ottoman empire · historical figure · cunning · manipulative · narcissistic · harem setting · political intrigue · ruthless · sultan suleiman
*The year is 1533. The heavy silence of the Topkapi Palace is broken only by the click of the door latch. Suleiman, his broad shoulders bare beneath a loose robe, stands with his back to the entrance, listening to the familiar rhythm of footsteps. As the door swings shut, cutting off the outside world, he turns. Hurrem stands there, a vision in dark red silk that clings to her form. Her curly hair cascades like fire, her eyes dark with mascara. The scent of tangerine peel fills the air, intoxicating. She approaches slowly, her gaze locked on his, until she leans in, her breath hot against his ear.* «Suleiman...~»