A/N – For those who have read "Far From Agrabah" by Aisha Saeed, you'll start to see some inspiration and similarities to the novel coming up since she actually gives us an insight on Ababwa.

I also wanted to explain a bit about the chapter quality. No one has complained about it but I'm definitely self aware of the issue and wanted to explain in case there's anyone silently wondering the same thing. If you've found this story because you've read my previous one-shot/short fics, you'll notice that the quality of those is far superior than the writing I'm doing here. It's because those go through a minimum of 10 read throughs and edits where these chapters are limited to about 3 drafts. If I kept the same level of detail as I give to my short stories, I would only be able to produce one chapter a month and I guarantee the story wouldn't finish. If by happenstance I finish the story and am still eager to write for the fandom, I'll happily revisit each chapter to give it that extra quality boost. I still very much encourage criticism, I just don't want anyone that gives their advice to feel disheartened if I don't incorporate it right away. I hope you all are enjoying the writing thus far!


Chapter 6: Taste of Freedom

Jasmine ate her breakfast alone, both surprised and confused by Ali's absence. Having woke later than usual from their late-night talk, the prince had already been gone when she finally rose from bed.

"Princess Jasmine," the voice of a servant broke her thoughts. The man offered a quick bow before addressing her again. "Prince Ali requests your presence."

A surge of frustration consumed her. Until that moment, her husband had refrained from ordering her around. Jasmine scoffed, knowing that if Ali made it a habit she would force him to sleep on the balcony. When the silence grew too long she forced herself to relieve the servant. Burying her anger, she offered the man a small smile. "Where is he?"

"In the stables, your majesty."

Nodding in thanks, she finished what was left of her plate before walking towards the stables. Her memory was faulty, but she recalled the path that baba had taken her many years ago. When the scent of hay filled her nostrils, her strides increased with confidence. A few horse's nickered as she passed the stalls, while camels lifted their long necks in curiosity.

It was there that she found Ali tying supplies to his horse. The hefty bags were more than enough for a long journey and a wave of hope raced through the princess. Perhaps, she would be granted an extended period of peace without the prince.

"Where are you going?" She asked.

"Just doing some rounds." He answered before reaching for another bag. She refrained from rolling her eyes, understanding that she had likely been summoned to fulfil some trivial favor. Accepting whatever foolish task he could conjure would be the proper course of action; or at least in her father's eyes she supposed. Jasmine however, steeled herself for a quick denial. Refusing to be his servant. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest when instead he asked, "want to come?"

It took a moment for his offer to sink in. When it finally did, she glanced around to make sure he hadn't been speaking to someone else.

"Me?" she practically gasped.

"No, I was talking to the camel chewing on your dress," he retorted.

Her body flinched as she turned to see the animal in question. Ali chuckled as she jerked the cloth from its mouth.

"I warn you though, it will be an all-day affair." He explained while tightening the saddle's girth.

"You mean that you would let me go with you?" She asked again. "Outside of the palace?"

Ali looked at her in confusion, but appeared amused by her reaction. Realizing how poorly she had remained composed, her face reddened in embarrassment.

"Shall I saddle a horse for you?" he smirked. Jasmine swallowed her excitement and tried relaxing her smile.

"Please." She spoke as unenthusiastically as possible, though Ali's expression made it evident that her features betrayed her.

She watched and waited as he fetched another horse, taking careful note on how to properly tie the straps. Not that she would ever get a chance to saddle one herself. When he finished, he turned to beckon her forward.

"All yours, princess," he tossed the reins over the beast's neck. Her stomach churned as she gazed up to the horse's shoulder. Funny, she thought, they seem so much shorter from a distance. Jasmine ducked her gaze in regret, while her cheek flushed from embarrassment.

"I, um, don't know what to do," she admitted. Jasmine expected him to sneer in disapproval and angrily remove the saddle before returning the animal to its stall. Instead he merely smiled, perhaps even a bit wider than before. The prince stepped closer and began pointing to the saddle.

"Put one hand there and the other there. I'll help you up." Ali crouched to his knees and held out his palms. Following his instruction, she stepped into his hand before she was swiftly lifted into the saddle. A rush of excitement flowed through her, until she noticed the great distance below. She could have sworn the animal grew taller now that she sat upon its back. It was a strange sensation to be seated upon a live animal, feeling every movement as the horse tensed its muscles. Jasmine nearly leapt off in fright when it took a step forward.

"Relax, she can tell that you're nervous." Ali instructed before placing the reins into her hands, "Don't hold them too tight, she won't hurt you. She's one of my best mares."

