Chapter Thirty-three: Wedding Bells
The palace was a flurry of activity. The second wedding within two days was going to be held that evening as the sun set. Jasmine and Dalia were at the center of the storm for a good portion of it, although Aladdin and Khaleel were targeted in their own way. Since the couples hadn't been able to hold a double wedding because of rank difference, they had decided this was the best compromise.
The palace and some of the inns outside the palace walls were full of freed and former genies. Most had been there for nearly a full week by this time, and Jasmine and Dalia had loved getting to know as many as they could. The streets of Agrabah were filled with laughter as many of the genies and the more magical of former genies performed great shows of magic. Some of the less magically inclined put on dramatizations of Prince Ali's exploits. And if the heroes just so happened to resemble a certain street rat and their royal princess, the people only cheered all the more.
For the princess and handmaid, it had been six months of fun and danger as they followed their betrotheds on numerous escapades. But now, it was time to set those adventures to the side for a brand new sort of adventure that while a touch less dangerous, would not be any less wonderful and fulfilling.
Jasmine smoothed Dalia's veil one final time. She could hardly believe this was happening. After six long eventful months, the day had finally arrived. Of course, she had realized it even yesterday, but today brought its own flavor of realizations. So she did her best to focus on her friend, a friend who would be boarding her husband's new ship and leaving tomorrow.
Dalia was just as beautiful today as she was yesterday. Her sheer blue veil was edged in a wide gold border and dotted with gold embroidery. Her gown was an off-white underdress with an overdress of gold. She laughed, turning to catch Jasmine's hands. "If you don't stop fussing I'll never be able to get you ready," she playfully scolded.
"I'm just so nervous," Jasmine said. "I know all that we've been through together, but what if—"
"If he had any problems, he could have told you or run for the hills," Dalia said. "And if he had run, I would have been right behind with my fighting staff to teach him a thing or two."
Jasmine laughed at that image and at the ease Dalia shared with Aladdin. It had been a gradual thing over the first couple months. But between Khaleel's eager attentions and Aladdin's encouragement, Dalia now acted as though all four of them were equals. Which they were on most ventures. Of course during a formal gathering, both Dalia and Khaleel treated Jasmine and Aladdin as the elevated royalty the people expected. Well, aside from a few cases when they switched roles.
"Your mind is also wandering," Dalia noted, squeezing her hand before nudging her into the chair in front of the vanity.
"Just thinking over the many things that have happened," Jasmine said. "I can hardly believe we were even mildly content with our lives before we met Aladdin and Khaleel."
"Oh, ho, don't even start," Dalia said, brushing her hair. "If I were to return to that life, I would surely die of the boredom."
"Then it's a good thing you and Khaleel will be heading off on a new adventure on the seven seas," Jasmine said.
"But we will miss you and Aladdin so much," Dalia said, quickly giving her a hug.
Their conversation floated as Dalia fixed her hair, weaving a tiara into her hair before draping Jasmine's white and blue trimmed veil over her head.
"And now, remove the smock—"
Dalia was interrupted by the hungry protest of nine-month-old Cassim.
Jasmine lovingly shook her head as she stood and retrieved the soon-to-be toddler from his pen. He was experimenting in pulling himself up and now bounced while holding the bars of his pen. "'Ungry, Mama," he said, bunching her smock.
"Yes, I'm getting it," she said kissing his nose. The milk he drank now was richer and sometimes thickened with soft grains. Jasmine had found that she loved these feeding times. She couldn't bond with Cassim like most mother's did, so she valued these moments where she could just sit and provide for her adopted son. And now, even as Cassim insisted on holding the bottle himself, she could smile, relishing the joy and hope in her heart as she witnessed the shining love and trust in his eyes. Yes, it was now clear that Cassim's eyes would always be Jafar's, but so long as she and Aladdin had anything to do with it, they would never darken with evil again.
Mozenrath subjected himself to wearing the wedding finery once again. He really should have protested yesterday since even he couldn't properly excuse himself today. But it was what it was. At least his brother was allowing him to wear a darker shade of royal blue and antique silver. He was certain Khaleel had intended to torture him with the vivid purple and blue ensemble he was forced to wear yesterday.
