|Ayleen's POV|

-July 1664-

"Mommy, Selim took my doll!" Nuray said in frustration, still brushing those strands of hair away from her eyes in a movement she had gotten used to.

Despite my best efforts to fix her hair dozens of times a day, it always fell apart due to her constant fidgeting and boundless energy.

"Selim, give your sister her doll back" I said as I stood up and walked toward the little one who was running around with the toy, while Osman sat calmly, watching him, looking like he couldn't understand his brother's excessive movement.

"No no no" Selim chanted, laughing, continuing his path, seemingly determined to escape to the extra room, believing that would be his hiding place.

"I've caught you" Sybille said as she scooped him up from the floor, laughing, taking the doll from his hand and returning it to Nuray, who, once she had it back, shot a deadly glare at Selim before heading to the other room to continue playing there.

"These little troublemakers are growing up so fast, Ayleen" Sibylle said, sitting down on the couch, placing Selim on her lap, trying to distract him so he wouldn't cause more chaos or destroy anything in his path.

"I told you that their close ages would cause a disaster" I said, laughing, as I picked up Osman and sat back down in my place, leaving Ebru to clean up the mess caused by the kids "You're right, they grow up so quickly.. Time flies, and I can't believe it's been two years since Orhan left" I sighed a little, running my hand through my son's hair.

Saying those words out loud made my chest tighten.. From the beginning, I had thought it would take a long time, but I never imagined it would take this long... Each moment, each day, each week, each month dragged on, and I found myself unable to bear the wait any longer.. I was consumed by thoughts of when he would return, how he would return, and whether time would have changed him.. or if two years would leave him unchanged.

Looking at the children also saddened me.. Ahmed was on the brink of turning ten, and his hair had grown longer, a change he adored.. His maturity grew day by day.. He kept a steady routine.. praying, working hard with his favorite teacher, and never wasting a moment.. You'd always find him either practicing, reading a book, or spending time with Selim and Osman.

Aysel, I don't even know how Orhan would react when he sees her.. She's not the little girl she was just a few years ago.. She'll be turning eight soon, but she has grown more beautiful and dignified.. such an elegant, respectful, and graceful young sultana.

Nuray, I still can't believe she's three and a half now.. It feels like she was just born yesterday, and that feeling doesn't seem to change.. Every day, she proves more and more that she looks like me, with her gray eyes and brown hair that she refuses to let anyone touch except for me or Sibylle and If anyone else does, she doesn't stop complaining.. It seems she possesses a nature completely unlike mine, her father's, or even Ahmed's and Aysel's.. and I am left wondering where it could have come from.

My twins, Selim and Osman, are two and a half.. While Selim is chaotic, Osman is much more calm.. I've never witnessed him complain about one of his siblings, nor have I ever seen him cry or whine.. If something is taken from him, he simply watches with quiet observation, but if the same happens to Selim, he reacts with fierce cries, baring his teeth, unleashing chaos in every direction.

"Do not worry, the news we are receiving is most promising.. Once his duties are fulfilled, he will return to you" Sibylle said with a serene smile, her gentle touch drawing my focus back to her as she placed her hand over mine.. I met her smile with my own before turning my gaze forward once more.

"I'll entrust the children to you" I told Sibylle, her understanding clear in a single glance, knowing that Ebru and Anastasia would assist her "I'll return shortly"

I draped a veil over my head and left my chambers.. As I passed by, the concubines were preparing for bed. However, the moment they saw me leaving the harem at this late hour, surprised glances passed between them as they lowered their heads in respect.

I made my way to Orhan's room, and as soon as the guards spotted me, they swiftly opened the door.. A sense of gratitude filled me, knowing I had the freedom to come here whenever I wished.. a privilege I had not hesitated to embrace over the past two years.

As soon as I crossed the threshold and the door quietly closed behind me, I removed the veil from my head and walked toward Orhan's desk.. It stood there, as though it too had missed him, the place where he once spent countless days and nights lost in its papers.. now, it sat in quiet solitude, untouched and waiting.

I ran my fingers gently over the smooth wooden surface, my gaze falling upon the pile of letters that had accumulated for Orhan during his absence.. the viziers he had entrusted with his duties would examine them and place them here, awaiting his return to read what had been gathered in his stead.

