Due to a winter storm with harsh winds, celebrations on the night of Fatma Hatun’s final wedding banquet were cancelled. The procession of the bride continued with little pomp, wearing a gown embroidered by her mother, the Imperial Princess was escorted only by the Agha of the Girls; without the presence of her natural family.
Having sworn to have no eye for anyone beside Fatma, her new groom was given the prefix title Damat; in recognition of his place as a member of The Sultan’s family. Damat Mahmoud Agha’s marriage to Fatma Hatun was consummated in her dowry mansion, built outside the harem’s palaces; its close connection allowing the couple to visit almost freely.
Abdul spent his last night of celebration in the company of Laila Hatun. In the early hours of the morning, as his hands aimlessly explored her body, she spoke of The First Prince. Was he not jealous of the honor bestowed upon his younger sister? Such celebration, especially in the dead of Winter, could cause ambition to sprout come the Spring.
The Sultan agreed, wordlessly. Though such an arrangement would take effort, travelling in such unprecedented conditions would be dangerous, even for an imperial envoy. To whom would he propose? The Sultan’s conquests left him without foreign acquaintance.
Laila had an answer, one awoken early the same morning, escorted by an imposing guard to an unrecognizable chamber. When the girl woke the First Prince, he took no hesitation in claiming his present.
