Chapter 8: Reward and Punishment

The next morning we are roused from our slumber at the usual time. As we dress and prepare ourselves for another day, the numerous conversations around us are all about last night’s performance. Since those of us who were dancing are newcomers, and lack sufficient fluency with the Turkish language, we must allow those who were the musicians to tell the story. They prove to be our harshest critics, highlighting our every mistake. Even Hürrem’s performance is criticised, although I doubt last night’s audience would agree with some of the comments. We are saved from further embarrassment by the arrival of Sümbul Aga and Nigar Kalfa.

“Stop this idle chattering,” orders Sümbul Aga. “Get this place tidied up. Quickly. The Valide will be arriving at any moment to inspect you all.”

The threat of an inspection by the Valide has the desired effect. All thoughts about last night’s performance are brushed aside as we nervously put away our bedding and finish our ablutions. Some of us are still not ready when the Valide enters the harem with her daughter, Hatice, and Daye Hatun by her side. Fortunately there is no sign of Mahidevran, or her maids.

“Line up, girls,” orders Nigar Kalfa. We quickly form a single line on one side of the central aisle.

We needn’t have worried. The Valide’s inspection is only superficial and her complaints about us are relatively mild. She doesn’t bother to inspect the favourites on the upper level of the harem. Her visit this morning must be for another reason. She wasn’t at last night’s entertainment and it is surely too early in the morning for her to have received any report about our performance.

“Those of you who performed during last night’s entertainment are to stand over here,” orders the Valide, pointing behind her.

The five musicians and six dancers quickly move across the aisle and turn to face the others. Hürrem and I stand at one end of the line. The eleven of us stand waiting for the Valide to continue, but she simply stands there waiting. We don’t need to wait long before one of the agas loudly announces that Sultan Suleiman is entering the harem.

It’s the first time I’ve seen the sultan enter our part of the harem. We all bow as he enters. He stops to greet his mother and sister. I risk a quick look at Hürrem and nearly gasp in surprise. She has taken out the purple handkerchief the sultan gave her last night, and she is clutching it in her hands.

The sultan doesn’t spend long talking with his mother and begins a slow walk along our line. He stops at each of us in turn. He makes a point of complimenting her on her performance last night. He doesn’t need reminding which girl performed which task. The sultan gives each performer a necklace, ring or broach from the bag he is carrying before moving on to the next in line. Despite all our training in docility and obedience, the recipient of each gift can’t curb a squeal of joy. The look of jealousy from the line of women facing us is unmistakable.

Finally he reaches the end of the line where Hürrem and I are standing. He smiles briefly at Hürrem before passing her to stand in front of me. The girls standing opposite clearly think Hürrem has displeased the sultan, and is being snubbed. I suddenly remember that during this morning’s chatter, no mention was made about Hürrem being awarded the purple handkerchief. I barely register the words the sultan says to me, but I bow low and gratefully accept the beautiful necklace he gives me.

Sultan Suleiman then returns to Hürrem. He smiles and reaches forward to take her hands in his own. He sees the purple handkerchief in her grip and he gives a gentle laugh. Hürrem is torn between letting the handkerchief fall to the floor in order to allow the sultan to hold her hands, or keep her hands in a fist. He resolves Hurrem’s dilemma by taking the handkerchief from her grip and tucking one corner between her breasts. The remainder of the handkerchief dangles down her front, so that everyone can see she what she earned last night. There is a gasp of surprise from around the room.

“You had best look after this, my dear,” says the sultan to Hürrem. “I’d hate for you to misplace it and deny me the pleasure of your company.”

Hürrem simply smiles and nods in response. I don’t know if she understands all the words the sultan spoke, but she clearly senses the meaning. The sultan reaches into his bag and produces a ruby necklace and a matching ring which he gives to Hürrem. She finds her voice long enough to thank him and drops into a graceful curtsey. For a moment I fear that she might swoon into his arms, which would certainly displease the Valide. As it is, she is watching Hürrem like a hawk. I can’t tell if she is pleased or angry that Hürrem has received the purple handkerchief. She shows no sign of shock, so I presume Sümbul Aga had forewarned her about the handkerchief.

The sultan doesn’t spend much longer with us and soon leaves to attend to whatever business awaits him. Once he has left the harem, all the women begin to talk at the same time. Excitement temporarily overrides our training in obedience. For once the Valide allows the excitement to continue for a few moments before calling for silence. When she does call for order, everyone is quickly brought back into line.

“A good evening’s work, girls,” says the Valide to the eleven of us. “Your instructors will undoubtedly find room for improvement, but at least you didn’t disgrace yourselves. This afternoon, we shall hold a celebration in the harem in your honour.”