Chapter 10: Allies

“The Master of the Royal Bedchamber ordered us to return here,” I say in answer to the other womens’ questions about Hürrem’s early return from the New Palace.

It’s the truth, and I’ve no intention of elaborating further. I’m sure Gülsah, or Mahidevran herself, will soon let it be known how they sabotaged Hürrem’s special night. Of course, they won’t be so blatant as to admit their underhand plot, and Ibrahim’s collusion, since that might incur the Valide’s wrath. I’m beginning to comprehend the scale of the dirty tricks and politics played behind the genteel veils of the harem.

“I’m sure the sultan will call for you another night, Hürrem,” I say when we are alone in the baths the next morning.

“I need more allies,” says Hürrem in response.

“Allies?” I reply. “What do you mean?”

“Mahidevran and the favourites will not rest after their victory last night. They resent me for my lowly birth and because I speak Turkish with a strange accent. Nor do I believe the Valide really approves of me. On one hand she wants Suleiman to produce more heirs, but only with the right sort of concubine.”

I can’t deny the logic of Hürrem’s assessment. If Mahidveran acted on her own last night, then her stunt risked incurring the Valide’s anger; but perhaps the Valide had approved Mahidevran’s move. The sultan is about to depart for war, and the Valide may not want him to spend his few remaining nights here in the company of what she sees as an unsuitable odalisque.

“Who do you propose to approach as an ally?” I ask.

“I need to have Sümbul Aga and Nigar Kalfa on my side,” says Hürrem. “And someone close to the Valide.”

“How do you propose the win them over to your cause,” I ask. “You have no money for bribes unless you sell the sultan’s gifts. He might not like it if you sell his gifts.”

“I agree. I would never do that in any case. In exchange for their help now, I shall promise Sümbul and Nigar great rewards once I am the haseki.”

I’m flabbergasted at Hürrem’s ambitious goal. I never knew Hürrem aspired to rise so high in the palace hierarchy. She is not simply aiming to become a sultana like Mahidevran, but to claim the rarely used title of haseki ... the sultan’s principal and most favoured sultana. It’s a harem position only second in power to that of the Valide.

During our training we have been encouraged to set our sights on the lower status of favourite or concubine. Traditionally, any woman who gives birth to a male Ottoman heir gains admission to the imperial household and the right to be called Sultana. But tradition is not always followed when it suits the Valide. Although rare, it isn’t unheard of for a male heir to be raised by a governess, while the unfortunate mother is exiled to some remote corner of the empire. Even if Hürrem is allowed to raise her son, there is no guarantee she will receive the stipend she is due. While the sultan has the power to dictate how much each palace resident receives in pay, the size of the stipend paid to each of the women of the Imperial Harem, including the sultanas, is delegated to the Valide.

“You will need the Valide on your side as well,” I say.

“In time. Yes,” replies Hürrem. “For now I shall content myself with someone close to her.”

“Who?” I ask. “Daye Hatun is loyal to the Valide. You’ll not get her to side with you against the Valide.”

“I know,” replies Hürrem. “But Daye Hatun is at least fair minded. She’ll not go against an order from the Valide, but she might be swayed to argue in my favour when the Valide asks for her opinion.”

“And how do you propose to sway Daye Hatun to your side,” I say.

“I don’t know at the moment. For now I will be friendly and helpful to her. To Gülfem as well. Something may happen to enable me to win their favour.”

We are late for our lessons, but Nigar Kalfa doesn’t reprimand us. Hürrem and I settle down to a routine morning of lessons. However, our day doesn’t stay routine for long. When we break for our snack at midday we discover Gülsah has spread word to the favourites about Mahidevran’s coup last night. For the first time Hürrem and I can gauge which of the favourites are supporters of Mahidevran, and whom are more sympathetic to Hürrem’s plight. To our surprise, Ayşe is in the latter group and she doesn’t participate in the teasing and insults some of the favourites heap on Hürrem.

The teasing stops abruptly when Hatice enters our part of the harem from the royal wing. She too must have heard of Mahidevran’s activities, and clearly Hatice doesn’t approve.

“If you girls have nothing better to do then there are dresses that need mending,” snaps Hatice to the favourites.

The favourites disperse quickly and return to their rooms. Hatice’s comment gives me an idea.

“Once the war begins I suspect there will be a shortage of new dresses and material,” I say to Hürrem. “Perhaps if we offer to mend Gülfem’s or Hatice’s dresses you might be able to gain their favour.”

Hürrem nods in agreement, but her attention is directed towards Sümbul Aga who is approaching us in an unseemly rush.

“Sultan Suleiman Khan has ordered that you prepare yourself for tonight, Hürrem,” says Sümbul Aga. “You are to walk the golden path.”

Hürrem gives a smile as though she knew all along that Sultan Suleiman would call for her tonight. I suspect her response is simply to let the other women know that Mahidevran’s victory last night was only a temporary setback to Hürrem’s ambitions. I escort Hürrem to the baths to start her preparations while the same girls who helped yesterday are summoned to assist with the preparations.