His mind drifted over the past half-year. He had soon discovered that no, Jasmine did not have two tigers. The tigress was her daemon. Which luckily for Aladdin was highly compatible with Aladdin's dog daemon if one believed Chinese horoscopes.
He pulled himself from his thoughts as he put his turban on. Of course, it was a simpler one than he usually wore, but he couldn't possibly in good conscience upstage his brother today. Xerxes floated about, offering information. So far everything had gone smoothly. Maybe it was because Agrabah was more content and prosperous than it had been in years. Maybe it was because there was an entire town's worth of genies in the area. Or maybe it was because one genie in particular was going above and beyond to make sure that nothing went wrong. Frankly, Mozenrath had to admire his brother for how he managed to keep Genie from worrying the ladies.
"Genie, everything will be fine," Aladdin said, slipping into his white, sleeveless coat. "You've checked and triple-checked everything."
"But—" Genie protested.
"Genie," Khaleel said.
The proverbial tornado stopped in its tracks, like a frightened child finding a calm in a storm.
"Everything will be alright," Khaleel said. "Take a deep breath." He paused until Genie did so, actually blowing up to a couple times his usual size. "Then let it out slooow."
Genie let out a long stream of air, slowly deflating.
"That's it," Khaleel said. "And again." The entire episode repeated possibly five times.
Mozenrath took the opportunity to sidle up to his brother. "Last minute nerves?" he asked.
"Not yet at least," Aladdin said. "Though I probably have Genie to thank for that with all his fussing." His eyes strayed to his turban, a simpler version of the ceremonial turban for the Sultan of Ababwa.
"No wedding nerves but definitely coronation nerves," Mozenrath noted.
"I am beyond relieved that the actual coronation won't happen until after Jasmine and I return from our honeymoon," Aladdin said. "But." He sighed. "I guess I'll just miss the freedoms I've had."
Mozenrath studied his brother. Aladdin was more of a free spirit than he was. It was clear that he loved exploring and searching out the next person to help, the next genie to free. And now, he was being forced to settle to not one but essentially two kingdoms to rule.
"Well, you know," Mozenrath said, propping an arm on Aladdin's shoulder, "my lands practically rule themselves. If the wanderlust gets too bad and you and your wife are able to get away, I can keep an eye on Ababwa for a few days."
"Thanks, Moz," Aladdin said.
"Just be aware that does not cover babysitting duties," Mozenrath said. "You'll have to rely on someone else to corral your little terrors."
"Jasmine and I will keep it in mind," Aladdin promised.
A servant then came to the door, saying the ladies were ready.
"Well, time to get this over with before you do get cold feet," Mozenrath said. He plucked up the white and gold turban and set it on his brother's head. The jaunty blue feather flowed back a little as Aladdin straightened his shoulders.
"It's time, huh?" he said, grasping the hilt of a dagger at his waist.
Mozenrath eyed it. "Where did you get that?" The dagger's sheath was inlaid with some blue metal and featured prominently on the handguard was the symbol of the Hand of Midas.
"It belonged to Father," Aladdin said. "About the only thing he personally left me." He scoffed a little. "Though a part of me would rather never lay eyes on it again."
Mozenrath rubbed his chin in thought. Something wavered before him. Not a foresight exactly but . . . . He stepped away allowing Khaleel to take his place. "Genie," he said.
"Yeah, Moz?" Genie asked.
The man winced at the nickname but let it slide. "I have a request that needs the utmost discretion."
"Certainly," Genie said.
"And I mean it," Mozenrath warned. "I thought I sensed the presence of an ancient artifact that houses an oracle among the wedding gifts earlier. It may be nothing, but I want some extra security around, just in case."
"Got it," Genie said. "I'll even see which other genies are experts in multiplying themselves to discreetly secure the parameters."
"Thank you," Mozenrath said. "As I said, it may be nothing. But I'd rather not take the chance at my brother's wedding."
"I'll take care of it." He paused. "We will be allowed to post one of our multiples in the celebrations to see the wedding and everything, right?"
"That's part of making it a discreet operation," Mozenrath said.
Genie heaved a relieved breath. "Good. I was hoping to spend the evening with Eden. She is so amazing." With that he floated off with few lovesick, aerial swoops.
"What did you do?" Khaleel asked.
"I gave him a discreet job to do," Mozenrath answered. "It may or may not prove necessary, but it could potentially give him an output for all his access energy."
