“We’re almost finished, Your Highness.”
“Take your time,” Hassan replied before resuming his humming as a measuring tape was secured around his waist. His measurements were taken once, twice then thrice. “Is... everything alright?”
His tailor looked up slowly before looking at the tape. “I know you were sick some time ago but, are you feeling alright? You’ve seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight, sir.” He then looked up to see dark eyes staring down at him. “I-I didn’t mean to offend you if I h-had, P-Prince H–”
The royal offered a small smile when he noted the apprehension. “I’m not offended.” He removed the tape to review the measurement. “I appreciate your concern, but I can assure you that I’m alright.”
“Sir–”
Hassan clapped his hands together before holding his arms out. “Now then, shall we continue?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Light conversation filled the room until a knock on the door interrupted them.
“Excuse my intrusion, Prince Hassan, but I must speak with you.”
“Did you get all the measurements you needed?” He received a nod and a pardon from the man that was hurrying to collect his things. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you please leave the drafts here? I will let you know which one I like best before the end of the night.”
Collecting the requested documents, Hassan waved as the tailor bowed out. His attention then went to the sketches of attire as he sat on a large floor pillow. Kava then nuzzled and nestled alongside him to be petted as the prince reviewed the sketches.
“Prince Hassan.” Said person peeked over the pages. “You’ve put this off long enough. Your birthday is—”
“Jafar, can’t we talk about this later?” The prince then shuffled the drafts before holding them up for the vizier to see. “Which do you think would look best?”
“With all due respect, Your Highness, I don’t think your future wardrobe holds a significant amount of importance. Your birthday is in a couple of days and we need to finalize the plans.” Hassan made a face at him before he went back to reviewing his options. “You know, there is a rumor that your sister has taken a fancy to Prince Cairo and will be announcing such at your birthday.” Dark eyes peered up at the older man. “Won’t that be a lovely little birthday present? The announcement of your future brother-in-l–”
“Enough.” Hassan set the drafts aside before stroking Kava’s ears as the large feline nuzzled him. “I get it. I can’t put this off any longer,” he groused as he got to his feet. He noticed Jafar’s stare soon after. “Jafar?”
“You look... slimmer. Are you feeling alright?”
Hassan diverted his gaze to the papers. “The tailor mentioned the same thing.”
“Stress can be just as dangerous as pride.” The prince shifted uncomfortably. “If this is too much for you, I will handle i–”
“I can handle it!” He clenched his hands at his sides. “I... I can handle it.”
Jafar watched him momentarily before clearing his throat. “Of course you can. Now then, how have you determined how you would like to proceed? Your birthday is in three days mind you.”
“Three days...” Hassan petted Kava as the leopard nuzzled his leg, purring as it did so, before grabbing the sketches again. “Which one of these do you think would look nicer?”
“Prin–”
“Humor me, Jafar,” he replied as he headed to the door. “I promised I would have a decision for the tailor. Sooner rather than later would be nice so please come along.”
Following along behind the royal, Jafar observed the draft in a scrutinous fashion before eyeing Hassan. “If I may.”
“What–?”
Being whirled around, Hassan’s face reddened as sharp eyes roamed his figure before being turned every which way. Jafar’s attention went back to the sketches as Hassan attempted to compose himself before handing him one of the pictures.
“This one would be the most flattering for you,” Jafar replied as they waked into the atrium, “but we should discuss the matter at h–”
“How about the winner gets the first dance with Jasmine?”
Hassan and Jafar looked towards the pair standing in the center; Cairo smiled smugly with his hands folded across his chest while Aladdin stood with his hands on his hips. Both men then turned their attention towards the others as Jafar cleared his throat.
Cairo glanced at the vizier then the royal. “Prince Hassan.”
Hassan simply nodded as he cocked his hip.
“Prince Hassan.” His attention went towards the other suitor. “G-Good afternoon,” Aladdin greeted.
Hassan offered a small smile. “Good afternoon, Prince Ali. Mind telling me what you two are discussing?”
“It’s nothing for you to concern yourself with,” Cairo interjected. “It’s just a friendly little contest between princes.”
Hassan hummed thoughtfully. “It does concern me if my sister is to be treated as a prize. She has already expressed her displeasure of being referred to and treated as such. It would do you well to remember that.” He then smiled cheekily. “You also seem to forget that I am a prince if our last little contest is anything to go by, so I think I am allowed to know the details of your little games...”
Aladdin covered his mouth as he failed to contain a snort, much to Cairo’s annoyance.
