Valdie Sultan was immediately impressed by Melekşima's success in such a short amount of time, true that she thought it would've taken a little more time for Melekşima to rise, as Hürrem still held such a big part of the Sultan's heart and now that she was pregnant; her hold on Suleiman tighten.
Melekşima was almost called every night, asides from the nights reserved for the Kadins, she would stay with the Sultan until late the following day other times she would return the moment breakfast was finished.
It really depends on his mood, everything was planned around his moods, the moments he shared with her- he was in good spirits; sharing his thoughts and visions for his Dynasty with her.
He showered her with attention, gold and new gifts, the newest gift was a plant. Already plotted and placed in her room, with blooming jasmine flowers, Melekşima had wondered if he planned that surprise on their many walks around the gardens.
On the nights they did not share a bed, he voiced his concerns about the growing problems with the Catholic Lords and the Vactican, Suleiman was a little wary about Melekşima's opinion as she was the daughter of a Catholic Lord.
She still had a lot to prove, though everyone could see the growing fondness their Lord had for the girl, even the Kadins.
Melekşima tended to her daily chores, even though she was an Ikbal, she still helped the lower Cariyes with the simplest of tasks. Sharing her gold with the girls, building some friendly terms with most but kept others, like Halime, Fatmä and Eşmahan close.
"I am unsure what any of this means, Halime." Melekşima whispered, as they folded the freshly cleaned linens, putting them in their rightful place. "I know I should not complain that he calls for me on the nights that he does not share with Mahidevran or Hürrem Sultan, but I do not know where this is leading- if I am doing what the Valide tasked me to do. Hürrem Sultan still has the Sultan's in her grip, and each day her child grows within her, that hold gets tighter."
"Be wary of how you speak from now on, Melekşima Hatun," Halime warned, which was very uncharacteristic of her. "If Hürrem Sultan hears, she will not like it and may try something, no matter who supports you."
Melekşima instantly knew that Halime spoke of the Valide Sultan, they were unsure if the Valide had something to do with steering the Kadins away from Melekşima to allow her to do what she was tasked with, knowing that Valide had the Bas Kadin under her thumb but no one can vouch for the second Kadin.
Even if Mahidevran couldn't outright threaten, she can however get someone to do it for her, as Melekşima found out when she returned to the mezzanine from her meeting with the Valide; after Sümbal Agha given her another present from the Sultan- the necklace she inspired.
The metal base of the necklace was silver, pearls and diamonds woven with each other to form a pattern, a Tulip.
The symbol of the Ottoman Dynasty.
Melekşima gave her gratitude for the gift, much to the annoyance of both Kadins that were present.
Being an Ikbal had its advantages and disadvantages, everyone was now a rival, including those Melekşima called friends; they too, perhaps one day would become rivals.
The Kadins was the biggest threat out of them all, especially Hürrem, the Russelana thought Melekşima was none other than another slave to boss around but the girl was now proving to be an obstacle.
One that no matter how many tears she shed to the Sultan, Melekşima was not losing favour, in fact she was gaining more.
And that annoyed Hürrem Sultan, it also worried the Russelana because if Melekşima ever became a Kadin, she would have to bow to that pathetic, lowly slave.
She already had to bow to Mahidevran, now another Kadin?
Gülash Hatun waited for Melekşima, pouncing on the unsuspecting girl as soon as her foot hit the last step of the mezzanine, just outside the door of Melekşima's room.
She grabbed Melekşima by the arm roughly, holding her in a vice grip. "Beaware, Melekşima Hatun," She spoke, in a tone that was clearly disrespectful towards of woman of Melekşima's position. The Ikbal was expecting something of this matter, but she suspected that Hürrem would make the first threat. But it was Mahidevran, or maybe Gülash was doing it on her own accord. "Even with the Valide's support, it will not be wise to overstep your boundaries."
Melekşima quickly removed her arm from the Hatun's grip, eyes narrowing. "Like what you are doing?" She hissed in response. "It is as you said, I have the Valide Sultan's support, do you believe it I'd wise for you to overstep your boundaries? I could always tell the Valide of this... warning of yours. My position is higher than yours, Gülash, it would be wise to heed your own advice and stay in your lane."
Gülash face paled as she took a step back from the Sultan's favourite, looking down at the ground. Melekşima knew that the woman did not expect her to lash back, she had the Valide's ear, whilst Gülash only had Mahidevran Sultan for protection and the Bas Kadin's protection can only stretch so far whereas the Valide's word was law.
Inside and outside the Harem.
