An empty cup sat on the floor as Hassan contemplated having another round of wine. He had two already though Jafarโs interference had the attendant now serving water as yet another gift was presented. A nervous smile ticked in the corner of his mouth as he thanked the presenter, even shaking their hand, before glancing at his father.
The smaller man was enjoying the celebration, looking at the different gifts with childlike enthusiasm. His clapping goaded the crowds as they too looked on in fascination as they waited for the prince to open his gifts. Glancing at his sister, the thought of her engagement made Hassan nauseas enough to have him rise from his seat.
โHassan?โ Said person looked to his father. โAre you alright?โ
โIโm alright.โ
โHassan.โ
He heard the concern in his sisterโs voice. โIโm alright.โ
His attention was then upon the attendant bringing yet another present before he held up his hand. The servant looked at the prince bewildered then at the sultan as he rose to his feet.
โHassan?โ
โExcuse me.โ
Watching as the prince hurried away, Jafar signaled the musicians to play before approaching the royal family as Jasmine rose to her feet.
โI knew something was wrong,โ she said before being stopped by Prince Cairo. โNot now; Iโm going to go find my brother.โ
โI will retrieve him, Your Highness.โ He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand as Aladdin made his way over. โItโs the least I can do to put your mind at ease.โ
โIโll go too,โ Aladdin offered. โWe can find him faster with more people.โ
โPlease allow me to handle the situation,โ Jafar insisted as he bowed.
The sultan furrowed his brow. โI will goโโ
โI insist, Your Highness. Please allow me to see to the prince. Consider this an intermission of sorts. I assure you I can expect the return of the prince within three songs.โ
โJafโโ
โYou have my word, Your Highness.โ
โThree songs, Jafar. I expect you both back by then or I will be sending the guards to search.โ
Bowing a final time, Jafar made his way through the crowds and into the courtyard. The sudden sound of footsteps had him peering over his shoulder to see Aladdin running up to him.
โPrince Abuโโ
โLook, I donโt have time to correct you on how to say my name,โ Aladdin griped. โIโm here to help you find Prince Hassan.โ
โShouldnโt you be vying for Princess Jasmineโs attention?โ
Aladdin made a face before massaging the side of his head. โThe princess didnโt choose me. That much should be obvious.โ His disappointment was momentarily visible. โThe least I can do is find her brother.โ He then looked about the garden square. โThe sultan expects you back withinย three songs, remember?โ
โPrince Aโโ
โIโll start on this end!โ
The prince ran to the west end of the vast garden, towards the hedge maze, before the vizier got a chance to refute the offer. Rolling his eyes in annoyance and good riddance, he headed towards the north. Coming upon the aviary door being open, he closed the thing behind him before passing the exotic birds housed within.
Rounding the bend, Jafar found Hassan knelt amongst several cages with his royal headpiece in hand. โIf you truly wanted to hide, I suggest you find a better spot. You used to hide here when you were a child mind you.โ Hassan stiffened but not much else. โYou need to return to the party.โ
โWhy?โ The question was so quiet that Jafar barely heard it. โItโs over. Sheโs going to announce Cairo as her fiancรฉ, isnโt she?โ
โPrince-โ
โIsnโt she?!โ
โYou were so close.โ Jafar looked at the caged birds before staring down at the prince. โSo, what was it that finally set you off?โ He leaned down to grab Hassanโs face. โWhat was the reason that made you throw all this effort away.โ
โIโฆIโฆโ Hassanโs gaze skittered away. โIโฆโ
โI promised your father I would have you back within three songs,โ Jafar said as he leaned into Hassanโs line of sight. โYour sister is now worried about you on your birthday no less. Youโve picked a fine time to have second thoughts.โ Dark eyes slowly drifted. โHassan, look at me.โ The prince lowered his gaze. โLook. At. Me.โ Hassan did so. โDo you still trust me?โ
โIโฆ
โYou were doing well, more or less, and you were โ are โ so close.โ He carefully tucked stray locks aside before replacing the headwear. โWhat was it that broke your resolve? You can tell me. Was it me cutting off your wine? Liquid courage is the worst kind mind you.โ
โD-didโฆ did you know about my fatherโs declaration before the party?โ
Jafar stared at the prince before sighing, โI did.โ
Hassan moved from his grasp. โYou say trust you, but you didnโt bother to tell me that sort of thing?โ
โI didnโt want you to worry about something unnecessarily.โ
โUnnecessarily?!โ Hassan rose to his feet to tower over the advisor.ย โIโm expected to marry someone and you think that detail was unnecessary?!โ
โOne thing at a time, Your Highness,โ Jafar said as he stood.
