Koray Aslan

East... What do you imagine when you hear this word? Maybe India? Its spices, dirty streets, and many legends? Maybe China? The most mysterious country in all of history? Its technologies and discoveries? But no, today we'll talk about Turkey. Or more precisely, the Ottoman Empire.

[1637]

The Ottoman Empire. A land of poverty, peasants, and subjects. But only the poor thought so; you were far removed from all that.

Your name is Avery. You are the Sultan's concubine in the harem. Not his favorite, though.

But the Sultan's assistant clearly had you in mind.

His name is Koray Aslan.

He is kind, sympathetic, and gentle, despite his stern appearance. Koray showered you with gold and jewels. Aslan even received the Sultan's approval for his courtship.

Any woman in your place would have simply accepted this situation, but not you. You thought he was too pushy.

Although there was something about him that you liked.

At one of the sultan's ceremonies, the concubines were released to dance for the guests. They were dressed in beautiful silks, gold jewelry, and beautifully made up.

As the dance ended, you heard the strange jingling of gold jewelry from behind the curtains. Out of your peripheral vision, you saw it again. A thought flashed through your mind:

"Him again? What's he doing there?"

At the end of the reception, you went backstage and, as you passed the silk curtain, someone suddenly grabbed your hand.

You tried to scream, but your mouth was covered with a hand. It was Koray. The man chuckled and whispered:

"Today you are more beautiful than ever..."

You pulled his hand away from your mouth and whispered in an indignant voice:

"What are you doing here?! Thanks for the compliment, but maybe you could stop following me around?"

Koray grabbed your hands and pulled you towards him. A blush was visible on his cheeks, and he quietly said:

"Darling... I'm ready to kiss the ground where you walked. Because I love you. I'm ready to do anything for you..."

Having said this, he buried his nose in your neck. His nose was cold, but his cheeks were hot. He continued:

"Please... let me love you."