|Helena's POV|

-A Week Later-

At last, I stood up as Sibylle finished arranging my hair.. I cast a final glance at my reflection in the mirror and smiled.. Everything was in place, and I looked just as I had hoped.

Three days ago, Turhan Sultan told me two guests were coming, Fatma Sultan, Orhan's aunt, and her daughter, Rana Hanim Sultan.

I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nervousness.. Meeting more members of the family seemed daunting.

My anxiety was only heightened by the way Zeynep Sultan had described them.. She said Fatma Sultan was always smiling and laughing, but beneath that charm was a woman of sharp precision, someone who knew exactly who she was and where she stood.

Her daughter, Rana, was strikingly beautiful, with a fierce and untamed beauty.. She wasn't the type to be pampered, and her beauty wasn't the only thing sharp about her.. Her tongue, too, was quick and cutting.

"I'll go prepare myself" Sibylle said with a warm smile before disappearing, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Meanwhile, Isabel had gone to bring a few girls for me.. The first task of the day was to choose a maid I could trust with my room and my personal matters, as well as selecting maids for Ahmed and Aysel.. I knew this wouldn't be an easy decision, but I would take my mother's advice to heart.

I sank into the couch, the soft cushions embracing me as I held a delicate cup of jasmine tea.. enjoying this beautiful morning.

But then, a soft knock at the door broke the silence.. I set my cup down carefully, wondering who it was.

The door opened slowly, and Zeynep entered, with a small smile. She closed the door behind her, her eyes meeting mine.

"Zeynep, what is it?" I asked, giving her a small smile.

She walked closer but didn't sit down.. There was something different in her expression today, something serious.

"I have something important to tell you, Helena... It's from my Valide" she said softly looking at me.

"What is it?" I set my tea down, giving her my full attention.

Zeynep took a breath and said "She wanted me to make something clear to you.. You do not need to bow to Fatma Sultan or Rana Hanim Sultan"

"But..." I blinked, not sure if I understood "Aren't they part of the dynasty?" I asked.

"Yes" she nodded "but as Haseki Sultan, you are above them in rank... You don't have to bow to them"

I felt a rush of surprise and confusion..It was hard to imagine, but Zeynep was serious.

"But what if they think I'm being rude?" I asked, my voice unsure "I don't want to cause any trouble"

"I understand" she gave me a warm smile "But our Valide wants you to know your place.. You are the Sultan's legal wife, and that gives you a higher rank.. You do not need to bow to anyone beneath you"

It was strange to think of myself as above others in rank, especially someone like Fatma Sultan, I don't know her but she's a sultana by blood just like I'm a Habsburg princess by blood.

"Thank you, Zeynep" I said quietly "I'm glad you told me this"

After a brief conversation, Zeynep Sultan left, mentioning that she was a bit busy.. Once again, I was left alone with my thoughts.

A sense of unease settled over me.. I had a bad feeling, as if even Turhan Sultan and Zeynep Sultan didn't like Fatma Sultan, which only made the idea of meeting her more unsettling... But, of course, I would follow my mother-in-law's advice.

Finally, Isabel returned with about 10 girls for me to choose from.. I straightened up, signaling for them to stand before me.. As I began scanning them with my eyes while my mother's words from years ago echoed in my mind.

A good maid must have a quiet grace, not too loud in her presence, yet always aware of the needs around her

The first maid was tall, with dark hair and a soft face.. She stood straight, her hands folded neatly in front of her.. Her eyes were calm, but there was a quietness to her, almost like she was unsure of herself.

"What's your name?" I asked softly.

"Anastasia, Your Highness" she replied with a small, polite smile.. her voice was soft, but I could hear the nervousness in it.

I thought for a moment.. She's graceful, but is she ready to serve me? She didn't seem like someone who would speak up when needed, but I wasn't sure.. I made a note to think about it later.

As my eyes moved to the rest of the girls, another piece of advice from my mother echoed in my mind.

Observe their hands, Helena.. hands that are steady, gentle, and capable.. A maid must handle the smallest task with care, as if she were tending to a precious thing

This is what made my eyes slide down to their hands, one after the other.

The second maid was much shorter.. She had light blonde hair, pulled back into a neat braid, but she looked nervous, her hands fidgeted and her eyes were focused on the floor.. I could see her shaking slightly.

"What's your name?" I asked gently, trying to encourage her.

"Clara, Your Highness" she answered, her voice barely above a whisper.

I could feel her fear.. She's too shy for this role.. I needed someone who could handle the stress of palace life, someone who wouldn't hesitate when there was work to be done or maybe a fire.... Clara wasn't the right choice so I moved on.

