The celebration had begun, some girls swayed to the rhythm of the music while others played delicate tunes on their instruments. These gatherings were nothing like the grand affairs of European courts; they felt more subdued, almost dull in comparison.

Hürrem Sultan entered, accompanied by her maids. But it wasn't her presence that caught my attention, it was the young woman beside her. Graceful, poised, and breathtakingly beautiful, she carried herself with an elegance that drew every eye in the place.

Leaning toward Alice, I whispered, "Who is that beautiful girl?"

Alice smiled knowingly. "That's Hürrem Sultan's youngest daughter, Mihrimah Sultan. She's the mother of a five-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy."

That was Alice for you, ask a single question, and she'd give you someone's entire biography.

"She's truly stunning," I murmured, my gaze still fixed on Mihrimah, unable to look away.

"Yes, she is," Alice said, then leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper against my ear. "But she's also a snake, just like her mother."

I didn't respond, though my eyes lingered on Mihrimah Sultan. There was something sharp in her gaze, a quiet intelligence that couldn't be denied.

Moments later, the music came to an abrupt halt. The air shifted as the arrival of Safiye Sultan was announced. She entered with striking poise, flanked by two stunningly elegant girls.

Unlike the others, Safiye's attire carried a distinctly European flair, rich fabrics, intricate patterns, and silhouettes unfamiliar to Ottoman fashion. The same was true for her daughters, whose dresses bore unmistakable Western influence.

Safiye walked with confidence, her head held high as she made her way to the section reserved for the sultanas. A flicker of silent animosity passed between her and Hürrem Sultan, mirrored in the cold glances exchanged between their daughters. Hürrem, unbothered, lifted her hand with quiet authority and signaled for the music to resume.

"Do you see the girl wearing the red crown?" Alice said, her tone suddenly calm.

"Yes, who's she?" I asked with curiosity, already anticipating the flood of information Alice would provide.

"That's Hafize Sultan, Safiye's second daughter," Alice replied swiftly. "The eldest is married and only visits the palace once a year."

"She looks a bit like her mother," I replied, my gaze drifting to Safiye Sultan, still captivated by her striking beauty and regal presence.

"Yes, both of them are quiet, but don't let that fool you. They're just as dangerous," Alice said with a sly smile. Then she nodded toward another girl. "The blonde one is Raziye Sultan, Safiye's third daughter. She and Mihrimah have been rivals for years. Each one trying to prove she's the most powerful sultana in the palace."

I glanced at the blonde girl and gave a subtle nod. It was clear that something was unfolding among the sultanas, and I needed to know what it was. I hadn't come here to waste my time on endless chores, I had a mission to accomplish.

Without hesitation, I stood, took the juice tray from one of the girls, and made my way to the sultanas. Slowly and deliberately, I placed the glasses before them, giving myself time to listen.

"So, what is the reason for this celebration, Hürrem?" Safiye asked, her gaze fixed on the dancers.

"You pretend not to know, Safiye," Hürrem replied coolly, sipping her juice. "I'm well aware your spies inform you of everything before it even happens."

Safiye gave her a sly look, then turned her eyes back to the hall. I remained standing just behind them, pretending to wait in case they needed anything.

A few minutes passed before Hürrem Sultan called for Eylem, who approached, kissed her hand, and stood respectfully before her.

"Stop the music," Hürrem said with a smile, rising to her feet. "Today's celebration is in honor of a new pregnancy." She turned to Eylem's barely visible belly and added, "My son, Şehzade Mehmed, will soon be blessed with his first child."

A hush fell over the room like a shockwave. The sultanas celebrated with smiles and polite applause, but Safiye and her daughters remained stone-faced.

They must have known already.

Eylem beamed as she rested a hand on her belly, basking in the attention. The girls soon began murmuring, offering their congratulations to the sultanas.

Later that night, after the party ended and the palace quieted, Alice and I lay in bed whispering as we often did.

"Didn't you tell me the prince couldn't have children?" I asked, puzzled.

"Don't worry. We'll understand everything by tomorrow," Alice said, stretching. "Eylem's probably bragging about it to the other girls right now. We'll know why the royal family approved this."

She yawned. "I'm tired. I'm going to sleep."

I nodded and turned to face the wall. I couldn't sleep. My thoughts churned. This wasn't part of the plan. There wasn't supposed to be another heir.

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

The next morning, after breakfast, we were ordered to clean the harem thoroughly. Hours of scrubbing passed, and pain stabbed at my back, I had never endured such labor in my father's palace.

Why had fate led me here?!

Eylem descended the stairs once the work was done, her usual smugness etched into every line of her face. But before she could leave the harem, Fahriye Kalfa stepped in front of her.

"Where are you going?" Fahriye asked.

"What business is it of yours? Do you know who you're speaking to? I'm the mother of a şehzade," Eylem snapped coldly.

"Your child hasn't been born yet. You're pregnant, not a sultana," Fahriye said with a tight smile, prompting laughter from the other girls.

"You'll regret this. Once I become Sultana, I'll see you expelled," Eylem shot back, raising an eyebrow. "I'm going to meet Şehzade Mehmed."

"The prince didn't ask for you," Fahriye replied. "He went out for a walk in the gardens a little while ago."

As their exchange ended and Eylem returned to her room, fuming, I waited until Fahriye left, then I made my move.

This was my chance.

I wouldn't sit and wait for fate to act.

I had to meet the prince.

I am a noblewoman, or at least, I was.

And I still had beauty and charm, enough to captivate Europe's finest. I would use that now. I would win his heart, complete my mission, and leave nothing to chance.