Roxelana & Suleyman

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

The brilliance of the sky and sunlight dappled through the canopy of overhanging boughs—the mottled pattern of life falling across Haseki as she luxuriated on the grasses beneath the immense trees of Topkapi Palace’s Fourth courtyard. Sitting up, she called to Suleyman. He held Mihrimah high on his shoulders as he chased Mehmet around a fragrant bush, provoking squeals of delight. On the far side of the clearing, Khadija wandered amongst tulips and chrysanthemums, humming a tune as she selected flowers for her suite.

Suleyman rolled to the grass beside Haseki, plopping Mihrimah down on his lap. He caressed the Odalisque’s belly. “In a few days, my Tulip, we will have another handsome son, or perhaps another daughter whose beauty will shine as brightly as your own.”

“Any child, by the union of our passion, would be one to cherish.”

Khadija joined them on the grass, a bouquet of flowers in her arms.

“You are certainly bewitched,” Suleyman said, noting how Khadija had blossomed.

“And why shouldn’t I? Ibrahim will return before the moon is full and I will have as much to celebrate as the entire empire at his triumph.”

The group reclined in the sunshine in silent contemplation as Mehmet continued to run around them. He took off after a peacock that dared disturb them with its squawking.

“What of those that have been defeated at Rhodes, my lord?” Haseki asked. “The Knights of St John wield a power that even in defeat will treat them in good stead.”

“The Knights and their mercenaries have been given twelve days to leave the island if they do not wish to become Ottoman citizens.”

“And the simple folk, the fisherman and herdsmen?”

“They are free to leave anytime within the next three years. If they desire to continue there after that point, they may continue their lives and religious worship, but must capitulate to our laws and culture.”

“That is honorable, my lord,” Haseki commented in praise. “But, do you not think that the Knights may again cause distrust and insurrection wherever they settle?”

“That may very well be. There may come a time when I will rue the day that I did not have them slaughtered. But as you are always telling me, I cannot judge people on what they may do in the future.” The Sultan’s hands trembled as he caressed her hair.

Haseki smiled, nuzzling into his side. Though ecstatic at having another child, her thoughts strayed toward the thought of embracing the father of her children firmly within her once more.

* * * *

Within the week Haseki held her second son.

Suleyman stroked the young babe as it suckled at her breast.

“Young Abdullah here will grow to be a man to be reckoned with. I think I shall make him Governor of Austria, or perhaps even the America’s when the time comes. The sternness of his brow shows that he will indeed be a mighty warrior and statesman.”

Haseki touched Suleyman’s cheek. He kissed her wrist and then leaned down to kiss his new son. Tenderly, he turned his attention to Haseki’s free breast and suckled on it beside young Abdullah. He licked the plump n****e and drew on the milk.

He turned to his son and whispered, “You will grow strong and masculine on this sweet delight, my boy. Drink well, for you will need all its strength for the life before you.”

Suleyman lifted his face to Haseki’s and drank deeply from her lips.

“You drive me to delirium, my darling. I would end the days of anyone that would dare come between our passion.”

Haseki smiled and kissed him back, tasting her milk upon his lips.

“A few more days of rest, my love, and then we will once again savor the musk and sherbet of our desire.”