I moved slightly toward the spare room that housed all of Orhan's belongings.. Despite everything in that room, my eyes always found their way to his silver, black, and gray nightclothes.. I don't even know why, but they were always my favoritem.. Every time I saw him wearing one of them, I felt like I couldn't blink, lest I miss a single movement of his.

I turned to the small bookshelf that he kept there and pulled out a book, returning to the main chamber where I lay down and began scanning the pages, wishing that I could fall asleep only to wake up and find that Orhan had returned safely.

»»-----　♔　-----««

-August 1664-

I couldn't believe it.. or rather, I didn't want to cling to that fleeting happiness only for my hopes to be dashed.. But even though the news was uncertain, and Halil Pasha had said he wasn't sure, I found myself waking up with excitement, preparing myself and issuing swift commands I wasn't used to.

Maybe he won't arrive today... That's what I kept reminding myself.

But it seemed like I didn't want to listen to myself as I continued waiting since the early morning, only to find that I wasn't the only one.. It seemed that Turhan Sultan, Fatma Sultan, and Rana Hanım Sultan were also preparing to welcome the Sultan.. It appeared that we had all chosen to believe the rumors.

"How much longer must we wait?" Ahmed asked, pacing slowly in front of me, his hands clasped behind his back while his face wore the unmistakable expression of impatience... I didn't blame him; it had been hours already.

"I'm not sure, perhaps" I replied calmly, nervously moving my fingers as my eyes darted around the room, almost as if I could distract myself to make time go faster.

"How about we go over the language lessons to help pass the time?" Ahmed spoke, as if he'd read my thoughts.

He moved effortlessly, took a book from my shelf, and settled beside me.. before I knew it, we were both absorbed in its pages, losing track of time until the sun began to set, painting the sky with warm hues.

"I don't think Father will arrive today" Aysel remarked, her eyes briefly meeting the mirror as she adjusted her hair, then taking a seat beside me.

"There's still..." I began, but my words were interrupted by the sound of the door opening then Anastasia entered, her face lit with a wide smile "They say they've entered the city... His Majesty could arrive at any moment"

Ahmed and Aysel exchanged a quick glance and shared a smile before rushing off to their grandmother's chambers, barely giving me a moment to process the news.. Though it felt as if the moment I had been waiting for wasn't quite real, I steadied myself and went to take Nuray's hand, leaving the twins for Anastasia and Buşra.

"Thank Allah, at last, I shall lay my eyes upon my son once more" Turhan Sultan said, her wide smile brightening her face as she placed the prayer beads she had been holding between her hands and stood to place a hand on Ahmed's shoulder.

"Finally, we shall find peace and rest, knowing His Majesty is safe and we can once again behold his face" Rana said, her fingers intertwined as a broad smile spread across her face, her expression almost smug.. I couldn't help but roll my eyes, feeling that this was the last moment for her to ruin my mood with her misplaced cheerfulness.

After a brief exchange of words, Sumbul entered to inform us that His Majesty had finally arrived at the palace gates.. Once he concluded an important discussion with his viziers, he would join us.

This was my first time participating in something like this, and although I wasn't sure how the reception ceremony was traditionally done, following Turhan Sultan's instructions made it seem easy.

She stood at the front of the line, followed by Ahmad, Aysel, and then me with Nuray at my side.. behind us stood Anastasia, holding Selim, and Buşra, carrying Osman.. then came Fatma Sultan, with Rana Hanım Sultan at the very end.

"Destur Sultan Orhan Khan Hazretleri"

Though everyone had straightened up, crossing their fingers before them in respectful silence, my gaze remained fixed on the door, eagerly anticipating a glimpse of those two familiar blue eyes.. It wasn't long before the door swung open, and there he stood.. Orhan.

"Mother" he said, addressing his mother first.. but for me, hearing his voice after all this time was like the most beautiful dream come true.

"Aslanım" she said, her gaze filled with pride as he kissed her hand.. he turned back to her, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange, as if confirming that they were finally, truly reunited.

As Ahmed stepped forward, Orhan's gaze immediately fell upon him.. Ahmad kissed his hand, but Orhan, with a swift gesture, placed his hand behind his son's neck and pressed a kiss to his forehead.. Before speaking, his eyes shifted to the fair-haired girl beside him, eagerly waiting for her turn.