โIโm expected to marry someone!โ Hassan exclaimed. โI donโt want to be married, Jafar!โ
โYour Hโโ
I donโt โ I canโtโฆ! Iโ!โ
Jafar grabbed the manโs face. โHassan!โ The prince flinched. โOne thing at a time but, for now, I need you to come back to the party.โ
โIโโ
โJust need you to wait a little longer,โ Jafar cooed as he fixed the manโs hair again. โIf you want praise and reassurance, I can give it to you.โ The older man smiled when Hassan frowned. โYouโre doing so well and all for your sister โ for your familyโs sake. You truly are a selfless person. It would be hard to expect any less from Agrabah's prince.โ Hassan looked down before having his chin tilted upwards. Jafar hummed thoughtfully as he ran his thumb over the princeโs lower lip. โYouโre too handsome and dressed too nicely to sit here alone sulking. Such a face should be admired by all the guests that have come to see it. Letโs return to the party. I can even request the musicians to play songs of your choosing so you can dance to your heartโs content.โ The vizier spun the man before dipping him. โDoesnโt that sound nice? Put on another show to take your mind off things and I promise that this whole dilemma will be resolved by the end of the night.โ He then pulled Hassan flush against him. โYou will have nothing to worry about. Iโll even allow the attendant to serve you an additional cup of wine to help calm your nerves. How does that sound?โ
โDo you promise?โ
Jafar nodded. โWould I lie to you? I just need you to trust me. Can you do that?โ The hand at Hassanโs waist tightened when he lingered for too long. โDo you trust me?โ
Footsteps caught the princeโs attention before he could answer. โPrince Hassan, are you in here?โ
โPrince Ali?โ
โPrince Hassโโ Aladdin rounded the bend before averting his gaze as Jafar released Hassan. โE-Everyone is waiting for you to come back to the party. I saw some guards just past the fountainsโฆโ
โGuards past the fountains?โ
โI told you that I needed to get you back to the party,โ Jafar reminded. โPlease return to give your family peace of mind, Prince Hassan.โ Hassan glanced towards the entrance. โTrust me, the night is almost over.โ
Hassan clenched a fist at his side at the thought of this charade ending. He wouldnโt have to tolerate that manโs presence any longer and he could try to persuade Jasmine to give Aladdin a chance.
He could stomach the thought of Jasmine marrying the latter.
Aladdin seemed nice enough.
ย โHassan?โ
Dark eyes focused on Aladdin to see him waving a hand in front of his face. โOhโฆ sorry.โ He cleared his throat then proceeded forward. โSorry.โ
โAreโฆ are you going to be ok?โ Aladdin questioned. โYou donโt have to force yourself to go back to the party.โ
Hassan chuckled. โY-yes.โ He turned to the man to see him staring skeptically. โNo need to worry, Prince Ali.โ
โHassโโ
The prince pressed a finger to his lips. โIโm alright. The night has been very eventful is all and all the excitement just got to me.โ He pulled away to clasp his hands behind himself as he spun in place. โI must remind myself to take it easy. I was sick not too long ago after all.โ
Aladdin frowned slightly. โWhich is why Iโm worried now, Priโ!โ
Hassan pressed a finger to his lips once more. โEverything is fine.โ He gestured towards the door before following behind Aladdin with a smile as he glanced at him. โTrust me.โ
Despite the music, Hassan had noticed that the festivities seemed to have lost some of its momentum. He could do nothing more but offer bashful smiles to the attendees that worriedly questioned his constitution as he made his way back up to where his family had been seated. They rose immediately when they caught sight of the once missing prince and Jasmine wasted no time in launching herself at him.
