Chapter 6: Prince Ali and Farid Ababwa!
"Are we there yet?" I asked and Al peered out from behind the large feathers.
"Almost."
We were sitting on Abu's back in a small little tent like thing and all around us sat girls with large feather fans covering us from view. I twitched nervously in my seat.
"Stop fidgeting. I told you it will be okay." Al said and I sighed.
"I can't help it." I muttered and then I grabbed at Al. "Al! We could get beheaded for something like this! And besides no one is gonna believe I'm your brother. I mean look at me. We're nothing alike." I ended up looking at my lap as the last sentence was whispered.
"Alaric. Look at me." I lifted my gaze to him and he shook his head with a slight guilty look. "Everything is going to be fine. And it doesn't matter to me what you look like. Besides they won't question it as long as we stick together, okay? So don't worry. I'll be right there. I'll always be there for you."
"Really?"
"Always, little brother." He said and I grinned. I liked the sound of that.
"Ya'll ready for your debut?" Genie asked sticking his head in.
"Uh, sure." Al and I said nervously at the same time. Genie grinned.
"Don't worry, you'll do fine. Just don't fall over."
"Oh, great!" I moaned and Genie patted me. I tried not to flinch at the contact. "That's a wonderful thing to say!"
"I was just kidding, kiddo. Everything will be fine. Just do as we rehearsed! "Genie disappeared again and I heard trumpets blast. Ugh, I feel sick. Al caught my sickened expression and he grimaced too. He patted me reassuringly and then we heard people singing and Al and I looked at each other.
Make way for Prince Ali!
Say 'hey it's Prince Ali!
Next Genie's voice filled the air and as his voice carried around us, I couldn't help but grin. I really wanted to see what Genie was doing but the feathers were in the way.
Hey clear the way in the old bazaar
Hey you! Let us through!
It's a bright new star
Oh come be the first on your block to meet his eye!
Make way, here he comes!
Ring bells, bang the drums!
All are gonna love this guy!
Prince Ali, fabulous he, Ali Ababwa!
Suddenly the feathers fell away and 'Ali' and I were presented to the crowd. I gulped and gave the crowd a shaky grin. Ali gave them his best 'princely' smile and tried to look as regal as possible. After a while I started to enjoy the attention. Finally people liked us.
Genuflect show some respect
Down on one knee!
I smirked as Genie made a rug come out from underneath Razoul, causing him to bow to us. Maybe this being royal thing wasn't as bad as I had thought.
Now try your best to stay calm
Dress up your Sunday salaam
And come and meet his spectacular coterie
Prince Ali, mighty as he, Ali Ababwa!
Al and I climbed onto the top of Abu's head like we had planned and Genie wheeled lots of people up towards us. He dumped them upon our heads as they were shaking hands with us and before they could crush us, Genie's magic kicked in. He made Al really strong and he lifted the people into the air in a design with me at the top. I stood and flexed my 'muscles' for the crowd, giving them a show. Like Genie said it was all about the show.
Strong as ten regular men, definitely
I watched as Genie filtered through the crowd changing into different people.
He faced the galloping hoards (As an old man)
A thousand bad guys with swords (As a little boy with a wooden sword)
Who sent those goons to their lords? (As a merchant)
Why Prince Ali!
Soon the crowd joined in as well, as Genie popped up saying random things and it all confused me, but it was entertaining.
He's got seventy-five golden camels
Don't they look lovely June?
Purple peacocks, he's got fifty-three
Fabulous Harry, I love the feathers
When it comes to exotic type mammals
Now Genie popped up as animals around the crowd and had to admit it looked a bit fun being a genie. It made me a little sad to know he was still a prisoner, but Al would free him soon enough. I hoped. I didn't doubt Al, not really. But he got a swelled head sometimes.
Has he got a zoo?
I'm telling you
It's a world class menagerie
I spotted Genie next in a balcony with three harem girls. I tugged on Al's arm and pointed him out in a burst of laughter. Al snorted at the now rather large female Genie. I held on to Al as I laughed so I wouldn't fall off Abu as Genie and the harem girls sang.
Prince Ali, handsome is he, Ali Ababwa!
There's no question this Ali is alluring, never ordinary, never boring
That physique! How can I speak?