"I may not be expendable now, but you on the other hand... Who knows."
Melekşima's words fell, but the pale face Gülash told her that the warning was heard, she stepped around the woman and walked into her room.
Within the security of her room, Melekşima let out a breath of relief, she rubbed the tender spot where Gülash's nails dug into her skin- it may bruise.
Gülash may repeat her warning to Mahidevran, and Melekşima hoped that the Bas Kadin would heed it.
Ever since the failed attempt of trying to frighten Melekşima, Gülash Hatun had been tiptoeing around her, the woman was polite but not friendly whenever they crossed paths, always loyal to Mahidevran Sultan.
Melekşima hadn't breathed a word of the incident, not even to Halime, she saw that nothing good would come out of it and so she kept the peace.
Both Kadins eyes bore into the back of Melekşima's skull, perhaps wishing that looks could kill, but Melekşima would remain polite and curtious to both Kadins.
Which angered Hürrem the most, she almost was outright riotous since the Sultan preferred Melekşima's company than her own, she silently cursed the slave girl as she was once again turned away from the Sultan's chambers.
Anger came across her face as she rounded that corner, almost bumping into the very woman she was trying to avoid.
Melekşima.
"Our Padishah had called me, my Sultana." Melekşima replied, her head raised.
They were close to the Sultan's chambers, the guards and Aghas still had their heads lowered, unmoving from their positions, if they raised their voices- Suleiman was bound to hear.
Melekşima motioned towards the arrangement of fruits and sweetmeats that she prepared. "I have come as he requested, with refreshments if he requires."
"Suleiman is busy." Hürrem hissed, grabbing hold of Melekşima's arm, nails pressing through the sheer material of her sleeve. "He does not wish to be disturbed, by anyone."
"He wishes to not see anyone or just you?" Melekşima replied, removing her arm from the Russelana's grip. "Suleiman requested me, Sultana, and if he wishes to not be disturbed tonight then it will come from his own mouth and not yours."
Hürrem was about to respond when Sümbal Agha and Ibrahim Pasha arrived, making the Russelana quiet down.
"What is going on here?" Pasha demanded, as Melekşima and her group bowed in respect but Hürrem did not.
"Our Lord, Suleiman requested my presence, but Sultana is saying that he does not and wants me to return to the Harem, my Pasha." Melekşima quickly spoke, ignoring the death glare she was getting from the second Kadin.
"Sultana, if our Lord requested Melekşima Hatun's presence then she must go." Sümbal Agha ushered, waving Melekşima onwards. "Go, go!"
"He does not want to be interrupted." Hürrem hissed, not moving out of Melekşima's way. "He said so!"
Sümbal Agha's eyes darted between the Russelana and Melekşima Hatun, he sighed. "Sultana..."
Ibrahim Pasha sighed. "Aghas, return Hürrem Sultan to her chambers."
Two Aghas appeared, grabbing the Russelana by the arms and dragged her, slightly unwillingly down the corridor that lead to the Royal Wing, her voice dying down with every step and Sümbal Agha followed behind, making little movements with his hands and muttered to himself.
"Melekşima Hatun." Ibrahim Pasha spoke, motioning for her to enter the chambers. "Our Lord is out on the balcony, he is in a mood, perhaps you can bring cheer to him tonight."
Melekşima gave a small bow before entering the room, followed shortly by Halime and Eşmahan.
Melekşima's entourage stood by the doors, awaiting the signal from Melekşima if the Sultan required food and drink, just as Ibrahim stated- Suleiman was in the balcony.
Melekşima bowed lowly, keeping her eyes to the floor and the man within her sight, Suleiman's figure was barely visible even with the light from the moon and the lit candles that surrounded the balcony.
He stood at the balcony, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, rather tensed. Melekşima stayed in the low bow, awaiting for him to notice her and give permission for her to rise.
It didn't take long for Suleiman to turn around, noticing her there.
"Rise, Melekşima Hatun." He spoke, his facial expressions not matching his tone. "Why are you here?"
"I have come just as you bid me, my Lord. Valide Sultan sent word that you requested my company." Her voice was pleasantly soft, enchanting him, watching as he walked over to the couch that overlooked the Empire. So she sat at his feet, lifting a hand to brush against his cheek. "Unless you do not wish for any company tonight?"
Suleiman took hold of her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm, his facial hair tickling her skin.
"You seem angry, have I insulted you, my Lord?"
His frown lightened up in a small smile, sighing as he lowered her hand onto his lap, patting it softly. "Nonsense, my dear." He replied, patting the spot beside him on the couch. "Just today has been... complicated but your presence is a welcomed sight."
