Fun Fact – A little fun fact that I forgot to post with the previous chapter. In my very original ideas for this story, before any words were even written, I had in my head that during the scene where Aladdin first asks about Jasmine's health, Genie replies: "Oh sure, she's fine. Oh, and I saved the baby too." Followed by a slow to understand Aladdin before promptly freaking out. (Speaking of which, I really want to write a daddy Aladdin fic) ;) Obviously that's not how I felt the story should go after getting to this point, but figured maybe that'd be a fun thing for you guys/gals to read about.

Chapter 18 – The False Sultan

Jasmine swallowed against a swell of uneasy emotions walking to the throne room. Surrounding her were countless others, including guards and her father. And yet, even their protection could not calm her anxiety. Since waking from her illness, every ounce of energy had been spent in their feeble attempts at finding her lost prince. A part of her knew it was foolish to worry. Aladdin had proven more than once his abilities to protect himself, even against a wave of unsavory men in the moonlight. A shiver ran down her spine at the cold memory, but even she could not resist smiling; knowing how far they had come since that moment seemingly so long ago. Yet now, her heart pounded fiercely since the moment a servant burst into her chambers; declaring the vizier's sighting within the palace.

"Hakim," the sultan nodded towards the large entrance. Instantly, guards began surrounding the door before preparing to open the enormous archway. Jasmine forced herself to steady when she felt the tears creeping up. Lifting her chin higher, she ignored the fear to present a false strength. Hoping beyond everything that her prince was standing at the other side; holding a knife to the vizier's throat.

The doors opened with a creak despite their young age. Almost immediately a terrible sickness swelled inside the princess, seeing Jafar seated so comfortably upon her father's chair. Beside him, Abbas stood with an impatient expression. However, to Jasmine's dismay there was no sign of her thief. She sighed away her fears, if only for a moment, to focus on the invaders. She almost smirked when she noticed the lack of guards defending the vizier.

"Jafar. You should have left Agrabah while you had the chance." Her father taunted from the lead.

"Why leave when the city belongs to me now."

"It's over Jafar," the sultan shook his head.

The princess took a moment to glare at Abbas, but the man refused to meet her gaze. Coward, she nearly scoffed aloud. However, as Jasmine recalled his final taunts while she faded, she remembered that the uncle was far more dangerous than she could have imagined. With a shutter, she feared what horrors he might have inflicted upon her unsuspecting thief. Once more her eyes scanned their surroundings, searching desperately for any trace of Aladdin.

"I've endured your spineless incompetence for long enough now." Jafar rose to his feet. Abbas watched the vizier carefully and she quickly gathered that the uncle had no love for his partner.

"Hakim." Her father motioned for the captain to seize the vizier.

"Old fool," the vile parrot squawked as his master toyed with an old lamp in his palms. Abbas groaned as Jafar lifted the useless tool, however the moment his hands rubbed against the brass it began to come alive.

Dalia tensed beside her while Jasmine gasped lightly as the room was quickly filled by the blue smoke. Yet, even more surprising was the giant that emerged from the smallest tip of the lamp. As if there was no end to the impossibilities, the man's bottom half was nothing more than a swirling cloud and his skin was a unique hue to say the least. He glanced around the room and if his presence had not been beckoned by Jafar's hands, she would have thought his eyes to be kind.

"Genie! For my first wish, I wish to be Sultan of Agrabah." Jafar bellowed.

"What?" Her father whispered.

Genie? The princess tensed; desperate to recall any of her countless tales of such creatures and their incredible power. They were fairytales and beings of legends told only to intrigue a small child. However, that had been the extent of her curiosities. Only now did she regret not researching the creatures further.

"As you wish, master." The genie rose to an even greater height as his arms glowed with magic. She thought that she might have been fascinated by the great being, if her heart had not been trembling in terror at the wish. If there was one thing that she could recall of djinns and genies, it was their ability to grant its master's wish.

"No," Jasmine breathed.

A swirl of blue formed around the vizier as royal fabric spewed from nothing. Jafar smiled smugly as a sultan's robe formed along his shoulders. And then none were prepared for the explosion of light.


Aladdin crept through the shadows of the palace, finding every outlet possible to keep him hidden from any set of eyes. A great commotion had sounded in the throne room and he made it just in time to hear Jasmine ferocity. He crept along the side of the pillar, watching as his wife stood bravely against the vizier. He couldn't help but smile as she regained her captain's loyalty with a speech worthy of a ruler. However, his heart clenched as he noticed the lamp in Jafar's hands.

"So this is how it will be." Jafar growled. "Not even the title of sultan will wake the herd from their sleep. I should've know."

"Give me the lamp you fool!" Abbas fumed beside the vizier. Aladdin swallowed his disgust, unable to shake his dark emotions towards his once beloved uncle. "You're just as daft with that thing as my brother."

Jafar ignored his partner, before rubbing the lamp for a second time. The thief swallowed at the sight of his new large friend, who looked completely miserable at the turn of events.