Weak at the knees
Everything about this man just plain impresses
Well get on out in that square
He's a winner, a whiz, a wonder
Adjust your veil and prepare
He's about to pull my heart asunder
To gawk and grovel and stare at Prince Ali!
And I absolutely love the way he dresses
Al blew the girls a kiss and they fainted. Genie caught them and I snickered again before looking away.
"All that charm isn't going to work on her you know." I pointed out and Al rolled his eyes.
He's got ninety-nine white Persian monkeys
He's got the monkeys! Let's see the monkeys!
And to view them he charges no fee!
He's generous! So generous!
I frowned at the people that jumped upon the money we tossed to the group. Greedy vultures. The really poor ones didn't even get a chance to get any of it.
"Stop, frowning." Al hissed out of the corner of his mouth. "People are looking."
"I can't help it." I hissed back. "Those poor people didn't even get a chance!" Al's face softened.
"I know, but we can't help them right now." He gave me a one armed hug and I smiled a bit. "It'll be all right." I sighed, but nodded. Maybe being "royals" and all now, we could talk to the Sultan about Agrabah's poor conditions. That was the only thing that made this whole charade a bit better.
He's got slaves! He's got servants and flunkies!
Proud to work for him!
Bow to his whim! Love serving him!
They're just lousy with loyalty to Ali!
Prince Ali!
Genie appeared at the top of Abu's head and he winked at us.
"Here we go, kids, big finale!" He said and I swallowed. It was now or never.
The closed palace doors were soon burst open and Abu paraded us inside. I peered out from under the tent thing on Abu's back and my eyes widened. I had never seen such a humungous room in my entire life! It would take about twenty Aladdins to reach the top! The polished marble floor shimmered as we passed and I briefly wondered what poor soul had the job of maintaining that shining appearance. Al shifted and I looked over him. He tried to remain regal, but his smile didn't quite reach his eyes and I knew he was nervous about seeing Jasmine again.
"Just remember, Al. She liked you before."
Al nodded at me, but he wasn't really listening.
Prince Ali, amorous he, Ali Ababwa!
Heard your princess was a sight lovely to see
I heard Genie's voice and looked over to see him dancing with the Sultan. "Should he be doing that? What if someone asks where he went?"
Al sighed. "Are you going to be unreasonable the whole time we're here?"
I scowled at him. "Well, excuse me for wanting to keep my head." I muttered and my eyes widened. "Al, he's got an axe!" I pointed a guard that went past the procession.
"Shh." Al hissed, shoving my hand down. I don't know why he was shushing me. No one was could hear us over Genie's singing. "Cut it out. They won't chop your head off right this second. Besides, you were worried I'd get us caught. You're the one acting like a maniac." Genie tossed the short, round ruler onto the blue cushions that adorned the large golden elephant headed throne and he smiled in delight. As least he looked friendly.
"You're a maniac." I muttered in reply and Al glowered at me.
And that good people is why
He got dolled up and dropped by
With sixty elephants, llamas galore
With his bears and lions a brass band and more
His forty fakers his cooks and bakers
His birds that warble on key!
Genie flew up towards us and went back into his lamp under Al's turban and I quickly pushed the floating hat onto his head. Al straightened it, slightly glowering at me for squishing his hair. I smirked and he covered my face with a hand shoving me lightly. Carpet zoomed up and Al hopped onto him. I declined the offer and Al shrugged. I looked over my shoulder and saw a tall, thin, man in robes of black and red shoving at the doors and trying to shut out all the magically zapped up entourage.
Make way!
For Prince Ali!
Carpet zoomed down with Al as the tall man finally slammed the doors shut and I wondered where everyone would go now. The man turned and pressed against the door with a look of pure annoyance. His cold black eyes landed on me and I frowned, looking back at Al. What was he looking at? At least I didn't have a weird curly beard!
Al was bowing to the Sultan now, so I decided it was a good time to get down from Abu's back.
"Splendid. Absolutely marvelous." I heard the Sultan said as he clapped.
I finally ended up sliding down Abu's trunk and he steadied me as I almost toppled over. I smiled at him gratefully and then went over to Al and the Sultan. His majesty was shaking my brother's hand in delight, his pudgy face full of awe.
