Here we are at chapter seventeen. Things are winding down before our epilogue. Aladdin and Savannah are together, Jasmine has chosen herself and it appears as though Omar has his eyes on this independent woman. Babkak, well, he's just hungry.
Chapter Seventeen: Transformation
"Your highness," one of her father's most trusted advisors began. After the eulogy and the proper send off, Jasmine dried her eyes and returned back inside where the members pooled into the audience chamber, ignoring the puffiness and redness of her eyes.
"I've just buried my father," Jasmine protested against this conference.
"Our condolences, the sultan was a good man," another chimed in. "However, we need to discuss the matter of your coronation and choosing a husband."
Aladdin and Savannah entered the chamber, hand in hand, as they watched Jasmine begin her reign or order giving and ruling. Savannah had nothing but sympathy in her heart for the other that was horrible to be bombarded just as you buried a loved one.
"I do not choose anyone. I choose me."
"The kingdom was prepared for your marriage to Aladdin," the first advisor spoke. He tapped a quill against a scroll, feeling the princess was testing his patience. He wanted to try to level with her. "The law has been followed for centuries. Your father married your mother, a fellow queen, his father before that married a queen, his mother before him married a king. It's enough the rules had been bent for you to marry the commoner. Now you must marry a prince and take it seriously, we cannot have you disregard what has been."
Jasmine sat down on her throne in the audience chamber, meeting with Aladdin's eyes before letting out a sigh. If only Genie could travel through time and change history, but she knew that couldn't possibly happen. She stared at them all in their silver robes and red sashes, looking to carry out new regencies and guides for the people to follow. How was it that she could make rules but couldn't break them? Centuries old or not, it was foolish.
"I have no desire to unionize any of those swindling peacocks. They have no respect for our borders. You'd rather they come in and defy all that Agrabah sought to obtain? Because that's what those princes will do."
"May I remind you that you are not yet Sultana? We put these laws into effect, we make or break them. You cannot become Sultana until you wed. That we the deal. We crown you on the same day as your wedding."
"Upon my father's order." Was this insolence due to the fact that she was the only woman leader and they felt they could bully her? Need she mind them that she had the royal blood in her veins?
"Princess, please understand," The first advisor sighed. "We understand your unwillingness. You are your mother's daughter. Princess, you will see to reason, this kingdom cannot thrive fully with one ruler. You will need an heir to carry on your name when you yourself pass."
Jasmine glanced at them, thoughtful this time. Omar stood beside Aladdin and Savannah as the two shook their heads in sympathy for her. Still, she was forced to be married for the sake of her kingdom. While Savannah gave her a multitude of credit for wanting to stand firm towards the idea of a woman being fit to take on the rule. She could tell Jasmine gave this deep thought, only to be told, her dreams wouldn't be coming true.
The advisors were telling her to grow up and to face facts. She very well knew why the kingdom needed for her to take a suitor and she would in due time, but not right now. She was not fit to give herself to another. She had so much to learn, so much to figure out.
"I imagine you have a lineup of new suitors and have managed to retrieve past ones who want the throne?" Key word: Throne. Not Jasmine.
"Yes, your highness," The second advisor replied.
"Send them away. I will not be taking any suitors. We will commence with the coronation and it will be without a stranger at my side to appease outdated laws. I will register some new laws." Jasmine had to be firm, which made Omar smile. She turned her gaze to him and smiled in return. She was beginning to grow fond of Aladdin's friends.
Defeated, the advisors sighed and bowed to her. The left the audience chamber in single file, leaving Jasmine with her friends. They disapproved of her associating with such common dwellers. Although she was their princess, they ultimately had to do as she commanded. They couldn't stop trying, though, to keep their laws.
"Those old crones think they can bully me," Jasmine shook her head and sat upright. "Who do they think I am? A ten year old still learning the ropes? I'm eighteen years old! I'm ready for this."