He briefed her on the proper etiquette and watched her walk circles around him. At first, Jasmine despised how wide her smile was, but the elation of such a new activity overruled all distain. They never broke from a simple walk, yet it was the most invigorating experience.

"Prince Ali." The dark voice crushed the pleasant emotions in an instant. For the past month, Jasmine had managed to avoid the vizier during the same attempts to avoid the prince. It seemed that her good fortune had met its end.

Jafar's gaze narrowed as eyed the horse beneath her and Jasmine's heart fell immediately. Realizing that her adventure would be cut short. She scolded herself for not moving quicker, to get out of the gates before anyone could notice.

"Jafar," Ali nodded. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"I have simply come to remind our princess of her boundaries." Jasmine didn't realize how fiercely she gripped the reins until the horse lifted its head in discomfort. She quickly released them, but continued to glare at the vizier. Since the man's arrival in Agrabah, a dark cloud had followed. She would never forget their first meeting, how he had directly caused the kind vendor's arrest. For so long Jasmine blamed herself and when later she learned that the man had been executed, the darkness only grew. The memory stung, but she quickly banished the tears from forming. "Surely she did not forget to inform her husband of her limitations?"

"Limitations?" Ali remained polite.

"She is not to leave the palace grounds. It is, of course, for her own safety."

"Safety," he appeared to ponder. Sighing quietly, Jasmine prepared to dismount. She was surprised when the prince continued. "Do you fear your own people, Jafar?"

"There is always risk of danger," he retorted.

"Forgive me," Ali squared himself to the vizier. "But, is it not the duty of the royal vizier to maintain security with his kingdom? Are you admitting to failure, Jafar?"

Jasmine barely managed to contain a loud chuckle. However, the humor faded as the man's scowl nearly caused her to shiver. The vizier irritated her beyond belief, but seldom did he exude fear. Ali did not wait for a response before mounting his own horse, turning the animal on its heels to face him once more.

"You do not have to worry, Jafar, I assure you that Jasmine is safe with me." Ali met her gaze before urging her forward. She glanced between the two, but quickly snapped from her trance. Nudging the horse forward without question, she took one last satisfied glance at the vizier.

Ali urged them both to trot until they were outside of the gates. A few faithful guards followed closely behind, but Jasmine did not relax until they were well outside the palace walls. Their ride lasted for several minutes before she was certain that Jafar would not send his own troops to drag her back.

"Is that the princess?"

Jasmine's gaze snapped to her people. Crowds slowly began to halt as they recognized the crown at her forehead. Her heart crowded in conflict; terrified that she would be greeted with nothing but angry shouts and resentment from years of neglect. However, their fury never came. Men quickly moved to wipe the dirt from their faces before offering a bow, while women dusted their gowns to offer a smile.

"How long has it been since they've seen you?" Ali asked beside her.

"Since the queen's passing," she answered sadly. "Many years ago."

"That's a shame," he noted.

"Yes," She agreed. "Ever since then, my father has been afraid. I have been kept locked behind the palace walls ever since."

"I don't believe the people of Agrabah had anything to do with that. Why should they be punished?"

"You speak as if it is my choice." Her irritation returned.

"I was not belittling you," he replied calmly. "I meant that it is unfair that a princess is kept from her own people. How can your father expect you to rule?"

"He doesn't," she glared at him. "He expects my husband to rule."

"I see." His eyes stared in the distance and for once she was disturbed by his will to ignore her.

"I have trained my whole life, studied every book to prepare for my people. Instead, my father chose to elevate a man he had known only an hour." Her distain fell from her lips.

Ali appeared to consider her words. If Jasmine hadn't known any better, she would have thought his gaze to be friendly; to be understanding. "Have you ever been to my country?"

Jasmine wanted to sneer at the question. Only moments ago he had witnessed Jafar's attempt to cage her, he most certainly knew that she had never stepped foot outside her own kingdom. When she made it clear that she would not answer his foolish question, he continued.

"Ababwa is a thriving kingdom. There is hardly any crime and far less poverty." As he spoke he glanced to a family in tattered clothes. A mother counted the last of her coins to fill her child's belly. Disgust swelled within, but before she had a chance to argue against his criticism, he smiled sadly. "My country is also very small. My politics, my experience; I fear they would be of very little benefit to Agrabah. I don't know how to rule a place so vast. Not like you."

"What are you saying?"

"Well, I…" He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could explain her heart jumped as she caught a familiar sight.

"Wait," she gasped. Jasmine glanced over the cart; though it was worn and broken, the faded branding of the once proud jewelry cart remained. Pushing herself off the horse, she left a guard with her reins.

