Just the Beginning by DesertFlower
Summary: Aladdin and Jasmine, still newlyweds, are being crowned Sultan and Sultana, and what a happy day their coronation was for them and the entire kingdom. But, this is just the beginning of their happy future together.
Rating: PG
Categories: Aladdin
Characters: Abu, Aladdin, Carpet, Genie, Jasmine, Sultan
Genres: Romance
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: None
Published: 11/27/07
Updated: 03/16/08
Index
Chapter 1: Royal Coronation
Chapter 2: Deprived
Chapter 3: Finally
Chapter 4: Blessing
Chapter 5: Homecoming
Chapter 6: Changes
Chapter 7: Mother
Chapter 8: Tales of Love
Chapter 9: Growing
Chapter 10: Thankful
Chapter 11: To the Limit
Chapter 12: Happy Event
Chapter 13: Epilogue
Chapter 1: Royal Coronation
Author's Notes: Although I am an expirienced fanfic writer, this is my first Aladdin fanfic, and my first time writing a major story in third person point of view, so go easy on me. But, I think you'll enjoy it! Let me know what you think!
BTW, the songs sang in this chapter are I'll Stand by You by Carrie Underwood, Outside Looking In by Nick Lachey, and Brave by Jennifer Lopez, and the songs appear in that order.
Dusk had settled over the city of Agrabah, giving it an almost red/orange glow. Aladdin and Jasmine had a fantastic view of their city, but they weren't on the balcony of their bedroom, they were in Aladdin's old hovel. The two of them sometimes came here in evenings to be alone, coming themselves, even without Carpet to fly them home at night. Aladdin was wearing his fancy street rat clothes, where the vest had a gold trim, he had a striped sash, and was wearing brown shoes. Jasmine was also disguised, but had taken those clothes off to reveal her normal, two piece outfit. But, instead of it being it's normal blue, it was a lovely shade of purple.
Aladdin was standing, leaning against the wall, looking out at the city, deep in thought. Jasmine was sitting only a few feet away, also watching her city. The Prince and Princess watched in silence. Though, tonight was the last night they would be referred to as such, for tomorrow, after only ten months of marriage, they were being crowned Sultan and Sultana. Jasmine's father was in no way ill or dieing, he just felt it was time to hand the kingdom over to new, younger rulers who he knew could charge it much better than he had.
Aladdin and Jasmine learned about this about a month ago, and immediately started getting prepared. Jasmine turned from the city to look at her husband, who was still lost in his thoughts. She then stood and walked over to him and put her hand on his arm, and felt his muscles were tense as she tried to comfort his troubled mind.
“Aladdin, you're not still nervous about tomorrow, are you?” She asked, and he sighed.
“It's not just tomorrow, Jasmine, it's the future. What if I'm not ready?” He looked down and closed his eyes.
“But you are ready, you're going to make an excellent Sultan, one of the best Agrabah's ever seen, at least I think so, and so does Father. If he didn't, he wouldn't be doing this so soon.”
Aladdin finally looked at Jasmine.
“You're right, I guess, but still, I-” Aladdin started saying, but Jasmine put a finger to his lips, and then took his hands in hers, and he turned to face her. Jasmine looked up at him, and started singing softly,
“Oh, why you look so sad
The tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don’t be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
Cause I’ve seen the dark side too
“When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less
“I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
I won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
“So, if you're mad, get mad
Don’t hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide
I get angry too
Well, I’m a lot like you
“When you're standing at the crossroads
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
Cause even if you're wrong
“I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
I won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you
“And when, when the night falls on you, baby
You're feeling all alone
You won't be on your own
“I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
I won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you
“Oh, I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Jasmine finished the song and looked into Aladdin's eyes. He smiled slightly, but then looked out into the city, with a new determination in his eyes as he started singing,
“Paper houses,
And fallen angels,
And times you can't see in front of you.
Wasted moments,
Trying to be someone I,
Never wanted to be for you.
“But I feel my world coming back to life,
My eyes are finally open again.
Now I see it all,
It a different light,
Standing on the outside,
I'm finally on the outside,
Looking in.
“Reaching out into unknown spaces,
With nothing left to blur the view.
And now I know I've got to find,
This picture frozen in my mind,
Of a life I never knew.
“But I feel my world coming back to life,
My eyes are finally open again.
Now I see it all,
It a different light,
Standing on the outside,
I'm finally on the outside.
“I'm tearing out the page,
Breathing for a change,
And its so good.
“To feel myself coming back to life,
I'm finally on the outside,
I'm finally on the outside.
And I feel my world coming back to life,
My eyes are finally open again.
Now I see it all,
It a different light,
Standing on the outside,
I'm finally on the outside,
Looking in.
Aladdin turned to look at his wife, and she smiled,
“I know you can do it, I have faith in you.” Jasmine said.
“Thanks, I have faith in you, too.” They both smiled, and Aladdin took Jasmine in his arms and held her, glad for her constant encouragement at times like these.
They stayed at the hovel until late at night, and then returned to their palace bedroom.
“Good night, my Prince.” Jasmine said as they laid in bed.
“Good night, Princess.” Aladdin said, and Jasmine laid her head on his bare chest and smiled as he put an arm around her. They soon both fell asleep in each others arms.
Jasmine awoke early the next morning, and looked to see Aladdin still sleeping. It was normal for her to wake up before him nowadays, for in the last month he had had much trouble sleeping, tossing and turning, stress building about the upcoming coronation. To Jasmine's surprise, Aladdin had slept peacefully last night. But, she was also relieved, for she had started to worry about him, but whenever she would bring up the subject with him, he would insist he was fine, that it was just a little anxiety, but she knew better, knowing inside just how scared he was.
Jasmine could tell he wasn't scared about becoming Sultan, it was living up to everyone's expectations. But what more could people expect from him? The thought angered her, for Aladdin has done so many things for this city, almost too many to name, and yet people keep setting the bar higher for him. Jasmine's expectations, too, were high for Aladdin, but hers were to encourage him, and strengthen him, not to push him over the limit. Aladdin had the same expectations for her, too, and he had the right to have those feelings, for he was her husband, and was going to be Sultan soon. Aladdin also has every right in the world to feel the way he's felt the last month. Jasmine understood why few of her words could comfort him, for they couldn't change what people thought and expected of him, especially as the ruler of the kingdom.
A silent anger was building inside her, but her face softened and she sighed quietly. Now was not the time to get angry, not today, today was too important, and she needed to be there for Aladdin. She watched him for a minute, and then got out of bed as quietly as possible, as not to wake him, for she knew he needed the sleep. He stirred lightly, but never opened his eyes. She then went to her vanity and brushed out her hair, which she let fall about her shoulders. After she finished, she walked out to the balcony. It was still early, but from she could tell, the sun had been up for a while now.
Jasmine let her chin rest on her hand as she leaned against the side of the balcony. She began to ponder her role as Sultana, for she knew her role wasn't nearly as important as Aladdin's. She was a woman, it was as simple as that, and he was a man, and his word and opinion always came before hers, even as Queen. She hated the idea of it, for she wanted to be involved in Aladdin's day-to-day duties, at least some of them, for she knew their was some of them where she wasn't needed, just like she wasn't needed for many of his duties as Prince, but for those he had sometimes insisted against her help, not to offend her, but to prove that he was capable of his duties as ruler one day. As Sultan, Aladdin would have his advisor's, and they would probably advise against a woman being involved anyway. She was thankful that Aladdin didn't think like that, for her opinion mattered to him, and he always took them into consideration, and Jasmine was the same way. Though she hadn't gotten as bad as Aladdin had the last month, she was too nervous, though she hadn't let it show, or at least tried, for she was forced to admit a couple of times to Aladdin she did indeed feel the same way. The thing she feared the most though, was not worrying if people found her incapable as Sultana, she knew she was capable of that, for her day-to-day duties weren't that hard. What Jasmine feared was being judged and scrutinized as a wife, a wife that couldn't stand just sitting on the throne next to her husband, the Sultan. That she couldn't just be there for him and serve him. She knew she was a good wife, and of course would do anything Aladdin told her to. Aladdin was also a wonderful husband, their marriage being a very happy one, and in no way would being the rulers, having to charge the kingdom on their own change that, for their marriage, the love and passion they felt for eachother was bigger than that. The gossips would tell otherwise, though. Jasmine tried to get these thoughts out of her head, for she knew they were ridiculous. She hated the gossips, and tried to ignore them. She was determined not to let word of mouth get to her, and she was determined to show everyone that her and Aladdin could both be there for eachother, not only as Sultan and Sultana, but as lovers also. So, she sang,
“It's a new day, new day, and it's evident
You must have been heaven-sent
Sometimes we should be hesitant, but I'm not at all
Just feeling more confident
Just using my common sense
Just trusting it, I'm loving it
“I can't refuse an offer so benevolent
Can't assume he's gon' use me
And after he'll never call again
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid
This is the day, this is the day
[Chorus:]
“It's time to be brave
Say I'm not afraid, not anymore
I used to be cold, now the temperature's changed
It just ain't the same
I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid
Cus I've become brave
As the light of day straight into a cave
To show me the way, that I might be saved
Now I'm turning the page
Thanks to the power of love I can love
Because I am brave
“I am brave, I am brave
“I heard him say this thing moving too fast for him
It's a thin line we're straddling
Foolishly adamant, but it's all in his eyes
Really wish he would let me in
Cus the same way I'm scared of him
He's scared of being hurt again
“It's time to let go, let go of your heart
It's time for a brand new start
Never know, we might never part
Baby don't be afraid, don't be afraid
This is the day, this is the day
“It's time to be brave
Say I'm not afraid, not anymore
I used to be cold, now the temperature's changed
It just ain't the same
I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid
Cus I've become brave
As the light of day straight into a cave
To show me the way, that I might be saved
Now I'm turning the page
Thanks to the power of love I can love
Because I am brave
“I wouldn't take back anything that I've gone through
I pray for strength for anything that I'm gonna do
Whether joy, or as pain, I'm still okay
I'm gonna be alright cause I'm not afraid
No, I am brave
“Say I'm not afraid, not anymore
I used to be cold, now the temperature's changed
It just ain't the same
I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid
Cus I've become brave
As the light of day straight into a cave
To show me the way, that I might be saved
Now I'm turning the page
Thanks to the power of love I can love
Because I am brave
“I am Brave.”
Jasmine smiled, feeling both her and Aladdin were ready for the responsibilities and challenges that awaited them. As long as they were together, they could go through anything.
Aladdin awoke a while later, and turned to lie on his back and stretched out his arm, only to feel that Jasmine was no longer in bed. He looked to find her standing on the balcony. He wasn't surprised that she was already up, though he hoped he hadn't kept her up all night with his constant restlessness. He closed his eyes again, feeling rested for the first time in weeks. He knew the only reason he was feeling so calm right now was because of Jasmine, for she had helped him find an inner clam last night, one that he desperately needed if he was to become Sultan. Aladdin then walked out to the balcony to join Jasmine.
Jasmine gazed out into the city, and then felt a pair of arms gently wrapped around her waist. She smiled as her fingers entwined with Aladdin's.
“Good morning.” He said.
“Good morning.” Jasmine replied as she turned and faced him. They both smiled before leaning in for a kiss.
“I'm glad to see you slept well last night.” Jasmine said as she took Aladdin's hands in hers.
“Yeah, me too. Did you sleep well?” He asked.
“Yes, I did.”
“Good, it's about time we both woke up feeling refreshed. If it wasn't for my tossing and turning every night we might actually-”
“Aladdin, don't blame this on your self. You had every right to get worked up about this.”
“You didn't.”
“Aladdin, that's not to say I didn't have a lot on my mind. And, I'm not the one being crowned Sultan today, am I?” She asked.
Aladdin smiled, “No, Jasmine, just my beautiful Queen.”
She blushed as he swept a hair away from her face. He loved it when it was down, tumbling down her shoulders and back. During the day, she always wore it pulled back, and she really only wore it down in the mornings and at night, which was perfect because that was almost the only time they got to see eachother, both of them being so busy during the day, especially Aladdin. She had also worn it down for their wedding, and oh, how beautiful she looked that day. Aladdin had never, and nor would he ever see anything
as beautiful as Jasmine in her wedding gown. Though, there was never a time where she wasn't beautiful. He gazed at her now, radiant in the morning light.
Jasmine let out a small laugh before saying, “Come, we should start getting ready, the ceremony will start in a few hours.” Aladdin followed her back into the bedroom.
A while later, they were both ready. Jasmine was wearing a shimmering, gold two piece long sleeved outfit, with many beautiful, intricate details. Her hair was pulled back with gold bands, and she was wearing earrings and a necklace of pure, glittering gold. Even her red lips had a caramel tint to them, though, she wasn't wearing a crown of any kind, not yet at least, for she would have a new crown placed on her head during the ceremony. Aladdin also looked his best. His clothes, coordinated with Jasmine's, were much more regal than what he would normally wear, but yet more youthful than what her father wore as Sultan. He too, wasn't wearing wearing anything on his head that signified he was royalty because he was going to get a new, Sultan's turban during the ceremony, and that, too, was more youthful looking.
Aladdin and Jasmine were still in their bedroom when their door creaked open and Abu peeked in. Aladdin turned to the door and smiled, and Abu ran in and climbed on Aladdin's shoulders. Abu was smiling, and Aladdin asked,
“Well, you ready for today Abu?”
At that, Abu scowled, and screeched something that only Aladdin could understand. Jasmine assumed it was something about his vest being uncomfortable, for he was tugging at it. He was wearing a fancy white vest, and a matching fez.
Aladdin gave a laugh before saying, “I know, but it's only for today, besides, you have a very important job to do.”
“Abu, that's right,” Jasmine said, “You have to get down to the courtyard. Is Genie already down there?”
Abu nodded, and Aladdin said “You better be heading down there, we'll be there shortly.” Abu frowned, and Aladdin petted him on the head. Abu said something, giving in, and he left, and Jasmine and Aladdin were alone again.
“Well, we better get going, too.” Jasmine said.
“It's not like they can start without us.” Aladdin said, and Jasmine gave a quiet laugh. This was last time today they would be alone until late this evening, for after the coronation there was a celebratory feast in their honor, and Jasmine so wanted to make this time special.
“Jasmine, are you ready for this?” Aladdin asked, taking her small, delicate hands in his.
“Yes, I think I am,” She said with a certain determination. “Are you, Aladdin?”
“As ready as I'll ever be.” He said, also with determination in his voice, one that proved to Jasmine once and for all that he was ready to rule this kingdom. She moved closer to him, and said, looking into his eyes,
“You're going to be a great Sultan, I know it.”
Aladdin smiled before their lips met in a long kiss. After the kiss, they stood, and walked to the throne room, which would soon be theirs. They stood in front the doors, ready to make their grand entrance. They looked at eachother one last time, and then Aladdin nodded to the guards, and they opened the massive doors. Aladdin then held out his hand for Jasmine, and she rested her hand on his, and they walked down the staircase with their heads held high, walking just a noble couple should walk during occasions like these. They presented to everyone as “Their Royal Highnesses” and at the bottom of the staircase there were two golden thrones just for the ceremony.
Jasmine's father had chosen the high priest to lead the ceremony, but really he would hardly say anything, for Aladdin and Jasmine would do most of the talking themselves. Next to Aladdin's throne was Genie, holding a blue pillow with Aladdin's turban on it. To Aladdin's left, standing next to Jasmine's throne was Abu, holding another blue pillow with Jasmine's gold crown on it.
Jasmine and Aladdin arrived at the bottom of the staircase and bowed to Jasmine's father, and he nodded to them, and they took their seats. Jasmine's father said a few words to the crowd, and then he handed it over to the high priest, and then after a few moments nodded to Aladdin. Aladdin then stood, and walked over to Jasmine's throne. Abu was perched on a stand, and he held the pillow up, and Aladdin lifted up the crown. It was a beautiful crown, of a gold, filigree design, with a large, blue sapphire on top. A blue sapphire was also on the center of Jasmine's top, and on her pants. Aladdin then said an oath, and Jasmine repeated it, and then closed her eyes and bowed her head slightly as her husband placed the crown on her head. She looked up and smiled at him, and he held out his hands for her. She took them and stood, and they walked over to Aladdin's throne. Aladdin sat, and Genie smiled to Jasmine as she took the turban off it. Jasmine said the same oath that he had for her, and he repeated it. He bowed his head as she placed the turban on his head. Aladdin and Jasmine smiled, and she took her seat next to Aladdin. They had done their part, now the high priest was talking about the oaths they had just taken, and how he was sure that they would be wonderful rulers.
While the high priest was talking, Aladdin would occasionally steal a glance over at Jasmine. She would glance back and smile, and he would return the same smile, doing everything he could to stop himself from kissing her, which was difficult as beautiful as she looked. At the same time, even though he didn't dare show it, Aladdin was getting annoyed, for the high priest was practically repeating was him and Jasmine had said themselves. But, he prayers were soon answered, for the moment had finally arrived. The high priest, in front of the large crowd, officially proclaimed Prince Aladdin Sultan Aladdin and Princess Jasmine Queen Jasmine. The newly exalted couple stood, and the crowd burst into applause and cheers. Jasmine and Aladdin smiled, and turned to look at eachother, both of them being so proud of the other. Aladdin then leaned in and kissed her. Genie sent fireworks into the sky, and after they parted form the kiss, Abu leaped onto Aladdin's shoulders.
The young Sultan and his Queen made their way into their palace, for their day wasn't done yet, they were to honored at a feast with many important people in attendance.
It wasn't until well after the sun went down until Aladdin and Jasmine were able to escape from the dinner. And the longer the feast went on, the less easier it got for them both to deny that they wanted to be alone with eachother. Finally, Aladdin and Jasmine excused themselves, with everyone rising as they stood and bowing to them, something they would both have to get used to, especially at occasions such as this.
Jasmine ran out the balcony, laughing as Aladdin ran after her. She got to the edge, looking up at the moon, accompanied by thousands of stars. Soon, Aladdin was by her side.
“I'm so proud of you, Aladdin, you did great today.” Jasmine said, taking his hands in hers.
“Thanks, I'm proud of you, too.” Aladdin said.
She smiled, and then looked out at the crystal clear night sky. Thankful that her and Aladdin were alone, she said,
“Well, My Lord, I'd never thought I'd say it on a night like this, but I think I'm too tired for a magic carpet ride tonight.”
“That's quite alright, Your Highness, because I had something else in mind.”
They both smiled, and Jasmine wrapped her arms around Aladdin's neck as they kissed passionately. Soon though, too soon for Aladdin's liking, Jasmine parted from the kiss, and made her way into the bedroom. She sat at her vanity, and looked at herself. She marveled at the beauty of her crown. She then took it off and looked at it closer, with it's intricate, gold design and the large, blue sapphire on top. She smiled as she set it down, and proceeded to take out the bands in her hair and she brushed it. When she was done, she stood as Aladdin came in from the balcony. Aladdin then drew the curtains shut that surrounded their massive bed. He then took Jasmine in his arms, and she ran her fingers through his hair, for he had taken his jacket and turban off. Their lips met in a kiss, and soon they were on the bed, in eachothers arms, neither of them wanting the passion to end, and stop it did not until the early hours of the morning.
Chapter 2: Deprived
Author's Notes: Hey! Here's the second part! You might be surprised by what happens in this part, but you'll like it! Tell me what you think, I love hearing the reviews, I've gotten some really great ones so far! Keep them coming!
BTW, the songs used in this part are Stand Still, Look Pretty by the Wreckers and Hurt by Christina Aguilera. Enjoy!
It was morning now in the city of Agrabah, and everything has been peaceful for months; even in the wake of new rulers rising to the throne.
Jasmine awoke, inhaling deeply as she did so, taking in the scent that told her that it was morning. Still feeling somewhat tired, she turned over on her side but did not open her eyes. When she did finally open her eyes, she found that Aladdin was gone. She assumed he'd been up for hours now.
She then got up and went to her vanity, awaking Rajah as she did so, who was lying next to it. She sat and brushed her hair.
Jasmine wasn't surprised that Aladdin was already up, for within days of the coronation, their roles became reversed. Instead of Jasmine being the first to wake up every morning, it was Aladdin who arose almost with the sun, with her waking up hours after he had left.
She sighed with slight disappointment, for even though she had prepared to be Queen for nearly a month before the coronation, nothing could've prepared her for what being Queen was really like. Two and a half weeks her and Aladdin have been Sultan and Sultana, and in those two and a half weeks she had done almost nothing, while Aladdin was working harder than ever. She hated sitting around doing nothing, while Aladdin on the other hand was doing a wonderful job as Sultan, with everyone noticing, everyone looking up to him with such a higher regard than before, taking away his “street-rat” reputation once and for all. While Jasmine was proud of Aladdin for achieving all that had in such a short time, she wondered, what was being said about her? Jasmine wondered if the women of this kingdom were wondering of why they had heard and seen so little of their Queen when they had heard so much from her husband, the Sultan. Maybe they wondered if she was in hiding, or other reasons they were trying to think of. Jasmine again tried to get these thoughts out of her head. The truth was, there really wasn't a reason she was so uninvolved, there was just nothing for her to do. It wasn't her job to sentence prisoners, or to try and open new trade routes with forgien lands, or to head meetings with chief advisers for advice on ways to improve the city. No, these weren't her jobs, they were Aladdin's.
She sighed again, and buried her head in her arms on the table. Rajah noticed this, and went to Jasmine's side and nudged her arm, as if to comfort her. Jasmine sat up and looked at him, amazed at how loyal he's always been to her all these years, always being able to tell when something was bothering her. Even after her marriage to Aladdin, Rajah's loyalty and friendship to Jasmine never wavered, and she was deeply thankful for it, especially at times like these.
Jasmine smiled softly at him and stroked his head softly before saying,
“Oh, Rajah, you can always tell when something is on my mind, can't you?”
Rajah then looked at her with eyes telling her that he could indeed tell when something was bothering the one he loved and would protect from anything, and Jasmine knew there was no denying that fact.
“I don't know what to do, Rajah, I find myself wondering what my role is through all this.”
Jasmine then looked back at her reflection in the mirror, and started singing,
“I want to paint my face
And pretend that I am someone else
Sometimes I get so fed up
I don't even want to look at myself
“But people have problems that are worse than mine
I don't want you to think I'm complaining all the time
And I hate the way you look at me I have to say
I wish I could start over
[Chorus]
“I am slowly falling apart
I wish you'd take a walk in my shoes for a start
You might think it's easy being me
You just stand still, look pretty
“Sometimes I find myself shaking
In the middle of the night
And then it hits me and I can't
Even believe this is my life
“But people have problems that are worse than mine
I don't want you to think I'm complaining all the time
And I wish that everyone would go and shut their mouths
I'm not strong enough to deal with it
“I am slowly falling apart
I wish you'd take a walk in my shoes for a start
You might think it's easy being me
You just stand still, look pretty.”
Jasmine rested her head on her arms and fingered her crown. Instead of putting it on, she pulled her hair back with pink bands, then got up and put on her outfit for the day. It was a two piece sky blue outfit, with pink accents. It had long sleeves that belled out at the wrists. Pink lined the top of her top, meeting at a pink gemstone at her bust. And instead of pants, it was layered pink and blue floor-sweeping skirt. She then put on her gold shoes and crown, and made her way to the throne room.
When she arrived, she looked around the room and no one was there. Jasmine then sat in her throne, assuming Aladdin was in the dungeon sentencing prisoners, or something like that. After a few minutes of sitting there, lost in her thoughts, she walked out to the throne room balcony, draped with rich blue curtains of the finest fabrics. Jasmine ran a hand over them, and then made her way to edge, leaning against the side.
“Jasmine?”
She jumped, startled, and turned to see Aladdin walking toward her.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.” He said as he stood next to her.
“No, it's alright. I was just thinking.” She said, letting her chin rest on her hand.
“About what?” Aladdin asked, and Jasmine looked at him,
“You really want to know?”
“Of course I do.”
She sighed, and he took her hands in his as she turned and faced him.
“Well, it's just that it's only been two and a half weeks since we were crowned, and...I feel like I never get to see you anymore. You're always so busy, doing everything. And me, waking up in an empty bed every morning. Things are moving very fast for it being this soon into your reign, don't you think so too Aladdin?”
“Yes, I do, Jasmine, I agree with you. But, I think you should just give it time, give things a chance to settle down. It'll get better soon.”
“But what if it doesn't? Aladdin, in two weeks you're leaving for some conference, and your going to be gone for nearly a month, that doesn't seem to me like a sign that things are going to slow down at all.”
“Jasmine, I have a chance to open trade with a kingdom that's very rich in resources, this could be very good for Agrabah. And if everything turns out like I think it will, it will be better for us after I get back, I promise. But until then, I'm going to be a little busy preparing.”
Aladdin was trying to make Jasmine understand, but it wasn't working, for she turned to him and said,
“It seems for nearly two months that's all you've been doing is preparing, will it ever stop?”
“I still have a lot to learn, and so do you, Jasmine. What do you want me to do?”
The fact that they were becoming angry and impatient with eachother was becoming clear, and Jasmine wasn't helping the situation,
“Let me be involved, let me do something! All I do is sit around and do nothing, listening to people say of wonderful ruler you are, but what about me.”
“It's funny that you should mention that, because you said everyone else has taken notice of me, and is praising me, but you forgot about one person,”
Jasmine stayed silent under Aladdin's piercing gaze.
“You. Of all people Jasmine, you have yet to respect me as Sultan. You're my wife, the one who is supposed to support and encourage me more than anyone else, and you have yet to say anything.”
“Maybe if I got to see you, if I was involved! I never get to see you, and I have yet to do anything around here!”
At that, she shot an angry look at Aladdin and stormed out. As she was leaving the throne room, she contemplated stopping in the hallway to see if Aladdin would come after her, but she decided against it, doubting he would. Jasmine then went to her menagerie, and sat on the edge of the fountain with her arms crossed. She wanted to wonder, Who was he to speak to her like that, but knew that it was a ridiculous thought, knowing there was no way she could, let alone should try to challenge him.
Aladdin sat at his throne, putting a hand to his head. He then looked over to the throne to the left of his, Jasmine's throne, which she's hardly even sat in since the coronation. He couldn't believe that he had just fought with her like that. Aladdin could see why Jasmine was feeling the way she was, but on the other hand, he had a right to defend himself as well. What could he say to convince Jasmine that the trip he was taking in a couple weeks was in fact necessary, and he truly felt things would be better after he got back. He knew that Jasmine was probably thinking that the trip wasn't necessary, at least not so soon, but it was such a good opportunity for the city, and he knew he couldn't pass it up. Aladdin just wished Jasmine would try to understand. He sighed, knowing how difficult and stubborn Jasmine was being right now.
A while later, Jasmine was still by the fountain, still by herself. At first, she had been blinded by her anger, but the more she had thought about what Aladdin had said, the more she knew he was right, and now she regretted what she had said. She knew Aladdin was a good Sultan, wise beyond his years, and she needed to acknowledge that fact. Wishing she could take everything she had said earlier, she sang,
“Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face
You told me how proud you were but I walked away
If only I knew what I know today
“Ooooh, Oooh
“I would hold you in my arms
I would take the pain away
Thank you for all you've done
Forgive all your mistakes
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again
Sometimes I want to call you but I know you won't be there
“I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you
“Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just want to hide 'cause it's you I miss
And it's so hard to say goodbye when it comes to this
“Ooooooh
“Would you tell me I was wrong?
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To have just one more chance
To look into your eyes and see you looking back
“I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself
“If I had just one more day, I would tell you how much that
I've missed you since you've been away
“Oh, it's dangerous
It's so out of line to try to turn back time
“I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself
“By hurting you”
Jasmine sighed, and then got up and headed toward the throne room, surely Aladdin still had to be there.
Aladdin still sat at his throne, also regretting what he had said to Jasmine. He needed to talk to her. He then got up and left the throne room and went to look for Jasmine.
Jasmine arrived at the throne room, only to find that Aladdin was no longer there. She went out to the throne room balcony and he wasn't there either. She then left, and went up to her and Aladdin's bedroom and balcony, and he wasn't in either of those places.
Aladdin went out to Jasmine's menagerie, but she wasn't there. He then went back into the palace and out to the courtyard, and there was still no sign of Jasmine. He went back into the palace and searched nearly every large sitting room the palace had.
After searching what seemed every inch of the palace, Jasmine found herself in one of the first hallways she started in. She was walking at a fast pace, not letting her dress drag on the floor as she did so. She passed room after room, and all of a sudden Aladdin came out of the rooms at the very end of the hallway.
“Aladdin!” Jasmine called out, and she got his attention immediately.
“Jasmine!” Aladdin cried, and Jasmine ran to him and leaped into his arms. Jasmine's feet lifted off the ground as Aladdin held her. When he put her down, she looked at him and said,
“Aladdin, I-”
“Jasmine, it's alright,” Aladdin said, putting his hands on her forearms as hers were on his shoulders,
“I'm sorry for the things I said. I shouldn't have accused you of something like that.”
“I'm sorry too, for I'm the one at fault here, I shouldn't have acted the way I did.”
“Jasmine, you have a right to feel the way you were feeling.”
“But what I didn't have is the right to complain about it, I was acting childish and it wasn't my place to criticize you.”
Aladdin let out a small laugh before saying, “Jasmine, it seems all I'm getting right now is praise. I hardly think a little criticism is going to hurt me, in fact, all I think it will do is help me.”
