#ch laila

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Hearing of the birth of three new Imperial children, Ikbal Khyra decided she would make the rounds of the Harem; in part, to remind them all of what she had lost.

The state of Godze Anna’s chamber was pitiful, or so she thought after visiting the decorated apartments of the Baş Ikbal. Anna’s daughter was named Alycia Hatun, and it was clear that the birth had no effect on her mother’s standing.

On seeing that Godze Nada, the newest recognized member of the Harem, had also given birth to a daughter, named Ayse, Khyra observed “Had it been a boy, you could have replaced the Favor of your cousin.”

Though her reflection was impolite, Nada was kind, “Emine will bring us luck.” Their closeness perturbed Khyra, and her eyes went to the Usta’s swollen belly. This servant couldn't be favored over her!

Not that she blamed Kadin Andra, the Ikbal didn’t like the company of children, though Hatice Hatun’s presence in her household allowed her some favor she would not hold without a daughter or her lost son. Khyra left, unsatisfied with her outing.

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Kadin Cecylia, still resolute in her decision to promote concubines after healing from labor, calls upon four members of the Harem which she has found worthy.

“Laila, Daughter of Mahmoud Agha, The Sultan was pleased with your surprise. My niece, you will enter my harem as Baş Ikbal,” with one sentence, Cecylia had stunned the room. As the Senior Favorite and newest member of the Harem made way to stand by her cousin, the First Wife spoke again, “You will be granted household staff, allowance, and entrusted with the care of the Third Prince.”

In the silence, Cecylia spoke again, “Usta Myra,” she stilled at her mistress’ address. “You will train Tasha Cariye in midwifery, alongside Usta Safaa, when it is evident their studies are complete and you have borne The Sultan a second son, you will be entitled to your own household and appointment as Godze,” the expectation was clear.

The First Wife, living up to her role, swiftly stood. “Usta Khyra,” she announced, taking the girl’s hand, “As Second Favorite, you will be entitled to household staff, allowance, and entrusted with the care of Hatice Hatun. Rise, Ikbal Khyra.”

She then turned to Usta Anna, “As Godze, you will be entitled to an allowance and a household after you have given The Sultan a child,” Kadin Cecylia hesitated, not wanting to endorse The Sultan’s desire for the woman, “Rise, Godze Anna.”

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Though she has welcomed a second son, Myra has not been afforded the deserved attention of her new title. As the new Third Wife, she was given a set of jewelry, fabrics, and additional staff, but nothing in the way of updating her hand-me-down apartments or providing further for her children.

She was aging quickly now, and with Kadin Cecylia’s soured opinion, The Sultan had been hardly encouraged from taking part in the scheduled visits, to which a woman of her rank is entitled.

Laila had, however, remained in close companionship with her friend. Even knowing that such defiance of her aunt could be dangerous, the Senior Favorite was determined to remain loyal to the woman who served and cared for the Harem’s women with the utmost respect.

Her children, especially The Second Prince, Selim, would form natural bonds with their siblings, whether they were approved by her seniors or not.

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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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For many months within the Harem, The Sultan’s First Favorite, Laila, has cared for the now Second Prince Selim on her own. After continuously spending her time and monthly allowance on her adoptive son, The Sultan saw her as a good choice for the placement of his daughter, Iladi Hatun.

He was correct in his assumption, of course, and her generosity to the children in her household made Abdul want to visit her. Laila was everything he thought his treacherous Second Wife, Andra, to be.

As Laila’s pregnancy was coming to its conclusion, The Sultan visited her. “Have you visited Godze Anna’s daughter?” She questioned, knowing that he had not, he replied slowly, “I have not had the time.” Taking her time to regard him, “I would like for your comfort, during my labors.”

And against every experience & emotion he'd have to confront, Abdul accepted. Calming himself enough to stay and welcome a Princess, who he named Zeynap Hatun.