A/N – Those who have read "Far From Agrabah" will notice some familiar lines and names used for inspiration. Nothing major will be taken from the book, just general themes, names, landscape descriptions, and such. For anyone who hasn't read it yet, I highly recommend. It gives a pretty cool insight to Ababwa as a real place.
Chapter 10: Breaking the Walls
Jasmine hated just how much she had burdened the prince for the past couple days and the chaos only seemed to continue. Her injury stole his attention from the adoring crowds so pleased at the return of their prince. However, the moment she moved to dismount her legs collapsed beneath her. She would have flushed in embarrassment in front of the great mob, had her side not burst into a fit of agony. An excellent way to enter a kingdom, she thought to herself in irritation. However, the people's words of concern were enough to sooth her troubles.
Aladdin's arm was all that kept the princess on her feet as they walked the halls of the palace. The marble floors shone beautiful beneath the walls lined in rich minerals. She didn't even have the opportunity to appreciate its beauty as he hurried her along.
"The king didn't spare any expense, did he?" She chuckled to mask a groan.
"King Waleed liked his gold," Aladdin nodded in agreement.
"Waleed? Was that your," she paused before she could say father. However, Aladdin merely smiled.
"Yes, my adopted father. Our mountains are rich in minerals, but he shared it with the people. Our citizens are welcome to the palace whenever aid is needed."
"That sounds lovely," she stated with a hint of jealousy. A sudden chuckle from an unknown voice forced her attention up ahead.
"Not as lovely as the lady you've brought with you, Ali."
"Abbas," Aladdin smiled widely at the man. Based on the royal dressing, Jasmine quickly gathered who the man was. "It is good to see you, uncle."
"Likewise," the man bowed to them both. Jasmine did her best to smile through the pain, but it appeared that her condition was already obvious. Abbas' gaze twisted in fright before glancing to his adopted nephew. "A proper husband should be carrying his wife with such an injury."
"Yeah, I, um," Aladdin stuttered while gazing at the princess. His hesitation was nearly comically as it appeared that he had only just realized their proximity. Jasmine felt her own face blush at the suggestion, but did not know how best to describe their complicated relationship.
"It's alright, I am more than capable," she lied through clenched teeth.
"Capability does not equate necessity," the man argued with a firm gaze at the prince.
"Your concern is appreciated," the princess spoke formally to match the uncle's tone. "But I assure you I am fine."
"The healer's room is just up ahead," the prince promised.
"Oh yes, of course! Right this way," Abbas quickly ushered them down the hall. As they entered a room, Jasmine practically sighed in relief as she laid against the soft mattress. She whispered her gratitude while Abbas called for a healer. Aladdin began reaching for the make-shift bandage he had crafted for her, but halted just before his fingers grazed the skin. Glancing at her nervously, Jasmine nearly smirked at the behavior. Before she had the chance to grant the prince permission to touch a wound that he had already dressed, a woman walked through the doors with a tray of supplies.
"I thought we trained you better, prince Ali!" The healer joked, but Jasmine could see the guilt gnawing at her thief.
"He fought well," Jasmine answered for him. Aladdin met her gaze in surprise and she offered a smile. "Without him at my side I would most certainly have been taken."
"Taken?" Abbas glanced to his nephew with a hint of concern. "You were followed?"
"We lost them two nights ago. I covered our tracks," the prince assured.
"I see," the man appeared anything but relieved. "We should speak, my boy. Tell me of your journeys."
Aladdin glanced to her, while his worried eyes fell over her form.
"Go, I'll be just fine," she told him. He hesitated for another moment, before finally nodding. Abbas smiled as together they left her in the healer's care.
"Lie back, my lady," the woman commanded gently and Jasmine was more than happy to comply. She flinched as the torn fabric of her dress was pulled away and Aladdin's bandages were removed. The healer apologized but remained focused on her work; huffing as the broken skin came to view. "That boy should have known to have traveled with proper wrappings. This material is filthy; the skin is infected."
Swallowing nervously, Jasmine took a moment to gather enough courage to look upon the wound. Fighting the urge to vomit, she observed the vile pus surrounding the stitches.
"It's not his fault," she shook her head insistently. For the first time, she had despised the gift of education. Knowing just how severe her condition was. "Please, do not blame Alad… Ali."