He looked down at her, and Jasmine, still ashamed of her actions, bowed her head. Aladdin then lightly cupped her chin, and lifted her head to look at him. Jasmine smiled softly before Aladdin leaned down and kissed her. She closed her eyes as her arms went around his neck, once again getting lost in him, a feeling she loved but had been slightly deprived of in recent weeks. But she would change all that-they both would.
Early the next morning, Aladdin and Jasmine were still awake, watching the sunrise. Hours earlier, they left Agrabah and had taken a long awaited carpet ride together.
It was still dark out, and stars still shone, but the horizon line was starting to turn the lightest shade of purple, signifying it would soon be dawn.
Aladdin and Jasmine sat close together on the highest part of the Great Wall of China, with their arms around eachother. They watched as the sun began to rise, something that Jasmine seldom sees anymore, but Aladdin gets to see the sun rise almost everyday.
Jasmine sighed contently as she rested her head on Aladdin's shoulder, and he pulled her closer. Hearing her sigh, he asked,
“You getting tired?”
“No. It's just that this is nice.”
“Yeah, it is. I get to see this everyday, but it's much more enjoyable when you're with me.”
At that, each felt the other smile.
Although Jasmine didn't want to realize it, she was getting tired, and she soon fell asleep, not being able to keep her eyes open anymore. Aladdin soon noticed this, and gently placed her on Carpet. On the way home, he held Jasmine in his arms in a gentle yet protective embrace. Soon, Carpet came to a stop at their palace balcony. Aladdin carried Jasmine to their bedroom and placed her on the bed. Aladdin knew Jasmine must've been pretty tired, for she had yet to stir from her sleep, even on Carpet she didn't wake up. He then went to draw the curtains shut that surrounded their bed.
Jasmine pulled the sheets close to her. Knowing she was back in her bed, she opened her eyes, and saw Aladdin standing close to the bed. Whether he was opening them or shutting them she didn't know, so she said,
“Aladdin?”
Aladdin turned and looked at her,
“Jasmine.”
“You're not leaving yet, are you?”
Aladdin was sitting next her on the bed, and he took her hand in his and smiled softly,
“I'm not going anywhere.”
Jasmine said nothing, she just smiled and closed her eyes as she let her head fall back onto the pillow. Aladdin then got up, and was soon lying in bed next to Jasmine. He had an arm around her as she rested her head on his chest, and there was no where else he'd rather be, even if he was Sultan.
Jasmine laid close to Aladdin, and then she felt as he softly kissed her forehead. She smiled to herself, just knowing he would still be next to her when she woke up.
Chapter 3: Finally
Author's Notes: Hey! Here's the third chapter, sorry it's so short! Please review, if you liked the first two chapters then you'll like this one! BTW, the song used in this chapter is Finally by Fergie. I am OBSESSED with this song right now! It's so romantic and it describes Jasmine's attitude about her and Aladdin's relationship perfectly!
The sun had long been set on the city of Agrabah, and the stars shone brightly over the city, surrounding a crescent moon.
But, the Sultan and his Queen were not in Agrabah, for in three days Aladdin was leaving, going to a forgien kingdom to seek out trading opportunities for both, and he was going to be gone for at least three weeks, possibly even more, so Aladdin and Jasmine wanted to spend as much time together as possible in the next three days, especially time alone.
It had also been two weeks since their fight, and they had been happy ever since, hardly ever leaving eachothers sides, for Jasmine attended, some, but not all meetings with Aladdin. She also sat with him in the throne room during the day. And at night, they would sit and talk, with Jasmine wanting to learn more about Aladdin's role as the ruler of this kingdom. And in these last couple weeks, the reasons of why people respected Aladdin so much was clearly showing, those being the qualities of a wise and mighty ruler, qualities Jasmine couldn't believe took her so long to see for herself.
Aladdin and Jasmine were high above the desert, and Aladdin was trying to teach her how to stand on Carpet while he was flying, without losing her footing or balance. Jasmine was standing with her arms outstretched and her knees bent slightly, just as Aladdin had taught her. He was standing behind her, holding her waist. He signified for Carpet to go faster, and when he saw that Jasmine was doing fine, he started to let go, but her hands immediately flew to his, obviously not wanting him to let go,
“Jasmine, I'm right here, I'm not going to let you fall.”
Hearing the reassurance in his voice, Jasmine said nothing as he gently took her arms and lifted them up, shivering from the sensation his touch left on her skin.
Carpet then started picking up speed again, and after a couple minutes, while he was still holding her arms out, he asked,
“Can I let go now?” At this, Jasmine looked at him and smiled,
“Alright.”
Aladdin smiled as he let go of her arms, but his hands hovered over her body just in case she lost her balance.
“Aladdin, I'm doing it!”
“You're doing good.”
They looked at eachother and smiled, and Carpet took them higher, high into the clouds. At one point, he even let Aladdin and Jasmine go into a free-fall, but he soon caught them in mid-air. Again, Aladdin and Jasmine were standing on Carpet, but all of a sudden, Jasmine felt dizzy and lost her footing. She fell backwards, but Aladdin caught her.
“Jasmine, are you alright?”
“Yes, I'm fine, I just lost my balance.”
Her and Aladdin sat, and even after a few moments of sitting and Carpet flying slow and steady, she still felt lightheaded. But, she shrugged the feeling off, and soon her and Aladdin were back at the palace in their bedroom.
The next morning, Jasmine awoke to find that Aladdin was gone. But then she looked out to the balcony and saw it was still early in the morning, so she didn't mind, she in fact assumed he was still at breakfast.
Two days, Jasmine thought. Only two days until Aladdin would be leaving. She couldn't believe he was taking a trip like this so soon after being crowned, and she couldn't believe he was going to be gone for almost a month! Never before have they been apart from eachother for that amount of time. Yes, there have been times where they were apart, such as the rare occasion when Aladdin would have to take a trip similar to this one after their marriage, or before they got married when Jasmine went with her father, but that was only for a few days, a week at the most, and it wasn't very often. If Aladdin was leaving for a trip like this, and being gone this long so soon, Jasmine knew it meant he would be doing this more often than she thought, though she prayed that wouldn't happen. In a way, she didn't think it would, after all, Aladdin promised things would start to slow down after he got back.
Jasmine felt a little ridiculous for having these thoughts, like many thoughts that entered her mind, but her love for Aladdin was just that deep. She simply needed him around her, she needed to be close to him because of how safe and secure she felt when he held her, let alone being near him. From the very first day she met she'd felt that way, as if he had left a desperate spell on her, a spell she in no way wanted to break. For on that fateful night when she snuck out of the palace in disguise, with no intention of coming back and not caring or even thinking of any consequences, she wasn't looking for a husband, for that had been the last thing on her mind, she was looking for freedom. Freedom was the thing she longed for the most at that time. But then it all changed when she met Aladdin, the boy in the marketplace, the infamous street-rat. But he wasn't like that at all, and because of Jasmine's inability to last not even a whole day in the marketplace on her own, Aladdin had to save her life, that being how they met. It was love at first sight for both of them, and it soon became clear that Aladdin would do anything for her, let alone to be with her, going to lengths such as to have Genie turning him into Prince Ali just so he could be with her. But then the truth was revealed, and Jasmine's father changed the law that Jasmine had hated her whole life, and her and Aladdin were together at last. And numerous times since then has he saved her life, but Jasmine felt that every single day he saves her life, and she felt as if she owed him her life in return. She owed everything to him, but Jasmine knew there was no way she could ever repay Aladdin for that look in his eyes, the way he protected her, kissed her, touched her, how he always knew the right thing to say, how when they were together everything seemed right in the world, though, when they were together, the world and all the troubles in it seemed to fade, and they would just melt in eachothers arms. Jasmine was nothing without Aladdin. He was the breath she took, the smile on her face, the flame when she was cold. He was her everything. Every little thing that Aladdin does, it never ceases to amaze her, and she finds herself wondering how she found herself at the mercy of this man, wanting him to pour himself all over her, and she would cherish every drop on her knees.
Jasmine then got out of bed, and went to her vanity. She brushed her hair and let it fall about her shoulders. She then went to her wardrobe to pick out her outfit for the day, which was sometimes difficult, for she had a large selection of beautiful outfits. Some of them being one piece outfits, most being two piece outfits that showed her midriff. All of her outfits were off the shoulder, with some of them being more elaborate than others, ones she could wear everyday and others that she saved for special occasions. Jasmine then came across a long sleeved two piece purple outfit that she'd not worn for sometime. She smiled as she held it at arms length. Though, Jasmine wasn't admiring it for it for it's beauty, but for the memories it brought. This outfit in particular made her think of the weeks and months after her and Aladdin met, the two of them being so happy that they could be together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was a beautiful morning in the city of Agrabah, and Jasmine was standing, leaning against the side of her balcony. She smiled to herself, for never in her life has she been this happy. It had been a month since her father changed the law that once said that the Princess could only be married to prince, but she could now marry whoever she deemed worthy, and in Jasmine's eyes, no one was more worthy of her love than Aladdin. After all the suitors that had come in and out of the palace to seek her hand in marriage, Jasmine had finally found the One, and she wouldn't want it any other way, so she sang,
“Ever since I was a baby girl I had a dream
Cinderella theme
Crazy as it seems
Always knew that deep inside that there would come that day
But I would have to wait
Make so many mistakes
I couldn't comprehend
As I watched it unfold
This classic story told, I left it in the cold
Walking through unopened doors that led me back to you
Each one unlocking more of the truth
“I finally stopped tripping on my youth
I finally got lost inside of you
I finally know that I needed to grow
And finally my mate has met my soul
[chorus]
“Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have our differences
Something strange and new is happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally
“Mmmmmm
“I remember the beginning you already knew
I acted like a fool
Just trying to be cool
Fronting like it didn't matter
I just ran away
Put on another face
Was lost in my own space
Felt what its like to hurt selfishly
I was scared to give up me
Afraid to just believe
I was in a jealous, insecure, pathetic place
Stumbled through the mess that I had made
“I Finally got out of my old way
I finally started living for today
I finally know that I needed to grow
And finally my mate has met my soul
[chorus]
“Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have a our differences
Something strange and new is happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally
“Mmmmmm
“Finally, Finally
“Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have our differences
Something beautiful is happening, is happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally
“Ohhhhhhh, Finally, Finally,
“Finally...”
Jasmine smiled, thinking of all the joy that had suddenly been brought into her life, and she hoped that it would never end.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jasmine put the outfit back where she had found it, smiling fondly as she did so. She then decided on her blue and pink long sleeved outfit that was a two piece outfit with a flowing, layered skirt. She put it on, and then went back to her vanity and pulled her hair back with pink bands, she put her crown and her gold shoes and went down to get some breakfast, hoping Aladdin would still be there.
As it turned out, he was still sitting eating breakfast, along with Abu, Carpet, and Genie. Abu was sitting next Aladdin eating a banana. Jasmine sat on the other side of him, and started to eat too, but after only a few bites she stopped, for she had suddenly gotten a sick feeling in her stomach. Though she was still feeling somewhat hungry, she didn't feel like eating anymore. Aladdin soon noticed this when he saw that she was picking at her food instead of eating it, so he asked,
“Jasmine, are you feeling alright?”
“Of course, why do you ask?”
She shrugged, and Aladdin gave a laugh as he nodded toward her plate,
“Because you're playing with your food instead of eating it.”
“Oh, I guess I'm not that hungry. But I feel fine, I promise.”
Jasmine lied, something she knew she wasn't very good at and she knew Aladdin could always tell when she wasn't telling the truth, an ability of his that had grown to the point that he could tell if anybody was lying, an ability that was good to have as Sultan. She hated to lie to Aladdin, but she didn't want to give him something to worry about before he left, for she was sure that she would feel better in no time. Aladdin sighed, telling her that he knew that she wasn't telling the whole truth.
The next two days went by quickly, too quickly for either Jasmine nor Aladdin's liking, but they cherished every moment they could have alone together, and that time came mainly at night, one of the nights they spent at Aladdin's old hovel, where they just sat and talked for hours late into the night, Aladdin telling Jasmine more about the trip he was taking. Jasmine was grateful for all that Aladdin was telling her, for all along she had known that the trip was important, but now she knew why it was so important so soon. Jasmine was also still getting sick to her stomach in the mornings when she started eating breakfast, but as the days progressed, she felt better, which she was grateful for, for she didn't want Aladdin seeing that she didn't feel well. And because during the day she felt fine, Jasmine herself still wasn't overly concerned.
The night before Aladdin was to leave, it was a beautiful, clear night, with the many stars showing brightly. Him and Jasmine were standing on the balcony, each looking up at the night sky. Aladdin was standing with his arms encircled around her waist, with their fingers entwined. Jasmine then sighed,
“I wish you didn't have to go tomorrow.”
“I know you do, Jasmine, but you'll be okay. You'll have Genie, Abu, Carpet, and Rajah all to keep you company. The next three weeks will be over soon, and I'll be back before you know it.”
“Mmm, I hope your right,” Jasmine said, and her and Aladdin walked hand-in-hand into the bedroom.
Jasmine then sat at her vanity, and she took off her tiara and the bands in her hair, and brushed her long, silky smooth black hair. She then looked at Aladdin through the mirror, lying on the bed. She then stood and sat on the bed next to him. He was lying next to her, and she took a stray hair away from his face,
“I'm really going to miss you.”
“I'm going to miss you too, Jasmine.”
Jasmine gave the best smile she knew how at the moment, and Aladdin took his hand and brushed her hair and moved it away from her face. He then pulled her down close to him, and they kissed tenderly. Both of them knowing this would be their last night together for a while, they turned it into a night of passion, whispering words of love to eachother throughout the night.
The next day, well after the sun had risen, Aladdin and Jasmine were in the throne room, for in just moments he would be leaving. Jasmine was dressed in a cream colored, two piece sleeveless outfit with a glittering gold tiara, her hair being pulled back with gold bands.
Though, Jasmine wasn't the only one here to see Aladdin off: Carpet, Genie, and Abu were all in the throne room, also sad to see Aladdin going so far away for so long. He said goodbye to everyone, but saved his last for Jasmine, in which he asked that they could have some privacy, and the group went out to the courtyard, and Aladdin and Jasmine were the only ones in the throne room.
“Jasmine, I know it seems to you that I'm going to be gone for a long time, so I want to give you this.”
He then pulled out of his sash his father's dagger, and he held it out for her to take. Hesitating, she took it and looked at it. After a long period of silence, she looked up at him and said,
“Aladdin, I can't possibly-”
“Jasmine,” He gently cut her off, “I'm not going to be here to protect you myself, so I want you to carry this with you. If anyone tries to hurt you, if anything happens I want you to use this.”
“Why are you saying such things?”
Aladdin moved even closer to her,
“Because I want you to be prepared, and hopefully I've taught you how to do that.”
Jasmine felt tears forming as she looked down at the precious weapon in her hands. A new bravery formed within her, and she clutched the dagger tightly and looked up at her husband and said,
“You have.”
Aladdin smiled softly before taking her in his arms. He held her for a moment before taking her face in his hands and kissing her.
Aladdin was the first to break away from the kiss, knowing if it went on too much longer, he'd be tempted to just call the whole trip off, already being tempted because of how Jasmine longed for him not to go. He took her hand, and they walked down to the courtyard together, and they shared one last embrace and kiss before Aladdin and his caravan left. Jasmine stood, watching the company leave, and Abu stood on her shoulders, just as he did with Aladdin. When she could no longer see them from where she was standing, she went up to the throne room balcony, and stood there watching until dusk settled upon the city. Jasmine closed her eyes as the warmth in the wind caressed her skin, praying for Aladdin's safety, knowing he was doing the same for her, and at that moment, for being so far apart, Aladdin and Jasmine were at the same place at the same exact moment. And they both could feel eachother in one another's hearts, both smiling at this wonderful feeling.
Chapter 4: Blessing
Author's Notes: Hey! Here's the fourth chapter, and it's really long! Sorry for the suspence, but this chapter should answer many questions. BTW, the songs used in this chapter are Obvious and The Right Man, both of them by Christina Aguilera. The second one is so romantic and once again describes Jasmine's feelings about her and Aladdin prefectly! Please review!
The sun was shining high above the great city of Agrabah, and it was a clear, beautiful day. Jasmine awoke, stretching as she did so. She looked out to the balcony and smiled, still remembering the wonderful dream she had last night, though, it made her sad that Aladdin was not here so she could share the happy memory with him. Jasmine had dreamed of the night Aladdin, or should she say, Prince Ali took her with him on their first Magic Carpet Ride together, and how they created beautiful music together, and how they ended the magical night with their first kiss, neither of them wanting it to end.
Jasmine then stood, but her hand went to her head as she sat quickly, feeling light headed once again. She had been so caught up in her thoughts, she didn't realize how sick she felt. This is absurd, Jasmine thought. For almost a week now she'd been feeling dizzy and sick to her stomach, and for the first few days it was only in the mornings, but now the feeling lasted almost the whole day. Oh, how she wished Aladdin was here now. It had been three days since he left, and she already missed him terribly, but it was worse because she wasn't feeling well. A small part of her regretted not telling him of her symptoms when they first started, but she also didn't expect them to last this long, let alone worsen.
Jasmine then stood slowly and walked over to her vanity and sat. She looked at herself in the mirror. She didn't look any different, she certainly didn't look ill at all, and in a way, she didn't feel any different, except for the dizziness and the sick feeling in her stomach, which made her not want to eat. In no way did she feel weak or unusually tired, for she was still able to go about her duties, even though they had increased slightly since Aladdin had left. For this Jasmine was thankful, for she didn't want anyone else to know what she was feeling until it either went away and she started feeling better or she found out what was wrong with her, if it was indeed some illness she had contracted. She sighed, and tapped her nails against the tabletop. She decided if her symptoms went on for one more day, she would call upon the palace physician. Until then, she would continue to act as if nothing was wrong, besides the fact that Aladdin still wouldn't be back for another three weeks and she missed him, which everyone already knew, or at least assumed.
That night, Jasmine laid in bed, once again noting the fact that she was alone; Alone is this large bed, in this large bedroom, one that was certainly fit for a King and Queen. Moonlight poured in, giving the room an luminous, silver glow. She laid flat on her back, looking out at the balcony, but with each passing moment her eyelids got heavier and she got more tired. This, unfortunately, didn't surprise Jasmine, for all day today she had still felt as sick as she had when she first woke up. When she first started feeling like this, she thought almost nothing of it, but now she wasn't sure what to think. One thing she was sure of was that she wanted to feel better. It was bad enough as it was, not having Aladdin here. She again felt guilty, for she knew how concerned he would be if he was here. He would've insisted seeing the palace physician almost right away, but of course Jasmine, being as stubborn as she always was, decided to wait it out, to see if her symptoms would go away on their own, for which she was sure Aladdin wouldn't like. She then let sleep take her, letting her troubles go as she did, but secretly hoped she would have as good a dream as she did last night...
Meanwhile, Aladdin lay sleeping in one of the guest bedrooms, tossing and turning, not being able to wake up from his dream, no matter how much he wanted to:
He, Jasmine, Genie, Abu, and Carpet were all in the Land of Black Sand, trying to escape from Mozenrath's hold on them. The only thing that was now holding them back was the Mamlucks, as the group was outside Mozenrath's fortress trying to fight them off. Aladdin was swinging his sword, defeating them one by one. But then, out of the corner of his eye he saw Jasmine.
Because of the emmence danger they all faced whenever they were in the Land of Black Sand, he hadn't wanted Jasmine to come, but when she insisted on coming, that's when he let his authoritative side come out on Jasmine, which rarely-if ever-happened, Aladdin, thinking of her safety, had forbidden her to go. Even with that, Jasmine became difficult and angry, not wanting to be left behind, even though she knew why Aladdin didn't want her to come. They both knew, but no one else did. Despite that, a verbal fight broke out between them, with both of them defending their words. Soon after though, they forgave eachother, and both regretted the fight, and after much thought, and still reluctantly, he told Jasmine that she could come, though a small part of him never stopped letting him know that it was a bad idea.
Aladdin continued to watch Jasmine as she tried to fend off a mamluck, but he was distracted as a large and heavy sword was swung at his head, but he ducked just in time, and then sliced the mamluck and watched as it fell to the ground. He then turned back to Jasmine, and watched with wide eyes as a mamluck stood over her, raising its sword in the air, getting ready to strike.
“Jasmine!” Aladdin shouted.
Though she never looked at him, Jasmine took off running just as the mamluck swung his sword at her. Jasmine then cried out in pain as she leaned against the side of the cliff for support, holding her side. Aladdin then ran as fast as he could to get to her, pushing and slicing a handful of mamlucks doing so. Finally, all the mamlucks were defeated, as was Mozenrath. Aladdin ran to Jasmine's side, as she was now sitting, leaning against the rock.
“Jasmine, are you alright?” He asked in alarm.
“Yes, I'm fine.”
Aladdin then looked at her abdomen, and gently removed her hand to see that the blade had only nicked her skin, and it wasn't a very deep cut, but still, as he examined it closer, he asked,
“Are you sure?”
Genie then came up next to them and he asked,
“Al, why you so worried, it's not that bad.”
“Because Genie,” Aladdin snapped, “She's-”
Aladdin then awoke and sat up in bed with a start. His heart was beating rapidly as he wiped the sweat off his forehead. He looked out to the balcony, and saw that the sun still wouldn't be up for a few hours yet. Aladdin wished Jasmine was here, so he could hold her in his arms so that reality could set in and he could see and feel that she was safe. He then laid back down, but the reality that he wanted to feel never came, for he then thought about the dream and there was one question that lingered in his mind: How did the dream end? What was it about Jasmine that had made him more concerned than usual? Aladdin continued to think of how strangely he had acted in the dream, but Jasmine didn't act different at all. And what was it that the two of them knew that no one else did? Aladdin did not sleep at all after that, as he stayed awake trying to fit the pieces together. And also, he felt as if he should be with Jasmine, too right now, and somehow he felt that she would soon need him.
Jasmine's eyes then shot open, and she sat up in bed as she put a hand to her chest, trying to calm her beating heart. She looked around the room and then out to the balcony and saw that it was still the middle of the night. She closed her eyes, not being able to believe the dream had just had. In the dream, she had reunited with her mother, the woman who died when she was only a girl, and whom she had longed to know better. Her mother had come to her in the dream, and the last words her mother said to her still rang clear in her mind, not being able to believe them either,
“I know you're going to be a wonderful mother...”
It was after that she had woken up. Could her mother be right? Is that why she'd been feeling so strange for the past week?
“Could I be?” Jasmine said aloud to herself.
Jasmine didn't know, but what she did know is that she couldn't possibly fall back asleep until she knew the truth, so she got out of bed and put on her robe. She then exited the bedroom and walked quickly down the staircase, uncaring of how she looked or who saw her. She needed to see the palace physician right away. She needed to know.
The sun rose just hours later, and Jasmine awoke with it, and she smiled, despite the fact that she'd barley slept last night. She smiled because only hours before had she received the happiest news of her life; that she was indeed expecting a child, and she was just over one month along. Jasmine couldn't believe it, she was going to be a mother. And Aladdin, she couldn't wait to tell him. She decided then not to tell anyone else until she told Aladdin, and after she had asked him, the palace physician had sworn to secrecy. Jasmine then thought of how Aladdin would react to the news, for she was sure he would be as happy as she was. A lone tear then fell down her cheek, though it was a tear of happiness, it was also of sadness. Jasmine now longed for Aladdin like she never had before, wishing he was here to share in this blessing that they had been given. If only he would've waited a few days, then he could be here with her, for she hated the thought of having go the next three weeks without him, without being able to tell him that they were to have a child together.
Jasmine then thought of the dream she had had, the dream she would remember for the rest of her life, for if she hadn't have had that dream, she would still be in her misery, not knowing what was wrong with her. All this time Jasmine thought that it was Aladdin she needed and wanted to talk to the most right now, and in a way, he was, for he was her husband and the father of her unborn child. But, it was clear that that person was her mother, the woman Jasmine felt a deep love for, despite not knowing her all that well. Jasmine now felt that she knew her very well, knowing that she knew about the news long before she did. Jasmine closed her eyes and silently thanked her mother, still knowing she owed so much more to her, and someday she would find a way to do that. Jasmine knew that from this day on she would have the security of knowing that her mother was looking and smiling down upon her, and would continue to do so as she entered motherhood, maturing as a ruler, a wife, and a person, which she owed to her mother, the woman who had been in her life for only a short period of time, but had left imprints on her heart that stay there forever.
Nearly a week and a half had passed, and it was now morning, and Jasmine was sitting at her vanity. She was brushing her hair, smiling contently and humming quietly as she did so. Ever since Jasmine had found out that she was expecting, she had tried her best to hide it, and so far she was succeeding, for no one suspected anything. But still, she wondered if people were wondering things. Maybe Jasmine was acting differently and she herself was not realizing it, for that was the thing she tried most to not let change was the way she acted and talked and went about herself. Maybe it wasn't on the inside, maybe it was on the outside. Was it that when people looked at her that they suspected she was pregnant? Jasmine then sighed and set her brush back down on the vanity, as she tried to get these thoughts out of her head, reassuring herself that no one knew.
She then looked at Rajah, who was lying only a few feet away from her, and she asked him,
“Rajah, do I seem different to you?”
He then perked up and looked at her like he hadn't the faintest idea what she was talking about. Jasmine let out a laugh,
“I'll take that as a no.”
Seeing her smile, Rajah smiled and laid his head back down, once again dozing peacefully.
Jasmine then walked out to the edge of the balcony, and as she looked out at the city, she still couldn't shake the feelings she had earlier. She wanted so desperately wanted to keep this news a secret at least until Aladdin returned, but she wondered how long she would be able to keep this up, so she sang,
“Can you hear it in my voice?
Was it something I let slip?
Does the whole world know?
Isn't it obvious?
“I'm the one who's in control
Now I'm acting like a fool
Do my feelings show?
Is my face aglow?
Isn't it obvious?
CHORUS
“That I don't know what I'm doing anymore
I'm feeling like a little girl
Caught up in emotions
I'm out of control
Isn't it obvious?
“Do you see my hands, they tremble
Wonder why I can't look you in the eyes
Don't know how long
I can keep this inside
Isn't it obvious?
“Oh, I don't know what I'm doing anymore
I'm feeling like a little girl
Caught up in emotions
I'm out of control
Isn't it obvious?
“Suddenly these emotions are in control of my heart
Can you see it in my eyes
Every glance, every smile
Must give me away
And I feel so much I can't hide
“Oh, and I don't know what I'm doing anymore
I'm feeling like a little girl
Caught up in emotions
I'm out of control
Isn't it obvious?”
Was it obvious? Would Jasmine's secret be revealed before Aladdin came back? She hoped not, thankful that there was only another week and a half before he returned.
Jasmine then went back into the bedroom, and changed into a pink, two piece outfit, where the long sleeves were also pink and made of a sheer material. The outfit also had gold details. She then sat at her vanity and pulled her hair back in pink bands and she put on her crown.
Three days later, in the morning, Jasmine changed into a purple, sleeveless two piece outfit. But, after that, she put on her brown commoner robes over it, for she was going out into the marketplace. She needed to get out of the palace, at least for a little while, just to get her mind off things. She then waked out of the bedroom, but when she walked passed one of the rooms in a nearby hallway, she stopped, for she heard voices. She peered into the room, and saw two female servants. Jasmine then backed out and stood against the wall, as she listened, she heard they were talking about Aladdin's trip, and one of the women said,
“Well, I hear the Sultan of the other kingdom has three wives!”
Jasmine's jaw dropped. She knew that some cultures were like that, but she found it so hard to believe, for the thought of it disgusted her. Shaking her head, as if wanting to forget what she had just heard, she walked quickly down the hall. When she got to the throne room, she noticed the doors were open, but she walked passed them. She opened the doors to the palace and was surprised to find Abu on the other side of them, as if he was waiting for her.
“Abu, what are you doing out here?” She asked, and Abu just crossed his arms and looked at her as if to say, 'I should be asking you the same thing.' Jasmine furrowed her eyebrows,
“I'm going to the marketplace,” Her face then softened as she got an idea, “and I could use some company, would you like to go with me?”
Abu crossed his arms again, and pretended to look at his hand and then back up at her, as if he would only come for something in return. At this, Jasmine rolled her eyes and sighed,
“Yes, Abu, I brought some money.”
At that, a wide smile broke out across Abu's face and he climbed up her leg and onto her shoulder. Abu just looked at her, and Jasmine tried not to smile, but couldn't help it as she let out a small laugh and said,
“Come on, let's go.”
She knew that if Abu tried that on Aladdin, he wouldn't be fooled so easily, not liking that Abu still had the habit of trying to steal things and get riches even though Aladdin was the Sultan, which he knew Abu was fully aware of.
When she got to the palace gates, Jasmine put her hood up and also covered her face, leaving only her eyes to be seen, for she didn't want to be recognized.
