Prologue
Artemisia looked at the mirror and realized she was about to marry the love of her life. With the blessing from his three Hatuns, she felt a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Artemisia's wedding gown was a breathtaking masterpiece, crafted from deep crimson silk that shimmered like the setting sun. Intricate gold embroidery adorned the sleeves and hem, depicting delicate floral patterns, while a flowing veil of sheer lace cascaded down her back from the headress, completing the ethereal look that would make her the envy of every woman in the palace.
Then there was a knock at her door, interrupting her thoughts. "Come in!" she called out, eager to see who awaited her on the other side. Orhan's wives, Asporça, Nilüfer, and Elcim entered, their faces glowing with joy and anticipation. They surrounded her, ready to assist with the final preparations for the wedding.
Elcim stepped forward, her eyes sparkling as she admired Artemisia in her exquisite Ottoman wedding dress. "You look absolutely beautiful," she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. Artemisia smiled, feeling a wave of confidence wash over her. The support of Orhan's wives made her heart swell with gratitude as they busily arranged her veil and jewelry. Asporça and Nilüfer chimed in, complimenting her grace and elegance, adding to the joyful atmosphere.
Together, they shared laughter and moments of excitement, making the preparations feel even more special. Artemisia felt ready to embrace her new life, surrounded by love and support, as she made the final touches. She took a deep breath, knowing this day would be unforgettable.
Elcim then asked Artemisia, "Are you ready?" With a smile that radiated confidence, Artemisia nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. "More than ever," she replied, feeling a surge of excitement as the moment she had dreamed of for so long drew near.
Nilüfer then says, "Shall we head to the throne room? We don't want to keep Sultan Orhan waiting." Everyone nods their heads in agreement. Then they leave the chambers and make their way to the throne room.
As they made their way through the opulent corridors, the sound of their footsteps echoed around them, heightening the tension in the air. Each step brought them closer to a destiny that would change everything, and with every heartbeat, Artemisia felt the weight of her future ahead.
The ornate doors of the throne room loomed before them, a barrier between their current reality and the uncertainty that lay beyond. Taking a deep breath, Artemisia straightened her shoulders, steeling herself for the confrontation that awaited, knowing that the choices made in this moment could alter the course of their lives forever.
Artemisia sees Orhan on the other side of the room and walks over to him. Orhan was shocked by how beautiful Artemisia looked in her wedding gown; he then said, "You look beautiful, my Hatun."
Her heart fluttered at his words, and a warmth spread through her as she replied, "Thank you, Orhan. It means more to me than you know." Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the weight of their shared past hung in the air, mingling with the hope for a future they could build together.
Orhan then asks Artemisia, "Are you ready to get married, my love?" Artemisia took a deep breath, her mind racing with memories and dreams. "Yes, I am ready," she said softly, a smile breaking across her face as she envisioned the life they could create side by side.
The Emir then says, "Shall we begin?" Everyone nods their heads in agreement. Then everyone sits down and the ceremony begins.
Emir says, "Artemisia, adopted daughter of Sultan Malik-Shah. Do you take Orhan, son of Osman Bey, to be your husband with the condition that he'll give you a thousand drams of gold and two hundred sheep as the dowry?"
Artemisia pauses for a moment and then says, "I do." Emir says, "Do you?" "I do," Artemisia says with more confidence. "Do you?" the Emir repeats again. Artemisia then says again, "I do."
Emir then says to Orhan Bey, "Orhan, son of Osman Bey and born from Malhun Hatun." Do you take Artemisia, adopted daughter of Sultan Malik-Shah, to be your wife with the dowry you promised?"
Orhan Bey says, "I do." The Emir repeats again, "Do you?" Orhan repeats again, "I do." Emir repeats again, "Do you?" Orhan repeats again, "I do." The Emir then says, "Witnesses. Do you witness?"
Elcim and Nilüfer both say, "I do." The Emir then says, "May Allah bless your oath." Orhan and Artemisia both say, "Amen." The Emir says, "Amen." Everyone then raises both of their hands to do a blessing, and the emir says, "My Allah, we witness the oath of these people. You witness too." Orhan then says, "Amen."
The Emir says, "My Allah, bless this marriage oath." Everyone present says, "Amen." Emir then says, "May you give this couple harmony, love, and peace in their marriage." Everyone present says again, "Amen."
The Emir then says, "May you not give them hatred, disunity, or separation." Everyone present repeats again, "Amen." The Emir then says, "My Allah! May you give this couple wonderful children, a long life, and plenty of livelihood.
Everyone present repeated again, "Amen. Amen." The Emir then says, "Al Fatiha." Everyone then says a private silent prayer to themselves to bless the marriage. Then everyone presses their hands over their faces to end the silent prayer. Then the wedding ceremony officially ends.