"Not to worry, my dear. I think you will be pleased with our treatments, they are far more advanced than any other kingdom I know." She smiled proudly before uncapping a bottle of a strange blue substance. It looked unnatural, almost appearing to glow as the medicine was poured onto the skin. Had she not been so in awe, she would have argued against such an odd treatment; having never seen such a thing in any of her books.
"What is that?" She winced as the fluid flowed along the edges of her injury. Now there was no denying its appearance, the medicine truly was glowing.
"I'm sorry, princess. But I am sworn to keep Ababwa's knowledge. Only the prince is privileged to share our secrets," she explained with a smile.
"I suppose that I will have to find a way to get it out of him," Jasmine joked. The woman joined in her chuckle before preparing a clean bandage. After only a moment, the princess was amazed by the relief that the ointment had brought. The pain nearly disappeared entirely and when she glanced down at the damaged skin she released a gasp. "It's, it's gone?!"
Jasmine's eyes widened as if before her very eyes the pus disappeared while the skin softened to a natural color. Her fingers explored the wound and as they passed the stitching, the strings crumbled beneath her touch. Leaving behind nothing but a faint white scar where a bleeding edge should be.
"I told you, princess, our medicines are quite the invention." The healer smiled at Jasmine's shock, before covering the wound with a new bandage. However, she was uncertain that the new cloth was even needed.
"This isn't medicine, this is…" she paused while searching for the proper term. However, there was only one that could be deemed proper. With a shake of her head, the word fell from her lips in a whisper. "Magic."
The woman ignored the claim, while Jasmine's mind spun in both amazement and confusion. How?
"You will want to take it easy, princess. Though it appears fully healed, your body must rest and adjust to the change."
She had a difficult time believing the claim, for she felt as strong as ever. However, when she twisted in the bed to stand, she winced when her feet hit the floor. Each step became easier as she tested her body's limits. Though a discomfort remained, the nausea and pure agony had all but vanished.
"Thank you," she breathed in continued amazement.
"You are welcome, princess. A bath has been prepared for you, if you wish." The healer guided her to an adjacent room where the princess gratefully accepted the offer. A servant fetched new garments to replace the torn dress and Jasmine became awed at the comfort of Ababwa's clothing. More than once her hand came to rest at her side; ensuring that the healing was not a fluke. After finishing her bath, the princess walked the halls; shaking her head in confusion. What was this place?
Muffled voices caught her attention as she searched for the prince. Upon nearing an open door she could make out Aladdin's voice, joined shortly after by the man named Abbas. Her hand had been raised to invite herself in as they discussed the state of Ababwa's country. However, she froze as the uncle's tone lowered.
"So I must know," Abbas began. "You left our kingdom to greet an old friend. You can imagine my amazement when I received your letter informing us of your marriage."
"You weren't the only one to be taken by surprise," Aladdin began to chuckle before falling silent.
"Do not misunderstand me, Ali. Your bride is lovely, but you must admit the suddenness is a bit…" Abbas appeared to struggle for words. "Alarming."
"I know, I know," he grumbled in reply. "I didn't plan any of this. The moment I arrived, the sultan practically begged for me to marry her; his advisor too. I knew that they were up to something, especially when the vizier kept prying. But, I couldn't understand why they were so interested in our country."
"Ababwa has faded into legend, boy. You know that. It interests all."
"This felt different. It was like Jafar knew all along that the kingdom was real."
"Hmm," Abbas pondered before shrugging their worries off. "I would not think too much of it, boy. He is probably just a fan of a good tale. Now, tell me, what is your bride like?"
Jasmine could hear the faint sigh at the other edge of the door.
"She can't stand me."
Her heart fell at the claim. Surely he did not think such a thing? After all, they had come so far in the past week. Then again, she recalled her conversation with Dalia. Though the handmaiden had attempted to joke, Jasmine had spoken truthfully before departing from Agrabah. Their time together had been out of necessity. Jasmine tried to envision their path had she not discovered his true identity. Certainly, her heart had begun to soften for the prince, but it had only melted for the thief. Given time, she was certain that his true nature would be discovered and that she would come to the realization she had upon entering the kingdom. However, the question remained, weighing heavily upon her heart. Would he believe it?