Later that evening, while the sun was setting, Jasmine and Abu were at Aladdin's old hovel. Jasmine was sitting, leaning against the wall while Abu was sleeping on a pillow a few feet away from her. She looked at him and smiled, glad that she had his company today. The original reason for going to the marketplace was to escape from the palace for a while, but because Abu had come she actually had fun. On many occasions, Abu had made her laugh. Jasmine knew that Aladdin wouldn't have laughed at Abu as much as she had, because he had grown so used to Abu's antics, Abu having come into his life long before she had. Jasmine could see why the two of them got along so well, but she could also see why they didn't at times, like when Abu got mad because Aladdin did something he didn't like or he simply didn't get his own way, or when Aladdin scolded Abu for doing something wrong and not taking responsibility for it, or simply disobeying him, like after they spent time together and then Aladdin went to spend private time with Jasmine but Abu followed Aladdin anyway. That was one thing Jasmine and Abu had in common: They were both stubborn, especially when it came to Aladdin getting mad at them, for that was when they were really stubborn. Jasmine smiled again, feeling that her and Abu had bonded today, something she never got to do because was always with Aladdin, or at least wishing he could be. Jasmine knew that from the very first day her and Aladdin met Abu strongly disapproved of her, always mocking Aladdin and getting mad whenever he got her something that was valuable. But now, Abu was more accepting of her, which she was thankful for, because she knew that he missed Aladdin, and Jasmine hoped that Abu knew that she missed Aladdin, too. She knew Aladdin would be pleased when she told him of how well her and Abu were getting along. Jasmine then wondered how Abu would react after her and Aladdin's baby was born, if he would be jealous because he could no longer have Aladdin's attention seemingly every minute of everyday, or if he would happy because he would soon have a new playmate. Jasmine laughed at the thought, not feeling to sorry for Abu, for she knew that him and Aladdin were too close to let anything come between them.
Jasmine then looked out over the city, seeing that it was now almost completely dark out. She sighed, once again noting the fact that she missed Aladdin. She was no stranger to this feeling, for this brought back memories from the night that was supposed to be their wedding night, the night Aladdin left to find his father, leaving Jasmine at the palace, waiting and wondering, not knowing when he would be back...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was late at night, and Jasmine was now alone in the pavilion, the pavilion that her and Aladdin were supposed to have been married in today. Though she was happy that Aladdin had found out the truth about his father, she wished more than anything that he would return soon so they could finally be married, so she sang,
“So many years have gone by
Always strong, tried not to cry
Never felt like I needed any man
To comfort me in life
But I'm all made up today
A veil upon my face
But no father stands beside me
To give this bride away,”
Jasmine then envisioned herself in her wedding gown, with a bouquet of flowers in her hands, and she continued,
“Well I'm standing in the chapel
Wearing my white dress
I have waited for this moment
With tears of happiness
Here I leave behind my past
By taking a chance
I've finally found the right man
“Thoughts racing fast through my mind
As I'm gazing down the aisle
That my future will mend the memories
Torn between father and child
“My emotions overload
'Cause there is no hand to hold
There's no shoulder here to lean on
I'm walking all on my own,”
Jasmine spoke, “Here I go,” and then she sang again as she walked down the aisle,
“Now I'm standing at four corners
To have and to hold
Now my love, you stand beside me
To walk life's winding road
And I owe it all to you
For taking that chance
You've shown me there's a right man
'Cause I never knew a right man
“Well I'm standing in the chapel
Ready to confess
That I've waited for this moment
With tears of happiness
Now I leave behind my past
By taking a chance
“Ohhhhhh
“Well I'm standing at four corners
To have and to hold
Now my love, you stand beside me
To walk life's winding road
And I owe it all to you
For taking a chance.”
Jasmine then envisioned herself sitting at her fountain, Aladdin sitting next to her, holding in his lap a little girl of about five, their daughter, and she sang, looking at her daughter, then up at her husband,
“And one day my little girl
Will reach out her hand
She'll know I found the right man.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back at the hovel, Jasmine looked over at Abu, and saw that he was still sleeping soundly, and she realized that she might as well sleep here tonight, going back to the palace in the morning. She then got up and got a blanket and laid down in the same place Aladdin used to sleep, and she somehow knew that she would sleep well tonight, not having to sleep in her and Aladdin's bed alone. Starting to feel tired, she closed her eyes, smiling softly as she did so, not knowing what her future would bring, but as long as Aladdin and their children were in it, she knew it would be a happy one.
Chapter 5: Homecoming
Author's Notes: Hey, here's chapter five! Sorry it took so long, but it's worth the wait, it's so long! BTW, the song used in this part is Where You Are by Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey. Please review!
It was early in the morning in the fair city of Agrabah, and the sun was not yet at it's highest point in the sky. The Queen, though, was already awake, replaying the dream she had had last night over again in her mind:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was late at night, and Jasmine stood on her balcony, looking out at the crystal clear night, wearing her hair down and a robe for warmth. Her thoughts then turned to Aladdin, like they so often did this time of night, for this is what they did together nearly every night; they would watch the stars, weather it was on this very balcony, soaring through the sky on Carpet, or at Aladdin's old hovel. It didn't matter where they were, as long as they were together, and she was wrapped in her husband's sweet embrace, then she was happy. They were both happy. Jasmine longed now for Aladdin's embrace, for she was still waiting for him to return, and it would still be four more days. She wished that he was here, or that she could somehow be whisked away to where he was, if not for just one night, so she sang,
“There are times I swear I know you're here
When I forget about my fears
Feeling you my dear
Watching over me
And my hope seeks
What the future will bring
When you wrap me in your wings and take me
[Chorus]
“Where you are
Where you and I will breathe together once again
We'll be dancing in the moonlight just like we used to do
And you'll be smiling back at me
Only then will I be free
When I can be where you are.”
Jasmine then looked at the starry sky, knowing it was her connection to Aladdin, knowing what he was doing at this very moment.
Aladdin stood at his balcony. He looked at the crecent moon in the company of the stars, but all he saw was Jasmine, and he sang,
“And I can see your face, your kiss I still can taste. Not a memory erased.”
Jasmine then sang,
“Oh, I see your star shining down on me. And I'd do anything.”
Each longing to be with the other, they sang in unison,
“If I could just be right there where you are.”
“Where you and I will breathe together once again,” Jasmine sang, and they continued together,
“We'll be dancing in the moonlight just like we used to do.”
“And you'll be smiling back at me,” Jasmine sang, and Aladdin echoed her words.
“Only then will I be free, then I will be free, so take me where you are.” Jasmine sang the words, and then Aladdin sang,
“Now baby there were times when selfishly
I'm wishing that you are here with me so I can wipe the tears from your eyes
And make you see that every night while you are dreaming
I'm here to guard you from afar.”
And then they sang together,
“And anytime I feel alone I close my eyes and dream of where you are,”
“And we will breathe together baby.” Aladdin sang.
“Oh, we'll be dancing in the moonlight. And you'll be smiling back at me.” Jasmine sang.
“Only then will I be free, then I will be free.” Aladdin sang, and then in unison the music continued,
“Baby I still believe. Oh, I've got to believe
I will touch you that sweet day
That you take me there where you are
I still believe.”
Aladdin and Jasmine then each went back into their bedrooms and they let sleep take them, each of their last thoughts being of the other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jasmine turned to look out at the balcony and smiled, knowing Aladdin was thinking about her and missing her just as much as she was him. She was thankful that there was only three days until he would be home. There were so many things Jasmine couldn't wait to tell him, like how well her and Abu had gotten along in the latter part of the month, the wonderful dreams she had had almost every night, and of course, that she had received the news that she was expecting a child, the news that she knew would make Aladdin so happy, just as she was.
Jasmine then got out of bed and went to her vanity and went to brushing her hair. After brushing her hair for several minutes, which was a habit of hers, she went to her wardrobe and changed into a beautifly detailed, two piece sleeveless pastel purple outfit where sheer purple fabric draped from her waist down her legs. After putting on matching purple slippers, she sat at her vanity and pulled her hair back into purple bands and put on her golden, filigree tiara, noticing that her outfit brought out lavender hues from the usually deep blue sapphire. Jasmine then made her way down to the throne room to start her duties for the day, which to Jasmine's surprise, were done within only a few hours. She then went out to her menagerie and sat by the fountain for a while, and Abu sat next to her,
“I'm hungry,” Jasmine then said. At that, Abu perked up, and then went to the nearest apple tree and climbed it. He picked two apples, one for him, and one for Jasmine.
“Thank you, Abu,” She said when he proudly handed her the apple, and she giggled.
“Oh, guess who I had a dream about last night,” Jasmine said, and Abu looked up at her like he wanted to know.
“Aladdin.” She replied, and Abu then climbed up on her shoulders and looked at her eagerly, and she looked at him regretfully,
“Sorry, you weren't in it,” At that, Abu looked down, but Jasmine said, “But it was a good dream.”
Abu then screeched something to her, and she said sadly,
“I know Abu, I miss him too, a lot. And I'm sure he misses us just as much.” She gave him a smile, and he just took another bite from his apple.
After a while, she walked back into the palace with Abu still on her shoulders with his tail wrapped around her upper arm. When Jasmine noticed this, she smiled. Maybe this meant that he had finally fully accepted her and trusted her, for she noticed that he sometimes did that when perched happily on Aladdin's shoulders. Jasmine felt that maybe they were each the others connection to Aladdin, and they genuinely wanted to be around eachother, a connection that Jasmine welcomed.
Jasmine then walked up the stairs to her and Aladdin's bedroom, and knowing that Abu was still with her, she asked him,
“You're going to take a nap, too?” Abu then cocked his head to the side, confused. Jasmine let out a laugh,
“I'm really tired. I'm just going to take a quick nap.” Abu then nodded and said,
“Uh-huh.” He then climbed down her legs and went for a pile of pillows in the corner of the room. He took his fez off and laid down, hugging one pillow tightly. Jasmine then laid down in her own bed, and as she yawned, she said to Abu,
“Just wake me up in a little while.” Abu then nodded, and went to sleep soon after.
Jasmine wasn't surprised she was this tired this early, for this had been going on for about a week now, no doubt having to do with her pregnancy, at least that's what the palace physician had told her. Jasmine believed him, for she'd never really felt like that until recently. She hoped she wouldn't be this way the day Aladdin returned, but even if she was tired, she would do her best to hide it and not let Aladdin see that she was more fatigued than usual, not when he was be so exhausted himself. Oh, what is the use? Jasmine wondered, for there was no point of even trying to hide anything from him, for she knew that he would be able to pick up almost immediately that something wasn't right, and that's when she would have to tell him her secret. It's not that Jasmine didn't want to tell him, she couldn't wait to tell him the news that he was going to be a father. It was that Jasmine wanted the moment to be perfect when she told him, no matter how long she had to wait to finally be alone with him, and she knew wouldn't happen until late at night the day he returned, which was alright with her because she'd been thinking that's when she wanted to tell him anyway. Nighttime was a special time for her and Aladdin, with him being so busy during the day. That was also basically the only time they got to spend time with eachother and be alone with eachother. At night was when they took a ride on Carpet, either quick ones if there was a chill in the air, or long, slow ones just to enjoy the peace. Night was when they sometimes went to his old hovel and would just talk for hours, sometimes about nothing in particular, sometimes Aladdin would tell her of his plans for the city, and sometimes they would talk of the future and reminisce on fond memories of the past. And sometimes they would lay on a chaise lounge together on their balcony and watch the stars.
Then while thinking of these things, Jasmine could no longer keep her eyes open, and she let sleep claim her.
Two nights later, Jasmine stood at the edge of her balcony, with the dagger of Aladdin's father sitting just inches away from her. She then held it and looked at it, once again her thoughts went to Aladdin. He had told her to carry with her, and she did just that. Whenever she wasn't inside the main part of the palace it was on her person at all times. At night, she kept it under Aladdin's pillow. If she went to the marketplace, she put it in her sleeve so that, if needed, she could easily pull it out with one hand and defend herself. She shuddered at the thought of using it, the thought of killing another person just to defend her life. But, it wasn't just her life she needed to defend, but hers and the life of her and Aladdin's unborn child, the future heir to the throne of Agrabah. Jasmine then took the blade out of it's curved sheath and saw that the light from the moon easily reflected it off it. Aladdin, before he'd left, also carried it with him often, and set beside his side of the bed at night, always in arms reach to defend him and Jasmine in the darkness. Though she had never actually seen Aladdin use this dagger before, Jasmine hoped she never would. Yes, his fighting skills were superb, and he was fast and limber, and was always able to outsmart his enemies with both his physical and mental abilities. But, as much as she admired these skills that Aladdin had attained from years of living on the streets, which very nearly made these skills mandatory, she hoped and prayed that those days were over for Aladdin. He was now the ruler of a kingdom, married with a growing family, and he was a very important man to many. Why he should have the need to use this dagger again was beyond Jasmine, and she hoped he would never have the need to use it again.
The sun had only set less than an hour ago, but Jasmine was feeling tired. She slid the dagger easily into it's brown and gold sheath, and carried it in one hand as she walked back into the bedroom. She laid it down on her vanity before she sat down in front of the mirror. She took off her robe and quickly brushed her hair. Though it was earlier than when she usually retired for the night, Jasmine wanted to get extra sleep tonight so she would feel good for when Aladdin arrived.
The next morning, Jasmine awoke feeling refreshed. She smiled, for Aladdin was expected to return today. At that she wondered how early it was. Still facing away from the balcony, she turned over on her right side and looked out to the balcony, not being able to believe her eyes, for she had let herself sleep until almost noon! She gasped and immediately sat up in bed. She put a hand to her head, scolding herself for being that careless. Jasmine stood, went to her vanity and quickly put on her robe, and then she ran out to the edge of the balcony. She shielded her face with her hand as she looked out to as far as her eyes could see. The city looked to be calm, and as she looked out into the desert, she could see no royal caravan approaching. Jasmine then looked all around the palace grounds and could see nothing out of the ordinary. But when she looked directly below to her menagerie, that's when she spotted Abu and Carpet, sitting by the fountain. She put her fingers to her mouth and whistled loudly for them, and within seconds Carpet was standing on the balcony with her and Abu was on her shoulder.
“Aladdin hasn't arrived yet, has he?” Jasmine asked, and Abu shook his head,
“Uh-uh.” Abu said sadly, and Jasmine sighed,
“If only I wouldn't have slept so late,” She said under her breath to herself, but then she spoke up,
“Carpet,” At that he perked up, “Fly out into the desert, and see if Aladdin's caravan is approaching, if it is, come tell me, but it isn't, it's fine. Got it?” He nodded, and then flew off the balcony and out into the city. Abu then jumped off Jasmine's shoulder and onto the ledge, and looked as if he had wanted to go with Carpet.
“Abu, don't worry, you can keep an eye out for Aladdin too. I'm going to get ready, so you can watch for Aladdin. Maybe you could go on the palace walls, okay?” Jasmine said, and Abu nodded,
“Okay.” He screeched, and he ran down Jasmine's legs and she held the door open as he walked out into the hall. But, when he got out into the hall, Abu suddenly looked sad. Jasmine sighed sadly, and bent down low and rested her hands on her knees,
“Abu, Aladdin will be here soon, I promise. Before you know it everything will be back to normal.” At that, Abu went walking down the hall, mumbling to himself as he did so. Jasmine stood straight and watched him go. Normal, huh? She thought to herself. Maybe for Abu, but certainly not for her.
Jasmine then shook her head, reminding herself that she had no time to daydream, for she had to get ready. After going to her vanity, she took off her robe and brushed her hair out.
After bathing, she went to her wardrobe, fretting as to what outfit to wear. Should she wear light blue? No, Jasmine thought at that, for that was a color she wore often. She wanted to wear a color that she never wore. She went for pink and ivory outfits, which were lovely, and she was very close to putting on a white, two piece strapless outfit when she noticed an outfit that was very similar to it, but it was in dark blue. Jasmine looked at the outfit closer. It was a two piece, strapless outfit, with the top having light blue gemstones hang down from the top, though her midriff would still be very visible. The pants were also dark blue, with sheer dark blue fabric draping from her waist down her legs.
Jasmine then put the outfit on, and looked at herself in a floor-length mirror. It was a beautiful piece, and after deciding that she looked alright, she went to her vanity. She then sat at her vanity and brushed her hair, still frustrated at how late is was, she being the one that was at fault. She then put on a pair of gold earrings and a necklace that, like her top, had light blue gemstones dangling from it, and it matched her outfit perfectly.
Just after Jasmine had clasped a gold bracelet on her upper arm, the bedroom doors burst open, and Abu came running in and he jumped up on her vanity. Since he was out of breath, Jasmine asked,
“Abu, what is it?” Abu then pointed toward the balcony. Jasmine looked toward where he was pointing and knew exactly why he was here. She then stood and Abu jumped on her shoulder and she ran out to the edge of the balcony. There she could see, almost to the palace gates, Aladdin's caravan. Though she was relieved and happy to finally see that Aladdin was home, she said, mostly to herself, like a lot of things she had said today,
“Oh, this is a disaster. I'm not even ready!” Jasmine then ran back into her bedroom and went to her vanity. She had done nothing with her hair, but it didn't take her long to realize that she had no time to attempt anything, so she reached for a solid gold tiara and put it on her head, and she could only hope that she looked alright. After quickly slipping on her gold slippers, with Abu still on her shoulders, she went for the doors and opened them. Just when she had started running down the hallway, Carpet came and swooped her up.
“Thanks, Carpet.” Jasmine said, and in no time they were in the throne room. Carpet stopped, and Jasmine got off him. With Abu still on her shoulders, she walked to the doors where on the other side was the massive staircase that led to the courtyard where surely Aladdin was by now. Jasmine then turned to Abu and asked,
“Are you ready?” At that, he smiled wide and nodded,
“Uh-huh.”
Jasmine smiled, and then the guards opened the doors for her. She stood at the top of the stairs, and immediately spotted Aladdin. She walked down the stairs, holding the sheer fabric that draped from her waist off the ground as she did so. While still looking at Aladdin, she saw him glance up at her and saw that he had to do a double take.
“Jasmine!” He called out her name, a sound that she had longed to hear for nearly a month, a sound that still gave her butterflies. She smiled and quickly ran down the staircase, being careful as she did so.
“Aladdin.” Jasmine said breathlessly as she ran to him, seeing the large smile on his face. She leaped into his arms, and Aladdin caught her, and they held eachother tightly.
“I missed you so much.” Jasmine was the first to say, but it didn't take long for Aladdin to return her feelings.
“I missed you too, Jasmine.”
She felt his breath on her neck, but she pulled away slightly as they looked at eachother. They captured each other's lips in a sweet kiss. The kiss seemed to go on forever, but all of a sudden, Jasmine felt a tug at her pants. Without having to look down, she knew exactly who it was. She gave a laugh before saying,
“Um, Aladdin, I think there's someone else who would like to see you, too.” She looked down at her feet, and so did Aladdin. That's when Abu climbed up Aladdin's legs and sat on his shoulder, wrapping his arms around his neck. Abu screeched something to him, and Aladdin laughed and said,
“I missed you, too, Abu.”
Soon, Genie and Carpet were both down in the courtyard, and after everyone had welcomed Aladdin, when him and Jasmine were walking up the steps to the palace, he said to her,
“Hey, you're wearing your hair down.”
“I'll tell you that story later.” Jasmine said.
“It looks good.” Aladdin remarked, and Jasmine turned and looked at him,
“You look good, too. That must mean everything went well.”
“Well, I'll tell you that story later.” Aladdin said with a wink, and Jasmine asked,
“What is that supposed to mean?”
They were soon in the throne room, and Aladdin turned to Jasmine, and with his face serious, he told her,
“It means, Jasmine, that I have so much to tell you.”
“Oh, Aladdin, I have so much to tell you, too. I just can't wait to tell you, but I want to wait until we're alone.”
“I know.” Aladdin said, sounding disappointed, and he had a right to be. Because they wanted to know how negotiations for the new trade route went, Aladdin was to have a short meeting with his advisers, and soon after that, him and Jasmine were to get ready for the banquet tonight that was being held in his honor. After a couple more minutes, Aladdin and Jasmine said there goodbyes as he left for his meeting.
Although, the meeting had lasted longer than Aladdin had hoped it would. He and Jasmine were now alone in there bedroom, and were getting ready for the banquet. Jasmine had changed from her blue outfit to a stunning outfit that was a shimmering dark pink two piece that instead of pants, it had a floor sweeping mermaid style gown that was draped with the sheerest of purple fabrics that was lined with a slightly darker shade of purple, with the top hem lined with gold. Her sleeveless top was also pink, with the sleeves themselves being of a sheer purple fabric that met at her bust with a large, pink gemstone. Jasmine was also wearing gold earrings and a necklace. Her golden crown fit around her head like a head band, and it had a large blue/green gemstone in the center, with a smaller pink stone hanging from it that settled between her brow, and it also had on it a pink feather. Jasmine looked in the mirror and marveled at the beauty of this crown, for it was unlike any other that she'd worn before. Her hair was pulled back with gold bands and her lips were a darker shade of red than what she normally wore.
Aladdin sat from his place on the bed, happy to be back in his own bedroom, let alone his own palace. Though he'd been ready for the banquet for a while now, he was content just watching Jasmine finish the final touches on her already lovely appearance. Aladdin smiled, amazed at easy it was to find himself just staring at her. He then thought of when he'd first seen her today, wearing her hair down and that rich shade of blue, and then he watched her now. She looked beautiful in the sunlight, and she looked beautiful now, in the evening light. But, there was something different about her. He noticed that the candlelight radiated off of her like it never had before, giving her skin a glow, the same glow that he'd noticed when he'd first seen her after arriving. Was this aura the result of her happiness, that he was finally home? Had there been some sort of transformation for the better while he'd been away? He needed to know, for he already knew there was some sort of change in Jasmine, and he somehow knew that it was a change that he would like. At that, he broke the silence between them when he said,
“Jasmine?”
“Yes, Aladdin?” She asked as she looked at him in the mirror.
“Didn't you say there were some things that you wanted to tell me?”
“Well,” Jasmine started, “Yes, I do have much to tell you. But, we don't have much time, we have to be down there soon.”
“Jasmine, we can make time.” Aladdin said as he stood. At that, Jasmine turned and looked at him,
“Aladdin, I want what you want. I want us to have time to talk, but right now, unfortunately we don't. We'll talk after the banquet, when we can go for a ride on Carpet and go someplace where it's just the two of us. Besides, what I want to tell you is important, and want it to be special.”
She looked up at him, for she was now standing close to him. Aladdin then gave her a suspicious look. Jasmine laughed as she said,
“No. You are not going to get it out of me. Weren't you just listening to me?”
Aladdin rolled his eyes and smiled, “You're right Jasmine. I have so much to say to you, and it should be special.”
They both smiled, and Aladdin put his hands on her waist and Jasmine's arms went around his neck as he leaned down and kissed her. Soon thought, they went down the stairs to the large banquet hall, where they were presented as “His Majesty the Sultan” and “Her Majesty the Queen” All throughout the dinner, Aladdin and Jasmine would steal glances at eachother, and the occasional nuzzle or two. Aladdin couldn't wait to be alone with her. He wanted to tell her about the dream he had only days after he'd left, and he wanted to confess that he had noticed a change in her, a change that already mesmerized him. Was that what Jasmine wanted to tell him tonight? He didn't know, but what he did know is that he couldn't wait to hear everything that she had to say.
Three hours later, Aladdin and Jasmine walked up the stairs to their bedroom. Aladdin opened the doors and Jasmine walked in behind him. Jasmine gave a tired sigh, for it was late, far later than she wished, but she needed to talk with Aladdin, so she can tell him that he was to be a father. She'd kept this a secret for too long, and she couldn't stand Aladdin not knowing any longer.
Hearing her sigh, Aladdin said, “Yeah, me too. I thought that was going to go on forever.”
Not wanting him to know that she overly tired, she said, “Oh, it wasn't that bad, was it?”
“Well, it could be worse. We could still be sitting down there.” Aladdin said.
“See?” Jasmine asked as she sat at her vanity. She took off her crown and pulled the bands out of her hair, and she brushed it. Once she did that, she went to her wardrobe and changed out of her lavish, two piece gown to a simple, purple sleeveless outfit. Aladdin, too, had changed from his “Sultan” robes to his “fancy” street rat clothes. The two of them then left on Carpet.
A while later, Aladdin and Jasmine were back at his old hovel. Aladdin told her about the success of the trip, and how in just a few months she would begin to notice the difference for the better that the new trade route would do for the city. Excited to hear such news, Jasmine knew it was her turn to share some news. Not wanting to get into the big news just yet, she told Aladdin of what she had done during the month that he was away. She told him of how her and Abu had bonded, which led to her telling of her trip to the marketplace. She then confessed to him that almost every night she had had a dream about him, some magical dream that would give her the most wonderful feeling the morning after. Aladdin told her that he too had dreamed of her often, which just made him miss her even more. Not being able to stand it any longer, he gathered his courage and told Jasmine of his dream where they were in the Land of Black Sand, and he had acted so concerned, and in telling Jasmine this, he left nothing out.
Jasmine was shocked upon hearing Aladdin's dream. She knew he had to be suspicious of something. With that, she took a deep, shaky breath and said,
“Aladdin, I know how the dream ended.”
“What do you mean?” He asked her, and she replied, “I mean I know why you were so concerned for my safety, even when you didn't have to be.”
Jasmine then started from the very beginning. From that night where she first started feeling sick, and how the longer she waited the worse they got, and how she had felt guilty for not telling him. Jasmine then told him that on the very same night that he'd had his dream, she had a dream where in it her mother came to her and given her the best news of her life,
“Aladdin, I know we've only been married for one year. But,” Jasmine couldn't get the words to come out of her mouth. For weeks she'd been dying to confess this to her husband, but now she was cowering right in front of him, and she felt like a fool and was suddenly ashamed of herself. Tears then started pouring out of her eyes and she buried her head in her knees, now sobbing. Seconds later, she felt Aladdin wrap his arms around her, and her arms went around his neck as she buried her face into his chest.
Moments later, Jasmine sat up and brought a hand up to her cheek, but Aladdin was already wiping the tears from her eyes. Jasmine was thankful at how understanding he was being, not pressing her to tell him, but letting her cry, letting her do what she'd needed to do, but had held back from doing for the past month. Finally, he said,
“Jasmine, you can tell me.”
She looked at him with wide eyes, but then her face softened as she moved closer to him. Her arms wrapped gently around his neck, and she closed her eyes as she whispered into his ear,
“You're going to be a father.”
She pulled back and looked at him, and he looked stunned, but she could tell it was in a good way. A smile crept on her face, which made Aladdin do the same. His hands then went to her waist,
“You're,” He said as he looked to her mid section and then back up at her, and Jasmine nodded,
“Yes, isn't it wonderful?”
“Yes, it is.” Aladdin said, and they both smiled before taking eachother in their arms and kissing. When she could speak, she said to him,
“This is my anniversary gift to you.”
Still in his arms, she smiled as she heard Aladdin say,
“Thank you.”
Jasmine and Aladdin held eachother for a long time, Aladdin knowing he could never thank his wife enough for this wonderful gift.
Chapter 6: Changes
Author's Notes: Hey, here's chapter six! I'm sorry it took so long! There's kind of a time jump in this one, but it's not too big! BTW, the songs used in this chapter are There You Were by Jessica Simpson and Marc Anthony and In This Skin by Jessica Simpson. Please review!
The noon sun was high in the sky above the city of Agrabah , and most everyone in the city was awake by now and going about their daily business, but the royal couple was still in bed, and they had no intentions of getting up.
Jasmine allowed her eyes to flutter open, and she saw that Aladdin was still sleeping. She pulled the sheets up to her chest, trying not to wake him up, but it was too late. He stirred at her movement, and then opened his eyes and turned to look at her.
“Good…” Aladdin trailed off as he looked out to the balcony, and then back at Jasmine, “Afternoon.”
“Good afternoon.” Jasmine said with a laugh before Aladdin leaned over and kissed her.
“Did you sleep well?” He asked her.
“Yes, considering how late, or should I say early we chose to go to sleep.” Jasmine said before placing another kiss on Aladdin’s lips. At this, he smiled,
“Well, we were…renewing our relationship after being apart for a month. I think we can be forgiven for sleeping in.”
“And if we can’t?” Jasmine asked.
“Then that’s just too bad, because I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you.”
They smiled mischievously at each other before Aladdin pulled Jasmine close and kissed her. Well over an hour later was when they finally got up and dressed and each went to their duties. Aladdin knew he would have much to catch up on because of his month-long leave of absence, but he wouldn’t have traded his time with Jasmine for anything.
Aladdin and Jasmine were sitting at the fountain in their menagerie later that night, and it was completely dark out, and it was late, but still they talked.
“You getting tired?” Aladdin asked suddenly, and Jasmine replied,
“No, which surprises me actually. I’ve grown more fatigued in recent weeks.”
Aladdin knew the reasoning behind this, and he could see that Jasmine didn’t want to be reminded of the negative aspects of this, he asked,
“Jasmine, how did you react when you found out?”
This surprised Jasmine, but then she remembered that he wasn’t with her when she did receive the news, and she couldn’t blame him for wanting to know.
“Well,” She began, “I was so…overjoyed, so happy to finally know I was going to become a mother. But, at the same time, I was…shocked, for that had been the last thing on my mind. I didn’t know that that was the reasoning for me feeling so sick, I just thought it was a bug of some sorts. And it was in the middle of the night that I found out, and I don’t know how I did it, but I fell back asleep. And when I first woke up a few hours later, all I could think about was you Aladdin, and how I wished you were with me. But then,” She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts, “I thought about my mother, and how if it hadn’t been for her, I still probably wouldn’t know. I mean, I know I didn’t know her for very long, but I still have this deep connection with her, and I know she’s watching over me,” Then she looked at her husband, “Aladdin, I owe her so much.”
