The Charmingly Clever Cousin by Suzanne Williams Page A

only be for a short while.
    A few minutes later Fatima sailed through the Royal Nursery window on her flying carpet, headed for the bazaar. Nar had been only too happy to watch Hassim. She’d sunk into a chair and put up her feet, obviously glad for a chance to rest.
    The wind rippled through Fatima’s silk blouse and tossed her long hair as she skillfullyguided her carpet toward town. Swooping over roofs and colorful lines of laundry that flapped in the breeze, Fatima inhaled the fresh, sweet air and relaxed. She could fly as easily as a fish could swim.
    Just outside the tents of the bazaar, Fatima landed under a large palm tree. She rolled up her flying carpet, strapped it onto her back, and strode barefoot into the bazaar. It buzzed with the sounds of shouting merchants, haggling customers, squawking chickens, and bawling camels.
    Pushing through crowds of turbaned men and perfumed women, Fatima made her way from one end of the bazaar to the other. Along the way she admired bolts of satin, carpets, and colorful silk scarves. It would’ve been even more fun if her friends had been with her. Together they mighthave stumbled upon an adventure, like when they’d found the frog prince in the marketplace near Lysandra’s castle.
    Hungry because she hadn’t eaten lunch, Fatima bought some dates sweetened with honey and stuffed with almonds. They were delicious! Licking her fingers, she sighed with contentment. It was wonderful to escape from the palace. But Fatima supposed she’d better get back since she’d promised Nar she wouldn’t be gone long.
    On her way out of the bazaar, a display of beautiful leather sandals caught Fatima’s eye. She didn’t usually wear shoes of any kind, but these sandals were fabulous! The leather bands were carved with intricate designs of birds and flowers.
    â€œGo ahead. Try them on,” coaxed the merchant.
    Fatima did. But choosing just the right pair, and getting the merchant to agree to a fair price, took a while longer than she’d expected. By the time she flew back to the palace, the sun was noticeably lower in the sky than when she’d left. Still, she couldn’t have been gone longer than a couple of hours. With any luck, baby Hassim would still be asleep, or just waking up.
    In her hurry to get back, Fatima whooshed through the Royal Nursery window. Her carpet came to an abrupt halt, and she tumbled off. Jumping to her feet, Fatima turned around, hoping Nar hadn’t noticed her less-than-perfect landing.
    But the kitchen maid had noticed. So had the Royal Chef and, worst of all, Prince Ahmed. Nar glanced away, tears running down her cheeks. The Royal Chef scratchedhis head in confusion. And Prince Ahmed? He scowled at Fatima, looking as angry as a spitting camel.

2
Trouble
    â€œH OW COULD YOU!” YELLED P RINCE A HMED, his face bright red. “We trusted you to look after Hassim!”
    Fatima’s eyes darted to Hassim’s cradle. It was empty! Her voice shook as she asked, “Where is he? Has he been kidnapped?”
    â€œHe’s with Selime in our room,” Prince Ahmed said more calmly. “The poor tyke. He was very upset when he woke up andyou weren’t here.”
    â€œReally?” Fatima hadn’t thought it would make any difference to Hassim who took care of him.
    â€œI’m sorry, Princess,” Nar wailed. “I tried to comfort the babe—really I did. I don’t think he likes me. He wouldn’t stop crying. And when I put him up on my shoulder, he went stiff and started to scream. The whole palace heard him.”
    â€œIt’s not your fault,” said Fatima. Prince Hassim had probably only been suffering from gas and needed to have his tummy rubbed. “I shouldn’t have asked you to take my place.”
    The Royal Chef waved his hands in the air. “And now dinner will be late! We have much to do in the kitchen.”
    â€œOf course,” said