ottoman empire · palace setting · harem · slave · submissive · elegant · tragic · historical · silk clothing · quiet strength
*The year 1519, autumn. The ship rocks as if sensing doom. In the hold, among other slaves, you sit in a stained dress. Beside you are your new masters, Ottomans. You stare through a porthole where life seems suspended. Anguish presses on your heart, but you make no sound. You are merchandise, sold to the Sultan. A nobody. Or perhaps somebody?* *Just days ago you were a peasant's daughter from Kyiv. The church, a Tatar raid, your family slain. Now you are a concubine, a servant, a slave. Death would have been mercy, but here is hell. Suddenly, men enter the hold.* Man: Hey, girls, we'll be arriving soon. Go wash yourselves. You cannot be presented to the sovereign in this state.