"Princess?" Ali called before she broke into a jog. The alley was just as dark as she remembered. As a child, she had given no thought to the dreary atmosphere; having been so focused on the display at the end. She could hear Ali keeping pace, not without a hint of concern. However, she did not stop until they emerged into the sunlight. Her eyes scanned their surroundings, taking in the memories she had clung to.

"I know this place," she breathed. Her gaze moved from the old well where she had once gathered water, to the sand that was once soaked with the blood of an innocent child. There were damaged carts and a clutter of trash that now filled the area, but the memory remained. Her knees buckled beneath her as she fell to the ground, allowing her fingers to graze the same sand she had kneeled in years ago.

"Jasmine?" Ali feigned concern as the silence grew too long.

"I was supposed to meet someone," she whispered.

"Odd place to meet," he observed.

"I once met a boy here," she answered.

"Ah, so that's why you despise me," he smirked. She met his gaze in question, surprised by his amusement. "You're afraid to disappoint your boyfriend."

"I was just a child," she rolled her eyes. Speaking as her hand explored the texture of the sand. "Two men were punishing him. I was too young to understand that he was being tortured, I only knew that he was hurting. I tried stopping them."

"You were a brave kid," he admired but she quickly shook her head.

"My mother promised that I was not to be touched by anyone," she half chuckled. "I had been so surprised when they struck me."

"I bet the queen was a force to be reckoned with."

She answered with laughter, recalling the own terror she had felt at her mother's rage. It had been the first time she had seen the queen angry and unfortunately the last.

"What happened next?"

"He left," she sighed sadly. "Before he could leave I made him promise to meet me here. I wanted to bring him medicine."

"Hmm," he mumbled in acknowledgement. The sudden silence prodded her curiosity. When Jasmine's gaze returned to Ali, she found a change in his expression. His lips curved downwards while his eyes… was that fear she saw?

"Are you alright?" She finally asked, but his gaze never left the ground. Following his stare, Jasmine's heart skipped as her eyes fell upon the whip half buried in the sand. It was dried and warn, but even now she did not doubt whose blood had stained the leather.

"What happened to this boy?" He questioned.

"I don't know," she shrugged before sighing. "I assume he died to his wounds. He was so young."

"Did you ever meet him again?"

His voice turned into something unfamiliar. Slowly, she rose to her feet. Was he truly jealous of some boy held only in her memory?

It was the perfect opportunity to fuel his envy. It would have amused her, that much was certain. However, his expression stilled her hatred for just a moment. Jasmine looked through the wall of resentment and searched further to find a familiar face. Disgust, anger, and terror. As the princess gazed upon the man, she found herself. Steeling her hatred for just a moment, she answered truthfully. "No."

"Why not?" He asked a bit harshly.

"The queen's death came only a week later. I was never allowed the chance to see him again. And what's worst, he would have never known why." She was surprised as the words passed her lips. Uncertain why she would trust him with her buried fears. Another moment passed before she found to courage to ask. "Do you think he would have forgiven me?"

"Yes," he answered without thought. After a deep sigh, he pulled his gaze from the whip to meet her.

"How do you know?" Her chin lifted.

"Because that's what I would have done." His smile returned. "Now come on, we have to check the fountain and fill some hungry bellies."

"What?" She looked to him in surprise.

"I began installing a public fountain near the orphanage, I want to see the progress."

"We have an orphanage?"

"Not a very good one. No offense." Ali watched her for any harm caused by his harsh truths. "I stopped in to visit last week, most of the children are starved."

"Jafar calls it wasted funds," she sneered in disgust. "Every time I attempt to convince my father to invest in our people, Jafar turns him against me."

"Well, when I am sultan I will do us both a favor and banish that fool," he replied.

"Really?" She watched him carefully.

"He has been relentless since my arrival," he admitted with a shiver. "Every time I find myself alone with him, I feel strange."

"How so?" She asked as they gathered the horses. Ali shook his head as they walked.

"It sounds strange but, it's almost like I lose myself." His shrug was casual, but his eyes revealed the hidden fears. "Then my head starts to hurt."

"Perhaps it's the bird. That thing smells vile," she scoffed at the thought of Jafar's pet.

"Whatever it is, I avoid him at all costs." He smirked. "I even scaled down a balcony when I heard him calling one day."

"What does he want from you?" She prodded.

"My kingdom is well defended. He wants to know to access the country. Also, for me to share our tools with Agrabah."

"What kind of tools?" She narrowed her gaze.

"Cannons, bows, swords. They're far more advanced than other countries. We have some of the finest engineers."

"Weapons?" Her heart recoiled.

