Summary

Chapters 22 - 28 are mostly about Rahima, though two of the seven chapters - Chapters 22 and 28 - are about Shekiba.

In Chapter 22, Shekiba is brought to Arg-e-Shahi, more commonly referred to as Arg, the king's palace. As she is being prepared for cleansing, Shekiba remembers seeing Kabul on her ride to the palace. She sees Kabul as a place so large she never could have imagined it. She notices the streets lined with stores, houses with colorful doors, and people acknowledging the king's entourage as it passes through the city.

Shekiba is equally impressed with the palace. She notices the high arches, stone pillars, grand entrance, and stark greenery. Soldiers guard every corner. She sees the king from a distance and wonders if her path will ever cross his, since the palace grounds are so enormous.

Shekiba meets Ghafoor and is happily surprised that...