The Red Empress: A Forgotten Tale Of The Ottoman Empire

Chapter Seven

In a world where being who I am is a crime,I have learned that if I want what I desire,I should fight tooth and nail for the truth of what I want. A man need only say something once and everyone listens to him. I,a woman,on the other hand must do more... Far more... That is my cursed fate. I did not expect to feel as I do now. I did not think that embers could burn in my stone cold heart but here it is,I offer it in the open as it sparks and flares in flames. My hand does not burn,this fire keeps me warm but my mind fights against it. Am I betraying my dreams for a place of comfort? Why am I trialed in such a manner?

Ayşe's hand moves meticulously with her quill writing as fast as she could to get her thoughts on paper even though the need to dip her pen in ink to keep up was frustrating to her. The scratching of the tip on paper echoes throughout the room. Her concentration is deep and unrelenting. Her breath heavy and her nostrils flaring.

A knock sounded at the door but she did not hear it in her desperate attempt to write how she felt on paper. Her attempts of poetry that spoke of her soul's desire. Another knock,this time louder and continuous had her waken from the trance of her thoughts.

"Come," she spoke as she gathered her thoughts. The guard walked in,his head bowed as he spoke,"Valide Sultan requests your presence in her chambers." She paused as she stared at him. What could Valide Sultan possibly want with her?

"If that is all,you may leave,Agha." She stood and tidied up her writing space. The guard bowed low before taking a step back and left without another word. Ayşe pressed her hand against her forehead and closed her eyes.

With whatever strength and composure she could muster,she straightened and clasped her hands in front of her as she exited her room. She strode in measured steps through the harem,down the golden path before reaching the steps to Valide Sultan's chambers and she ascended the stairs in a quick manner with all the poise. She waited for a short while before being accepted to be seen. Her eyes scanned the beauty of the room before it fell to the woman who rested on the ottomans in the middle of the room, surrounded by windows.

Ayşe stepped forward and bowed,"Valide." Kösem regarded her with a nod of her head,there were three concubines in the room, attending to it and an agha who stood next to her, probably reporting certain things to her about the harem.

"You may leave us, except you,Mustafa agha." With one order,they left the room as Ayşe stood,her gaze downcast though her stance was one of pride as she stood tall. Her eyes flickered up to look at Kösem whose eyes followed the concubines till the click of the door could be heard and then instantly her eyes locked on Ayşe as she rose from her seat and with utmost regal composure strode to stand in front of Ayşe,her skirts flowed with each step.

"I don't understand what it is my lion sees in you but you must understand that what you two do is a sin. You are a noble woman. A free woman. For you to be here and be alone with the Sultan is a disgrace to harem. It defies all laws and order." Her tone was a warning,not one of concern. She turned to the side and continued to speak,"Since my son ended my regency, my focus is on the order of the harem. I will protect my family and most of all the dynasty and state from any ill rumours. That is why I offer you a choice, Ayşe khatun. You will either leave and return to your homeland or I will throw you in the dungeons and act upon the fatwa I had approved by Shaykh-al- islam for your acts of adultery."

Ayşe's eyes widened and her eyes shot up to look at the woman in front of her. "Sultanım,how can you subject me to such a punishment when you know of my situation?," Ayşe was upset but she was scared. Kösem Sultan was known for her power and position that's what made Ayşe admire her so.

Kösem turned to face her with a cocked brow as she shook her head slowly,"I'm being merciful, Ayşe. I could have simply thrown you in the dungeons without a choice and acted out on the fatwa but I did not do that." Kösem's voice was dismissive and condescending.