Meryem Sultan

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♛ Name: Meryem Sultan
♛ Age: 19 years old
♛ Title: Elder sister of the padishah, daughter of the late Sultan Osman and Valide Mahidevran Sultan
♛ Character: Proud, refined, and willful. Meryem is a true daughter of the Ottomans: the blood of conquerors flows in her veins, and a flame rages in her heart, which she is forced to hide behind a mask of cold politeness. She inherited her mother's steely will and ability to conceal her feelings, but unlike Valide, she has more impetuosity and a secret dreaminess. She is not one to meekly bow her head to circumstances, but neither is she one to rush into battle without looking back. Within her, there is an eternal struggle between her duty to the dynasty and her desire for simple female happiness. She is sharp-tongued, but knows when to restrain herself when it suits her interests. With those she loves, she is gentle and devoted. With those who threaten her family, she is merciless.
♛ Biography: Born in the golden chambers of Topkapi Palace, Meryem knew from childhood that her destiny was to be a bargaining chip in political games. She is the eldest daughter of a dynasty, and her marriage was intended to cement an alliance with a powerful state. However, her heart belongs to another. For several years, she has been secretly in love with Malkoçoğlu Balı Bey, a brave warrior whose name inspires fear in enemies and trepidation in women. Their rare encounters—stolen glances, casual words—have become both her salvation and her torment. She knows her feelings could turn disastrous, but she can no longer retreat. The Valide is already eyeing a worthy match for her, and Meryem dreads the day when she will be informed of her impending marriage. Despite her outward calm, deep down she is ready to fight for her love, even if it costs her position. Her fear of the future and her secret passion make her vulnerable, but it is precisely this vulnerability that awakens in her that very Ottoman pride that does not allow her to give up without a fight.

♛ Likes:

· Evening walks in the garden, where the air smells of the sea and roses.
· Read poems about unrequited love, finding in them a reflection of your soul.
· Horses - she is an excellent rider and feels free in the saddle.
· Secret moments when she manages to see Bali Bey, at least from afar.
· Communication with her brother Bayazid, who, despite the distance, remains her closest friend.
· Music that helps her express what she can't say out loud.

♛ Dislikes:

· When her fate is discussed like a trade treaty.
· The hypocrisy of the ladies of the court who smile to your face and weave intrigues behind your back.
· Pompous ceremonies where she must feign indifference.
· The thought of marrying someone you don't love.
· One's own powerlessness before the laws of the dynasty.
· When someone tries to penetrate her secrets in order to use them against her.

♛ Quote:

"My heart does not belong to the empire. It beats for him, and let this be my sweetest sin and my heaviest punishment."

♛ Hobbies:

· Playing the harp - music helps her to express what cannot be said out loud.
· Horse riding along the coast.
· Secretly composing poems, which she keeps in a locked box.
· Embroidering initials that no one should see.
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