"Perhaps, if you wish so, you can share whatever is on your mind." Melekşima replied, brushing her fingers across his forehead, massaging his temples; before motioning towards both Halime and Eşmahan to appear from the shadows. "Perhaps my Padishah would like some refreshments?"
Suleiman took hold of Melekşima's hand, kissing it before smiling. "You are very thoughtful, my Melekşima."
The arrangement of fruits and sweetmeats were placed on a table in front of the Sultan, and a jug of sherbet was placed in the middle by Eşmahan, both concubines bowed and went back to the shadows when they were needed again.
Suleiman picked up a handful of grapes, holding out one in between his fingers to feed to Melekşima, who giggled and took it.
"Do you know of Zapolya?"
Melekşima thought back to sneaking into her father's court, even though she was the daughter born of a Catholic Lord, she was still classified as illegitimate and her presence would insult the wives of the nobles within the court.
Well, that was what her governess stated, the woman was a nightmare to be around, always looking down at Melekşima for being born out of wedlock, even though the girl's society status was higher then the elder woman.
Even some of the severants never really bothered listening to her mother, as they felt insulted to be working for the Mistress of their Noble Lord.
When Melekşima was little, she met the aging man, when he was travelling through her father's land on his way to meet with King Louis.
The Voivode of Transylvania was polite to everyone, including to those below his status.
"Are you speaking of the Voivode of Transylvania?" Her reply was guarded, afraid if she spoke wrong or even sound accusing, all of her and the Valide's hard work would be undone. "I have heard tales of him, and has met the man once before."
Suleiman's expression became relaxed, which was a good sign prior to moments ago when he was indeed restless and guarded.
That, made Melekşima let out the battered breath she was holding.
"After the defeat of King Louis, I have been wondering would be wise and able to take over the throne to rule it for me, the council has agreed in accepting Zapolya as a candidate." Suleiman spoke, truthfully. "During the battle, he did not align himself with us nor did he decisively join the battlefield with Louis, even with his obvious loyalty to the King in the past. It makes me wonder, if the oppunity arises, would he align himself with the Catholic Kings again? If no one occupies the throne in the upcoming months, the Catholic Kings will surely make plans to secure it, and I am afraid the people of Hungary cannot afford another war."
Melekşima was surprised, even with the stories she heard about Sultan Suleiman Khan during her youth, they spoke of him being a bloodthirsty tyrant. But, now she saw that those tales were nothing more then lies told by the Vactican to keep people afraid.
"I can see one of them trying, with the Vactican backing their support." Melekşima replied, nibbling on her bottom lip as she thought, distracting herself from the Sultan's eyes. "If you all agree that Zapolya is the right candidate for the throne, he does have his own army and personal guards to fight against the rising threat of the Catholics. Choose his advisors, give him the crown and a little leeway, you will more then likely have a loyal ruler to guard the European gate for you, my Lord."
Melekşima knew too well that in this political game the Ottoman Empire and the Catholics played, her opinion did not matter, even to the common men. But the Sultan had given her a chance to freely give her opinion on the matter, but did he believe they were just pretty words from a girl trying to play politics?
Suleiman took hold of Melekşima's chin, making the girl face him, his eyes twinkling with happiness. "You are wise, my Melekşima, my sun."
That had made a smile appear on Melekşima's face, Suleiman then reached for his glass of sherbet, sipping it. "He is worthy of the place, there no one of his standing that would make a better fit."
"If you take precautions in the assignments, lay down the needed and proper conditions to ensure your power and hold over the area is not threatened, then he will be a worthy suit."
Suleiman looked at her, an emotion on his face that she could not dephir. "Shouldn't you be trying to ensure your Catholic brethren rights are heard, my sun?"
"Why?" Melekşima replied truthfully, her head tilted. "As your Ikbal, I am no longer a Catholic, my Lord."
"I do not deny the rights to pray to Allah the Catholic way, as long as you respect ours."
Melekşima shook her head, earning a small look from the Sultan. "I am no longer Anastasia, as I shed the life I lived as her, I too turned away from Catholicism."
Suleiman's law about religion was applied equally, everywhere within the Ottoman Empire, Catholics and Muslims were treated and respected as equals.
"Besides, being with you has opened my eyes to their... most foul behaviour. I do not regret leaving a religion that is not tolerant of others as others are of them. Why would I retain a religion that forces their beliefs onto others with iron, fire and bloodshed?"
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