Aladdin smiled softly and took Jasmine’s hand and squeezed it, and he said,
“So do I.”
Jasmine smiled in return, and then asked,
“What about you, Aladdin? Were you surprised when I told you?”
At this, he smiled,
“Well, like you, I was happy. And yes, I was surprised, but in a way, I wasn’t.”
Jasmine heard the hint in his voice, and she asked,
“And how is this?”
“Part of it was my dream, because unlike you, I just couldn’t go back to sleep after that. I thought about it constantly, trying to decipher it. And the other reason it didn’t surprise me was because of the way you looked when I first saw you yesterday. There was something different about you, in a good way, and I noticed it right away,” It was now his turn to pause, trying to put this explanation into words, “Jasmine, you were glowing when I saw you, and it didn’t fade. I noticed it all day, and all evening. I knew there was something different about you, and I knew I was going to like it. And I do like it, I love it.”
He then said to her,
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, Aladdin.”
He held her delicate hands in his, and looked up at the sky, and then back at Jasmine, and he started singing,
“I was counting down minutes
I was wishin' on the stars
I was prayin' for a sign,
And tryin' to beat the odds
I was dreamin' of you before I saw your face
And there you were, waitin' for that day.
Then you reached through the hurricane,
When you baby, you called my name.”
Then they sang together in unison,
“You broke through the storm,
And you turned back the night
Baby you are the fire,
Burnin' the midnight sky,
And your love,
Keeps taking me higher
Just when all hope was gone,
Where the hero belongs…”
“There you were,” Jasmine sang, and Aladdin echoed her words and she continued,
“Must have broken into heaven just to roll back the clouds
Were you on a mission?
Were you seekin me out?
Was I that one in a million?
Was I that one sacred kiss,
That you couldn't chance, you just couldn't miss.
Then you babe, you whispered through the silent tears,
When you, you swept away all my fears.”
They continued together,
“You broke through the storm,
And you turned back the night.
Baby you are the fire,
Burnin' the midnight sky,
And your love,
Keeps taking me higher.
Just when all hope was gone,
Where the hero belongs…”
“There you were.” Jasmine sang, and then Aladdin sang,
“Standin' in the middle of nowhere,
With your arms wide open and you,”
And they continued together,
“You were the reason when there was no reason in my life.”
Then Jasmine sang, before they sang together,
“You're the reason in my life.”
“You broke through the storm,
And you turned back the night.
Baby you are the fire,
Burnin' the midnight sky,
And your love,
Keeps taking me higher.
Just when all hope was gone,
Where the hero belongs...
There you were…”
Aladdin the sang softly,
“Like the light in the eye of the storm,
Tellin' me not to cry anymore.”
“There you were.” Jasmine sang in soft voice, and Aladdin continued,
“Where I watched my whole world fall apart,
Shinin' through like an angel from afar.
Oh, like an angel.”
And then they sang together,
“You broke through the storm,
And you turned back the night.
Baby you are the fire,
Burnin' the midnight sky,
And your love,
Keeps taking me higher.
Just when all hope was gone,
Where the hero belongs...
There you were.”
Aladdin then held Jasmine as they kissed under the moonlight, and then walked through the menagerie and back into the palace hand-in-hand.
After they had turned the lights out and were lying in bed, Jasmine was lying with her head resting on Aladdin’s shoulder while he had an arm around her. Aladdin’s eyes were closed, but she was still awake, and she then said,
“Aladdin?”
He opened his eyes and turned and looked at her,
“Yeah?”
“Do you think that we can keep this between us, and not tell anyone? I’m not ready for everyone to know yet.”
“Of course we can, Jasmine. You don’t have to worry about anything.”
At this, Jasmine smiled and closed her eyes with relief, but Aladdin asked,
“How long do want this to be a secret?”
At this, Jasmine looked at Aladdin and shrugged,
“I…I don’t know.”
Aladdin then put his arm around her and pulled her close,
“Don’t worry, Jasmine. The secret is safe with me.”
Hearing the assurance in his voice, she closed her eyes and said,
“It’s safe with me, too.”
Nearly a month and a half then passed by, and Aladdin and Jasmine were still the only ones that knew that she was expecting, and that’s the way they preferred it-for now, especially Jasmine, for she was the one that was with child. She was thankful that she was no longer in her first trimester, which meant many changes, the biggest one, the one she was most thankful for was that she no longer felt as tired during the day. For the past two months she’s so tired as to go up to and take a nap no matter what time of the day it was, or how much sleep she had gotten the previous night. Jasmine tried to avoid the need of a daily nap in fear of anyone becoming suspicious that something was wrong, or maybe they would go straight to the notion that she was expecting. Because of Jasmine always complaining that she was tired, Aladdin had started to become concerned, but in the days after he’d returned, Jasmine saw the palace physician again, and this time Aladdin was with her. The physician had a long talk with them both, and assured them that the fatigue was normal, and he also told them what to expect in each trimester and throughout the entirety of her pregnancy. The physician also told them of what activities Jasmine would still be able to do, such as going on with her daily duties as normal, and what she should avoid doing, and Jasmine was thankful that there weren’t very many of those. After that, they both felt better, especially Aladdin.
It was now late afternoon, and Jasmine and Aladdin were in the marketplace. They were both dressed in disguise, with Jasmine dressed in her peasant robes and underneath was her purple sleeveless two piece outfit. Aladdin was also dressed in his street-rat clothes. Jasmine knew that sooner or later it would start to physically show that she was expecting, though she wasn’t entirely sure when that would start to happen. Though her robes hid her figure well, she still felt that she was transparent, so she stayed close to Aladdin for much of the day. The two held hands as they walked, with Jasmine using her free hand to hold onto his arm, as if he was her shield, and Aladdin didn’t mind a bit.
All throughout the day, Aladdin noticed that the weather was starting to turn. When they had woken up early that morning, it had appeared to be somewhat clear outside. But as the day went on, clouds started rolling in, signifying that it was soon going to storm. Him and Jasmine were in the center of the marketplace when all of a sudden the clouds opened up and rain started falling-hard. Aladdin and Jasmine were still holding hands when one of them started running one way, and the other ran another way.
“Aren’t we going back to the palace?” Jasmine asked, almost having to yell over the raindrops. At this, Aladdin shook his head,
“No, let’s go to the hovel, it’s quicker!”
The two of them quickly made their way to the hovel, and by the time they made it, they were both soaked and out of breath.
“Jasmine, are you alright?” Aladdin asked her, and she nodded,
“Yes, just cold.”
At that, Aladdin went and retrieved some blankets for both of them. When Jasmine saw them in his hands, she started to take her robes off, but was having trouble seeing how it was clinging to her body. At that, Aladdin put the blankets down and helped Jasmine and gently pulled the clothes off of her and threw them aside. Jasmine was now shivering terribly, so Aladdin took a blanket and wrapped it around her, thankful to see that the clothes she had on underneath were somewhat dry. He then took off his vest and wrapped a blanket around himself and laid close to Jasmine on a massive pillow that was almost the size of a mattress that rested in the middle of the hovel.
A long while later, it was still raining and storming. Jasmine was sitting, leaning against the wall, while Aladdin was standing a few feet away, watching the rain. Jasmine noticed he was deep in thought, and almost had a look of anger on his face, so she asked,
“Aladdin, is there something wrong?”
Aladdin sighed, “No, it’s just that this storm could not have come at a worse time.”
“You didn’t know it was going to storm like this.” Jasmine noted.
“I did notice that it was more humid than usual. And from the looks of it now, it’s not going to let up anytime soon.”
“Aladdin, everything will be alright.”
He turned to her and smiled,
“Thanks, Jasmine.”
She smiled, and then turned to look at the rain herself. Jasmine’s hands then went to her midriff as she sighed contently, and for the first time, she wondered if her and Aladdin would be having a boy or a girl. She loved the thought of giving Aladdin a son in just over five months time, though she had always pictured herself having a girl. Aladdin’s voice then interrupted her musings,
“What are you thinking about so intently over there?” He asked with a laugh.
Jasmine gave a mock, heavy sigh, “I was just debating on whether we’ll be having a boy or a girl.”
“Oh?” He said, and he was soon sitting next to her, “And what conclusion did you come to?”
Jasmine then paused for a moment, and then she became serious and said,
“I want to give you a son. More than anything I want to give you a son.”
“Jasmine, as wonderful as that sounds, I was hoping for a girl.”
“Really?” Jasmine asked, and Aladdin nodded. She smiled,
“I’d still like to have a boy.” Jasmine said as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Aladdin argued no further, but he still felt he and Jasmine would have a girl. But, they wouldn’t know yet for another few months, and surely the two of them would playfully argue and bicker about the subject, which they would end up laughing about.
Because the rain didn’t let up, Aladdin and Jasmine ended up staying the night at the hovel, and when they woke up the next morning, it was still raining, and though they waited at the hovel for a couple hours to see if it would stop raining, it was no use, and they had no choice but to go back to the palace. The first thing Jasmine did was get out her damp clothes and took a long, warm bath, and when they both had dry, warm clothes on, her and Aladdin laid in bed together and took a long nap. Late that evening, it finally stopped raining, but that was no help to Aladdin, for the storm had set him behind schedule.
The next afternoon, Jasmine and Aladdin were in the throne room. Jasmine was sitting her throne, which had velvet purple cushions, and Aladdin was sitting next to her, hard at work. All of a sudden, he started to look for something, and Jasmine asked,
“Aladdin, what are you looking for?”
“A certain scroll, I can’t find it. I think I left it in the bedroom.” He then stood, but Jasmine stopped him and said,
“Let me go get it, it’ll give me something to do.”
“Alright.” Aladdin said, and he told Jasmine where the scroll was, and in a few minutes time she was upstairs in her and Aladdin’s bedroom.
“Here it is.” She said as she spotted the scroll almost immediately, and it was right on Aladdin’s bedside stand, right where she expected it to be. She was almost to the doors when she realized that while she was here she might as well check her appearance. Jasmine then went to her vanity and leaned to see her reflection. Since she was satisfied, she didn’t even bother to sit, but when she turned to walk away, she froze. She turned slowly back to mirror, dreading of what she might see. She stood up straight as she looked at herself, and then turned to see herself from the side. Jasmine was wearing a pink, two piece strapless outfit that made her midriff very visible. Jasmine suddenly gasped, for she could clearly see her belly was beginning to swell. Though the bulge was small, it was still very noticeable. How long has this been there? Jasmine wondered in astonishment. She then went to her wardrobe and looked herself from the side in a floor length mirror, somewhat hoping her eyes were playing tricks on her, but they weren’t. At that, she took her revealing clothes off and changed into a dark pink sleeveless gown where the purple sleeves hung off her shoulders and met at her bust with a large pink gemstone. At that, she also noticed that her bosom had also grown. Jasmine then wondered what she was thinking when she put on that light pink outfit that she was wearing all day long until now. Now glad that less of her skin was showing, she went back to her vanity and sat and took out the bands in her hair. Just as she started to brush her hair, she heard Aladdin’s voice,
“Jasmine?”
She gasped and quickly brushed her hair, which is something she didn’t like doing when she felt rushed.
“Jasmine, what’s been taking you so long?” Aladdin asked as he walked to the vanity and took the scroll that was still sitting on the table top. He then looked at Jasmine and realized what she’d been doing.
“Why did you change?” He asked, and Jasmine set her brush down and sighed and said, not looking at him,
“If I tell you you’ll think I’m ridiculous.”
“Jasmine, that’s ridiculous. I’m not going to think that.”
She turned to him and saw that look on his face, the look that told her that he wasn’t leaving until she told him what was bothering her. Jasmine then gave in,
“Aladdin, did you notice what I was wearing today?”
“Yeah, it looked beautiful on you.”
“Well, don’t expect to see me in anything like that anytime soon.”
“Why?” Aladdin asked, and Jasmine sighed,
“I’m starting to show, Aladdin. My body is changing, and it’s in two very visible places, and I guess I’m trying to cover it up,” She gave a little laugh, “I don’t know why I didn’t notice it earlier.”
“Stand up.” Jasmine then heard Aladdin say, and she complied. She stood close to him, but he motioned for her to turn around, so she backed up turned slowly. Aladdin looked at her up and down and for the millionth time noting of what a lovely figure Jasmine had, and though he knew just as well as she did that her figure would change dramatically in just over five months time, he knew he wouldn’t her physical changes a bit. He then reached for her hands and pulled her close and he said to her,
“Jasmine, you’re beautiful no matter what.” At that, she sighed,
“Aladdin, you know I don’t mind you seeing me like no one else can, but I don’t want anyone noticing this,” She motioned with her hands to her breasts and then to her abdomen. Now it was Aladdin’s turn to sigh,
“Jasmine, I know you don’t want to hear this, but people are going to find out about this sooner or later. It’s better just to tell everyone now before they become suspicious, which I know you hate.”
Jasmine then pulled away from him and sat at her vanity and went to pulling her hair back with dark pink bands.
“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Aladdin said to her, and Jasmine turned sharply to look at him with an icy glare,
“No,” She snapped, “And neither are you, Aladdin, and I think you know what I’m talking about.”
“Yes, I do know what you’re talking about, Jasmine, but you obviously can’t keep this a secret much longer.”
“Yes, I can!”
“No, Jasmine, you can’t.”
“Why do you want everyone to know?” Jasmine said, now angered, feeling that Aladdin wasn’t taking her feelings into consideration, which wasn’t like him.
“Because, I know how you will react when people start talking, and I don’t want that happening!”
Jasmine then stood,
“What about right now, Aladdin? What about how I’m reacting right now?”
“Well,” His was now quiet, but she could tell that he was also angry, “I can see that your upset, and your getting yourself worked up.”
“Your finally noticing this now?” She asked, and Aladdin put his hands on her upper arms with a firm hold as he said,
“Jasmine, if you don’t calm down I’m going to go get the physician.”
His voice was stern, and Jasmine thought to herself, this is absurd! But after a period of silence, her face finally softened, realizing that he was right. She dropped her shoulders and let her hands relax, and then Aladdin gently held them.
“You’re right, Aladdin. I was acting childish, I’m sorry I angered you.”
“It’s alright.” Was all Aladdin said as he held Jasmine close to him, and then she tipped her head up their lips met for a kiss. When they parted, Aladdin said,
“I better get back to the throne room, are you coming with me?”
“Actually, I think I might go to the marketplace.”
“Again?” He asked, and Jasmine shrugged,
“I just need to be by myself for a little while.” At that, Aladdin’s eyes narrowed,
“Should I be worried?” Jasmine gave a laugh before saying,
“No, I’ll only be gone for a couple hours.”
“Alright, Jasmine.” Aladdin said, and they kissed again before he left to go back down to the throne room, and then Jasmine changed into a simple, two piece sleeveless purple outfit, but put her commoner robes over it and she soon left for the marketplace.
It was almost sundown when she was at Aladdin’s old hovel, sitting against the wall with the curtain drawn, looking out at her and Aladdin’s city. Jasmine then thought about her and Aladdin’s fight earlier, and she thought about how foolish it was just to think that by changing the way she dressed, people wouldn’t suspect she was expecting. Why should I have to change the way I dress? Jasmine thought. When she arrived at the hovel, she had taken her robes of to reveal her purple outfit that made her midriff very visible, but no one was with her, no one was here to suspect or speculate on why she was doing what she was doing, and that’s the way she liked it, unless of course Aladdin was with her, but she also cherished her time to be alone with her thoughts. Aladdin is right, Jasmine thought, I am beautiful, and being with child is not going to change anything. Jasmine was also determined not to let it change her opinion about herself, or doubt herself in anyway, so she sang,
“They see me in a magazine, I'm the one they want to be
Still don't feel I'm good enough
Still don't feel I'm thin enough
I stand up and I'm pushed back down, and every opinion now
It makes me feel inhuman
Givin' in and givin' up
“To be worthy
To feel beautiful in this skin
Be beautiful in this skin
Love the skin I’m in
Love me for me
Have confidence in this skin
Be confident in this skin
“So tell me what is wrong with me
I'm the girl with everything
So why am I not strong enough?
I want to be strong enough
To tell you how I really feel
I know my talent is real
So don't tell me, don't tell me
I have to be 102
I don't have nothing to prove
So don't tell me, don't tell me
“Cause I am worthy
To feel beautiful in this skin
Be beautiful in this skin
Love the skin I’m in
Love me for me
Have confidence in this skin
Be confident in this skin
Be real, be real
See the beauty inside this skin
I don't have to hide this skin
Love the skin I’m in
I feel, I feel
An awakening in this skin
Stop forsaking me in this skin
“I am, I am, I am, I am
Mmmm
I am, I am, I am, I am
oooohhhhh, I am
“To be…Worthy
Be beautiful
Love me…For me
Cause I am beautiful
“To be worthy
To feel beautiful in this skin
Be beautiful in this skin
Love the skin I’m in
Love me for me
Have confidence in this skin
Be confident in this skin
Be real, be real
See the beauty inside this skin
Cause I don't want to have to hide it
I feel, I feel
I'm beautiful in this skin
Beautiful in this skin
I'm beautiful in this skin
And your beautiful in this skin
Beautiful in this skin
I'm beautiful in this skin
And you are beautiful in this skin
Beautiful in this skin”
Jasmine then rested her head back against the wall, feeling refreshed and renewed about herself, and she wouldn’t let anyone ruin this newfound feeling.
Chapter 7: Mother
Author's Notes: Hey, here's chapter seven! I hope you enjoy it! The songs used in this chapter are Mama by the Spice Girls and Proud of Your Boy performed by Clay Aiken. Proud of Your Boy was one of the last songs written by Howard Ashman before he died just over a year before the release of Aladdin. He was an amazing song writer, having been a large part of the success for the Disney films The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. I am truly honored to use this song for my Aladdin fanfiction series.
"To our friend, Howard,
Who gave a mermaid her voice,
and a beast his soul.
We will be forever grateful.
Howard Ashman
1950-1991"
-Dedication from Beauty and the Beast
Two weeks later, it was mid-morning, and the Sultan and visibly expecting Sultana lied in bed together, each having just woken up.
“Good morning.” Jasmine said as she propped herself up on her elbow, pulling the sheets up to her chest. Hearing her voice, Aladdin opened his eyes and turned to look at Jasmine,
“Good morning.” He said before she leaned over him and kissed him. Jasmine then rested her head on his shoulder as they conversed as they did most mornings, letting each other in what they each needed to do and what not. But they soon fell silent, and Aladdin and Jasmine both had their eyes closed, just enjoyed the peaceful quietness between them. Jasmine said softly then,
“Aladdin, you were right.”
“About what?” Aladdin asked, his eyes remaining shut, and Jasmine explained,
“About what you said to me a couple weeks after the coronation, about how things would start to slow down after you returned? Do you remember?”
Aladdin’s eyes were now open, but he was slightly confused at Jasmine’s words,
“Yes, Jasmine, I remember. And I understand, that things have slowed down and returned back to normal like I said they would, but-”
“Aladdin,” Jasmine cut him off, “You’re the Sultan now, and have been for four months. You now have more experience, which means things aren’t quite as busy and hectic as they were just weeks before and after the coronation.”
“So, you’re saying this is a good thing?”
“Of course I am.” Jasmine said with a smile, but Aladdin turned back to look at the ceiling, and then back at Jasmine, once again confused that she wasn’t getting his point,
“Jasmine, in a way you’re right, and I’m just as happy about it as you are. But, in a way, things will never be the same in our lives, and I mean this a good way,” He then slipped an arm around her waist, “And I know that you see it that way, too.”
Jasmine smiled, and looked to where his hand was,
“Yes, Aladdin, you are right about that, and I also think it’s wonderful.”
Aladdin smiled before bringing her closer, and Jasmine said,
“One thing that’s not slowing down, though.”
“What would that be?” Aladdin asked, positioning himself so he was facing Jasmine.
“Me,” She said, motioning to her abdomen, “I seem to be growing more and more each day, and soon I won’t be able to hide my figure at all.”
“Then don’t,” Aladdin said, “I like it,” At this, Jasmine turned to him, skeptical,
“I really do!” He insisted, but Jasmine rolled her eyes. She then sat up and moved to the edge of the bed, letting her hair tumble down her exposed back.
“You know I do.” Aladdin said, making himself more comfortable in the bed, and Jasmine turned to him and smiled, before putting on her robe. Soon though, Aladdin got up, got dressed, and went to his duties for the day.
Jasmine meanwhile bathed, and she was now sitting at her vanity. She brushed her hair and pulled it back with light blue bands, and then put on her filigree, gold tiara, the large blue sapphire not having lost any of it’s brilliance. Jasmine then went to her wardrobe and studied herself in a full-length mirror, and she smiled. She was wearing her light blue, two piece outfit, one that hadn’t worn in ages, but she was wearing it because she had made it her own. Jasmine was realizing that she would soon not be able to hide the fact that she was expecting, and little, if anything she wore would be able to help. So, she took one of her simple two piece outfits, took some sheer fabric, and sewed it that it would hide her midriff, and also sewed some fabric on her waist line so that it draped around her legs. Aladdin had walked in on her when she was sewing, and when he asked what she was doing, she told him that she was “improvising” and that’s exactly what she planned on doing. Jasmine felt she didn’t need seamstresses constantly making her new outfits and gowns to try and conceal her growing figure, for the only reason Jasmine wanted it hidden now was because no one knew, and once the secret was out, she would no longer go to great lengths to keep it a secret. So, she had made an oath to make her own clothes, for no one knew her body and tastes like she did. Jasmine then turned and looked at herself from the side, deeply satisfied with what she was seeing, or what she wasn’t seeing. She smiled, proud of herself for what she had created. With a new level of confidence radiating from within her, Jasmine went down to the throne room to join Aladdin.
Later that evening, Jasmine and Abu were in one of the palace’s largest dining rooms eating. Though Aladdin and her had wanted it to be just to two of them for dinner, something they rarely got to do, Abu would have none of it, and Jasmine did not argue or scold when Abu jumped on her shoulders when on her way to the dining room. Jasmine was now glad that Abu was here, for otherwise she would be at the large table be herself, for Aladdin’s meeting with his advisors was going on much longer than he said it would, but Jasmine wasn’t angry. While Jasmine was still eating, Abu crossed his arms, proclaiming he was done, but still hungry. Neither him nor Jasmine knew when Aladdin would return, and she watched as he perked up, walked across the table to where Aladdin’s plate full of food was. Abu was about to reach for an apple when Jasmine said in a warning tone,
“Aladdin’s going to be mad at you.” Abu then crossed his arms and scowled, clearly offended by being told he couldn’t eat, having gotten used to the notion that he could eat as he pleased. He then raised his little fist in the air and screeched something to Jasmine, to which she replied,
“I know Aladdin’s not here, Abu, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need to eat. Besides, you had your fill.” She finished, pointing at him, but Abu scoffed, and sat where Aladdin was supposed to sit and started eating. Jasmine said nothing as she rolled her eyes, knowing Abu knew the power he held against her, she never seeming to be able to say no to him. A few minutes later, when Abu was nearly finished with “his” food, a voice broke the comfortable silence between the pair.
“Abu!”
Knowing it was Aladdin’s voice, Abu cringed and clutched his tail as it hung limply in his paws. But, as Aladdin came nearer, Abu abandoned that idea and went straight for Jasmine’s lap, attempting to hide from Aladdin. Jasmine gasped, knowing that if Abu was going down, he was planning on taking her down with him. Aladdin then walked up to them both, and looked at his plate, and then back at them.
“Abu, what have I told you? Jasmine, how could you let him do this? We’re trying to get him not to steal, remember?” Aladdin said, and Jasmine opened her mouth to say something, but then Abu went on her shoulder, shook his fist and screeched something to Aladdin.
“That isn’t an excuse.” Aladdin said to him, and Jasmine then turned away as she giggled, but soon regretted it, for now Aladdin’s gaze was directed at her. Jasmine then cleared her throat, and turned to look sternly at Abu, who was still on her shoulder,
“Abu, now I told you he would be mad, didn’t I?” Abu then nodded, and was forced to say he was sorry. Aladdin forgave him, and took an apple instead. Because it was late, and Jasmine was feeling tired, the three of them left the dining room and made their way to her and Aladdin’s bedroom. But soon, Abu was fast asleep in Jasmine’s arms. Aladdin smiled at this site, and Jasmine said,
“What?”
“Since when does he like you better than he likes me?”
A smiled crept on Jasmine’s face as she asked,
“Aladdin, your not jealous are you?”
“Of course not, I think it’s good that you two are getting along so well. But, I think it’s because you give into him to easily, you can’t do that.”
Jasmine then looked down at Abu, still sleeping,
“But he’s so-”
“What Jasmine, cute?” Aladdin asked, and she nodded, and he continued,
“Don’t let him trick you like that, I know him, and he’ll do anything to get his way.”
Jasmine was hearing what he was saying, but was only half-listening. But, Aladdin interrupted her thoughts,
“Hey, wait, we passed our staircase way back there.” He was about to turn back, but Jasmine gently grabbed his arm,
“Oh, it’s alright Aladdin. It’s still early. Let’s just keep walking, and we’ll go out to the menagerie.”
Aladdin agreed, and they walked around the palace and talked, and then walked to the menagerie, all while Abu slept in Jasmine’s arms. When her and Aladdin neared their bedroom doors, he said,
“Well, it looks like he’ll be sleeping with us tonight.”
“It’s alright.” Jasmine said with a tender smile. They then walked into the room, and Jasmine laid Abu down on a pile of pillows on the other side of the room, and Aladdin covered him up. And soon, Jasmine and Aladdin were asleep themselves. The next day was extra special, for Jasmine saw the physician again and Aladdin was with her, and much to their delight, he said that she was now four months along that everything looked wonderful and that Jasmine and the baby both appeared to be healthy.
The next night, hours before dusk, Jasmine and Aladdin laid in bed. Aladdin slept peacefully, while Jasmine was restless, tossing and turning from the horrible dream she was having, and not being able to wake up…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was the middle of the night, and Jasmine woke up feeling thirsty. She got out of bed, and sighed with relief when Aladdin only stirred slightly, but never woke up. As she walked to the doors with light steps, she suddenly heard Abu,
“Huh?”
Jasmine immediately put a finger to her lips, and Abu said nothing more as he got up from his pile of pillows and jumped on her shoulders. Jasmine then went out the doors and into the hallway, leaving the doors open just a crack, as to not wake Aladdin. She peeked in one last time, and saw Aladdin still sleeping. Abu then looked at her, and she knew he must be curious as to what she must be doing this late, wanting to come with her,
“I’m terribly thirsty, so I’d thought I’d go down and get a cold drink.” Jasmine whispered, and then Abu quietly screeched something to her, to which she laughed,
“You’re always hungry, Abu. I’ll tell you what, on the way up, you can get a banana and have that, alright?”
Abu then nodded, and Jasmine laughed again. They then went down the stairs, and Jasmine satisfied her thirst and Abu got his banana and ate it quickly. Abu was quietly walking beside Jasmine in one of the palace’s many hallways when he stopped, thinking he’d heard something, but Jasmine kept walking. Abu then saw something out of the corner of his eye and turned to see what it was, but there was nothing there. He then ran to Jasmine and tugged at her pants and pointed to where he saw the thing.
“Abu, stop it this instant. It is much too late for that.” Jasmine scolded, and Abu mumbled to himself in defeat. He walked behind Jasmine when he stopped again, this time hearing a slithering sound. He turned to look behind him, but again nothing was there. He resumed walking, but then quickly turned around. There, following Abu and Jasmine was Xerxes, Mozenrath’s pet. Abu screeched loudly, and Jasmine turned around and gasped,
“You! Get out of here!” Jasmine yelled, but as soon as the notion came into her head, and Abu jumped onto her shoulder, Mozenrath came out from behind the corner.
“Hello, Your Majesty.” He said, and Jasmine backed up slowly as he walked toward her, determined not to let her fear be written so clearly across her face. On instinct, her hand went to her abdomen, and Mozenrath noticed this,
“Ah, yes, I believe congratulations are in order.” He said as he kept walking slowly toward her. Jasmine was now more angry than anything else, and she let Mozenrath know this,
“As Queen, I order you to be gone from this kingdom and never return!”
Mozenrath only laughed, which made Jasmine even more scared,
“Oh, I’ll leave, just as soon as I get what I came for.”
Jasmine’s eyes went wide, and soon noticed that Mozenrath had backed her up against the wall, therefore she had no where to run to, for he would surely catch her. Jasmine didn’t try to run, at the risk of bringing harm to her or her unborn child. So there she stood, at the mercy of this wicked sorcerer. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a glass vase, and saw that it was within arms reach. As much as Jasmine hated to, she looked Mozenrath in the eyes as she slowly reached for the vase. She then took hold of it, and quickly smashed it against his head. Mozenrath held his head in pain and backed away, and Jasmine quickly ran away, but Mozenrath got up and ran to her and grabbed her by the arm and swung her around so that she was facing him.
“Mozenrath, let me go!” The fear was unmistakable in her voice, something she knew he took pleasure in. But she couldn’t hide it, she was frightened.
“Never.” He growled as he gripped Jasmine tightly by the arm and swung his cape over both of them, transporting them to his terrible, black land…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“No, no!”
