|Ayleen's POV|

-Four Days Later-

-February 2, 1672-

"Sultanim" Anastasia whispered, her voice barely audible.

I stirred, groggily shifting in my bed as I opened my eyes to the sound of her voice. When my gaze met hers, I saw the hesitation in her expression, as though she didn't wish to disturb my rest, yet urgency flickered in her eyes.

"Sultanim" she murmured softly, careful not to wake Seyfeddin, her voice trembling ever so slightly "You must come with me. It is... it is the Valide Sultan"

"What's happening? What about her?" I asked, still struggling to comprehend, my mind foggy from the sudden shift. One moment I was deep in sleep, and now I couldn't make sense of what she was hinting at.

"You need to come with me" she replied, her voice attempting to soothe me, yet the urgency in her eyes spoke volumes.

My heart skipped a beat as I glanced down at Seyfeddin. He hadn't stirred, still lost in deep slumber. I stood abruptly, feeling the room tilt slightly as I grabbed my robe, the silk trailing behind me. I hurried toward the door, following Anastasia, ensuring that Ebru remained with Seyfeddin.

I stepped out of my chamber, my footsteps quick, mirroring Anastasia's. My gaze immediately landed on the gathering before the concubines' quarters. The girls stood there in their white nightclothes, as though pulled from sleep. Their faces were pale, their expressions tight with unease.

Suddenly, Farouk Agha's sharp, booming voice came from behind.

"Destur, Sultan Orhan Khan hazretleri!"

My eyes shifted toward the source of his voice. Orhan was walking briskly toward us, his face expressionless, eyes fixed ahead as though he hadn't even noticed my presence. His footsteps were rapid, and the pallor of his face, coupled with the eerie intensity of his gaze, sent a chill through me.

He didn't spare a single glance as he passed, rushing toward his mother's chambers. A tight knot twisted deep inside me. This was serious, it frightened me. My legs moved in the same direction, but with a slow, heavy reluctance. I wasn't sure I was ready for whatever catastrophe awaited us this time.

By the time I reached Turhan Sultan's chambers, the door stood ajar. I stepped inside and ascended to her private room, where I found her loyal Kalfa, two maids, Orhan, and a doctor gathered around the bed.

The doctor's hands trembled as she examined Turhan Sultan, her face drained of color, silent terror reflected in her eyes. My breath caught in my throat, and as my gaze fell upon Turhan Sultan. And then it hit me, like a wave crashing over me, there was no sign of life in her.

She's... gone?

"Your Majesty, Valide Sultan Turhan has passed away. It appears to have been a natural death, she seems to have peacefully departed in her sleep, likely in the middle of the night" The doctor's words struck with the force of thunder, leaving Orhan visibly shaken. My gaze swiftly turned to him, my hand trembling as it moved to cover my mouth in disbelief.

She's gone.

Once she made sure her words had fully resonated with everyone present, she stepped back, bowing her head, as did the others, before they quietly retreated to afford us some privacy.

Orhan's jaw clenched, but he remained silent. His face was still, his eyes wide with shock, yet his hands trembled as he reached out to touch his mother's cold, lifeless hand, an act of a son who had been her world for thirty-six years.

The Orhan I had always known, strong, composed, and unshaken, was no longer there. In his place stood a man who seemed to have lost everything in an instant. His eyes brimmed with unshed tears, and though until this moment he had seemed unaware of the gravity of it all, it was as if he had suddenly awoken to a nightmare.

For a brief moment, he faltered, taking an unsteady breath as though the weight of his grief might crush him. He stood there, hands clutching the edge of the bed, as if somehow hoping his mother might still be there, while his gaze remained fixed on her lifeless form.

I felt my chest tighten with a mixture of empathy and sorrow, yet I knew there was nothing I could offer him. He had lost the one person who had shaped his entire world, the person who had been his everything, his steadfast protector, and his unwavering support in this life.

What can one say in a moment like this? There are no words to heal, no words to soothe the searing pain. So, I simply stood there, tears flowing freely, desperately trying to suppress my sobs, not wanting to disturb his final moments with her. I may have lost a mother figure, but Orhan had lost his mother, the woman who was his foundation, his heart, his everything for years.

»»-----　♔　-----««

I stood before the door to Orhan's chambers, draped in a black gown that seemed to mirror the sorrow weighing heavily on my heart today, after the loss of a great woman like Turhan Sultan, taken from us so suddenly, so painfully.

I took a deep breath before entering, and as the door creaked open, I found him standing in the center of the room. Two of his servants were helping him into his black kaftan, the fabric flowing over him like the dark of night, but Orhan seemed oblivious to their presence. His gaze was distant, vacant, as if his mind had drifted far beyond the walls of the chamber, lost in some place only he could see.

"Leave us" I murmured softly, my voice barely more than a whisper. The two men nodded in silent understanding, exchanging a quick glance before quietly exiting the chamber.

As the door closed behind them, Orhan's gaze slowly shifted toward me. His eyes were hollow, drained of all life, as if a part of him had already slipped away. For a long moment, he said nothing, standing there motionless, his face locked in an expression that was both deeply sorrowful and unsettlingly vacant.

"Orhan..." I whispered, my voice trembling slightly as I reached out.

Without hesitation, I pulled him into my arms, enveloping him in a tight embrace. For a fleeting moment, I held him close, desperately hoping that my touch would somehow reach him and pull him back from the dark, hollow place where his thoughts seemed to have fled.

His body was rigid against mine at first, like a statue, cold and unyielding. Slowly, though, his hands crept around my back, yet he still remained silent. I could feel his breath trembling, but he kept it contained, refusing to release it, holding everything inside.

"You don't have to carry it alone like this" I whispered, pulling away just enough to meet his gaze. His eyes were heavy with grief, but there was a wall around him, keeping him from mourning the way he needed, the way he deserved.

I sighed softly, gently reaching for the sleeves of his kaftan. As I guided his arms into them, I couldn't help but notice how stiff his movements were. And it only made my tears flow more freely. The man who had lost his mother just hours ago was now expected to step back into the world as if nothing had shifted, to be present, to hold it together.

"I know there are no words that can truly ease what you're feeling right now, but please know that you don't have to rush, take all the time you need" I murmured, carefully helping him adjust the fabric around his shoulders.

"I can't afford to break, not now"

I lifted my eyes, his words striking me deeply. My heart ached for him. He was keeping it all locked inside, not allowing himself the space to grieve. He felt he had no choice but to fulfill his final duty to her, and it had to be flawless, as tradition demanded.

"But you are allowed to mourn, Orhan" I whispered softly, gently tying the waist of his kaftan, my hands trembling ever so slightly as I worked.

"I've never known a world without her" he admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

I finished adjusting the fabric and stepped back, gazing at him for a moment. His face was pale, his eyes shadowed by a sorrow that no one could truly comprehend unless they had walked in his shoes.

When I lost my father, it took me months to feel even remotely whole again, and now, I couldn't bear the thought that Orhan couldn't afford the luxury of time to grieve. He had things to do, duties that couldn't wait, things that demanded him to press on without the peace of mourning.

"Just... allow yourself to feel, Orhan. You don't have to bury it all. If you do, it will consume you" I said softly, my hand gently brushing against his cheek.

Orhan's body trembled as he finally surrendered, seeking refuge in my arms. His head fell to my shoulder, and his hands gripped me with a desperation that made it feel as though I was the only thing keeping him grounded. His breath was ragged, interrupted by stifled sobs he could no longer contain. I pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around him as tightly as I could, offering him the only thing I had to give, comfort.

»»-----　♔　-----««

When I returned to my room, I had hoped for a quiet moment to collect my thoughts and make sense of everything unfolding around me. But as soon as I stepped inside, the sight of my children, all dressed in black, struck me like a cold wave.

They were sitting together, huddled in silence, their faces pale and their eyes swollen from crying. Seyfeddin, my youngest, lay in his cradle, too small to comprehend what had occurred, but his brothers and sisters... they understood, and they felt it deeply.

Ilyas sat on the floor, his shoulders trembling as he fought to hold back his tears. The pain in his eyes was raw, his small body shaking as he wiped his face with the back of his hand. Aysel, seated beside him, gazed out the window, her expression clouded with a sorrow far too heavy for her years. But grief knows no age, and for the first time, my children were experiencing this kind of pain, pain that came with the loss of their beloved grandmother.

"I miss her so much already" Aysel whispered, her words breaking me, and my tears flowed uncontrollably as I moved to sit beside her on the couch.

