A/N – I apologize for the extra length of waiting time, but I wanted this chapter to be well done. So hopefully you guys enjoy yourself! Heads up, next chapter is planned to be a bit shorter than usual.


Chapter 12: In Another World

Jasmine woke half blissfully. Her head rose and fell with the gentle rhythm of the thief's breath, while her hip began to bruise from the hard floor. At her back, Jasmine could feel Aladdin's gentle strokes through the fabric of her gown as the memories of the prior night returned. She recalled the excitement of exploring the city, the amazing array of shops, and the beauty of its landscape. Yet, none of the day's pleasantries came close to the gift he had given her that night.

Jasmine faintly recalled lying sleepless upon the bed, before her anxious heart forced the move to the floor. She remembered debating the action for so long, foolishly fearing his displeasure as the princess crawled beside the resting thief. And she recalled smiling as his arms had snaked around her while she fell to a blissful slumber.

"The floor is hard," Jasmine groaned as her hip throbbed in protest.

"That would be why I gave you the bed," he remarked with a small chuckle. A moment later she felt his lips against her forehead.

"How have you been doing this?" She attempted to adjust to relieve her aching hip.

"If you only knew of the places I slept during my years on the streets," he smirked. "You'd find this floor to be a blessing. Though, you also wouldn't come near me ever again."

"Cockroaches for bunkmates?" She joked but her head shook with his scoff.

"Please, I've eaten cockroaches. It's scorpions that you need to watch out for," he admitted. Jasmine's eyes snapped open as she moved to gaze at the prince. She was only disturbed when his calm expression remained, before Aladdin merely smirked. "Relax, it's not as bad as it sounds. Once you get past the legs, it's like a crunchy sandwich."

"Aladdin," she couldn't determine whether or not to scold him for taking the claim so lightheartedly. How many others suffered just as he?

Her hand was captured by his own, but the emotions refused the joy of feeling his kiss at her palm.

"It's been a long time since I've had to resort to such means," he assured. Though she nodded in appreciation, Jasmine could not shake the overwhelming weight of her kingdom's state. Since her father refused to bear it, she had no choice but to accept the burden of Agrabah's suffering.

"Our people," she whispered her troubles aloud.

"Are strong," he stated firmly. "They will endure while we figure out how to provide for them."

"We should return home," she sighed against his chest. The thief's fingers traced her cheek before lifting her chin. The moment his lips graced her own, her heart found a bit of peace. She nearly groaned when he parted far too quickly.

"Not until you've healed," he stated sternly.

"I feel fine," she assured.

"Is that why you were holding your side last night?" His brow raised and she flushed in embarrassment.

"If you noticed, why didn't you offer to carry me?" She challenged playfully, though Aladdin merely chuckled.

"I had no desire to be slapped," he groaned in discomfort as he sat up. While the princess rose with him, her own body protested the movement. "So princess, what would you like to do today?"

"I think you already know the answer to that," she smirked, thinking of the countless maps waiting to be explored in the cartography shop.

"Anything the lady wants," Aladdin chuckled while rising from the floor. As he helped the princess to her feet, she could not help but ask.

"How long before we can return home?"

"Tired of Ababwa already?" he raised his brow.

"You know my worries," she reminded. Aladdin nodded in understanding.

"We'll visit the healer today, but there is no telling what our journey home will bring." He spoke seriously. "Jafar is likely waiting for us. We should enjoy these moments, while we have them."

Jasmine sighed before nodding. However, it wasn't until she felt a pair of warm hands cup the sides of her face before she finally smiled. Her gaze lifted to meet his own and she welcomed another kiss. It was slow and short however, but it was enough to lift her spirits.

"Everything will be okay," he promised against her lips. "Trust me, princess."


Two Weeks Later

Jasmine sprawled the endless array of maps along the table of Ahmed's shop. Even after spending hours upon hours in the store, she still managed to find something new. There was no plan as she read each page, searching over lands she could never visit. There was simply the joy of expanding her mind.

Aladdin groaned as he entered the shop and Jasmine noticed the way he held his neck.

"What's wrong?"

"My neck is starting to really protest sleeping on marble," he groaned while rubbing his back.

"You'll get no sympathy from me," she smiled. "I gave you permission to rest beside me days ago."

"I can't do that, princess." He smirked. "You would be unable to resist me."

Jasmine could not help but blush. Though her offer had been one of pure innocence, her stomach churned at the knowledge that they had been bound in marriage for nearly two months. And yet, despite the great fondness she had found for her prince, she could not help but feel that something was missing.

