|Ayleen's POV|

"You're here" Orhan said as he turned to me, throwing his black leather coat onto the bed, while I slowly approached him with a warm smile.

"I see you got done early today" I teased lightly, placing a kiss on his cheek before lifting my hands to unbutton his shirt, the first few buttons so he could breathe comfortably.. I had always found them irritating to look at, and I needed a moment to compose myself after my tears earlier.

"Yes, there wasn't much left to do" he replied, his hands gently resting on my waist.. as I unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt, he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to my neck that sent a shiver down my spine "I've missed you"

I smiled softly before reaching up to kiss his lips, letting my hands wander up to rest at the back of his neck.. I pressed myself closer to him, holding the moment for a while, until I reluctantly pulled away, needing a breath of cool air.

"I need a bath to relax" he said quietly, his voice calm and accompanied by a smile, as he took my hand and guided me toward the door that led to his private bathroom.

"I heard you have an important dinner with your guests tomorrow" I finally managed to say as Orhan relaxed in the water, tilting his head back while his fingers gently threaded through my damp hair.

"Yes, we'll be discussing our policies, and they'll be presenting their requests, which they've been preparing over the past few days" His voice was calm and steady, his words flowing effortlessly, a clear sign that he was completely at ease in this moment.

"And what could the princess possibly do at a political dinner?" Somehow, the question slipped out before I could stop it, the words tumbling out as soon as he finished speaking.. despite my best efforts to be strategic, I always found myself getting straight to the point.

"Their minister insisted she attend to serve as her brother's eyes and ears during our discussion" His words reached my ears, but not my mind.. why would their king need his sister as a representative in the meeting, especially when his minister would be there? Didn't he trust his minister enough?

"I want to be there too" I insisted, without hesitation, as I traced my fingers lightly over his chest and shoulder, waiting for any sign of a reaction but he remained still.

"I don't think you'd enjoy it" he replied, his eyes still closed, a faint furrow in his brow, as if he were considering my request more seriously than I expected.

"Oh, I'll enjoy hearing your political talk" I countered "Besides, it wouldn't be right for the princess to be the only woman in the room, surrounded by nothing but men" I leaned back a little, playfully tucking a few stray strands of hair behind my ear.

"And it wouldn't be appropriate for my wife to be among men" he finally said, opening his eyes and sitting up, leaning his back against the marble beside him.

"No one will dare to look my way" I shot back quickly, feeling a sudden urge to push him into agreeing.. I didn't care about the rules or anything else; I just wanted to be there.

"Ayleen" a sideways smile tugged at his lips.. I couldn't tell if it was one of confusion or understanding "You don't even have an interest in politics, so I don't get where this sudden desire is coming from"

"It doesn't matter.. what matters is that it's my wish.. I want to be there, as the woman of this empire, and as your wife" I had no rational explanation, but Orhan knew me too well to need one.. I wasn't going to lie to him.. this was something I truly wanted, and I wasn't backing down.

"Well, since it's your wish... fine" he muttered, nodding with a faint smile.. though I could tell he wasn't entirely convinced, he acquiesced, simply because it was my request.

"I love you" I whispered, leaning in to press a kiss to his lips before settling back into my position, a wave of happiness washing over me.. at least I'd be there.. I never liked being the one left out, and I didn't care for the way she was insisting on dressing up for that dinner.

»»-----　♔　-----««

-The next day-

"Oh, Ayleen Sultan" Rana remarked, her voice sharp as she caught my attention, her face wearing an expression that seemed tinged with anger, yet cleverly concealed behind a taunting smile.. I dreaded encountering her in the corridor, especially when one of the children was with me.

"Rana, how are you? It seems your excitement is growing as your wedding draws nearer" I remarked with a smile, raising an eyebrow as I held onto Nuray's hand, who was eager only to reach her grandmother's room.

"Yes, you have no idea how excited I am" she shot back, stepping closer and raising an eyebrow, almost mocking my expression "But do you know what's even more exciting? It seems another wedding is on the way" She didn't give me a moment to register the confusion before she added, her tone dripping with irritation "Stop fooling yourself into thinking you're some perfect mother and daughter-in-law with Turhan Sultan" she sneered "I just left Turhan sultan's room, where she was talking to my mother about marrying that princess off to His Majesty"

She stormed off with quick, furious steps, as though she, too, had no time to spare for my reaction, while I stood frozen, unable to comprehend the words she had just thrown at me.

