They ended in nothing, for Fatima's knowledge of the world did not extend as far as the sea.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: The narrator says this of Fatima's view of the mountains beyond the palace grounds. Because Fatima has been born into slavery at the Court of Myrtles, she has been kept for exploring, even perceiving, the world beyond her immediate confines. The line speaks of Fatima's circumstantial entrapments, it also alludes to her coming ventures beyond her present reality. Soon Fatima will brave this impossibly removed realm, crossing even that ocean she has never laid eyes upon. The author uses this moment to plant clues of Fatima's coming experiences.

The point is: freedom is well enough, but influence is better, and if you wanted it, you could have influence aplenty.
-- Lady Aisha (chapter 2)

Importance: Lady Aisha says this to Fatima regarding her role as the sultan's concubine. Like many of the characters throughout the novel, Lady Aisha...