melekşima was different.
The girl had made him yearn for her, not in a way that Hürrem did, or Mahidevran, ever since that dance... That untold story.
He watched as she was easily distracted, her eyes glanced around the room, which made him laugh.
"You are very easily distracted."
Melekşima face suddenly snapped back to face him, her cheeks flared from embarrassment.
"Forgive me, my Padishah."
"Do you see something that you like, Melekşima Hatun?" He prodded, there was a slight teasing glint in his eye followed by a laugh.
Melekşima instantly had a perfect reply. "Naturally I do, my Lord." She spoke, a small smirk danced across her lips. "For he is sitting beside me."
That made the Sultan laugh, which carried through the air, Melekşima was sure those standing outside could hear.
He reached out to grab a lock of hair, holding it for a few moments before tucking it behind her ear, brushing his fingers against her face.
"Your dance from the previous night, I cannot help but remember it, you seem to have that effect on me."
"Would you like me to dance for you now?"
Melekşima rose to her feet, walked around the table to stand in front of the Sultan as he got comfortable again, waiting to see what dance she would perform without any music.
He watched as Melekşima's moved her hips, covered her face with the sleeve of the dress, her eyes peeking through the sheer material. Suleiman was enthralled by the movements, the story she was telling without the use of words or even the rhythmic tune of music, she was truly something special.
And she was his.
Suleiman clapped as the dance came to an end, helping the girl back to the cushions. "That was beautifully crafted." He spoke, pressing a kiss to her palm, but he didn't stop there, soon he pecked small kisses all the way up to her neck; which made the girl let out a soft moan.
Soon his hands began to wander, slowly removing the small ties that held the dress together, Melekşima welcomed the Sultan's lips; kissing him back just as passionately.
The kiss deepened as the dress began to become loose around her shoulders, Melekşima didn't hesitate to begin to unbutton the front of Suleiman's kaftan, pulling them towards the bed, no words were spoken as their clothing spread around them as new emotions sparked within the blissful kisses.
Their eyes locked onto eachother as Suleiman hovered over her, Melekşima's hand ran down his back, feeling every inch of his muscles- every scar that a victorious battle left.
Melekşima now did not see a the Valide's objective anymore, but the man Suleiman was, the man he hides behind osed doors.
A man worthy of love.
Her love.
________________
The warmth of the sun rays stirred Melekşima awake, she blinked awake only to find that Suleiman was staring back at her, watching her awaken.
He was already dressed in the kaftan he previously wore but laid beside her, on top of the covers. His fingers ran down the bare skin of her back, memories filled of last night's actions, as Melekşima felt herself blush from the thought of it.
"Morning, my Melekşima." He spoke, smiling at her blushing cheeks. "How did you sleep?"
His tone was light, teasing, almost making the girl cover her blush with a pillow.
"Restful, my lord."
He nodded, patting her cheek. "When we are alone, you call me Suleiman."
Melekşima leaned upwards, covering her naked body with the bedcovers in case an Agha rushes in.
Was it wise to call him something so personal?
Though, the way he spoke sounded as of he will call on her again.
"... As you wish, my- Suleiman."
He smiled, leaning for a kiss as Melekşima kissed him back, soon they were again resuming what had transpired the night before; Melekşima welcomed each new sensation as did Suleiman.
It made her crave more... More of this secret pleasure they both shared.
Maybe this is why Hürrem did not want anyone else to have Suleiman.
Because she did not want him to share this moment with anyone else, and who could blame her?
After tasting a little bit of Paradise, Melekşima didn't want to share either.
Breakfast was served late, afterwards Suleiman dragged Melekşima willingly to his private baths, tasking both Halime and Eşmahan to help Melekşima; it surprised both girls that he did not return Melekşima to the Harem.
Eşmahan quickly raced to the Harem to fetch clean clothes, whilst Halime aided Melekşima is washing herself as the girl was still recovering from last night's activities.
After she was washed and changed into fresh clothing, Halime and Eşmahan returned to the Harem to break for fast, Melekşima was escorted by the Sultan's Aghas to a private garden where they both stopped to have small talk on several different topics, Suleiman was surprised of her knowledge in small things but was more surprised that she knew the inner works of politics.
Melekşima stayed with the Sultan for almost a full week, some nights they resumed where they left things of and other nights they just stayed up and talked until either one fell asleep, one morning Melekşima arose to find Suleiman at his desk; sketching out some new jewellery designs.
He mentioned that she had given him inspiration, which she was happy to do.
"Come, my Melekşima." Suleiman called, clapping his hands clean from the dust the drawings left behind. "We must take a walk and embrace the sun."