Aladdin awoke to Jasmine’s voice, and he sat up and turned to see that Jasmine was sleeping, but was obviously having a nightmare. He then took her hand, but she quickly withdrew it. Aladdin then put his hands on her arms, but she squirmed. He then tightened his grip slightly and gently shook her,
“Jasmine, Jasmine.” He said softly, but she still didn’t wake up. Aladdin knew she was having a nightmare, so he said again, this time with a louder voice,
“Jasmine!”
Her eyes then opened, and looked around frantically,
“Where am I?” She asked, obviously shaken from the dream. Aladdin then took her by the arms and said,
“Jasmine, it’s alright, I’m here.”
Jasmine then looked at him and sat up,
“Oh, Aladdin,” She breathed as she threw her arms around his neck and he held her, “It was horrible, just horrible.” She said into his shoulder as tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.
“Shhh, it’s alright. You’re safe, you’re safe.” Aladdin said softly, trying to comfort his frightened wife. And after a few minutes, Jasmine let his words sink in, and she started to breath normally as the tears gradually subsided. She then sat up and faced Aladdin, and his hands went to her face.
“Jasmine, are you alright?” He asked, and she looked away,
“Yes, I think so. I was so frightened. Mozenrath, in the night, he took me, and you weren’t there, and-”
“Jasmine, Jasmine, wait. Start from the beginning. Now, what happened?” He asked. Jasmine took in a slow, shaky breath as she told Aladdin everything that had happened in the dream, and he listened intently as he still saw some fear in her eyes. Jasmine then finished, but gasped,
“Aladdin, where is Abu?”
“He’s sleeping, right over there, where he has been all night,” Aladdin nodded toward Abu, who was once again sleeping in their bedroom on a pile of pillows. Jasmine then sighed with relief as a hand went to her chest and remained there, and Aladdin noticed this. He took her hand and assured her,
“Jasmine, it was just a dream, I promise. No one will hurt you or our baby, I’ll make sure of it.” At his words, she smiled slightly, but said,
“Then why have we both had nightmares where in it Mozenrath is trying to harm me? This is both of us now.”
“Yes, Jasmine, but our dreams were months apart and they were both different from each other. Don’t you dare let this be a sign to you that something is going to happen, because it won’t.”
Jasmine then closed her eyes,
“You’re right, Aladdin,” Jasmine said as she let her head rest against his chest and his arms went around her, “I know I’m always safe with you.” At that, Aladdin smiled,
“That’s right, Jasmine. You’re safe with me.”
Jasmine then sat up and looked at him, and smiled when he placed a kiss on her forehead. Her and Aladdin them laid back down and faced each other. She was now exhausted, and Aladdin saw this and asked,
“Are you sure you’re alright?”
“I am now.” Jasmine said simply and was soon asleep in Aladdin’s protective arms.
The next morning, Jasmine got up fairly early and went with Aladdin down to the throne room, for she didn’t want to be in their bedroom by herself, or any part of the palace. She knew it was childish, but the feeling the nightmare she’d had hours before gave her still lingered, but Aladdin reassured her once again that everything would be alright. The truth was, Jasmine wanted to believe him, she wanted to believe that her husband could keep his family safe, but she was still doubtful, which then led to the feeling of guilt. Jasmine stayed close to Aladdin for much of the day, and that night, much to her relief, they both slept peacefully.
The next morning, Jasmine awoke feeling refreshed. She looked out toward the balcony and saw that it was mid-morning.
“Good morning.” She heard a voice say, and turned to see Aladdin standing near the bed, now dressed and ready to go downstairs.
“Good morning.” Jasmine said with a smile, and this Aladdin moved the bed and sat next to her,
“I take it you slept well?”
“I did,” Jasmine started, “I had the most wonderful dream about my mother. Oh, how she comforted me so.” She said as she closed her eyes and replayed the last part of her dream over and over in her mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jasmine and her mother were sitting at the fountain in her menagerie enjoying the beautiful, clear day. Jasmine then thought that she’s never seen a woman as beautiful as her mother. She had long, dark brown hair and lovely features. Jasmine had just finished telling her of the nightmare she’s had the previous night, and her mother then said to her,
“Your husband is right.”
“Right about what?” Jasmine asked.
“No harm will come to you or your unborn child.”
“And you know this to be true?” At this, her mother nodded and said,
“Indeed, I do.”
Jasmine smiled,
“Thank you, mother.” Her mother then smiled in return,
“Your welcome, Jasmine.”
And with that, she was gone, but Jasmine knew it wasn’t for good. Jasmine had thanked her mother for her reassurance, but she had so much more she needed to thank her for. Jasmine could always find a source of comfort in her mother’s loving words, so she sang,
“She used to be my only enemy and never let me free
Catching me in places that I know I shouldn't be
Every other day I crossed the line, I didn't mean to be so bad
I never thought you would become the friend I never had,
“Back then I didn't know why, why you were misunderstood
So now I see through your eyes, all that you did was love,
“Mama, I love you,
Mama, I care
Mama, I love you,
Mama, my friend,
“You’re my friend,
“I didn't want to hear it then but I'm not ashamed to say it now
Every little thing you said and did was right for me
I had a lot of time to think about, about the way I used to be
Never had a sense of my responsibility,
“Back then I didn't know why, why you were misunderstood
So now I see through your eyes, all that you did was love,
“Mama, I love you,
Mama, I care
Mama, I love you,
Mama my friend,
“You’re my friend, you’re my friend,
“But now I'm sure I know why, why you were misunderstood
So now I see through your eyes
All I can give you is love, all I can give you is love,
“Mama, I love you,
Mama, I care
Mama, I love you,
Mama, my friend,
“Mama I love you,
Mama, I care
Mama, I love you,
Mama, my friend,
“You're my friend, you’re my friend,
“Mama, I love you,
Mama, I care
Mama, I love you,
Mama, my friend.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jasmine told Aladdin about the dream, and how her mother had made her feel so much better. Aladdin then told her of how glad he was, kissed her, then went down to the throne room. Throughout the day, he thought a lot about Jasmine’s dreams. The first one being a frightening nightmare where Mozenrath had kidnapped her and he wasn’t there to try and save her. Aladdin then thought about the dream she had had last night, where she had connected with her mother, the mother who had died when she was only a girl. He noticed how happy and relaxed she was when she’d woken up because she’s said her mother had comforted her immensely. Isn’t that what he’d done right after she’d woken up from the nightmare? He’d assured her that no harm would come to her, and yet she remained frightened, like his promise had had no effect on her. Why was Jasmine taking so much solace in her mother, but not him? Sitting at his throne, Aladdin shook his head. He knew he was being selfish, and he wondered if he was overreacting. Since finding out she was expecting, Jasmine had had a handful of dreams where in them she meets with her mother, and she was always relaxed and content when she had these dreams. A strange thought then entered his mind: Why wasn’t he connecting with his mother, the woman he barely remembered, though he wished he did? Aladdin knew that in no way was he going to the same things as Jasmine, neither emotionally nor physically, but he too was going through a transformation of sorts. First, he’s crowned Sultan, the mighty ruler of a powerful kingdom, and then just months afterwards he finds out that he’s to become a father. Him and Jasmine were both still so young, and yet had so much responsibility. Aladdin then shook his head again and stood, needing to take a walk. He walked to the palace’s library, and to his surprise, Jasmine was there. She was on a ladder, reaching for a book on one of the highest shelves.
“Jasmine?” He said as he walked up to the ladder and looked up at her.
“Oh, Aladdin. I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“I can see that. What are you doing anyway?” He questioned, and Jasmine said,
“Looking for a certain book, I’m in the mood for a good read.”
“Jasmine, please get down. You could fall and hurt yourself.” Aladdin said as he held onto the ladder, but Jasmine almost laughed,
“Oh, Aladdin, you’re being silly. Ever since I learned to read I’ve climbed this ladder a thousand times and have never fallen. And plus, the doctor said that really there’s very little I could do to you know…” Jasmine trailed off as she took a book, opened it and briefly looked through it, put then put it back in it’s original place. Aladdin then said,
“Yeah, well, I hardly think falling off a ladder counts.”
Jasmine continued to ignore him, but then gasped,
“Here it is!”
With the book in her hands, she slowly climbed down the ladder, and when he could, Aladdin held onto her waist. When Jasmine was safely on the ground, she quickly looked through the book, and satisfied, shut it, and looked up at Aladdin.
“See, I’m fine. I told you I wouldn’t fall.”
“But still,” Aladdin said, and Jasmine crossed her arms and gave him ‘The Look.’ He rolled his eyes and said, “Just be more careful.”
“But why? I haven’t even done anything.”
“Jasmine, do you realize what would’ve happened if you would’ve fallen? You-”
“Of course I realize what would’ve happened!” Jasmine exclaimed.
The fight was a blur to Aladdin, and they were standing face-to-face when he said,
“This is stupid.” He didn’t say it in a defeated tone, but in a way that almost made it sound like he was blaming her. Jasmine then furrowed her eyebrows and said,
“You’re stupid!”
“You’re stupid!”
They both then stormed out of the room and exchanged angry looks before each going in different directions down the hall. Jasmine went up the stairs to their bedroom and Aladdin went back to the throne room.
Late that night, Aladdin was standing on the throne room balcony. He still hadn’t talked to Jasmine since there fight, which was hours ago. He now regretted the fight, and knew it was just another one of Jasmine’s mood swings. First she’s scared, then sad, then happy, then angry. Aladdin hadn’t the faintest idea of what her mood would be when she woke up the next morning, but he assumed she would still be mad. He then thought of Jasmine’s relationship with her mother, and how he wished he knew more about his own mother. Aladdin wished he knew what she was like, and then wondered if she would be proud of him if she could see him right now. Would she be proud? Not if she’d heard what I said to Jasmine earlier, Aladdin thought to himself. The truth was, he still had a lot to learn, and had a lot more maturing to do, and he could only hope that his mother would be proud, so he sang,
“Proud of your boy
I'll make you proud of your boy
Believe me, bad as I've been, Ma
You're in for a pleasant surprise
“I've wasted time, I've wasted me
So say I'm slow for my age
A late bloomer, okay, I agree
“That I've been one rotten kid
Some son, some pride and some joy
But I'll get over these lousin' up
Messin' up, screwin' up times
“You'll see, Ma, now comes the better part
Someone's gonna make good
Cross his stupid heart
Make good and finally make you
Proud of your boy
“Tell me that I've been a louse and loafer
You won't get a fight here, no ma'am
Say I'm a goldbrick, a goof-off, no good
But that couldn't be all that I am
“Water flows under the bridge
Let it pass, let it go
There's no good reason that you should believe me
Not yet, I know, but
“Someday and soon
I'll make you proud of your boy
Though I can't make myself taller
Or smarter or handsome or wise
“I'll do my best, what else can I do?
Since I wasn't born perfect like Dad or you
Mom, I will try to
Try hard to make you
Proud of your boy.”
Aladdin sighed, and took one last look at his city before exiting the throne room and going upstairs to him and Jasmine’s bedroom. When he got there, he saw that the room was dimly lit. He smiled when he saw Jasmine serenely sleeping, the candlelight doing it’s magic on her glowing skin. Aladdin then went and changed for the night. Before he climbed into bed, he took the book she’d picked out earlier from her hand, and looked at the cover. Arabian Nights, the title read. He smiled, remembering when Jasmine first told him that the book had always been a favorite of hers, always swooning at the romantic tales. Aladdin then set the book on her vanity, but he put it face down and open so she would know where she’d left off before she fell asleep. He then blew out the candle that was lit beside her, and walked to his side of the bed and climbed in next to Jasmine. Though she never woke up, she turned from her left side to her right, so that she was facing away from him. This made Aladdin want to laugh, despite that it was most likely a sign that she would in fact be mad when she woke up.
Chapter 8: Tales of Love
Author's Notes: Hey! Here's chapter eight, sorry it's so short! I couldn't find a song to go with it. Oh well, it should answer some questions. Tell me what you think!
The next morning, Jasmine awoke early and found that Aladdin was still sleeping. She laid in bed with her eyes closed before her and Aladdin’s fight came flooding back to her, and she was suddenly angry. How could he have said those things to her? Well, Jasmine thought to herself, I did call him stupid first. Still, she felt that he had no right to raise his voice at her, for she truly felt as if she’d nothing wrong. Then with swift silence, Jasmine sat at her vanity and brushed her hair, and then got dressed in light blue, pulled her hair back with blue bands and put on her tiara. Jasmine was thankful that she did all this without waking Aladdin-not that she cared at the moment if she disturbed his sleep or not, she just wasn’t ready to face him yet.
To find solitude, Jasmine went to her gardens. She sat and lovingly fingered the petals of her favorite flower, that being of which she was named after. Jasmine had many different varieties of this flower, and she thought all of them beautiful, and it was difficult to pick her favorite. This flower, though, was special to her. Not only was she named after it, but it was the flower she wore in her hair during her and Aladdin’s first Carpet ride together, and it was the inspiration for her fountain in her menagerie. Jasmine then closed her eyes and inhaled it’s sweet scent, one that Aladdin said he liked because it reminded him of her.
“Jasmine.”
A voice interrupted her thoughts, and she looked up to find Aladdin walking toward her. She straightened her back and folded her hands in her lap as he sat next to her.
“You’re up early.” He said, knowing she’d been up for a while now.
“Well,” Jasmine started, not looking at him, “I needed time alone.”
“You know, Jasmine, you seem to be needing that a lot lately.” Aladdin said, his tone almost hinting that it annoyed him. This angered Jasmine,
“Maybe you should follow my example, Aladdin, it would do you good. You’re acting so strange lately.”
“Me?! You’re the one who’s in a different mood almost every minute of the day!” This made Jasmine gasp and immediately stand, while Aladdin stayed seated as he looked up at her,
“Aladdin, how dare you! I can’t help it that I’m acting this way! Do you see now why I wish to be alone with my own thoughts and emotions?”
The pain and hurt in her voice was evident, and Aladdin knew he was the one at fault, and he felt awful, never wishing to hurt Jasmine like that. She then turned her head in dismay and quickly walked away, putting her head in her hands as she did so, letting the tears flow freely. Aladdin then stood and ran to catch up to her. As soon as he caught her, he took her in his arms and held her tight against his chest, and Jasmine did not object. He then thought of what a mixture she was of woman and little girl. One minute she was a woman, strong and capable, and the next she was like a child, needing to be embraced and comforted. Right now, she was the latter.
“I’m sorry, Aladdin. I’m sorry for-”
“No, Jasmine. I’m the one that should be sorry, for the way I’ve acted, the things I’ve said, and how I’ve made you feel. I’m sorry.”
Jasmine then looked into his eyes, and she could see that he meant every word.
“It’s alright.” Jasmine said softly with a smile. She let her head rest on his chest again and felt him rest his head on hers. After some moments, she then pulled back and said to him,
“But, all I ask is this: Tell me what’s really bothering you, Aladdin,” At that, he looked away, but she said putting a hand on his cheek so that he was facing her, “Please.”
Aladdin sighed, took Jasmine’s hand and led her to the spot where she’d been sitting before. He then told her about the night before, his thoughts on her relationship with her mother, and how he wished he could just speak with his mother and know her better, just like she was doing with hers. He then fell silent, and Jasmine moved her hand from his knee to his hand, caressing his fingers, she then said,
“Did you ever think that your mother is trying to tell you something?” Jasmine then looked up at him, and she saw that he was confused, so she said,
“Aladdin, I think it’s time you told your father that he’s going to be a grandfather,” He opened his mouth to say something, but Jasmine knew it would be something of protest, so she said, “And I will be with you when you tell him. We’ll go together.”
“Alright, Jasmine. But, let’s wait, just a few more weeks.” Jasmine was about to object to this herself, but her face then softened as she said with a smile,
“Okay.”
“Okay.” Aladdin said, and then they leaned in for a kiss. Because it had been long since they’d spent the whole day together, they then left on Carpet for a nearby oasis. Jasmine and Aladdin spent the rest of the day under beautiful palm trees, playing in the water, and then watched the sunset on top of a waterfall. They did not return to Agrabah until late that night.
A month then passed, and Jasmine was now officially five months pregnant. Not only that, but now everyone knew. First, Aladdin and Jasmine sat down with Genie, Carpet, and Abu, and they told them. Everyone was happy, though Abu was neither excited nor upset, just curious, which made Jasmine and Aladdin laugh. The day after that, they announced it to the whole kingdom. All this had happened a week ago, when Jasmine could no longer hide it or “suck it in” any longer, and she didn’t want anyone becoming suspicious.
Jasmine now lay in bed, and looked out the balcony and saw that it would be noon in a little while. Aladdin had been down in the throne room now for some time, but he had told her and kissed her when he left, so she didn’t mind. Jasmine then let out a sigh, for it felt strange knowing that her and Aladdin’s secret was no longer a secret, for they were the only ones that knew for three months, and she found out a month before that but was unable to tell Aladdin. She was glad that she didn’t have to try to hide her figure anymore from peering and gossiping eyes.
Jasmine then got out of bed and sat at her vanity and brushed her hair. She then changed into a simple, purple two piece outfit and went and pulled her hair back into purple bands. Over the purple outfit, she put on her peasant robes, for she was going to the marketplace. Before she left the bedroom, and sat on Aladdin’s side of the bed and took his father’s dagger and put in her sleeve, just as Aladdin instructed her to do if she was going to the marketplace alone, but if they went together, he was the one that carried it, never leaving it at the palace if they went to the marketplace, he knowing firsthand the possible dangers of the city. Jasmine then went downstairs and told Aladdin of her plans and soon her and Abu were on their way to the marketplace.
Jasmine and Abu were now in the middle of the marketplace, and though there were many people, Jasmine didn’t think it was overly crowded. Her and Abu were at a stand where they sold sugar dates, and she had bought a bag of them for her and Abu to share. Jasmine wasn’t really hungry, but she was craving something sweet and she knew they were a favorite of Abu’s. Jasmine was about to put one in her mouth when from behind she felt someone lightly bump into her.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Jasmine heard a woman say. She turned around to face her,
“It’s alright.” Jasmine said to her with a smile. She then noticed that it was a woman that was barely older than her. The woman’s eyes then went to Jasmine’s mid-section, and she asked,
“Are you sure your alright?”
“I’m sure.” Jasmine said, and the woman smiled and said,
“You can never be too careful in your condition,” The woman said, and all of sudden a little boy of about three ran up to her side, and she put her hand of his head. Jasmine assumed this was her son. “I should know.”
Jasmine gave a laugh, “You sound like my husband.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, I’m sure he hates it when I’m out of his sight.” Jasmine said, and they both laughed.
“My name is Kira, and this is my son, Ahmed.”
Jasmine smiled, but she didn’t want her identity revealed, so she replied,
“My name is Jasmina,” She said, and they were now walking through the marketplace, with Kira holding Ahmed’s hand. “You have a beautiful son.” Jasmine then said.
“Thank you. My husband was so happy when we had a boy.”
“Well, my husband insists that we’re going to have a girl, but I try to convince him otherwise.”
“Yes, we went through the same thing. I was the one who wanted a daughter, but my husband got his wish.”
Jasmine smiled, and then Kira said,
“You’ve heard that the Sultan and Sultana are expecting too, haven’t you?”
“Yes, I have,” Jasmine said, now counting down the minutes until her true identity was revealed to this kind woman, “And I think it’s wonderful.”
“Everyone is happy for them. They really seem happy, I’m sure their happy about having a child.”
Jasmine could only smile. Is this what everyone thought? She hadn’t really thought of what her people thought of the news until now. It was a reassuring thought to knew that someone was happy for them and had only kind thoughts. The two women talked and walked for a long time, and they quickly became friends. They talked of many things, such as the symptoms they each experienced during the early months of their pregnancies, which led to Kira telling some of what Jasmine should expect in the latter months of her pregnancy, which she was grateful for, this now coming from a woman who has gone through it herself, and not just the palace physician. They also talked some of “the royal couple” when Kira noted of what a splendid job Aladdin was doing since becoming Sultan, and that she was already noticing a change for the better among the city, and all Jasmine could do was agree. It was now almost sundown, and when Kira stopped, Jasmine said,
“Is this where you live?”
“Yes, would you like to come inside?”
“Thank you for the offer, Kira, but my home is right down that way,” She said, pointing to the direction of Aladdin’s old hovel. “And it’s a short walk, so it won’t take long.”
“Alright,” Kira said with a smile, “It was nice meeting you.”
“It was nice meeting you, as well,” Jasmine said, and the two women embraced, “I hope to see you again soon.”
“Me too.” Kira said, and they both smiled. Jasmine then bent down low and tickled Ahmed’s chin, though he’d been very quiet, content with holding his mother’s hand,
“It was nice meeting you, too.” Jasmine said, and he laughed. She stood up straight, and put her hands on her back for support, and Kira noticed this,
“You better go home and rest, it’s been a long day.”
“Yes, I think I’ll do that. My husband would be telling me those same exact words right now if he were here.” They both laughed, and Kira opened the door and ushered Ahmed inside, and she turned back to Jasmine and smiled,
“Have a good evening.” She said,
“Thank you, you too.” They waved, and Kira went inside. Jasmine then went up to the hovel and leaned against the pillows and kicked off her shoes, for her feet were rather sore, but it was worth it, for she loved the time she got to spend with Kira, so happy to have met her. Jasmine and her had a lot in common and got along well. Jasmine then thought of when they talked of Aladdin. Though Kira never knew Jasmine was talking about “Sultan Aladdin” she still felt proud whenever she used the words my husband. Jasmine smiled, and was beginning to relax, but that’s when she spotted Abu a few feet away from her about to bite into an apple.
“Abu!” She said, and Abu stopped. Jasmine didn’t buy any apple’s today, and she was certain that there wasn’t any here at the hovel, so she asked him, “Did you steal that?”
Abu then crossed his arms and scowled fiercely, and she knew he was guilty, so she said,
“You’re lucky you did that without me noticing in the marketplace, and you’re also lucky Aladdin isn’t here. So, to make you see how serious Aladdin and I are about this, you’re going to go back to the marketplace right now and return it to the vendor you got it from.”
Abu’s disregard became clear, and he mumbled to himself as he left. Jasmine wasn’t worried, for she knew that Abu knew every nook and cranny of the city and would be back in just a few moments. Nearly twenty minutes then went by and Abu still hadn’t return. Jasmine still wasn’t concerned, but it the sun was setting, and she was wondering what he could be doing. Jasmine then stood and put on her shoes and left the hovel, making plans in her head that when she found Abu, they would return back to the palace. Jasmine walked down the street, thankful that it wasn’t fully dark out yet, when she whispered to herself,
“Where could that monkey be?”
“Perhaps I could be of help.” A voice then said from the shadows. Jasmine gasped, but sighed with great relief when she saw Phasir walking toward her.
“Phasir.” She said.
“Good evening, Your Majesty.” Phasir said as he bowed low in front of Jasmine, and she returned the gesture out of respect. When she straightened up, she said,
“Phasir, you know there is no need to be so formal.”
“Very well.” He said. Jasmine’s hands then rested on her stomach,
“I suppose you’ve heard the news that Aladdin and I are going to have a child.”
“Yes, I have heard of this joyous news, and I am happy for you.”
“Thank you, Phasir. That means so much coming from you,” Jasmine said, “Tomorrow is when we’re going to tell Aladdin’s father. That’s truly when everyone will know.”
“You sound confident about tomorrow, Jasmine, but Aladdin is uncertain.”
“Yes, and I’m confused at why this is. It is now safe for his father to come back to Agrabah, and I’m sure he’ll be happy at the news.”
“Jasmine, is there another reason?” Phasir said like he already knew. Jasmine then started from the beginning. She then told him of the dreams she’d been having of her mother, and that she’d told Aladdin of these dreams. Jasmine told Phasir of when Aladdin told Jasmine that he wished he still knew his mother and longed to know her better. Jasmine said that that was when she said that he needed to tell his father the news.
“That is wise, Jasmine, for you were right. But, tell me more about these dreams with your mother.”
Jasmine then told him that it was her mother that told her in her dreams that she was expecting, and how whenever she was feeling doubtful or uncertain, her mother was always there to comfort her.
“She says that Aladdin and I have a love worthy of the storybooks.” Jasmine said with a fond smile.
“Ah, but she is correct. You and Aladdin’s love will be written about for centuries and ages to come. It is a love so powerful, that it will never be forgotten.”
Phasir and Jasmine both smiled, and she said,
“And she says that no harm will come to me or my child. Is she right on this account also?”
“Your mother is wise woman, Jasmine. You needn’t fear, you will have a long and healthy pregnancy.”
Jasmine sighed with relief, her hand going to her stomach, and Phasir asked,
“Would you like to know more?”
At this, Jasmine hesitated. After thinking, she shook her head,
“No, Phasir. Aladdin and I want to be surprised. Although, I’m very grateful for your reassurance, for it seems that that’s what I’ve been needing, and now I am. Thank you.”
Phasir nodded, and that’s when Abu came up to Jasmine and jumped on her shoulder, and she said, looking at him and then Phasir, “Well, the hour is getting late. I think we should be getting back to the palace.”
“Yes, go home and rest, Jasmine. Tell Aladdin that he needn’t worry either.”
“I will, and thank you. But, before I go, you will check in on us every once in while, won’t you?”
“If it is what you wish.” Phasir said as he bowed low, and Jasmine did the same.
“Thank you, Phasir.” She said with a smile, and Phasir nodded. Jasmine and Abu then walked back to the palace, and she went straight to the throne room.
“Jasmine.” Aladdin said, always happy to see her. She smiled, and threw her arms around him and kissed him as his arms went around her. When they parted, Aladdin said,
“I take it you had a good day?”
“I did, it was wonderful.” Jasmine said, and they both smiled.
“I’m glad.” Aladdin said, but Jasmine would have tell Aladdin later, for he still had some work to do, and promised he would be up to their bedroom soon. Jasmine said she understood, and she went upstairs to her and Aladdin’s bedroom, while Abu stayed with Aladdin.
Jasmine changed and put her sheer pink robe around her and let her hair fall freely. It was still early, the sun now behind the horizon, so Jasmine stayed awake and waited for Aladdin. She was surprised that she wasn’t overly tired, but she was glad, for she couldn’t wait to talk with Aladdin. It is a love so powerful, that it will never be forgotten. Phasir’s words rang through her mind. Jasmine was always so moved by what Phasir said, him being a very wise man, but these words were special for, according to Phasir, her and Aladdin were special. Would the tale of their love really be told to generations that lived centuries from now? The question puzzled Jasmine, because to her, her and Aladdin were just a man and woman who had fallen in love, a love that had overcome many obstacles, but had proven to be too strong for anything to tear it apart. Yes, her and Aladdin were the rulers of one of the most powerful kingdoms in the seven deserts, and Aladdin was already, at such a young age, becoming one of the most influential Sultans Agrabah’s ever seen, which surely meant that his reign would be remembered in the history books for centuries to come. But they themselves as lovers was the real story worth telling over and over again. Jasmine smiled at the thought, thinking of when her and Aladdin’s children when they were being told the tales of how they fell in love and all the adventures they’d been on.
The doors then opened, and Aladdin walked in. They smiled at each other, and then Aladdin changed and was soon in bed next to Jasmine. They put their arms around each other and their bodies were close. Jasmine moved some hair away from his face as she said, looking into his deep, brown eyes,
“I love you.”
“I love you, too Jasmine.”
Their lips then met in a passionate kiss, and soon Jasmine was on her back with Aladdin leaning over her. They were tightly in each others arms as her hands moved from his bare back to the defined muscles of his arms. This continued through the night, with Aladdin and Jasmine both feeling their hearts might explode with bliss at any moment.
Chapter 9: Growing
Author's Notes: Hey! Here's chapter nine, and again, I'm sorry it's so short! I had a pretty bad case of writers block for this one, but luckily I got over it quickly. There's a bit of a time jump in this one, but I hope you enjoy it! Please review!
The next morning, it was about an hour before noon, and Aladdin and Jasmine were still in bed. Jasmine was the first to open her eyes and she turned her head so she could see the balcony and then turned to see that Aladdin was still sleeping. She then turned from her side to lie on her back, a position she found comfortable, but knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep like that soon.
Aladdin then woke up, and he turned to look down at Jasmine,
“Good morning.” He said, and she smiled,
“Good morning.”
“Did you sleep good?”
“Like a rock.” Jasmine said, closing her eyes. Aladdin smiled, and ran a hand through his hair. She looked and saw him smiling and asked,
“What?”
“It’s just, last night…you called me Al.” Jasmine then re-positioned herself again and her head was now resting on Aladdin’s shoulder as her hand was on his bare chest, and she asked,
“Do you have a problem with that?”
“No, it’s just that you’ve never called me that before.”
“Well, I’ve never called you Sultan Aladdin before either.” Jasmine said, getting even closer to him.
“You can call me anything you want.” Aladdin said.
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, but just for the record, I like Al better.”
Jasmine laughed, “Oh, Al.”
Aladdin smiled as her head went to his shoulder again and she shut her eyes and he put an arm around her back, which was covered by only her long, silky smooth hair. There was a comfortable silence between them before Aladdin said,
“It’s getting late, Jasmine, we better get up.”
“You’re right, we’ve got a big day.”
At that, they both sat up, and Jasmine swung her legs over the side of the bed. Aladdin then asked,
“So, are you up for a ride on Carpet, or not?” Jasmine knew it was a serious question, and she hesitated with her answer,
“I want to go, but-”
“Jasmine, I know you want to go, and I want you to go too, but I’d rather you stay here than to court disaster. Please Jasmine, tell me if you’re not up to it.”