"If you won't bow before a sultan, you will cower before a sorcerer." Jafar spat. "Genie! I wish to become the most powerful sorcerer there is!"

Aladdin groaned quietly to himself to refrain of falling to his knees in terror at what the wish could bring. However, his heart jolted with a spark of hope as the vizier placed the lamp to rest at his chair. He inched closer into the room as Jafar was surrounded by a swirl of power, preparing to leap at the first opportunity.

"Hakim, I had such big plans for you. But now… you are no longer of any use to me." Jafar sneered. "Perhaps your men would like to follow you to the dungeon?"

The moment the captain retaliated with a grasp at his sword, his men began to vanish. Amidst the chaos Aladdin began to leap forward, but stopped immediately to duck behind the pillar once more. The thief nearly growled as his uncle reached for the lamp, but the man's hands stopped just short as if they were frozen.

"Trying to deceive me, my elder friend?" Jafar spoke calmly before slamming his staff into the ground. Abbas cried out in pain as if his body were being torn apart. Aladdin felt a shred of pity for his uncle, but his eyes remained fixated upon the lamp; now blocked by a shivering body. "I was being merciful keeping you alive. But, if you insist upon rushing our agreement, I suppose your usefulness has run its course."

"I just… want… my wishes," Abbas groaned through the pain. Aladdin felt sick as he feared that the man's neck would break, but before it could he heard a shout.

"Jafar, stop!" Jasmine shouted fiercely, but even the thief could hear the hint of fear she failed to hide. Jafar watched her carefully for a moment, and Aladdin swallowed roughly; the vizier could see it too. Abbas fell to the floor in a fit of coughs when he was finally released. The thief's knuckles began to cramp as he grasped the pillar, desperately holding himself back from making another run for the lamp. Knowing that he had only one chance to benefit from the element of surprise.

"I could simply kill you all." Jafar taunted. "But that would be inadequate repayment for years of humiliation and neglect."

"Jafar," the true sultan spoke calmly but was cut away immediately.

"What you need, Baba, is to suffer." Jafar slammed his staff once more, though this time it was Hamed who writhed in pain. "Like I have suffered."

"Baba!" Jasmine knelt at her father's side.

"Would watching me rule your kingdom be enough?"

"Stop!" The princess begged.

"Or watching my armies devour your toothless ally? No, the most suitable punishment would be to make you watch while I take what you love most. And marry your daughter."

Aladdin froze. For a moment, he wondered if the vizier had spotted him; capturing him with the powerful staff and sending his mind spinning. However, as Abbas finally began to rise to his feet, Aladdin felt himself retreating. The room had vanished, leaving only a few abled allies. With Hamed collapsing to the floor along with the handmaid, only Jasmine truly remained. The thief quietly returned to the halls, searching for any remaining guards to aid him. He began to call for one before noticing the patch of a serpent on his chest. Withholding a groan, he once again found himself ducking behind a pillar.

Inside the throne room Jasmine's desperate shouts reached the thief. There was a low groan and the thief could only imagine what torture was being dealt to the sultan. Aladdin searched his pockets for anything that could be used as a weapon, however he froze once again as Jasmine finally complied.

"I will do what you wish!" She shouted. "Just make it stop!"

No. He wanted to burst into the room and strangle the vizier. Had he not stepped away, he was almost certain that his foolish emotions would have driven him to attempt it. His hands tightened at his thighs as he was forced once again into hiding. Abu cooed lightly at his shoulder and Aladdin raised a hand to calm him. As he heard the doors opening once again, he ordered the monkey's aid.

"Find Carpet."


Jasmine paced the edge of her balcony, searching for any route of escape from the perilous deal she had thrust herself into. Her heart pounded from a mixture of terrible emotions; knowing that if she attempted to leave, her father would suffer the consequences. Or worse, all of Agrabah.

In her hands, her grip tightened around the knife that Aladdin had given her what felt like so long ago. Aladdin, where are you? She silently called out as if it would be of any benefit. Jasmine had debating asking Jafar what he had done to her husband, but she wasn't sure she could bear the answer.

The princess spared a glance at the genie, who had taken to dress himself as one of them. His dark skin replaced the strange blue that he disguised and a pair of legs sprouted where there had once been a swirling mist. Dalia smiled while chatting with the great being as if he hadn't been the cause of all their problems. As if the city wasn't on the brink of chaos.

"Are you unsympathetic to our suffering?" She finally snapped at the genie. The man recoiled as he turned his focus to the princess; appearing mortified by such a claim.

"Of course," he shrugged.

"Then why won't you help us?" She growled.

"You don't have the lamp," he spoke sadly before presenting his shackled hands. "I am bound to my master."

"You're a prisoner?" Dalia gasped.

"Of a sort," the genie nodded. "My magic compels me to obey. I am afraid that I can't help you, princess."