When she took his hand with a smile and kissed it, Orhan appeared utterly overwhelmed.. she was his blossom, his light, and the sight of how quickly she had blossomed in just two years left him in awe, as if the passage of time itself had stunned him.

I still couldn't believe it when my turn came. I didn't fully process it until Orhan's eyes were locked on mine, and despite everything I should have said or done, I found myself, almost without thinking, surrendering to his embrace.. It was the only way to breathe in his familiar scent, to reclaim all that I had longed for over the endless two years of waiting.

"Ahmm" I heard Turhan Sultan clearing her throat and though I felt perfectly at ease in Orhan's embrace, his hand resting on my back, I instinctively knew it was time to pull away. It was the right moment, yet not the right place.

I watched, my eyes brimming with tears, as Orhan carefully held each of Nuray, Selim, and Osman in turn, as if trying to make up for all the lost time.. At last, Fatma Sultan and Rana kissed his hand before Turhan Sultan gently advised him to go rest.

»»-----　♔　-----««

I placed my hands behind Aysel's shoulders as she stood in front of me, gazing at the desk that separated us from Orhan and Ahmed, who were pointing at a certain location on the map after Aysel had bombarded him with questions about everything.

"Alright, children, your father needs some rest" I said with a smile, glancing at both of them, noticing the exhaustion on her face as well.. they were usually asleep by this time.

They both nodded, exchanging smiles before quietly leaving the chambers, where Şrife, Marissa, and the other maids were waiting outside .. as soon as the door closed, I allowed myself to turn and saw that Orhan was already watching me.

"How are you?" he asked, extending his hand, and as soon as I placed mine in his, he gently pulled me closer, gazing into my eyes as he brushed a few strands of my hair back, tilting his head to plant a kiss on my lips.

"I'm.. happy" I replied when his lips left mine, raising my hand to softly trace his cheek, savoring his presence.

"I missed you more than words can say" He leaned forward, brushing his lips against my forehead, lingering there for a moment.

"I am grateful for your safe return" I opened my eyes as I gently pushed aside the fabric of his sleeve, then brushed my fingers along his arm until I lifted it.. as soon as I pushed back his cuff, a smile spread across my face upon seeing the light pink ribbon.. It seemed that Orhan hadn't just kept it there, but had tended to it with great care.

His arms enveloped me, and I nestled my head against his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of him.. finally, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, as if the world had finally fallen back into place.

When I opened my eyes the next morning, the sunlight had already filled the chamber, urging me to lift the covers just enough to shield my bare skin from its warmth while I felt Orhan's hand resting gently on the curve of my waist.

I smiled softly and turned toward him.. there he was.. still asleep, his face calm and peaceful.. Although Orhan rarely slept in this long, he seemed completely drained.

I placed my head back on the pillow, raising my hand to softly stroke his cheek and hair, which was scattered beautifully, just like every morning.. I watched him for a while before finally pulling away to prepare myself, first to check on my children and then to join Turhan Sultan in what promised to be an important day, surely filled with preparations for a grand celebration.

"What dress will you wear, Your Highness?" Anastasia asked, placing three dresses before me as I was about to take a quick bath.

"I think the green dress will be fine" I replied quickly, pointing to it, before kissing Nuray's cheek and standing up to head to the bath with Ebru.

By evening, everything was in place.. It was as though Turhan Sultan had woven some kind of magic to bring it all together.. exactly what being a Valide Sultan was meant to embody.

"I don't think the look is quite complete; a necklace would've added the perfect touch" I heard Aysel say to Esra, who was sitting beside her, as they critiqued everyone's appearance at the party.

"Also, the color doesn't suit her skin tone" Esra replied, nodding, before their attention shifted to another woman, continuing their analysis while I had to suppress a laugh at their commentary.

"I'm going to check on the children" I whispered to Turhan Sultan, who gave a calm smile and a subtle nod, signaling for me to go.. I then moved through the crowd, exchanging polite words with those who offered their congratulations on my husband's triumphant return.

As I entered my chamber, I saw the twins peacefully asleep, their serene faces bringing a smile to my own.. I moved toward the small light brown box where I had carefully placed the gift I had prepared for Orhan.. After giving Buşra a few quick instructions to watch over the twins, I left the harem with Ebru, making my way toward Orhan's chambers.

