I WATCH in awe as my mother orders around servants with so much power radiating off of her.

My name is Eslime Sultana, I am the niece to Selim I, known as Selim the grim, and cousin to Sultan Suleiman Khan.

My mother is Aynisah Sultan, daughter of Bayezid II and his consort Sirin Hatun.

Today is the day that me and my mother finally go to the Imperial Palace.

The year is 1533, Sultan Suleiman has been the sultan for many years now and has four wives, only one legal wife though.

And many Sultana's and Sehzades.

Many years ago before I was even born, my mother was sent away from the palace and soon married off, it took so long for her to finally have a child but then I was born on May 2nd, 1524.

After so much planning me and my mother are going to the Imperial Palace and I am going to meet my cousin Sultan Suleiman Khan for the first time!

After terrifying the maids my mother comes over time with a warm smile on her face, "Eslime, my rose, " she says cheerfully pulling me into a tight hug.

"Valide, " I say softly pulling away from her, "are we going to set off forth palace soon?" I ask curiously.

My mother sighs into a chuckle, "Yes my impatient rose, we shall make it to the palace by sunset, " my mother says with a smile.

"I still have to make sure my birds are ready for the travel, " I say.

My mother kisses my forehead, "I'll have Esin Hatun prepare everything for you, but for now let's have lunch before we set off, " my mother explains rubbing my arms.

I nod my head and take ahold of her hand as she leads us to the table set with lunch.

I LISTEN closely as my mother tells me the most fascinating tales of her childhood.

"

I do remember the times when me and my sister would sneak off to go watch our brother's sword fight only to get caught, " she chuckles taking a bite of her food.

I giggle slightly, "Valide your childhood must have been amazing living in the palace, " I say with a smile.

My mother's smile vanishes, "the palace wasn't always a fun place to live, my mother went through hell after my poor brother died, " she admits with a frown.

I take my mom's hand and kiss it softly before looking at her again, "Mother don't dwell on the past when you have so much to look forwards to!" I say making my mama smile again.

"Indeed Eslime, Indeed, " she says softly.

I smile and begin to eat, with all my nerves so high lately I haven't been able to eat much.

Suddenly Esin Hatun walks im holding a letter.

"My Sultana's, " Esin says giving a respectful bow to me and my mother.

My mother's smile widens, "Hello Esin, what brings you here on this beautiful day?" My mama asks happily.

Esin lifts her head and looks at my mom, "A letter just arrived from the palace, " Esin says handing my mama a letter.

As my mother begins to read the letter I turn my attention to Esin Hatun, "Is everything prepared for the trip to the palace Hatun?" I ask as I take a bite out of my bread.

Esin Hatun smiles, "everything is ready my sultana, I was coming to tell you both but I had got word that a letter had arrived for Aynisah Sultana, " Esin explains in a kind tone.

I nod my head in acceptance, "will you be coming with us to the palace Hatun?" I ask.

Esin Hatun has taken care of me when my mother was busy since I was 3 years, she has always been by my side and it would truly pain me to leave her here alone.

"Of course I'll be coming with my sultana, there hasn't been one day that I've been away from you and unable to protect you and I don't plan on starting now, " she answered making me smile.

"Thank Allah, who knows that I would do without you Esin Hatun, " I smile.

Esin chuckles lightly nodding her head and she was about to say something but my mother clears her throat interrupting the conversation.

"Haseki Hurrem Sultan wrote and wished us a peaceful journey to the palace, " my mother says with a smile.

Hurrem Sultana and my Mother Aynisah have been sending letters back and forth for two months now, ever since it was known that we'd be visiting the palace Hurrem Sultan instantly wrote to my mother.

"You should watch out for her my sultana, everyone says she's a witch who put a spell on the Sultan, " Esin Hatun speaks up.

I scoff, "Hatun that is completely disrespectful, Hurrem is a sultana, and you are a respectful lady, don't spread gossip!" I say slightly raising my voice.

I hate gossip, it's what I've been surrounded by my entire life, and besides, I don't know Hurrem Sultana so I can't speak bad about her because so far she seems like an angel in human form.

"Eslime is right Esin Hatun, I don't want to hear you speaking badly about Hurrem ever again, now, please go make sure the carriages are ready because we shall leave soon for the Imperial Palace, " My mother sternly says with so my power in the way she speaks.

Esin doesn't speak a word but just bows in shame and hurry off.

I sigh folding my hands onto my lap, "im very excited to meet the Sehzades and Mihrimah Sultana, " I exclaim happily.

My mother chuckles softly and grabs my hands, "We will be there soon and I can show you everything about the palace, " she says kissing my hand before standing up and brushing off her gown.

I smile widely, "I suppose I should clean myself up a bit, " I say standing up as well.

My mother nods her head slightly giving me an okay, I smile and bow respectfully before skipping off.

Oh, how excited I am to be going to the palace!