Now, Turhan Sultan was fantasizing about a second wife for her son..another princess.. she had always made it clear that this was her plan from the start.

I remember her telling me in my first year here how proud she was of Orhan's marriage, and how she loathed the idea of one of those random concubines gaining any power.. she said they didn't know how to wield it.

I raised my hand to stop Ebru, who was asking if I was alright, then smiled calmly at Nuray, who was tugging at my hand, eager to continue our walk, which I did.

I shouldn't dwell on it too much.. these were just Turhan Sultan's words and desires, and that didn't mean they would come to fruition.. Orhan hadn't mentioned anything about it.. I needed to trust him..

He would never do something like that to me.

I settled a calm smile on my face before stepping into Turhan Sultan's chambers, watching as Nuray eagerly rushed to her grandmother, while I took a seat on one of the couches, exchanging a few casual words with Fatma Sultan.

"I miss Selim and Osman as well.. this evening, after I return from outside the palace, I want to see them" Turhan Sultan's words were directed at me, and it struck me that today was Tuesday.. the day she met with the other women for their weekly charitable gatherings and plans.

"Of course" I replied, placing my coffee cup on the table and turning to Ebru "In the evening, bring Osman and Selim to our Valide Sultan so they can spend time with her"

"Why? Where will you be?" Turhan Sultan looked at me, confused by my instructions to Ebru, seemingly wondering why I wouldn't join them.

"I'll be with His Majesty" I replied calmly, resting my right hand over my left "He has an important dinner tonight.. I assumed you were aware of it"

"I know he has an important dinner" she remarked, raising an eyebrow, her expression darkening with what seemed like displeasure.. she motioned for Büșra to take Nuray, then turned her gaze back to me "But why will you be there? This doesn't align with our customs and traditions" she raised her hand, as though trying to dismiss me entirely "This is nonsense.. you should stay in your room and tend to your children"

"His Majesty believes it's appropriate" I replied calmly, meeting her gaze with focus, while Rana's words echoed in my mind "I cannot be absent when I've already made this arrangement with His Majesty"

"And I'm telling you it's impossible" she snapped, standing abruptly, causing both Fatma Sultan and me to rise as well, watching her mood darken as if my words had been some kind of disaster "I will speak to Orhan myself.. you should focus on taking care of your children.. we don't have women meddling in matters that don't concern them"

"To my knowledge, as a Valide Sultan, your role is to manage the harem.. whether I attend the dinner or not is for His Majesty to decide" I spoke with steady authority, allowing the words to leave my lips with calm precision.. I gave her a brief nod, barely acknowledging her presence, before turning and leaving the room, unwilling to meet her gaze any longer.

So it's true.

I can't trust anyone and believe that just because I respect and love them, they'll return those feelings.

From the moment I arrived here, I held Turhan Sultan in the highest regard.. she treated me as if I were her own daughter, often telling me I was like a child to her.

she spoke proudly of my marriage to Orhan, praising how perfectly I fit my title and the life I had embraced.

She often said that Ahmed and Aysel were fortunate to have a second mother like me, and I would smile, basking in the warmth of her words.

It was my naivety that she truly admired.

She sought a pampered princess, one who craved only respect and privileges, blind to the forces working behind the scenes.

All that disdain for the "random girls" as she calls them, stems from the fact that she knows they will fight back like wild lionsses.. they won't sit idly by, waiting for their dreams to materialize in one swift move.. they'll take matters into their own hands if necessary.. and if she believes I'm any less than them when the time comes, she's gravely mistaken.

Now, she's crafting a new plan, steadily amassing more power with each calculated move.. she's collecting princesses like precious jewels.. beautiful, elegant, and graceful.. only to place them by her side and manipulate everything around her.

»»-----　♔　-----««

"She's starting to reveal her true nature... your kindness won't shield you here" Sibylle remarked, adjusting a stray strand of my hair as I sat with Selim on my lap, gazing at our reflection in the mirror.. he looked at me, then burst into laughter when he saw my reflection again, thinking there were two of me.

"I know that.. I won't hide my feelings, and I'll talk to Orhan about it soon.. If I get a reassuring answer from him, Turhan Sultan's dreams won't matter" I replied calmly, letting out a soft sigh as I ran my fingers through Selim's hair.

