A/N – As mentioned in the chapter previous, this is a bit shorter than usual. But, I hope you enjoy gaining a bit of perspective from Aladdin's POV.


Chapter 13: Crossroads

Aladdin woke for the first time in nearly two months without an aching neck. Jasmine's couch was favorable to the marble floor of his own chambers, but even the short sofa could not replace the comfort of a mattress. Not that he would ever truly complain; after all, he had seen far worst nights before his days as prince. However, the thief had never experienced such a bliss as waking to a pair of warm arms around him.

Jasmine's head rose and fell with his steady breaths. Her small smile filled him with relief that she had yet to view their night as a mistake. Perhaps it was a foolish notion to others; Abbas would certainly tease how timid the thief was around his own wife. Yet, their relationship had been unique to say the least. Every time he had believed himself to recover from their first night as husband and wife, an image of a shivering princess swiftly shattered all confidence. Never had the thought to harm her crossed his mind, yet the guilt of being the cause of Jasmine's turmoil controlled him regardless.

For years, he had dreamed of meeting her again. He recalled the heartbreak of standing alone in the same alley she had found him in, beaten and bloodied within an inch of his life. He remembered the days waiting in that dark place, for even longer then they had discussed; hoping beyond hope that his princess would emerge as promised. Aladdin couldn't recall how he survived the pain when he finally accepted that his savior would not be returning.

King Waleed had been a kind ruler and a nice enough father. However, as the prince grew into a man his desire to return home became more prevalent each day. Uncle Abbas always hated when the thief asked to leave, but after years of begging Waleed had finally broken down. The king went against his brother's wishes, vowing to finally open the borders to the world. The pair of royals had departed to spread the news, however, Aladdin recalled the guilt when Abbas returned alone; sobbing at the thief's feet as he explained that the king had been killed. Though Aladdin mourned the death of his adopted father, he too grieved the loss for a chance at freedom. Abbas had surprised the prince when he finally allowed him to return home.

Aladdin didn't know what to expect when he returned to Agrabah after years of refuge in Ababwa. His heart had pounced at the thrill of seeing her again, only this time as an equal. He imagined the gleam in her eyes when he returned her lost jewel, along with countless other treasures that he would have gladly given her. Aladdin nearly scoffed aloud at how foolish his naïve heart had been.

The moment he stepped foot into the palace he was met, not by an admiring princess, but by an obsessed vizier. He had been surprised by Jafar's knowledge of the kingdom, but nothing compared to the shock of learning about Jasmine's forced binding. He felt disgusted waiting beside the Imam and he recalled how nauseous he became when his eyes fell upon her. Aladdin's memories of the princess were filled with strength, excitement, and a genuine kindness that rivaled an angel. Of a girl that loved all, no matter how filthy they might be. He even remembered the feeling when that brave little girl kissed his unworthy skin; carrying the sensation with him every moment after. But mostly, he recalled wishing to destroy whoever was responsible for stripping the princess of everything that she loved. And, everything that made him love her.

Aladdin had tried to convey his intentions in his eyes, to promise that she was safe with him. However, when he saw her shivers and later the defiance within her gaze, he had known that her trust would not be earned so easily. There had been countless moments where he had nearly torn the cord from his neck, wanting to fall to his knees before her begging to be remembered. Aladdin sighed in relief that he had endured, as every bit of suffering led him down the path to this perfect moment.

Aladdin's grip tightened around the princess; around his wife. He smiled in content as she nudged into his chest as if they could be any closer. She was quick to fall back asleep, even though the sun had already begun to rise. He nearly sighed, knowing that their day would be spent on a horse's back instead of each other's arms.

A stab of worry struck him as he wondered about their journey. His eyes glanced to the scar upon his wife's skin, from an injury that he should have prevented. He swallowed, knowing that Jafar was likely waiting for them. The question remained, could they survive the vizier's trap?

Gathering his willpower, he placed a kiss at Jasmine's forehead before gently pushing her into the mattress. She groaned tiredly as he began to pull from her loving grasp, but he quickly whispered a promise of return.

Aladdin sighed while pulling on a pair of cloths, dreading the confrontation that could be pushed off no longer.

As he entered the halls his eyes absorbed the beautiful marble and gold that he had become so accustom to in his youth. He remembered feeling intimidated the moment Waleed had brought him to Ababwa and it was a feeling that followed him as he grew into a man. His adopted family had been kind enough, but he hated how difficult it was to remember the faces of his own parents.

He sighed deeply in a feeble attempt to calm his nerves. Straightening his back, Aladdin pushed against the doors where he knew his uncle would be. It was exactly as expected; Abbas towered over an array of ancient maps and books, written in a language unknown to the thief. His worry only grew as the man appeared to grumble to himself. If he hadn't heard the words pass his lips so often, he would be unable to decipher them. Where is the lamp? Who is the new diamond?

The prince shook his head, worried that his uncle's sanity was running as low as Ababwa's magic.

