Dear Reader,

This is a different version of the Aladdin/Jasmine story. This story has been close to my heart for many years (since I was four), and that's why I'm writing it. I doubt many will read it, but I want to write it anyway. If you do read it, please review. It would make my day.

-LunarLitLover

Preview (For next time): Nazihah, Yasmine's handmaiden, is introduced

PART ONE

Chapter 1 - Yasmine

A Serious Suitor Situation

"Father! I can't believe you! No, I won't do this!"

"Yasmine, you will obey me! I am your father and the Sultan of your country! I expect you to choose a husband in the next week!"

"I said no! Do you think I care whether you're Sultan or not? Yes, you're my father, but that doesn't mean you know what's best for me! I don't care for any of these arrogant playboy emirs, nor do they care for me! Not a one of them would make a good Sultan either, so if you're saying that I should marry for the country, you're way out of line! They don't want to do anything for the country, they just want to own it!" I responded with all the vigor I could muster, although I was exhausted from arguing. The subject was worn out.

"Yasmine, it's only natural to be skeptical about your future husband. Nerves tend to do that, but that's no-"

"But, you're right, that's not it at all." I spat my answer back at him. But it was no good; he didn't really listen anyway. Or really care. Calmer, I said, "Father, I don't really want anything to do with them. I want to choose my own husband, in my own time, for my own reasons. And that's only if I even decide that I want to get married."

Father's face reddened, and although he was a good ten centimeters shorter than me, he seemed to swell to a much greater height. "Oh, you'll marry, make no mistake about that! And soon! How else will you produce an heir in a timely fashion?"

"Is that what you're worried about? I'm only sixteen, Father. I'll have many years to have children! And if I don't marry, I can always raise another's child as an heir."

His anger exploded. "How dare you propose such a thing! Another line ruling our country! No! No Yasmine! How dare – I can't imagine – OUT! OUT! You'll either choose a husband within the next week or I will! That's my final word! Now leave me! NOW!"

I haven't seen him this furious since mother died, I thought. Maybe I really should get out of his way.

I scurried from the room, sobs escaping my lips, tears trickling down my cheeks.