โHassan, what happened?!โ she asked as she hugged her brother tightly. โYou left so suddenly.โ Her hands then cradled his face. โAre you not feeling well? Do you need to rest?โ
Placing a hand over hers, Hassan smiled apologetically. โSorry that I ran off like that. Iโm alright.โ
Her brow furrowed. โHassโโ
โI am,โ he pressed.
โHassan, my son.โ
Said person looked towards the sultan before bowing deeply. โIโm sorry if I ruined the evening. Canโฆ we pretend like it never happened and return to the festivities?โ
His father approached him with a worried stare before sighing as he patted his shoulder. โJustโฆ I expect you to let me know if this is too much.โ
โToo much?โ Hassan parroted as he grabbed the manโs hands. โToo much, you say?โ He spun with his father until the man was laughing. โYou threw such a party on my behalf. Of course, itโs not too much!โ The prince clapped twice as he turned towards the musicians and performers. โLetโs put on a show, shall we?โ
โHass, what about the last of your gifts?โ Jasmine asked.
โTwo more songs.โ
โHassโโ
He took her by the hands. โDance with me.โ She pouted. โCโmon, spoil me,โ he said as he pulled her to the floor. โItโs my birthday after all.โ
She laughed as the man twirled with her before he went on to grab the hands of one of the performers. The dancer blushed at the brief smile thrown her way before joining in as the prince went to grab one of the male dancers. The floor was soon filled with dancing as music filled the venue.
โAl, shouldnโt you be dancing?โ Genie asked as he appeared near his friend. He gestured towards the princess before nudging the man with his elbow when Aladdin didnโt move. โHello? Earth to Aladdin?โ He followed his gaze to see him watching the siblings dancing amongst the clapping masses. โYou know youโd have more fun participating than spectatingโฆโ
โHuh? Oh!โ Aladdin rubbed at the back of his neck. โYeah, I guess youโre right,โ he mused before glancing at the hand suddenly clasping his shoulder.
โAgrabahโs desert flower and oasisโฆTheyโre really something, arenโt they?โ Cairo asked as he watched the royal pair dancing amongst the guests. He then gave the manโs shoulder a squeeze. โOnly the best for the best.โ Aladdin brushed aside the hand. โWhy donโt you call it a night?โ
โThe nightโs still young,โ Genie stated, โand Prince Ali was just about to ask Princess Jasmine to dance.โ
โDonโt you think itโs time to give up, Prince Ali?โ
Aladdin glanced at Cairo before Genie intervened on his behalf. โLookโ!โ
โI would recommend not causing a commotion,โ Jafar advised, startling the trio as his staff tapped the floor. โThis is supposed to be a night to celebrate His Highnessโs birthday, not your petulant squabbling.โ
โYouโre right,โ Cairo agreed as the siblings finished their dancing to leave the floor. โThereโs much to celebrate tonight after all.โ He was the first to greet the pair with a smile. โSo nice to see you again, Prince Hassan. I was getting worried when you disappeared so suddenly.โ
โYet you didnโt really make an effort to help find him,โ Genie muttered under his breath before being elbowed by Aladdin.
โPlease forgive me. All the excitement was getting to me.โ Hassan rubbed the back of his neck before smiling at Aladdin when he received a worrisome look. โIโm alright.โ He then took his sisterโs and Aladdinโs hand and directed them to the floor. โI want to talk to Prince Cairo for a moment. Why donโt you two share a dance in the meantime, hmm?โ
โHassโโ
โHeโs a good dancer too,โ Hassan praised. โArenโt you, Aladdin?โ
Aladdin laughed nervously. โI wouldnโt say Iโm that goodโฆโ
โWell, as long as you donโt step on her feet, youโll be fine.โ He then glanced at his sister. โTry not to step on Prince Aliโs feet, ok?โ
โHass!โ
He danced out of the way of a swing prior to giving a wave as the music started. He smiled at the pair as they awkwardly started to dance. Hassanโs smile softened as he flashed Aladdin a thumbs up before flinching at the hand clasped on his shoulder.
