* Dialogue should be presumed to be in Turkish. Any English or other Language will be in bold and brackets*

Arriving at the Palace of Tears was everything Sibylla thought it would be, she could admit it was a sight to see. An ominous feeling washed over her as they walked through the halls, Emily clung to her arm, tear tracks stained on her rosy cheeks. As if the humiliation of being sold wasn't enough, they were led to were they were led to a room before having to be checked. 

Checked was a polite way to say violated, they were stripped and made to stand bare for their medical examination. To check their purity and for any disease.After endless prodding they were guided to the inner Harem, they entered girls sat lounging around and gathering like moths to the flame to see the new faces. 

They were asked to line up as the Kalfa looked through them.

"Make way! Her highness Hatice Sultan"

A voice announced as a woman walked through the wooden doors on the other side, immediately the girls got to their feet, fell in line and bowed. Reluctantly she followed suit, grabbing Emily's hand and bowed along with her.

Walking towards the Agha who had bought them, " Are these the girls?" 

" Yes, Sultana, they have been cleared," Sumbul replied sweetly bowing shortly.

" Have you found a girl as I asked? " She further inquired, her gaze looking at the girls in front of her.

Pausing the Agha stole a quick glance at Sibylla, curious she thought perhaps that was why they were conspiring before he bought her. Stepping back he hurried gestured for her to step forward and before she could move, another stepped forward.

"Sultana" A nasal voice rang out, slowly stepping forward Ortelli fell into a bow in front of Hatice.

" I am... h-h-honored your presence thank you and I wanted to... " Her Turkish was broken but understandable, she smiled a sickly sweet smile, "serving you I...your generous heart," raising an eyebrow Hatice looked her over.

"Ha! What insolence, Hatun who gives you the bravery to speak to the-" Hatice raised a hand, silencing the Nigar Kalfa. Looking back at Sibylla, Hatice turned her attention to the still bowing girl and sighed.

" Yakub, prepare her she will be my present for the Sultan", with a flick of her skirt she walked away.

Standing from her bow, the Ortelli girl jumped slightly on her feet, before turning to Sibylla with a smug smirk. Unbothered she straightened her back and maneuvered her way to the front, the many following like sheep after their Shepard. An action that did not go unnoticed by a select few in the harem.

The girls were left in the bathhouse to clean up.

Emily as always kept to Sibylla side, in a corner away from the other girls. As Emily scrubbed the grim off herself she noticed, Sibylla wasn't quite present, she sat almost still, her hand holding the water bowl as she stared into space.

Nervously she patted her shoulder softly,

"Hmm" She replied slowly coming to the present

" Are you alright, you've been quiet since we got here", staring back at her, Sibylla's eyes were blank her gaze steady, it was slightly unnerving.

" Yes, just thinking," she replied shortly.

"Oh. what about"

"..."

"You can tell me if somethings bothering me. You're my friend"

Snapping her head towards her. Emily couldn't describe it, it was as if her eyes had grown darker, her expression became serious, her lips formed a stiff line.

" Don't say that unless you mean it. Are you really my friend? A true friend?"

" Of course, you're nice to me, and... you helped me. The other girls wouldn't have."

She continues to stare, Emily swore her eyes were becoming darker, swallowing Emily began to feel nervous. Sibylla was an intimidating girl, there was something about her that made her mysterious and aloof but oddly enough still she maintained an innocent glow. From their time on the boat, Emily deduced that she was smart, it was in the way she talked, how well-spoken she was and the confidence she had in her words. She was beautiful and elegant like the queens she would read about in her books, her beauty was outer-worldly and her skin was a sun-kissed caramel, which stood out among the pale faces of the other girls. Emily was not only intimidated by her but somehow also empowered, she felt confident and safe around the girl, she couldn't explain any of it. Yes she was safest around Sibylla.

" I take words very seriously, if you agree to be my friend, that is an oath in itself." her voice has lost its lightness and was now monotone... serious.

Straightening her hunched back, she looked her straight in the eye, holding her stare.

"I am your friend, always and forever" She stuck her hand out

Staring at her Sibylla's eyes lightened, a soft smile grew on her lips. Reaching over she shook her hand.

Simultaneously, both girls had come to an agreement, each having found some small form of solace and comfort in the other.