|Helena's POV|

-The Next Day-

I gazed at myself in the mirror for one last look.. Everything was perfect...my hair, my makeup, my dress, and my jewelry sparkled like stars.

"Come on, Helena, hurry up" Zeynep Sultan called from behind me.. I nodded and followed her out of the room, along with Turhan Sultan, the other maids, and my ladies-in-waiting.

I had never been to this part of the palace before, and I was unsure where we were headed. We stopped before a beautifully decorated wooden allowing us see and hear what was happening behind it.

"This is your wedding ceremony with the Sultan" Turhan Sultan said, her eyes shining with excitement.

There were many men reciting some words behind another man, and on the other side, I could see my father and Sultan Orhan standing and watching what was happening as well.

Moments later, it happened... I became the Sultan's legal wife, and as my mother had told me, I was now part of the Ottoman dynasty.

"Congratulations, Princess" Turhan Sultan beamed at me "Or shall we say, Haseki Helena Sultan"

Once we returned to the harem, the celebrations began... Some were dancing, others singing, and many played musical instruments while I watched with a soft smile.

"Everyone is looking at you, Helena" Zeynep Sultan said, swaying gently with the music and giving me a warm smile.

"Of course! My son's wife is absolutely beautiful" Turhan Sultan replied, making me smile back at her... then she added "Inshallah, we will have many grandchildren; Ahmed and Aysel will have even more siblings"

"Thank you" I said softly, offering a small smile, even though my face felt a bit pale.

"You look so beautiful" a sweet little voice brought me back to reality... when I turned, I saw Aysel sitting beside me, holding a honey candy in her tiny hand.

"You too, Princess" I said, smiling as I admired her dress "That blue dress is so lovely and matches your beautiful eyes perfectly"

"Thank you!" she giggled, her laughter brightening the room... She started to enjoy her candy while I watched her with a smile, gently running my fingers through her hair.

"Destur, Sultan Orhan Khan Hazretleri!"

Suddenly, the music stopped... Everyone stood straight... I focused on the door, my heart racing as he entered, dressed in elegant black and gold, walking with a calm confidence.

"Aslanim" Turhan Sultan smiled brightly "Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Valide" he replied, smiling back at her and his sister.

"Daddy" Aysel said excitedly.

"My beautiful flower" he lifted her and then kissed her on the cheek before placing her back down again.

He approached me, and I felt a flutter of nerves... Why was he here? Turhan Sultan hadn't mentioned any custom about this... But then again, he is the owner of this grand palace and can go wherever he pleases.

"Welcome to the family, Helena" he said softly, his voice steady.

One of the aghas stepped forward, carrying a small box... Orhan opened it and took out a beautiful necklace, looking at me... I was taken aback, unsure of what to do, until I noticed Sibylle gesturing for me to turn around.

Finally, I did as she suggested ..Orhan gently placed the necklace around my neck, and I felt a warm thrill.

"Thank you, Your Majesty" I whispered softly, turning back to face him with a stupid smile.

After he left, everyone returned to their places, and the party continued in a warm and enjoyable atmosphere. However, it wasn't the same for me, as the closer it got to the time, the more my anxiety increased little by little.

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My heart was pounding as I walked down the golden hallway, as they call it... I had one request, but I didn't know if I had the courage to ask it.

They opened the door, and now it was time for me to take the remaining steps alone... I took a deep breath and moved forward with slow, steady steps, keeping my head down.

The sound of the doors closing behind me sent a wave of anxiety through me... I raised my eyes to see him turning towards me after looking the other way.

He was wearing dark gray silk clothes, and somehow, they looked beautiful on him, with his light brown hair tousled.

"Your Majesty" I whispered softly, keeping a good distance between us... I really started to feel my hands shaking, and I wanted to run away...I am a princess...how did I end up here feeling like I was being forced to do something I didn't want?

"Helena" he said after a long moment of silence... he began to walk towards me with steady steps, making my face pale slightly "I understand the situation; there's no need to worry" he gently placed his hand on my cheek.

I couldn't think of anything to say; I felt lost in this awkward moment.

"You are a precious girl, Princess" he smiled a little "You are now a Sultana and my wife" He looked into my eyes with kindness "You won't be forced to do anything, especially since this political marriage must feel strange to you"

"Your Majesty" I lowered my eyes, feeling a bit relieved "I really don't know what to say"

"Nothing, Helena... Like I said, I understand the situation; you can think of us as friends" He kissed my forehead, which made me smile a little because, at least, I wouldn't have to act like a wife tonight... He gave me space and most importantly, I could see him as a good friend.