"Abbas," he greeted. His uncle flinched but calmed when his eyes fell to the prince.

"Ali, my boy," the man smiled while clasping the prince's shoulder. "Come to say goodbye already? Where is your wife?"

"She's still asleep," he answered. "I am sure that she wouldn't want to leave without first bidding you a farewell."

"Good," his uncle smiled. "If I might be so bold, I'd say you two have grown rather close during your stay?"

"Do you not have better things to do?" Aladdin shared a laugh.

"Mere observations, Ali." Abbas explained with a smirk. "So, what is it you want? Clearly you did not come to meet me without your bride for no purpose?"

"I wanted," Aladdin paused nervously, knowing that the pair had been there before. The prince was almost certain that he knew how it would end. Gathering his courage, he met his uncle's eyes. "I've come to beseech you one final time."

"Not this again," Abbas' mood turned in an instant. "I will not argue with you, boy. We are not sharing our resources with Agrabah."

"Uncle…"

"You know very well that the well is running dry! Who will come to our aid when we can no longer care for our own?"

"And who is to be blamed for that?" The prince shot back. "Abbas, you are the one so fervently against being a part of the world. How long do you truly think we can hide?"

"Is this what that girl is putting in your head? I knew I shouldn't have allowed you to go." Abbas shook his head. "She does not know the first thing about ruling a kingdom.

"Jasmine has nothing to do with my plight," his voice lowered. The thief didn't even realize how tightly his fists clenched until they began to throb. "And she is a far better ruler than I could ever be."

"You are attempting to go against everything Ababwa has built, against your own father's will!" The man ignored his claim.

Aladdin sighed, but refrained from reminded him that Waleed had not been his true father. "Waleed wanted what I do. He declared so before he died. To share our resources with the world."

"Yes and the moment he stepped foot outside our territory, he met his demise. Don't be a fool, boy." Abbas sighed in depression. "I failed to protect him, but I promised that I would protect our kingdom. You will leave here with nothing more than supplies for the road.

"Uncle…"

"That is not up for debate. I will have the guards search you both for maps."

"You think you can purge me from Ababwa?" Aladdin glared angrily.

"Not you, just the path." Abbas folded his arms. "I would suggest that you don't lead any visitors our way. They will meet the same fate as your masters."

Aladdin flinched at the mention of his former owners. It was degrading to be reminded of such a past and the man knew how much it affected him. Abbas appeared to soften as he realized his error, but his uncle remained unmoved.

"I am sorry, Ali. But you must understand. Ababwa must remain hidden. There are certain things that you cannot know," Abbas sighed. Aladdin had prepared to argue his point; he had done far enough to earn the country's secrets. However, Abbas moved his gaze above the prince's shoulder. "Ah, princess. Good morning, my lady."

Aladdin flinched, turning to see Jasmine's concerned gaze in the archway. Though she did her best to smile casually, he feared how much of their fight she had heard.

"Good morning," the princess glanced between the pair. "I apologize if I'm interrupting."

"Not to worry my dear, we were just finishing up. I shall have a breakfast prepared, you have a long journey ahead of you." Abbas bowed before them both before departing, leaving his nephew to fume on his own. It wasn't until a slender hand graced his clamped knuckles that he finally sighed away his troubles.

"Are you alright?" Jasmine asked. Opening his fingers, he smiled gratefully for her hold.

"I'm fine," he promised before placing a kiss at her forehead. The simplicity of being in her presence soothed his entire body, as memories of their night quickly invaded his mind. "How are you feeling?"

"More than fine," she smiled before claiming his lips. However, it was short lived as she pulled away with a glare. "However, you are in trouble."

"What?" His brow raised in concern. "What did I do?"

"You let your wife wake to an empty bed," she explained with a smirk.

"My deepest apologies, my lady," he smirked before taking another kiss. "I assure you it won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't," she narrowed her eyes playfully. "Now, come with me."

"Where are we going?" he asked as she forcefully pulled him into the hallway.

"We…" she paused as they walked past a pair of servants. "Have to pack our belongings."

"Now? Jasmine, there is no need to rush."

Aladdin was almost pleased to see that she had mastered the art of such a mischievous smile, had it not been directed at him. Apparently, his expression was comical as she chuckled before guiding him into their room. Swiftly closing the door behind them.


It felt wrong to saddle a new horse. The colt was young and strong, but he wasn't the dear friend Aladdin had grown so used to. The animal tensed as Abu hopped upon the creature's back, an act that Layl wouldn't have even flinched at.

Jasmine worked on her own mare and he smiled, recalling her persistence in handling the task herself. Commoners often complained on the streets of Agrabah, over the laziness of royals. Until the day he had been rescued by his savior, he had believed the foolish lies about the princess. He simply couldn't wait for them to see how perfect their queen would be. He only feared his inability to support her as she deserved.

"Ali."

