The two women had stayed up late into the night, deep in conversation. Gulnihal had missed nearly 15 years and there was a lot of catching up to do, some parts she was glad to have missed. The drama that came with living in the harem was less than pleasant, others she wished she could have been here to help Hurrem with.

And compared to Hurrem her stories were bland, her husband was a kind man and she lived a comfortable life. But it was boring, same thing day in and day out. She really wanted to have a child but it never happened and when her husband died and left her with the money and estate she set out for Istanbul in search of something else in life.

Running into Sumbul aga wasn't intentional, she didn't know how he even recognized her with her hair and half her face covered. But all in all, she was glad he did. The two of them had sat down at a small bench and spoke for about an hour, he'd told her a few stories but when he said he could get her back in the palace she couldn't miss that opportunity.

She wanted to see Hurrem, but she missed her.

Hurrem was not the perfect friend of course, the woman had burned her face, berated her countless times, lashed out, she could be selfish. But she knew deep down Hurrem was a good person; she was just a product of her environment. She saw the horrid things thrown at her, and she always persisted.

And Gulnihal admired that.

"So how has Hatice Sultan been?" Gulnihal asked, she sat on the couch by the fire as Hurrem stood in front of the mirror, brushing through her long fiery hair. "Are you two on good terms?" When she'd been here their relationship had been rocky at best, but never completely hostile.

Hurrem bit her lip and after a moment turned to Gulnihal and laughed, "Hatice Sultan blames any inconvenience in her life on me," she said as she turned back to the mirror, a grin still on her face. "I'm waiting for her to blame me for stubbing her foot on a step," she joked.

Gulnihal knew it wasn't polite to laugh nor was she in any position to, but she did and Hurrem in turn laughed more. The two laughed until they couldn't breathe, "Oh Gulnihal, I've missed this," Hurrem said, setting the brush down. She sat down next to her, "Nazli," she said loudly.

Nazli and a few other concubines walked in carrying four dresses, "Pick one and they'll help you get dressed," she said smiling.

Gulnihal's eyes widened and she stood up, the dresses from what she could already see were stunning, there was a gorgeous dark blue with beading and gold, a red one, purple, white- "Oh Hurrem, I couldn't," she started to say.

"Nonsense, I've never worn these, doubt I ever would." Hurrem shrugged, "They're yours now, my gift to you." She had many dresses anyways and could have many more made. So it's not like this would put a dent in her collection.

Not even close.

She had a few nice dresses in her time at the palace all those years ago, His Majesty had sent her some fabrics and jewels after she was sent to the favorites floor. But after the explosive fight with Hurrem, the burning of her face with the poison, and the eventual apology Gulnihal never used the gifts. She had two dresses, nice ones yes but they got worn out fast and they weren't the best quality.

But it didn't really bother her at the time because when you're chasing around little children, going to the garden with them, helping with their lessons and helping the others...well looking perfect and wearing expensive fabrics wasn't something wise to focus on. Plus Mehmed had a habit of yanking at her dresses and she had to sew them back together countless times.

So looking in the mirror now, feeling the soft lavish fabric against her skin.

Well, it felt unreal.

She ended up picking the dark blue one with the gold underneath, the long flowing sleeves just radiated elegance, nobility. She felt beautiful, confident, and young. "Gulnihal Hatun," Nazli said smiling as she held out a delicate looking gold headpiece. "Allow me," she said as she gently placed it on her head and fixed her hair.

"Blue really does suit you," Hurrem said as she walked in, a small boy trailing behind her hand gripping the red fabric of her dress. "After I speak to His Majesty and get his approval we can send for some different shades of blue for you."

Gulnihal turned to Hurrem, "You've already done so much for me," she said, she didn't think she needed much else. Her eyes trailed to the small boy and she knelt down as he walked up to you.

"Are you Gulnihal?" The boy asked softly, looking up at her.

"This is Şehzade Cihangir," she said smiling, "Cihangir, this is Gulnihal, my closest friend, she'll be staying with us."

The boy tilted his head slightly, "Will she be like Firuze?" He asked turning to his mother, "Will you send her away too?"