"As a wise old man once said to me, you'll be a fine queen," Savannah offered her a warm smile. She never gave Jasmine a chance, in fact, she blamed her a little too much for her mother's illness and ultimately, her death. No one could have prevented that. But, she felt Jasmine had so much security that she was practically untouchable, even from Death itself. Savannah, in her own right, was naïve and petty. She recognized her own flaws and for those reasons alone, she bowed to Jasmine. As much as she was a ruler, she was a woman first and foremost. Jasmine had let down her guard and admitted her flaws, it was time for Savannah to follow her future queen's lead.
Jasmine was taken aback by such an action, but she appreciated the respect. She approached the other woman and forced her up, making her her equal. "Actually, Savannah, I was thinking. You have been nothing but brutally honest with me, and I respect that. You all have risked your lives for myself and my father, despite any discrepancies you have had. I would like to reward all of you with a place in my court. I can lead this country, but it would absolutely flourish with all of you here with me."
Babkak and Omar exchanged wicked grins. They had gone from attempting to steal from the sultan to being invited to join Jasmine's court. They would no longer be petty savages scraping. Street rat would be an identity of the past and they would have exactly what they've worked for. "We're in!" They chimed together, and this made Jasmine giggle.
Cassim smiled down at the young woman. As noble a position as it was, Cassim was meant for the openness and further explore. He had lost the men whom he considered brothers. Many had been lost to the Vanishing Isle, traitors though they were, Cassim would always look at them like family. He would venture back to Mount Sesame to check in if they were any men left, and rebuild with who was there. He reunited with his son, and that was more than what he could have hoped for.
"As kind of an invitation as it is, I humbly decline," Cassim said, kneeled down and kissed the back of Jasmine's hands. "You have the strong blood of a ruler in those veins. Keep those sights strong."
"You will always have Agrabah to consider a home."
"Where will you go, dad?" Aladdin inquired.
"There's much to see. I'm a traveler, and you are more than well taken care of. Savannah, you keep an eye on my boy. Plenty of grandchildren to spoil when I come visit, you hear me?"
Savannah's cheeks burned at the thought of children, although smiled and nodded. "I'll see what I can do about that." Her lips slowly turned to a grin.
"I'll miss you, dad."
Although Cassim contemplated on taking on more of his son, having learned the gratification of doing for others as opposed to for himself. Hoarding was never the solution, it didn't display any form of power, seeing as how it was so easily taken away. Cassim couldn't ever find comfort restricted within the palace walls, even in a small village outside of the gate. The walls that provided the border were suffocating. No, he was made to travel.
Later that evening, the others had turned in for bed since between the funeral and the audience, they were all exhausted. All but Savannah, who leaned against the railing of her own balcony. Glancing around her, everything was spacious and screamed luxury. If she did accept Jasmine's proposal, this would be her life. No more scraping, she'd have a say, something she had always wanted from the get-go. She, Aladdin, Babkak, and Omar could recant all sorts of stories that would make Jasmine's stomach churn. She wanted to make a difference, but she still didn't feel she could live in this palace, not after everything she believed, what she saw, and what she experienced.
"You look bewildered," Aladdin chuckled as he closed the doors of her balcony behind him.
"I didn't even hear you come in." Although that didn't stop her from smiling as he approached her. All of her dreams were functioning into reality, she truly believed her mother was looking down at her and telling her she had earned what she now had. "You shouldn't even be in here!"
"What are you complaining about? We used to sleep together all the time." He rushed her up into his arms. She reciprocated by encircling her arms around his neck. She took this time to appreciate the man before her. One hand slipped from its enclosure to cup his cheek and feel the slightest trickle of stubble. He leaned his cheek against her head and locked eyes with her. "I owe you so much, Savannah."
"Shh, you have a lifetime to make it up to me."
"And I know just the way to begin," He chuckled with a grin and carried her bridal style back into the bedroom. She leaned against the throw pillows, pulling him to her and burying her lips into his own. The heat was sizzling, and against the summer night, it was difficult to resist tearing one another's clothing off. They picked up where they had left off so many times prior, when everything was far more complex than what it needed to be.
