|Helena's POV|

In the evening, the harem was buzzing with celebration, filled with music that echoed through the air and dancers competing to show off their skills, twisting their waists with expertise and grace.

I wasn't enjoying it much, as I still occasionally felt nauseous and dizzy, but the midwife assured me that this was normal during the early months of pregnancy.

I looked to my side, where Zeynep Sultan sat swaying gently to the music, nibbling on some nuts from time to time... On the other side, Turhan Sultan sat as well, and though she didn't seem to be fully enjoying herself, she appeared excited about the new grandchild on the way.

At that thought, I turned to Aysel, who seemed indifferent to everything happening around her, more focused on talking with her little friend, Ruhsar, the daughter of Zühre.

"Look at my mother, she looks so happy" I heard Zeynep say, leaning towards me and speaking softly with a wide smile "She's always wanted many grandchildren"

I smiled a little, glancing at Turhan Sultan before refocusing on Zeynep... At that moment, a few questions slipped into my mind... I was genuinely curious.

I hesitated for a moment, absentmindedly playing with my ring, a nervous habit of mine, but I tried to press forward.

"Shouldn't Orhan have many children by now?" I looked around at the girls scattered throughout the place "Is it possible that none of them have been fortunate?"

Perhaps my question seemed odd, but it honestly puzzled me... Isabel, Sibylle, and I had often exchanged curious glances about this very subject.

"Yes, that's what was supposed to happen" Zeynep sighed softly "Orhan was supposed to have two children last year, but unfortunately, one of the concubines lost her baby in the early months due to a fever, and the other got sick with smallpox and died, along with the child in her womb"

I shuddered as I heard this for the first time... When she quietly gestured to one of the girls, I looked and saw the sharpness in her eyes, watching me as if I had stolen something from her.

I realized that she was the one who had lost her child due to the fever... Despite the jealousy that began to stir within me toward Orhan, I couldn't help but feel sympathy for her... I couldn't imagine how it would feel to lose a child I hadn't even seen yet.

"Don't worry about these things, Helena" Zeynep said, her tone clearly signaling that she wanted to move on from the topic... she then looked into my eyes with a cheerful smile "I hope to give my mother some grandchildren soon too"

A faint, almost forced smile appeared on my face as I watched her excitement... Her eyes sparkled at the thought, and I couldn't help but imagine that Mansur was likely a part of those dreams.

Just the thought of him stirred up a sense of anger within me, a frustration with this entire situation... It seemed wrong, and sometimes it led me to wonder how Orhan could stand having him by his side for most of the long hours he spent working each day.

As these thoughts swirled in my mind, my eyes drifted once again to that girl who never seemed to share in the joy of this grand celebration... Her eyes didn't waver from me for a second, and to be honest, I found myself studying her, with many questions running through my mind... questions not only about what Zeynep had said earlier, but about many other things as well.

"Your highness, congratulations" a voice suddenly pulled me out of my thoughts.. when I turned, I saw Zühre approaching, her eyes focused on her daughter and Aysel "I was so happy when I received the invitation"

"Thank you" I smiled, brushing aside the flood of questions in my mind, and glanced down at her belly "I think our babies will be friends" I joked, remembering how she had told me during Eid that she was expecting her third child.

"Yes, definitely" she replied with a warm, comforting smile "I truly pray that your baby is born healthy and that you both have a peaceful and beautiful life, Helena"

She finished with a heartfelt smile that made me feel a deep sense of happiness... It was comforting to know that so many people cared for me and my child... I reached out, gently placing my hand on hers with a calm smile, a silent gesture of gratitude.

»»-----　♔　-----««

I started combing Aysel's hair gently after she told me she wasn't ready to sleep yet.

Despite the celebrations that had lasted for hours, she still didn't feel the slightest bit of exhaustion and wanted to join me and the girls.

What was also strange today was that Ahmed wanted to spend some time with us too... He was sitting in a corner, playing with his wooden soldiers.

"Are you done yet?" Isabel asked calmly, lifting her eyes from the piece of fabric she was embroidering... her question was directed at Sibylle and Anastasia, who were in the other room, organizing all the gifts I had received.

"There's not much left, just some jewelry to arrange" Sibylle's voice came from inside.. then she added "This room is about to burst with your things, Helena"

"Yeah, I know it's a lot" I sighed a little and then started adjusting Aysel's hair, placing the comb beside me "I'm grateful, but I really don't need all these gifts and things... It would have been better if they just donated everything to the charity event organized by Turhan Sultan"

"Maybe next time" Isabel replied with a small wink before returning to whatever she was busy with... But it wasn't long before we heard the announcement of Orhan's arrival.