"Thanks for doing that, Mozenrath," Aladdin said. "I think with him having a proper assignment, things will be better."
Mozenrath hoped that was the case. And if he was lucky, Genie would casually let it slip that a genie was on duty so that any potential troublemaker would decide it wasn't worth it.
The wedding ceremony was well under way. The prince and princess would never know that a present went missing. A masked man moved to enter the chamber that held all the gifts when one of his men grabbed his arm.
He scowled. He was so close!
The younger fellow pointed to a sentry that was passing through. But the sentry was highly unusual. He was dancing and singing under his breath, like no respectable sentry would do.
"It's a genie," the younger man said. "I heard rumors that a number of genies were in the area, but I hadn't believed it until now."
The leader sighed. One or two of his men were already agitated with him. As soon as they saw there were genies to contend with, they would retreat.
"Very well," he said. "We'll get the oracle another time. To appease the men, we'll raid the caravan outside the city wall."
"Yes, sir," the younger said. He paused before saying, "I glimpsed the groom. He has your eyes, as does one of the two men standing beside him."
"Say nothing to the men," he ordered. "None are as observant as you, and if those two young men are who I suspect . . . ."
"It wouldn't do to have the likes of Saluk know," the young man figured.
"Exactly. Now, let us leave quickly. Before we are noticed."
"Yes, Lord Cassim."
The King of Thieves cast one last look at the oracle before glancing where the ceremony was taking place. Without his men noticing, he slipped into the back of the celebrating crowd. He removed his mask and head-covering. He smiled as the young Prince Ali vowed his life to the young Princess Jasmine. Their voices rang with their commitment as their eyes shone with their love and devotion. Their sealing kiss was chaste yet passionate before they turned to accept congratulations from Agrabah's Sultan and their closest friends.
He smiled before he melted away into the shadows, securing his identity once more. He may not have been the best father, but even he knew it was bad form to miss his son's wedding.
Aladdin lightly held Jasmine to his side as he surveyed the festivities, his parents' rings gleaming on his and Jasmine's fingers. Cassim had been as good as gold while Eden watched him. Dhandi had taken a shine to the baby, keeping him entertained through much of the ceremony. The whole ceremony had gone smoothly without a single incident.
His smile dimmed when one of the genies approached Mozenrath, a genie that was also among the celebrating crowd. He dropped a kiss to Jasmine's head, promising to return in a moment. He wove through the crowd to his brother. "Is there something I should be concerned about?" he asked.
Mozenrath half-groaned as he rolled his eyes. "You weren't supposed to even notice. Wrapped up in the rose-tinted haze of newly married bliss."
"I still have street rat instincts, Mozenrath," Aladdin said. "What's going on?"
The wizard lord sighed. "You have an artifact that houses an oracle among your wedding gifts," he revealed in a quiet voice. "I just thought to have Genie discreetly patrol the area, just to make sure nothing happened. He also recruited a couple other genies to help him. I just got a final report of a group of about forty suspicious looking men leaving Agrabah."
"After leaving the wedding celebrations," Aladdin guessed.
Mozenrath scowled at him. "You are not doing anything about this until after you return from your honeymoon. It can wait until then, and only once you've returned will I give you the full report. This is yours and Jasmine's night. So get back in there and forget about this before I use a mild forgetful spell on you."
Aladdin released a long breath. His brother was right. He needed to relax, put aside the wariness and watchfulness for the evening. Hopefully for the entirety of his and Jasmine's honeymoon. Another long breath and he banished the thoughts of what Mozenrath revealed into a dark corner until much later. "Okay," he said. "Thanks for making sure nothing happened to disrupt things."
"Anything for my baby brother," Mozenrath said. "Now get back over to your wife."
Aladdin nodded with a grin, returning to Jasmine's side.
"Something that matter?" Jasmine asked.
"Nothing that won't be able to wait until our return," he said. "I've already put it aside until then."
"I'll accept that," she said, placing a kiss teasingly at the corner of his mouth.
"Alright, alright!" Genie called. "That's what I'm talking about! Everyone, give it up for the best man: Khaleel!"