As I approached the corridor known as the Golden Passage, my steps faltered when I saw the door to his room ajar.. Four women emerged.. two with musical instruments in hand, the other two clad in revealing dance costumes, their bodies glittering with jewelry.. the moment they spotted me, their conversation ceased, and they immediately bowed, their heads lowered in respect.

I felt as though the air had been sucked from my lungs, unable to grasp what was happening.. Ebru, however, seemed to react faster than I did, quickly signaling for them to return to the harem.. For a fleeting moment, it felt as if she had known about this dance party in Orhan's room... as though everyone had known except for me.

I didn't understand why, but my feet carried me toward his chambers, as though I was compelled to discover more, gripping the small wooden box tightly in my hand.

When Orhan's voice came from within, the guards opened the door.. I took a deep breath before stepping inside, feeling something pressing against my chest, something I had never felt before.. but the moment my eyes fell on Orhan, standing at his desk, casually chewing something while reading a piece of paper, my features softened, my thoughts aligning.

The moment Orhan saw my face, he turned, slowly lowering his hand and setting the paper down on the desk.. though I tried to maintain my composure, I knew he could see right through me, as he always had.

"Ayleen..." he began, stepping closer, but was stopped when I raised my hand, diverting my gaze from him.

"I've only come to give you your gift" I said, maintaining a steady voice, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes while I took a few calm steps forward "May your reign be everlasting, crowned with triumphs and glory, Your Majesty" I placed the box into his hands, but before he could reach for mine with his other, I swiftly pulled it away and turned, walking out of the chamber without a glance back.

Once I reached my own room, I allowed my cold expression to fall, replaced by one pale with tears threatening to spill.. I ignored all of Sibylle's worried questions as she, Anastasia, and Buşra gathered around me, their faces filled with concern.

"You all knew!" I exclaimed, my voice breaking as my patience shattered.. the others gathered around me, their faces filled with concern, but it only intensified the quiet turmoil I was struggling to hold back.

"What happened?" Sibylle asked, her confusion evident, while Anastasia hurried to fetch a glass of water.

I took it from her and drank half in a single gulp, as if my throat might desert me entirely while Ebru, noticing my distress, was already explaining what had just unfolded.

"Of course, had we known, we would have told you, Your Highness" Anastasia said, bowing her head as I sank onto the couch.. she gently took my hand, her touch soothing as she began massaging it "You need to calm yourself"

"So, while you were here, caring for five children for two years, playing both mother and father to them, running tirelessly to meet their every need, he was just now celebrating his victory by welcoming barely clothed women, shaking their waists!" Sibylle said, her face flushed with fury as she paced in front of me.

"Sibylle, stop," said Anastasia, standing quickly, trying to pull Sibylle away, who had started cursing Orhan and his mother, who seemed to have orchestrated this party.

"I don't care who sent them to him; what matters is that he chose to welcome them.. he is the only one at fault, and I will not tolerate such a thing" I stood, placing my hands on my hips, forcing myself to remain composed.. before I could say anything more, the door creaked open, and Turhan Sultan entered, her expression grave.

"Everyone, out" she commanded, gesturing to all the girls who lowered their heads and left, except for Sibylle, who shot a furious glare at Turhan Sultan before finally turning and leaving.

"What is going on here?" she asked, her fingers crossed as she studied my face intently "I heard you were in his majesty's chambers when things weren't supposed to unfold that way.. you had no right to send them away, and you shouldn't have gone in there"

"What do you mean?" I raised an eyebrow, my voice laced with annoyance "I didn't send them away.. they were already gone before I even stepped into his chambers"

"Listen, Ayleen" she said, stepping closer and placing a hand gently on my arm "As a woman, I understand your frustration, but as a Haseki Sultan, there are times when you must distance yourself.. your loyalty must lie with His Majesty, while his loyalty belongs solely to the state.. yes, we have three Şehzades, mashallah, but it doesn't work that way, that is why it is called the harem"

"I am well aware of my duty, and I require no reminders" I replied, pulling my arm back with quiet grace, stepping away "But I also know my worth, and I will not tolerate any form of disrespect"

"This is the life you agreed to" she sighed, her eyes briefly scanning the chamber before locking onto mine once more "You will always be his first lady, darling, but you cannot be the only one.. the rules cannot bend for anyone, not even for you, Princess"

»»-----　♔　-----««

The harem's still the harem, and some rules can't be broken... or maybe they can.

but Ayleen needs a rival from her own level.. maybe another princess...