Jasmine sighed, for she wanted to reason with him and convince him that she felt good enough to go with him, but she had to tell the truth,
“I’ll stay here.”
“I’m sorry, Jasmine.”
“Me too.”
Both her and Aladdin then got up and got dressed. Aladdin changed into casual clothing that was nothing like what he wore almost everyday when playing the role of Sultan, but he’d be the first to say that it was much more comfortable. Jasmine changed into a light blue off the shoulder gown that had bellowing three quarter length sleeves. It was a beautiful dress and complimented her growing figure perfectly, and it was also comfortable, which was key to Jasmine nowadays. A while later, Jasmine was sitting at her vanity with Aladdin standing a few feet away when she asked him, still looking in the mirror,
“Do you plan on treating me like a child until the baby is born?”
“Am I treating you like a child?”
At this, she turned and faced him and said,
“Aladdin, don’t you know it’s rude to answer a question with another question?”
“Did I do that?”
Jasmine laughed, and Aladdin came and bent down and kissed her. She then turned and put on her favorite gold, filigree tiara, but left her hair down, because Aladdin had told her just moments before how beautiful it looked when not pulled back. The two of them went downstairs and into the courtyard, where Jasmine accompanied Aladdin to the stables. As they were walking through the courtyard arm-in-arm, Aladdin looked at Jasmine and asked,
“Tell me again why I shouldn’t be taking Carpet, which, by the way, is faster.”
Jasmine rolled her eyes,
“Because, you know your father would rather take horseback.”
“And plus, you wouldn’t have been able to go on horseback anyway.” Aladdin added, which made Jasmine pull a face and say,
“Don’t remind me.”
Jasmine wasn’t thrilled that she couldn’t go horseback riding anymore. She remembered when her and Aladdin would take a horse from the stables and go for a ride in the desert. They would leave at sundown and not come back until night, where she would sit side-saddle behind him with her arms around his stomach.
“Jasmine,” Aladdin said, interrupting her thoughts, “To be honest, I don’t even know if he’ll be there.”
“No, Aladdin, you’re not being honest. The only reason you’re saying that is because…well, because you’re afraid to confront him because it’s been since the wedding when you last saw him.”
Aladdin sighed,
“You’re right, Jasmine. But what if-”
Jasmine cut him off by shaking her head,
“Everything will be fine, I promise.”
Aladdin smiled. Him and Jasmine were now in the stables, and their lips met in a kiss. Aladdin then mounted a black stallion, and Jasmine looked up at him,
“Please be careful, Aladdin.”
Aladdin gave a little laugh before asking,
“What happened to all that optimism?”
Jasmine then smiled half-heartedly and looked down. Aladdin’s fingers then gently went under her chin and lifted it so she was looking at him,
“Everything will be fine, remember?”
They both smiled, and he said,
“I’ll be back soon.”
Jasmine then let go of his hand and took a step back as he left. Her hands rested on her stomach as she watched him leave. She sighed, and Abu then ran up to her and jumped on her shoulder. He screeched something to her, and she said,
“I’m sorry, Abu, but Aladdin just left.” Abu then drooped down on her shoulder even further, “I know, I wanted to go too.”
The two of them then walked back to the palace into the throne room.
Aladdin meanwhile rode through the desert. The day was warm, but not miserable, and when he thought he was riding his horse too hard, he slowed down to a fairly slow pace. That’s when he took the time to think, to think about seeing his father for the first time since his and Jasmine’s wedding. Aladdin then wondered if his father had heard about him becoming Sultan and what effect that would have on their relationship. He was sure it would have no effect, for becoming Sultan hadn’t changed him at all, at least that’s what he liked to think. Jasmine had told him that the changes in him were only good ones, changes that made his strong leadership qualities shine through even more. Aladdin hoped that his father would see that and be proud, but most of all, he hoped that he would see past the idea of him being Sultan, and see him not as the ruler of a kingdom, but as his son, a son who was about to become a father himself.
A while later, Aladdin was inside the lair of the former Forty Thieves. He noticed immediately at how stuffy and thick the air was, now glad that Jasmine wasn’t with him, for the physician had said that carrying a baby would put her heart and lungs under such an incredible strain as it was. Aladdin was adjusting his cape when all of a sudden he heard a voice,
“Aladdin?”
He turned around and saw his father,
“Dad.”
Nearly three hours later, Jasmine was walking through one of the palace’s many hallways going about her duties. She didn’t really need to do them, but it helped her pass the time and kept her active. Upon finding out that she was with child, Aladdin said that her duties could be cut in half or be handed over to someone else altogether, but Jasmine refused. She’d argued that a woman needed strength to go through labor, and that if she sat around doing nothing she would have no endurance. Aladdin didn’t refuse her wishes, and she went about her duties as normal. Jasmine then felt a tug on her dress and looked down to see Abu. He’d stayed contently in his spot on her shoulders for most of the day, which Jasmine didn’t mind a bit for she had enjoyed his company, but he recently went off on his own to find some food.
“Abu, what is it?” Jasmine said, and he pointed in the direction of the throne room. Realization then set in,
“Aladdin’s returned.” She said looking at Abu, and he nodded. Jasmine then started walking quickly toward the throne room, but then she saw Aladdin, and it was apparent that he was looking for her as well. With Abu still on her shoulder, she went up to Aladdin and they put their arms around each other.
“I missed you.” Aladdin said after kissing her.
“I missed you, too. But, Abu was with me, so I wasn’t all that lonely.” He smiled, but then Jasmine gasped,
“Aladdin, is your father with you?” Still with a smile on his face he said,
“He’s waiting on the balcony.”
Assuming he’d told his father about the news, she asked, “Is he happy?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, Aladdin.” She said with a smile, and they embraced again. Aladdin then took her hand and they walked the throne room. They got to the balcony, and upon seeing Cassim, Abu went from Jasmine’s shoulder to Aladdin’s, but Jasmine just smiled.
“Hello, Father.” She said as she walked up to him. She could see the surprise in his eyes, but while holding her hands at arms length, he managed to say,
“Jasmine, even more beautiful than I remember.” He bowed low, and she returned to gesture.
“Thank you,” She said, and then turned back to her husband, “But I can see that Aladdin hasn’t told you the news.”
“No, he didn’t.” Cassim said, and Jasmine smiled,
“Well,” Jasmine started, turning again to look at Aladdin, who was standing just a few feet behind her, and he walked to stand next to her, “Aladdin and I wanted to tell you together; You’re going to be a grandfather in four months time.”
“I was wondering when you two would start a family.”
“So you’re happy?” Jasmine asked Cassim, and he said,
“I’m thrilled.”
Jasmine and Aladdin both smiled as they looked at one another. He and his father then embraced, and the three talked for some minutes before Jasmine realized something, and she asked Cassim,
“Isn’t Iago with you?” Aladdin then gave a laugh and said,
“Do you see Abu anywhere around here?”
Jasmine then looked to Aladdin’s shoulders and briefly around her feet, and nor Abu or Iago were anywhere in sight, and she wasn’t surprised that they were already up to there old antics. Aladdin then left Jasmine and Cassim alone, going upstairs to change for dinner, which would be soon. Jasmine took Cassim around the palace for a formal tour, which took almost an hour. Her and Cassim had a wonderful time, talking of many things, such as how her and Aladdin had each found out that she was expecting and how happy they were. Though Jasmine was enjoying herself, about twenty minutes into the tour, her feet became sore, and she subtly took off her slippers and left them in one of the hallways, and was instantly relieved. Another half an hour went by before Aladdin returned, now dressed in slightly more formal clothing than what he had on before. They then showed Cassim to the guest room that he would be staying in and said that he could stay for as long as he liked.
Soon, the three of them were in one of the palace’s largest dining rooms eating, talking, and having a wonderful time, with Jasmine never running out of things to talk about. Aladdin’s eyes rarely left his lovely wife, surprised at just how talkative she was tonight and once again amazed at the drastic change in her mood, seeing how disappointed and sad she looked when he’d left without her this morning to now, happy, cheerful and full of laughter. But, he was glad to see her so happy, and was content to listen to her, as was his father. The three of them sat and talked long after the sun went down, but since the day had been a long one, Cassim soon retired to his room, and Aladdin and Jasmine followed suit, going to their upstairs bedchamber, Cassim’s being on the main level.
When Aladdin and Jasmine arrived to their room, Abu jumped off his shoulders and went for his pillow on the other side of the room, and while Jasmine went to her vanity, Aladdin covered Abu up, and Jasmine smiled at this site she saw her mirror. She then took out the bands in her hair and brushed it, and Aladdin went and changed. She then went and changed herself and when she came back, she saw Aladdin lying in bed on his stomach. Jasmine then climbed in bed next to him, but didn’t lie down herself. She’d noticed that he’d looked tired, so to help him relax, she started to gently rub his bare back.
“That feels good.” Aladdin said a few moments later.
“You’ve had a long day.” Jasmine said.
“We all have. I think everyone’s exhausted,” Though Aladdin didn’t see it, Jasmine smiled softly, and he asked, “What about you, Jasmine, are you feeling alright?”
She gave a small laugh, “I’m fine.”
“Well, I’m just making sure, because you’ve grown rather quiet since dinner.”
“Me?” Jasmine said, laughing, “Aladdin, you’re the one who barley said anything.”
“That’s because I was fine just sitting there listening to you and my father. It’s good to see you two getting along so well. I would’ve never thought you’d be this happy about him being here.”
“I am happy to have him here, Aladdin. But, do you think he’s happy about becoming a grandfather?”
“A young grandfather.” Aladdin corrected.
“Yes, but you are very young yourself.” Jasmine countered. At that, Aladdin turned over on his back and looked up at Jasmine, who was still sitting up.
“I think he’s happy.” He said, and Jasmine looked down. There was a period of silence before Aladdin said out of the blue,
“Okay, my turn.” Jasmine looked at him, puzzled, and he sat up and eased Jasmine down so her head was resting on the pillow. She was now lying on her back, and she asked,
“What are you doing?”
While taking her legs and putting them across his lap, Aladdin teased,
“You thought that I wouldn’t notice when you went without shoes.” At that, she blushed and brought a hand up to her face, and said,
“My feet were getting sore, but I’m fine now. Please, you don’t have to do this.”
“Jasmine, I’m going to rub your feet, do you hear me?” At the question, he tried to stay serious, but then he and Jasmine were both laughing. She then sighed and closed her eyes, letting Aladdin rub her feet, not being able to deny that it felt wonderful, which Aladdin could see clearly. The very tips of his fingers then ran down the sole of her foot and she said,
“Hey, that tickles.”
“Oh, you mean this?” Aladdin said, and he did it again deliberately. Jasmine tried to be serious, but had to laugh,
“Yes, now stop it.” Jasmine said, but it was no use. Aladdin tickled her feet, and soon she was laughing so hard she could barely breath, which made him laugh all the more.
“Oh, that was fun yet so torturous at the same time.” Jasmine said teasingly a couple minutes later, and Aladdin laughed,
“Hey, it was fun for me.”
“Uh!”
Jasmine crossed her arms, but laughed when Aladdin just smiled. Silence then fell between them, and several minutes had went by when Aladdin looked to see that Jasmine’s eyes were closed and he knew that she was nearly asleep. One thing that he’d noticed in recent weeks was that her fatigue seemed to hit her so suddenly. One minute she was full of energy, and the next she could barely keep her eyes open, but the doctor said this was no cause for concern. During dinner, Jasmine had said that she wasn’t feeling tired yet, and Aladdin knew it was because she was so excited to have Cassim here, and he was too. It meant a lot to Aladdin that his father was happy for him and Jasmine, for he initially didn’t know how his father would react, which why he had waited to be with Jasmine when telling him, the responsibility she was happy to take.
Aladdin then stopped rubbing Jasmine’s feet, and she didn’t so much as stir when he gently put her legs down to rest on the bed. He continued to watch her and listen to her even breathing, and he thought about becoming a father and what that meant for him. The truth was, it was a struggle just to contain his excitement. He couldn’t wait, and it was even better because he knew that Jasmine was thrilled to become a mother as well. Jasmine had said that she found out when her mother had told her in her dreams, and then had later talked to him about his mother, which made Aladdin want to give his children something that neither him nor Jasmine had growing up: Both a mother and a father. This child needed them both, and both Aladdin and Jasmine were aware of this fact, and neither of them could wait to raise their son or daughter together.
Aladdin slowly rose from his spot on the bed, only to carefully sit next to Jasmine. He looked to see her sleeping peacefully. Aladdin then placed his hand on Jasmine's stomach, and he looked at it as he rubbed gently. He then leaned down and softly kissed where his hand had been, wanting to share this bond with his wife and their child which she was carrying; Two special blessings indeed.
“Get back here you little thief!” Aladdin and Jasmine heard a vendor yell, for they were in the marketplace. A month had passed, and Aladdin’s father had moved on, but they had told him to come back for a visit soon after the baby was born, which was just three months away. Jasmine was now six months along, which meant she was now in her final trimester. It was also six months ago when Aladdin and Jasmine were crowned Sultan and Sultana, and in those six months Aladdin had received much deserved praise upon opening up many new and wonderful opportunities for the city in such a short amount of time. Both Aladdin and Jasmine were amazed at how quickly the time had gone by, but they were so happy and so in love.
Aladdin and Jasmine were dressed in disguise, and after hearing the vendor Aladdin started looking around, but had to look no further when Abu ran up his leg and onto his shoulder holding a pastry.
“Abu!” Aladdin scolded fiercely, “I should’ve known it was you, you always get this way when you’re around Iago!”
At that, Abu turned to Jasmine, assuming that she would defend him, but instead she crossed her arms, forced to agree with Aladdin,
“Iago does encourage you Abu, he’s a bad influence.”
“Yes,” Aladdin said, “And you’re going to go back to the vendor and return what you’ve stolen,”
Abu then jumped down and looked back up at Aladdin, but it was in vain,
“Now, Abu.” Aladdin said with a warning tone of voice, and Abu turned and walked away, obviously not happy that he was forced to do such a thing as to return what he’d taken and would’ve gotten away with. Aladdin then looked down at Jasmine and asked,
“Was he this mad when you made him do this?”
“Actually, he seemed to be more upset because it was me.” Jasmine shrugged, and Aladdin took her hand as they kept walking, knowing Abu would soon catch up with them.
“Yeah, well, Abu better get used to it if he’s going to keep this up. I don’t know what to do about him and his stealing.”
“Aladdin, I don’t think there’s anything you can do. For a long time you and him had to steal to survive, and I don’t think he’s adapted to this life as fast as you did.”
“But Jasmine, he doesn’t have to steal anymore, you’d think he’d know that by now and stop already.”
Jasmine shrugged, “I don’t know what to tell you.”
“I don’t get why he thinks it’s worth it, he always gets in trouble.”
“Maybe he does it just to make you mad.”
“If that’s the case, it’s working.” Aladdin said, and a few minutes later, Abu caught up with them, but sat on neither him nor Jasmine’s shoulders, but walked on all fours steadily behind them. Because it had been long since they were in the marketplace, Aladdin and Jasmine stayed until just before dusk, and by then Aladdin and Abu were no longer angry at each other, and Abu sat on his shoulders as the three of them walked back to the palace.
When the last remains of the sunset were in the sky, Jasmine was standing on the balcony when Aladdin walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist and they looked out at the city together. Just minutes later, the baby kicked, and Jasmine asked Aladdin,
“Did you feel that?”
“Mm hmm,” Aladdin replied before placing a soft kiss on her neck. Jasmine then turned and faced him and his hands went to her stomach. Jasmine watched Aladdin light up when the baby moved again. He’d felt these movements often, and the look of delight never left his eyes.
“Does it bother you that she moves so often?” Aladdin asked, and Jasmine smiled, noting that he’d once again referred to the baby as a “she” even though Jasmine always referred to it as a “he” but she said,
“Only when I’m trying to sleep, but I certainly don’t mind it during the day.”
Aladdin smiled and leaned down and kissed Jasmine. Her arms went around his neck as the kisses became deeper, and though it was early, Aladdin took her hand and led her into the bedroom, and Jasmine took no time at pulling him close and kissing him hard on the lips, and soon they moved to the bed, and they kissed, touched, and held each other throughout the night.
Chapter 10: Thankful
Author's Notes: Hey, here's chapter ten! Sorry for the wait, but it's sooo long! It gets pretty intense, but I hope you enjoy it! BTW, the song used in this one is Hear Me by Kelly Clarkson. I just love her! Please review!
The next day, it was mid-afternoon and Jasmine and Aladdin were in their large, alabaster throne room, each of them going about their duties. Because her and Aladdin had woken up fairly early that morning, which surprised her, she was feeling rather tired. After yawning, she turned to Aladdin and said,
“I’m tired, I think I’m going to go upstairs and lie down.”
“Alright, but first I have something to show you. It won’t take long.”
“Okay.” Jasmine said while looking at him strangely, but Aladdin took her hand and led her out of the throne room. They walked down one of the hallways, and Jasmine knew they weren’t headed for their bedroom, so she asked,
“Where are you taking me?”
“You’ll see.” Aladdin said, and he winked at her, and Jasmine smiled and shook her head. Moments later, they came to a room where the doors were closed, and Aladdin instructed Jasmine to close her eyes. She did as she was told and he opened the doors and led her inside. Aladdin then told her to open her eyes, and when she did, she found that she was in a beautiful room. The color theme was deep burgundies and rich shades of magenta, and the walls had Arabian and Persian designs in gold. Curtains were hung all about the room, and in the corner was a large bed with pillars at each of it’s corners with a canopy of sheer magenta colored fabric. It was such a large room, much larger than her and Aladdin’s bedroom, and it was complete with two wardrobes and a vanity with a mirror, and there was a sitting room connected to it. Jasmine walked around the room as if she was seeing it for the first time. On the other side of the room was a doorway that led to a long balcony with two large pillars on each side of a small set of stairs that led to one of the palace’s menageries, which had two pools on either side of a walkway. The walkway and the pools were shaded by a roof held of with four large pillars. The floor of the room was tile, but there were many large rugs of dark red and purples and there were a couple of chaise lounges as well. As lovely as Jasmine thought this room was, she wasn’t entirely sure why Aladdin had brought her here, so she turned to him and said,
“Aladdin, what-”
“Jasmine, I know it’s a little short notice, but I was thinking that this could be our new bedchamber.”
“As beautiful as this is, can I ask why?”
“Well, our bedroom is up many flights of stairs and I notice that it’s getting harder for you walk up and down them so many times a day. So, I thought this would be easier, it’s on the main level, and it’s just a short walk to the throne room.”
Hearing what he was saying, Jasmine looked around the room, moved that Aladdin had gone through all the trouble of getting this room prepared, thinking of nothing but her comfort. This then led to guilt, because part of her wanted to move to this room, but part of her didn’t, for the room that she was headed up to just moments before was their bedroom, the bedroom that they’d slept together in since they were first married. It had the balcony of which so many memories were created. Jasmine couldn’t imagine sleeping anywhere else, but then she scolded herself for being selfish: As long as she was with Aladdin, it didn’t matter where they were. Jasmine moved from where she was sitting on the edge of the bed and walked up to Aladdin. She took his hands in hers and looked up at him,
“It’s beautiful Aladdin, thank you.”
“So, you like it?”
“I do.” Jasmine said with a smile, and Aladdin returned the same smile. Then, as if he was reminding her, he said,
“Didn’t you say you were tired?”
“Yes, and I think I’ll lay down in here.” She said, and she made her way to the bed, and to her surprise, Aladdin was following her.
“What are you doing?” Jasmine asked him.
“I’m going to lie down with you.”
“You aren’t too busy?”
“Not at all, Jasmine.” He said, then they both laid down, but neither of them covered up. Jasmine laid on her left side, facing Aladdin. She then thought about the night before, the enchanting and impassionate night they had shared, little be knowing to Jasmine that it would be their last night in that room. But it was a wonderful night nonetheless. A few minutes later, Jasmine was about to drift off to sleep when she asked Aladdin, with her eyes closed,
“Are you asleep?”
“No, I’m just resting my eyes.”
Jasmine smiled, but soon fell asleep. Though Aladdin never went to sleep himself, he never left Jasmine’s side, and was content to watch her and have time with his thoughts. It wasn’t until two hours later that Jasmine woke up, and she was glad that it was almost dinner, for she now felt hungry.
Two weeks then passed, and much to Aladdin’s amusement, Jasmine often forgot that their bedroom was now on the main level and would sometimes be almost halfway up the stairs when Aladdin would question her on what she was doing. Also, all their belongings were brought into their downstairs bedroom, and Jasmine no longer had a reason to panic when she thought that she was sure that she was forgetting something.
Late one night, Aladdin and Jasmine were outside their bedroom. They were sitting close to each other on the edge of the walkway with their feet in the water, and the water was warm. Jasmine was wearing a sky blue gown, but had it hiked up to her thighs so it wouldn’t get wet. Jasmine then wondered where Abu was, and Aladdin got up and left the bedroom to go looking for him. A couple minutes went by and still Aladdin didn’t return, and Jasmine stood and put her slippers, and then heard Aladdin’s voice,
“Jasmine.”
She looked into the bedroom, but he wasn’t there, and she looked to her left and saw him walking up the stairs to the walkway.
“Aladdin,” She said, surprised, for she didn’t know he had gotten to the menagerie without having gone through their bedroom, but she shrugged it off, and asked, “Did you find Abu?”
“No, but I’m sure he’s around here somewhere,” He said as he walked up to her, “But it’s alright, I’d much rather it be just the two of us tonight.” He finished in a low whisper.
“Mmmm.” Jasmine sighed contently, and when she put a hand on his chest, she heard a voice from behind her in the bedroom,
“Jasmine?”
She turned, and confusion mixed with shock came to her, for there standing on the balcony was Aladdin. She turned back to the person who was holding her and back to the figure on the balcony who was now walking toward them, but she couldn’t form words.
“Jasmine, get away from him. Now.” Aladdin said, anger etched on his every feature, but Jasmine knew it wasn’t directed toward her. She then started to walk toward Aladdin, but the grip on her upper arms tightened greatly,
“I don’t think so.” Jasmine heard him say. It was a voice that sent a cold chill down her spine, for it was Mozenrath’s voice. She looked at him, and he was now back into his normal form, for he had used his magic to disguise himself as Aladdin. Jasmine looked at him in horror, and Aladdin said,
“Let her go, Mozenrath.” Aladdin was standing a few feet away from them, not wanting to attack Mozenrath at risk of Mozenrath bringing harm to Jasmine.
“No, I don’t think I will,” Mozenrath said, still gripping Jasmine’s arm, “But it is a shame that you couldn’t hold on to her tight enough, Aladdin,” A cruel smile went across his face. Now Aladdin had had enough, and out of his sash he pulled out his father’s dagger, ready to attack Mozenrath. “You fool!” Mozenrath said, and Aladdin started to run toward them, but a blast of Mozenrath’s magic from his gauntlet hit Aladdin right in the chest, and he went hurdling against the wall. Jasmine gasped loudly and elbowed Mozenrath as hard as she could in the stomach, and he let go of her as he held his abdomen. She ran to Aladdin’s unconscious form on the balcony, and knelt beside him as she shook him, trying desperately to wake him,
“Aladdin, please wake up. I’m begging you, wake up.” He stirred lightly as she held his hand in hers, and Jasmine knew she didn’t have much time.
“Oh, the hero has fallen,” Mozenrath said in mock sympathy, and Jasmine looked up with wide eyes, and he bent over her and said, “Which was my intent.”
Jasmine then glanced back to Aladdin, who was still unconscious, but hope stirred within her as she saw the dagger lying on the other side of him on the ground. She reached for the dagger, but Mozenrath grabbed her arm and roughly pulled her up to stand,
“Ah, ah, ah.” He warned, pointing a finger at her. His right hand was the one that was holding onto to her, which Jasmine feared most, not wanting to think of what might happen if a surge of the magic went through her body. Mozenrath dragged her for a few feet as she tried to get away, but it was no use, he was too strong. Jasmine suddenly felt very weak, and wanted to cry out for somebody, anybody who might hear her, but that’s when Mozenrath threw his cape over them both, and with that they were gone.
Some time later, Aladdin groaned as he drifted back into consciousness. He put a hand to his head, and looked around, and panic rushed through him when he saw nothing or no one,
“Jasmine!” He cried, and ran back into the bedroom, seeing that no one was there, he then ran into the sitting room next to their bedroom and got the lamp and rubbed it, and out came Genie, completely unaware of what had just happened. Aladdin explained what happened, explaining that he was more worried about Jasmine than he ever had been before, knowing just what Mozenrath was capable of.
Jasmine awoke many hours later. She didn’t open her eyes, for her body felt sore and achy whenever she moved. She felt that she was lying in a bed, but she felt cold. She waited for a couple of moments and had never felt so relieved when she felt the baby move. She then thought of Aladdin and prayed that he was alright, for although he had been unconscious, she knew he was still alive. But that fact did little to comfort her, for Jasmine couldn’t believe this was happening to her. For many months, no one or no thing had bothered her or Aladdin, and now she was at the mercy of this cruel and powerful sorcerer, when she had less than three months left before she was to give birth. Jasmine then sat up and attempted to stand, but immediately felt light headed and sat back down. She put a hand to her head and closed her eyes, but then she heard a voice,
“Feeling ill?” Mozenrath asked, standing a few feet away from her, not an ounce of sympathy in his voice.
“You drugged me.” Jasmine accused.
“That I did, Queen Jasmine, for I didn’t want you worrying about Aladdin.”
“I’m not worried, because I know he will come for me. And if you hurt me or my baby, Aladdin will kill you with his bare hands, that I can promise you.”
At this, Mozenrath only laughed,
“Your words can’t frighten me, Jasmine, for your Aladdin is no match against me.”
“Oh, really? Then why has he defeated you countless times?”
This angered Mozenrath greatly, and he walked quickly toward Jasmine and gripped her already bruised arm tightly,
“If he would’ve really defeated me, then I wouldn’t be here, would I?” He spat, throwing Jasmine back onto the bed, but Jasmine wouldn’t let him know she was frightened,
“You won’t win, Mozenrath.” She said coldly, and he laughed once more,
“Watch me.” He said, and with that, he left, the doors shutting behind him. Jasmine then stood and ran up to them, pounding on them with her fists,
“Wait!” Mozenrath didn’t come back, and Jasmine walked over to the window and looked out into the dark sky. There were so many emotions going through her, but she expressed them all into one sentence, “Please come for me, Aladdin.”
She sighed, wishing she had grabbed the dagger that was knocked from Aladdin’s grip. She wasn’t afraid to use it, and if she had to, Jasmine would use it on Mozenrath the first chance she got, knowing Aladdin would want her to do anything in her power to defend herself. Jasmine wished Aladdin was here, and she sang,
“Hear me
Hear me,
“You gotta be out there, you gotta be somewhere
Wherever you are, I'm waiting
'Cause there are these nights when
I sing myself to sleep
And I'm hoping my dreams bring you close to me
Are you listening?
“Hear me
I'm crying out, I'm ready now
Turn my world upside down
Find me
I'm lost inside the crowd
It's getting loud
I need you to see
I'm screaming for you to please
Hear me
Hear me
Can you hear me?
Hear me,
“I used to be scared of letting someone in
But it gets so lonely being on my own
No one to talk to, and no one to hold me
I'm not always strong
Oh, I need you here
Are you listening?
“Hear me
I'm crying out, I'm ready now
Turn my world upside down
Find me
I'm lost inside the crowd, it's getting loud
I need you to see
I'm screaming for you to please
Hear me,
“I'm restless and wild
I fall, but I try
I need someone to understand
Can you hear me?
I'm lost in my thoughts
And baby I've fought for all that I've got
Can you hear me?
“Hear me
I'm crying out, I'm ready now
Turn my world upside down
Find me
I'm lost inside the crowd, it's getting loud
I need you to see
I'm screaming for you to please
Hear me, hear me
Hear me
Hear me
Can you hear me?
Hear me
Hear me
Hear me
Can you hear me?
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Hear me
Hear me
Hear me.”
Aladdin paced along one of the rugs in his bedroom. It hadn’t been too long since he discovered Mozenrath and Jasmine were gone. He was worried about Jasmine-that much was certain, but not too worried that he would go into Mozenrath’s kingdom at the wrong time and risk getting caught by Mozenrath and him hurting Jasmine. Aladdin didn’t want to damage the status quo.
“I hate you.” Jasmine said simply before eating a bite of her food, looking Mozenrath right in the eyes.
“I know.” Mozenrath said with a smirk from his spot across the table from her. Jasmine almost couldn’t eat because of how disgusted she was by him, but she was hungry, for it had been many hours since she had eaten.
“What do you want with me, Mozenrath? What could you possibly want now?” Jasmine asked.
“The same thing I always want my dear queen, power.”
“You will never know what it means to have true power.”
“And you do?”
“Yes,” Jasmine said, “Because I witness it everyday with Aladdin. He has more power than you could ever dream of.”
“And how is that, Jasmine?” He asked, as if amused.
“For starters, he’s the ruler of a kingdom that is actually populated.”
“I’d be careful if I were you, Sultana.”
