Thank you all for the review, favorites, and follows. It makes my day a little brighter. I will be taking in account all your suggestions and will mention you in the chapters once the baby or babies arrive.
This chapter is a little short and I'm sorry. I know I'm speeding up Jasmine's pregnancy but I promise to slow things down once the baby arrives.
Hope you enjoy this chapter and HAPPY READING!
Aladdin and I are on our way to Dagger Rock. We need this simple getaway considering we've been busy with our royal duties. Aladdin needs this private time away from the Palace. He's so stressed and it's had me worried. I'm so wrapped up in my own mind with this pregnancy, I've neglected the most important people in my life. I'm a terrible person to ignore everyone. This is why we've escaped the Palace. I've yearned to have a moment alone with my husband and this is the first time we're able to do just that.
We fly over the desert towards the secluded island. I look over at my husband and see the worry and stress melt away. A calm washes over us the closer we get to the island. He notices my staring and smiles. I love that smile. I'd give anything to see it everyday. I must talk to Father about lessening his teachings down to a couple hours instead of all day. Especially once the baby is here. I need my husband with me. This baby will not be raised by a servant or maid; I refuse it. I will raise my child with Aladdin like normal parents do. I'm still mulling over these thoughts when we land. I haven't even noticed Aladdin's departure and him extending his hand out to me.
"Jasmine? Is everything okay?" Worry is etched onto his beautiful face once more. I break free from my revelry and place my hand into his. I walked down the makeshift stairs Carpet creates and look up into Aladdin's eyes. I gradually run my fingers down his cheek and place a chaste kiss to his lips.
"I'm fine. Just thinking about something. You need to stop worrying so much. You'll age before your time. This is why we're here. To get away from the stress of our everyday lives. Come, let's enjoy this day while we can." I start walking and lead Aladdin further into the island. I want to spend some quality time with my husband without any interruptions.
A few weeks have went by since Aladdin and I visited Dagger Rock. Our time together was perfect. It was such a wonderful day. If only it could be that way each day. Unfortunately, we're not that lucky. We returned home that night to the Palace but with a renewed sense of peace. The next morning, I spoke to Father about Aladdin's studies and he agreed to three hours a day while giving him the rest of the day to spend it with his family and friends.
Today, Aladdin is speaking with his father about living here permanently. It's a change for him and a huge step considering what happened here all those years ago. However, something new is happening and can replaace that sorrow. Aladdin would give his life to see his father everyday and for him to be a part of his child's life. I hope he considers staying. Nothing would please us more. While Aladdin spoke with Cassim, I visited my physician. My pregnancy is going strong. By my measurements, I'm at 22 weeks. To be honest, I think I'm further along. My stomach is too big to be that far along. I stressed my worries and he explained that since my frame is so small, the baby doesn't have much room, so my stomach has expanded more than normal. Or I'm carrying two babies. Two babies? Could Aladdin and I care for two small children at once? Will I be strong enough to handle the birth of two? I have so many questions and no one to answer them. I would give anything for my mother to be here to help me. A part of me believes she's with me every step of the way. I wonder what she would be like with her first grandchild? Would she dote on him or her? Would I have to fight her to hold my child? So many possibilities to experience with her but sadly, I can't. I miss her so much and wish she could be here to see this beautiful and magical moment in my life.
Whilst I think of her, Aladdin walks towards me where I'm enjoying this nice day under a shaded tree. He sits down beside me and places his hand upon my stomach.
"How's our little one doing?" He rubs his hand back and forth earning some movements from our baby.
"She's doing well. Keeping me restless." I place my hands on top of his and sigh. I couldn't be any happier than I am now.
"Let's us know she's an active one, like her father." Did he say she? He's agreeing with me?
"So you think we're having a girl?"
"It doesn't matter if we have a girl or boy, as long as he or she is healthy. I'll be happy either way." He kisses me on the lips before leaning down and kissing my stomach.
"I love you so much. Thank you." I kiss him and lean into him.
"For what? " Surprise is evident in his voice.
"For being you. Being my husband and father of my child." He kisses me again and we sit in silence, reveling in the peace around us.