CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ONE
The Valide Sultana sunk into the darkest shadows, her hand to her breast, the slow beat of her heart frightening her. If she breathed at all, she was not aware of it—the emotions and intrigue of the dimly-lit suite much more than she had foreseen or could bare to contemplate. Suleyman kneeled on the floor beside Haseki’s divan. He muttered to himself—to Allah—as he pressed his cheek and lips to the petite, limp hand. After dispatching Mahidavran, he had sent Gulfam, Khanum and the black eunuch’s out of the suites and Courtyard of the Favorites so that he may be with Haseki undisturbed. Davud had then been secreted up into the chamber. He leaned against Suleyman’s side, his shoulders shuddering, his breathing sporadic and choked by sobs. Hafsa closed her eyes, t