He pulled away from the kiss, staring down at Savannah and pressed his forehead down to her chest. "I love you," he said to her, feeling her fingers comb through his hair before picking his head up to look at her for some kind of response or a reaction, something.
"And I love you. Thank you for choosing me."
Aladdin blinked and hovered himself over her once more. "No, thank you for coming into my life and saving me. You have no idea what you've done to me. You know, I think about the day we met all the time." He smiled as he watched her adjust on the bed beneath him. "I think about how this crazy girl knocks into me and joins me on all of these adventures. When you were gone, I thought of only one thing: I should have married that crazy girl that never left me."
Savannah smiled and laid her head back against the pillows. "But-"
"And I already know what you're going to say. What about the life here? My life is with you, you and I can get through anything together and we will. So even if we don't accept Jasmine's positions here, I promise you a happy life and I promise our future children a father who will love them unconditionally. I'm not going anywhere, no one is going to starve."
"And I love you all the more for it. You will be a good provider and a good father."
"Then will you do me the honors of proving that to you? Will you be my wife?" A squeal was all the answer Aladdin needed.
As Aladdin and Savannah continued their conversation, vows, and aspirations of a happy future, Cassim stood outside the doorway listening. Saying goodbye would be hard, and leaving Aladdin and watching his face drop would be even harder. He would still be nearby, but he had to make them believe he had left. He had said everything he needed to say, any more would be wasteful, especially since Cassim still didn't forgive himself.
Aladdin had left it to Savannah to make the decision in regards to their position. She understood why, but that didn't make it any fairer. She ran her fingers through her hair, ruffled them, and grunted delicately. Aladdin would go anywhere she went, the two of them adapted to their surroundings and well. They certainly were fitted for each other in those regards.
Cassim was nowhere to be found and it was hours away from Jasmine's coronation. Aladdin searched frantically until the realization dawned on him that his father had left on purpose. Downtrodden, he thought to himself how it would have been nice for his father to stay around a little longer. But, he knew it worked out this way for the better. That still didn't mean Aladdin wasn't disappointed. He walked into the audience chamber where Jasmine was in a black gown, which caused him to flinch slightly.
Her coronation gown would be a gown to mourn her dear father. Jasmine looked solemnly up at Aladdin, unable to find a smile within her. He offered her a generous embrace that she happily accepted. Aladdin was garbed in royal attire for the occasion. The royal dressers were less than happy to tend to those beneath even them, but Aladdin ignored any snide comments and looks of disgust. He was clean, dressed in silk, and polished up well.
"Couldn't they have waited for this?" Omar inquired as he, as well, was dressed in black and red robes, a sword at his waist. "I mean, he just died."
"They need to crown me as queen," Jasmine explained. "It'll just be a dark coronation today. I do wish father was here, and mother." Jasmine slumped down onto her throne, where Omar came to join her, taking her hand gently to comfort her.
"Jeez, who died?" Genie inquired as he entered, the group turned their heads to him in unison and frowned. "Okay, bad joke."
"Do you really think your father would want you to mourn on a day like this? This would be the proudest day in his eyes. Last night was a beautiful oil lamp vigil, we've paid our respects," Aladdin said softly. "Would he want you all dressed in black?"
Genie's face contorted before snapping his fingers and the ghastly, ghoulish decorum was gone. In its place was the colors the former sultan was garbed in, golds, blues, and reds. A memorial rested at the alter where Jasmine would recite the creed and be crowned as queen. All of the black was sucked out of Jasmine's garb and instead clothed the ceremonial cream and golden robes. Her blue topaz diadem would be replaced with a ruby one. Her raven tresses were out, no longer held back by the triple bands of her youth. Seeing how the humidity caused her hair to poof out, Genie snapped his fingers and a single band bound her thick hair back.
