Sphrantzes records that the widow rejected a marriage proposal by Constantine XI, Byzantine Emperor.[10] Sphrantzes records that when her parents died (in 1456–1457), Mara joined the court of her stepson Mehmed II. According to Nicol, Mara maintained a presence at court but was also offered her own estate at "Ježevo". Nicol identifies Ježevo with the modern settlement of Dafni in Mount Athos.[1] When Mehmed became sultan, she often provided him with advice.[11] Her court at Ježevo included exiled Serbian nobles.[12]