"Or I would tire of your snoring and recant my offer," she masked her concern without looking up from her work.

"I don't snore," he scoffed.

"You sound so confident," she smiled as he stepped beside her.

"You would have killed me the first night." His lips grazed the side of her head. As she fell back against Aladdin's chest, his arms hesitantly snaked around her belly. Twisting her neck, she kissed his chin in reassurance.

Though nearly two weeks had passed since their arrival in Ababwa, his confidence continued to waver. So far had they come in such a short bit of time, and yet it seemed that he could not shake the fear of an outburst. After enduring her abuse, she could not blame the prince's hesitation. He would revolt against the use of such a harsh term, yet she knew better. The ache in her chest was impossible to banish, while every terrible memory of her treatment plagued each moment of bliss.

"Stop it," he whispered into her shoulder.

"Stop what?" Jasmine raised her brow.

"I know what you're thinking about. Again." Aladdin groaned before tightening his hold. Jasmine let out a sigh, troubled that she had become so easy to read.

"I judged my father so harshly for allowing himself to fall for Jafar's influence," she explained. "In the midst of it all, I allowed myself to fall to hatred."

"Jasmine…"

"Stop defending me," she whispered; quickly shutting her eyes to combat the tears of frustration. "I was someone I revile. I was awful."

"I know a thing or two about losing oneself in the midst of chaos," the thief ignored her commands with a smile as his gentle kisses against her chin began to unravel her self-hatred. "I became a thief, something my own mother reviled."

"She would have forgiven you," Jasmine stated immediately.

"Yes. Just as I forgive you," Aladdin smiled against her skin. Jasmine sighed deeply upon realizing his trap.

"That wasn't fair." She groaned before escaping his grasp to face him. Her hands began to play with the edges of his collar. "Besides, it's different. You deserved her forgiveness."

"You are the most stubborn woman," his head tilted back with a groan, finally causing her to laugh. Her fingers twisted into his shirt before pulling him back to claim a kiss. He broke it all too soon when he failed to contain his smile. "Does that mean you finally accept?"

"It sounds awful when you say it that way," she complained.

"Jasmine, tell me you're sorry so I can accept it and we can move on with our lives."

"It's not that I don't want to," she shook her head sadly. "It's that I haven't earned it."

"We have the rest of our lives to wait for that moment," he paused to gather her hands, placing a lasting kiss on each. "I forgive you. That's what you do for the people you love."

She flinched at the term.

"You… What?"

"You're surprised?" His brow raised in genuine confusion.

"You mean, you," she shook her head in disbelief. It was too soon, she thought to herself. However, there had been times that she had wondered about the persistent flare every time he neared. Was this truly love? She hadn't known the term since the passing of her mother. And shortly after, it had felt as if she had lost her father. Was she even capable of love anymore? "Are you sure?"

"Jasmine," he shook his head with a smile. While his tender gaze bore into the very depths of her soul. "I've always loved you."

Jasmine wondered if she should retort playfully to combat the loss for words. She could already feel the blush in her cheeks. It only continued to perplex the princess that after two weeks her thief still managed to mount a surprise. While his patient eyes watched her carefully, Jasmine dismissed the idea of tarnishing their moment. She should return his pledge with one of her own, she realized. However, when her mouth fell open and words had failed her, she stepped closer to close the gap between them.

She loved the way he melted into her kiss. His arms slowly moved around her, while her own did the same. There was a difference in the way his hand held the back of her neck, as he deepened the contact more fervently than ever before. Her heart pounded with renewed desire as she poured her emotions into his lips.

They forced themselves to part when the shop owner's footsteps sounded around the corner, while both contained a groan.

"Ahmed," Aladdin nodded politely, though even she could hear the slightest hint of irritation at the interruption.

"Good evening, prince Ali," he smiled. "Enjoying your final moments in Ababwa? It will be a shame to see you go."

"Yes, it will be difficult to leave. But, Abbas has proven himself to be a noble leader. Ababwa is in safe hands."

"Of course," Ahmed smiled before gazing upon the piles of maps that Jasmine had gathered. "I will miss you most of all, princess. It is a rare sight to have a visitor who share's my love for the world."

"Your shop is truly a treasure," Jasmine smiled. "Thank you for sharing it."

"My pleasure," Ahmed bowed before returning to his work.

Jasmine too, returned to her studies for a bit longer before following Aladdin from the store. Her heart fell as reality sunk in and she only hoped her memory would absorb every bit of knowledge that had been gained.