“Prince Hassan.” Said person looked towards Jafar. “I say let the foo–the princes have their little contest. We have other important matters to discuss.”
“Other important matters?” Jafar’s lips pressed into a thin line as Hassan looked back at the guests. “Before we do that, I would like to have a small chat with Prince Cairo.”
“Your High–”
Hassan waved his hand dismissively. “We can talk later, Jafar.” The advisor bowed deeply while Hassan turned his attention to Aladdin. “Pardon me, Prince Ali, but I would like to borrow your friend here. Is that alright?”
“Sure, but can I...I make a small request?”
“Hey, no special favors,” Cairo chided.
Hassan rolled his eyes mentally at the remark. “Why not ask me a little later, Ali?” He then covered his mouth. “Pardon me for not using your title.”
Aladdin held up his hands. “I-it’s alright! You don’t have to use it!” He then rubbed the back of his neck as he looked elsewhere. “Can I make a request?” He glanced at Cairo then Hassan again. “Perhaps a bit later?”
“Sure.” Hassan’s gaze redirected towards Cairo. “Would you be so kind as to follow me?”
The pair made their way down the corridor before entering a different wing. They were greeted by several guards in front of a large door before they were dismissed for a few minutes by Hassan. Entering the large room, Cairo looked around the room to see riches lining the walls and tables while Hassan closed the door, placing his papers on a nearby table.
Cairo was upon him the minute the lock slid into place.
“You should be grateful I waited until you put the lock on,” he replied as he caged the prince in. A finger pressed against his lips. “What now?”
“You remember our arrangement, don’t you?” Hassan questioned before knocking an arm aside.
The other prince grimaced as the other eyed the treasures. “Why bring me all this way then?”
“To tell you to stop using my sister as a prize.” Hassan placed as hand on cocked his hip. “I get that you're aiming to be her husband but, your actions are unbecoming.” A finger then twirled in dark tresses as he looked at his guest. “Plus, you giving all that attention to her is–”
“Are you jealous?” Cairo inquired in an amused tone. He gave a chuckle when the prince averted his gaze. “Cute.”
“Do not call me cute.”
Cairo’s eyebrow raised. “Bratty all of a sudden, aren’t we? That’s rather unbecoming.”
Hassan sucked his teeth before pointing accusingly at the man. “Just stop using my sister as a prize.”
“Make it worth my while.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Wait until my birthday.”
Cairo hummed thoughtfully. “You know, you interrupted yet another friendly competition between myself and that other suitor, Prince Al or whatever.”
“His name is Prince Ali,” Hassan informed. “You could at least be courteous to know who you’re challenging during your friendly competition.”
Cairo leaned down to be at eye level. “I took the time to follow you all the way here.” He tilted Hassan’s chin upwards to run his thumb over the man’s bottom lip. “For you being a gracious host, you’re asking for an awful lot, Hassan.” He noted the small shiver as he said Hassan’s name. “You should make it worth my while...unless you’re scared.”
The corners of Hassan’s mouth ticked upwards as he grabbed the prince by the collar, rising to the challenge. “Now who’s being bratty?”
Smirking at the provocation, Cairo leaned forward. He had expected the prince to falter but was surprised when Hassan reciprocated the action resulting in a kiss. Backing the man into a wall, Hassan swiped his tongue against Cairo’s lips and was granted access almost instantly as he slotted his knee between his legs. A knock on the door had Hassan parting though fingers carding through his hair pulled him close again.
“Your Highness?” came the muffled call.
Hassan glanced at the door before Cairo stole his attention again when the two swapped places. The second and third knock went unanswered before Hassan pushed the prince back as the lock was undone. Composing himself with practiced ease, Hassan waved at the guards that entered the room.
“Do you need something?”
“Just checking on you, sir. We didn’t hear anything when we knocked.”
“Oh.” He glanced at Cairo who was observing the silken tapestries. “We were discussing some matters amongst ourselves so I didn’t hear you.” He then gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry but can you give us a few more moments?”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
Arms were wrapped around the prince as soon as the doors closed. Hassan pulled away only to be spun around to stare up at his guest that was eyeing him lustfully. He then pressed a finger against Cairo’s lips when he leaned down for a kiss.
“The door is unlocked,” he whispered as he smoothed out Cairo’s clothes.
“Lock the door.”
Hassan went to collect the sketches. “I have other matters to attend to.”
“Such as?”