"That's enough, Mommy, let me go" Selim said in fragmented words, wiggling his little legs as he squirmed to be put down.

I chuckled, planting a big kiss on his cheek, and as soon as I set him on the ground, he darted off, snatching Osman's toy from his hands before Anastasia could catch him.

"I want you to put her in her place.. your presence tonight beside Orhan at that table will be a statement in itself" Sibylle said, setting everything down and turning her gaze to our reflection, preparing to launch into one of her speeches "This isn't even a traditional move, yet here he is, allowing you to sit by his side as his haseki and wife.. If that princess has any intentions, which I'm certain she does, she'd better rethink them.. I have no doubt that both she and Turhan Sultan will spend the night wide awake, consumed by their own thoughts"

I'm not sure how much time passed, I was so lost in my thoughts.. Sibylle took forever with my hair, and even though I told her there was no point since it would be covered by a veil, she insisted on making it look perfect.

Afterward, we spent what felt like ages debating over which dress to choose.. I finally settled on either a red or green one, as both symbolize the Ottoman Empire.

In the end, we all agreed on a striking red dress.. the jewelry was another challenge, but we managed to pull everything together until I was fully ready.. I then made my way to Orhan's chambers.

»»-----　♔　-----««

"Have I ever mentioned how much I love when you put that black thing on your eyes?" Orhan said, trailing his finger down my cheek as I helped him button his dark blue kaftan.

"Yes, you did" I whispered, a wide smile spreading across my face as I felt the warmth flush my cheeks, just like every time he gazes at me so intently with those piercing blue eyes.

"So I'll say it again" he smiled, tilting his head and placing a soft kiss just beside my lips.

Before anything more could unfold, a knock echoed at the door, causing Orhan to lift his head, allowing the intruder to enter, certain it was only Faruk Agha.

"Your Majesty" Faruk bowed his head as I stepped away from Orhan, positioning myself beside him "Everything is prepared, and your guests are awaiting your presence"

Orhan gave a simple nod, adjusting one of his rings as he glanced at me.. without a word, we made our way out of the room, heading toward the hall where dinner awaited.. I had initially assumed it would take place in Orhan's chambers, but he had mentioned a dedicated hall for such occasions, one where he hosted foreign guests.

As the doors swung open and Orhan stepped inside, I followed, taking my first step with my head held high after a deep breath.. the first thing my eyes caught was Princess Theodora standing with a minister named George.

For a brief moment, their expressions seemed anxious and tense as they conversed about something, but that quickly shifted to a more neutral stance as we entered.

Well, it seemed that when Sumbul had mentioned she was planning to wear her best dress, she truly meant it.. as she swiftly rose to her feet alongside the minister, her light purple gown, adorned with stones around her semi-exposed chest and arms, immediately caught my attention.. her hair was styled flawlessly, and a diamond necklace rested elegantly around her neck.

I forced myself to look away from her and shifted my gaze to the vast hall with its high ceilings, where a long golden table awaited us.. It was already set, and this place truly seemed designed solely for foreign guests.. from what I understood, guests were always welcome here, even if they weren't necessarily desired, as long as their intentions were pure.

"This is my wife, Ayleen Sultan" Orhan's voice pulled me from my thoughts as he gestured toward me.

His words seemed directed at the minister, who gave me a respectful nod, and I returned the gesture before glancing at Orhan.. I was surprised to see Yunus Pasha had joined us, as I hadn't even noticed when he entered.

"I met Ayleen Sultan two days ago, and I was looking forward to seeing her again" Theodora's voice interrupted, and my gaze moved to her with a calm smile.. I noticed her eyes quickly shift to Orhan, almost as though she were trying to capture his attention.

Orhan was the first to move to the table, signaling for the rest of us to follow suit.. I was taken aback when he ensured I was settled in my chair before taking his own.

He, of course, always did that, but here it was unexpected since it went against protocol.. still, it seemed he simply wanted to make sure I was comfortable.

As everyone settled into their seats, brief conversations began between Orhan and the minister, with Yunus Pasha occasionally joining in.

My gaze quietly shifted between them.. Orhan at the head of the table, me to his right, Yunus Pasha directly across from me, and then George and Theodora.. Honestly, I was surprised by where Theodora had sat.. given that she's a princess and holds a higher rank, I had expected her to sit ahead of Yunus or George, or perhaps beside me.. but I was glad that didn't happen.