"So princess, it's our last night in Ababwa. What would you like to do?" He asked just as the sun began its descent.

"Are you ever going to tell me how it's all done?" She asked boldly. Aladdin tilted his chin in confusion. "Your medicines, your endless supplies of food and water, and more treasures than any kingdom combined. It shouldn't be possible, Aladdin. How does Ababwa manage?"

"I'm… I'm not supposed to," he struggled to answer. He gazed over their surroundings, searching for wandering eyes. When he failed to find anyone interested in them, he tugged her hand to follow. "Come with me."

"Where are we…"

"Shh," he quickly begged for silence. He brought her to a seemingly abandoned building and the rough exterior sent a chill through the princess. In a city with so much, she was surprised that such a tattered place existed. As Aladdin picked the lock, she nervously looked over the broken boards and crumbling marble. With an aggressive tug, the princess worried the door would fall from its frame. Jasmine stepped into the dark home, as Aladdin swiftly closed the door behind them. She wondered if they should light a torch, but the thief dragged her onwards into the dark.

"Aladdin?" She grew nervous the further they walked. However, a faint blue glow illuminated the path ahead. She wasn't sure how they had ended up in a tunnel, where they were no doubt underneath the city. As they stepped closer into the light, she nearly gasped at the sight of a pool. The water was thick and glowing, just like the medicine the healer used to treat the princess.

"What is that?" She gasped.

"This is how Ababwa thrives," Aladdin answered while playfully stirring the liquid with a stick. As he pulled the dead wood from the pool, a few leaves sprouted through the blue glow. Jasmine watched, mesmerized as the impossible took place right before their eyes. "King Waleed called it the blood of a djinn. We use it to grow crops and the animals that drink it produce double what a normal beast would. Oh, and medicines of course. It can heal even the most dire wound."

"But, what is it? How did you find it?"

Aladdin simply shrugged. "I don't know. Waleed and Abbas never liked to talk about it. I gave up trying when they started to get furious at my questions. All they would say is that it was Ababwa's lifeblood and without it the country would fall."

"This could help so many people," Jasmine shook her head in disbelief. "Not just Agrabah, think of all the kingdoms we could help."

"Princess, take another look." He nodded to the pool. She nearly asked for his meaning before noticing the marks on the stone just above the strange water.

"It's going down," she sighed.

"Abbas predicts that there won't even be enough for the next decade. He's been agitated to say the least," he paused while sorting through his thoughts. "He's become obsessive. After King Waleed's death, he buried himself into his studies. Some days, I could hear him mumbling something about having to find some lamp."

"A lamp?"

"That's what he said," the prince shrugged. With a sigh, Aladdin's gaze fell. "I am worried about him. And for Ababwa. I don't know what will happen when the pool runs dry."

"Your people are smart," she grasped his arm reassuringly. "They will evolve."

"Centuries, Jasmine. They have lived with this pond for centuries. How could they possibly adjust to such a change?"

With a smile, she gently grasped the sides of his face to kiss his forehead. "Have faith in your people, just as you do in ours."

He waited a moment before nodding.

"I suppose you are right."

"Of course I am," Jasmine smirked, hoping to lift his spirits. His lips curved in the slightest as he nodded once more.

"We should go. Abbas will kill me if he knows I brought you down here." He chuckled before taking her hand. Before they left, the princess took a final look at the magical water. Jasmine was uncertain why her stomach churned at the sight, nor why her heart fluttered anxiously in the presence of the substance. Jasmine only wished that she could learn more about it, but was thankful to see the open sky as they reached the streets.

As they wandered along the roads, Jasmine took in all the sights she had become accustom to over the past couple weeks. She smiled at the children who she had met, happily receiving their embraces. The princess was surprised to see their tears when they came to understand that it would be their last meeting. Jasmine took her time bidding them farewell and she vowed to never forget their names.

When they began the journey back to their room, Jasmine noticed a pleasant sound.

"What is that?" She asked.

"Sounds like singing," Aladdin shrugged.

"What's the occasion?"

"Not sure," his hand tugged hers as they moved to explore the beautiful song. The building was enormous and entirely constructed from marble. As they walked through the large doorway Aladdin tugged the princess backwards before she could walk into the large crowd. Placing a finger over his mouth, he gestured for her to remain quiet as he whispered. "It's a wedding."

The prince guided her up a set of steps where they emerged onto a balcony overlooking the scene. Jasmine gasped at the large crowd as they quieted for the pair at the end of the aisle and she could not help but smile at the beautiful scene.

