THE PLAN| MAGNIFICENT CENTURY|

CHAPTER 1

"GET AWAY FROM ME!!!" I yelled as the Ottomans grabbed me. They didn't seem to care as they kept dragging me on towards their ship. "YOU OTTOMAN DOGS!!"

One slapped me as I cried out, tying up my hands with a thick piece of rope as we kept pushing through. All around me, people were scattering, running, and yelling.

Let me give you some context: it was bad.

My best friend Alexandra's father preached for our small Orthodox church, and as we were there, some people from outside called out TATARS!!! And everyone began panicking as they raided us. Besides me, many other girls from my village were tied up and were taken to the ship with me. 

"Liliana!" My beloved betrothed Artim yelled out as the men pushed me inside the boat. I saw a glimpse of him one last time and then we departed. For 2 weeks nonstop we journeyed from my small village by the sea to what I assumed was the hell's capital: Constantinople. We were apparently selected as the gift from the Giray family to the Sultan himself, and I was certainly not pleased by this new arrangement.

I made friends with a girl named Milka, who also had lived in our village. We were both scared.

As the ship docked in Constantinople, we were ushered off, still bound and with little understanding of our fate. The bustling city overwhelmed me with its sights, sounds, and smells. Everywhere I looked, there were people of diverse backgrounds, dressed in vibrant colors, speaking in languages I couldn't comprehend. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was an air of grandeur that hinted at the city's illustrious past.

We were led through narrow streets and bustling markets until we reached the gates of the Sultan's palace. The imposing structure loomed before us, its domes and minarets reaching towards the heavens. I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as we were escorted inside.

Once within the palace walls, we were separated from the other captives and taken to a secluded area reserved for the harem. As we entered the opulent chambers, my eyes widened in awe at the lavish surroundings. Intricate mosaics adorned the walls, while colorful tapestries hung from the ceilings. Soft cushions and rich fabrics filled the room, creating an atmosphere of luxury and indulgence.

But my awe quickly turned to apprehension as I realized the true nature of our situation here. We were now prisoners in the Sultan's harem, destined to serve at his pleasure. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I clutched Milka's hand tightly for reassurance.

As we were led further into the harem, we passed by other girls who had been taken captive like us. Some looked resigned to their fate, while others whispered and exchanged nervous glances. I couldn't help but wonder what lay in store for us in this gilded cage.

Our first encounter with the other inhabitants of the harem came when we were introduced to Beyhan Sultana, the Sultan's most favored consort. She was a woman of surpassing beauty, with dark eyes that seemed to pierce right through you. But beneath her outward charm lay a cold and calculating demeanor that sent chills down my spine.

"Ladies," she greeted us with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Welcome to my domain. You are now under our protection, and it would be wise for you to heed my advice if you wish to survive in this harem."

Her words sent a ripple of fear through the room, and I could feel the tension mounting as we awaited her next move. But instead of issuing orders or making demands, Beyhan Sultana simply nodded towards a group of servants who began to untie our bonds.

"You may rest and refresh yourselves," she said, her voice silky smooth yet laced with underlying menace. "But remember, you are not free to come and go as you please. You belong to the Sultan now, and it is he who will decide your fate, however know that I am the Chief Consort, and I will take action if necessary."

With that, she turned and swept out of the room, leaving us to contemplate our uncertain future. As the reality of our situation sank in, I felt a sense of despair wash over me. We were trapped in a gilded cage, at the mercy of a man whose whims could change in an instant.

But even in the midst of my fear and uncertainty, a spark of defiance flickered within me. I refused to surrender to despair, to become just another pawn in the Sultan's game. Somehow, someway, I would find a way to escape this gilded prison and reclaim my freedom. And until that day came, I would bide my time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to make my move, and do my revenge unto the Sultan.