Everyone gets up, and then Elcim, Nilüfer, and Asporça walk over to the joyful couple. Nilüfer says to both Orhan and Artemisia, "Congratulations and welcome to our family, Artemisia."
Artemisia beams with happiness, feeling the warmth of their welcome. "Thank you so much," she replies, her voice filled with emotion as she takes Orhan's hand, ready to embrace the new chapter of their lives together.
Elcim Hatun says to both Orhan and Artemisia, "Congradulations." Orhan smiles back at Elcim, grateful for her kind words, and replies, "Thank you, Elcim. We're excited to share this journey with all of you."
Asporça Hatun then says, "Congratulations. I am so happy for the two of you." The warmth of the moment enveloped them as friends and family surrounded the couple, their faces beaming with joy. As laughter and well-wishes filled the air, Orhan and Artemisia exchanged glances, silently promising to cherish the love and support that would guide them through the years ahead.
Artemisia says in a sad tone, "I wish my little son, Osman, were here." She is thinking of her son, who was taken from her arms at birth and is now living in a land without magic.
Elcim puts a comforting hand on Artemisia's shoulder and says, "We will find Osman, Artemisia. You have my word on that. He is a son to all of us. We are all of his mothers and father. We promise you we will find him and we will bring him home. No matter the cost."
Artemisia's eyes glisten with unshed tears as she nods, drawing strength from Elcim's unwavering resolve. Together, they would forge a path through the darkness, fueled by the hope that love could transcend any barrier, even the vast chasm of a world devoid of magic.
Artemisia says with tears in her eyes, "Thank you, Elcim." "Your belief in our mission gives me courage." Elcim squeezed her hand tightly, feeling the weight of their shared burden but also the light of their determination. With each step forward, they would solve the mysteries that lay ahead, united in their quest to restore what had been lost.
Everyone else nodded their heads in agreement.
Ten months later
Orhan says to his first wife, Elcim, "Are you sure you want to do this, Elcim? Are you sure you're okay with giving up your ability to have children in order for all of us to go to the land without magic? In order to find both Artemisia's parents and her son Osman?"
Elcim took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and sorrow. "I understand the sacrifices we must make for the greater good, Orhan," she replied softly, "but I need you to promise me that we'll find a way to bring them back, no matter the cost."
Orhan nodded solemnly, his heart heavy with the weight of their shared burden. "I promise, Elcim," he vowed, "we will do whatever it takes to reunite our families and restore balance to our world."
Artemisia then says to her sister wife, Elcim, "You don't have to do this, Elcim." "We can find another way," she continued, her voice trembling with concern. "It doesn't have to be this path filled with pain and sacrifice." Elcim's gaze hardened, a flicker of determination igniting within her.
"I understand your fears, Artemisia," Elcim replied, her voice steadying as resolve took hold. "But occasionally, the most challenging paths lead us to the greatest victories, and I refuse to let our families suffer any longer."
Artemisia felt a mix of dread and admiration for her sister-wife's unwavering spirit. "If we must go down this road, then I will stand by you, but promise me we'll seek a way to minimize the suffering," she said, her heart heavy yet hopeful.
Elcim then says to her sister-wife Artemisia, "There is something you can do for me." Artemisia looked at Elcim with curiosity, her heart racing. "What is it? Just say the word, and I will do everything in my power to help."
Elcim then speaks to her sister wives, Artemisia and Nilüfer and Asporça. "Please promise me that you and Nilüfer will give Orhan and our family many children."
Artemisia's eyes widened at the request, a mixture of surprise and understanding washing over her. "If that's what you truly desire, then I swear it," she replied, her voice steady, while Nilüfer and Asporça nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting the seriousness of the moment.
As they stood together, a bond forged in shared hopes and dreams, Elcim felt a surge of gratitude for her sister wives. This promise, whispered in the quiet of their gathering, would strengthen their family and ensure that the legacy of love and unity would endure through generations.
Elcim then speaks to her husband Orhan and her sister wives, Artemisia, Nilüfer, and Asporça. "Are you ready to do this? Open a portal to the land without magic?"
As the words left her lips, anticipation filled the air, and the others exchanged determined glances. They had prepared for this moment, each of them knowing the risks involved but believing in the power of their collective resolve.
They all nodded their heads in agreement. Elcim then steps forward and uses the blood magic given to her by the witch. She cuts her hand, and the blood drips down onto the spell that opens a portal to the land without magic. Then she feels it deep down in her body and soul. She realizes that her ability to have children is leaving her body.
Elcim then says, "Ready?" Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Then everyone jumps into the portal, and it takes them to the land without magic.