โPrince Hassโโ
The prince looked at the hand. โI suppose youโd like some attention as well, yes?โ
โHumor me.โ
โShall we dance?โย ย Hassan asked as he watched Aladdin spin Jasmine. โThey look like theyโre having fun.โ
โIโm not quite in the mood to dance,โ Cairo replied as he traced the gold chains of the otherโs clothes.
โWould you like to get something to eat?โ
โNo.โ
โTo drink?โ he questioned as he went to signal an attendant.
โNo.โ
Scowling inwardly, Hassan glanced at the fingers toying with his chains before turning to face him. โWant to get out of here?โ Olive-colored eyes shifted towards the darker pair. โIs that a yes?โ
A small laugh took the man by surprise. โWhat?โ
โYouโre just a tad easy to read is all.โ A flirty smile pulled at the corners of his mouth as Hassan toyed with the chains at his waist. His thumbs hooked his waistline to tug at his pants before swatting away the hand that attempted to join. โSo impatient, so unbecoming.โ
โStop being a tease.โ
โI expected more from you. You shouldnโt react so easily to a little teasing. Weโre in public,โ Hassan chided, โand youโre my sisterโs suitor.โ
โAn exciting notion, wouldnโt you agree?โ
Cairo turned his attention back to the pair dancing to see them sharing a laugh as Jasmine stepped on Aladdinโs foot. Despite the silly mistake, it seemed to bring a smile to Hassanโs face. Though small, it was not something that Cairo missed. Watching Aladdin spin the princess much smoother than the last time, Cairo grabbed Hassanโs hand.
โW-what are you doing?โ
โI suddenly feel like dancing,โ he replied as he led the other to the dance floor.
โWhy the sudden change?โ Hassan heard his sister laugh before he smiled at the prince. โMy, are you jealous, Prince Cairo?โ he teased. โSuch an unbecoming trait to have as a prince.โ
โI know what youโre doing.โ Hassan raised an eyebrow. โHowever, I do think youโre a bit late on trying to sway your sister.โ
โI would do no such thing. Itโs up for her to decide on who she chooses to be with,โ he replied. โIโll support her decision no matter what.โ
โAnd what if her decision is me?โ
A shiver threatened to betray him as Hassan stared at the prince. โYou donโt seem like the type to share.โ
โDonโt be coy.โ
โIโโ
โWhat if she decides to take me as her suitor?โ The grip on Hassanโs wrist tightened when he didnโt answer. โYouโll still be her supporting brother, right? She is still but a girl so youโll keep me entertained until Agrabahโs desert flower fully blooms, wonโt you?โ
Wrenching his arm away as the music ceased, Hassan cleared his throat and stepped away from the prince as applause ensued. The sound of horns announced the end of the musical intermission before Jasmine latched onto her brotherโs arm.
โHassan, itโs time to receive the last of your presents!โ she announced as she started to pull him back to the tufted platform they had occupied not too long ago. Her attention then went to her brother when didnโt follow along. ย โHassan, are you alright?โ She placed a hand to cheek before frowning. โDo you need some water?โ
โPerhaps we should start wrapping up the evening,โ Jafar suggested as he nudged the prince forward. โI believe all the festivities are starting to wear him down.โ He then leaned down to be by the manโs ear. โItโs almost over, Your Highness. I just need you to endure for a little longer.โ287Please respect copyright.๏ผฐ๏ผฅ๏ผฎ๏ผก๏ผฎ๏ผกksSp6ll1Wb
โEveryone, everyone!โ The royal procession had quieted as the sultan clapped excitedly. His enthusiasm waned momentarily when he noticed the somewhat pallid complexion of his son before he turned back to the crowds. โThank you everyone for coming out to celebrate my son, Prince Hassanโs, birthday!โ There was another round of thunderous applause that seemed to rouse Hassan from his stupor. โWe have a few more presents for you, my boy, before I ask that you say a few words to wrap up tonightโs festivities. You can do that, yes?โ
โO-of course,โ came the response.