Aysel had always shared a deep bond with Turhan Sultan, spending countless hours with her each day, loving her dearly. I knew this loss would be especially difficult for her.

"Me too" I replied, my voice trembling despite my attempt to steady it "We all miss her, my loves"

"Why did she have to go, Mommy? I don't want her to be gone" Ilyas asked, looking up at me with tears welling in his eyes. I knew he probably still didn't fully understand the concept of death, and I could only imagine the million questions racing through his little mind.

"I know, my sweet boy" I whispered, resting my cheek against his forehead "I know it's so hard. But she'll always be with us, in our hearts. She loved us deeply, and we will continue to love her, always"

"Grandma is watching over us from above" Ahmed whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. Despite the tears filling his eyes, he held Osman and Nuray close, trying to offer them comfort as they continued to cry. Selim nodded along with his brother's words, as if trying to convince himself that it would ease the pain, even just a little.

Just as I was about to stand and help them to their feet so we could all head outside to the harem, the door to my room opened quietly, and I turned to see Sibylle standing in the doorway.

"Zeynep Sultan has arrived" she murmured, stepping closer and standing next to Ilyas, gently brushing some of his blonde hair as if to distract herself "I thought you should know"

I nodded and headed outside. Just a few steps away, I heard the sound of Zeynep's cries echoing from Turhan Sultan's chambers. Without hesitation, I made my way there, eager to offer my presence and provide the same support she had so generously given me when I was mourning my father.

I entered the room and gestured for everyone to leave. Then, I moved toward her, finding Zeynep on her knees before her mother's throne, as if lost in a moment of longing, perhaps wishing for one final sight of her seated there.

"I'm so sorry, Zeynep" I whispered, my voice breaking as I knelt beside her, gently placing my hand on her trembling shoulder "I'm so sorry for your loss"

"How can I deal with this? This should never have happened" she cried, her voice trembling with desperation as she looked at me, her red eyes betraying the toll of endless tears.

"One day at a time" I said softly, guiding her to the couch and sitting beside her, taking her hands in mine "You don't need to have it all figured out right now. Just take it one step at a time" I reached up, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face "We must honor her, fulfill our final duty to her. Our Valide Sultan deserves nothing less, especially today"

Zeynep's tears flowed without end, but she leaned into me, allowing herself to cry freely, to release the overwhelming pain, and I did the same, wrapping my arms around her as we both gave in to the sorrow.

It was only when she felt ready that we made our way outside, standing at the entrance of the Harem, our hands clasped in front of us. Tears streamed down our faces as we took one last look at Turhan Sultan's coffin, carried by the Harem Aghas as they made their way out.

It wasn't until moments later that my gaze landed on Sema, standing behind Selim, her eyes sharp and focused, as if committing every detail to memory, as if engraving each moment in her mind. I let out a sigh and lowered my eyes, silently praying.

»»-----　♔　-----««

|3rd person POV|

Once Sema finally found a moment of solitude in the chambers, she sat by the window, the soft breeze gently tousling her hair. With a piece of paper and a quill in hand, she began to pour her thoughts onto the page, transforming the events of the day into words.

Confidential Report
Date: 2nd February, 1672
To: Katip Çelebi (Haji Khalifa)
From: Sema, in the service of Her Highness Haseki Ayleen Nura Sultan (Princess Helena)
Subject: The Passing of Valide Turhan Sultan and Its Impact on the Imperial Court

On the 2nd of February, 1672, at the age of fifty-three, Valide Turhan Sultan, mother of Sultan Orhan Khan II, passed away peacefully in her chambers at the Imperial Palace. She was dressed in a rich, deep crimson robe, while the delicate scent of jasmine lingered in her hair from the night before. Her death marks the end of an era, one that left a profound imprint on the palace and in the hearts of those who revered her as a powerful, unyielding figure.

Valide Turhan Sultan was a woman of immense strength and grace, overcoming her foreign origins to become one of the most influential figures in the Ottoman Empire. Her political savvy played a crucial role in shaping her son Sultan Orhan Khan II's reign. Devoted and wise, she worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the stability of the empire, often acting as a stabilizing force when the Sultan was preoccupied with matters of state.