As usual, Isabel disappeared quickly, leaving me and Aysel behind... We both stood up to greet him, and as usual, Aysel was the first to rush into his arms with excitement.

"They told me you haven't slept yet" Orhan said calmly, kissing Aysel on the cheek... then he ran his hand over Ahmed's hair, who had not bothered to get up from his spot, more interested in his toys.

"The celebrations just ended a little while ago" Ahmed said, finally lifting his head with a smile.

From what I had learned about young children over the past few months, I could tell he was definitely feeling sleepy, but he was resisting it.

"Was it fun?" Orhan asked, this time looking at me... he took a few steps closer and set Aysel down "Is everything alright?" His gaze shifted to my belly with concern, which, for some reason, made me think about what zeynep told me... I wondered if that was why Orhan seemed so concerned and maybe even fearful that the same thing might happen again.

While I was lost in my thoughts, I forgot to respond to his question... I turned to find him moving closer to my right side... He placed one hand behind my back and the other on my stomach... But the moment didn't last long before he lifted his hand and gently traced his fingers across my cheek, asking "Are you okay?"

I looked at him, caught off guard by the warmth in his tone, the genuine concern... It wasn't just the baby he was worried about.. I could feel that he was checking in on me... The thought both reassured and unsettled me.

"Yes...I'm fine" I replied with a smile, my words drifting away in the sea of his eyes before I added "The exhaustion and nausea will accompany me through these months, but other than that, I'm fine"

I watched his eyes, smiling, as he continued to study my features with calmness... I had grown somewhat accustomed to his serene nature, it seemed to be part of who he was.

I think that calmness draws me to him even more, making me cherish the time and words we share... But sometimes, I find myself lost in his tranquility, searching for something... Even though he whispers all those sweet words to me when I'm in his arms, the worry still lingers... I know I haven't yet heard the most important word, or to be precise, three words.

Before Orhan could respond, a small voice cut through the moment.

"I don't want a new baby" Aysel's voice was louder than usual, and when I glanced over at her, I saw the pouting look on her face.. her arms were crossed, her lower lip sticking out like a child who had just lost their favorite toy "daddy, you love the new baby more than me, don't you?"

Orhan and I exchanged a look, and my heart twisted at the sight of Aysel's jealous expression... My first instinct was to pull her into my arms and reassure her, but before I could speak, Orhan stepped forward, kneeling down to her level.

"Aysel" he said gently, lifting her chin so that her eyes met his "Why would you think that?"

"Because everyone is talking about the baby" she replied, her voice trembling slightly "And they keep saying the baby is going to be so special... What about me?"

I could see the hurt in her eyes, and it made me ache inside... Aysel was still so young, and the thought of her feeling left out because of a new baby was something I didn't want her to experience... I quickly stepped beside Orhan, placing my hand on Aysel's shoulder.

"Aysel" I said softly "You're already special... No baby will ever change how much we love you"

"That's right" Orhan added, his voice warm and playful as he ruffled her hair "You're our first little sunshine... Nothing will ever take that away from you"

Aysel looked up at both of us, her expression softening but still clearly skeptical... Orhan winked at me, an unspoken understanding passing between us... I could tell he was trying to lift her spirits, but I could see how hard it was for her to accept the idea of a new sibling.

"You know" I said, crouching down to her level "The baby will be so lucky to have you as a big sister... You'll be the best one"

Aysel's eyes brightened a little "I will be the best big sister?" she asked hesitantly.

"Of course you will" Orhan said, his smile broadening "And you'll teach the baby all the fun things"

Aysel's face lit up as she processed his words, her jealousy slowly starting to fade away "I can teach the baby to play with my dolls?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement now.

"Absolutely" I replied, smiling warmly at her, already enjoying the excitement beginning to shine in her eyes... but all of that was interrupted by Ahmed.

"But if it's a boy, you can't do that, Aysel" he said, standing up and moving closer to his sister... he began moving some of his toy soldiers in front of her "He'll be my companion in war, and I'll teach him all my great skills"

I could see Orhan sighing at his son's words, trying to hold back his laughter, while Aysel shot him a confused look... For a moment, I thought she might yell at him.

"It's a girl" she said, crossing her arms again and glaring at Ahmed with defiance... then she turned her attention to her father "right... daddy?" This time, her voice was full of sweetness, as though trying to pull him under the spell of her gaze to support her argument.

"Well, we'll see, kids" Orhan replied, taking both their hands, trying to avoid a big sibling argument "We'll see, but you have to trust that you'll love the baby, whether it's a boy or a girl"