The next day.....
Enveloped in the tranquil allure of Marble Kosik, Gevherhan Sultan found solace perched upon a solitary rock. Her world was one of quiet contemplation until the moment Silahtar Aga graced the scene. His presence stirred something within her, causing her to rise from her solitude. Her face, previously a canvas of neutrality, was now illuminated, a radiant smile adorning her features. "Praise be. I prayed for this moment, to see your face once again," she confessed, her feet instinctively moving towards him. But he halted her advance with a mere gesture of his hand. "My Sultana," he interjected, his voice carrying a weight that hadn't been there before.
The smile that had so effortlessly graced Gevherhan's face moments ago faded, replaced by a look of confusion that clouded her eyes. "What's happening, Silahtar? Why this sudden change?" she asked, her voice echoing the confusion mirrored in her eyes. Silahtar responded, his voice devoid of any emotion, his head bowed in a show of respect. "I wish things were different, my Sultana. But from now on, it's impossible... Do you remember your words? 'There are mountains and seas between us and we can't cross them.' You were right."
Gevherhan drew a sharp breath, her eyes desperately searching his face for answers. "What are you trying to convey? What does this all mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart pounding in her chest. Silahtar met her gaze, his expression solemn, his eyes reflecting a pain he wished he didn't have to share. "His Majesty spared my life. But my punishment is just beginning. His Majesty has made a decision."
"Murad, seated on his throne in the grandeur of his court room, presided over an ongoing council. Kamankesh Aga stepped forward, bowing in deference, "Your Majesty." Murad, his face a mask of stoicism, cut straight to the chase. "What's the situation?"
"Both the soldiers and the people are adhering to your prohibitions. We're showing no mercy. However, the execution of Ahizade Effendi has stirred up a hornet's nest. The populace wishes to perform a funeral for him. I thought it prudent to inform you before the situation escalates," Kemankesh voiced, a hint of fear tingeing his last sentence. This only served to stoke the flames of Murad's anger. "Since when do people perform funeral prayers for traitors? They seem to have a death wish!"
"Your Majesty, most are unaware of the true circumstances. Many don't even know that the mufti was dismissed. The scholars should pacify the people and clarify the situation," Silahtar Aga suggested. "That's precisely why I am here. The scholars are also on edge. To discuss the matter, they've convened at Kadizade Mehmet Effendi's residence." Kamankesh aga again spoke out.
In the seclusion of her chamber, Kosem Sultan sat on her couch, every inch the queen she was, with Haci Aga and Lalazar Khalifa flanking her sides. They were introducing Sanavber Hatun to her. "So, you are Sanavber. I hope your temperament is as pleasing as your visage," Kosem Sultan spoke, her voice resonating with authority. Sanavber responded with a smile tinged with slight nervousness, "I am at your service forever, my Sultana. It's an honor to be in your presence." Kosem Sultan scrutinized her sharply and then queried, "So you healed Husein Aga with your hands. What other talents do you possess?" "She received special training in the mansion of Pasha. She's an exceptional dancer," Lalazar Khalifa informed.
Just then, the door swung open and Mihrimah Sultan entered, causing everyone in the room to bow in reverence, except for Kosem. "Aunt," Mihirmah bowed, her eyes flickering towards Sanavber. On seeing her, Kosem Sultan rose and opened her arms. "Mihirmah, my life," she greeted warmly. Mihirmah approached her and they shared a heartfelt embrace. They then retreated and Kosem Sultan and Mihimah Sultan took their seats on the couch. Mihirmah then glanced at Haci Aga, Lalazar, and Sanavber and nodded, signaling them to rise. She then turned to Kosem and asked, "What is it that prompted you to summon me so urgently, Aunt?" Mihrimah inquired curiously. Kosem looked at her and then, Kosem's gaze hardened, and she turned to Sanavber. "Sanavber," she began, her voice icy, "you should already know about Mihrimah. She is not just my son's legal wife and the Haseki Sultan of this empire, but also the heart of this palace, the soul of our Sultan Murad. Her importance is beyond your comprehension."
Kosem paused, letting her words sink in. Then she leaned forward, her eyes piercing into Sanavber. "I expect you to respect that. Stay away from Murad. If you dare to disrupt the harmony of this palace, you will face consequences you cannot imagine," she threatened, her voice a low growl. Sanavber, her posture still rigid from the bow, felt a shiver of fear run down her spine. Kosem Sultan's words echoed in her ears, each syllable a stark reminder of the power dynamics within these palace walls. She swallowed hard, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to maintain her composure. "I understand, my Sultana," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. The threat in Kosem's words was clear, and Sanavber knew better than to cross lines in this intricate dance of power and politics.