The groom gazed upon his bride with just as much affection that her own thief would offer. Their families smiled, while some released tears of joy at the couple's binding, and the bride could hardly contain her own tears as the man recited his vows. Jasmine felt selfish when her heart lurched painfully.

"They look so happy," she stated quietly. Jasmine glanced in longing as she wondered if their Imam back home would be willing to perform another wedding. A true wedding.

Though they were bound by law, the princess desperately wished that they had married under different terms. She imagined a ceremony surrounded by loved ones, rather than foreign diplomats. A ceremony built on love. They had both been robbed from a single pleasant memory of their own wedding and Jasmine wanted to curse the unfairness of it all.

Glancing at Aladdin, a twinge of fear flowed through her; recalling just how sickened she had felt reciting her vows. She hadn't meant them and she certainly had not loved him. Jasmine couldn't help but fear that in the heaven's eyes, their marriage had in some way not been valid. However, her heart fell deeper when she finally accepted the knowledge that they could not wed again. Their contract had already been signed.

"I wish our wedding could have been this way." The words escaped before she could realize the offense, thankfully Aladdin merely nodded in agreement. Grasping her hand, the prince sighed.

"You're not the only one who wishes that day could have gone differently."

Glancing at the pair below, preparing to recite their own vows, Jasmine could not help but ask. "Would you marry me? Now, after everything that has happened. Would you still have married me?"

Aladdin tensed and for a moment she believed she had hurt him; having appeared as if the very question was appalling. However, the prince stated firmly. "In a heartbeat, princess. I would do it all again."

Jasmine smiled at his promise, before returning to the scene below. Squeezing his hand in gratitude.

"Why does your Imam wear such strange robes?"

"Because he's a priest," he corrected.

"You house priests?" She flinched in surprise, before wondering if she had offended him. She was filled with relief when he chuckled.

"Ababwa is home to all," he explained. "The king told me that he stumbled here dying of thirst long ago. The queen took pity on him, but truth be told he has done much for our poor."

"Ababwa continues to amaze me," she shook her head in disbelief.

"We have the same goals," Aladdin shrugged. "It's easy to get along when we both just wish to care for our people."

"I see," she glanced back at the ceremony, smiling as a thought crossed her. "So we could be married in two different worlds?"

His brow scrunched in confusion, before her eyes nudged towards the ceremony. He chuckled nervously. "I'm not sure that's how it works."

Ignoring his words, she reached for his hands. Mirroring the couple at the altar, she met her thief's gaze. Listening intently as the presenter recited the vows aloud in the distance. Aladdin watched her in confusion before she spoke quietly along with the bride.

"I do," she smiled. There was a glow in his stare as he began to understand.

"I missed my part," he complained with a smile, while the people below cheered loudly as the couple were announced. Laughing over the noise, she squeezed his hands and pulled him closer. His forehead rested upon hers as he prepared for her kiss, but she stopped just short.

"Do you love me?" She whispered with a knowing smile. Aladdin's grasp tightened, while his eyes washed over the princess with more adoration than she had ever seen before.

The thief met her gaze carefully; repeating the same vows that he was forced to declare at their own wedding. Only this time, she clung to every word as if it were gold. This time, his I do set her heart ablaze. As she met her husband in a kiss, she almost forgot that the applause below wasn't for them.


An unfamiliar warmth flowed through the princess as they walked the quiet halls to their room. Behind them, the excitement of the festivities continued to ring, just barely reaching the halls to their bed chamber. Jasmine's throat felt dry and it took every ounce of willpower to contain her nervous shivers. She had taken this walk before, though how different this moment was.

They remained quiet as they walked and her hand grew sweaty within his. Jasmine snuck a glance at him; at her husband. Except only now did she truly accept the title. Even more so, she wished for nothing more in that moment than to be called his wife. When Aladdin noticed her stare, he offered a smile. A truly clueless smile.

A swell of affection consumed her, breaking down whatever remained of the wall she had so strongly constructed around her heart. It pounded beneath her chest and for a moment, she wondered if it was possible for it to burst.

Aladdin closed the door behind them before walking to his make-shift bed. She couldn't resist a smile, walking towards him as he relieved himself of his jacket. His gaze lifted as she neared, smiling lightly through his confusion. Her hands moved to hold his face before kissing him gently.

"I love you," she whispered against his lips. A moment passed where the princess waited for his response. She did not expect to feel the slightest tremble in the prince's arms as a tear escaped his close lids. Jasmine immediately moved to wipe it away, but before she could ask what's wrong he turned to kiss her palm.