"Your highness." Al announced and hopped off of Carpet. "I have journeyed from afar to seek your daughter's hand." I suppressed a snicker at his fake princely accent and then scowled as he swatted Carpet and I with a dramatic wave of his cape. I sputtered at the fabric and smacked it away from us. Carpet patted me and I smiled at him.
"Prince Ali Ababwa, of course I'm delighted to meet you." The short royal said and then he peered around Al to look at me. I swallowed nervously. "Oh, hello. And who is this? Your brother?" I felt a grabby hand on my arm and before I could dig my heels into the floor, Al pulled me into view, sliding an arm around my shoulders.
"Yes, your highness this is my brother Prince Farid." He said smiling like a proud parent. I tried not to elbow him like I wanted too. The Sultan shook my hand, wonder etched onto his face. Why was he looking at me like that? Did he know I wasn't really his brother? I got nervous then thinking he was going to call me out for having blue eyes. Al pinched my arm lightly, prompting me to speak.
"It's nice to meet you, your highness." I said sincerely, hoping the nervousness wasn't detectable, and he smiled warmly. Yes! It worked! That was close!
"Of course. It's so nice to have a young one around again." I felt sad hearing that. He must get lonely in this giant palace with only one daughter who was old enough to be married off.
He gestured behind him. "And this is my Grand Vizier, Jafar, he's delighted too." The Sultan indicated a tall sinister man behind him, the man from the large doors. Now that I was closer, I noticed in his hand was a cobra headed golden staff. Something move and I zeroed in on something on his shoulder. A red and blue wing-tipped parrot sat there and making the same face as his master which was a bit alarming. The Grand Vizier looked at us with a slight sneer and I hid behind Al as he came up from the shadows.
"Ecstatic." The man drawled and I frowned. I didn't like that guy one bit and I was good at detecting who was out to do me harm. The man scared me. He came closer and I clutched at Al's shirt, tugging him back a bit. "But," The man continued. "I'm afraid Prince Abooboo-"
"Ababwa!" I corrected him automatically and he fixed me with a stare. I swallowed and hid back behind Al. What a creep!
Jafar waved dismissively at us. "Whatever." Al scowled at him. "You simply cannot parade in here uninvited and expect too-" Once again he was interrupted, but it was by the Sultan this time.
"By Allah this is a remarkable device." The little round man was examining Carpet who took his mustache and pulled on it. "Might I hm?" He indicated up and Al smiled.
"Why course your majesty allow me." He helped the Sultan onto Carpet and then Jafar came over and slammed his staff down pinning Carpet to the ground. I jumped at the sudden move.
"Your highness I must advise against this." He said with a very forced smile. How had anyone not noticed that? The man reeked evil psycho!
"Oh, button up, Jafar." The Sultan said with a frown and I snickered quietly. "Learn to have a little fun." He then kicked the staff off and Carpet flew off with the Sultan. I laughed as Carpet took him under Abu and annoyed the elephant.
"Just where did you say the two of you were from?" Jafar asked and I whirled around to see him giving us suspicious glances.
"Uh, much farther than you've traveled I'm sure." Al said trying to pacify the grim vizier.
He narrowed his eyes. "Try me." I glared at him. Al glanced at me for help, but I only shrugged.
I hadn't seen a parrot up close before and I was curious as to why this one seemed so...intelligent. The parrot eyed me warily as I came closer to it. Jafar was busy interrogating Al to notice. The parrot cocked its head to one side blinking innocently at me. I grinned and stuck my hand out to pat it. Clamp.
"Ow!" I hollered clutching at my hand. The parrot gave me a smug, cocky grin and I glared at it. "What'd you do that for!?"
Jafar smirked at me. "Iago doesn't like children. That is why little boys should not touch things that don't belong to them." The parrot's yellow eyes rolled and I arched an eyebrow. The parrot noticed my curious gaze and narrowed his eyes at me, making a chomping motion. I really wanted to knock that parrot off the man's shoulder. Al picked up on my mood and thinking I was out to tackle the Vizier, pushed me behind him.
"Look out polly!" Called the Sultan and we all ducked as he and Carpet flew over our heads almost hitting us. I was delighted to see that the parrot got what he deserved as he was hit by Carpet and then chased about the room. I laughed as Iago slammed into a pillar thanks to Carpet and Jafar rolled his eyes.
