Chapter Sixteen

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A/N: I watched the new Aladdin film yesterday and it prompted me to write a new chapter.

Hope you like it!

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As his wife was nowhere to be found, Aladdin decided to escort Sadira to the dining room instead. She was wearing something she had bought on her travels across the land, something far more revealing than anything found in Agrabah. Considering the outfits he'd seen as a younger man, that was certainly saying something.

Sadira had smiled at Aladdin when he'd arrived at her room, then winked when he'd reddened at the sight of her. She twirled for him, her dress billowing out to reveal her thighs. "How do I look, dear Sultan?"

"You... You look a-amazing, Sadira," was all he'd managed to stammer in response, but she'd still smiled at him flirtatiously.

It was a smile that Jasmine hadn't given him in months, perhaps longer.

Aladdin pulled out Sadira's chair for her and tried not to stare down her dress when she was seated. Across the table, King Uncouthma was staring with a slack jaw and even Bud seemed to have looked away from the cheese platter that was precariously stacked on the table. Brawnhilda sniffed and elbowed her husband firmly. His immediate coughing fit had Aladdin looking up again, and he realised that Jasmine was standing in the doorway.

Jasmine felt overdressed and uncomfortable, feeling as though she was a stranger in her own home.

Aladdin hadn't looked at her like that in months, perhaps longer.

"Ah, dear Sultana Jasmine, you look ravishing. May I have the honour of escorting you to your seat?" Genie asked with a low bow, offering his arm.

She smiled up at him, glad that he could make her feel better with so little a gesture. "I would be delighted; thank you, Genie."

He looked pleased at her response and led Jasmine to her seat, pulling it out and pushing it in for her once she was seated. "Perhaps we should offer Jewel's shawl to our guest?" Genie murmured in a low tone, Jasmine barely holding back a laugh.

"If I had known we were getting escorted to the chairs, I would have waited outside," Brawnhilda said, glowering at her husband before smiling broadly at Aladdin.

"Uh. Right. Sorry about that, Brawnhilda," Aladdin said, taking his seat as fast as possible, just in case she had the idea of getting up again.

"Healer Shafiya and Advisor Samano."

Seeing how the healer was glowering at the advisor, Genie hurried over to the doorway before anything could happen. "Allow me, dear lady," he said with a brief bow.

"Thank you, Genie," Shafiya said with a smile, sitting next to Jasmine.

"You arrived with Advisor Samano?" Jasmine queried.

"We arrived separately, believe me. I wouldn't travel with that man if you paid me in gold," she muttered in response.

"Have you met him before?"

"A few times. I've met his victims far more frequently."

"His victims?" Jasmine asked in alarm.

"The increased fee for entry at the toll has led to a lot of people stealing, which in turn leads to fights; there has been more blood on my hands in this past year than all my years as a healer."

"I thought Fazir..."

"Fazir doesn't have the brains for something like this; he's greedy, but not deliberately cruel. Before Samano became an advisor, Fazir only had three inns," Shafiya said.

"Jasmine, where's Jewel?" Aladdin asked, interrupting their conversation.

"Here, Father," she said from the doorway with a quick smile.

"I wanted to present Jewel with a gift, so we were delayed," Cassim said, Iago on his shoulder.

"A gift? What for?" Aladdin asked, frowning in confusion.

"Grandparents are required to spoil their grandchildren," Cassim replied seriously, then his expression was replaced with a warm smile as he turned and pressed a kiss to the top of Jewel's head. "Why don't you show your father your gift, precious Jewel?"

"Gladly, Grandpa," Jasmine said, stepping forward and unsheathing the sword by her side.

"That's... That's a big sword," Aladdin gulped.

"It was mine, back when I... before I came to Agrabah," Cassim said, realising that not everyone in the room knew he was the King of Thieves. "I prefer my current sword, and I thought Jewel would like this one."

"You're giving that sword to Jewel? Why?"

Cassim blinked at Aladdin's tone, surprised he was asking when he'd just explained, and wondered if he wasn't asking 'why didn't you give it to me?' instead. "Jewel's current sword has far too many jewels in the hilt and it practically begs to be stolen from her. This sword is more practical, especially if she intends on travelling."