On the other hand, Mihrimah Sultan sat with an air of disinterest. She was done with what she wanted to do, Sanavber was just another addition, another piece in the ever-changing puzzle of the harem. She glanced at the new concubine, her gaze indifferent. "Welcome to the harem, Sanavber," she said, her tone devoid of any emotion.
.
Sultan Murad was in his chamber sitting on his bed with Yahya Effendi standing Infront of him, " You wanted to tell me some important case... what is it Yahya Effendi? " Murad questioned seeing Yahya effendi's whole person screamed fear, nervousness. " Your Majesty, yesterday Mihrimah Sultan called me to meet her, she wanted to talk about some important things." Yahya effendi stopped causing murad to look at him and stood up and ask seriously. " Yahya Effendi?" Yahya Effendi, his expression fearful and nervous, bowed his head in respect. "Your Majesty, I have come to inform you of a grave matter. Mihrimah Sultan has asked me to initiate a divorce proceeding against you. She has given me her reasons and demanded that I inform you of her decision. She wants to get over with this as soon as possible." His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their implications. Murad was shocked, and suddenly the talk with Hümaşah Sultan flashed Infront of his eyes causing him to take a sharp breath to compose himself, " W-what reason?" Yahya Effendi hesitated, not wanting to repeat the accusations that Mihrimah Sultan had made against Murad. He said in a low voice, "She said that you have killed her brother, betrayed her with Farya, and fathered a child with Ayse. She said that you have broken her heart, her trust, and her dignity. She said that she cannot live with you anymore, and that she wants to be free from you." Murad felt a jolt of disbelief, followed by a pang of regret. How had things gone so wrong between them? He looked at Yahya Effendi, his eyes flashing with something. He said in a stern voice, " remember nothing about his talk Yahya Effendi, Now go, and do as I say. Go, and tell Mihrimah that I will not divorce her. Go, and tell her that she is mine, and that she will always be mine. Go, and tell her that she has no choice, and that she has to obey me." Yahya Effendi bowed and went away, Murad then called Silahtar gave few orders.
It was nighttime, and everyone in the harem was full of energy, except for Mihrimah Sultan. She watched from the balcony as Sanavber Hatun, dressed in a bright red seductive gown, was escorted to the sultan's chamber for a night of passion. All the other concubines were wondering what magic that woman had cast on the sultan, that he had ignored Mihrimah's presence and favor. Mihrimah felt a surge of resentment, as she recalled the words of Yahya Efendi, who had informed her of Murad's declaration. 'She was his? His?' Mihrimah thought and scoffed at the absurdity.
As she was lost in her thoughts, Atike Sultan came and took her by the arm, leading her inside. "Mihrimah, his majesty has made a decision. I don't know if I should be happy or not." She spoke as they walked into the room, and Mihrimah sat down on a cushion, still feeling numb. "Actually, I should be happy right now, but I don't know, after what Gevherhan said I felt sad. Her grief has infected me as well. I wish it wasn't like this." She continued and then stopped walking and sat next to Mihrimah. "Mihrimah?" She said, noticing her silence. "Aren't you listening to me?"
Mihrimah looked at her with a surprised expression, then snapped out of her trance. She glared at her sharply and spoke with anger, "You are not at all restless, Atike. You are so happy, you're over the moon. There is no need to pretend that you are sad. You wanted Silahtar, you got him." Mihrimah then suddenly stood up and opened the door and stormed out, leaving Atike stunned and speechless.
In Murad's chamber, the air was filled with music. Some of the concubines were playing instruments, while others were clapping and cheering. Sanavber Hatun was dancing in the center of the room, captivating everyone with her movements. She wore a red seductive dress that hugged her curves and accentuated her beauty. The dress was sleeveless, exposing her slender arms and shoulders. It had a deep neckline that showed off her ample cleavage, and a slit on one side that revealed her long white leg. The fabric was soft and silky, shimmering in the candlelight. She swayed and twirled, tossing her dark hair and flashing her bright eyes. She danced for Murad, hoping to win his admiration and affection. But Murad's eyes were on her only out of politeness. His mind was on Mihrimah.
