Chapter 8: A Dangerous Road

Jasmine felt practically giddy as she watched over the horses. Ali had taught her how to properly saddle them and by the week's end she had mastered the task. The animals didn't even falter under the weight of their supplies; packing just enough to last them the two-day journey to Ababwa. He had warned her more than once that the travels would be hot and taxing, but the thrill of seeing new lands fueled her excitement. No matter the cost, nothing could stop her from joining the prince.

"Rajah isn't going to like this," Dalia complained with her arms crossed. "He turns into a monster when you're not around. What will he become when your gone for weeks?"

"Rajah likes you," Jasmine smirked.

"He tolerates me, there's a difference."

"I have faith that you can manage," the princess smiled before turning to double check the array of straps. "Besides, Ali wore him out this morning. It's oddly entertaining to watch a grown man attempt to wrestle a tiger."

Jasmine chuckled at the recent memory, but felt odd when her friend failed to join. She glanced up to meet Dalia's mischievous smile.

"What?"

"You've been spending a lot of time with him lately," she pointed.

"Yes, I've been helping him feed the children at the orphanage," Jasmine shrugged.

"And taking strolls together," the handmaid smiled wider.

"It's the only way Baba will allow me outside the palace," she argued with a smirk.

"Sure, sure. You only spend time together out of necessity," Dalia rolled her eyes before patting Ali's gelding. The horse happily nudged against the contact. Jasmine narrowed her eyes in a playful threat, but the handmaiden ignored her subtle warning. "He's quite handsome, isn't he?"

"The horse?" She ignored the obvious bait.

"You know, dodging the question only helps my case."

"It's difficult to tell if I'm actually going to miss you," Jasmine lied with a chuckle.

"I don't think you realize how sore you are going to be." To her relief, Dalia changed the subject. "You've hardly ever ridden."

"I've been practicing," Jasmine argued. Since Ali's invitation only a week ago, she had taken to visiting the stables more often. By day three, the mare had finally taken to her new owner.

"For no more than an hour each day," her friend mocked playfully. "I give it four hours before you have Ali carrying you."

"I have my own legs," Jasmine narrowed her gaze.

"I give that another hour."

"Do you truly think that I am so frail?" The princess raised her brow. Dalia made a face before nodding furiously; a jest that only the handmaiden could get away with. The two women shared a final laugh before returning to the task at hand.

"You are coming back, right?" Dalia grew serious.

"Of course," Jasmine gazed to her in confusion. "Why would I not?"

"I, I found your maps," she admitted. Jasmine swallowed roughly, having almost forgotten about her secret quest. The week had been filled with preparations for their trip, with little time and will to continue planning her escape.

"Dalia, I…"

"Princess." Jafar's voice halted their conversation in an instant. Jasmine glared at the vizier's interruption, but the man ignored her displeasure. He glared at the handmaiden before waving his hand as if dismissing a loyal pet. "I have some parting words to share with our princess."

Almost instantly Dalia began to retreat. Jasmine quickly halted her with a hand at her arm, sneering at the vizier for ordering her friend to part so quickly. "We'll discuss this when I return. I promise."

Dalia smiled lightly at the reassurance, before falling into her friend's embrace. Jasmine clung to her for a moment, before Jafar's parrot croaked.

"Move along." Iago clicked his beak. She wanted to throw a rock at the vile creature, but Dalia obeyed Jafar's impatience. As the handmaid departed she turned to glare at the vizier.

"I have been informed that you are to travel without guards?" Jafar's voice sent a chill down her spine.

"Ali is certain that the path is safe," she argued.

"Yes, but his confidence might just be his downfall," he stepped closer. "His foolishness could cost the life of the princess."

"Don't pretend that you have ever held a single care over my safety," she replied coldly.

"On the contrary." His eyes glanced down upon her. Jasmine fought the swell of disgust as she was trapped beneath his gaze. "You are a valuable asset to my plans."

"Bold of you to admit that you are plotting behind our backs," she narrowed her gaze but he merely smiled wickedly. His fingers tightened around his staff and she could have sworn she saw the eyes of the serpent glow.

"As if Hamed would believe a word you say. He ignored his daughter's pleas when he forced her to marry. Even I see the cruelty behind his actions."

