The Charmingly Clever Cousin by Suzanne Williams Page B

Prince Ahmed. “I’m sorry for keeping you here so long. You may go.”
    After they’d left, Ahmed turned back to Fatima. “I’d like an explanation for your behavior,” he said with a frown. “But I think Selime would like to hear it too.”
    Fatima gulped. She could handle Ahmed’s anger, but she hated to disappoint her sister—or to think that something bad could’ve happened to little baby Hassim. Nevertheless, she followed Ahmed down the hall.

    Selime was singing to Hassim in her beautiful voice as he lay gurgling in her lap. He seemed to have gotten over his fright quickly enough, thought Fatima.
    Prince Ahmed sat beside Selime and tickled Hassim’s tummy. “How’s my sweet little baby waby?” he cooed. “How’s my little princey wincey?”
    Fatima nearly gagged. Baby talk was so disgusting!
    Selime swept back her wavy hair as she raised her head to look at Fatima. “Are you unhappy here?” she asked, a hurt look in her eyes.
    â€œN-no,” said Fatima. “And I’m sorry about what happened, only…” She paused, not wanting to say that she’d been bored, in case she hurt her sister’s feelings even more.
    Prince Ahmed frowned. “Only what?”
    â€œOnly…bats and bullfrogs!” she blurted. “Sometimes I just need to get out of the palace for a while!”
    Prince Ahmed’s forehead wrinkled. “Please don’t curse. It’s not nice. You could have said you needed time off. You’re not exactly a prisoner here.”
    â€œI know. But I’m supposed to be looking after Prince Hassim, and—”
    â€œAnd you didn’t feel that you could ask for some time away from him,” finished Selime.
    Fatima nodded miserably. Now her sister would know she didn’t find babysitting to be all that interesting.
    But to her surprise, Selime said, “Being cooped up all day with a baby would be hard for any young girl. I expect you’d like the company of princesses your own age. How would you like to invite a few of your friends to visit?”
    Fatima’s face brightened. “Could I? I mean, would it be all right?”
    Selime smiled at her husband. “You wouldn’t mind, would you, dear? Fatima needs a break, and I can handle Hassim by myself for a while.”
    â€œWell,” Prince Ahmed said slowly, “Isuppose that would be all right. For a little while, anyway.”
    â€œYes!” shouted Fatima. Excited at the thought of seeing her friends, she hugged Selime. But to Ahmed she only said, “Thanks.”

3
The Princesses Arrive
    S EVERAL DAYS LATER THE PRINCESSES ARRIVED. Fatima was watching for them and raced from her room to the front of the palace when their carriages rolled up.
    â€œWow! This place is beautiful!” exclaimed Tansy, giving Fatima a hug. At nine, Tansy was the youngest of Fatima’s friends. She had lots of freckles and ginger-colored hair.
    â€œYes, I suppose it is.” Fatima tried to seethings as Tansy must see them—the smooth, polished marble of the palace walls, the ornate columns, the high, arched doorways. It was a nice place, especially when you could leave it from time to time.

    â€œHi, Fatima. Long time, no see!” Lysandra’s wavy blond hair sparkled as the sunlightstreamed through the windows. She was ten, two years younger than Fatima. Fatima would always feel grateful to her for hosting the talent show auditions that had brought the four princesses together.
    Fatima hugged Elena next. She was eleven, with soft, hazel eyes and frizzy brownhair. Together the four girls entered the Grand Hall, where Ahmed, Selime, and Hassim were waiting to meet them.
    Fatima introduced her friends. Standing tall and looking graceful, Selime smiled at the princesses. “It’s good to meet you,” she said. “Fatima has told me a lot about you. I hope you’ll have a lovely time