He held up the papers. “I promised the tailor I would have my selection to him before the end of the day. Not only should I keep my word but I should look my very best for you on my birthday, shouldn’t I?” He then glanced over his shoulder to give the man and up and down glance before biting his lip. “You should do the same.”
Cairo smirked as he walked past the man. “I suppose I could oblige.”
‘I should really eat something...’
Several others, including his father, had inquired about the sudden loss in weight. It wasn’t really the type of conversation that the prince wanted to have with the sultan but Hassan couldn’t help but lose his appetite when the older man expressed interest in discussing his opinions on Jasmine’s suitors.
There were several things that he liked about Prince Ali, Hassan in agreeance, but that changed once he started talking about Prince Cairo. The conversation ended when the sultan questioned if Hassan was alright, commenting that he had suddenly looked a bit pale.
Hassan chalked it up to being a tad tired with all the staff’s party planning inquires before pacifying the man. When his father went back to discussing his opinions on Cairo, Hassan then excused himself before returning to his room when had lost his appetite.
That had been a few hours ago.
He pressed a hand to his stomach when he heard it growl before looking out towards his balcony. It was already late and it would be troublesome to wake one of the chefs to make him something. He concluded his could hold out until morning to get some food in his stomach.
His stomach growling again had him reconsidering as he reluctantly made his way to his main entrance.
Throwing open the door, grumbling to himself, he glanced up when he heard a startled gasp.
“Prince Ali?”
“G-Good Evening, Prince Hassan.”
“I’m a bit surprised that you’re at my front door rather than my balcony.” Noting his fidget, Hassan leaned against his doorframe as he folded his arms across his chest. “What can I do for the handsome prince this evening?”
Aladdin’s face flushed. “I hope I’m not disturbing you but can I make my request?”
Hassan’s eyebrow arched before recalling their earlier conversation. “What is it?”
“Promise not to laugh...”
The prince was intrigued now. “Very well.”
“Um... can you... can you teach me how to...dance?”
Hassan opened then closed his mouth as he tried to process the request. “I’m sorry, what?”
Aladdin rubbed the back of his neck as he looked everywhere but at his host. “Can you teach me how –” He held up his hands. “You know what? It’s late and–”
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t help you,” Hassan reassured. “Can... can I ask... why you... want me to teach you?”
“I don’t really know how...” His eyes slowly met Hassan’s. “...and I didn’t know who else to ask...”
“Well, I am flattered.” Hassan pushed open the door to welcome Aladdin inside. “Come in.”
Aladdin’s gaze wandered the decorated walls and well-furnished room before spotting Kava curiously watching from his corner. His attention was then on the prince that was quietly closing the door.
“Your room is amazing.”
Hassan laughed. “I’m sure it’s a nice change from my balcony.” His guest shifted awkwardly before looking at the offered hand. “Shall we get started?”
“There’s no music.”
“It’s rather late for music,” Hassan replied as he took Aladdin’s hand, “but one does not always need music to dance. You could always make your own if you really need it though.”
He bowed politely at the waist before pulling his guest forward. Hassan chuckled as Aladdin imitated the action before giving instructions. When Aladdin had trouble keeping up, clumsily stepping on the prince’s feet, Hassan began humming to help the man keep time. His amusement grew when he noted how earnestly his pupil had followed his directions for nearly an hour up until Aladdin successfully spun then dipped him.
“Are you feeling better since last time?”
A blush darted across the prince’s face as he locked eyes with his guest. “D-Do you really have to ask me that while in this position?”
“I don’t see why now isn’t a good time.” Hassan’s blush darkened when a loud growl filled the silence. “Hungry?” Aladdin questioned as he stared down at his host. Hassan’s mouth clamped shut as his stomach responded for him. “Maybe you should get something to eat... It’s also getting rather late. I should get going...”
“Perhaps...” His gaze skittered away for a few moments before he looked up at Aladdin. “Prince Ali?” Aforementioned continued to stare down at the other. “Um, can I stand up now?”
“Y-yes!” He pulled the other up quickly before distancing himself. “S... sorry.”
“That’s quite alright,” Hassan said as straightened his clothes with a small laugh. “You’re a rather quick learner.”
“You’re just a good teacher,” Aladdin corrected.
That earned him another laugh as Hassan spun in a circle. “You flatter me but perhaps you’re right, my handsome prince.” He then clasped his hands behind him. “I just thought of a wonderous idea! Why not put what you learned to the test by being the first to ask Jasmine to dance with you on my birthday? You can show her what you’ve learned.”