"Come now, Ali," Abbas could not restrain his laughter. "Why would she marry you if she did not care for you?"
"Because she didn't have a choice." The answer was so quiet Jasmine would not have known the words had they not been speaking of her.
"So you mean... Ali, you didn't? You forced the marriage?! What on earth was in your head, boy?!"
"I had no choice," Aladdin defended desperately. "I mean, at least I don't think… I, I don't know."
The prince paused as his voice broke ever so slightly.
"I denied the sultan at first, but then I met the others; the suitors. They were all standing together; some talked about all the ways Agrabah would benefit their kingdom, while others… They envisioned their wedding night."
Both men were well out of her sight, but Jasmine could only imagine the expression as his voice twisted in disgust. It took another moment to understand the gravity of his tale. When his words sunk in, her heart leapt into her throat.
It had already been known that most princes who had gathered for her hand sought ulterior benefits. And yet, hearing aloud just how awful her suitors had been, struck every emotion known to the princess. Her hands began to hurt from her fierce grip, while her stomach twisted in disgust.
"I couldn't let them," he whispered.
Her heart had enough as she forced herself backwards. Countless emotions rattled her entire being as she fought a new wave of sickness. She felt angry at the suitors, but even more-so towards her father for nearly giving his only daughter to them. There was terror at how close she had been to entering a truly hopeless marriage. And then there was guilt; so much guilt. It paralyzed the princess as she was punished by her own heart with harsh imagery. Imagery of herself wielding unnecessary blows to her prince. To her thief. All along he had been holding a shield the other way to protect her. In return, she had struck at his blindside. What had she done?
Jasmine searched for a private room where the emotions could be released without stirring attention. However, she only made it a few steps before something fell upon her shoulder.
"Ah!" Jasmine could not contain her yelp as she leapt away from the contact. An action that reminded her just how severe the injury had been. Ignoring the throb in her side, she relaxed as her eyes fell upon the small monkey gazing up in confusion. It chittered with a tilt of its head, as if mocking her overreaction.
"Jasmine!" Together with his uncle, Aladdin burst through the door and into the hallway.
"It's alright," she breathed a sigh of relief. Hoping her blush was not evident, she drew attention to the tiny creature. "This little guy attackedme is all."
"Abu!" Aladdin's expression glowed at the sight of the animal and Abu leapt with equal vigor into his master's arms. She smiled as the monkey hastily burrowed into the man's neck while Aladdin aggressively pet his friend. "I missed you too, buddy."
"I warned you not to leave him behind," Abbas chuckled. "He has been in quite the state since your departure."
"I'm sorry!" Aladdin chuckled as the monkey chirped angrily. "I didn't think that I would be away so long."
"Shall I fetch a servant to prepare a meal? You both must be hungry."
"Actually, I plan to retire early tonight. Our travels were taxing, to say the least." He half chuckled, but only Jasmine could see the hidden sorrow still resting at his shoulders. "I am sure Jasmine would like to eat."
"I think I will accompany you," she quickly met his gaze. Though her stomach revolted against the denial, she could not possibly part with her prince just yet. Not with so much left unspoken.
"I shall have a meal sent to your room then," Abbas bowed with a smile. "It is good to see you home, my boy."
Aladdin nodded with a smile before meeting her gaze. "Shall we?"
Before they began their walk, Abu leapt to her shoulder. Jasmine flinched in surprise but quickly relaxed as he settled there.
"He won't hurt you," he smirked at her reaction.
"I sleep with a tiger," she reminded with a smirk. "I think I can handle a little monkey."
Aladdin said nothing, though her stare lingered in curiosity as he struggled to hide his mischievous smile. Abu crawled behind her neck before return to his master's shoulder. The thief's hand came up to the monkey and the creature placed a necklace in his palm. Her necklace.
"How did…" Her hands moved to her neck to confirm it had been stolen. By the time she was glaring at the prince, he released his laughter.
"Still think you can handle him?" He chuckled while holding out the necklace for her to take. She narrowed her gaze at the pair, but smiled nonetheless.
"Very funny," she mocked. "Am I going to have to watch my back the entire time we are in Ababwa?"
"And Agrabah," he nodded while stroking the monkey's chin. "I won't leave you behind again."