The dance swirled on, a mesmerizing spectacle that lasted a fleeting minute more. Suddenly, the door burst open, and Mihrimah Sultan stormed in like a tempest. Her entrance was so abrupt and forceful that everything came to a standstill, all eyes riveted on her. With a voice that echoed through the room, she commanded, "Get out, everybody. You too, leave us alone."
The four musicians and Sanavber Hatun, taken aback, hastily retreated outside. Mihrimah remained, her gaze fixed on Murad, her eyes ablaze with anger. Sultan Murad rose from his bed, his demeanor calm yet stern, and approached her. "What are you doing, Mihrimah? How dare you? Who are you to barge in like this?" he questioned.
"Who am I? Who am I? I am your wedded wife!" Mihrimah retorted, her voice choked with emotion. "I sacrificed everything for you. My identity, my family, my rights, everything. I left my entire life behind, asking for only two things in return - my family's safety and your loyalty. And what did you do? You killed my brother, and now you're fathering a child with another woman. Is this the respect you think I deserve?" Tears welled up in her eyes, her face flushed with anger.
"Get out. Get out or I'll hurt you," Murad warned, his voice still eerily calm. Mihrimah, undeterred, slapped her hand on his chest and declared, "I warned you, Murad! I said there won't be another woman. Don't mistake me for the other women in your harem, or—"
Murad cut her off mid-sentence, "Or what? What will you do?" His voice held a challenge, a silent dare for her to continue.
"What will I do? I'll tear down this palace, right on your head!" With that, she stormed ahead, starting to throw the food from the table and overturning the chairs. She then returned to him, grabbed the cloth of his chest, and declared, "I'll tear down the palace if you share your bed with another woman again!", I will kill her and you. Did you hear me? I'll do it. I'll kill myself too and everything will be over. "You refuse to divorce me, yet you're with another woman? You must divorce me before that! Speak, speak, speak!" Mihrimah was beyond control in her anger. "Mihrimah..." Murad began, but she cut him off. "Speak! I regret it! I regret believing in you, staying here, falling in love with you!" Mihrimah shouted. "Is that so?" he questioned. "Yes!" she affirmed. "Do you regret it?" he asked again. "Yes!" she replied. "Then I'll end your suffering," Murad declared, advancing towards her and causing her to retreat. "Kill me. Save me by killing me! Go ahead! Kill me! Kill me!" As she shouted, Murad cupped her face and kissed her fiercely.
As Mihrimah resisted, Murad intensified their kiss, his actions a silent plea for her to sense his love and regret. He encircled her waist with his arms, drawing her closer. A whirlwind of emotions swept over Mihrimah - anger, pain, betrayal, and a raw, undeniable lust. Her resistance faded, and she reciprocated his kiss, her arms finding their way around his neck. Their kiss lingered, a silent exchange of their deepest emotions, the world around them forgotten.
Eventually, Murad pulled away, his gaze meeting hers. "Mihrimah, I love you. More than anything. I regret the pain I've caused you. Please, forgive me," he implored, his voice a whisper laden with sincerity and remorse. Mihrimah met his gaze, her face a mask of lust and indifference. Murad gently guided her to lie on the bed. He removed her shoes, hovered above her, and planted a fervent kiss on her neck. As Murad's fervent kiss lingered on her neck, Mihrimah lay still, her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. The raw lust that had momentarily flared within her was now replaced by a chilling indifference. She felt Murad's hands gently tracing the contours of her body, but she remained unresponsive, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
Murad, sensing her detachment, paused and looked at her, his eyes searching hers for any sign of the passion they had just shared. But all he found was a cold, distant gaze that sent a shiver down his spine. He swallowed hard, the reality of the situation sinking in. Despite his pleas and his show of affection, Mihrimah was still far from forgiving him. Gently, Murad cradled Mihrimah's face, his thumb lightly grazing her cheek. His eyes, brimming with a desperate yearning, remained fixed on hers. "Mihrimah," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, "speak to me. Tell me what I can do to prove that throughout my life, I, Sultan Murad, have loved only Mihrimah Sultan and will continue to do so." He waited for her to speak, Mihrimah looked in his eyes and spoke her voice without any expression, cold and chilled, " Will you sacrifice your child with that woman to be with me? Will you let me kill Sanavber?"
Hello..... How was the chapter? What do think Murad's answer will be? And what do you what it to be?