Summary

In Chapter 1, the 17-year-old concubine Fatima visits her childhood friend and cartographer Hassan in his chambers. Hassan warns her to return to her mistress Lady Aisha's chambers before someone sees her with him unchaperoned. Though Hassan is gay, the friends know they must not be alone together as a matter of appearances. Fatima gives him something to eat and they tell each other stories about birds as they have done since they were young.

Hassan makes her a map of a view per her request. He comments on her beauty. She is the last Circassian slave, born into the palace and slavery. Though she is treated well, Fatima often feels trapped. After leaving Hassan, she admires her map, feeling she is close to the sea she has never seen.

Back in the harem, the sultan's half-sister Nessma scolds her for disappearing. Fatima meets...