“Actually–”
The man snapped his fingers as he hurried up to Aladdin. “Better yet; take her out on a date tomorrow! I don't think you’ve spent as much time with her as Cairo.”
“Hass–”
Hassan grabbed his hands. “Why not take her on a ride with you and Carpet? I can arrange for a lunch to be prepared for the two of you to take along. I can also have them prepare a dinner for you as well.” His grip tightened somewhat. “You should definitely spend more time together,” he insisted. “You both would look so good together! What do you say?”
Aladdin looked down at their hands as he was earnestly asked the question again. A smile gradually pulled at the corners of his mouth when Hassan gave his hands a squeeze.
“I... I would love that.”
“Wonderful! I will make the arrangements. You just need to be in the garden at noon.” The growling of his stomach then reminded him of his previous hunger as he started ushering the other towards the door. “At any rate, leave everything to me, Ali.”
“Sure thing,” Aladdin said with a bow once in the hall. “Thank you again for the lesson.”
“It was my pleasure,” Hassan said as they walked down the corridor. “Do sleep well.”
Parting ways, Hassan made his way towards the kitchen before coming to a pause when he saw Jafar talking to one of the guards. The vizier dismissed the guard when he noticed the prince, much to Hassan’s mild annoyance, before approaching.
“Good evening, Your Highness,” Jafar greeted. “You’re out rather late.”
“As are you,” he replied. “Why are you out at this hour?”
“I had some inquiries was all.” Hassan arched an eyebrow. “And you? I expected you to be sleep at–” A growl interrupted the man. “Ah, well, nice to see you getting your appetite back.”
“I didn’t exactly eat dinner earlier.”
“But I was notified that you were having dinner with your father.”
“That was the plan until I found out he wanted to talk about Jasmine’s suitors. You should know that I love my family more than anything, Jafar, but I cannot stomach his opinion on Cairo.” The name dripped with palpable spite. “I want him out.”
“I suppose now is as good as any to discuss how you plan to do deal with that.”
Hassan gestured for the other to follow. “Come with me. I rather discuss this in pri–”
“Discuss what?” Both turned to see Cairo munching on an apple. “It’s rather late, isn't it?”
“It is so I find you walking around rather alarming,” Jafar replied. “Why are you wandering about at this hour?”
Cairo bit into the apple for emphasis. “Got hungry.” His eyes then drifted towards Hassan. “What about you?”
“His Highness is not required to answer your q–”
Hassan held a hand before gesturing Cairo to follow along. “I got a little restless was all so I decided to take a walk and ran into Jafar who happened to be handling some preparations for my birthday.” He gave the man a smile. “He is rather dutiful.”
“You flatter me, Your Highness.”
Cairo rolled his eyes at the interaction before smiling when the pair focused on him. “Why not take a walk with me if you’re so restless?”
“You think that would tire me out?”
“I can think of a few ways...” Jafar made a face. “You know I’m not particularly fond of sharing but you’re more than welcome to–”
The vizier scowled and went to retort though Hassan waved his hand dismissively as he walked over to the prince. His fingers walked up the man’s chest before a mischievous smile tilted the corners of his mouth. “When you make comments like that, it makes me think you’re asking for help in a roundabout way. I don’t think you’re up for the challenge.”
“Cheeky lit–”
“Jafar.” Said person looked towards Hassan. “Come along.” His attention then went back to Cairo before turning to walk away. “I suppose you can come too.”
Jafar watched as Cairo spared him a glance before following along behind the prince. He hardly entertained the idea of listening to the princes, mainly Cairo, exchange lewd remarks. Opting in excusing himself altogether, his pace crawled to a halt when Hassan made a hand gesture for him to stop just before the pair rounded a corner.
“Your Highness and His... Highness, good evening,” a guard greeted. “May I ask what brings you to the treasury at this hour?”
“I was a bit restless and decided to look over the ledger for my upcoming birthday. You know how extravagant the sultan likes to make these kinds of events. I just wasn’t to make sure he’s not going overboard.”
“You know he only wants the best for you, Your Highness.”
Hassan chuckled sheepishly. “Perhaps, but humility over expenses is more appealing.”
“Kind as ever, sir.” The guard’s attention then panned towards Cairo who was eating an apple. “Will... His Highness be accompanying you?”
“Yes; if that is alright?” The guard merely bowed before opening the door for them. “Do you mind giving us privacy for about twenty minutes?” Cairo hummed quietly. “Perhaps thirty?”
