La la la, I hummed to myself as I read my new book my mother Haseki Ayşe Sultan got for me. It was a beautifully illuminated story, imported from Europe, about a wealthy princess and all her lovers, and she couldn't seem to choose who to marry. Sounds like me. Eventually, she gets locked in a tower by a wicked witch and all her beau's are forced to "compete" for her love.

However, all but one die on the perilous journey there. The one who survived only did so through his smarts and determination, as well as his kindness. He married the princess, and they lived happily ever after.

This reminded me to send a message to Hanzade Mehmet Giray, who I hadn't spoken to in a few weeks since last time. I heard Gülbahar say him and his power-hungry brother were still in Constantinople, and I needed to speak to him. I decided to try to keep it formal, in case it was intercepted.

Greetings and prayers to his excellency Hanzade Mehmet Giray,

How are you, InshAllah everything is alright and you and Hanzade Sahin Giray are in good health and affairs.

Should you ask after us, thanks to Allah (may his name be exalted) we are alright and keeping up with matters.

I write to you to coordinate a meeting sometime in the near future-- whatever works for you. We have much to discuss, and with recent events it is time to take action.

Write back a response as soon as possible,

Imperial Princess Fidan Sultan-----

I then stamped the letter and handed it off to another trusted maid as Nafise was busy. At this point I decided to go to Hammam, since I needed a good wash.

__________

I settled down on one of the marble seats as two Harem servants came and began massaging and scrubbing my back with soap. I sighed as it was satisfying. A few other girls were washing themselves too, so I made do to have a conversation with them.

"Girls?" I called out, as two or three turned their heads and came over.

"Greetings, Sultana. How are you?" Binnaz Hatun asked smiling. I gave her a thumbs-up, and asked the same.

"Very good, praying for your health. If you'll excuse me, I'll finish up." She went to a bench near me and resumed washing herself. Nafise Hatun suddenly came, holding a letter scroll in her hand. I grinned.

"Sultana, you received a letter from-"

"Ok Nafise, I'll be there in a moment." I interjected her. A response from Mehmet Giray! This was fast. I ordered the women washing me to finish up as I got some clothes to change into.

10 minutes later...

"Nafise, give me the scroll." Nafise handed it to me, equally as excited to hear the response.

To her Imperial Highness Fidan Sultan,

I return the salutations and indeed hope you are in good health. I'd like to meet in the Hunters Cottage by Cumalıkızık. Please be there by 4:00 tomorrow. We have much to talk.

His Excellency Mehmet Giray

I was overjoyed, but wondering why Mehmet Giray wanted to meet in Cumalıkızık and not near Topkapi. I shrugged.

"Nafise, can you prepare?"