"I'm coming in to land, Jafar watch this!" The Sultan called as Carpet did one more flip before diving to the ground and the ruler slid across the floor and landed at Jafar's feet.
"Spectacular your highness." Jafar said in fake-appraise. I snickered as Carpet wobbled around and Abu had to catch him as he fell forwards.
"Yes, I do seem to have a knack for it." Sultan grinned and I laughed quietly. He then got up and pinched Al's cheek.
"A very impressive youth and a prince besides." The Sultan then leaned into Jafar and whispered into his ear. Jafar got an angry look and scowled as he whispered back furiously. I was getting the impression that we were not liked by the grim Vizier which was all fine with me. I didn't like him or his parrot either.
"Jasmine will like this one!" The Sultan exclaimed.
"And I'm pretty sure I'll like Princess Jasmine." Al said rather cockily leaning in towards the Sultan. I rolled my eyes. Oh, boy this won't end well.
Jafar got between them, knocking Al away with a thrust of his hips. "Your highness no, I must intercede on Jasmine's behalf. This boy is no different from the others." He turned and faced Al menacingly. "What makes him think he is worthy of a princess?"
"Your highness," He said as he tugged on Jafar's beard causing it to puff out and I tried not to laugh. "I am Prince Ali Ababwa." I frowned at Al in disbelief. What? Can you say swelled-head much? "Just let her meet me. I will win your daughter." Way to go Al.
"How dare you! All of you!" We all jumped as Princess Jasmine herself appeared in the room, her eyes flashing with anger. I flinched a bit at her expression. If looks could kill we'd all be dead on the spot. "Standing around deciding my future! I am not a prize to be won!" With that she turned and stormed from the room. That could've gone way better.
"Oh dear." The Sultan was the first to break the silence. "Not to worry Prince Ali, just give Jasmine time to cool down. In the meantime would you and your brother be interested in a tour?"
"Why certainly your majesty." Al said and I nodded eagerly. The Sultan smiled at us and took Al by the arm leading him to the door.
"I think it's time to say goodbye the Prince Abooboo's." I heard Jafar mutter darkly and I walked faster trying to keep up with Al. And as I did I felt Jafar's eyes boring holes into my back. I gulped and tried to shake the feeling of dread and fear that filled me in those evil cold eyes.
The Sultan led us down the many halls and I was impressed with each and every room we came too. At the moment we were outside the palace library.
"As you can see Agrabah has a most extensive library." I gaped at the large assortment of books and scrolls. The Sultan beamed at my expression. "You are most welcome to read any of the scrolls you like while you are here." I grinned back.
"Thank you your highness." He patted my arm and Al grinned down at me. Now I just had to remember how to get there.
He led us down further and we came out to the garden, where he led us down a path to a large building.
"This will be your personal room. I do hope you like them." He pointed at the large double doors. "I made sure that everything you boys would need would be inside."
"Thank your highness." We said at the same time, bowing at him and he laughed cheerfully.
"Think nothing of it! Now I'll leave you to yourselves. I'll send someone out when dinner is ready." We bowed, thanking him again and he left. Al went and opened the door and I followed him inside.
The entire building was large and airy. It was one giant room filled with everything. There were two large beds on each side of the room with lush pillows and deep purple and blue colors. A low table sat in the middle of the room with pillows all around it and there was plenty of space. There were high windows that let in the sun and a light breeze and I wanted to see if the room echoed. Never before had I seen anything so wonderful.
I ran and leapt onto the light blue colored bed and laughed as the comfy mattress sank under me. I jumped up and down with peals of laughter and Al stood in the in the middle of the room shaking his head.
"You're supposed to be resting." He laughed.
"Have you felt how bouncy this bed is? There's no way I could sleep!" I jumped higher and came back down sinking into the pillows that decorated the bed. "It's so soft in here!" I said and the sound was muffled by the pillows. Al laughed and landed beside me. I lifted a pillow from my face and grinned up at him when he sighed. He grinned back and then leaned back with his eyes closed hands behind his head.
"Al?" I asked and he opened an eye. "I just wanted to say I was sorry. You know…about in the dungeon."