"Please," she scoffed. "You wanted this to happen."

"You assume much, princess," he glared. "What I truly...desire."

The way his eyes seized up and down her body as he paused sickened her.

"Well, let's just say that it is unfortunate that even I am unable to convince the sultan of certain things. Convincing the marriage was simply an alternative solution."

"You're despicable," she spat. He didn't even appear phased before continuing.

"Ali turned out to be quite invaluable to me," his expression turned dark. He appeared to ponder as he spoke slowly. "I had been so disheartened when he first declined your father's proposal, but he returned shortly after to accept the marriage."

Jafar sighed dramatically, but Jasmine failed to recover from his claim. Ali had refused the marriage?

"Yet, the rat refuses to share Ababwa's magic. So much promise, lost."

"I never took you for one to believe in fairytales," she scoffed at his discussion of magic. "There's no such truth."

"We shall see," Jafar gloated before offering a cruel smile. "But, no matter. It truly would be a shame if he were to perish in the desert. It is a long, dangerous road, princess. Anything could happen."

A surge of fear flowed throw her. Jasmine stiffened her posture, doing all that she could to show her strength. "Is that a threat?"

"I am simply making observations, princess." She hated the way he chuckled. Before leaving, he met her stare. "Have a safe trip, your majesty."

His tone rattled every inch of her spine as the vizier practically glided away. Her mind rang in alarm, but she fought against the foolishness. Jafar was a snake, but he wasn't a murder. Was he?

A new round of footsteps sent Jasmine's heart racing, but she quickly settled when Ali stepped into view. Her entire body relaxed as he smiled. It didn't even occur that the sudden comfort could possibly have anything to do with the prince's presence.

"You look nervous," he observed.

"And you look like a commoner," she smirked at his outfit. He wore simple clothes and a vest with more pockets than could ever be necessary.

"That's the idea. Makes it easier to get around without worrying if a thief is after your pockets." He explained with a chuckle. "If you look like you have nothing, you are treated as nothing."

"And you failed to tell me that information?" She looked down at her bright and oh so obvious royal dress.

"It wouldn't matter what you wear, you'll always be a target. No set of clothes could strip you of your beauty."

"Charming," her brow narrowed, though not without a hint of playfulness.

"Now, for the important question." He stood before her seriously. She almost tensed at his behavior before he produced two small jars. "Date or yam?"

"What?"

"What flavor should we bring?" He shook the jars of jam to bring them attention. She narrowed her gaze once more, but her smirk ruined her façade.

"I don't care."

"You're right, we should bring both," he nodded before turning to his horse. "What do you think, Layl? Can you handle the extra weight?"

The horse blew through his nose as if the creature could understand its master. Jasmine smile at the pair, before petting her own mare.

"Isn't he getting too old for a trip like this?" Jasmine gazed at Ali's horse; observing the streaks of grey fur hiding amongst the black ones.

"We've been through much together, I lost count how many times he has saved my life," Ali patted the large neck. "I would never dream of replacing him."

"Ah, so you have a risky past do you?" she challenged.

"In my defense, I never caused the trouble. It just sort of found me," he shrugged before sparing her a glance. "Time to mount up, princess. It will be a long journey.


Jasmine hated how right Dalia had been. By the time night began to fall, it felt as if every inch of her body ached. Her skin was coated in a thick coat of sweat and she desperately wished that the desserts had baths. Or at the very least an oasis at every mile.

"We can camp here for the night." Ali spoke as the sun fell to the horizon. It almost irritated her that the prince appeared entirely unscathed from their ride.

"Here?" Jasmine scanned their surroundings. "There's no cover, what if bandits find us?"

"Bandits?" he scoffed. "Not too worry, princess, I happen to be well versed in handling a blade."

"I'm sure you could handle an army by yourself?" She teased with a hint of seriousness.

"My people do say that I'm strong as ten regular men." He boasted before helping tie her horse.

"And yet you couldn't even dominate a Bengal tiger," she reminded with a smile.

"That doesn't count. He bit my arm, that was a cheap move." He explained before carrying on a bit more sincerely. "No one travels this road without the intent to travel to my kingdom and since I am the only one with a map to Ababwa, we will find no visitors along our path."

