I want to thank my readers for reviewing. I was thrilled to see your responses. They make my day a little better and help me post faster. I would like to respond back to those who reviewed the last chapter since they were guests.

First guest: I've always pictured a boy myself but we'll have to see. I do see them having more than one child since both were an only child. Only time will tell how their future plays out.

Second guest: There will be several chapters to this story. Not sure how many. It will depend on where they will take me.

Guest Sigma: I'm taking in consideration your idea. I think a story in their children's POV will work well. We need to know how palace life will work for them. I look forward to your ideas.

Again, thank you to all those who have reviewed. Your constructive criticism helps me and keeps me motivated.

Now, if you've noticed, I have split this chapter into 2 parts. I couldn't help it. The journey led me to it. Also, the 2 parts will be in Aladdin and Jasmine's POV. Keep in mind that this chapter will be Jasmine's experience giving birth so it will be semi graphic. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Aladdin's POV

I'm tapping my foot impatiently waiting for Farida to gather her belongings. I've left Jasmine alone while enduring excruciating pain from her contractions. I look over to Farida and she senses my anger. I don't want to be kept waiting any longer than I have to. I want to rush back to my wife and be there for her. Jasmine shouldn't go through this alone.

"I'm going back to Jasmine. Will you make sure Ramiz knows?"

"Yes, Your Highness. We'll be there shortly." She continues searching for everything she needs as I walk away. I don't waste time in hurrying back. My thoughts are back in that room with Jasmine and what she could possibly be going through. I round the corner amd spot Genie and Abu. I can't stop, I need to get back. Genie yells after me but I can't respond. I want to be with Jasmine.

I skid past the entrance to my chambers and gather my wits before walking towards my wife. She doesn't need to see me scared out of my mind. No doubt, she's just as scared. I walk through the door and find her sitting up against the headboard. She's put a front up, one that suggests she's comfortable. I know this to be untrue. She looks my way and stretches her arm out in a invite to join her. I walk to her side and grasp her hand.

"Hey." I squeeze her hand to reassure her but it only brings tears to her eyes. "Jas, don't cry. Everything will be alright. I'll be here for you the whole time. I'm not leaving you." I kiss her on the lips then her forehead. She's already begun to sweat and pieces of hair have clinged to her face. I try to wipe them away but it does no good.

"Aladdin, does anyone besides Ramiz and Farida know?" I shake my head and as I'm about to speak, Farida walks through the door with Genie in tow.

"Al, why didn't you tell me Jas was in labor?!"

"Sorry Genie. I wasn't thinking earlier. Did you tell anyone else?" I keep my focus on Jasmine as she breathes through a contraction.

"Yes. Both your father and the Sultan knows. They're giving you both the space you need. Everyone has gathered in the Throne Room to await the birth of your baby. If you need me, you have the lamp." Genie places his hand on my shoulder and lightly squeezes. I take the opportunity to look at my best friend. He hasn't tried any funny antics and I'm thankful. Now's not the time. I smile and thank him before he leaves.

I look around the room and watch Farida and the servants setting up towels, sheets, and water. One of the servants, thankfully a woman, brings a bowl of cool water and a piece of cloth to wipe away the sticky sweat on Jasmine's forehead. She dips the cloth once more and wipes down Jasmine's arms and around her neck.

"Can I undress? It's so hot in here." Jasmine sits up and moves to the edge of the bed, deciding not to wait for a response. She tries to pull her dress off but fails miserably. I help her remove it and toss it to the floor. With help from one of the ladies, I lightly scrub the sweat that's caked on Jasmine's skin as she leans over the edge of the bed. She continues to do her breathing during contractions and it pains me that I can only do so little to help her.

Jasmine's POV

I can't believe this is it. After 9 months of waiting, I'll be welcoming my baby into the world. Time has passed in a blur and I struggle to remember the moments that have led me to this day. I suppose that's what happens when you're enduring pain from contractions. Speaking of contractions, I seem to be having one right now and all I want to do is scream. Maybe punch something? Anything to ebb the discomfort away. I hate this!

I'm doing my best to breathe but it does little good since each cramp seems worse than the last. Farida ensures that it's all a part of my body getting ready to deliver. She's also informed me that I've dilated to 6 centimeters since I went into labor 3 hours ago. Why is this taking so long?! Is this how it is for every woman who goes through labor and delivery? If so, do I want to go through this sacrifice again? Surprisingly I would if it meant I could meet my baby.

It's now midnight and after a short visit from my Father and Cassim, Aladdin and I insisted they rest. We were no closer to meeting our little one and having everyone waiting for news all night wasn't settling with me. They needed their sleep just as much as I. Unfortunately, I couldn't sleep. I was told I could nap in between contractions but I couldn't. I could hold my own for now. I'm too anxious to meet my son or daughter and he or she is being too stubborn. A trait, I'm afraid, I have passed down.

I peer through the balcony doors and gaze at the night sky. How I wished my mother was here with me to see her grandchild being born. I know Aladdin feels the same way. I tear my eyes from the doors and peek at Aladdin. He has fallen asleep. His head rests on the edge of the bed with his hands cupping my small one beneath it. He fought me on him sleeping but there's nothing he can do but be by my side. That's all I need from him. He stirs as I try to roll to my side, hoping this will help with the contractions, but he remains asleep. Maybe, I should join him even if it is for a couple minutes.