"Which I do. I want to see the world," Jewel said, her voice firm, stubborn, and loud enough to be heard by the others at the table.

"I wanted the same thing when I was your age," Jasmine admitted with a smile.

"I don't carry a sword; magic's far more intimidating," Sadira said, grinning.

"We'll discuss this later, young lady," Aladdin said, glowering at the sword and turning his attention to Bud. "What do you think about travelling, Prince Bud?"

Bud took a long time to think about Aladdin's question. In that time, Jewel was seated beside Bud (much to her annoyance), and Cassim sat beside Samano. "Travelling is only good if there is cheese at each stop," Bud finally replied, nodding.

"Good thought!" King Uncouthma said, his voice as loud and boisterous as ever.

"Sorry we're late, everyone. I didn't realise the General was waiting on me," Kovac said with a bow of apology as he and King Uncouthma's General entered the dining room.

"Not a problem, Kovac. We haven't started eating yet. You're seated by Jewel; General, you're by Cassim," Jasmine said.

Jewel perked up at the idea of sitting next to Kovac, just as Jasmine hoped she would. She also hoped that Cassim would be able to keep the attention of both Samano and the General instead of letting them talk to either Aladdin or the King. Cassim gave a slight nod to Jasmine, understanding the delicate political role he had been entrusted with, and put a hand on Iago to keep him on his shoulder.

"You owe me, Cassim. Either food or gold; preferably both," Iago muttered, ruffling his feathers.

Cassim chuckled. "Considering both the advisor and General have brought coin pouches to dinner; I think I can manage both."

"Is everything all right, Princess?" Kovac asked quietly as he sat down beside her. "I have contacted my tribe regarding your condition and expect to hear from them soon. The tribe's healer may have some experience with the matter, though it is a good idea to consult with Shafiya as well."

"Thanks; I thought so, too. I'm not so worried about that as I am about sitting next to the Prince of Cheese. I swear that's all he thinks and talks about," Jewel muttered, just low enough for Kovac to hear.

"It is all he has known, Princess. Patience and understanding."

"Would you agree to switch seats with me then?" Jewel asked pointedly, scooting her chair back a small amount.

"A kind offer, Princess, but I must refuse," Kovac replied, a grin twitching at his lips.

Jewel snorted softly and reached for her drink to mask the noise. Grateful for her friend's company, Jewel left Bud to his thoughts of cheese, and talked with Kovac about training with her new sword. In a lower voice, they discussed strategies for convincing her father to allow her to travel as she pleased. They still hadn't decided on a convincing argument by the end of the night, but Jewel had far more fun than she anticipated.

...

Aladdin guided his daughter from the dining room once the meal had finished. Behind him, Jasmine suspected Jewel would be too preoccupied to talk to the Agrabah healer and touched Shafiya's elbow to stop her from leaving with the rest of the guests. She would consult her on behalf of her daughter and hope it was a temporary affliction.

"I cannot believe you would embarrass me like this, Jewel! You were supposed to pay attention to Bud, but instead, you spent the whole night laughing and talking with Kovac," Aladdin said incredulously. He was careful not to say that this dinner had been the start of the matchmaking he intended, all too aware that Jasmine, Genie, and Jewel had all protested the match. His eyes narrowed at his daughter. "Are you dating him?"

"No. Kovac refused when I asked to court him," Jewel replied. "I was eight at the time, but that's beside the point."

Aladdin didn't know what to say to that. He looked around the room for support or Jasmine, but the animals were nowhere to be seen, and his wife was absent as well. "Where is your mother?"

"She is saying goodbye to our guests, as you should be doing," Cassim prompted, eyebrows raised.

Aladdin flushed red. "I didn't know they were leaving already."

"Perhaps you should be there rather than here berating your daughter for enjoying herself," his father added, nodding towards the door.

Aladdin hated how he felt like a child at his father's words and clenched his jaw tightly. "I am the Sultan, I don't - "

"Sultan! A visitor has arrived at the palace. He is asking to be let in. He says he knows one of the staff here," a guard said from the doorway.

"Who?" Aladdin asked, distracted from his argument.

...

