Chapter 12: Epilogue - Yet Another Party Story

"Oh my word, that is quite the harrowing game that you all were made to play," the Sultan said after Aladdin updated him on every bit of events that Mozenrath and Xerxes had put them through. "I find it fascinating and horrifying at the same time."

Aladdin shared a look with Jasmine as he smiled at her while standing in the Sultan's throne room. "Yeah, it was definitely one for the books in terms of one of our more weird encounters with Mozenrath. He was really making a point of trying to destroy us, especially with our lack of magic. Turns out that having too much magic to control at once was his downfall."

"And as far as we know, based on Genie's account of events," Jasmine followed. "Mozenrath and Xerxes haven't been able to get out of the traps we left them in. Serves them right."

"Well, I do say that I appreciate the thorough update from you both, but I must ask," the Sultan frowned a little, tilting his head. "Where is everyone else?"

"Genie's keeping a monitor on things outside the city, just in case Mozenrath tries something else. Carpet's with Iago and Abu, who are sleeping."

"You should really be joining those two - resting that is," Jasmine said to Aladdin with a frown. The prince winced.

"I wanted to make sure the Sultan knew what happened," Aladdin protested. "I feel like I owe him an explanation since Iago, Abu and I couldn't help getting captured by Mozenrath's magic trap."

"Oh dear boy, do not trouble yourself with apologizing. There's no need to feel guilty over something that was far beyond your control," the Sultan said. Aladdin's shoulders relaxed at the Sultan's words. "And if it truly worries you, we can certainly have another banquet at a later time. I would welcome the chance to see you and my darling daughter in such regal attire again. Not to mention that you now have a new story to tell those visiting the kingdom."

"A party story, right," Aladdin said with a sheepish smile. "But Sultan, if we do have another banquet like before, can I make one suggestion? Can we make sure there aren't as many floral arrangements? I think I might be allergic to the idea of having that many, especially if we don't know where they came from."

The Sultan laughed. "Of course, my boy, I will certainly keep that in mind."

Jasmine frowned. "Okay, enough of an update. You - Aladdin - need rest. Bed. Now."

"W-wait, Jasmine, hang on!" Aladdin said as she gently eased him toward the door to leave the Throne Room. "What if I still had more to say?"

"You made one suggestion, that seemed to be the end of it." Even as Jasmine and Aladdin left the room, she was still lecturing him. But Aladdin made sure to look back at the Sultan before they left, shrugging his shoulders with the silent promise of probably having more 'party stories' of their adventures to share at another time.

And that meant that all was - and would be - well. Magic or no magic.

Fin.