Chapter 1 Waking In A Strange Place
Aladdin was drifting, feeling himself waking slowly, smiling peacefully when he realized that Jafar's hand was holding his firmly, tenderly. Then he jolted violently, hearing Jasmine screaming as the palace was attacked, his intense blue eyes flying open as he sat up with a gasp. He remembered flying through the air as his husband protected him from the threat, striking his head on the floor when he landed and losing consciousness.
His free hand pressed palm down against his racing heart, breathing heavily as he trembled, turning his head finally to reassure himself that his lover was all right. Confusion filled his face when he saw that it was Jasmine at his side, not Jafar.
He watched his confusion mirror itself on her face as he pulled his hand from hers firmly, studying her in concern. "Are you okay, Jasmine?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"You were screaming.."
"No I wasn't."
"But I heard you.."
"You hit your head quite hard, darling. Father and I found you unconscious in the throne room."
"Darling?" he gasped in shock, eyes widening obviously.
"Well we are to be married. I thought I should test out pet names."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Aladdin yelped, jumping out of the bed just as Jafar strode into the room, standing beside it briefly before backing away from the girl as though she had the plague. "I can't marry you. I'm already married." He held up his left hand, showing her the thick band that encircled his ring finger as he continued rapidly. "You know that, Jasmine. You were there."
"What?" She questioned him shrilly, trying to reach out to him. "You hit your head.. You're confused, love-"
"My head is fine, I'm not confused, and I am not your love!" he hissed in frustration, turning to look at Jafar almost pleadingly,. He moved closer to him instinctively for comfort, lowering his voice to exclude the princess. "What on all the grains of sand is going on? Is she drunk? She knows I don't- That I can't love her that way.."
Aladdin was even further disillusioned and hurt when Jafar seemed to ignore him, looking past him to address the princess.
"I believe his mind is still scrambled inside, lady. Perhaps, after medicine and rest, all will be better. With your permission, I will see to the boy."
"Yes," Jasmine breathed in relief, nodding repeatedly, looking ridiculously like a bobbing stork as it searched the water for fish. "That sounds like a good idea. Thank you, Vizier."
"Of course, princess."
Jafar took Aladdin firmly by the arm, leading him away, taking him to his secret chambers quickly where they wouldn't be disturbed by anyone.