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'The King seemed very modern-minded,' Marie protested
Aziz sighed 'He is, actually, but he can only go so far for fear of offending the diehards who help him run this country Believe ht to be running wild She isn't h she is twenty years old, and to so'
Marie looked at hi?'
'They think she is getting old,' Aziz said grio she would have beenhas held the that he find her a husband without further delay'
'An arranged e?' Marie knew that that was the custom here, so this did not surprise her
Aziz nodded 'The Prime Minister is the leader of the old party, the ones who are most determined to have her married off…'
She glanced nervously at Rahaib, who stood within earshot, his face blank, yet who lance and smiled
'Oh, don't worry about Rahaib He was the King's bodyguard when the King was small He would die rather than betray any of us'
Rahaibthat he had heard a word of this re
'You see? He is the eyes and ears, but he does not speak, unless the King commands it'
'Then the King approves of what you suggest?' she asked doubtfully
Aziz said softy, 'The King wants his sister to be happy, but he cannot move in the matter himself He can only permit what she wishes out of his love for her If she asks to be allowed to visit you in your bungalow, he will agree'
Rahaib turned suddenly and murmured softly, 'The Lord Hathni approaches, my lord'
'Oh, gracious heavens,' Aziz said in alarave Marie a quick look 'Do not mention that you have seen me We have never met before'
Marie was puzzled and alar to look down the corridor as she heard the slap of sandalled feet When she turned back to Aziz he had vanished She looked at Rahaib in bewilderment His dark eyes met hers impassively