|Helena's POV|

-Three Days Later-

"So, how did you find the place?" my father asked as we walked together in the garden.

"It's nice, and you are here, along with Isabel and Sibylle" I turned to him "I wish my mother, Gisela, and Mattias were here too"

"They may visit you later" He stopped walking and turned to me, and I did the same.

"Helene" he took my hands in his "my beautiful daughter, I will leave after your wedding... You know the responsibilities I bear... I came here with you only so you wouldn't feel alone or think we abandoned you... Your mother and I love you very much, and we are proud of you"

His words made me want to cry, but I tried to hold it back.

"Father" I smiled a little "you have given me a wonderful life, and at a time when kings were marrying their daughters off at a young age, you kept me safe and never forced me into anything"

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After lunch, we went by carriage to Topkapi Palace, where a henna party would be held that night.

According to what Turhan Sultan told me, it is one of the important traditions here, and the bride, the day before her wedding, is prepared for the hamam, which means a shower, then wears a red dress and attends the henna party with the other girls and women.

My father would also have dinner with the Sultan, as since our arrival here, they meet for at least two hours each day to discuss those boring political topics.

As I headed to Turhan Sultan's room with Zeynep Sultan, I could feel many eyes on me, especially as we passed two large doors. Inside, I caught sight of many girls whispering, and I must have been the subject of their gossip. Nevertheless, I couldn't understand anything, and an older woman shouted at them.

After meeting Turhan Sultan, I spent over two hours getting ready with the help of many maids, of course.

The henna party began, and I sat alongside Turhan Sultan and Zeynep Sultan, along with many women who were seated in various places.

The music here was different, the dancing, and even the food, but not in a negative way... I loved the traditions... I received many gifts, the most important being an emerald earring that Turhan Sultan gifted me.

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-Two Days Later-

Today, Turhan Sultan invited me to have lunch with her, and we would also discuss the final details, as tomorrow is the big day... I will get married tomorrow.

"Good morning, Sultana" I said with a smile as I stood before her.

"Good morning, my dear Helena" she gestured with her hand, then I came closer and sat beside her.

"Today, we have just two things to do" she smiled, looking at me "I will show you the dress that has been prepared for you, and then I want you to meet two very important people to me"

I looked at her with curiosity, and then I noticed her raise her hand to one of the maids, who bowed and hurried out of the room. Just a couple of minutes later, she returned with a boy and a girl who were incredibly young and beautiful.

"These are my grandchildren" Turhan Sultan finally said with a warm smile after we stood up.

Honestly, I knew who they were the moment I laid eyes on them.

"Hey there!" I whispered with a gentle smile and waved at them, my heart fluttering a bit.

"Hello... who are you?" asked the youngest girl, who looked about three years old, gazing into my eyes with wide, innocent wonder.

"I'm Helena" I replied softly, lowering myself to their level "Can I know your names?"

"I'm Ahmed" the boy said, finally extending his tiny hand, which I shook with a smile as if it were the most precious treasure.

"That's a very beautiful name" I said, brushing my fingers through his hair before turning my gaze to Aysel "And you, little princess?" I asked, even though I already knew her name.

"I'm Aysel" she replied with a sweet smile and despite her young age, her words flowed so beautifully, even better than mine in this language!

"I'm truly honored to meet you both" I said, gently touching Aysel's cheek before standing up again, feeling like I had just made two delightful new friends.

"Valide" the boy looked at Turhan Sultan "I want to meet my father now"

"Of course, my şehzade" Turhan Sultan smiled and raised her head to look at the maid "Take them to meet their father"

The hours passed quickly; we had lunch after Zeynep Sultan joined us, then I tried on the dress, and afterward, I returned to the palace feeling extremely tired.

"A warm bath will do you good, so you can relax and sleep well" Isabel said, then added "Tomorrow is the big day!"

"Or maybe tomorrow I'll run away" I said with a serious face, and then we both burst into laughter.

"What she means is that we'll all run away" Sibylle chimed in, still giggling "You can't escape without us"

"And I bet Isabel will be the most scared of us all and will cause us a lot of trouble" I teased, making Isabel laugh again, as she knew it was true.

We heard a knock on the door, and my father entered holding something in his hand... Sibylle and Isabel withdrew, leaving us alone.

"I have a gift for you, and I believe this is the right time to give it to you" he said with a smile as he began to open a box, revealing a bracelet adorned with red stones inside.

"It's very beautiful" I looked at him "Thank you, Father"

"You deserve the whole world" he replied, placing the box on the table.