Jasmine continued as if the threat had no effect on her,
“Aladdin is omnipotent, and yet his people don’t feel trapped or under control, they trust him. He has good relations with other kingdoms because they do not fear him. You do not have any of this, Mozenrath. You seek to destroy every kingdom in the seven deserts, while my husband wishes peace between his kingdom and others. Aladdin has nothing but respect, which is something you’ll never have. He also deserves that respect, and you, that thing on your hand, and your so-called power deserve nothing more than what you’ll get when Aladdin comes here to get me…and destroy you.”
At that, Mozenrath rose, and walked angrily over to Jasmine. By the time she realized she’d said too much, it was too late, for he struck her face with the back of his hand. Her head was forced to the side, and her hand went to her cheek, for it had been so unexpected.
“I told you to be careful, Your Highness. Consider that one a warning.”
Jasmine looked up at him, but he then walked away. With a wave of his hand to his guards, he said,
“Take her away, and make sure she can’t escape.”
Jasmine opened her mouth to say something, but two mamlucks came up to her and pulled her from her chair and took her from the room.
A while later, Jasmine was sitting against a wall, with her arms above her head held by manacles that made it impossible to escape or break free. She had lost track of how long she had been in The Land of Black Sand, but so far her experience had not been a pleasant one, in fact it had been quite rough, Mozenrath taking no heed that she was with child, for that mattered to him not, which he had made that quite clear. Jasmine looked toward the window again, and wondered what Aladdin was doing and where he was. She was not angry that he hadn’t come yet, for she’d rather him be far away than risking his life.
Aladdin and Abu snuck behind a building, not wanting to be seen by any mamlucks, for they were now in the Land of Black Sand. Genie and Carpet were waiting just outside the kingdom as not to let Mozenrath see the crystals glow that lined the streets, signifying that unwanted magic had entered his kingdom. For now, Aladdin would have to find a way into Mozenrath’s fortress without them. He had a plan, and he would wait until the right time to call for Genie and Carpet, just so he had enough time to get Jasmine to safety, and then he would deal with Mozenrath. If he had too, he would wait for couple of hours to find the right time to execute his plan, for Aladdin didn’t know what Mozenrath would do to her, or what he’s already done. It pained Aladdin to think about it, but he kept going toward the citadel.
Hours later, Jasmine was still confined against the wall. She didn’t feel well at all, for she was weak, tired, and her body felt bruised, though she knew it was. She closed her eyes briefly before she heard a loud whisper,
“Jasmine!”
Her eyes shot open, and she looked up at the window and there was Aladdin on Carpet.
“Oh, Aladdin,” She said, so relieved she felt as if she would cry. He flew down to her then and got off Carpet, and immediately Abu took his lock picks and unlocked her restraints.
“You came for me.” She said, and he replied,
“Of course I came for you Jasmine, but are you alright?” Aladdin asked the question, but he knew he didn’t need to ask if she indeed felt as she looked. She looked weak, and there was dark red marks around her wrists as she rubbed them painfully. Jasmine then slowly looked up at him, and for the first time he got a good look at her face, and he was speechless by what he saw. There on her right cheek was a bruised cut, which Aladdin knew was inflicted by Mozenrath. To answer his initial question, Jasmine said,
“I will be.”
“And the baby?”
At this question, Jasmine hesitated,
“I-I don’t know. I haven’t felt him move in quite some time, but I’m so weak. I feel almost numb,” Tears started to fill her eyes, “Aladdin, I’m so afraid. I’m so afraid.” She said the last words in little more than a whisper.
Aladdin then took her in his arms, careful not to hurt her. He couldn’t believe the condition she was in, for she could barely hold her head up. He then gently sat her up and his hands went to her upper arms, and at that she winced. Aladdin lifted the sleeves so he could see both arms, and saw they were heavily bruised as well. The immense anger that he already felt towards Mozenrath grew even more, and he asked,
“Tell me the truth Jasmine, where else did he hurt you?”
Jasmine looked at him, and then shook her head,
“No where, but he was so…rough with me. It was as if I wasn’t carrying a child.” Jasmine looked away, as tears once again threatened to fall, and Aladdin said,
“Jasmine, look at me,” She did as she was bidden, “I’m going to make Mozenrath pay for what he’s done.”
Jasmine nodded, having faith in her husband, trusting him with her life and the life of their child. Aladdin’s hands then went to her stomach, and he waited to feel movement, and when he didn’t he lightly pressed against Jasmine’s skin with his fingers. His heart started beating rapidly when he still didn’t feel the baby move, for it usually responded to the slight pressure with a kick.
“I need to get you out of here.” Aladdin said at last, now just as scared as Jasmine was. He carefully began to help her stand, but then heard a voice,
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Aladdin.”
Aladdin turned and saw Mozenrath standing on the other side of the room. Aladdin looked back at Carpet, but Mozenrath, with a smile on his face, blasted Carpet with his magic and suddenly was unable to fly because of anti-magic manacles. Aladdin turned back to Mozenrath, and he slowly lowered Jasmine to the ground. He walked up to Mozenrath and said,
“If I find out you hurt her in any other way, I will make you suffer.”
“Then kill me now.” Mozenrath said. Aladdin’s hands clenched, and he suddenly dove at Mozenrath, knocking both men to the ground.
Jasmine gasped as she watched Aladdin and Mozenrath fight. Though Mozenrath was taller than Aladdin, it looked as if Aladdin was winning. He was on top of Mozenrath, throwing repeated punches, but Jasmine briefly looked away when Mozenrath punched Aladdin in the face. Jasmine then heard Aladdin cry out in pain and saw that Mozenrath had sent his magic through Aladdin’s body. Mozenrath then pushed Aladdin off him and made his way toward Jasmine. Mozenrath grabbed Jasmine by the wrist and pulled her up to stand. He put his arm around her neck and held her arm with his right hand.
“This is between you and me, Mozenrath. Leave my wife out of it.” Aladdin said, now standing across the room from them.
“Or what, Aladdin?” Mozenrath said. Aladdin then pulled out of his sash his fathers dagger, ready to use it.
“Put it down, Aladdin,” He said, as he gauntlet started to glow and his hold on Jasmine tightened, which Aladdin could see from the look of pain on Jasmine’s face, “Or I’ll send one powerful surge through her body.”
Aladdin stood there, but did not drop his weapon. Mozenrath’s gauntlet started to glow even more, but still Aladdin stood his ground. The status quo had changed, and Aladdin needed to do something.
“If I throw my weapon aside, Mozenrath, will you let her go?” Aladdin said, and Mozenrath gave a nod. Aladdin then held out his arm to his side and let the dagger fall to the ground. Mozenrath then let Jasmine go and she got herself down to the floor. He walked up to Aladdin, and Aladdin got down and the ground and knocked Mozenrath’s feet out from underneath him and he fell to the ground. Aladdin used this extra time to grab the dagger that was only a couple feet away. He moved to Mozenrath and went to strike, but Mozenrath stopped him by taking his wrist.
Jasmine sat from her place against the wall and watched them fight. She wished there was something she could do just to give Aladdin some advantage against Mozenrath, but she had no choice but to sit there helplessly. When Jasmine couldn’t bear it any longer, she looked away, holding Abu close to her, for he was scared for Aladdin as well. All of a sudden, she heard a horrid sound, and she gasped and held her breath, but did not move her head.
Aladdin pulled the dagger out of Mozenrath’s chest. He had finally defeated him once and for all. Mozenrath, lord of the Land of Black sand was dead. Numerous times he had kidnapped Aladdin or Jasmine, wanting them gone to get power of Agrabah or to simply destroy it. Now he would bother no one or no kingdom again. Aladdin stood and removed his cape, using it to wipe the blood of the dagger. He then slid it back in it’s sheath and put it in his sash. Carpet then flew over to him, now free of his manacles. Aladdin then told him to go get Genie, and when they both returned, he gave Genie Mozenrath’s gauntlet to destroy. Aladdin then walked over and kneeled at Jasmine’s side, and saw that she was crying,
“Jasmine, it’s alright now, you don’t have to be afraid of him anymore.” Jasmine then turned and looked at him, choking on her tears,
“I know, but I can’t believe he’s really gone. I’ve wanted him dead for so long.”
“So have I, but now he is, and he will bother us no more.” Jasmine only cried more as Aladdin held her against his chest. It was as if an enormous weight had been lifted from their shoulders. They could now breath much more easy.
As much as Aladdin hated to make Jasmine move, he realized he needed to get her back to the palace. He then stood and helped Jasmine up and they slowly got on Carpet and left for Agrabah.
“Why are we going so slow?” Jasmine asked as they went over the desert, the sun now beginning to set.
“Because Jasmine, you don’t feel well.” Aladdin said, and Jasmine leaned her head against his chest again.
“I’m so cold.” She said, and Aladdin put his arms around her just a little bit tighter. Soon, they Carpet landed in the menagerie outside of Aladdin and Jasmine’s bedroom, and Aladdin carried Jasmine inside and set her on the bed, and the doctor was immediately called in.
Jasmine slept for two days straight after that, in which Aladdin rarely left her side. On the morning of the third day, the doctor came in and checked on Jasmine again, which he did regularly for the past two days. Though she never awoke, the physician was very thorough with his examination and when he was done, he left Aladdin with good news. The Sultan’s heart felt as it would burst with joy; for his wife and child were both going to be alright, the two people he just kept falling more and more in love with, if that was even possible.
A little while later, Aladdin was still sitting by Jasmine’s side, for she was lying on what was usually his side of the bed, but it was easier having her there. Aladdin was deep in thought when he heard Jasmine’s voice,
“Aladdin?”
He snapped out of his trance, and looked to see Jasmine looking up at him. She was lying on her left side, the position the doctor had said she should stay in, and she wasn’t attempting to sit up. Aladdin swiftly leaned closer to her and took her hand in both of his,
“Jasmine,” He said with a smile. She turned her head and looked up at the ceiling, and she asked,
“Is Mozenrath really dead, or did I have a frighteningly real dream?”
“He is, Jasmine, you don’t have to be scared of him any more.”
Jasmine’s eyes then slid shut, and she said,
“Aladdin, what about the baby?” She turned and looked at him, and he pushed some hair out of her face as he said,
“She’s going to be alright, Jasmine,” His hand went to her waist, and his eyes glazed over with moisture, “You’re going to be a mother in just two and a half months.”
Jasmine gave a great sigh of relief, and a few moments later, with Aladdin sitting on the edge of the bed close to her, she asked,
“What about you Aladdin? Have you done nothing but sit here for the past two days?”
“I’m fine, Jasmine,”
She turned away from him and sighed, telling him of her chagrin, but Aladdin said,
“All I cared about was you.”
She turned and looked at him, and they both smiled, with Aladdin noticing that hers was a very tired one. With that, he stood and told her to rest, and she did as she was bid, but not before saying,
“I love you, Al.”
Jasmine was asleep in less than a minute, and Aladdin smiled, thinking of just how fortunate he was as he watched his wife sleep.
Chapter 11: To the Limit
Author's Notes: Hey, here's chapter 11! Sorry for the long wait, but I had some writers block. It is a pretty long chapter, so I hope you enjoy it! BTW, the song used in this part is No Air by Jordin Sparks. Please message!
The sun was high in the sky above Agrabah, signifying that it would soon be noon. Jasmine sat at her vanity, and she looked outside and gave a sigh when she saw how late it was. She had just woken up a little while ago, only to find Aladdin gone.
A month and half had passed since Jasmine’s horrific ordeal, and she had since recovered all her strength back and everything had returned back to normal. She noticed that even though Aladdin was relieved that Mozenrath was gone for good, he still watched her a little more closely, but Jasmine didn’t mind. About a month after the kidnapping, her and Aladdin went to the marketplace, where they saw Phasir. He’s told them that he was glad to see Jasmine well after what had happened, which immediately made a small part of Jasmine wish she would’ve taken Phasir’s previous offer to look into the future. Phasir noticed this and assured both her and Aladdin that nothing they did would’ve prevented it.
Jasmine now stood in front of a floor length mirror and looked at herself from the side. She was wearing a pink, two piece sleeveless outfit, with sheer pink fabric covering her rounded stomach. There was now only one month before the baby was to be born, and Jasmine was surprised at her figure, for her midsection had increased some in the last three months, but not as much as she expected, which she had to admit was a pleasant surprise. And Jasmine knew it was because of how tall she was. She smiled at her appearance, because even though she had been very close to wearing blue, she decided on pink because it was one of Aladdin’s favorite colors on her and for obvious reasons, for him and Jasmine still playfully argued on whether they were going to have a boy or girl. One night at dinner, her and Aladdin were discussing it, and Genie pulled out The Big Book of Things We’re Not Supposed to Know, but even before opening he put it away upon scolds from her and Aladdin, telling him that they indeed didn’t want to find out until the baby was born. Even though Jasmine truly did want a boy, a small part of her wanted a daughter, and she knew it was vice versa for Aladdin.
Jasmine was still studying herself in the mirror when she heard Aladdin’s voice,
“Jasmine?”
She turned and saw him walking toward her. Without Jasmine having to move from her spot in front the mirror, Aladdin came and put his arms around her and kissed her passionately on the lips, Jasmine returning the kiss. She then thought that even though her figure had changed, and would continue to change, Aladdin still desired her. He was constantly telling Jasmine how beautiful she looked, which made Jasmine feel beautiful, which made her desire him greatly in return.
Jasmine and Aladdin then rested their foreheads against each other, and he turned and looked her in the mirror, and he said,
“It’s hard to believe there’s only a month left.”
Jasmine then sighed and said,
“I know. That means only one more month of it being just us adults, and only one more month of it being just the two of us. Aladdin, weren’t you surprised at the timing of this? We hadn’t planned on this just yet.”
Jasmine looked up at him, and he shrugged and said,
“Well, I can see your point, and you are right about the timing, but, aren’t you excited?”
At this, Jasmine had to smile,
“I am, Aladdin, I truly am.”
They both smiled, and just as they were about to lean in for another kiss the baby kicked between them. Jasmine’s hands then went to her stomach and she said,
“Perhaps it will be sooner than we think.”
“Maybe.” Aladdin said, and they both smiled. He took Jasmine’s hand then and they made their way to the throne room. Aladdin sat down in his throne, while Jasmine took some time at easing herself into her throne.
“A month, eh?” Aladdin said while looking at a scroll. When Jasmine was seated, she said,
“I said it might be sooner!”
Aladdin shook his head and smiled, and Jasmine said,
“Laugh if you want, but the feeling that I’ve swallowed a melon does tend to make things more challenging.”
“Not everything.” He said in a taunting, low voice.
“Aladdin!” Jasmine said in a sharp whisper, noting that they weren’t alone. Aladdin just smiled, and Jasmine just rolled her eyes, trying hard to hide her own smile, but she just couldn’t, which made Aladdin take her hand and caress her fingers.
Late that evening, Aladdin and Jasmine were standing outside their bedroom, looking out at their menagerie, which was especially beautiful under the moonlight. Jasmine then felt when Aladdin brought her hand up and tenderly kissed it. She looked up at him, and he leaned down and kissed her. She then leaned her head against his shoulder, and he said,
“Jasmine,” He sighed, “I know it’s been over a month since we were in the Land of Black Sand, but I just,” He struggled to find the right words to say, and Jasmine turned and looked at him, and he continued, “I need you to know how thankful I am that you survived. I love you so much, and I don’t know what I would’ve done if you wouldn’t have.”
Jasmine then brought a hand to his cheek and said,
“Aladdin, it wasn’t an accident that you came and rescued me, and it wasn’t an accident that I was spared. We are meant for each other and no one else. Fate brought us together, and fate is going to keep us together. And please believe this: As many dangerous situations that we’ve been in, I’ve been just as scared. Aladdin, if I lost you, I wouldn’t survive,”
“Jasmine.” He whispered, as if to comfort her, but she said,
“I couldn’t.”
Aladdin then took Jasmine in his arms and she said,
“I love you.” She then pulled back and looked at him, and then out at the dark skyline, and she sang,
“Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air,”
“If I should die before I wake, it's cause you took my breath away
Losing you is like living in a world with no air, oh.”
Aladdin then sang,
“I'm here alone, didn't wanna leave
My heart won't move, it's incomplete
Wish there was a way that I can make you understand.”
“But how do you expect me to live alone with just me
'Cause my world revolves around you
It's so hard for me to breathe.” Jasmine sang, and they continued together,
[Chorus]
“Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gonna be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air,”
“No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air.”
“I walked, I ran, I jumped, I flew, right off the ground to float to you
There's no gravity to hold me down for real.” Aladdin sang, and Jasmine continued,
“But somehow I'm still alive inside
You took my breath, but I survived
I don't know how, but I don't even care.”
They then sang together,
“So how do you expect me to live alone with just me
'Cause my world revolves around you
It's so hard for me to breathe,”
“Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gonna be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air,”
“No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air.”
“No more.” Aladdin sang, and together they continued,
“It's no air, no air,”
“Oh
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gonna be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air,”
“Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air,”
“Got me out here in the water so deep.” Jasmine sang.
“Tell me how you gonna be without me.”
“If you ain't here, I just can't breathe.”
“It's no air, no air,” They sang together,
“No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air…”
Jasmine then wrapped her arms around Aladdin’s neck as they kissed. They parted and looked at each other, and then made their way into the bedroom.
Hours later, Jasmine laid next to Aladdin with her head resting on his shoulder. They were still awake with only soft candlelight lighting the large room, but Jasmine could see as she ran a hand across Aladdin’s chest, watching it rise and fall with his deep breaths. She knew he was still awake, so she said,
“Aladdin?”
“Yeah?” He said, and she looked up at him and said,
“You said that you were happy that I survived, but,” She hesitated, knowing it was ridiculous, but she asked, “What about the baby?”
At this, Aladdin looked down at her, and he said in all seriousness,
“You know my true feelings. You know how happy I am to be having a child with you. But, even if we had lost the baby, there would’ve been other children, but there is only one Jasmine.”
“Oh, Al, I love you so.”
“I love you, too.” Aladdin said, and he brought a hand to Jasmine’s face and kissed her.
Jasmine awoke early the next morning, and she got dressed and got ready for the day all without waking Aladdin, both of which surprised her. She knew people noticed and talked of how she still walked and moved with as much grace and poise as she’s ever had, which Jasmine herself found hard to believe. Though she couldn’t wait to meet her child, she found that carrying the child was the tricky part. Jasmine hadn’t been able to go the past eight months without some sort of symptom or physical change in her. In the very beginning it was nausea and fatigue, with the fatigue never really going away, even now Jasmine still came into her bedroom in the afternoons to take naps. She had told Aladdin just days ago that she was “tired of being tired.” Her feet got sore easily, which was cause for Aladdin finding her shoes here and there throughout the palace. Jasmine hated to complain, but even though she wasn’t due to give birth for another four weeks, she felt as though it would be any day. Even Aladdin had remarked on how he thought she looked uncomfortable.
Jasmine was now standing in front of a floor length mirror, and she looked at herself from the side, once again looking at her stomach, but then at her breasts, shocked at how large they had gotten over the last few months, and she knew it would only continue until she gave birth.
Aladdin stretched as he opened his eyes. He looked outside and saw that it was still early, and then he noticed that Jasmine was no longer in bed. It didn’t take long to see her across the room, studying her reflection in a tall mirror. Aladdin noticed that Jasmine was doing this more and more lately, and he didn’t know if she liked what she was seeing or not, but one thing he was certain of: He loved the way she looked. No matter what she was wearing, or how she was wearing her hair or anything, to Aladdin, she was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, which he voiced to her,
“That’s a good look on you.” Aladdin said, not moving from his spot on the bed. Jasmine turned and looked at him and said,
“I’m sorry, did I wake you?”
“No.” Aladdin said simply, and Jasmine turned back to the mirror, and said about his first remark,
“What? The color I’m wearing?”
“Jasmine, I think you know what I mean.”
“Really?” Jasmine asked, her hands going to her stomach, turning to her husband, and he nodded. Jasmine smiled and went over and sat on the bed with Aladdin. She leaned over him and wiped a stray hair from his face and he gently took her arm and pulled her down close to him and their lips met. Jasmine’s hand went to Aladdin’s chest as his went to her face. Jasmine pulled back and gave a laugh when she felt a kick. She sat up and her hands went to her stomach. She smiled, and Aladdin hand also went to her stomach. He waited for a minute and then looked up at Jasmine, to which she said,
“Be patient, he’ll move soon enough, trust me.”
“Don’t you mean she?”
“No.” Jasmine said, and Aladdin just laughed, which made Jasmine do the same. The baby kicked then, and Aladdin and Jasmine smiled at each other.
It was still somewhat early in the morning, and because of that, Aladdin and Jasmine decided to go to the marketplace. He was free until mid-afternoon, for that’s when Sultan Pasta Al-Dente was coming from Getzistan to discuss some very important issues with Aladdin.
A while later, Jasmine was walking down one of the hallways down to the throne room, where Aladdin was waiting for her. She was wearing her peasant robes, and when she passed one of the rooms, she heard voices coming from within it. She stopped and stood right outside the doorway, and realized the voices were that of two female servants, and they were talking about her,
“Motherhood agrees with her; She’s never looked more beautiful.”
Not wanting to make her presence known, Jasmine just smiled, and she made her way to the throne room where Aladdin, dressed in his street rat clothes, greeted her with a smile that she returned. The two of them then made their way to the marketplace.
Jasmine held Aladdin’s hand as they walked through the marketplace. She didn’t understand some of things that Aladdin and Sultan Pasta were going to discuss, but Aladdin had told her that some of it was about the economies of both their kingdoms, and how they can work together to improve both. When Jasmine really thought about it, she remembered Agrabah always having a fairly good economy, although, like all kingdoms, there were times when it was better than others. But never had she seen it as good as it was now. It was just as Aladdin had predicted. Jasmine truly didn’t know how he could make more stable than it already was.
It was a little after noon, and Jasmine and Aladdin had been in the marketplace a short time when a crowd starting gathering by the streets. Aladdin and Jasmine exchanged strange glances, and she stayed close to him as they got closer to see what was going on. All of sudden, Aladdin gasped,
“Oh, no!”
“What is it?” Jasmine asked, not being able to see into the street like Aladdin could. He turned to her and said,
“It’s Pasta.”
“Already? He wasn’t supposed to arrive for hours.”
“I know. I can’t let him see me like this.”
“Why? He’s seen you in those clothes before.”
“Not as Sultan!” Aladdin’s frustration was clear, and Jasmine asked,
“What are you going to do?”
“I’ve got to get back to the palace. Are you going to be alright Jasmine?”
“Yes,” Jasmine answered without hesitation. It was obvious that he was going to try to beat Pasta by running to the palace and would expect her to meet him there in a while. Her and Aladdin looked at each other before she said,
“Go.”
Aladdin gave a nod and with that he started toward the palace, but got only a few feet away when he ran back to Jasmine and said,
“Here, take this.” He handed her his father’s dagger than he had been keeping in his sash, just as he did every time they came to the marketplace.
“Alright.” Jasmine said as she took it, and she looked up at him and then he started to run again, but within seconds was back again,
“Take this, too.” He said, and he handed her Genie’s lamp. For the third time, he took off. Jasmine watched him go, but rolled her eyes when he came back again. Aladdin was about to kiss her on the cheek when she said,
“Just go!”
Aladdin immediately turned and left, and soon he was out of sight. Jasmine walked away from the crowd and into the marketplace as she put the dagger in her sleeve. Less than five minutes later, Carpet appeared, obviously sent by Aladdin to take her to palace. Jasmine politely declined a ride on Carpet because one, she felt it was better for her to walk. Anytime Jasmine could take the opportunity to just walk, she did, which was one of the reasons she asked Aladdin to come with her to the marketplace. And two, she couldn’t understand why Aladdin was expecting her to come back to the palace immediately. By sending Carpet to her, it was almost as if he was ordering her. But it mattered to Jasmine not. That morning when she woke up, Jasmine was in a good mood, but it was now turning sour and she made no plans then to go back to the palace, not yet at least.
About an hour later, Jasmine was walking slowly through the marketplace, stopping at certain carts here and there. Genie had finally appeared about ten minutes earlier, and could see that Jasmine was in a bad mood when she had told him about how she was not pleased by Aladdin’s actions. She was now walking contently with Carpet and Genie beside her, but she stopped when she heard two women talking about her,
“I hear the Queen is due very soon.” The first woman said, and Jasmine soon realized that they were older women. The second one then said,
“Yes, and I should hope that she isn’t doing very much activity. She should stay off her feet as much as possible in her condition.”
Jasmine was livid. She took herself out of earshot of the women and clenched her fists and said,
“If I hear the word ‘condition’ one more time, I swear.” Jasmine was angry, but she couldn’t finish her sentence. She then walked away in fury, and Genie came up beside her and said,
“Jasmine, stop this, you’re depressing me. How about we cheer you up with donuts.” He said with a smile as he held out a box of donuts. Jasmine wanted to refuse them, but then realized just how hungry she was. She took one and walked to the palace. The guards opened the palace gates for her then she got the grand staircase that led to the throne room. Carpet came up beside her to offer to take her up, but she said, shaking her head,
“No, thank you Carpet,” She looked up to the top, “I can do this.” Jasmine then started up the stairs, and by the time she got to the top, she was severely out of breath, but was nonetheless proud of herself and felt triumphant. Genie held one her arms as she bent over and caught her breath, but she soon stood straightly and put her hand to her back for support and said to Rasoul, who was standing by the door,
“Rasoul, I suspect Aladdin won’t be happy that I’ve arrived much later than he anticipated, but please go tell him that I’ve arrived and that I’m fine.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” He said as he bowed to her, and him and another guard opened the doors for her and she made her way into the throne room and Rasoul went to give Aladdin her message. Jasmine went straight to their bedroom and took off her robes and changed into a sky blue gown.
Meanwhile, Aladdin was in another room. Sitting with him was Sultan Pasta and both of their advisors. They had been sitting there for about an hour when Rasoul came in and told him that Jasmine was back from the marketplace. He was relieved yet angry at the same time. He’d sent Carpet to her for a reason, and that was to bring her back to the palace. It was a very hot day, and Aladdin didn’t want Jasmine in the marketplace for long, especially when he wasn’t with her. Aladdin very much intended to go speak with her, but he would be in this meeting for hours yet, and he would have to wait.
Later that evening, after the sun had gone down, Jasmine lay in a small section of her and Aladdin’s bedroom that extended out and had a couch that wrapped around the entirety of it. She was lying, looking out the window when she heard Aladdin’s voice,
“Jasmine?”
She could tell in his voice that he had been meaning to speak with her, and she could tell that there were going to be words exchanged between them. She looked at him as he neared, but then turned back to the window as if she had not a care in the world.
“Jasmine, can I ask what you were doing in the marketplace for over an hour today?”
Jasmine turned to him and stood. Without preamble, he had expressed his displeasure to her in a way that she had never heard before. She walked up to him and said,
“Why, yes, Aladdin, I can tell you what I was doing today.” She put her hands on her hips and was silent.
“Well?” Aladdin demanded, and Jasmine said,
“That just it; It’s none of your business as to what I was doing.”
“None of my business? Jasmine, I sent Carpet to bring you back, and what do you do? You deliberately disobey what I expect and worry me in the process!”
“I had Carpet and Genie with me, and a weapon on my person. What more could I do to defend myself!?”
“You could come back to the palace when I tell you!”
“There was no need for me at this palace today.” Jasmine said, staring him right in the eyes.
“Be that as it may,” Aladdin said, “You are my wife, and you will do as I say. And-”
“And what? You’re the Sultan?” Jasmine taunted, making Aladdin even more angry, and she continued,
“You may be the Sultan, but I am Queen, and I will do as I please. And I know that you didn’t want me in the marketplace today because of the heat, but I am getting so sick of people saying of how I should be sitting around doing nothing because of my so-called condition. Just because I am with child doesn’t mean I need to be on bed rest, and so far Aladdin, you haven’t been like these people, but today you were, and I couldn’t believe that you didn’t trust me to take care of myself and my child.”
Jasmine finished and turned away. Tears were dangerously close to falling, but she wouldn’t let them, not this time. After too many arguments with Aladdin had she let her emotions loose, only to let Aladdin have the victory of the fight. She then looked up at him but then walked away. As she neared the door, she turned her head and said,
“Please don’t follow me.”
Aladdin just stood there, and Jasmine left the room. She went outside to her menagerie, and sat at the fountain that was turned off. She looked at her reflection in the water and watched as a ripple formed from a tear that fell from her eye. Jasmine wiped it away from her face, but she then lowered herself to the ground and buried her face in her arms on the side of the fountain and she cried. All throughout this horrible day she had kept her emotions inside, even when she was alone, then fighting with Aladdin, and now she was alone again, and she hoped that it would stay that way, for she didn’t want Aladdin to see her like this.
After sitting at the fountain for some time, Jasmine realized it was getting late, so she headed back into the palace. She didn’t want Aladdin to see that she had been crying, so when she got to their hallway, she checked her reflection in a large mirror. She stood close to it as she wiped under both her eyes, which were slightly red and puffy. Somewhat satisfied, she walked to the bedroom. Jasmine took her time, thinking of what to say to Aladdin, for she didn’t want to go to bed angry, and she knew he didn’t either. Jasmine stood outside their door and leaned against the wall, but was only there for a moment when the door opened and Aladdin appeared.
“Jasmine.” He said with slight surprised, and she asked,
“How did you know I was out here?”
