Roxelana & Suleyman

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Inside the Old Palace, the young maids whispered about the proclamation and its ramifications. Many of them, who had been part of the Harem of Selim, but never laid eyes upon him, would be able to buy their freedom and live a life outside these walls. Haseki noted as, surreptitiously, they slipped up to their trunks on the first floor. No doubt, to count how much of their allowance had accumulated and to guess at the value of precious jewels that had been bestowed upon them. Others, some as young as fourteen, who had seen or touched the flesh of the Sultan, huddled in the darkest recesses of the dormitories. They would never be allowed to leave this ornate prison, or know the hard softness of a man’s pleasure or the loving gaze of masculinity again.

“The Old Palace is known as the Palace of Tears for good reason,” Khadija reconciled to her companion. Haseki reclined with her on a cushioned divan on one of the upper balconies. They cuddled into each other, talking in subtle whispers, studying the movements of the girls from their perch.

“Tomorrow, my dear, you will be presented to my brother, Sultan Suleyman. Our mother, Hafsa, will assume the title of Valide Sultana—the Sultan’s mother—and you will be her gift to him as part of the ceremonies.”

“What is he like?” Haseki queried.

Khadija smiled, her face crinkling, thoughtfully. “He is indeed handsome, my dear. Suleyman would be twenty-five, now—quite tall, perhaps a bit wiry, but still of good form and pleasure. He tries to grow a moustache, but I’m afraid he has had little more luck than attaining a shadow above his lip.” She snickered, as only a sister would dare. “We all love him dearly as he is kind and temperate, yet has proven his worth as Governor of Manisia. He will, without a doubt, be the greatest of Sultans.”

“How did Hafsa know that this would come to pass?”

Khadija pulled away from Haseki, releasing her grasp from her shoulders. Then she smiled her impish smile and once again threw her arms around her friend. “It is the way, my darling. Even from our gilded cage we are in total control of our future—and perhaps the future of the empire. Now, we ought to get busy, for you must be perfect for the new dawn.”

Haseki was led down to the hamam where she was washed by the other maids and Moor women. She was pampered and embraced by the girls as she was scrubbed and scented with the highest level of respect and excitement. Following a period where many pairs of black hands massaged and kneaded her alabaster flesh, Khadija gave directions on the application of henna. Intricate designs and serifs were hennaed onto her delicate hands and feet. Her hair was brushed until it shone and then braided with pearls and rubies to highlight the fire of the flourishing mane.

A magnificent robe of white silk, embroidered with diamonds, was brought into the harem by Hyacinth. Haseki no longer took mind that he gazed upon her n***d flesh. He stood intently as the girls helped her into the robe and inspected the fitting and quality. Khadija gave orders for changes to the robe, including the application of more diamonds around the bust line and at the cuffs of the overhanging sleeves. Haseki surmised that many of the girls of the harem would be working right through the night to effect these changes.

By the end of the evening, Khadija had chosen all the necessary jewelry and accoutrements for Haseki’s deliverance. When all was finalized she pulled her aside and they spoke long into the night about what was to occur and exactly how she must present herself during the following day’s events.