As he began to set up a fire, Jasmine's eyes fixated anxiously on the path behind them. Unable to shake Jafar's taunt, she shivered at how easily they could be taken. As minutes passed with no movement in sight, she finally allowed herself to relax. Perhaps it all had been a cruel joke after all.

"Princess, you might want to stay close to the fire. There won't be a moon to guide you back." Ali warned.

"A curious time to travel," she mocked playfully while glancing at the dark moon. Returning to the camp, she offered her mare an apple before Layl forced his head into her arms. She laughed at the gelding before retrieving another treat; beginning to understand Ali's fondness for the old gelding. After both horses were satisfied, she took her place near the warm flames.

"It's the perfect time to travel for one who knows the way," he defended before offering her a smile. "More assurance that no bandits will be around."

"Or it gives them a hiding place."

"I know the type; thieves and bandits. They wouldn't dare risk falling to quick sand, it's such a boring way to go."

"Hmm," she lifted her chin. "Sounds like you have some interesting friends."

"Everyone has a past."

"And?"

"I'm not sure you're ready to hear about that, princess." He simply smirked, though she could see a hint of shame beneath those eyes. Her gaze fixated upon the man encouragingly, though his expression refused to falter. It only took a moment to realize that Ali would not grace her with such an answer that night. Behind them a bird cawed into the moonlight before she settled upon a different subject.

"Fine, then tell me about Ababwa."

"Well, it's young as far as countries go. The king told me that our history began about a thousand years ago. The legends say that it was two brothers who claimed the land and together they built it upon magic."

The princess giggled at the notion. "Right, and I suppose the part about it being built within a single day is true too?"

"Sadly, princess, I am not a thousand years old to have witnessed the moment," he shared in her laughter. "But, one thing that was always passed on from our very first king was the idea of a perfect kingdom. Even today, we have little crime and solutions for every problem. I mean, sure the land is beautiful, but the people are even more so. It is… truly perfect."

He sighed at the comment.

"Why do you sound disappointed?" Her brow raised in question.

"I am… was, expected to carry on the king's legacy. A legacy of a perfect kingdom. Most of my life has been spent living in fear that I would be the one to destroy all their work. Failure is easy when you have no room to grow."

She waited a moment before replying. "You have already helped our kingdom in many ways. I do not think that would be your fate."

"I just… The life of a prince was never something I believed could happen." His eyes glossed over the fire, before he snapped from his thoughts. "I mean, I always thought the king's brother, Abbas, would assume the throne. He's still young and far more experienced. I've never felt fit to rule anything."

"I think you're being too critical," she assured.

"It's not just that," Ali shook his head, before sighing deeply. Jasmine waited patiently, while the prince sorted his thoughts. After the silence grew awkward she decided to press once more.

"What troubles you?"

"I don't know how to explain it," he shook his head while searching for an answer. "When I'm in Ababwa, I feel… like it's all just a dream. It's beautiful, but it has always felt too good to be true. The moment I arrived in Agrabah, it felt like the first time that I was truly alive. I know it sounds foolish."

"I suppose I could see how you feel that way," she shrugged. "Agrabah has so many flaws, without them, I suppose I might share your fears. Well, if I were permitted to rule."

"If you were sultana, what would be your first act as ruler?"

The question surprised her. No one had cared for her opinion; it was a fact she had grown accustom too. For years, she sorted through countless ideas on how to improve her beloved country. Yet, she had never known if her wishes were even feasible. She smirked to herself, realizing that she too had been living in a dream world.

"I don't know," she finally admitted.

"Would you search for your missing friend?" He asked playfully.

"My missing friend?" she paused before meeting his gaze in confusion. "You mean the boy from the market?"

Ali raised his brow as if the answer had been obvious. Jasmine had to refrain from laughing.

"You are truly jealous of a nameless orphan boy?" She had meant it playfully, though the sudden jolt from the prince surprised her. Regret struck her immediately as she recognized her error.

"Right. Orphaned children aren't worth the trouble," he stated dryly. Jasmine swallowed hard, thinking of each-and-every beautiful child whom she had come to know throughout the week.

"You know that I care about those children," she stated sternly with a shake of her head. "Just as I cared for that boy."