"I haven't heard those words since my mother passed," Aladdin sniffed before masking his pain with a smile.

"That can't be true," she whispered in disbelief. Encouraging his memory with a stroke at his cheek. "Your people love you."

"They love a false prince of an heirless king and queen," he shook his head sadly. "They love Ali, not Aladdin."

"You undervalue yourself." Her lips trailed slowly along his cheek, daring him to deny it. Aladdin began shaking his head, but with each soft kiss placed along his chin, Jasmine could feel his disbelief unravel. Her hand moved to rest against his chest. Having desperately wished to feel his heart as she whispered into his ear. "Take your wife to bed."

There was a moment of stillness, before a swift understanding pulled him from her. His face reddened while he gazed to her in terror.

"You mean… wait, do you mean…" Aladdin fumbled over his speech.

Jasmine swiftly hushed the thief by wrapping her arms around him, resting against his chest. She could feel his heart pounding, while his skin trembled against her own. The actions reminded her of the moment he had stepped foot in her own bed chambers, seemingly so long ago. It terrified the princess to see their roles reverse. Waiting another moment, she whispered against his chest. "Are you afraid of me, my love?"

"Of course not," he breathed while bringing his own arms around her. They spent a moment in silence, welcoming the simple comfort of each other's warmth.

"Then why do you tremble?" The words came out in a whisper. Aladdin's hold tightened as she felt his chin fall against the top of her head. For a moment, they swayed together quietly until he visibly calmed.

"I have many reasons to tremble," he pointed. Jasmine gave him another moment, before her eyes fell upon the necklace she had given him long ago. Without thought, she kissed the beautiful jewel resting at his chest. Aladdin swallowed nervously. "Will you tell me if I make you uncomfortable?"

Jasmine tightened her arms around his neck; surprised at the depth of which her love continued to grow. She smiled against his skin, whispering promises that his worries were unwarranted; sighing in content for the man she was bound to. Only now, it was by her own will.

Pulling away just for a moment, Jasmine reached for his hand. Lifting his knuckles to her lips she placed a gentle kiss there before her hands lowered with his own tucked safely between hers. Aladdin watched carefully as his hand was placed above her heart.

"It beats for you." Her voice nearly broke. For a final time, the reoccurring memories of the past attempted to quash their beautiful moment. However, for the first time since she could remember, perhaps even since the princess bravely threw herself into danger as a child, Jasmine felt her strength renewed.

A sense of victory filled her when she forced the memories away without even a single thought. Tightening her fingers around his hand still resting above her heart, she smiled under his tender gaze. "It's yours, if you will have me."

Aladdin finally kissed her. It was slow, before growing urgent as his confidence renewed. Jasmine clung to him tightly, as if terrified that he would be ripped away. That she would wake from this marvelous dream. Within moments the thief's shivers had passed and his lips grew more passionate. Jasmine waited another moment before pulling him backwards, falling into the comfort of the mattress.

Jasmine whispered loving words into his ear, grateful for his gentle nature. Aladdin's hesitancy in touch only expanded her heart's capacity. Jasmine smiled as she thought of her future, of their future. And with a renewed heart, for the first time she was certain that it would be bright.


Review Replies:

Denz-El – Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the chapter, I can't say anything on Genie because I don't want to spoil it ;) But! Your question will be answered later on, and those pick-pocketing skills might just come in handy. Thanks again for reading!

Lynnell246 – Thank you! She actually did inform him of Jafar's threat in chapter 10, though it was subtle, so easy to miss. "'Jafar,' she gasped in remembrance; ignoring his advice. 'He planned this.' She explained the vizier's interaction moments before they departed Agrabah." Thanks for reading!

KorrieChan – Oh that is awesome to hear, I am very glad that the relationship feels natural! Thanks for reading!

Liliaaanlt – I appreciate the response! That line of thinking is pretty on par with what I was going for, though we're sort of circling back to the Jasmine that we saw in the movie now that she has an ally. As for Jafar, I'll definitely let you know that he's coming up pretty quickly! I hope you enjoyed the romance in this chapter! You are very welcome for the reply, thank YOU for the lovely reviews! They are much appreciated

Annunminuialiel – I am glad you enjoyed it! Haha I figured we dragged the burn on long enough and it was time for a kiss. Thanks for reading!

CrazyFangirl – I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed the chapter! Haha Glad I could leave you "speechless" ;) Thanks for reading and leaving your comments!