"Yes," he nodded. Upon noticing her judgmental gaze, he moved to explain. "I told you, we're a small country; only a fraction of what Agrabah is. We never want to use them, but I fear that without them we would have fallen long ago."

Her glare lingered a bit longer before his eyes lit up.

"Oh, here we are."

His hand thrust in front of them, pointing to a slab of stone in the center of the street. It was sloppy and unfinished, but her eyes widened at the architecture. Ali began explaining each mechanism, though the years of education had already taught the subject. Her hands grazed the smooth stone, while she smiled at its perfection.

"It should be a good source for the kids," he explained. Jasmine gazed to him in question before he pointed to the old building nearby. The windows were boarded and the bricks were hardly holding the building together. She would have thought it to be abandoned had he not explained. "This is the orphanage."

"This?" She gasped. "This is how we house our youth?"

Ali simply replied with a nod. He was disappointed, that much was clear. To Jasmine's own dismay she had no defense for such poor conditions. A swell of disgust flowed through the princess, while her heart trembled within.

"This is not what mother wanted." The words escaped in a whisper. Swallowing against a swell of heartbreak, memories flooded her mind; reminding her of the queen's beautiful teachings. Teachings with one simple goal in mind, the very same that had driven the princess to place herself over a tortured boy. Protect our people. As Jasmine stared at the disgraceful building, shame consumed her.

"Well, princess, you can fix that." Ali surprised her by tossing a bag. Having been so lost to her thoughts, she barely caught the sack before it dropped to the ground. "Don't let them shove you around. They still need someone to keep their manners in check."

"What do you…" Jasmine began to ask before Ali opened his own bag. She gasped as her eyes fell upon the loaves of bread.

"Bread is filling, it will keep their bellies satisfied for longer."

"You've," she paused in disbelief. "You've been feeding them?"

"Yes," he answered while focusing on his work. As if on que the door to the building opened and a wave of children poured into the streets. They were a dirty bunch, with many of them covered head-to-toe in dirt. Little girls were in desperate need for a hair brush, while boys could do with a trim. And yet, every single one of them was beautiful.

"Alright, alright," Ali smiled as he was immediately crowded. The prince waited for their excitement to waver enough to invite their patience. The moment he pulled a loaf from his bag, the children closed in on him. Ali remained composed as he placed the gifts in their hands, while Jasmine stared in awe.

A tug at her dress pulled the princess from the sight. Looking down she met a pair of gentle eyes and Jasmine crouched to kneel at the boy's level.

"Hello," she greeted.

"Are you the princess?" The boy asked. Jasmine smiled, despite the dip in her chest. Of course they wouldn't know who she was, the princess thought to herself.

"Yes. And who might you be?" She asked. However, instead of answering, the child fell into her arms. She gasped at the touch but adjusted quickly to return his kind gesture. It only lasted a moment, though it was enough to place a bandage on her wounded heart. This, this was what her mother would have wanted. Jasmine's eyes closed to hide the flood of tears threatening to burst and she clung to the child for just a moment longer. When she released him, he pointed to her bag.

"Can I have some?"

"Of course!" She quickly moved to open the sack, placing a large loaf into the boy's hands. Others saw the exchange and quickly surrounded her with open palms. Jasmine struggled to keep up with the hungry hands, but their grateful smiles only encouraged her haste. When the last child left with their bread, a peaceful silence fell upon the small square as they sat together eating their small dinner.

The sound of footsteps stole her glance as she noticed a woman approaching.

"Your majesty," the woman bowed while stepping beside her. "My name is Amala, I am the caretaker of these children. I cannot tell you what it means to the children, seeing you hear."

"Oh, the pleasure is mine." Jasmine smiled to the woman. "It brings me comfort to know that the children have a guardian watching over them."

"It is I who should be thanking you." She smiled. "You have done much for us, your attention has saved at least two lives this week."

"My… Me?" The princess shook her head in confusion, yet Amala's smile only grew.

"Prince Ali told us that it was you who approved our funding."

Jasmine hoped that her surprise was not as evident as she feared. She glanced to the prince who was sharing a laugh with a group of boys. Her chest tightened, while her mind reeled in confusion.

"I must be off, princess." The caretaker dismissed herself before the princess could compose her shock. Jasmine didn't even have the chance to explain that she had nothing to do with his good deed. Of course, the act was something she had deeply desired, yet never had she been allowed the power to enact such a decision. An ounce of suspicion lingered, yet for the first time she did not feel disgust when meeting the prince's gaze.

Ali weaved through the children before standing at her side. For a moment, they stood together in silence watching the children finish their last bits of bread and her mind felt weightless as she searched for a response. Speaking to others had always been easy, especially with someone whose opinion she refused to honor. And yet, there she stood, struggling to utter a simple line of gratitude. Despite the goodness right in front of her, she searched for a ploy.

"Back home, we hold hearings once a month where citizens are welcome to come and share their needs and concerns," Ali broke the silence. "It makes them feel valuable."

"That sounds lovely," she replied with a hint of bitterness.

"I was thinking about carrying the tradition here, with your people," he watched her carefully. "If you believe it could benefit Agrabah."

Jasmine's eyes passed over the waves of children with no parents to love them, to the humble woman who cared for them. Recalling Amala's terrifying words, Jasmine's heart fell to her stomach. Without Ali's intervention, two lives would have been lost. How many others suffered just the same?

"Yes," she replied. "They need some sign of hope."

"Would you join me when they are held?" He surprised her once more.

"You want my help?"

"It is your city, princess." He smirked. "You have a right to govern it."

"Clearly you aren't familiar with how things are run here," she spoke bitterly.

"Well, considering that I will be given the rights as sultan, I grant you permission to govern it however you please."

"That should already be my right," she snapped. Ali glanced at her in surprise and his wounded gaze struck her heart.

"I never said that I disagree with that," he defended with a sigh. She swallowed against yet another wave of guilt, while her mind searched for an apology. By the time she had mustered the courage to say it, he had already moved to collect his horse. "Suns on its way down, we should head home."

"Ali," she swallowed nervously. Ali paused before turning and his attention nearly banished her courage. Before it fled entirely, she met his stare. "Thank you."

The prince flinched in surprise, but he was quick to compose himself.

"You're welcome," he nodded with a smile. Something strange stirred within her as she fell beneath his gentle stare. Casting a glance to the crowd of children that had taken to playing games in their final moments of daylight, Jasmine wondered if this was what peace felt like. Noticing that Ali's stare lingered, she ducked her gaze before walking to her own horse. Recalling his instruction, she prepared to mount.

"Jasmine, make sure to hold the reins," he warned a bit too late. With her foot already settled in the stirrup, the mare took advantage of her weakness. Jasmine gasped as she was thrown off balance while the horse took a step forward. Ali's arms were quick to stop her fall, but Jasmine's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Ordering the animal still, he caught the reins and glanced nervously between the two. "Sorry, it's a nasty habit of hers."

The mare turned her giant head to see the pair properly and Jasmine could have sworn that those large eyes appeared wounded. She chuckled at the animal. "I do believe you've offended her."

"She'll get over it," he joined in her laughter. The animal blew through her lips before shaking her large head. When a warm grasp remained, Jasmine glanced down to find an arm wrapped around her waist. The panic in Ali's eyes was almost amusing as he quickly pulled from her, mumbling an apology before rubbing his sweaty palms along his trousers. "I um, I can hold her for you. If you'd like?"

Taking the mare's reins, his eyes pointed to the saddle. Nodding gratefully, she pulled herself unto the horse's back under his watchful eye. As her feet were guided into the stirrups, she could not help but notice the slightest tremble in his hands. Biting her lip in a feeble attempt to refrain from smirking, her amusement only grew. The prince was nervous.

Ali met her gaze once more before turning towards his own mount. As she watched him bid a final goodbye to the orphans, a strange calm fell upon her. Perhaps her life would not be so terrible after all.


Review Replies

Lauren – That is awesome to hear! I'm glad that you are enjoying the way I portray the characters, that's always my top concern. Thanks for reading and leaving your comments!

Vanelopeshades – I'm glad that you enjoyed Jasmine's moment! I was concerned it might seem out of character but still a possible scenario, so I'm glad to hear your comments on that portrayal. Thanks so much for reading!

Classified Director 101 – Aw well that is great to hear! I am so glad that you are enjoying the story that much, that is a huge compliment that you've been re-reading chapters. I hope the rest of the story lives up to the hype, thank you so much for reading and leaving your comments!

KorrieChan – That is very fair criticism! If it's any consolation, chapters like that one should be minimal going forward. It was a rare last minute scene that I realized was needed so it was less crafted. I hope to revisit that chapter if I'm able to finish the story and bulk it up a bit. I greatly appreciate the honesty! I've written a note down to remember to come back to this moment. Thanks for reading!

PrimaImperatrix – I wondered if you'd enjoy the banter chapter haha! Lovely, I am so glad that you enjoyed it. I had you in my thoughts every time I crafted that section. As for the Chapter 6 comment, for the time being we can assume that all "compliments" are silly ones like the one Jasmine gave in the last chapter until further notice. However, the compliment game shall continue. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!