It’s been three days since I met the prince, and a lot has happened since then. I moved into a new room with one of his favorites, Ayşe, a beautiful girl who, to my surprise, isn’t annoying at all. I’ve started to enjoy talking to her. Every night, Alice joins us, and the three of us sit together and talk.

They really do share useful information.

Tonight marked the fourth time we gathered in the room. The only source of light was a few candles, casting a soft glow that gave the space a serene charm.

"So, girls, how does it feel to be the şehzade’s favorites?" Alice asked, glancing between us. She knew I hadn’t slept with the prince. We had only spent two hours together that night. Fortunately, when I returned, everyone was asleep. Even Eylem believed I had slept with him, so now, whenever she sees me, she screams and tries to attack me.

"Unfortunately, I’ve only shared his bed four times," Ayşe said, twirling a strand of her hair. "It’s been three months since I last saw him, so being a favorite doesn’t mean much anymore."

Alice nodded. "Don’t worry. He may call for you again, you’re still in his harem."

Ayşe smiled faintly. "I hope so." She sighed. "Being a favorite doesn’t change much. Many girls sleep with princes and sultans." She raised an eyebrow. "But the truly fortunate ones are those who get pregnant."

I arched a brow. "Look at Eylem, she’s pregnant, and it hasn’t helped her. The prince hasn’t even seen her recently."

"He’s just angry with her," Ayşe replied. "Eylem’s clever. She’ll win him back soon."

"Mary," Alice said, turning her wide eyes to me. "Are you jealous?"

I laughed mockingly. "Are you serious? Why would I be jealous?" I stood up. "I’m tired. I’m going to sleep."

"Happy now, Alice?" Ayşe laughed. "You upset the girl."

The two of them continued laughing as I went to my bed and closed my eyes. All I could think about was my mother and my two sisters.

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

|3rd person POV|

In a grand, opulent chamber of the palace, Safiye Sultan sat with her daughters, Raziye and Hafize.

"It should’ve been one of my brothers," Raziye said, setting down her coffee cup.

"Mother, we must do something," Hafize said, raising her brows in frustration. "Things are spiraling out of control."

Razye gave a cold smile. "That snake and her daughter think we’ve given up."

"My dear daughters," Safiye said calmly, "if one of my sons were still alive, I would’ve done everything for his future. But…" She paused, then continued, "Şehzade Mehmet is the dynasty’s only hope."

Razye looked agitated. "But what about my innocent brothers?"

Safiye raised a hand to silence her, eyes sharp. "What matters to me is my husband. I would never do anything to harm him." She shook her head. "Hurrem will face her reckoning, but not through her son."

Razye and Hafize exchanged a glance, clearly displeased with their mother’s stance.

"If you think of acting behind my back, I will hold you accountable," Safiye said, her gaze firm. "I won’t let you drag this dynasty into ruin, not while I’m alive."

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

After language class ended, Ayşe and I returned to our room. But since we were bored, she suggested we join the other girls in the harem for a while.

"Where’s Eylem? Or is it that she doesn’t want to sit with us now that she’s pregnant?" Ayşe asked one of Eylem’s friends.

"She’s just upset because Şehzade Mehmet doesn’t care about her," another girl replied with a laugh.

Eylem’s friend smiled, then said provocatively, "You’re just jealous." She raised her brows. "Eylem went to his room this morning." As she stood to leave, she added, "It was obvious from the beginning, of course he’ll forgive her. She’s carrying his child, a şehzade, InshAllah."

I don’t know why, but I felt irritated. Not because I was jealous, definitely not. I just hated how things worked here. Just because someone is a prince or a king doesn’t give them the right to toy with women and call on them whenever they please.

I suppose it’s the same in all kingdoms and empires. The only difference is that in Europe, they don’t speak of it openly. The king has a queen who bears his heirs, but still keeps mistresses in secret. In the end, men and their foolishness.

