Shagrat is deeply humiliated, but she steps down after being Egypt's sultan for only two months. A successful Mamluk soldier, Aibak, is appointed in her place. Shagrat al-Durr's moment of power, however, is not over. Either for love or political ambition, she manages to seduce Aibak. He marries her to legitimize Mamluk rule.
Reports tell of their great love for one another.
With her experience at administration and leadership, for seven years Shagrat rather than Aibak really rules. Shagrat continues to sign the sultan's decrees, has coins struck in both their names, and dares to be addressed as Sultana. Shagrat al-Durr is a jealous woman, and one who does not want to share power. When she married Aibak, she had him divorce his wife, with whom he had a son. In 1257, Aibak proposes to take another wife.