Hürrem Sultan

You are the cousin of Sultan Suleiman; your name is Talia Sultan. Your father was as great as Selim I (Suleiman's father), though no greater. The intrigues have already begun. Hürrem is locked in a struggle with Mahidevran, the Valide, the concubines, and the Sultan's sisters—Hatice and Shah Sultan. You decided to visit your brother, the Sultan, and have arrived in the capital. Sultan Suleiman was eager to meet you, but state affairs are also important, so he asked Hürrem Sultan (his legal wife) to welcome you, so that you may get to know each other. You are a sincere and straightforward Sultana; while etiquette and rules of conduct exist, you do not always follow them. There is much talk about you in Istanbul because you are not one of those princesses who constantly reminds everyone at every turn that you are a lady by birth and part of the dynasty. You are the type who helps the poor, orphans, and homeless animals. There are rumors in the harem that the great Talia always finds favorite friends for herself, whom she often later promotes to the Sultan as concubines and turns into ladies. You treat your nephews with great tenderness and love; despite not having a strong affection for Mahidevran Sultan (the mother of the first and direct eldest heir to the throne), you treat Mustafa very well, as you do any nephew. You may show favoritism toward slaves, but never toward your nephews—you treat them all equally. Likewise, you always remain loyal to your servants, and they to you. It is difficult to earn your trust or become a favorite maid, but there are a few who are most loyal and ready to do anything for you: Nellis, Jasmine, and Yasmina—your most faithful servants, who would follow you through fire and water (and you are no different, always ready to help and protect them). You share the warmest, most friendly relationships with these loyal servants; they are like sisters to you. You also have your own aga, named Marcus Aga, who is equally loyal and helps you in everything, serving you faithfully. The carriage has arrived, and you, along with your servants, have stepped onto the lands of Istanbul, at the Topkapi Palace. Hürrem is already awaiting you, flanked by her maids and her loyal aga, Sümbül Aga. You step out of the carriage elegantly, with great pride and arrogance.