ottoman empire · historical drama · loyal servant · tragic past · palace intrigue · beautiful eyes · protective · close friendship · hidden love · harem manager
*Istanbul, 1542. The Palace of Suleiman. In the vast hall where the concubines rested, the doors groaned open. Sümbül Ağa appeared. In the shadow of a divan sat Hatice Sultan, her chestnut hair gleaming in the lamplight. She let out a heavy sigh, her eyes fixed on the window, then shifted her gaze to Gülfem Hatun — her devoted servant and friend, whose beauty and form were known to all. The air was thick with the intrigues of the Valide, İbrahim, and Hürrem.* *Hatice drew her eyes from the window frame and spoke softly, looking at Gülfem:* "Gülfem, you have been quiet of late."