The advisors filed into the room. They were disappointed that Jasmine would not be taking a husband, but ultimately, this was her choice. There were loop holes about her choosing an heir to take on the thrown nearer to the time of her own death. However, that began a mess of things, because they required a blood relative. This wasn't like taking over a company, not just anyone could do it. Not just anyone could rule Agrabah.
Glancing at their apparel, they nearly stopped dead in their tracks. Where were the blacks and grays? Where were the respectable ceremonial robes? The eldest advisor released the breath he had been holding. Again, this was Jasmine's choice.
"Your highness, the ceremony is about to begin," the elder advisor informed.
"Thank you," Jasmine hadn't bothered to learn any of their names. She had other thoughts in mind. "I thank you kindly for your many years of servitude, but I'm afraid they will no longer be needed. After today, you all are relieved from your duties." She eyed her group of friends behind her. "I have the help I need."
"I have never seen such disrespect come from such a bratty child. Ignoring and neglecting the rules will drive Agrabah straight into the ground." His nostrils flared as Jasmine smiled.
"I'm very sorry you feel that way. But I have a different vision for Agrabah. Babkak, please escort these gentlemen from the palace grounds before the ceremony."
All of their faces flushed and Babkak grinned mischievously. "With pleasure," he saluted and hoarded them up like cattle. He led them out of the audience chamber as the wailed with disapproval.
"Well, I don't know about you, but it feels less stuffy in here now that they've left. Savannah, before this begins, I need to know how to announce you," Jasmine said as she took Savannah's hands into her own. "Will you be my most trustful vizier? I can't think of anyone better who could give it to me straight." She grinned.
Such a beautiful queen she would be, and if Savannah had this idea right, Jasmine would take in her suggestions and put them into play on this little checker board. Her eyes brimming with tears, she imagined the Golden Age the Sultan and Sultana desired.
"On one condition," Savannah said as she swallowed the lump in the back of her throat. She was defying all she once believed in, however, her thoughts no longer ran on the same track. "We take residence outside of the palace."
"But, what if I need you?"
"Then I will come."
Jasmine took in the look of the other before she nodded, understanding and respecting her friend's wishes. "Aladdin, I'd like you as my advisor, along with Omar. And I'd like to take Babkak on as a guard."
Omar and Aladdin doubled over with laugher. "Razoul will have a field day training him."
"Then it's settled?"
"You have quite a strong team, your majesty," Savannah smiled and embraced Jasmine. Maybe long ago she would have spat in Jasmine's face or even the idea of living in the palace when Aladdin flaunted it in her face. But, Jasmine was a lost girl out in the marketplace, she needed a strong hand to guide her and who better than Savannah, Aladdin, and their friends?
This was certainly not the way Savannah envisioned her life. She watched the introduction of the suitors from down below with her elderly friend, and now she stood beside Jasmine as the priest exchanged the diadems and sprinkled Jasmine with Holy water before the people, announcing her graduation from Princess of Agrabah to Queen of Agrabah. The crowd, from what Savannah observed, cheered for this new change as they were filled with hopes of a new Agrabah and a new age. And Savannah could swear, all the way in the back, was Cassim adorned in his King of Thieves uniform who soon enough dashed away into the catacombs of the city.
No matter what they've lost, they were never gone. The Sultan would always be with Jasmine, Aladdin would always have his mother and Savannah hers. She fully believed they've guided their children with Allah's blessings to where they are today. Aladdin approached Savannah and slid his arm around her waist, resting it upon where her navel sat. They were the new lives of their generation and they had the capability of doing anything.
Jasmine stood proud at the edge of the balcony, waving to her people. A breeze rolled inward, a rarity in the dead, humid heat. Along the breeze carried a lotus blossom, wet from her pond. Jasmine caught it and held it to her chest, then towards the heavens. Her lips curled into a smile, a present from beyond that told her all would be well. She could do this, there were no more chains to bind her into a life she was not meant for.