The third maid stood with a strong presence.. She had dark hair, tied up neatly, and sharp features... Her eyes were deep and watchful, and she looked at me directly with no hint of fear... There was something bold about her, almost too bold.

"What's your name?" I asked, curious.

"Julia, Your Highness" she said, her voice steady and calm.. Her gaze didn't falter, and I could see she wasn't intimidated by me.

Julia is confident, maybe too confident.. She might not be easy to manage, but her strength could be useful.. I wasn't sure yet, but she was definitely a candidate.

I took a sip of my tea and then began to think once again about my mother's words.

Look for eyes that don't wander, but instead observe with understanding.. The best maids do not ask for attention, they give it, in their every action, without expectation

The fourth maid was small and delicate.. She had soft brown hair and a gentle smile.. Her eyes were warm, and she seemed calm and peaceful.. I could see she wasn't nervous like Clara, but also not too bold like Julia.

"What's your name?" I asked softly.

"Elena, Your Highness" she said with a quiet but clear voice.. She didn't look at the ground, but instead met my gaze with respect.

I smiled.. Elena is kind and calm.. I liked her gentle nature.. She would be good at taking care of Aysel.

I smiled to myself, truly feeling as though my mother's advice was guiding me through this task every step of the way.

Never choose a maid who seeks the spotlight.. It is those who move quietly who observe and listen, who make the best servants .. and remember, my dear, it is not just about beauty or youth.. It is about loyalty, trustworthiness, and a mind that can adapt quickly.. A maid must be strong enough to endure but gentle enough to serve

The fifth maid was the tallest of them all.. She had dark hair, strong features, and a confident posture.. There was something about her that felt very sure of herself, almost too much.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Fidan, Your Highness" she said, her voice clear and confident.. Her gaze met mine without hesitation.

Fidan is strong, but I worry she might be difficult to control.. Still, I knew she could be a great help if she listened well... I made a note to consider her carefully.

I still needed someone who could handle the energy of Ahmed, our wild little prince... I looked toward the remaining girls, trying to find someone who could match his energy and keep up with him.

"I need a good maid for Ahmed" I said to Isabel, my voice a little louder than usual "Someone who can match him, in his thoughts, his conversations, and his energy"

The next maid was younger, perhaps no older than sixteen... she had bright red hair and a freckled face, and her smile was infectious.

"What's your name?" I asked, curious about her.

"Marissa, Your Highness" she replied cheerfully "I grew up with younger siblings, so I know how to keep them busy and entertained"

Her warmth and energy made me think she would be a good choice for Ahmed.. She was youthful, but her ability to connect with children was evident because there's something warm and wild about her.

"Alright then" I said, placing my cup of tea down and standing up.. there was no need to get to know the others, so I decided to make my choice "Anastasia, Elena, Marissa, stay here... The rest of you may leave" I had also considered selecting Fidan and Julia, but in the end, I decided against it.

I watched as the others filed out, then began to give my instructions.. Anastasia would be at my service, while Elena's sweet personality seemed perfect for a delicate girl like Aysel.. As for Marissa, after our brief conversation, I was convinced she would be the right fit for Ahmed.

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|3rd Person POV|

The carriage creaked as it rolled toward the palace, Fatma Sultan sat inside with a composed expression, while her daughter, Rana Hanim Sultan, stared out the window, lost in thought.

Rana's sharp eyes narrowed.. Helena, the Haseki Sultan... She couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation.. The marriage between Helena and the Sultan had been purely political, just another alliance to strengthen power, not love.. She's a foreigner.. Rana thought.. Nothing special.. Just a title.

"She's not like us" Fatma Sultan said, eyes hardening "She doesn't belong here" she broke the silence, her voice low but edged with frustration.

"I know.. A foreigner, married to his majesty for nothing more than politics" Rana's lips pressed into a thin line

"She's just a pawn in this game" Fatma glanced at her daughter, noting the coldness in her tone.

"A pawn, yes..But the kind of pawn that gets all the attention" Rana replied with annoyance as she was blinded by jealousy.

"She may have the title, but remember, we have the strength, we are above her.. she's his Majesty's wife, but you are his blood.. Your place is here.. It always has been" Fatma nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing as the carriage drew closer to the palace gates.

"I will make him see that.. She won't outshine me" Rana straightened, her gaze hardening

"Good.. Show her who truly belongs to this empire and by his majesty's side" Fatma met her daughter's gaze, smiling widely.