“As you wish, sir.”
Cairo simply smiled as the door was closed and locked before turning his attention the prince that was eyeing a few of the tapestries. He walked over quietly as the royal rummaged through a drawer before turning the man around. His hands smoothed down Hassan’s chest as he leaned in. He was welcomingly caught off guard at the kiss but soon reciprocated. He was not prepared for Hassan to pull him closer to hook an arm around his neck.
Cairo’s hands busied themselves along Hassan’s sides before smiling against the lips he had been kissing. “Curious to know if I still have to wait until your birthday.”
Hassan kissed him again. “Don’t act spoiled,” he chided as his hand fished through the drawer behind him.
“I could spoil you,” he whispered as he sat Hassan on the desk. “Now and after.”
“You have to wait but I can show you what to expect..” Deft fingers glided down Cairo’s chest before pushing the man back to get to his feet. A flirty smile was on his lips before he gestured for Cairo to turn around. “Give me just a moment, ok?”
Watching him momentarily, Hassan quietly continued to rummage through the drawer. Finding a small ledger, he skimmed through the pages before tucking the item into the sash tied at his waist. Walking about to the man as he went to turn, Hassan gently ran his hands along Cairo’s shoulders before trailing down his arms.
“Hass–”
“Close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“It’s easier to imagine all the things I will do for you with your eyes closed,” Hassan whispered as he moved to stand in front of him.
“And what do you have planned?”
Hassan’s finger slipped down to the clasp on Cairo’s shirt. A swift tug had dislodged thing before it was tossed to the floor a few meters away. His hand roamed down Cairo’s chest before coming up to stroke his cheek.
“First, I will put on a show just for you.”
“Oh?”
“I do love to dance,” he replied huskily, “but there’s just some moves you can’t show in public.” His thumb trailed across the man’s bottom lip. “I want to serve you the finest wine –” He walked over to one of the far walls of the room to gaze upon the portrait of his late mother in her finery before focusing on the small chest below the painting. Opening it quietly, Hassan admired the bejeweled choker resting on a tufted pillow. “– before letting you decide whether I look best with or without my birthday attire as I dance for you again.”
“You should already know the answer to that.”
Hassan chuckled as he ran his fingers over the large sapphire before tucking it away into a small bag. “Perhaps but that would also be a shame not to appreciate the tailor’s hard work,” he said thoughtfully, placing the matching headpiece into the bag as well.
Cairo turned towards the sound of Hassan’s voice. “I can admire it as I remove it.” Hands were upon him again. “It would be a shame if they were ruined but you might look nice that way.”
Hassan nodded, mentally gagging, as he took a moment to tuck the small pouch away. His hands were then seized, and he found himself pinned back into previous position from the beginning. A small tremor threatened to break the façade he had built but the small bag pressing against his back gave him enough assurance to drape his arms around Cairo’s neck once more.
“I look forward to the night of my birthday,” he murmured as Cairo leaned in for a kiss.
The gesture was almost reciprocated until a knock at the door interrupted them. “Your Highness?”
Hassan gave the man a quick kiss before making his way over to the door as it opened. “All seems to be in good standing,” he announced as the guard entered. Dark eyes panned over to the other prince that was looking at the portrait of his late mother. “We should get going?”
Cairo hummed thoughtfully as he headed towards the entrance. “It is getting quite late.” Both men bid the guard a farewell as they went on their way. “Care to continue what we started?”
“I must request some of his time,” Jafar announced as he turned his attention to Hassan. “Is that alright, Your Highness?”
“Ah, yes,” Hassan agreed before smiling at Cairo. “We can continue our... discussion another time, Prince Cairo. Please excuse us.”
Going over the pretenses surrounding party planning, both the prince and vizier stopped when they were sure Cairo had truly departed. Nausea threatened the younger man until he felt the other’s gaze upon him.
“Your Highness, we need to dis–” Hassan withdrew the small bag from his sash before holding it out to Jafar. “What is it?”
“Look.”
He pulled out the small finance ledger before his eyes gradually widened when he noted the jewelry. “This is–”
“I’m aware and you’re aware how out of all the jewelry, finances, and treasures, that is father’s most prized possession.”
“That is quite the move,” Jafar admitted as he closed the bag. “What would you like for me to do?”
“I want him out,” Hassan growled out. “I want him gone and out of my sight permanently.”
“Permanently?” The prince glared at the man. “Your determination is admirable, Your Highness.” He then bowed at the waist. “Leave the rest to me.”
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