"Ah, Rick." He said softly opening both his eyes now. "I'm not mad about that. I should be apologizing to you. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. I know it's been hard for you." I sighed and he looked down at me.
"It was my fault too. I shouldn't have yelled at you either."
We laid there for a while and I knew Al was about to drift off to sleep.
I sat up and he looked at me curiously with sleepy eyes. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to explore."
"Don't get lost." Al muttered and rolled over.
"Don't drool on my pillow." I retorted and Al lifted his head to glare at me.
"I don't drool!"
"Well, why don't you ask Abu about!?"
Al chunked a pillow at my head. "Get out of here!"
I snickered and closed the door before following the path back to the palace.
I entered and faced the massive hallway and paused.
"Now where is that library?" I wandered up the hall, trying to remember exactly where we had come from and I found a different room instead. Inside were various art supplies and a thin old man with a balding head was painting away a canvas. Curiously, I went closer and leaned against the door to open it a bit wider. It creaked and before I could hide, the man turned.
"Good afternoon, your highness." He said jovially and bowed to me. I felt a flush go up my neck. I was never going to get used to people doing that.
"I'm-I'm sorry." I said. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I was just, eh, wondering where the library was."
He shook his head. "You didn't disturb me, your highness. The library is three doors down and to your right."
"Oh, uh, thank you." I said and he bowed again. I lingered in the doorway, watching him paint. He turned to gather more paint and looked at me in surprise.
"Your highness?"
"Um…" I flushed at being caught.
He smiled at me kindly. "Would you like to come in?" I nodded and walked further into the room.
"Did you make all these?" I asked in wonder, looking at all the drawings and paints that scattered the room. "They're wonderful."
"Thank you, your highness." He said and he went back to painting. He offered me a brush and I gladly accepted, moving over to start on new canvas. I wasn't entirely sure what I was doing, but went along with it anyway. I had a picture in my mind of what I wanted so I tried to recreate it.
"May I ask a question?"
"Sure…I mean, yes." I nodded, trying not to panic. What was he going to ask?
"What types of art does your kingdom teach?" He named off a few names that I guessed to be artists of some kind and he saw the confusion on my face. "Do they not teach the royals any art?"
"Um, well…I guess they would if there was anyone to teach it." I lied and he nodded.
"I see." He said and then suddenly he inhaled. I froze. Did he know? Had my lie not worked? "That is absolutely marvelous!" I jumped ten feet in the air at his exclamation and I turned to look at him. "The color…the detail…Absolutely stunning! Are you certain you never took any art?"
"Uh…It is that good?"
"My boy, if you weren't a prince I'd recommend you to become my apprentice. Whatever gave you this inspiration?"
I gazed at the picture before me and trying to decide how the best to tell what I was thinking. "I…er…just imagined the palace at sunset." That was what I had been thinking about. It was a sight I had seen for two whole years, something still amazed me each time I looked out our window.
"I've never seen such a detailed picture. It's almost like you've been in the streets of Agrabah and seen the sunset here."
I swallowed nervous. "Uh, yeah."
"But of course that is ridiculous, you're a prince." He smiled and nodded at the picture. "Yes, I believe the Sultan should see this one." I paled.
"The Sultan?"
"Yes, he'll be delighted!"
"Are you sure he'd want to see…my work?" I gestured at his things. "What about the things you were working on?" He waved me off.
"Come, come, your highness, why you act as if no one has ever praised you before. Surely your father or mother must have-" He paused, I guess my face showed my reaction before I could hide it. "My apologies, your highness." I shook my head.
"It's not a big deal." I muttered and looked away. I didn't believe my own words and I had a feeling he didn't either. "I, um, never met my father. He died."
"Ah, I see." He said quietly. "And you're mother?"
"She didn't want anything to do with me."
"And your brother?" I almost asked what brother when I remembered Al.
"Ali's mother died and our father married my mother. She…didn't care for anyone but herself. She left Ali and me alone in the palace." He nodded and I shrugged. "Doesn't matter."
He patted my shoulder and I tried not to flinch away. "I'm sorry, your highness."
"So…you think he'd really like it?"
He smiled back at me. "Very much so." He said and I slowly smiled.
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