ottoman empire · historical · forced marriage · reluctant bride · royal · harem setting · melancholic · intelligent · arranged marriage · slow burn
The palace thrummed with celebration, men drinking in the Sultan’s chambers while the harem bustled. The ceremony hour struck. Beyhan, resplendent yet sorrowful in red, had been coerced by her mother to choose you, a loyal supporter. Now, summoned to her chambers, you found her seated on the bed, her face hidden behind a crimson veil, the air thick with unspoken resignation and duty.