CHAPTER NINETY-THREE
Haseki raced around the Courtyard of the Favorites after her youngest, Beyazit. The five-year-old ran about the tulips and fountains, squealing loud as his mother chased him. He jumped into the fountain, sloshing through the water with Haseki on his heels. She grabbed at the boy and the two of them fell in a heap amongst the lilies. She cuddled him in joy and lifted him up above her head as he continued to squeal and laugh. Finally, pulling him from the water and taking off his vest and breeches to dry in the sunshine, she squeezed him tight.
“You are my treasure, Beyazit,” she cooed, tickling his belly. “Your brothers are amongst the Janissary corps, learning the way of soldiers and statesmen. One day you too may join them and learn to ride a horse and hold a saber.