Aladdin's POV

I wake to screams coming from beside me. I bolt upright and watch Jasmine clutch her stomach in agony. Tears are pouring from her eyes and falling into the pillow beneath her head. I grab her hand and she squeezes back with all her might. I hate to see her in discomfort and me being unable to do anything about it. I hate being helpless! I'm her husband, I'm suppose to protect her! And all I can do is sit here. I lift myself from my chair and sit on the edge of the bed, never releasing Jasmine's hand. I placd my free hand on her lower back and rub back and forth. Hopefully this will calm and relax her.

"Your Highness, we need to see if you've dilated any further." Farida's voice sounds from behind me. I can't seem to tear my gaze from Jasmine while she breathes through the last few seconds of another contraction. Once the cramps have subsided, she rolls to her back for Farida to examine her.

"It seems you're at 8 centimeters." She lowers the sheet and steps away to speak with a servant. I don't listen. My full attention is on Jasmine and only her. She looks up at me and tries to smile. I smile back. My brave wife. She's been battling labor for 10 hours now, something I caught Farida telling the servant that's now walking out the door. Was I asleep for 7 hours? Why did I sleep that long? Why didn't anyone wake me?

"Jasmine, why didn't you wake me? I could have helped you in some way." She cups my face and runs her thumb along my cheekbone.

"You needed to sleep. I've tried to rest myself. I'm sorry I woke you the way I did. You didn't need that."

"Jas, what I need is for you to be okay! Sleep is the last thing I should worry about. You're my wife and I want to be here to help you in any way." I kiss her hand that rests along my cheek. She's now resting on her side again and I resume rubbing her back.

"Yes, you are my husband and I, your wife. And your wife said you needed rest. I have enough people in this room watching over me. If you holding my hand helps me, then hold my hand." There's a hint of bitterness in her voice. I know she doesn't mean it but I would be mad if I had to go through all of this.

I hold her hand as she wanted and comforted her through the contractions. We move around the bed a few times for Jasmine to find a more comfortable position to lie in. Ramiz has been in and out of the room a few times but Farida stays in the same chair she set up the minute she arrived. She continues to check Jasmine, filling us in on her progress. Another hour has passed and only a centimeter more dilated. I have to agree with Jasmine; our child is stubborn.

Jasmine's POV

The contractions are a minute apart and yet I'm still at 9 centimeters. I've been in labor for 12 hours. The sun has risen and is shining through the balcony doors. It's a new day and I can only hope I will meet my darling baby soon. I carefully roll to my side but I'm stopped by a contraction. I sit up and grab my stomach. It's so much worse and that scares me. Farida jumps out of her chair and practically runs to the bed. She lifts the sheet and drops it suddenly to alert the servants.

I barely understand what she's saying as I'm in so much pain and have the instant urge to push. What few servants that linger are busy sorting through towels and sheets while another ran from the room to alert Ramiz. He's hardly stepped foot in here leaving Farida to handle my labor. The way everyone is hustling, I suppose this is the moment I've been waiting on for the past 12 hours.

Ramiz storms through the door and sits in a chair at the end of the bed. He asks Aladdin and Farida to help guide me to the edge of the bed. He lifts the sheet and informs me that he can already see the head. I'm instantly scared but anxious as well. I want this whole labor and delivery to be over.

"Jasmine, I want you to push and continue to do so until I say stop." I do as Ramiz says and lift my upper body to rest on my hands amd push as hard as I can. At this point, I'm so tired that I'm afraid I won't be able to push my baby out. Ramiz tells me to stop and I collapse onto my back.

"I can't do it. I'm so tired. Can you just take the baby out?"

"No Jasmine, I can't. You're going to have to push. You can do it. Aladdin, sit behind her and hold her up." Aladdin gently lifts me and settles between my pillows and myself. I push again and Ramiz coaxes me and excitedly says that the head is almost out. Please let this be the worst of my pain.

Aladdin props me up as I push again. I've delivered the head and now I feel the rest of the body being born. I fall back against AAladdin's chest and the pain has left my body. I've just delivered my baby. Cries fill the room while the servants clean up my son or daughter. Ramiz hasn't told me what the baby was. I lift myself up to look around and Farida is bringing my son or daughter to me.

She gently places my baby on my chest and I instantly cradle him or her.

"Congratulations, you're the parents of a beautiful and healthy baby girl." She walks away giving us some privacy. I have a girl. I loo at her and notice a small patch of black hair. A small curl slips down onto her forehead. She has Aladdin's curls. She even has his eyes. My sweet girl. A mixture of both her parents.

"Isn't she perfect, Aladdin?" I glance up at him and he has tears in his eyes. Aladdin never cries. He raises his hand and lightly runs it on our daughter's head.

"Just like her mother." He kisses me on the cheek and one on our daughter's head. "What are yoi wanting to name her?"

"I was thinking Lamiya."

"I like it. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl."