Chapter 14: Tea and Cakes

Just like the people at court who had tried to seduce her father and charm her during the first few years after her mother's death and before Grand Vizier Rikisha had laid her claim, Jasmine suspected Syreeta did not mean half of the nice things she was saying to her.

The animal merchant had been kind and almost motherly when Jasmine and Abu approached her. Jasmine had introduced Abu as Teal whose disguise included a makeshift top and a tiny turban each made from one of her hair ribbons. Then Jasmine had prompted 'Teal' to do some tricks for the woman. While Abu did his best to stay in character, Jasmine told Syreeta a semi-believable sob story about her needing to sell her dead father's circus monkey.

Perhaps it was Abu's tricks which were quite impressive. Perhaps it was because Syreeta recognized Abu. Or maybe it was simply because there was an audience who believed Syreeta was as kind as she pretended to be. Jasmine did not much care which explanation was true. The result was the same.

Syreeta wiped her completely dry eyes and cooed, "A very sad tale indeed. I am so sorry for you, Sweetie-wheatie."

Jasmine endured the ridiculous endearment and appealed to Syreeta with the same expression she used on her father when she wanted to go stargazing with Rajah. "Please, Miss Syreeta, will you help me?"

"But of course, of course. How could I not? I am nothing if not compassionate," Syreeta cried out loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. "Come, my dear Sweetie-wheatie. Let's go inside my tent and discuss this further."

"Thank you, Miss Syreeta," Jasmine replied. "My aunt will be so relieved," and so was Jasmine. This was going better than she planned. The princess had thought she would have to make the suggestion to go inside, but Syreeta had saved her the trouble.

"I am so glad," Syreeta said, leading Jasmine inside.

The animal merchant's tent looked a lot like its owner. It was supposedly welcoming, heavily decorated, and aggressively adorable. There were paper lanterns strung up along the ceiling. Each gently glowing lantern had a cut-out animal face on it and emitted some sort of vanilla pear perfume. The numerous furniture pieces in the tent were either cushioned and soft with beads and frills like the ottoman short stools situated around an oval tea table or they were ridiculously ornate like Syreeta's overly large desk and the gold gem-incrusted mirror that hung above it.

"Go ahead and sit down, Sweetie-wheatie," Syreeta said, gesturing at her ottomans. "While I fetch this and that, tell me about your auntie. Do I know her?"

Jasmine obediently took a seat on one of the small stools that faced Syreeta's desk and said, "Probably not, Miss Syreeta. My aunt lives by the docks. She is my father's younger sister," and was the princess's way of saying someone would notice if she went missing. "She loves me dearly, so she has been trying to help me find an apprenticeship."

"You don't want to join another circus then?" Syreeta asked.

Jasmine had not thought of that. Luckily, for the princess, Syreeta had her back turned, so the merchant did not see Jasmine's stunned expression as the princess realized the obvious flaw in her story. Jasmine did her best to sound natural as she answered, "That is right. I do not want to join another circus."

"But why ever not, Sweetie-wheatie? I'm sure you and Baby-blue would do well in the limelight," Syreeta said as she continued to fuss about the room.

"I am tired of moving around," Jasmine invented.

"Of course, a nomad's life is not for everyone and you are so delicate and cute. I suppose it is quite understandable that you would want an easier profession," Syreeta agreed, pulling things out of a lavender side cabinet.

"Yes," Jasmine forced herself to say even though, in truth, the princess could think of few things more glamorous or exciting than being a traveling nomad.

"Tea and cake, Sweetie-wheatie?" Syreeta had turned around. She was now carrying a large platter of treats.

Jasmine felt her stomach squeeze. The pampered princess was so used to accepting food from even the most despicable courtiers that she did not question the gesture. Her response was almost automatic as she said, "Yes, thank you. This looks like a wonderful spread."

And Abu, despite his more urban upbringing, was also eager to receive free food. His mouth watered as Syreeta set down the tray and fetched the tea.

The woman served them, saying, "I am so very glad you are hungry. I simply adore talking over food. I always find that the best way to a person's heart is through their tummy. I remember once I was in Zagrabah trying to buy the cutest pair of miniature camels in existence when…"

Syreeta went on as they ate.

Since Jasmine was merely hungry and not starving, she remembered to take small bites and sips. Whereas Abu consumed the food on his dainty little plate with gusto and speed.

They both attempted to listen to Syreeta. Jasmine who usually enjoyed hearing about other perspectives and exotic locales was disappointed by how boring Syreeta's anecdote was. The woman's storytelling abilities were an even match for Grand Vizier Qaabil who made even the most riveting topic seem dull and uninspired.

However, Jasmine was not too bothered by this. From a very young age, the princess had trained herself to pay attention during long meetings and even longer dinners. And the stakes were much higher than usual. Jasmine knew it was crucial to keep Syreeta talking to give Aladdin time for his rescue.

Thus, while Abu curled up on Jasmine's lap to sleep off his quickly eaten meal, the princess encouraged Syreeta to drone on. She made all the right listening sounds during Syreeta's colorless monologue to show the merchant that she was still paying attention. And during the brief pauses when Syreeta nibbled at her cake, Jasmine made sure to ask follow-up questions.

Syreeta tittered and cooed at Jasmine in turn, telling the princess how polite and well-mannered she was and always offering the princess more cakes and tea.

Jasmine readily accepted. As much as she had enjoyed the casual meals with Aladdin, there was something comforting about a civil luncheon. Before long the princess was feeling pleasantly full and warm. Things would have been perfect if she was not so sleepy. The combination of rich food, hot weather, and inane conversation was making it very hard for her to stay alert despite her efforts.

Eventually, even Syreeta took notice of Jasmine's struggle to keep her eyes open. "Silly me." The merchant stood up and went to Jasmine's side. "I've quite tuckered you out with my prattle."

"Oh no," Jasmine said, waving Syreeta's words off like a fly. "I am quite," she stifled a yawn by taking a sip of tea, "fine. I assure you."

"Quite fine indeed," Syreeta cooed affectionately while she petted Jasmine's hair lovingly.

Jasmine considered protesting this new indignity, but she was exhausted beyond words or reason and the cuddling felt nice. It reminded Jasmine of the nights when her own mother would tell her stories about star tigers and legendary Shebali queens.

Jasmine missed those times.

"Sweetie-wheatie," Syreeta was murmuring kindly, "you are so incredibly precious. Have I ever told you what a sweet-tempered well-mannered dear you are?"

Syreeta had mentioned this to Jasmine at least three times already, but the princess did not tell Syreeta that. She did not tell Syreeta anything. For, Princess Jasmine had, at last, fallen asleep.


A/N: First Rajah's Curse, now this. I'm on a roll. I think my favorite thing about this chapter is how Syreeta uses all the tricks Aladdin used(though Syreeta is far better at it than our street rat) to get on Jasmine's good side. Our sheltered princess is too trusting for her own good. Next time we'll finally get to see Rajah. I am super excited.