"He was a thief," he pointed evenly. Even Jasmine was surprised to hear the disgust in his tone. "A good for nothing street rat with no place in society."

Jasmine's mouth fell open in shock. The words stunned the princess as she glared at the prince. She searched and failed to find his reasoning for the sudden outburst. His eyes fell to her, carefully watching every reaction.

"A boy like that is not worth remembering," he stated cruelly. The words would have enraged the princess, had there not been a swell of tears building within his eyes. Shaking her head slowly, she once again failed to process his intentions.

"Of course he is," she whispered. Her answer seemed to surprise him as he blinked away his own tears.

"Why?" He finally asked. Jasmine stared in awe as she began to understand his tone. He was testing her; he wanted her to defend the boy. But why?

"He was broken, but beautiful. He was kind," her voice caught; terrified that she would fail to mount a proper defense for her friend. Jasmine had hardly known the boy, yet she had known enough. He was one of her people, damaged in a land that was his home. Not only was it her duty to love him, it was her will. "He was perfect."

Ali's gaze softened at her defense, but the memories continued to stun her. She recalled the way the boy had asked if she would lead one day. With a tone that suggested that the very concept brought him hope. The princess fought against the tears that desperately wished to release.

"He believed in me," she shook her head in disbelief. "And I failed him."

To her relief the prince humbled at her speech, offering a gentle smile.

"It should be you," he spoke quietly. She met his gentle gaze and stared at him in confusion. "Your people deserve a leader that loves them as much as you do. It should have always been you."

Jasmine locked her gaze to the man beside her and she could not help but feel astounded at how the man could continue to surprise her.

"You are so strange," the words escaped in a whisper. Ali simply smirked before returning his gaze to the fire.

"And here I thought you were getting better at our compliment game."

"It is a good thing," she chuckled. "You are unlike any other prince that I have met."

"I am pretty great," he nodded in agreement.

"Ali, don't ruin it," she argued playfully. Ali smiled as he appeared to ponder something. A moment later he swallowed nervously.

"Can you do something for me?" Had his tone not turned so seriously, she would have searched for another jest. However, given his nervous expression, she met his gaze carefully.

"What is it?"

"Call me Aladdin," he finally spoke. The princess flinched at the request in surprise.

"Aladdin?"

"It's my birth name," he explained. "Given to me by my mother. It's far more precious to me."

"The queen gave you two names?"

For a moment, he hesitated before replying. "The queen was not my mother, nor was the king my father."

Her mind spun as she stared at him dumbfounded.

"Then who is prince Ali?" she stared at him in confusion.

"I am. I…" Ali, no, Aladdin stiffened while his eyes widened. His head turned very slightly before quickly returning to playing with the fire. Jasmine noticed however, that his body never relaxed. "We are being watched."

Jasmine could not help but flinch, her head began to turn in search of others.

"Can you ride bareback?" He whispered.

"I've never done it before," she admitted. Behind them, the bird cawed again, only this time she could notice its false tone. Jasmine felt foolish, now hearing how obvious it was that the sound belonged to a man.

"When I stand, take my hand and stay close. When you're on, stop for nothing." He ordered gently.

"Where do I go?" She whispered. Her body began to tremble as adrenaline coursed through her veins.

"Your horse knows the way," he answered quietly. Jasmine nodded, recalling that the mare had come from Ababwa. Following Aladdin's lead, they stood together and walked as casually as possible towards the horses. Mounting was far more difficult without a stirrup to lift herself and she began to panic when she failed to mount. The horse tensed at the repeated failures and her heart began to race when she finally heard the hasty footsteps nearing.

"Go!" A strong pair of hands pushed her up onto the animal and Jasmine nearly fell immediately when Aladdin slapped the horse into movement. Her hands gripped the mare's neck before she managed to regain her balance. The ride would have been terrifying without the security of a saddle, had there not already been a level of urgency as she heard the beat of hooves closing in behind them.

She attempted to glance back, only to see Aladdin barely manage to parry a blow. His horse trotted around him, using his large body to protect the prince. Jasmine wanted to shout as more men moved in on him, while his horse squealed in pain as sharp metal pierced its leg. She pulled at her own horse's neck, but with no bridle to aid her commands the mare refused to stop the blistering pace.

