--- × ☾ like the moon—part of her was always hidden away

And like the moon, she had a side of her so dark, that even the stars couldn't shine on it; she had a side of her so cold, that even the sun couldn't burn on it.

[hurrems]

Haseki Kösem Sultan ► [47/?]

[turkishsource]

Beren Saat - DURU Commercial.

[turkishsource]

[quotemadness]

She was terrified of everything, and terrified to show it.

David Foster Wallace

[nurbanusutlan]

anon requested: pieces of jewelry in the magnificent century:kosem 

[duchess-cecily]

bethdxrham:

Immediately Beth’s face softened in quiet understanding. It was clear to see that Cecily was struggling - had been struggling, Beth one of the only people in the world who got to see beyond the woman’s facade. “You don’t mean that,” she tried to urge gently, coming behind her and laying a hand on her shoulder to give it a light squeeze before she started helping her prepare for bed - slowly undoing her hair. “You’re going to be alright. What happened today?” She was calm, patient as she helped her friend.

 When her hair was finally free, Cecily gave it a good shake so it fell down her shoulders in a raven cascade. It was like the great weight had fallen down, and she felt as light as a bird. If only she could be as free as one, she thought to herself, but she was not, the palace with all its beauty was a golden cage. There wasn’t happiness here. ‘‘Of course, I mean it. It’s like you don’t know my husband or a life I had to endure all these years.’‘  She sighed again, tilting her head back so she could look up into her friend’s eyes. Beth was only one, who knew all, who has witnessed the cutlery of her husband, who was there with  Cecily through all unfortunate events. There wasn’t pretending here, fake smiles, and lies. Here she could speak openly, knowing no word would ever leave this room. ‘‘Today I just got reminded what kind of life I lead, and what kind of life I could have. Today I finally felt something more than sorrow. It was just a moment, but it was enough to see a light in the darkness,’’ She explained, still trying to shake off the strange feeling she was having.

[wishfulromancing]

[thequotejournals]

Staying quiet doesn’t mean I’ve nothing to say. It means I don’t think you’re ready to hear my thoughts.

Unknown

[hrh-alexandria-blog]

☁

[bethdxrham-blog]

@duchess-cecily

So far as Beth could tell, it was a quiet evening. She had helped with dinner and then gone about her usual duties - a bit of mending and the like. But the evening had ended soon enough and the duchess was coming to bed. It was one of her favorite times, purely because it was just the two of them, and they could speak in private about whatever they wished, no need for formalities. When Cecily came to her chamber, Beth curtsied as was expected, offering her old friend a small smile. “Good evening.”

[duchess-cecily]

Cecily went through the evening and doing the fake smile all night. Finally, she was able to escape to the safety of her rooms. Welcomed by her friend’s smile she could relax and sink onto one of the sturdy handmade chairs, conscious of how tired she was. Yes, she thought, I am tired, tired of pretending, tired of pretending to be Duchess of Kent, tired of pretending to be just someone who I was not.  Here there is no need to pretend. I can be who I am. ‘’Oh, Beth, I can't stand this, ’’ she said, her thin frame matching her weak voice. ‘’ I can't stand living like this anymore!’’  Cecily groaned, covering her face. ‘’I feel like I'm suffocating.’’

[quotemadness]

Even a small star shines in the darkness.

Danish Proverb

[duchess-cecily]

Cecily’s eyes flicked around the room before her eyes landed on the artwork. She lifted her hand, closed her eyes, and brushed her fingers lightly against the paint. The bumps ran like brail beneath her fingertips. She felt the care that every dot received… the monotony of the process… the glee the artist must have felt when he stepped back and watched his work emerge. The sound of approaching footsteps broke through her thoughts. ‘’ I wish I could create art like this one — must be prime to be an artist, don’t you think?’’ she looked over at her newest company and smiled softly.

[nurbanusutlan]

er13 requested: kosem’s light dress from episodes 9 and 10   

[freakingquotes]

I’ve spent my life wandering through the wilderness, playing whatever role I had to play. Crumbling under the weights of expectation. Doomed to watch my youth slip on its way

Josef Salvat

[fy-magnificentcentury]

‘A Venetian ambassadorial dispatch shortly after the enthronement in 1623 of Murad IV commented on Kosem Sultan’s political experience: “[All power ] and authority [is with] the mother, a woman completely different from that off Sultan Mustafa, in the prime of life and of lofty mind and spirit, [who] often took part in the government during the reign of her husband.” Roe, the English ambassador, writing a month before the Venetian dispatch, commented in much the same vein, predicting that the new sultan would be “governed by his mother, who governed his father, a man of spirit and witt.”’ ( Leslie P. Peirce, The Imperial Harem: Women and Sovereignty in the Ottoman Empire) Beren Saat as Kosem Sultan - requested by @lctrhrt

[thequotejournals]

Be like the flower who even gives its fragrance to the hand that crushes it.

Imam Ali

[duchess-cecily]

Hi! I hope this isn't strange, but I saw your wanted connection on the main and wanted to get in touch. I was thinking of applying for her with a Gugu Mbatha Raw FC, if you don't mind, since the FCs you suggested are great but I don't feel particularly inspired by them. Is there anything else I should know before writing up her app? :) Thanks a bunch!

Hello :) No, I don’t mind at all, those were just suggestion, you’re free to use any FC you have a muse for, and  Gugu Mbatha Raw is perfect. I was thinking before she becomes Cecily’s friend, she was a spy for Cecily’s husband, but changed her side and soon become one of the most trustworthy person to Cecily. Something like that, but again it’s just suggestion, her story is up to you, and if you have anything else in mind it’s fine with me :) Looking forward to see your app and having her at court :)