Turhan Sultan's death has left a profound emotional mark on Sultan Orhan, whose bond with his mother was deep and unwavering. Their relationship, rooted in mutual respect and devotion, was often described as unbreakable. With her passing, the immense influence she had on Orhan's life is now replaced by a heavy sense of loss and grief that weighs on him.

Haseki Ayleen Nura Sultan has borne her mother-in-law's passing with remarkable grace. Their relationship, defined by mutual respect and quiet understanding, enabled her to navigate this difficult time with dignity and composure. She has gracefully shouldered the responsibility of taking care of everything and everyone around her during this trying day.

The death of Valide Turhan Sultan has shifted the delicate power dynamics within the harem. While Ayleen Sultan retains the title of Haseki Sultan, the loss of Turhan Sultan marks a significant turning point. The court now watches closely, wondering who will rise to hold the most sway over Sultan Orhan Khan II and shape the future of the harem. Though the court remains in mourning, it is only a matter of time before the intricate politics that define the palace life resume.

The Imperial Court watches with bated breath, keen to observe how Sultan Orhan and his closest advisors, especially Haseki Sultan Ayleen and his sister Zeynep Sultan, will steer the empire through this uncertain chapter in the wake of such a formidable loss.

»»-----　♔　-----««

|Ayleen's POV |

-February 16, 1672-

The door to my chamber creaked open softly, and I glanced up to find Beyhan Sultan standing in the doorway, her gaze locking onto mine with that peculiar intensity she always seemed to carry. She had an uncanny knack for appearing at the most inconvenient moments, invariably with something irksome to say. Today, however, I hoped she would break her usual pattern.

"I thought I'd come check on you" she said, stepping into the room, her voice dripping with a sweetness that barely concealed the subtle edge of condescension "You've been holed up in here for days, always with the children, or with his Majesty, or caught up in whatever else demands your attention. How are you managing?"

I nodded, doing my best to quell the irritation bubbling inside me. I was barely keeping myself together, and her presence only seemed to tighten the space around me. I couldn't stand her, and I never would.

"I'm fine" I replied sharply, forcing a polite but tired smile "Thank you for your concern"

"I can only imagine how you must be feeling, dear" she murmured, her words deliberate and slow "I'm sure you're devastated by Turhan Sultan's passing. She was such a great woman, always protecting you. It must be difficult to lose someone who did so much for you, much like when she helped you rid yourself of Fatma Sultan and Rana Hanım Sultan"

My eyes flickered at the mention of those names. The sheer audacity of her words caught me completely off guard. Yes, Fatma Sultan had been handled by Turhan Sultan, but Rana's death had been an accident, she had fallen down the stairs. After lying bedridden for twenty days, she had passed away. There was no link between Turhan Sultan and Rana's death, nothing at all. Turhan Sultan had sworn she had no part in it, claiming that it was fate that had dealt the blow.

"What are you talking about?" I blinked, struggling to keep my voice calm, though my mind raced to decipher her intentions "I have no idea where you're getting this from"

"Oh, I see" she mused, nodding as if savoring an inside joke "You're claiming you had no knowledge of that. Well, that's perfectly fine. No need to dwell on the specifics. We all have our own interpretations"

I could sense the direction this conversation was taking, and I didn't like it one bit.

"But let's focus on the bright side" she remarked, her voice oozing with a nearly patronizing optimism "Now that the position of Valide Sultan is vacant, Orhan will have to decide who will lead the harem, right? I'm sure you've set your sights on that by now"

Was this the reason she had come here? Did she honestly believe I could be so easily manipulated?

"Beyhan Sultan" I said, my patience wearing thin "you're wrong. We've just lost a remarkable woman, and you think this is the moment to speak of power and positions? We are mourning Turhan Sultan. She deserves that respect"

"Oh, of course" she gave a smile, small and almost pitying "But mourning doesn't last forever. People move on, and things change. The harem will need someone to step up and take charge, and his Majesty will have to make a choice"

"Mind your own business, Beyhan Sultan" I replied, my voice calm, though the sharpness of my irritation was impossible to mask "We've just lost someone irreplaceable. It's far too soon to be discussing this. We'll take the time to mourn her properly, not engage in the games you're trying to instigate. And frankly, this has nothing to do with you, it shouldn't even be your concern"

»»-----　♔　-----««

-February 23, 1672-

Three weeks had passed since Turhan Sultan's death, and it felt like things weren't going to return to normal anytime soon. Orhan had taken Ahmed, Selim, and Osman on a hunting trip, perhaps in an attempt to distract himself. Though it worried me, I supported the decision, believing it might help him in some way.