Khaleel laughed as he stepped forward. "Thanks, Genie," he said. He turned to everyone present. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are all grateful that you chose to join us in celebrating two very special people, Prince Ali and Princess Jasmine." After a polite applause, he continued. "Now what I have is less a speech and more of a performance that I and a good number of honorary Ababwans have put together. You see, all of us at one point or another promised Ali, he'd have no friend like us. But the truth is, we never had a friend like him. So, Al, prepare to be blown away."
All the genies and former genies swept onto the open floor as a familiar tune started through the air. Aladdin hid his face in his hands. "What are they going to do now?"
Jasmine lightly elbowed him. "At least watch," she said as Dhandi joined them. Jasmine took Cassim as Dhandi claimed Aladdin's lap.
Some of the genies formed a line that parted to lead to Khaleel dancing. "Can your friends do this?" he sang, pointing to a side group.
The freed genies pantomimed a man protecting innocents from harm. They then leaped up pointing to the other side of the floor, all singing, "Can your friends do that?"
Another group pantomimed a hungry lad sharing his food with an equally hungry family. As one, both groups gestured to the center. "Can your friends do this from their golden heart?"
A man held a lamp, waving it about. "I wish for your freedom!"
Many of the freed genies broke out into a dance that Khaleel would have called free style. A chorus joined them singing, "We were genies of our lamps. Now we sing, rap, dance 'cause he gave us a chance." Now all the men and women become a happy swirl of colors with the occasional gleam of gold and flash of gems as they continued. "Don't sit there slack-jawed, buggy-eyed. He answered all our midday prayers. He got a bona fida certified, He got a genie for his charge d'affaires."
Gracefully they all glided, tumbled, or leaped into six different groups as they sang, "Master Aladdin here made two wishes then set us free. We're in your debt, you big nabob."
All the male genies sang, "Cause we never had a friend, never had a friend."
All the female genies trilled, "We ain't never had a friend, never had a friend."
The wizards and sorcerers chanted, "We ain't never had a friend, never had a friend."
The enchantresses and witches crooned, "We ain't never had a friend, never had a friend."
The men who turned aside all magic shouted, "We ain't never had a friend, never had a friend."
The women who gave up magic cried, "We ain't never had a friend, never had a friend."
As one they joined their voices as they once again danced in the center of the floor, "We ain't never. Had a. Friend. Like. You."
Genie and Khaleel spun to center stage, ending back to back. "We ain't never had a friend like you."
Aladdin hid his burning but smiling face in Dhandi's hair as everyone applauded the performance. He had never done it for the recognition. He just hated the thought of dooming them to more misery.
Jasmine's light kiss encouraged him to peek up even as Dhandi clapped and giggled.
"You should have at least guessed that they would eventually do something like this to thank you," she said, smiling.
"I never really thought of it," he said. "I just accepted their thanks in that moment. I thought that was enough and never considered it again."
Jasmine's smile widened as she tilted her head in consideration. "Cassim is in good hands. His father is the bravest, most compassionate, and humblest of men." She grew him further up to properly kiss him.
Aladdin smiled at her. "He is doubly so with you as his mother. The strongest, gentlest, and smartest of all."
"And don't you forget it, my husband," she teased impishly.
"Never, my darling wife," he answered, before claiming her lips as his own.
It would be hours before they retired to their new chambers to enjoy their intimate gifts with each other for the first time. But until that time, they celebrated with their family and friends, looking forward to and relishing the start of a brand new chapter.
Author's Note: I threw in a few different Easter Eggs. And also some potential for story continuation. I had to reference Aladdin and the King of Thieves, especially since as it currently stands that is the only movie sequel that has a chance of being recreated in this universe. Some day I may try to rewrite some of the tv episodes, but that will not be happening until I cut down on the number of In-Progress stories I have stored on my computer. Besides, I have one more installment before this story is officially finished.
The song and dance routine? I blame it on the number of times I listened to the final song of the soundtrack. I could perfectly, or near perfectly, re-sing a portion of "You Never Had a Friend Like Me" to the festive music, and I realized, all those freed genies would so take this opportunity to publicly thank Aladdin for what he did for them. So basically, this is the closing celebration from the live action as the credits start rolling.
And Genie dropped an Easter Egg for any Broadway fans out there. Can you spot it?
So, the final chapter/epilogue will toss us a few years into the future. Any theories or wishes for what we'll discover? I'd love to hear from you. I would also love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. Until next time.