Later that evening, we were summoned by Nigar Kalfa to attend the party hosted by a woman named Gülfem Hatun. Elisabeth told me that Gülfem was an important noble lady and former concubine of Sultan Süleyman. I am curious why she isn't anymore though. Elisabeth and I just got here but it seems that I'm behind on all the "harem gossip".

I quickly donned a dress provided to me, made of a white material that I couldn't quite think of, and with a blue silk sleeveless coat. Plain, but that's what most of the new girls were wearing, so I couldn't really do much about it. As we made our way to the grand hall, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. My first harem party! I don't know how it quite works here, and I'd be curious on how they do dancing and such with barely any men around. Perhaps they invite noblemen from the city? ...I must make a good impression, I resolved.

Elisabeth and I walked down the hall together after the other girls as we observed a bright and seemingly happy space in the evening.

The hall was practically a spectacle of opulence, with walls lined with tapestries and chandeliers casting a warm glow over the gathering. Women moved gracefully, their laughter and chatter blending with the soft melodies played by musicians in the corner. It was a far cry from the life I had known, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and unease. 

Besides the men whom worked here and I saw earlier, no noblemen-seeming persons came. Perhaps it was meant to be a private party, no dancing of the sort?

Gülfem Hatun, a striking woman with an air of authority, greeted us warmly. "Welcome, newcomers," she said, her voice smooth and welcoming. "Tonight, you will see how we celebrate in the harem. Enjoy yourselves, but remember to observe and learn."

Gülfem indeed seemed very beautiful, and young too. I would say she looked maybe 20 or 21. She also has a very good taste in clothes, I noted. That dress was very nice and seemed like something even I would wear.

"Hey girls!" Sumbul-aga called from the front. "Sherbet for those who'd like it!" 

Some of the girls cheered and thanked Gülfem and I made sure to ask another girl what it was. Meryem said that it was "a sort of dessert, frozen and with fruit juices as well. You'll love it!"

Elisabeth and I guickly ran to the front and joined a line of girls clamoring for the Sherbet. When it was finally our turn, I took my spoon, pulled out a little and tried it. 

"Oh my, it's so tasty!" I exclaimed. It wasn't like our desserts back in Spain, but it was very impressive. I need to make sure I find out the recipe to give to our chef back home in my palace.

As the evening progressed, I noticed a regal woman enter the hall, her presence commanding immediate respect. Whispers identified her as Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Suleyman. To confirm it, Sumbul-aga called out,

"Destur! Valide Sultan Hazretdleri!" All the other girls rushed forward to form two lines in line with the doors as the music stopped. I quickly followed as not to be called out. She looked to be around her forties, wearing a beautiful pink dress. Behind her was another lovely looking girl, perhaps aged 17 or 18. My bet was she is a princess of sorts.

 The two women took a seat in the grand main couches and the music resumed. A women with dark brown hair came in and smiled softly as she took a seat by Valide, the princess, and Gülfem Hatun.

"That's Mahidevran Sultan. She's the Sultan's concubine and mother of his son, Sehzade Mustafa." Fatma, the girl who I met earlier, whispered to me. A few minutes later, as we were eating and having fun, a woman with fiery red hair and gleaming eyes charged in like a bull, glared Mahidevran down, and bowed to Valide. The women sitting down all seemed very unhappy after the redhead appeared.

"That's Hurrem Hatun. She is also a concubine of Sultan Suleyman." Fatma informed me as she watched the redhead take a small cushion beside Mahidevran. 

"How many concubines does he have?" I said, my eyes wide.

"A lot."

Valide Sultan's interactions with Hurrem were practically charged with tension. While she greeted Mahidevran with some sort of warmth and affection, her gaze towards Hurrem was icy, her words clipped and formal. It was clear there was no love lost between them. Hurrem, however, held her head high, a defiant glint in her eyes as she met Valide Sultan's hostility with a poised smile, though beyond that I could see she probably was disappointed in this situation.

Elisabeth, standing beside me, leaned in to whisper, "Do you see how Valide treats Hurrem? There's so much tension. It's like a storm brewing."

I nodded, unable to tear my eyes away from the unfolding drama. It was clear that the harem was not a place where people were honest, rather simply plainly lying.

As the night wore on, I tried to keep a low profile, observing the interactions and listening to the conversations around me. I could feel the weight of my position as a captive, but also the strange freedom in this new world where every glance and gesture held meaning. This would also make for a good novel if I get one of our court writers to do it when I get back home to Spain.

At one point, Hurrem Hatun approached our small group of 5 or 6 girls, her smile warm but her eyes calculating. "Welcome to the harem," she said, her voice melodic. "I hope you all find your place here."

"Teşekkür ederim [Thank you]," I replied for all of us, trying to keep my voice steady. I wasn't quite family with the language, and I picked up a few words. "It is all very new to us."

Hurrem nodded, her gaze piercing. "Remember, in this place, knowledge is power. Observe, learn, and always be aware of the undercurrents."

As she walked away, Elisabeth and I exchanged glances. 

Later, after returning to our room post-party, I felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The grandeur of the evening contrasted sharply with the reality of our situation. As I lay on the plush cushions, I couldn't help but reflect on Hurrem's words.

Knowledge is power.

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