Kovac bowed to the General from Uncouthma, glad to be away from the man and sincerely wishing he wouldn't have to interact with the man for the rest of their trip. He unfortunately knew that not even the Genie could make that particular wish come true. He had been given a reprieve from the General's company on this night, thanks to Sultana Jasmine, but it would not happen again. Something about the General made Kovac uneasy, though he had no evidence to support the feeling.

"Kovac! The Sultan requests your presence," a guard said, bowing to him.

Surprised by the summons, Kovac schooled his features, then followed the guard to where the Sultan was waiting. A man stood before him, a hood covering his face, and long dark robe obscuring his clothing. In the light from the lamps, Kovac could see the insignia of the Black Lamp etched into the man's robe, almost invisible unless one knew where to look.

"Kovac, this man claims to be your relative, but refuses to show his face," Aladdin said, hand resting on the hilt of his jewelled sword.

At his words, the man lifted gnarled hands to the hood of his robe and pulled the material back. "I was attempting to surprise my nephew, good sir. Your paranoia has spoiled all my fun," the man said, a pout on his wrinkled face, thick white eyebrows framing his face, just as a thick white moustache framed his mouth.

Kovac froze on seeing the Black Lamp tribe leader before him. When he had written to his tribe of the Princess' development - just as he always had over the years - he hadn't thought the report would bring the tribe leader to Agrabah. He had expected a written response, perhaps with herbs or powders to help heal the Princess.

"Uh... Uncle. It's a surprise to see you," Kovac said, bowing low and receiving a bow in return.

"Do you always bow to your family?" Aladdin asked curiously.

The tribe leader raised an eyebrow, not turning his head as he replied, "Do you make a habit of questioning all your visitors over their customs, good sir?"

Feeling abashed and like a child for the second time that night, Aladdin swallowed hard and shook his head. "Of course not."

"That's a shame; perhaps you would learn if you asked, and more importantly, listened. Now, good nephew of mine, I have had a long and weary trip on the back of an unforgiving camel, and wish to sleep the rest of the night away. I shall sleep in your abode."

As the Head Guard, Kovac had a small room to himself, though the bed was too small for both him and the tribe leader. Resigned to sleeping on the floor for the foreseeable future - sixteen years of a bed had spoiled him - Kovac bowed again. "Of course, Uncle."

"Nonsense. We can't have the Head Guard's family sleeping in the guard's barracks. The cots are small and uncomfortable. Come, you can sleep in my rooms. I haven't had a chance to talk to a fellow traveller for some time, and I need to be reminded why the desert sand is itchy and gets in far too many places it shouldn't," Cassim said with a boisterous laugh.

Kovac didn't know whether to be relieved or protest - Cassim's rooms would certainly offer more privacy than his small room, especially with nosy guards - and opened his mouth to either offer thanks or rejection.

"My old bones thank you, good sir. Who are you?" Uncle asked with a smile that twitched his moustache.

"This is my father, Cassim. He - "

"Ah, the Sultan! You cannot be so kind as to offer your own splendorous rooms," Uncle said with a bow.

"No. No, he's not the Sultan," Aladdin said quickly. "That's me. I'm the Sultan."

Uncle straightened from his bow and turned towards Aladdin. "You are the Sultan? A boy with hardly a moustache on his face?"

Kovac wondered what on earth Uncle was doing; it was certainly not his usual style of blending in.

Aladdin spluttered at the man's words. "I... I shave every morning. It... It's a sign of pride and... culture."

Uncle's eyebrows rose comically. "Of course, good sir. I will take you up on your offer, Sultan's father, Cassim. Thank you kindly."

Cassim seemed amused and held out an arm in a welcoming gesture. "Of course. Come this way. Would you like food or drink? We have plenty and could surely spare whatever you would need."

"Thank you, good sir. Water will suffice. Nephew, come, carry my bag," Uncle said, indicating to the bag sitting at his feet.

"Of course, Uncle," Kovac replied, stepping forward to lift the bag. It was heavier than he anticipated and Kovac almost dropped the bag entirely.

Uncle saw his struggle and raised an eyebrow, but left with Cassim, Kovac following and trying not to show the effort he was making. Behind them, Aladdin stroked his chin and wondered if he should attempt to grow a beard and moustache again.

"I will call for water to be brought to my rooms immediately. Iago, would you be so kind as to fetch our friend?"