Aladdin tensed at the name. He had despised the insistence to alter his name, however at the mercy of their hospitality he hadn't the will to protest it. "Abbas."

"I couldn't allow you to leave on bad terms," the uncle sighed. Jasmine paused to stand beside her prince. As the princess slipped her hand within his own his confidence renewed. "I know that we have our disagreements, but you must know that I love you, dear boy. I will miss you every day."

Aladdin observed his uncle, no longer certain that the man spoke truthfully. Abbas had stood by his orders and the guard had apologized when searching the prince's pockets before stripping him of all Ababwa's trinkets. Aladdin couldn't help but wonder if this would be the last time that he saw the kingdom.

"Uncle, can you promise me something?"

"What is it?" Abbas' expression quickly fell into suspicion, presenting a glare that threatened him from treading dangerous waters.

Aladdin faltered, questioning the value of confronting him further. However, as the man's eyes narrowed, the prince adjusted his goals; knowing that his dreams of sharing Ababwa with the world died with the king.

"Promise me that you'll take care of yourself," he sighed. "I worry about you, uncle."

"Ali. My boy, you truly are a diamond in the rough," he smiled. There was something strange about the way he said it. Aladdin couldn't help but feel unnerved. It appeared to be a compliment, but the tone suggested something more. What are you hiding?

Abbas embraced his nephew and Aladdin clung to the man who had practically raised him. "Waleed would be proud of you."

"Thank you, uncle." The thief could not help but smile. Abbas turned to Jasmine.

"And I shall I miss your wondrous smile, princess," he bowed to her. Jasmine smiled, masking her disappointment in leaving without any of Ahmed's offered books.

"Thank you for welcoming me, Abbas," she responded politely. "I hope to see you again."

"Of course, my lady. Well, I shall not keep you forever. Travel safely, my boy." With that, his uncle left.

"He is a complicated man, isn't he?" Jasmine noted.

"That's one way to say it," Aladdin chuckled. Abu leapt unto his shoulder, tilting his head in confusion as they watched the man depart. The thief stroked the monkey's chin with a smile, "You ready to see our home again?"

Abu chirped gleefully before leaping back onto the horse.

"I think that means yes," Jasmine laughed at the animal before attempting to return to her mare. Aladdin stopped her, arming her with a knife from his pack. Her eyes fell upon the blade nervously.

"Just in case," he whispered before placing a kiss at her forehead. Jasmine's fingers wrapped around the weapon, before she met his gaze cautiously.

"What do you think he is planning?" She whispered.

"There's only one way to find out," he sighed. Wishing so desperately that Abbas would have offered a bit of protection. Squeezing her hand gently, he made a stern promise to his wife. "I won't let him hurt you."

"It's not my safety that I'm worried about," she met his gaze. "It wasn't my life that he was after."

"Then I suppose it's a good thing that I'm not alone," he smiled.

"No, you are not." Jasmine agreed with a smile, before offering a quick kiss. Abu chirped impatiently and the pair chuckled before returning to their horses. After helping the princess onto her mare, Aladdin mounted his new colt. Nudging the animal forward, he led them upon the same trail they had taken two weeks ago. As they reached the top of the hill, he glanced back at his kingdom. No, he thought to himself. Ababwa was no longer his kingdom.

Aladdin's heart fell, recalling all the pleasant memories that the country held. King Waleed had taught him how to wield a sword in those very fields, while the queen taught him to read after bringing the boy to his favorite bakery.

Jasmine stopped her own horse alongside the prince, waiting patiently for him to soak in the sight. Aladdin sighed before meeting her gaze with a smile. Quickly deciding that his sorrows were foolish. Taking her hand, his heart settled. He was already home.


Review Replies:

Denz-El – I like hearing your theories! I can't really comment further though, rather than your questions will be answered soonish! I'm glad you like the wholesome elements of the chapter. The interfaith idea comes from the Twisted Tale books, in them Jasmine dreams of an Agrabah that would be home for all. I would definitely agree that Aladdin is a "marriage goals" example lol! Glad you enjoyed the chapter and thanks again for reading!

mkhishe3429 –
haha! I guess I have a different definition of the word smut, I wouldn't consider anything I wrote to fit that term. But, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! For your question, the run down building is just a deterrent meant to unnerve people from going in. The idea was that only those who know how to get through the "maze" of the abandoned building would be able to maneuver it. Plus, also going back to what Aladdin says in an earlier chapter of how trust is everything in Ababwa. The royals trust their people to obey all rules and since there's no crime it can be assumed that people keep their distance. Phew! I think I rambled there! Glad you enjoyed the chapter and thank you so much for reading!

KorrieChan – Genie will be coming up! Unless something changes in the outline, he will arrive in two chapters, maybe three.

Mqpatino21 – Oh wonderful! I'm glad you liked it!

PrimaImperatrix – I am glad you liked the chapter and romance scenes! That is great to hear, thank you for continuing to read!