Chapter 16: Extra Duties

Fahriye, one of the Valide’s personal maids, arrives to instruct Esme, Nilüfer and me in the duties we are expected to perform while we are living in the Imperial Wing. Our previous training didn’t cover many of the extra duties we must provide as personal servants to a sultana ... even a temporary one. Hürrem listens while Fahriye goes through a long list of rules and procedures applicable to all residents of the Imperial Wing. Finally Fahriye finishes her instruction and leaves us to ourselves.

“I’ll go and fetch us some food,” says Nilüfer. “If you approve, Hürrem Hatun.”

I suspect Nilüfer is anxious to go and explore our new surroundings. She only just remembers that she must take her orders from Hürrem and that she isn’t allowed to wander around the Imperial Wing when and where she likes.

“I have another task for you, Nilüfer,” replies Hürrem. “Esme will fetch us something to eat.”

Esme gives a short curtsey and leaves the room on the errand Hürrem has given her. Nilüfer waits patiently to see what task Hürrem wants her to do.

“Gülnihal. Please will you find Nigar Kalfa and ask her to visit me later this afternoon,” says Hürrem.

Although I would like to know what task Hürrem wants Nilüfer to perform, I have no option but to obey Hürrem’s order. I follow Esme out of the room. I suspect Hürrem doesn’t want anybody else to know what task she is giving Nilüfer. Which suggests the task isn’t entirely legitimate. Hürrem has obviously arrived at the same conclusion as me; Nilüfer isn’t afraid to take risks and has a knack for achieving things that most other fourteen-year-old girls wouldn’t dare to attempt.

I find Nigar Kalfa in the main harem. She is busy organising the sleeping arrangements now that the first of the pashas’ wives and daughters have arrived. Despite being rushed off her feet, Nigar Kalfa promises to visit Hürrem later on today. I return to our suite to find that Esme has returned with a large tray of food, and that Nilüfer has already left on whatever task Hürrem has set her.

“Nigar Kalfa will visit you later this afternoon,” I say to Hürrem. “The first of the pashas’ families have arrived. Nigar Kalfa is busy getting them settled.”

“Did you see Mahidevran while you were out of the room?” asks Hürrem.

“No,” I reply. “Did you expect her to be in the harem?”

“Not really,” replies Hürrem. “It’s just that Mahidevran hasn’t been seen for several days. The same applies for Şehzade Mustafa. I don’t think either of them are currently in the Old Palace.”

“I saw Gülsah yesterday,” I add. “Surely she would be with Mahidevran.”

“Not necessarily,” replies Hürrem. “She could have been left here to act as a decoy. I think it is possible that Mahidevran has taken Mustafa somewhere outside of Constantinople.”

“But why?” I ask.

“The situation in Constantinople may be more dangerous that we are being told. The Valide may have decided to move Mustafa to a safe place in case there is more trouble than the Grand Vizier can handle.”

“What about Hatice Sultan?” I ask. “If she is still in her own house in the city, then the situation can’t be too bad. The Valide would never risk the safety of her daughter.”

“We don’t know where Hatice is at the moment,” says Hürrem. “Gülfem was with her when they left the Old Palace, but neither of them have been seen in the harem since then.”

“The Valide will surely tell us if there is anything we need to know,” says Esme.

“Possibly,” replies Hürrem. “But I don’t like waiting for something to happen. I’ll never rise to be a haseki by sitting around doing nothing.”

It is several weeks since I last heard Hürrem mention her long term ambition to become Sultan Suleiman’s haseki ... his highest ranking wife. She clearly hasn’t forgotten her dream despite all the events happening around us.

“What do you propose to do?” I ask, sensing I probably won’t like the answer.

“I shall go and greet the new guests in the harem,” replies Hürrem. “Esme. Prepare my blue dress and my jewellery. Gülnihal. Get ready. You will be coming with me.”

“Daye Hatun said we are not to socialise with the guests,” I say.

“I don’t think that instruction applies to sultanas,” says Hürrem with a level of confidence which I don’t share.

I could remind Hürrem that she isn’t a sultana, but I don’t think that will stop her. I do as she asks and get myself ready to accompany her into the main harem.

This is the first time I have travelled along the passage which leads directly from the Imperial Wing to the mezzanine of the main harem. Two agas stand watch at the entrance to the Imperial Wing, but neither attempts to stop our progress. Hürrem leads the way as though she knows exactly what she is doing.

We see a woman in her early forties in the first room that we pass. There is a young woman about our age with her. I presume she is the older woman’s daughter, but in this society they could just as easily be wives of some pasha. Both are dressed in fine clothes and adorned with expensive jewellery. Despite their obvious wealth and social standing, both women look terrified.

Hürrem puts on a pleasant smile and says welcome. She too senses their fear and she sets about trying to ease their worries. During their conversation we learn that they are mother and daughter. Our concerns about the situation in the city seem more or less correct, and many wealthy people have abandoned their homes and fled to the countryside. Other than listen to their worries, there isn’t a lot Hürrem or I can do. However Hürrem has gained two friends as a result of our visit.

Hürrem and I visit the other family who have moved into the harem. The family consists of a mother and two daughters. The room is cramped with three people together, but they are too afraid to split up the family group. Again there isn’t much Hürrem or I can do other than try to ease their worries.