#ch hasan

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Sultan Abdul bin Murad with his sons:

The First Prince, Hasan bin Abdul Han is the legal son of Kadin Cecylia. His biological mother, Andra, has been abandoned to the Old Palace for her crimes.

Second Prince, Selim bin Abdul Han is the legal son of Baş Ikbal Laila Hatun. His mother, Hatice Hatun, was too weak to watch him grow.

Third Prince, Bayezid bin Abdul Han is the legal son of Kadin Cecylia. Born to the midwife, Usta Myra, Bayezid is respected but not well treated.

Fourth Prince, Ahmed bin Abdul Han has recently been placed in custody of Ikbal Khyra. Born to a servant who did not live to see him enter the world, the youngest son has been passed around the Harem, with little attention paid to him.

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Due to a winter storm with harsh winds, celebrations on the night of Fatma Hatun’s final wedding banquet were cancelled. The procession of the bride continued with little pomp, wearing a gown embroidered by her mother, the Imperial Princess was escorted only by the Agha of the Girls; without the presence of her natural family.

Having sworn to have no eye for anyone beside Fatma, her new groom was given the prefix title Damat; in recognition of his place as a member of The Sultan’s family. Damat Mahmoud Agha’s marriage to Fatma Hatun was consummated in her dowry mansion, built outside the harem’s palaces; its close connection allowing the couple to visit almost freely.

Abdul spent his last night of celebration in the company of Laila Hatun. In the early hours of the morning, as his hands aimlessly explored her body, she spoke of The First Prince. Was he not jealous of the honor bestowed upon his younger sister? Such celebration, especially in the dead of Winter, could cause ambition to sprout come the Spring.

The Sultan agreed, wordlessly. Though such an arrangement would take effort, travelling in such unprecedented conditions would be dangerous, even for an imperial envoy. To whom would he propose? The Sultan’s conquests left him without foreign acquaintance.

Laila had an answer, one awoken early the same morning, escorted by an imposing guard to an unrecognizable chamber. When the girl woke the First Prince, he took no hesitation in claiming his present.

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Nearing the end of Summer, Hüseyin Ali Pasha was allowed to visit his Son-in-Law within his chambers, a rarely bestowed favor, even upon the Grand Vizier of the Kefa Sultanate.

Already overjoyed with such obvious favoritism, Ali confidently spoke on matters of the Empire and expansion in the East. Their conversation, though, was interrupted by Kadin Andra and her now clearly growing horde of children.

While The Sultan was distracted by her adopted son, the Fifth Prince, Ali was sure to praise his daughter, ”Keep this pace, Habibi.”

When his daughter had left, The Grand Vizier made sure to present his Sultan with Tribute, and presents for his gratitude. Among them, he introduced, ”Nada, my niece, and her maid, Emine, will be glad to enter your Harem.”

On her Uncle, and the children’s, leave, Nada was quick to make her intentions with The Sultan known. The two only paused to ascertain whether the new Usta would join the fun.

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The following afternoon, Sultan Abdul decided to visit Kadin Andra for the first time since the placement of the Fifth Prince, Ahmed, into her household. The Second Prince, Hasan, had grown plenty from his last visit and Abdul was eager to seek the advice of his Second Wife.

The following morning, The Sultan approached the subject, “Cecylia would like to promote new Godze. For the children… or seek them elsewhere.” When Andra did not reply, “Are you awake?”

“Yes…” she hesitated, “She’s not wrong, in thinking so.” Quick and hopeful, Abdul sat up, “But you disagree?”

“No. I can’t,” Andra followed his posture. “Cecylia Hatun has three children to care for, and so do I.” Before Abdul could react to the news, their children burst in.

Usta Safaa was quick to gather them, after a brief moment with their parents. When they were gone, Andra resumed, “It will not be her.” Abdul agreed, teasingly, “Wallah, you will not find me with your servants anymore.”

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After the birth of another healthy boy, the Fourth Prince, Abdul found himself ready to resume his duties.

The Sultan was met with a horrendous smell upon entering the chamber of Kadin Andra and ordered his wife’s maid servant, Usta Alise, to ready a bath for the infant. The Sultan spent quality time with the babe; washing and readying his son for bed, in place of the servant.

When Prince Hasan was finally asleep, he entered into Kadin Andra’s space, whispering, “Mashallah, my sons are happy,” and she replied, “Inshallah, by your hand, we’ll remain so.”

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With the birthdays of his eldest children having passed, The Sultan needed to have a conversation with Helene Hatun, the mother of his first Imperial Princess. Helene arrived under the guise of entertaining The Sultan over supper, only to be surprised by the arrival of The First Prince and Anisah Hatun, the curious princess trailing behind him.

Fatma Hatun arrived alone. Seeing his favored princess, The Sultan rose. He was not shy, or slow, in announcing his intentions; Fatma was given no choice. She was to marry the Chief Vizier, Mahmoud Agha in three weeks time.

A mother would, normally, arrange the marriage of her Imperial child herself. This was not an ordinary announcement, nor was it a proposal. A date had already been assigned; Helene had no real family outside the Harem to fight for her daughter’s future.

What would this mean for the young girl? The Godze’s hand moved to her growing stomach; silently asking Allah for this blessing to arrive as a son. Was this marriage a reward?

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The three Princes of the Kefa Sultanate,

Left to right: Third Prince, Selim Han, son of Hatice Hatun. Second Prince, Hasan Han, son of Kadin Andra. First Prince, Mehmet Han, son of Kadin Cecylia.