Jasmine was lost in thought as she lay on her sofa.

The new prince had seemed so… familiar. Clearly more decent than the others who had drifted in through the door.

"Princess Jasmine?"

Tearing herself out of her thoughts, she glanced over to the balcony, just as a figure climbed onto it.

"My apologies for interrupting. I was hoping to speak to you?"

Slowly, she got up and moved over to the partially see-through curtains, peeking through them. "Speak about what?"

"I was- WOAH!"

The Prince took several steps back as Rajah came charging through the curtains, teeth bared as he growled at the intruder.

…..

Hearing his Dad's yelp, even from the gardens, as he was getting tucked into bed, Aladdin frowned. "I think Daddy's in trouble."

Genie glanced up and sighed, "Don't worry kiddo. I'll go and help him… once you're in bed!"

…..

Jasmine pulled Rajah away from the prince, frowning at the light from her room fell on his face. "Don't… don't I know you?"

"Yes… you do." Cassim knew that there was really no point in lying to her. He'd seen how sharp she was, "I apologise for the deception."

"… You're the man from the marketplace." She frowned, "So… you're not a prince?"

Looking back, this is where Cassim slipped up.

"I am, me and Aladdin just… prefer to live a simple life. My brother is the heir, there's no reason for me to stay in the palace." He then took a deep breath, "You certainly look beautiful today."

Jasmine rolled her eyes, "Richer right… more becoming of a princess. The perfect prize for any stuck-up prince."

Seeing right through her, Cassim smiled fondly, "It was just a compliment on your beauty… you were beautiful when you were dressed in those rags you know."

There was a brief moment of silence, before Jasmine sighed and nodded her head, "Thank you."

"… I will leave you be then." Turning away, Cassim stepped right off the balcony, landing directly on the flying carpet as Jasmine cried out in alarm above.

"No!"

This prompted carpet to lift him up just enough for his head to peek over the railings of the balcony.

"What?"

Jasmine looked shocked for a brief moment, before moving closer and peering over the edge, "How are you doing that?"

"It's a magic carpet." Cassim explained, "A magic flying carpet." The carpet rose up a little, allowing the princess to shake one of its' tassels.

"It's… lovely."

"Do you wish to go for a ride? Get out of the palace… see the world?"

Jasmine frowned, "Is it safe?"

"Of course… do you trust me?"

Smiling at the memory of Cassim saying that to her before, Jasmine nodded, taking the out-stretched hand and allowing herself to be helped onto the carpet. As soon as she was seated on the carpet, it shot away from the balcony, rising high above the palace wall as Jasmine gripped at Cassim's clothes. Once they were over the palace walls, the carpet dipped down into the streets, flying past window after window as Jasmine couldn't help but beam in glee.

"Here…" Cassim handed her a small flower, "… beautiful, right?"

"Gorgeous."

The carpet then surged upwards, flying up into the clouds and flying alongside a congregation of storks. Jasmine cried out in alarm, squeezing her eyes closed, only opening them up again when she felt Cassim take her hand.

"Don't close your eyes…" he whispered, "… you'll miss the pyramids."

She opened her eyes, beaming as they skimmed across the River Nile and towards the pyramids, fling past the Sphinx, before shooting up into the sky once again. Once they dipped back down, they were in Greece, flying past the Temple of Zeus and through the beautiful fruit trees that lined the fields.

By the time they decided to come to a stop, the pair were in Chine, watching the New Year fireworks and watching the celebrations down below.

"This is amazing…" Jasmine sighed happily, "… it's a shame Aladdin couldn't be here."

Cassim shook his head, "He hates fireworks… they're too loud for him."

There was silence for a few moments, before Jasmine turned to Cassim, "Why did you lie to me in the markets? Why didn't you tell me you were a Prince?"

Again, another chance to tell the truth.

"I…. didn't want you to think I was strange. It's not exactly normal for a royal to dress up like a commoner to avoid palace life."

"All the way out here?"

"… Nobody knew who me and Aladdin were. It was easier that way."

Jasmine nodded in understanding, "I understand." She whispered, "Maybe I should have done the same."

As the fireworks continued, the day's events caught up with Jasmine and she slowly started to lean against Cassim, her eyes sliding shut.

Once he was sure that Jasmine was asleep, Cassim turned to the carpet…. Who was actually giving him a disappointed expression… however, that was possible.

"I know, I know…" he whispered, "… I'll tell her soon, I promise."

…..

On their way back, Jasmine woke up, stretching out her limbs as they arrived back at the palace. Carefully, she allowed herself to be helped back into her balcony, where she gave Cassim a soft smile.

"Goodnight… Prince Cassim."

"Sleep well Princess."

They stared at each other for a short while, until the carpet suddenly bounced up, causing Cassim's lips to connect with Jasmine's. The kiss must only have lasted around four seconds, but it felt like years.

Once Jasmine pulled away, she gave Cassim another soft smile, before heading to her room, slowly closing the curtain behind her and waving Cassim goodbye.

As soon as he was sure that Jasmine wasn't listening, Cassim threw his hands into the air, feeling like a young man again. Falling back, he allowed the carpet to float him back down to the ground.

"You know what…" he chuckled, "… things are really starting to look up."

And then the hands grabbed him.