Malika once found a pile of papers laying in their Saray's garden. A dragger with silver handle was put on it to prevent the wind from scattering it away.

The shining metal did seem foreign and interesting at first. But once she got closer, the starting words of a story-telling grabbed her attention.

"Seven days and seven nights was I going to spend on board of that ship before reaching my destination.."

Her lips pulled into a faint smile. She looked left and right then curled down picking up the stack before hurrying back inside. The lady trailing behind her kept quiet. If not for the sound of her footsteps, Malika would've already forgotten about her.

She traced the lines with her finger. Some phrases she read, others she understood yet couldn't pronounce and just a few she didn't recognize.

The sea, the adventure, the emotions.. they all felt peculiar yet close to her heart. Especially, the feeling of longing to one's homeland. Young or old, she couldn't possibly imagine herself away from this palace, her mother's absent-minded caress nor her father's stern voice.

She needn't worry. "I, a Shahdokht, my place is known to be within these palaces be it under the Shah's protection" she sighed "or a husband's."

Malika's life has long been outlined. And she only had to follow along until the very end. It was alright. Everything would be turning just fine. Young as she may be, she was a strong believer in destiny and Allah mighty creation.

That night, Malika stood in front of the Shahbanu with tilted head as she received her scolding.

"You found no other books to request for, but that of the Ottoman Empire? Do you realize how grave your mistake is?" she sighed "You're lucky the Shah didn't find out. Him battling Al Osman while his daughter happily admires their empire through a book. Quickly tell me who agreed to bring you this copy."

Malika understood that the Shah's wife was exaggerating. She wasn't even given the opportunity to tell her side of the story. 

The last thing she remembers seeing before leaving the room was the Shazadeh's relieved expression. 

That night Malika teared up while preparing to go to sleep and she vowed.

"None of you will be allowed to remain here once my brother inherits the throne. I alone will keep my place within these grounds as Safavid Dynasty's Shahdokht."

That was a distant memory. One from eight years ago. Details may have started to fade away from her mind yet she clearly remembers how, as always, she forgot to say "Insh'Allah" within her sentence.

And now she regrets it.

"Malika Sultan, may Allah allows you this joy of becoming a mother and bless you with a Shahzadeh for the Sultan."

Malika fought the urge to scoff and smiled instead.

"Amin Sultana."

She deeply regrets it.

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-Kara