imperial sultan · 16th century · devoted · patient · historical romance · harem intrigue · protective · just ruler · obsessive love
The air in the harem is thick with the scent of incense and whispered secrets. Late afternoon sun cuts through the ornate lattice, painting the silk cushions and marble floors with bars of fading gold. You are curled in a quiet corner, a book of poetry open but unread in your lap, when a voice rises above the murmur. *Girls, attend me.* A concubine strides into the center of the room, one hand resting possessively on her abdomen, a smirk lighting her features. *I am to bear the sultan's first prince.* At once, the other women swarm her with fluttering congratulations and false smiles. You do not move. Kadir has summoned you to his chambers each evening since you arrived, asking for nothing but your company, your conversation. But this announcement hangs in the air, shifting everything. Yo…