"Rajah will love the company," she chuckled as Aladdin opened a door for her.
The prince's room was much smaller than she imagined and far more reserved than her own. Abu took his place at a small bed made just for him, while his master reached for a pillow before plopping it on the floor.
"You're not sleeping on the floor?" Her brow raised, searching for some sort of alternative bedding.
"Believe me, princess. I've slept in worst conditions." He smirked while retrieving a blanket.
"Aladdin," she sighed. "This is your room. I can take the floor."
"Not a chance," he spoke a bit firmly before noticing her sullen expression. His eyes drifted to her waist, where he quickly changed the subject. "How are you feeling?"
Her hand moved to the spot where the arrow had pierced her flesh. "I'm fine."
Jasmine debated confronting him over the magical ailments. However, as he began to turn towards his pathetic bedding, her heart pounded in unnecessary panic.
"Aladdin," she stopped him with a whisper. The moment he met her gaze she forgot why she stopped him, or more accurately she hadn't ever known.
There was so much to say and yet Jasmine felt lost for words as the gravity of everything fell upon her shoulders. The prince watched her, waiting for her to speak. She stared into the depths of his patient eyes, growing ever more certain that he might just forgive her for the cruel treatment. Ignoring his surprise, she stepped forward and hugged him.
Aladdin tensed the moment their bodies collided. While she waited for his arms to come around her, her heart stung when they never moved.
"I was told to never touch the princess," he reminded with a smirk.
"I had told you that I didn't mind," she remembered with a smile, but Aladdin's voice fell into a whisper.
"That permission was given to the boy," his arms remained at his side. "Not the prince."
Jasmine's arms tightened around his neck, while her lips parted in preparation to remind him that she welcomed his touch. But, she knew the truth. Recalling their time together since the wedding, she could feel nothing but remorse for her actions. Would he even believe her if she spoke the same words that she had as a child? Would he truly believe her?
"I'm sorry," she whispered into his shoulder. It felt as weak as the tremble in her voice, though no other words would come to her. She could feel him swallow before pulling from her arms. Her eyes closed to combat the sorrow of his rejection; no matter how deserved it was. Then, she felt his warm hands at the sides of her face.
Aladdin was hesitant as his thumbs grazed her cheeks, leaving behind a trail trembling skin. Her heart fluttered as his warmth crept closer and she forgot to breath as his lips fell upon her forehead.
It was as innocent as the kiss he had given her the day they met. Yet, even then her heart had not threatened to leap from her chest. Her eyes opened as she felt him depart. Jasmine felt frozen under his tender stare, even after he stepped backwards with a smile.
"Until tomorrow, princess."
Review Replies
Mkhishe3429 – I am so glad to hear that, it still worries me some days but as we get further along in the story I continue to be hopeful that I'll be able to get through the entire story. I really don't like leaving stories unfinished. Thank you for the lovely compliments and I am glad that you are enjoying the story!
Denz-El – Layl will be missed, but I am glad that you are still enjoying the story! I figured we had enough evidence from the movie that both Aladdin and Jasmine were the humble type. Particularly with Jasmine's desire to be with her people and how she acted during her journey to the market. Also, *high fives* Peace be with you, fello Catholic! I appreciate your willingness to be patient for the upcoming chapters, I'll do my best to keep the pace of each release date manageable. Thanks for reading and God bless!
Detail – Yes it was! Good catch!
Alysscassandra – Aww thank you very much! Honestly, it just takes practices. I go back and read some of my first story and I just want to vomit haha Man it was bad… But, that's how you learn! I still think I have a long way to go but I appreciate your lovely positivity and compliments! I'm glad that the different genres are blending nicely. Thanks again for reading and reviewing!
KorrieChan – Awesome to hear! I am glad you liked it and I hope you enjoy Ababwa! If you're interested, I would definitely recommend checking out Aisha Saeed's book that I mention at the beginning of the chapter. I think you'll like her take on Ababwa. Thanks for reading
Annunminuialiel – Awesome, I love hearing that! Glad you are still enjoying the story and I'm honored that you have read some chapters multiple times! One of my primary goals is to keep the characters believable, so I'm glad to see that you think they are in character. Thanks for reading!