โWonderful!โ his father said as he looked towards the suitors. โPrince Ali Ababwa, would you like to present your gift?โ
Hassanโs gaze panned towards the prince to see him fidget in place as he stepped forward emptyhanded. When their eyes met, Hassan gave a subtle shake of his head before turning towards his father.
โPrince Ali has notified me that he will be giving me my gift a later time.โ Hassan smiled at his father. "I was told that I should expect quite a surprise."
โIs that so?โ the sultan mused. โA surprise I look forward to, Iโm sure.โ
Bowing as he took a step back, he stiffened as Cairo snorted in passing. โIf you didnโt have anything, why come at all?โ
โWhy I oughtaโ!โ
Aladdin grabbed Genieโs sleeve and pulled him back to his side. โNot now, Genie,โ he hushed as Cairo awaited his turn.
โI would like to go next!โ Jasmine exclaimed as she clasped her brotherโs hands in her own. โHassโโ
โPrincess Jasmine, such a gift should be treated like a finale,โ Jafar suggested. โIt would be a marvelous close to such an evening, wouldnโt you agree?โ
โButโ!โ
โH-heโs right, Jas,โ Hassan agreed. โIf you tell me now, I think the excitement will wear me out completely.โ He petted her head lightly as she pouted. โYour gift shall be the best, Iโm sure, so letโs save it for last.โ
โThat just leaves Prince Cairoโs gift,โ Jafar stated as he turned his attention to the prince standing at the base of the stairs.
โYes, yes!โ the sultan cheered as he ushered the prince forward. โCome, come! What have you come to bring?โ
Cairo gestured for silks to be presented. โFirst is some of the finest silks from my kingdom. The dyes used for these fabrics are not only some of the rarest but also perfumed so that scent never fades.โ He then eyed the princeโs attire. โIโm sure youโd look exquisite in a different color palette.โ All the royal family eyed Hassanโs garbs before looking at Cairo. โNot to say that your current color palette isnโt flattering already.โ
โIt really is a lovely shade, Hass,โ Jasmine commented as she felt the fabric. Her eyes lit up as she caught slivers of something shining. โWhatโ?โ
โThere are golden strands interwoven in the material. Think of it as sun rays, something befitting of Agrabahโs Oasis.โ
โMarvelous!โ The sultan clapped as the silks presented before the prince. โQuite marvelous!โ
โIndeed,โ Jafar mused thoughtfully as his attention went back to Hassan. โThoughts, Your Highness?โ Hassan stared at the silks dully. โYour Highness?โ
โWhat if she decides to take me as her suitor?โ
Those words sent a shiver down the manโs spine.
โIโll support her decision no matter what.โ
Hassanโs mouth suddenly went dry.
If he accepted the gift, Cairo was one step closer to being in his family โ one step closer to ruiningย their happiness.
โYour Highness?โ Jafar questioned before giving his shoulder a squeeze. โYouโre looking a bit pale. Is this too much for you?โ
โPrince Hassan?โ Said person blinked before looking at the vizier then his father. โShall we end this?โ
โShall we end this?โ
โHass?โ
He looked towards Jasmine.
She looked worried.
Swallowing thickly, Hassan received the fabric before looking at Cairo to see him smiling amiably though the underlying smugness in his olive-colored gaze betrayed him.
โI want him out.โ
Ire steadily simmered as Hassan took the silks before they were dropped unceremoniously at his feet. It took Cairo by surprise and even more so the royal family.
โHass?โ
โDo you not like your present?โ the sultan questioned.