A few minutes later, Eylem entered, walking slowly as if seeking everyone’s attention, and it seemed she succeeded.

"Oh, back so soon? You didn’t even stay half an hour," said one of the girls who rivaled Eylem somewhat.

"The prince is very busy," Eylem replied with a smile. "He just wanted to see me, he missed me a lot."

She ran her hand along her neck, drawing attention to the necklace she wore. "He gave me a beautiful gift," she said, her tone laced with pride. "He’s truly grateful that I’m carrying his child." She twirled a lock of hair around her finger. "My future will be filled with jewels and treasures. I’ll become a Sultana, and one day, a Valide Sultan, of course."

The room fell silent. Not out of fear of Eylem—certainly not—but because, standing just behind her, was Hürrem Sultan, who had heard every word. When Eylem finally turned and caught sight of her, her expression froze in shock.

"Bring her to my chamber. Now," Hürrem said sharply.

Once Eylem was gone, the room burst into laughter. To be honest, it was hard not to laugh—Eylem was so foolish, clearly unprepared for the role of a Sultana.

I spotted Fahriye Kalfa nearby and hurried over to her.

"Hello, Fahriye Kalfa," I said with a polite smile.

"Since when do you greet anyone?" she muttered, eyes fixed on the record book in her hands. Then she looked up. "What do you want?"

With my hands clasped behind my back, I spoke softly. "I have a small request, please." I never imagined I’d find myself pleading with anyone.

She raised a brow and placed her hands on her hips. "Speak quickly—I’m busy."

I smiled sweetly. "I’d like some ink and a small notebook." I stepped a little closer. "Please, please."

She gave me a long look, eyeing me from head to toe. "Do you think being a favorite means every request of yours becomes an order?" She gave a curt nod. "My dear Mary, go find something useful to do—or better yet, think about the şehzade. That would serve you well."

I gave her a cold, sharp look. "Alright, Fahriye Kalfa. Thank you very much."

That evening, after dinner, Ayşe and I returned to our room. Alice had said she was too tired and that her stomach was bothering her, so she went straight to bed.

Ayşe and I sat together as she helped me practice their language. She’d been in the palace for two years and had become fluent. The morning lessons and the brief training I had before arriving here weren’t enough—I had to master the language fully.

The door opened, and Fahriye Kalfa stepped in. "Still awake?"

Ayşe smiled. "Mary’s determined to learn the language as quickly as possible."

Fahriye nodded approvingly. "That’s good." She turned to me. "Mary, come here."

I stood and walked toward her with a forced smile. "What is it, Fahriye Kalfa?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Why are you speaking like that?"

I gave a small nod. "No reason. I just don’t have much time. As you advised, I’m spending all my energy thinking about the prince."

Fahriye laughed, recalling her earlier words. "Looks like my advice worked, because…" She pulled something from beneath her dress. "Here’s a letter from Şehzade Mehmed."

Ayşe, standing behind me, gasped with excitement. "Oh my God, you’re so lucky. He’s never done that before."

I took the letter in surprise. "Why? What’s in it?"

Fahriye shrugged. "I don’t know—you’ll have to read it yourself."

I smiled. "Thank you."

She handed me something else, and my eyes widened. "Here’s the diary you asked for."

A rush of happiness filled me. I threw my arms around her and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Fahriye Kalfa. You’re the best."

She tried not to laugh and gently pushed me away. "I’m tired—I want to sleep." She turned toward the door. "You girls never let anyone rest."

Ayşe went to bed, but I remained seated on mine and opened the letter.

Good evening, Mary.
I hope this message finds you well. I spoke with Fahriye Kalfa, and she mentioned that you've been spending your time pleasantly with some of the girls.
I would like to see you, meet me tomorrow morning in the garden. Until then, take care of yourself.

Tomorrow, I must look absolutely beautiful. I’ll wear an elegant dress and cover my hair with something graceful. I want our meeting to feel magical, enough to make him fall in love with me completely.