Roxelana & Suleyman

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

The celebrations of Ibrahim’s victory lasted several weeks and culminated in his marriage to Suleyman’s sister, Khadija. To further honor the new Grand Vizier, and as a gift to Khadija, Suleyman presented them with the ancient Byzantine Palace overlooking the Hippodrome.

Haseki hugged Khadija with all her strength, not wanting to let go of her friend. “Please visit me as often as you can, my love,” she begged. “I shall grow lonely without your daily company and support.”

Khadija embraced. “Do not fret so. I will only be the distance of a small sparrow’s flight away.”

“But still, I cannot leave the walls of this place. Promise me you will visit at least twice... three times... a week. And when Suleyman and Ibrahim leave on their crusades you must come and share the comforts of my suite.”

Khadija smiled. “Yes, my love, I promise.” She brushed her lips across Haseki’s cheek. “I promise.”

Stepping into her carriage she waved to her friend in elation. “Tonight I shall teach that man of mine the pleasure that only a woman can give.”

Haseki waved in return as the carriage pulled out of the Harem Gate and into the world beyond. She stood in silence while the eunuchs pushed the gate closed with a loud thud which resonated deep in her heart. Wandering back to her suite, she passed the Courtyard of the Maidens. The young girls who occupied that court basked in the sunshine, their fingers nimbly embroidering, or plucking on the strings of musical instruments.

Why must Suleyman keep such maidens in his harem when he has me and loves only me? I have borne him two sons and a beautiful daughter. If Khadija can marry Ibrahim, why shouldn’t Suleyman marry me?

Haseki studied the fine skin of one of the maidens who played masterfully on the lute and sang sweetly. Impulsively she raised her fingers to her own face to feel for any sign of failing youth. She ran her hands over her belly and smiled at its tautness, despite her fulfilling her commitments to motherhood. Passing through the maze of corridors to the Courtyard of the Favorites, Haseki spied Mahidavran leading Mustafa by the hand. Their gaze met. Haseki shivered from the hatred that bore into her, but returned the look with one of equal loathing. They said not a word, but continued on their way—careful not to touch each other as they passed in the passage.

Haseki squinted back into the torch-lit gloom of the corridor. She muttered beneath her breath, “Khadija, just as you will show your man the pleasure that only a woman can give, I will show Suleyman the pleasure that only I can give. And when I have his manhood caught firmly within my succulent trap, he shall rid that courtyard of its virgins, send the other Favorites—including that evil-eyed one—forth to the Old Palace, and beg me to join with him in marriage. Marriage! I will not have it any other way.”