It was terrifying to sit upon the racing animal in pure darkness. More than once she had feared falling, however each time she managed to regain her balance. The hoof beats following seemed to fade behind her and for one relieving moment she had thought they had out run the invaders. Then, an arrow pierced her side.

With a scream, she fell to the ground; thankful for the sand's gentle catch. Pain, so much pain erupted where the arrow burrowed into her skin. Having become so focused on the throbbing at her stomach, she nearly forgot about the approaching footsteps.

"Fool! Our orders were to return her unharmed!"

"I was aiming for the horse!" A man defended.

"Curse your aim!" Another shouted. "Is the prince taken care of?"

"He's being dealt with. Tie her hands and cauterize the wound."

Cauterize? She knew the term, but she could only image what agony it would bring.

"No, please," she gasped through her pain.

"Quiet girl."

She could do nothing as her body was pulled roughly, groaning as a man stood above her. When Jasmine's eyes fell upon the arm reaching for the arrow, they closed as she braced for yet another wave of pain.

More shouts erupted around her as once more the clang of metal rang into the night. She opened her eyes to see the man above fumble for a knife before an enormous body collided into him. Aladdin jumped off the horse, leaving the animal to practically trample the man.

"Jasmine!" He gasped. The princess winced as his arm caught the nock of the arrow and even in darkness she could see his distress. Aladdin adjusted his position quickly to avoid the injury. The pain grew once more as she felt herself being lifted from the ground. Groaning aloud, she did all that she could to avoid screaming.

"I'm sorry," he whispered again and again. Jasmine's hand moved to clasp his own, both to brace him through the waves of agony and to offer whatever comfort it could provide. She wanted to shake her head, to tell him to not be so foolish as to blame himself for her own torment. However, the agony from the arrow refused the chance for words.

Jasmine's vision became fuzzy as he carried her away; calling for both horses to follow. Unable to focus on anything but the pain, her head fell limp against Aladdin's neck; fighting consciousness for as long as her mind would allow. The last thing she could comprehend, was the blurry image of a bright jewel falling over the folds of his shirt. Even given the obstacles of night and the slightest bit of light from the surrounding fallen torches, her heart fluttered in recognition. Noticing that it had been one that she had parted with so very long ago. A jewel of a teal tiger.


Review Replies: (I just realized that FF has been deleting some usernames, please don't hesitate to tell me if your name is missing on any of the previous chapters.)

Lauren – That is always such a lovely thing to hear that my updates are exciting for a reader! I am glad that I'm able to give you these chapters! I am also glad to hear that you think the pace is going well, It's been one of the more difficult obstacles I've found with this particular story. Trying to avoid keeping it too fast or too slow. Thanks again for your lovely comments and I hope you enjoy the future chapters!

Writer w passion – I am glad that you like the idea! Thank you for your lovely comments and I hope I can develop the pair's relationship well going forward. Thank you again for reading and reviewing!

Lynnell246 – That's very fair to have that opinion! In some ways, that was meant to be the point, for Jasmine to realize how ridiculous she is being which we'll actually touch on in the future. Though, as an explanation/defense to her behavior, she has never met a prince that didn't have alternate goals in mind. It's either the novelization or "Far from Agrabah" where she says a line referencing two types of princes. I can't remember the exact lines but it was basically two different types of cruel. So in her mind, she refuses to think Ali's kindness is anything but an act but in chapter 7 we see her start to realize, maybe there's a third type of prince. ;) I think you'll start to like the chapters coming up, as Jasmine has moved on from being so cold. Thank you for the honesty and I'd love to hear any further thoughts! I think I'll do a complete read through if I finish the story and double check the pace and perhaps make some edits if it feels off.

Monica . bazinga (I spaced this out so FF would allow me to post your name) Aw thank you so much! I am so glad that you get excited with each update! That's one of my favorite things to hear. The fandom is indeed small, but there's been a good group of people commenting and conversing on it between this site and a03. So it's been great so far, it's always encouraging to keep writing! That's totally fine that you're unable to post a review every chapter, I appreciate you reading and leaving your thoughts when you feel compelled to! Thanks again!

Annunminuialiel – Thank you very much! I'm glad that you've enjoyed the story so far and how the characters are written! I hope the rest of the story is just as enjoyable!