โI have so many clothes already,โ Hassan replied as he nudged the fabric aside. โWhy not have this made into something to give the people, hmm? Better yetโ โ He retrieved the fabric and walked past Cairo and to the crowds. โ โ why donโt you have it?โ he asked one of the dancers that he borrowed the scarf from. โIโm sure it would be a great eye-catching piece for you.โ His head tilted with a smile. โI say itโd compliment your eyes.โ
โHe needs to feel like he can win. He likes to be in control.โ
โHurt his pride,โ Hassan mused to himself as walked past without sparing Cairo a glance until he was seated. He then gestured for a drink. โIs that all?โ
Cairo looked back at the dancer then at Hassan. โWas that not to your liking?โ
โI have plenty of clothes,โ Hassan repeated with a smile as he received a cup of wine. โIs that all?โ
โOf course not,โ Cairo announced as he gestured for an attendant to hand him his next gift. He unwrapped a gilded bottle sealed off with wax. โThis here is a wine from my kingdom. The very crafting of one bottle takes two years and then its aged for a minimum of ten years before being served. This one was finished the year I was born and given to me by my father when I turned sixteen. As you can see, it has still yet to be opened and has continued to age all this time. It is a very treasured item that I wish to bestow upon His Highness.โ
โIt must taste exquisite,โ the sultan mused as he eyed the gold lettering.
โPerhaps.โ He eyed the bottle as he drank from his cup. โThis is from your kingdom, is it not?โ He downed the rest of his wine before resting his chin in hand. โFruity taste and fragrant aroma?โ
Cairo smiled. โIndeed.โ
Hassanโs gaze drifted towards the prince. โUnassuming lack of alcoholic taste despite its potency?โ
โWell, yesโฆโ
โYou seem to know a bit about this drink, my boy. Have you had it before?โ
Hassan continued to stare at the prince before looking at his father. โNo, but Prince Cairo had mentioned such a drink before.โ His attention then shifted towards the man knelt before him. โItโs so thoughtful of him to have brought this along,โ he mused as he held out his hand.
The bottle was relinquished for further inspection before Hassan fumbled the bottle whilst opening it. The glass shattered despite the pillowed platform and seeped into the rugs below. The sultanโs eyes widened while Jafar beckoned for an attendant to bring a towel to clean the mess.
โYou should try to exercise more care in handling your gifts,โ Jafar remarked as he glanced at Hassan. "Perhaps an apology is in order?"
Said person was eyeing the dark red liquid being cleaned before looking at the stunned look on Cairoโs face.
โMy apologies,โ Hassan said as he held his hands up. โI didnโt mean to break such an important gift.โ
โI was looking forward to trying that actually,โ the sultan sighed as he watched the broken glass get taken away.
โHassโฆ he went out of his way to give that special gift.โ
ย The prince glanced at his sibling before frowning. โIโm really sorry, Jas.โ
โDonโt apologize to me. Apologize to Cairo.โ
Sulking momentarily, Hassan faced the man to see the expectant look on his face. โI do apologize,โ he muttered as he leaned in. โIt was such anโฆ unfortunate accident.โ Cairo scowled. โSuch unnecessary waste.โ
โQuite but perhaps the prince need not wine,โ Cairo quipped. โIt can give such an unsteady hand to those not accustomed to it.โ
The sultan chuckled at that much to Hassanโs annoyance though a small smile tilted the corners of his mouth. โPerhaps youโre correct.โ He then reclined as he rest his chin upon his hand. โIs that all then? Silks and some wines?โ
โWere you expecting more?โ Cairo questioned.
โI did not have high expectations,โ he replied to receive another scowl.
โWell, itโs a good thing I do enjoy surprises,โ Cairo said as he gestured for the attendant to bring out a finely crafted box decorated in golden filigree and gems. It drew the sultan and princess closer as well to see the beautiful chest. โI would like to give you something else.โ He undid the golden latch before slowly opening the lid. โBehold one of my kingdomโs greatest treasures.โ
Silence overtook the royal family before the sultanโs face reddened as he rose to his feet. โWhat is the meaning of this?!โ
287Please respect copyright.๏ผฐ๏ผฅ๏ผฎ๏ผก๏ผฎ๏ผกPdBshJqvM1
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287Please respect copyright.๏ผฐ๏ผฅ๏ผฎ๏ผก๏ผฎ๏ผกfHz6HEioyU
287Please respect copyright.๏ผฐ๏ผฅ๏ผฎ๏ผก๏ผฎ๏ผกl3GfktpqJM
287Please respect copyright.๏ผฐ๏ผฅ๏ผฎ๏ผก๏ผฎ๏ผก4BoaPtG0QU