Chapter Three:

I wait until sunset to enter the palace. It's not an easy job, but it's less hard when the guards are all drowsy from a day's work.

I stuff my equipment into a bag and set out. The palace is majestic no matter the time of day, and no matter how many times you look at it, it still sends you breathless.

I throw a hook over the wall and after making sure it's secure, I climb up and over the grand wall.

I land softly on the other side and swiftly scope out my surroundings; two guards are patrolling the front door and four are walking about the garden. I look around for a way in and soon enough, I spot a little side door on the opposite side of the royal gardens.

A young kitchen maid walks out with a bucket of dirty dishwater, ready to be thrown into the streets. I watch as she walks around the corner, knowing that this is my only chance.

I look down at my feet and see a reasonable sized rock; a perfect throwing size. I pick it up and throw it over to a far tree. It hits the trunk with a loud thump, immediately, all the guards rush over to see what it was.

I run.

Gasping, I make my way to the other side and enter the building. I scan the room, to find that I am in the kitchen, the beautiful smell of cooking food fills the air, but I must not be won over; I am here for a reason and I do not have time to eat!

I glance over at a table and see an kitchen maids uniform laid out ready…well I doubt anyone's going to miss it, I mean it's hardly pretty…actually, hardly pretty was an understatement; it was plain, ugly and well-covering; just what I needed.

I quickly slip on the outfit, including the hood, which covers my whole face, except my eyes.

Ok, here goes nothing.

I grab a tray filled with drinks and head out into the main part of the palace; there must have been some kind of party going on because I could hear lots of people and the distant sound of music playing coming from the main hall.

I turn and head in the opposite direction, keeping my head down as I rush past people.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?"

I freeze and turn around. I meet the eyes of the sultan himself; instantly, I fall into a bow.

"I'm sorry your highness."

"Don't you know you're supposed to be serving those drinks in the hall? Come on, people will be thirsty!"

"Of course your highness, I'll be there right away."

"Yes, you will!"

I curse quietly under my breath as I follow the sultan into the grand hall. The hall is magnificent; golden arches line the walls, flowers of all different kinds rest in baskets and in the middle of the room, there is a large table filled with mouth-watering foods from all around the world.

I hear my stomach growl in protest as I edge further and further away from the table and into the shadows.

The room is filled with women of all ages, princesses probably, judging by the clothes and posture.

I wonder why they are all here…it must be some kind of ball of something…

Suddenly, the sultan stands up from his throne at the front of the room and clears his throat.

"May I have your attention please?"

The whole room fades into a wave of silence; the only thing I can hear being my own ragged breathing.

"So, you all know why you're here…the reason being that I believe it is time that my son has a suitor. I'd like to thank you all for coming and I hope you enjoy the event."

He signals to one of the guards beside him, who nods and starts a drum-roll.

"INTRODUCING…PRINCE ALADDIN OF AGRABAH, SON OF THE ALL MIGHTLY SULTAN AND FUTURE SULTAN OF AGRABAH!"

I scoff slightly and turn away.

I hear everyone sigh in awe and I turn my head. The prince walks through the doors with his head held high, obviously loving every minute of it.

I stifle a laugh, knowing that if anyone caught me insulting the prince, I would no doubt be thrown into prison.

Watching the prince as he comes forward into the room, I notice that he is absorbing everyone's attention; a perfect chance to escape.

I place the tray down on a nearby table after spotting a door a few meters ahead, knowing that no-one would catch me slipping away, I take the opportunity and run for it.

Longer again! See imma good girl really...;)