Light within the Harem

Chapter 16:

● Author's note: Conversation in Italian would be in Bold- Italics, I didn't want to use Google translator as it is not 100% accurate and I didn't want to confuse any fluent Italians out there●

There were times when Suleiman had his head constantly in the clouds, always there physically but never mentally, there had been a few times that Melekşima had caught him gazing out the window, beyond Topkapi Palace. He would leave the palace without telling anyone, sometimes alone, other times with Sümbal Agha and Ibrahim Pasha- was the guest at the Hunting Lodge the reason behind all this?

Eşmahan tried finding out more information about the guest, especially from the kitchens as Sümbal Agha loved to brag to the Aghas there, all she found out was that the guest was a woman.
Melekşima schooled her emotions well when Eşmahan explained what she found. Obviously the Sultan would have other favourites, aside from herself and Ayşe Hatun.
The young Cariyes didn't find anymore on this Leo person, aside from that he was the one that painted Hatice Sultan's palace and Ibrahim Pasha was the one that hired him to do so and the man returned to the Ukraine, but with what Halimë amd Eşmahan stated- there was more to the story.

"What is on your agenda for today?" Suleiman asked, his tone playful as the Aghas helped dress him in a kaftan of purple Bursa silk with embroidered golden tulips and words from the Koran along the hem. Tiny amemethyst gems shone randomly with the dimming candlelightand the sun rays, the different coloured purple hues danced across his face and around them.

Melekşima glanced up at the luxurious craved ceiling, feigning deep thought as Halimë helped dress her in a emerald green dress with white embroidered floral designs, she wore a small tiara of emerald and diamonds, matching earrings and a simple diamond necklace. "Clean the harem and then perhaps dance for Sümbal Agha."
Suleiman seemed amused by her answer. "Why dance for Sümbal Agha?"

Melekşima laughed. "Because he is the one that showed me how to dance in the first place, perhaps I can show him a few new moves this time."
The Sultan's booming laugh echoed loudly, Melekşima joined him, affected by his mirth.

"My Melekşima," He spoke, tucking a loose lock of hair behind her ear. "Come to me after prayer, we are to leave the Palace for a while."
Melekşima's heart swelled with happiness, taking his hands and kissed his knuckles. "My Lord, thank you!"
Suleiman pecked her forehead softly then turned around, clearly dismissing her without saying it, Melekşima couldn't contain her excitement and neither could Halimë.

"Where do you think he would take you?" Işmilah asked, as she helped Melekşima with her veil as Eşmahan and Halimë helped each other out with their own veils.
"I do not know, Işmilah, but wherever it is... I am happy to leave the Palace even just for a few moments."

They joined the Valide Sultan for prayer in her chambers, by her request as did both of the Kadins, obviously Hürrem was still a little sour towards the Valide for the removal of her children and instantly placed Mihrimah Sultan beside her the moment the little girl came into the room.
Prayer ended, they all gathered around the Valide's divan in there rightful places.
Mahidevran Sultan to the right with Gülfem Hatun, Hürrem was to the Valide's left, Mihrimah Sultan sat between the second Kadin and Melekşima.

The pregnant Hatun couldn't school her emotions well, she wanted to leave immediately after prayer but felt that it was improper to do so as the Sultan hadn't exactly asked for her just yet.
Her restlessness did not go unnoticed by anyone, Hürrem did her best to ignore the woman beside her, but Mahidevran Sultan had to know why the girl was so restless.
"Everything alright, Melekşima Hatun?" Mahidevran Sultan asked, accepting the sherbet that Gülash served, noticing that Melekşima barely touched hers.
"Our Lord promised to take me somewhere out of the Palace." She spoke, a little vague. "I am anxious to know where."
Mihrimah Sultan placed her hand on Melekşima's growing belly, giggling as she felt the baby kick, bringing all attention to her.
"I felt it." She laughed, her face filled with innocence and awe. "I felt my brother kick!"