32
Rasha and Chiza were brought to the east wing of the palace where the princesses were staying. They entered a corridor lined with doors. They were all open, and the girls were milling about between rooms. When Chiza and Rasha arrived, a general silence fell on the group as they stopped to stare at the new arrivals.
They whispered behind their hands and looked at them as if they’d interrupted an exclusive party. As Rasha thought about it, perhaps they had. Chiza held her head high as she passed them and Rasha tried to do the same. The dress didn’t make it easy. It swayed above her ankles, showing off her large and dirty feet.
“You will be in side-by-side suites here.” The guard pointed to the doors and bowed. He refused to lift his head until they’d both entered. He shut both doors be