They walked around the gardens in silence for a few moments before Melekşima was distracted by a scent of a familiar flower, jasmines.
She paused to take in the sweet, floral scent, her thoughts instantly went back to her mother and how she always smelt of orange blossoms and jasmine.
"Do you like the smell of those flowers?"
Instantly brought back to reality, Melekşima cheeks flushed at the embarrassment she caused herself. "Forgive me, my Padishah. I was instantly transferred back to my homeland- my mother... She planted jasmines in the garden."
Suleiman surprised her as he plucked a jasmine from the bush, placing it amongst her curls, a small smile upon his face. "Then I saw plant some more flowers for you to enjoy."
Melekşima bowed, surprised by his generosity of making her feel welcomed.
She knew that the moments they shared would soon end, as he kept her there for longer than anyone, Hürrem included, Melekşima knew the more she stayed with the Sultan the more successful of her elevation became.
Her return to the main room of the Harem was flanked by a triumphant looking Halime and Eşmahan Hatun, the Cariyes and Gözde waited with battered breaths as they instantly began questioning them, but their questions instantly died down as Sümbal Agha made his appearance.
"Come Melekşima Hatun, pack your things." He spoke, shooing some girls out of the way where Melekşima once slept. "You are to be moved to the favourites chamber, befitting a Gözde."
It was no surprise there, she was almost kept either the Sultan for almost a whole week, why wouldn't she rise?
Gathering her things took little time then she thought, following Sümbal Agha to her new sleeping arrangements, now sharing a room with Ayşe Hatun.
After choosing her new bed, Melekşima did not stay in the room for long as she returned to the others, Fatmä's voice called above the loud whispers of everyone around her.
"And so the lost sheep finally returned to the flock!" She boasted, loudly as Melekşima descended from the stairs. "Were you lost?"
Melekşima laughed whilst some of the Gözde scowled. "Yes, I was in utter paradise with our shepherd."
The Harem quiet down as Daye Hatun made her appearance, holding a small purse whilst Sümbal Agha followed behind with several small boxes and several Aghas followed behind him carrying heavy looking trunks, they all paused in front of Melekşima.
"Melekşima Hatun, Sultan has sent these rewards for the success of pleasing him." Daye Hatun called, handing over the purse filled with coins.
Sümbal Agha cleared his throat, handing over the boxes. "Sultan Suleiman has declared you to the position of Ikbal, he sent these chests as a reward for your new title."
Melekşima knew that she would rise to the position of Ikbal but she didn't think it'll be this soon.
Everything was moving too quickly.
Way too quickly.
Halime elbowed her softly, bringing the girl.out her thoughts. "Say something! They're waiting!"
She bent her knees, bowing in gratitude for the gifts she received and for their kindness.
"I thank you Daye Hatun and Sümbal Agha, please give my reply of gratitude to our Padishah."
Sümbal Agha nodded in agreement, ordering the Aghas to move the chests to Melekşima's new chamber, she turned to Eşmahan as the younger Cariyes nodded in silent agreement, following the men to make sure everything was accounted for when she returned to her room.
Melekşima turned back to face Daye Hatun, who stayed behind. "You have achieved something others thought impossible, Melekşima Hatun, but be warned. Your objective is far from over." She spoke, only for Melekşima's ears. "Valide Sultan requests your presence, this afternoon."
That was completely predictable, as word would've gotten back to the Valide Sultan of her new title.
"Whatever the Valide wishes of me, I will comply." She spoke, bowing to Daye Hatun, who was pleased with her reply and left.
Halime, Fatmä and a Cariyes by the name of Nilüfer huddled around Melekşima, as she still held onto the boxes Sümbal Agha handed her.
"Melekşima, open them before we all die from boredom of waiting!"
A small laugh escaped from the girl's lips as she opened the first box, some of the girl edged closer to see what gifts the Sultan brought for her.
The first was a pair of beautifully crafted necklace with matching earrings, with stones sapphires and pearls, and between the jewels laid a single but freshly picked jasmine.
"Those were handmade by the Sultan himself!" A Cariyes spoke, as Melekşima touched the jewels. "They're like the jewels that Hürrem Sultan herself wears!"
Melekşima quickly closed the box, now realized that with the rise of her new title, the Kadins will see her as a deadly rival.
Especially, Hürrem Sultan.
Melekşima Hatun would be a bigger threat if she becomes pregnant, and gives birth to a son.
The struggle to keep the Sultan's favour and to guide him back to the path of Allah was just to start.
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