"The furry one, the flying one, or the blue one?" Iago asked, rolling his eyes when Cassim raised an eyebrow at him. "All right, I get it. I'm leaving. Messenger bird - " he muttered as he flew away.

Cassim continued through the palace to his rooms, keeping up an amiable chatter along the way and Uncle responding with tired but enthusiastic spiels, while Kovac struggled to keep up with the heavy bag and the conversation itself.

"Here we are. After you," Cassim said, opening the door wide and gesturing for Uncle to step forward.

"Thank you, good sir," Uncle said, stepping into the generously-sized rooms.

Cassim waved Kovac through then followed, closing the doors behind him. He moved towards Uncle, his dagger in hand and pressed against the older man's side in an instant. "Why are you here?"

Uncle went still at the feel of a blade against his ribs. He smiled, his moustache moving with the action. "I was called here by my nephew."

"Kovac only wrote to you today. How can you arrive within mere hours? The letter's barely left the city borders," Cassim snapped.

"Magic," Uncle replied, calm despite the sharp dagger.

Genie arrived in a puff of blue smoke, Iago coughing in the background. "Warn a bird next time you do that!"

Seeing Uncle at Cassim's mercy, Genie grew to an even larger size, filling the room and the shadows crowding around him. "Genies aren't all called 'Genie' like I am, you know. You've met other genies before and they all have their own names. My name was taken from me and forgotten, and for good reason. I truly believe that now, but believe me, if you harm one hair on my daughter's head, I will rain such destruction upon you that it will pale in comparison to everything that I did before my name was taken from me," he snapped, his body turning purple.

Uncle looked at Genie for a long silent moment, as though assessing him and the truth of his words. "Interesting. I do not intend to harm your daughter, Genie. Kovac called me here, as he is concerned for her wellbeing and thought I might have an answer where he - and you - do not." Before anyone could respond or react, Uncle spun out of Cassim's grasp like he had never been in it in the first place, brushing off his robe, then turning his attention to Cassim's dagger that was now in his hand.

Cassim blinked at the sight, looking from the dagger in Uncle's hand to his empty hand. For years, no one had been able to steal from him. This man looked older than his father and yet moved like a spry teenager. "Kovac, what is going on?"

"You ask questions of the boy rather than the one who has bested you, good sir?"

"I trust him."

Uncle's eyebrows rose in surprise at Cassim's admission. He turned to Kovac and looked at him appraisingly. After a long moment's consideration, he stepped forward far faster than anyone had expected, the dagger raised high with the intent to kill. Kovac barely had time to register his shock before Genie was between him and Uncle, the dagger swiping at blue skin rather than his own.

Uncle's wrist went limp and he held the dagger back out to Cassim. "They will die for you, Kovac? Would you do the same for them?" he asked curiously.

Kovac's mouth went dry. He was a Black Lamp tribe member first, but... but... he was the Head Guard of Agrabah palace as well. He had sworn an oath to protect the royal family, but he knew that his loyalty went deeper than that. He would die for them and he would take any punishment that his tribe leader would see fit as a result. He stood straight at his realisation and said firmly, "I would, Leader."

Uncle didn't even blink at his response. "You have lived here for sixteen years, Kovac, I am not surprised that your loyalties have changed. I thought as much, considering the nature of your reports," he said, not allowing a response before continuing, "Today's letter was most concerning; I wish to examine the girl at once. Where is she?" he asked, looking around the room.

"I'm right here," Jewel said, stepping out from the shadows.

Cassim's eyes widened at the sight of his granddaughter, her makeup removed and blue tinged on the skin he could see. "Are you all right?"

"I feel fine, Grandpa. My name is Jewel. It's nice to meet you," she added, holding a hand out to Uncle to shake politely.

"A pleasure to meet you, Jewel. By the end of the night, you may rethink how you feel about meeting me," Uncle replied, a glowing amulet in his hand as he shook her offered hand.

Jewel went limp and collapsed to the floor. Genie lunged for Uncle, Cassim reaching for Genie, and Kovac moving to protect Jewel from whatever was about to happen.

At the door, there was a firm knock and they all froze at the unexpected sound.

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End of the sixteenth chapter.

Thanks for reading!