Muhtesem Yuzyil Imagines ♡

Ch. 2 - Old Friends {Gulnihal} (By I_WriteSins_And_Tragedies)

She ended up picking the dark blue one with the gold underneath, the long flowing sleeves just radiated elegance, nobility. She felt beautiful, confident, and young. "Gulnihal Hatun," Nazli said smiling as she held out a delicate looking gold headpiece. "Allow me," she said as she gently placed it on her head and fixed her hair.

"Blue really does suit you," Hurrem said as she walked in, a small boy trailing behind her hand gripping the red fabric of her dress. "After I speak to His Majesty and get his approval we can send for some different shades of blue for you."

Gulnihal turned to Hurrem, "You've already done so much for me," she said, she didn't think she needed much else. Her eyes trailed to the small boy and she knelt down as he walked up to you.

"Are you Gulnihal?" The boy asked softly, looking up at her.

"This is Şehzade Cihangir," she said smiling, "Cihangir, this is Gulnihal, my closest friend, she'll be staying with us."

The boy tilted his head slightly, "Will she be like Firuze?" He asked turning to his mother, "Will you send her away too?"

Hurrem's smile faded, "Cihangir what did I tell you about saying that woman's name?" She asked through clenched teeth, her tone shifting. "Go with Nazli and eat your breakfast." He opened his mouth to say something else but Nazli gently grabbed his hand and led him back to the side room.

"Who's Firuze, Hurrem?" Gulnihal asked, eyebrows raised.

"A snake," was all Hurrem said in response before rubbing her hands together. "Now, how about we get some fresh air, hm?" She suggested, the topic changing quickly. Gulnihal knew better than to pry into this Firuze, and she was enjoying Hurrem's cheerful mood.

The poor woman had told her about all the plots and traps set for her, how exhausting it had been. And if she could do her part and make Hurrem feel happy and at peace...well she'd do all she could.

The gardens were as beautiful as she remembered, and the flowers were blooming and the warm sun beaming down on them Hurrem had decided they'd eat their lunch out there. The two women sat down under the fabric canopy and the concubines brought them their food, "Remember when you had that Russian concubine out here and she set everything up?" Gulnihal asked, smiling, "She complained the entire way back."

Hurrem smiled and placed her drink down, "And to think she believed she'd be a Sultana," Hurrem closed her eyes and scoffed, "I can't blame her for having dreams, we all do, even you. But I don't feel bad about how things ended, I've always wondered where they were sent to."

"Make way, Hatice Sultana, her Highness," a loud booming voice said.

Hurrem bit back an annoyed huff and stood up, brushing her dress off, Gulnihal copying her. Hatice Sultan approached them, Gulfem Hatun next to her. "Sultana," Hurrem curtsied, "Would you like to join us?" Hurrem smiled and motioned to the two open cushions.

"I was just passing through," she replied.

"Gulnihal Hatun?" Gulfem questioned, Gulnihal felt her face burn up and she kept her eyes trained to the grass.

"Oh Gulnihal?" Hatice smiled and walked closer, Gulnihal curtsied, unsure of what to say. "I didn't think we'd ever see you again after my Valide married you off." There was a small pause, "Hurrem how did you get her back here? Have you really been looking for so long? I thought after all the misery you put this poor woman through you'd just let her live a peaceful life."

Hurrem's smile fell, "It's not like that, Sultana," Gulnihal said quickly, "My husband passed away and I came back to Istanbul, by c-chance I ran into Sumbul aga at the market and he brought me here, I was wanting to see how everyone was, Hurrem Sultana had no idea until last night."

Hatice seemed skeptical, "You are a free woman, Gulnihal, you can't stay in the harem."

"His Majesty approved her stay," Hurrem said.

The women turned to the redhead, Gulnihal's eyes wide. She knew for a fact The Sultan didn't know she was here, oh she had hoped Hurrem had grown out of her lies and false promises. But she should have known better, "He did?" Hatice raised an eyebrow and bit back an amused laugh, "Well then," she slowly turned back to Gulnihal, "If his majesty deems this suitable....welcome, I hope you won't take part in Hurrem's games." She sighed, "but knowing what kind of friend she is, I'm sure she'll rope you in against your will." Without another word the sultana walked off, Gulnihal knew for a fact she didn't believe Hurrem.

"You didn't have to lie, Hurrem," she said, sitting back down.

"I didn't," came her response as she picked at her meal, "I'll talk to him tonight, he won't say no." She wouldn't let him, plus how could he? He knew Gulnihal, he knew how much of a respectable woman she was. "He respects you, after all you two slept together."

Gulnihal flinched, "You don't have to bring that up," she said through clenched teeth.

"It's been years my dear Gulnihal, there's no anger between us anymore."

Gulnihal just nodded and stared up at the sky, "L-Later you'll have to bring me to the children, I've missed them," she said quietly, hoping to change the subject.

"Of course, we can all eat together in my chamber tonight."

The two sat there in a comfortable silence after that...or well at least Hurrem did. Gulnihal couldn't help but feel dread, she really hoped she wouldn't be pulled into the harem drama again.

What had she gotten herself into? 

LMK IN THE COMMENTS IF U WANT THE NEXT CHAPTER TOO!