Jasmine sighed, both out of frustration and terror. Her fingers tightened around the knife once more as she wondered if she could truly use it. Could she truly take the life of another? Even one as cruel as the vizier? Even if she managed to land a blow before Jafar stayed her hand with his powers, the thought of feeling the knife plunging into living flesh was enough to make her stomach twist. And then what could she do? Hakim and his guards had all vanished in thin air, leaving only those loyal to the vizier. The princess wanted to shout in frustration, before hearing the shift behind her.

Her trained hands moved quickly to rid the dagger of its sheath, turning just in time to halt the attacker. The racing emotions tested her sanity as she hastily raised the tip to rest above the man's heart, before she met the thief's eyes. Aladdin flashed a look of terror, before narrowing his brow with an almost bored look.

"I think I'm starting to regret giving you that knife," he scolded playfully.

The dagger fell from her fingers and unto the floor. She didn't even bother to question the impossibility of the floating rug beside him. Before the clang of metal against marble even sounded, her arms were around him. Aladdin grunted from the fierce hold, but his own were quick to pull her close. Jasmine almost felt the courage to relax as he melted against her.

"You're okay," she whispered in relief. The princess breathed deeply to calm her trembling heart.

"So are you," he replied against her shoulder. Her eyes clenched tightly, hardly holding herself from breaking into a fit of tears. The thief's hold was so comforting, she almost fooled herself into thinking they were safe.

"Jafar," she croaked before nudging closer. "He's forcing…"

"I know," he hushed her before she could say the words. Marry him. The snake.

"Aww, I just love a good reunion. Don't you?" Genie cooed behind them.

"Where's the lamp?" Aladdin asked over her shoulder.

"With Senior Psycho, of course," the powerful being replied. Jasmine finally pulled from the thief, from her husband, to glance at the genie. "Good to see again, kid."

"You two know each other?" Jasmine raised her brow.

"Of course!" He exclaimed. "How else did you think you're still alive?"

"What do you mean?" By the time the words left her lips, she glanced to the thief in surprise. "You had the lamp?"

Aladdin nodded, before glancing at the genie. "We need to get it back."

"It's not that easy, kid." Genie shook his head. "You saw what happened to your uncle."

"He is not my uncle," Aladdin snapped. Jasmine swallowing away her discomfort, wondering just how much he had learned about Abbas. However, gauging the thief's tone was evidence that he knew quite enough.

"Okay, okay," the genie held up his hands in mock defense. "All I'm saying is that snake boy isn't going to just let you have it."

"I know," he grumbled in frustration. "We need a distraction."

A terrible hush fell upon the room, but Jasmine was confused by their sullen expressions.

"We already have one," she reached for his hand, ignoring their confusion. "We have a wedding to get to."

Aladdin's stare lingered for a moment, before his eyes widened in terror.

"No," he shook his head. "We have to get you out of here before he…"

"Before he destroys our kingdom?" She raised her brow in challenge.

"Jasmine," he began to argue. However, whatever argument he had concocted fled at her stern gaze. The thief sighed in irritation, but Jasmine simply smiled at his pointless torment.

"Long ago, you asked me to trust you," her hand raised to stroke the side of his face. "And now you have it with my life."

Aladdin began to sigh once more, but her gentle fingers refused to let his gaze fall to the ground.

"I now ask for that same trust, my love." Jasmine smiled.

"Aww, isn't that nice." Genie cooed from behind them. Aladdin glared at the genie, before shaking his head with a smirk. Jasmine's smile widened with victory when he finally met her gaze.

"Alright, what do we do?"

Jasmine smiled before gazing at the sentient rug beside him. The carpet raised its tassels upon noticing her stare. "How much weight can he carry?"


A/N – I ended up cutting this chapter in half, so there will now be an additional chapter. Two more chapters remain.

Review Replies:

1nigoMontoya – Thank you very much! I'm glad that you enjoyed the changes. Thanks for reading!

Uia – It would be a difficult thing to deal with for sure. Glad you enjoyed the twist! Thanks for reading!

Niphre Becket – Thank you very much! I shall indeed continue :)

Denz-El – Hey, congrats on the new job! That's great to hear! Hope you enjoyed the Genie reveal. Hmm I have never actually read Les Mis but I have heard amazing things. I will have to give that a read! God bless and thanks for reading!

Mkhishe3429 – Aww that is so great to here! I am glad that you enjoyed Genie's role in Ababwa. That has all been a bit of a play-on with what happens in the book "Far from Agrabah". I love hearing that the surprises are well received, so thank you for sharing that feedback! Thanks again for reading and I hope that you continue to enjoy the story!

Malila Rose – Thank you very much for the lovely words of kindness! I appreciate the encouragement and I am so glad that you are still enjoying the story! Aladdin is a bit busy at the moment, but he will indeed share the truth with her since they've grown differently in this story than in the movie. Thanks again for reading and sharing your thoughts!

AmethystDragon14 – I am so glad that you love the story! Ahh I need to rewatch the movie, it feels like it's been a while. It's such a lovely film! Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts!