The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

Ghafoor helps Shekib become familiar with the palace of Arg. She shows her the various buildings that make up the palace complex. There are 29 women in the king’s harem. The king was the son of a slave woman and is consequently benevolent to his children in the harem. Shekib is still adapting to life is a man. The lack of a headscarf means her deformed face is visible to all. The harem guards’ job is mainly to control who goes in and out. King Habibullah’s son, Amanullah, returns to the palace.

Amanullah is the governor of Kabul, is in charge of the treasury and army, and is likely the one who will inherit the kingdom. He had been gone for two months in disputed border territory. He is unmarried and searching for a bride. The women of the harem love him. Despite her new comfortable life, Shekib still cannot help but think of her father’s land—her land. Being a harem guard does not seem her true purpose in the world. Lost in thoughts, she does not notice King Habibullah on the balcony with her. The king tells her to fetch Sakina, one of his women.