"Your Majesty, as you know, this alliance is crucial, both for the present and the future" George said, placing his knife and fork down with measured precision.

"Indeed, everyone at this table understands the magnitude of it, having witnessed it with the Holy Roman Empire" Theodora interjected, her gaze turning to Orhan "It's a once-in-a-lifetime event" She then shifted her eyes toward me "Being here must feel like a stroke of luck, Ayleen Sultan"

Her words carried a noticeable accent, and although I knew we shared the same first language, I was puzzled as to why she didn't use it.. perhaps out of respect, so everyone could understand.

"Exactly" I responded, my voice steady "it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it's remarkable to be cherished by an entire empire" I met her gaze briefly, drawing her attention, before lowering my eyes to take another bite of my food.

Her choice of words, however, seemed lacking in depth.. after all, she spoke of something she had never experienced firsthand... When that monumental alliance was formed, how old was she? Thirteen, perhaps?

"Yes, Your Highness" she smiled, nodding, her expression slightly sharp as she raised her glass without taking a sip "For years, I've heard so much about you.. First, Helena, the Habsburg princess, and then Ayleen Sultan"

"Must be interesting hearing what they say about me" I said with a small smile, subtly steering the conversation away from myself, fully aware that this dinner was meant for political matters, not personal discussions "Perhaps later we can have a tea session and discuss it further"

"So, how is Prussia faring amidst the chaos of Europe?" Finally, Yunus Pasha spoke after a brief silence, his gaze fixed on George.

Up until that moment, I was stunned by the fact that this meeting was actually happening.. Let's face it, Europe's greatest adversary had always been the Ottoman Empire.. It was a war of religion, after all.

In Europe, they could wage wars against each other, but when it came to the Ottoman Empire, they were ready to unite.. Yet, it seemed that things were shifting, and now they were strategizing rather than being driven by blind hatred.. growing up, I had always heard that the Ottoman Empire was Europe's greatest threat, something they desperately wanted to eliminate.. and now, here I am.

"Europe's politics are becoming more unpredictable.. while the relationship between France and Spain was once strong through the Bourbon dynasty, they now seem to be at odds, and it's affecting everyone" George replied, his words catching my attention.. It was oddly ironic.. my mother was French, from the Bourbon dynasty, and now my sister was also part of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain.

"A dynasty wasn't going to keep them united forever" Orhan replied, setting his glass down and casting a pointed look at George "Spain's ambitions for more power in various regions are growing daily, while France seems too preoccupied with its internal struggles, refusing to offer help to anyone, even Spain"

"I think France won't hold out for long" Theodora interjected, drawing everyone's attention "It won't be able to maintain its position while its monarchy is divided.. the conflict between the nobility and the monarchy could escalate into something far more dangerous.. If this continues, France will collapse in the blink of an eye"

"One must be careful predicting the rise and fall of kingdoms" I responded, carefully choosing my words.. It didn't seem logical to me, based on what I believed "France may be facing numerous problems and crises, but they have a history of overcoming them... Yes, the nobility is restless, but the monarchy still holds a firm grip on both the army and the state"

"That's true" Orhan nodded toward me before shifting his gaze to the others "While France's power may seem to ebb and flow, it has always been deeply rooted, and it won't face a major fall anytime soon.. the same can be said for Spain.. although their expansion brings them burdens, it also brings wealth, which is why they'll never have enough.. they pursue this with long-term strategies, and with their monarchy and government stable, they have things under control.. However, they are in need of new alliances"

"Yes, Your Majesty, Spain..." George's conversation was cut short by the sound of a door opening, and Faruk Agha appeared behind him.. I was momentarily surprised, but that quickly changed when I saw him approach Orhan and whisper something in his ear.

The shift in Orhan's expression made my heart tighten, and my thoughts began to race.. If it weren't something urgent, Faruk Agha wouldn't have interrupted us.. the sudden change in Orhan's demeanor was all I needed to know the news wasn't good, and it set my mind into overdrive.

Orhan remained composed, standing motionless, which prompted the rest of us to rise from our seats in unison.

»»-----　♔　-----««

Note:
This is just fanfiction so don’t take the political stuff seriously .. it’s all made up.
I’m literally just picking random European kingdoms and creating random stuff lmao <33