Aladdin smiled, and he stood next to Jasmine as he used his arm for support as he leaned against the wall, and he said,
“Something just told me you were out here,”
Jasmine looked down and smiled slightly. Aladdin then took in a breath before saying,
“You know Jasmine, you’re really not afraid to call me out on something, are you?”
“After a year and a half of marriage you should know that by now,”
It was now Aladdin’s turn to look at the floor, and Jasmine continued,
“But I think it’s good that neither one of us are afraid to be honest with each other.”
“So, you think it’s good that we fight like we do?”
“Aladdin, you make it sound as if that’s all we do.”
“Jasmine, I know we don’t fight all the time, but we do have our fair share of them.”
“Yes, we do, and I also think it is a good thing. Don’t you?”
“If you say it’s a good thing, then it must be.”
Jasmine smiled slightly, but it brightened as Aladdin leaned down and kissed her. He now had her up against the wall, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as she returned the kiss.
Chapter 12: Happy Event
Author's Notes: Hey, here's chapter twelve! The last one! I'm sorry it took so long! But it's really long. The song used in this one is Every Part of Me by Victoria Beckham. I hope you all enjoy the final chapter of Just the Beginning.
Late the next night, the city of Agrabah was quiet as it’s people rested underneath starry skies and a bright, full moon. Aladdin and Jasmine were at his old hovel, and they were alone. Sultan and Sultana were happy to have some alone time, for it was something they haven’t had a lot of recently and knew that soon it would be even more rare to have this time. Albeit, they cherished every moment.
Neither of them looking at all like a royal, Aladdin had his back against the wall as Jasmine leaned against him. They were both enjoying the peace, looking out at the city when Aladdin said,
“Look at our home, Jasmine.”
“I know, it is a splendid palace. It’s perfect.”
“If we have a large, beautiful palace filled with servants, and guards and anything we would ever need, then why-and I don’t mean this in a bad way-do we still come here?”
Jasmine took in a breath and said,
“Because this was your home, Aladdin, and it’s a special place to me, and it know it is for you, too. I love coming here with you just to get away from everything at the palace. This hovel was once your home, but it’s still our home away from home.”
“I’m glad you think that, Jasmine, because I feel the same way.”
Jasmine smiled,
“I remember after we first met and you first brought me here.”
“And we almost kissed.”
“Yes, and then that was ruined and you were taken away. I spent many hours crying over you.”
“Was it worth it?”
“Yes, it was Aladdin, you know it was.”
They both smiled, and they stayed at the hovel only a little while later and they went back to their palace.
The next morning, Jasmine saw the palace physician and Aladdin was with her. The doctor gave a good report, and he confirmed that Jasmine was now three and a half weeks away from her due date. But, the doctor also warned them that it was normal for a baby to arrive just a couple weeks before the predicted date, and told them to be ready at any time. Aladdin and Jasmine both had questions, but nothing out of the ordinary, and in his explanations, the doctor gave them no reasons to be concerned. They left feeling more assured and excited than ever. Visibly glowing from the wonderful mood she was in, Jasmine went to her duties for the day, but Aladdin unfortunately had duties that were outside the palace grounds and would be gone for most of the day. Jasmine was a little disappointed, but saw Aladdin off for the day with high spirits.
Later that evening, Jasmine was sitting up in bed as she rubbed her stomach. The sun had been down for some time now and she had yet to see Aladdin, but she was happy to stay awake and wait for him so they could at least have a chance to talk some before they both fell asleep, for she knew Aladdin would be exhausted when he returned. Even though Aladdin hadn’t been with her for most of the day, Jasmine had had a good day, so happy that she hadn’t felt as fatigued as she has in many weeks. She shifted in her spot on the bed, suddenly becoming uncomfortable, but it wasn’t working. She sat up even more and turned around and adjusted her pillows and then let herself rest against them once again. Jasmine let out a sigh, forcing herself to relax, but she shifted again. The door opened then, and Aladdin walked in.
“Aladdin.” Jasmine said with a smile, and he smiled slightly in return. He then walked over to the bed and leaned over and kissed her.
“You look like you’ve had a good day.” Aladdin commented.
“I have, I felt so good that I didn’t even come in here to sleep at all.”
“That’s good.” He said as he got up and walked away to change. Silence then fell between them, and Jasmine watched Aladdin. She then noticed that he wasn’t nearly as happy and upbeat as he had been when he left this morning, he looked distant and desolate. Jasmine then hated herself for noticing this just now, for he had been like that since the second he walked in the door, but she was too busy telling him of her day while neglecting to ask about his. How could she be so selfish?
A few minutes later, Aladdin joined her on the bed, half-way sitting up. Jasmine looked at him for a moment before saying,
“Something’s bothering you, Aladdin,” He looked up at her, “Isn’t there?” She asked. His bare chest rose as he gave a sigh,
“It’s nothing, Jasmine.”
“Aladdin, please tell me. There’s something wrong and I want to help.”
They looked at each other, and Aladdin knew there was no use trying to keep it inside. He then sat up so he was level with Jasmine and thought for a moment before saying, not making eye contact with her,
“I arrested a boy today, Jasmine.”
Her eyes went wide, and he still didn’t look at her. Aladdin had dealt with countless prisoners and criminals, and because he was the Sultan, he was the decider of their fate; how much time they would spend in the dungeon for the crimes they had committed, if they would spend their entire lives locked away or if their crimes were so severe that they would be put to death. These were the decisions Aladdin was faced regularly, and never had Jasmine seen it bother him this much, but it was obvious now that this time was different.
“How young was he?” Jasmine asked gently, not wanting to anger him.
“No less than two or three years younger than me,” He finally looked into her eyes, and saw nothing but concern and compassion, and he knew that she was ready to listen and understand, so he explained further, “I was in the marketplace, and I had guards with me and some other guards were running after him. I was there, so I arrested him myself,”
He ran a hand through his hair, struggling, but he needed to tell Jasmine,
“I don’t know, Jasmine, I’ve been in that position before. I’ve been put in the dungeon before-more than once-and each time luck was on my side and I somehow got out of it. Luck wasn’t on his side today.”
“Aladdin, you feel guilty because when you were arrested, you escaped, but you know he won’t have that chance, am I right?”
“Somewhat.” Aladdin said, and Jasmine sighed,
“Everything happens for a reason, Aladdin. Maybe it was lucky that you did arrest him, maybe he wouldn’t have survived on the streets much longer, many people don’t.”
“I did.”
“For a reason,” Jasmine said, putting a hand on his face, turning it so he was looking at her, “To be here, now. To be with me so we can raise our child. Aladdin, you may have saved this young man’s life. You don’t need to feel guilty.”
Jasmine gave him a weak smile, but he just looked at her and then found his way into her arms. He buried his face in her shoulder and let her comfort him, just as he did whenever she was troubled or upset. Aladdin felt relaxed and at peace in Jasmine’s comforting embrace, and he could’ve stayed that way for hours, but he eventually pulled himself away from her and they both lied down and fell asleep.
The next day was better, and Aladdin and Jasmine were together in the throne room for most of the day as they each went to their duties.
Three and a half weeks later, Jasmine stood outside of her and Aladdin’s bedroom. The sun had been fully set for a while now. Nine months ago today was the coronation where her and Aladdin were crowned, and she knew just as well as him that it was that night when their child was conceived. But now, she could officially say that the baby was now due any day. Jasmine was content with her musings, but then she felt someone’s eyes on her, and she turned around and saw Aladdin.
“What have you been thinking about?” He asked.
“That depends: How long have you been standing there?”
Aladdin smiled, and so did Jasmine as he walked up to her and put his arms around her. From the very first time that he had held her, and every time since then, he’d thought of what an absolute perfect fit she was in his arms, and it was no different now, even though she was to give birth any day. Aladdin looked into Jasmine’s eyes, still wanting to know the answer to his first question. She then looked out to their large, beautiful garden and said,
“I was just thinking of how much I like being Queen.”
“Good, because there’s no one more qualified for the job. And you’re what makes being Sultan fun.”
Jasmine looked up at him and smiled,
“Being Queen is fun.”
“I love you, Jasmine.”
“I love you, Aladdin.”
He then leaned down and kissed her. Aladdin’s large hands then went to her stomach and he said, as if reminding her, even though it was quite obvious that that was the last thing Jasmine needed,
“Any day.”
“I know, and I look horrible.” Jasmine said, her hands going to where Aladdin’s were.
“Jasmine, you don’t look horrible. You look beautiful,” At this, she smiled, but he asked, “But, do you feel uncomfortable?”
“No, actually. I feel alright,” He just looked at her, and Jasmine insisted, “I really do.”
“Okay.” He said, satisfied.
Many hours later though, neither Aladdin nor Jasmine could fall asleep. Jasmine couldn’t because no matter how she laid on the bed, no matter what position she tried to find sleep with, she just couldn’t get comfortable. Aladdin couldn’t fall asleep because of Jasmine’s tossing and turning, so finally he sat up, turned to her and said,
“Jasmine, you’re in pain. I wish you just would tell me already.”
“But Aladdin, I’m not!”
“Then why are you so restless?”
“Because I can‘t get comfortable, therefore I can‘t sleep.”
Aladdin then laid back down and brought Jasmine down with him. She laid close to him as her head rested on his chest. The soothing sound of his heart beating was what finally lulled Jasmine to sleep.
The next day, Jasmine felt well, but she was tired from being up all night. In the afternoon, she was tempted to go and lay down, but she forced herself to keep going with her plans. With the baby coming very soon, now was the time most important for her not to be lazy.
Five nights later, Jasmine’s attitude was the same. She was standing outside of her and Aladdin’s bedroom, and she bent over as she leaned against the railing, not because she was in pain, but because she was now overdue.
“Jasmine, are you alright?” She heard Aladdin say as he rushed to her side. She sighed,
“No, Aladdin, this baby should’ve been born days ago.”
“Jasmine, I know this has got to be putting a strain on you, but the doctor said there’s nothing to be concerned about-yet,”
Jasmine just looked at him, and he said,
“You should go rest.”
“No,” Jasmine said, looking out at the menagerie. The past week had been putting a strain on her, both physically and emotionally, for the waiting was the hardest part. “But there has to be something we can do, to you know,”
Aladdin nodded, and silence then fell between them. He said a moment later, provocatively,
“Well, there is one thing we could do.”
Jasmine crossed her arms and gave him ‘the look.’ Aladdin shrugged and said,
“Hey, whatever works. It’s worth a try, right?”
Jasmine just smiled and looked at the floor, but then Aladdin’s hand went under her chin and he brought her face up to look at him. Aladdin then leaned down to kiss her, but before he could Jasmine pulled back and gave a little laugh. Aladdin smiled, and Jasmine brought her hands to his face and his arms went around her. Their lips met then, but a few seconds later they were interrupted when they both heard their door open. Jasmine immediately gave a sigh of relief, and her and Aladdin parted when Abu came and jumped on Aladdin’s shoulder. Aladdin looked at Jasmine, and she just shrugged and acted like she was disappointed, too.
Two days later, Jasmine was about sit in her throne, but instead she stood next to it as a sharp pain hit her. It was a little after noon, and no one noticed the Sultana’s look of shock and how she held onto the armrest with a white-fingered grip. Jasmine finally let out a breath as the pain subsided, and she wiped the moisture off her upper lip. Her eyes briefly scanned the throne room, and Aladdin was no where in sight, but that was the last thing on her mind, for she was now engaged in a conversation with herself: I mustn’t panic, or that will make it worse. Maybe it was a false alarm, she thought, You’ve absolutely lost it, Jasmine! You are a week overdue, there is no way that it was a false alarm.
Over twenty minutes later, another pain hit her, but it lasted much longer than the first, confirming that she was indeed going into labor. Jasmine had brought herself from the throne room to be alone, where she was tempted to call for someone, that person most likely being Aladdin or the palace physician, but the idea of lying in bed and staying off her feet, as everyone would most likely tell her to do, was not to be tolerated. Feeling well, Jasmine forced herself to go back to her duties.
Many hours passed, and Jasmine was once again in the throne room. In no time at all, she had grown used to turning away from people whenever she had a contraction, and though she held on tight and did a good job of not crying out, some cramps made her seriously question her self-control. Jasmine let out a breath after another episode of pain had passed,
“Your father would not like this at all.” Jasmine said, looking down to her stomach, and only a few minutes later, Aladdin came up to her, it being the first time they’ve seen each other since this morning. Jasmine was surprised when he didn’t immediately ask if she was alright or how she was feeling, but she did notice that he was slightly preoccupied.
“Jasmine, I’ll be outside of the palace grounds. I should be gone for a few hours.”
“I’d rather you stay here, Aladdin.”
“What?”
“I’m sorry, Aladdin, but I just want you home right now.”
At first he seemed confused, but he looked at Jasmine and then at her stomach, and he said,
“Your pains have started.”
“Yes.” Jasmine said, in a way like she didn’t want to admit it.
“When?”
“Hours ago.”
At that, Aladdin took Jasmine’s hand and almost dragged her out of the throne room and out to the hallway, but Jasmine said as she yanked her hand out of Aladdin’s grip,
“Aladdin, please!”
“Please what?” He snapped, and Jasmine glared at him as she said,
“I do not need to lie in bed. They have started about twenty minutes apart and they are still more than ten minutes apart.”
“But, Jasmine-” Aladdin couldn’t finish as Jasmine took in a sharp breath. He stood there helplessly as she held onto his arm with strength that only severe pain could bring. When it was over, he said gently,
“Jasmine, please let me bring you to our room.” But Jasmine shook her head,
“There is no need. Aladdin, I’m telling you, it will be hours yet. Please, let me stay active.”
He looked at her, and finally said,
“Fine, but carry this with you,” He then handed Jasmine Genie’s lamp, “And I will be checking in on you often.”
Jasmine nodded, and Aladdin walked with her back to the throne room, where they kissed and then each went back to their duties, Jasmine being the one that remained behind in the throne room.
Some twenty minutes later, Aladdin came and checked on her, but Jasmine insisted that she felt fine. And in only the couple of minutes that he was with her, he knew that she was in between contractions. Aladdin watched her, and he saw that Jasmine moved and went about her plans with ease, as if nothing was amiss, and he was truly in awe of her in the way she conducted herself. He left the throne room with a smile on his face, knowing that there was no need to worry about his strong wife.
Many hours passed, and Jasmine still felt no real urgency. Evening was now upon them, and Jasmine sat at her throne as Aladdin sat in front of her as he held her hands, caressed her arms and back, and smoothed her hair whenever she was in pain. As he watched her, Aladdin would’ve been willing to do anything to relieve Jasmine of her suffering. She sat quietly through two very close contractions, and Aladdin’s heart ached for her. He held Jasmine as she leaned forward with her arms around his neck as she pressed her forehead against his shoulder. She held onto him tightly, but then said, straining to regain her breath,
“Aladdin, I wish to go to our room now.”
But he didn’t move, for even though Jasmine didn’t complain, by seeing her face there was no denying that she was in great pain.
“Al, help her.” Genie said as he shook Aladdin’s arm, but the young Sultan still sat there. Finally Jasmine said,
“Aladdin, I know it’s been a long day for us both. But, if you’ll just get me to our room I will give you your child.”
Aladdin then shook his head and snapped out of his trance. He took Jasmine’s hands and helped her down the steps from her throne, but then bent over and picked her up and carried her to their bedroom. When he placed her on the bed, he took her hand and said,
“I’m sorry.” Jasmine only smiled and she brought a hand up to touch his face,
“It’s alright, I understand Aladdin.”
Aladdin smiled, but then another paroxysm of pain hit Jasmine, and she held onto Aladdin’s hand tightly. Soon though, he was almost pushed out of the way to let the doctor and two midwives gain access. The remaining time was not long, but to Aladdin it seemed like forever.
Five hours later, the Prince of Agrabah cried in his father’s arms. The firstborn son and heir of the Sultan and Sultana was only hours old, but Aladdin and Jasmine couldn’t be happier, both of them already having shed tears of joy. Aladdin smiled as he passed their son into Jasmine’s arms, and soon it grew quiet when the baby was sitting comfortably at her breast. Aladdin carefully sat next to her on the bed to watch. Jasmine then looked up at him and asked,
“Are you disappointed that I got my boy?” Aladdin shook his head,
“No, Jasmine. Not only have you given me a son, but he’s beautiful, he really is.”
“He has your chin.” Jasmine said, and Aladdin smiled, and said, nodding toward the baby,
“Yes, but he has your eyes.”
Jasmine looked down to see her son looking right up at her with large, brown eyes, complimented by a head full of black hair, which her and Aladdin both found adorable.
“So, what are we going to name him?” Jasmine asked, and Aladdin shrugged,
“I don’t know, I had only a girl in mind. But we’ll have a girl next time.”
They both smiled, and Jasmine said suddenly,
“What about Ali?”
“I don’t know Jasmine. I hope you’re not naming him after me then, because I was only pretending to be Ali.”
“You’re right Aladdin. I fell quite in love with Prince Ali, but I love you much more.” They looked at each other, and then on the search went. The baby had long fallen asleep in his mother’s arms when her and Aladdin were still discussing names, and when the sun was only an hour away from rising when it came to Aladdin,
“Amiri.”
“Amiri,” Jasmine echoed, “Indeed, it is a wonderful name.”
Jasmine knew Aladdin had wanted a daughter, but she knew that if she were to have a boy, she wanted his name to start with an “A” after Aladdin.
“Then it’s decided; Amiri.” Aladdin said, and Jasmine smiled and looked down at her sleeping son,
“Did you hear that my little prince? You’re our Amiri.”
She placed a kiss on Amiri’s head, his name being special not only because Aladdin had picked it out, but because in Arabic, it meant “Princely.” Jasmine smiled, and Aladdin took Amiri and placed him in the bassinet that was only a few feet away from their bed. Aladdin lingered there and watched his son for a moment, but then joined Jasmine in bed. She carefully situated herself against him, for she was still tender. But Aladdin put an arm around her and soon the young Sultan and his family were all sound asleep.
Seven weeks later, Jasmine sat at the edge of her and Aladdin’s bed, watching Amiri sleep. She couldn’t wait for him to wake up and smile at her. Amiri had started to smile only a couple weeks before and he got better at it everyday it seemed. Aladdin had gotten to see the first smile, but now him and Jasmine lived for Amiri’s smiles. The past few weeks were some of the best Jasmine had ever known. She almost didn’t remember what life was like before this. She now had a beautiful son, whom she truly felt was perfect, and he was the spitting image of Aladdin, the husband she loved and adored with every inch of her being. Jasmine and Aladdin were both overjoyed with this wonderful, new addition to their lives.
“Good morning.” Jasmine said with a smile a few minutes later, for Amiri had stirred and was now awake and he was smiling up at her. Jasmine was a vision in a purple two piece outfit, purple being a calming color. She had only recently started wearing two piece outfits, and though Jasmine’s body wasn’t exactly the way it was before even becoming with child, as the weeks had passed since the birth, she had lost most of what she had gained while carrying Amiri, which in actuality wasn’t that much, though she was still curvier up top, which she still wasn’t used to.
Jasmine then lifted Amiri up and she was soon feeding him. After Amiri had finished and was lying contently in Jasmine’s arms, Aladdin smiled at her as he walked into the room. He walked up to their bed and leaned down and kissed her and then looked down at Amiri and he commented,
“He woke up,”
Jasmine nodded and passed Amiri to Aladdin. She smiled as she watched Aladdin hold Amiri against his chest, softly stroking Amiri’s thick black hair. Throughout Jasmine’s pregnancy, Aladdin had joked that he was going to be the strict one of the two of them because of how stubborn and free-spirited Jasmine was, but it was now clear to her that it would be just the opposite, for no matter how many times she had to tell him, Aladdin refused to believe that a baby coule be held too much. Aladdin was always the one that woke up in the night if Amiri woke up fussy, walking slowly and talking quietly until he fell back asleep, or handing him over to Jasmine if he was hungry, and he was always wanting to show him off.
A while later, it was nearly noon, and Jasmine and Aladdin were both lying on the bed, propped up on their elbows, with Amiri sleeping in between them. Aladdin smiled when Amiri tightened his grip on his finger. Jasmine smiled as Aladdin looked at her, and her gaze went from him to Amiri. She moved her hand and stroked his silky head and she sang,
“People always talkin' bout, people always run their mouth
But when I hold you there's no doubt, my love for you is true
Before my life was ups and downs, and happiness I used to chase around
That's why I'm glad you came cause now there's no substitute,
“And I don't care whatever may come my way
It's you and me forever and ever to be, cause,
“When I look at you, I see me from my head to your toes, every part of me
And everything you do, I did too cause I'll always be a part of you
When I look at you, I see me from my heart to your soul, I'll always love you so
And everything I do, you'll do too cause your every little part of me,”
Jasmine then looked up at Aladdin, and she continued,
“I've seen how easy things can change, and people never stay the same
But baby ever since you came you made me feel secure
Yes, I think you should know, that people gonna come and go
Be assured of this one thing; I will still remain,
And I don't care whatever may come my way
It's you and me forever and ever to be, cause,”
She then looked back down at Amiri,
“When I look at you, I see me, from my head to your toes every part of me, everything
And everything you do, I did too, cause I'll always be a part of you
When I look at you, I see me, from my heart to your soul, I'll always love you so
And everything I do you'll do too, cause your every little part of me, every little part of me,
“I know that there will come a day when you’ll have to go away
But you have no reason to fear, I promise I'll be here
If someone ever breaks your heart, and you feel your world is torn apart
My love for you will bring you through hard times, I'll help you be strong,
“When I look at you, I see me, from my head to your toes every part of me, head to your toes
And everything you do, I did too cause I'll always be a part of you, a part of you
When I look at you, I see me from my heart to your soul, I'll always love you so
And everything I do, you'll do too cause your every little part of me,
“When I look at you, I see me from my head to your toes every part of me
And everything you do, I did too cause I'll always be a part of you
When I look at you, I see me from my heart to your soul I'll always love you so
And everything I do, you'll do too cause your every little part of me,
“Every little part of me
You're every little part of me, Oh
You'll always be my baby
You're every little part of me
Yes, you will
You're every little part of me
Oh
You're every little part of me.”
Her and Aladdin smiled at each other, and then they looked at their son. Since her and Aladdin had become parents, with Amiri, she now felt as if she had everything she ever wanted, and she couldn‘t be happier, blessed with a life that some only dream of. But, somehow Jasmine felt-knowing Aladdin felt the same- that this was just the beginning of what was in store for them.
Chapter 13: Epilogue
Author's Notes: Hey! Here is the epilogue to Just the Beginning. Thank you so much to all my loyal readers, you know who you are, and your support is what kept this series going, something I've never had with my writing until I discovered this site, rich with so many talented authors and kind readers. Thank you once again, I hope you enjoy the very last chapter to Just the Beginning.
BTW, the song used in this one is Touch my Body by Mariah Carey. JUST KIDDING!! That would be cute though, and there is kind of a love scene at the end. And on another note, there is quite a time jump, but Aladdin and Jasmine are still very young, and if I had to guess their ages, I would say they're still in their mid-twenties. I just wanted you all to know that.
Five Years Later
Jasmine and Aladdin walked down the hallway to their bedroom a couple of hours after the sun had set. Jasmine smiled at Aladdin, who was holding in his arms their two-year-old daughter, Suri. She had her arms loosely around his neck as she slept, this being the time of night she usually fell asleep. Suri was a beautiful child, having lovely black hair and brown eyes, looking just like Aladdin. Being a princess, she was also well behaved, sometimes being able to sit on Aladdin’s lap during the whole length of a meeting with his advisors, and she wouldn’t make a sound. Aladdin was so happy when Jasmine gave birth to a daughter, which didn’t surprise her, but she had to laugh when remembering the birth, Aladdin being more anxious and nervous than the first time around, Jasmine’s labor starting in the middle of the night, and Aladdin pacing so much that the carpet had began to wear.
Jasmine held in her arms five-year-old Amiri, who was also sleeping. He usually fell asleep a while after his little sister, but both of them were worn out from a day of play, Amiri being especially exhausted seeing how that he had now started lessons with a tutor, but Jasmine and Aladdin were proud of him, for he was turning out to be a smart boy, which become useful as ruler of Agrabah one day.
Though she was also very happy when her and Aladdin’s second child was a girl, her pregnancy with Suri was much harder than her first, having to do her duties as queen and chase around Amiri, who was as active and curious a child as Jasmine had ever seen. But, Aladdin was there all the way. He would sometimes take Amiri with him in his meetings, or, depending on the time of day, Jasmine would put him down for a nap and then would take one herself and both of them would sleep for two or more hours. And though both pregnancies were hard on Jasmine, it was worth every minute, for her and Aladdin loved being parents to two beautiful, sweet children that were always making them laugh-making everyone laugh for that matter. As Suri got bigger, she was attached to her mother, but now at the age of two, she was always wanting to be around Aladdin, wanting to do everything he did and always wanting to cuddle close to him. This didn’t bother Jasmine, for she found it adorable and Amiri was always wanting to be close to her. They would go out to the menagerie together, Amiri holding Jasmine’s hand. And of course, all four of them would spend as time much together as possible, especially time outside. Amiri and Suri had many toys in the palace, but they both loved being outside, playing the grass. Aladdin and Jasmine would watched them as they chased each other, but they would also be included in their games.
As they neared their bedroom, Aladdin turned to Jasmine and whispered, not wanting to wake up Suri,
“Is Amiri still sleeping?”
Jasmine turned her head to look at him as best she could without him waking, and she nodded, and also whispered, being able to see Suri still sleeping with her head resting on her father’s shoulder,
“Yes, he is.”
“Good, they’ll both sleep soundly tonight.” Aladdin said, noting that both Amiri and Suri now slept the whole night without waking up. Aladdin then opened the door to him and Jasmine’s bedroom, and they walked in but went in opposite directions. The room connected and directly left to their room was Amiri’s room. Jasmine entered and slowly laid him down in his bed and covered him up. She left the room dark except for a little light, and she kissed Amiri on the head and smoothed some hair away from his face before exiting and quietly shutting the door. Aladdin took Suri to her nursery that was also adjacent to him and Jasmine’s room. He placed a kiss on her forehead before laying her down in her crib. Suri stirred slightly as she clutched her blanket, and Aladdin smiled and whispered,
“Good night, princess.”
After she was born, it didn’t take long to name her Suri, Aladdin once again being the one that picked it out. The name “Suri” was special because like “Jasmine” it was of a Persian origin, and like her mother, Suri was also named after a flower, the name meaning “Red Rose” in Persian.
After they made sure that the prince and princess were asleep, Jasmine and Aladdin changed for the night, but not to go to sleep themselves. Jasmine changed from her gown into a simple, purple two piece outfit, which beautifully showed off her figure, which was again as perfect as it ever had been. Aladdin changed into comfortable pants, a long sleeved shirt with a red vest over it. Because it wasn’t too late in the evening, a little while after putting the children down for the night, Aladdin and Jasmine left the palace and went to the stables. Whenever they left the palace at night, which by no means was every night, Aladdin put two guards outside each of their bedroom entrances, the one that was in the hallway, and the one that led outside to the menagerie to protect Amiri and Suri while they were gone, and then Aladdin would dismiss the guards after they arrived home later that evening.
After walking to the stables, Aladdin and Jasmine mounted one horse, with him sitting in front as Jasmine sat side-saddle behind him with her arms around his waist. Not wanting to be gone for more than a couple hours, they rode out to the desert, the sand looking white under the light of the moon and the beautiful stars. Aladdin and Jasmine were without question devoted to their two young children, whom they loved and treasured more than anything, but they were also devoted to each other. Having been married for almost seven years, they weren’t newlyweds anymore, but the love and passion they felt for one another had not in any way, shape, or form died from when they were first married, for they were still young. The children took up much of their time during the day, but with them, their duties to their kingdom, Aladdin and Jasmine did not neglect in making alone time for each other and they also spent as much time with each other as possible.
A little while later, Jasmine and Aladdin were on top of a cliff, seeing that many feet below them was a beach of white sand touching the sea, and to the left of them was Agrabah, their magnificent city. Aladdin turned and smiled at Jasmine, and she smiled sweetly in return. Aladdin then turned the horse and they rode down to the beach, where they sat on the sand with their bodies close together. Jasmine and Aladdin talked for over an hour, occasionally kissing, often nuzzling and getting nothing more than their feet wet with the cool, refreshing sea water.
They returned to the palace a little while later, and they went into their bedroom and checked on Amiri and Suri and found them to still be asleep. After they exited the children’s rooms, Aladdin and Jasmine left their bedroom once again and walked upstairs to their former bedchamber. They stood together on the balcony for a while, looking out at the city with their arms around each other. Jasmine then said,
“I love you, Aladdin.”
“I love you, too, Jasmine.”
Her chin was resting on his shoulder as she looked up at her ever handsome husband, and Aladdin smiled as he looked into the eyes of his timelessly beautiful wife. Their lips met then, and their arms went tighter around one another as they kisses started to get deeper. Soon, Jasmine was lying on the bed, with Aladdin leaning over her, his kisses going from her lips down to her neck as she threw her head back in anticipation, with her hands stroking the skin of his bare back and her nails digging into his shoulders.
Jasmine’s and Aladdin’s bodies would be entwined and one throughout the night. The next day, they were there when Amiri and Suri awoke, and Jasmine and Aladdin spent the day with their children, both of them being so happy with their life together, their marriage and their family, and not for the whole world would they change a thing about it.