“Baba!” shrieked three tiny girlish voices as Selim entered the room. Dropping to one knee, Selim held out his arms, scooping up his daughters in a bear hug as they threw their tiny limbs around him and all chattered at once about their adventures for the day. Grinning, he listened to them each. Chucking Ayşe under the chin, he flashed his grateful gaze towards Hiranur.
Wordlessly, two maids appeared to guide the children towards their gaggle of toys and Selim moved towards Hiranur. “Sultanım,” he greeted, bowing his head as he approached. “Thank you so much for watching over my daughters.”
Business of state consumed much of his days but, so long as Adalet, Ayşe, and Evren were under Hiranur’s loving charge, he was confident they were happy and well looked after. He also treasured the knowledge that they might, in turn, bring a little joy to Hiranur’s day, as well: they who had lost a mother and she who had lost daughters might, in each other, find some bond to help heal the incalculable losses they had known…or, at least, this was his great hope.
Selim’s daughters were not the only ones, however, who found peace around Hiranur and Selim felt the tension slough from his shoulders as he approached. The day had been a long one, but it was a comfort to be here, now, with the sound of sweet music floating through the aether, a nearby fountain, a soft, playful zephyr. Yes, this was a little haven in the madness of the world, but one, too, not merely in the physical sense. Hiranur’s very presence seemed to bring the scene a physic warmth that brought the softest hint of a smile to Selim’s face.
“They’ve not been too much trouble, today, I hope?”
A smile lit up on Hiranur’s features as she watched the girls greet their father. “Of course, it is the least I could do for all you have done, for the empire and for Iskender and me.” She was fond of Selim who had repeatedly proven his loyalty with each passing year.
She smoothed down the hair of Evren who had been the most rambunctious of the bunch. Hiranur adored them as if they were her own. It was unfortunate that they had lost their mother so early but Hiranur refused to let these girls grow without maternal love. Gladly she took charge in watching over their growth and making sure they were taught well and lived happily. None of these tasks were ever tedious as she naturally found solace in nurturing the future (or so that’s how she saw it).
“I assure you, they have done well.” Hiranur had spent the day making sure the girls were under the proper tutelage. It was natural for them to grow impatient but Hiranur worked through it, coaxing the girls to do their best often for rewards to come. It was difficult not to spoil them and she was certainly guilty of doing such. “they have done all the work they’ve been instructed to by their tutors. I’m sure they would love to tell you all about it,” Hiranur encouraged with a smile.
“How have you been?” It had been awhile since she found a moment to ask of Selim’s own wellbeing. “If there is anything you need, please let me know.” Always considerate of others, Hiranur took great bounds to be kind to all whom presided in her husband’s court.