As I made my way down the hallway toward Aysel's room, the sound of raised voices ahead made my pace quicken. I rounded the corner and found myself face to face with Zeynep, standing opposite Beyhan, whose smug expression instantly made my blood boil.

"Who do you think you are? You can't just take over, so stop with this nonsense!" Zeynep's voice rang out, loud and full of fury as she yelled at her older sister.

"I'm simply trying to maintain order after Turhan Sultan's passing. Someone needs to ensure stability, and clearly, I'm the only one capable of that" Beyhan replied, her eyes narrowing as she remained composed, almost as if she were deliberately provoking Zeynep further.

"Oh Stability" Zeynep's laugh was bitter "You've been a thorn in everyone's side since you arrived. Just because my mother is gone doesn't mean you can claim what isn't yours. Orhan would never let those dreams of yours become reality"

"Someone has to fill the void left behind" Beyhan replied, her voice dripping with confidence "Don't fool yourself. He'll depend on me more than you realize. After all, I'm his older sister, and I know far more than all of you" She took a step closer, her tone dropping to a low, mocking cadence. Her gaze flickered toward me, and her smile twisted in a strange, unsettling way "It seems even you've been pushed into the background. I don't see you suited for such an important role"

"Enough" I replied, my voice steady, not wanting to waste any more energy on her ridiculous words "Can you just stop embarrassing yourself?"

Beyhan shot me a cold, calculating look but didn't respond right away. Her eyes flicked between Zeynep and me, assessing our reactions. She believed she held the upper hand, but I wasn't about to let her have the victory.

"You can't simply walk in here and seize control" I remarked, my tone calm "His Majesty may be distant at the moment, but he's not so lost that he would grant you such power. So, calm yourself, and perhaps take some rest, your body likely needs it after standing for two hours straight"

Beyhan froze, her smirk faltering for a brief moment, and I knew I'd struck a nerve. She had no reply, she understood exactly what I meant.

Was I using her own bullying tactics against her?

Yes.

Did I feel guilty?

No.

»»-----　♔　-----««

-February 28, 1672-

Ilyas came running toward me, his footsteps quick and light. His small face was flushed with excitement, and his eyes sparkled with the innocent joy that only children seem to carry.

"They're here!" he exclaimed breathlessly, his words spilling out in a rush as though he could barely contain his excitement.

A smile tugged at my lips as I realized he must be talking about his father and brothers. Orhan had been distant these past few days, and I had hoped that their return would bring about some much-needed change.

"Oh, they've arrived?" I murmured, gently smoothing my son's hair back before pressing a soft kiss to his forehead "Let's go meet them"

I rushed to my chamber, swiftly grabbing a veil from above my bed. Draping it over my hair, I adjusted my posture with deliberate calm. I wanted to appear composed, serene, for my children, and for Orhan. More than anything, I yearned to see them happy.

When I stepped back into the hallway, Ilyas was already there, waiting with bright eyes and his small hand firmly clasped around my finger. I smiled down at him and gave a reassuring nod. With that, we made our way toward the entrance to meet them.

But as we neared the doors, something didn't feel right. My smile faltered, and my pace slowed when I saw it, the doctors, a group of them, rushing down the hall with frantic urgency, their steps hurried and chaotic. Their faces were pale and drawn, eyes wide with a fear that made my blood run cold.

And then, emerging from behind them, I saw something.

It was Orhan, but not as I had expected.

The sight of him sent a jolt of shock through me. He was being carried in a wooden stretcher, the men moving swiftly, with guards trailing closely behind, followed by Yunus Pasha and Asim Pasha.

"No... no..." I whispered, my voice trembling, as if the words themselves could undo the nightmare unfolding before me.

"Sultanim" Ebru whispered softly from behind me, her voice laced with concern.

Without thinking, I let go of Ilyas's hand, allowing Ebru to gently guide him back toward my chambers. Tears began to gather in my eyes as I hurried forward, my steps quickening as I followed the others toward Orhan's chambers.

"What's happening?" I managed to say, my voice cracking.

"Your Highness" Asim Pasha turned to me, his face ashen in a way I had never seen before "A disaster has struck"