Hurrem's smile faded, "Cihangir what did I tell you about saying that woman's name?" She asked through clenched teeth, her tone shifting. "Go with Nazli and eat your breakfast." He opened his mouth to say something else but Nazli gently grabbed his hand and led him back to the side room.

"Who's Firuze, Hurrem?" Gulnihal asked, eyebrows raised.

"A snake," was all Hurrem said in response before rubbing her hands together. "Now, how about we get some fresh air, hm?" She suggested, the topic changing quickly. Gulnihal knew better than to pry into this Firuze, and she was enjoying Hurrem's cheerful mood.

The poor woman had told her about all the plots and traps set for her, how exhausting it had been. And if she could do her part and make Hurrem feel happy and at peace...well she'd do all she could.

The gardens were as beautiful as she remembered, and the flowers were blooming and the warm sun beaming down on them Hurrem had decided they'd eat their lunch out there. The two women sat down under the fabric canopy and the concubines brought them their food, "Remember when you had that Russian concubine out here and she set everything up?" Gulnihal asked, smiling, "She complained the entire way back."

Hurrem smiled and placed her drink down, "And to think she believed she'd be a Sultana," Hurrem closed her eyes and scoffed, "I can't blame her for having dreams, we all do, even you. But I don't feel bad about how things ended, I've always wondered where they were sent to."

"Make way, Hatice Sultana, her Highness," a loud booming voice said.

Hurrem bit back an annoyed huff and stood up, brushing her dress off, Gulnihal copying her. Hatice Sultan approached them, Gulfem Hatun next to her. "Sultana," Hurrem curtsied, "Would you like to join us?" Hurrem smiled and motioned to the two open cushions.

"I was just passing through," she replied.

"Gulnihal Hatun?" Gulfem questioned, Gulnihal felt her face burn up and she kept her eyes trained to the grass.

"Oh Gulnihal?" Hatice smiled and walked closer, Gulnihal curtsied, unsure of what to say. "I didn't think we'd ever see you again after my Valide married you off." There was a small pause, "Hurrem how did you get her back here? Have you really been looking for so long? I thought after all the misery you put this poor woman through you'd just let her live a peaceful life."

Hurrem's smile fell, "It's not like that, Sultana," Gulnihal said quickly, "My husband passed away and I came back to Istanbul, by c-chance I ran into Sumbul aga at the market and he brought me here, I was wanting to see how everyone was, Hurrem Sultana had no idea until last night."

Hatice seemed skeptical, "You are a free woman, Gulnihal, you can't stay in the harem."

"His Majesty approved her stay," Hurrem said.

The women turned to the redhead, Gulnihal's eyes wide. She knew for a fact The Sultan didn't know she was here, oh she had hoped Hurrem had grown out of her lies and false promises. But she should have known better, "He did?" Hatice raised an eyebrow and bit back an amused laugh, "Well then," she slowly turned back to Gulnihal, "If his majesty deems this suitable....welcome, I hope you won't take part in Hurrem's games." She sighed, "but knowing what kind of friend she is, I'm sure she'll rope you in against your will." Without another word the sultana walked off, Gulnihal knew for a fact she didn't believe Hurrem.

"You didn't have to lie, Hurrem," she said, sitting back down.

"I didn't," came her response as she picked at her meal, "I'll talk to him tonight, he won't say no." She wouldn't let him, plus how could he? He knew Gulnihal, he knew how much of a respectable woman she was. "He respects you, after all you two slept together."

Gulnihal flinched, "You don't have to bring that up," she said through clenched teeth.

"It's been years my dear Gulnihal, there's no anger between us anymore."

Gulnihal just nodded and stared up at the sky, "L-Later you'll have to bring me to the children, I've missed them," she said quietly, hoping to change the subject.

"Of course, we can all eat together in my chamber tonight."

The two sat there in a comfortable silence after that...or well at least Hurrem did. Gulnihal couldn't help but feel dread, she really hoped she wouldn't be pulled into the harem drama again.

What had she gotten herself into? 

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