โWeโre almost finished, Your Highness.โย
โTake your time,โ Hassan replied before resuming his humming as a measuring tape was secured around his waist. His measurements were taken once, twice then thrice. โIs... everything alright?โย
His tailor looked up slowly before looking at the tape. โI know you were sick some time ago but, are you feeling alright? Youโve seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight, sir.โ He then looked up to see dark eyes staring down at him. โI-I didnโt mean to offend you if I h-had, P-Prince Hโโย
The royal offered a small smile when he noted the apprehension. โIโm not offended.โ He removed the tape to review the measurement. โI appreciate your concern, but I can assure you that Iโm alright.โย
โSirโโย
Hassan clapped his hands together before holding his arms out. โNow then, shall we continue?โย
โYes, Your Highness.โย
Light conversation filled the room until a knock on the door interrupted them.ย
โExcuse my intrusion, Prince Hassan, but I must speak with you.โย
โDid you get all the measurements you needed?โ He received a nod and a pardon from the man that was hurrying to collect his things. โIf itโs 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.โย
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.ย
โPrince Hassan.โ Said person peeked over the pages. โYouโve put this off long enough.ย Your birthday isโโย
โJafar, canโt we talk about this later?โ The prince then shuffled the drafts before holding them up for the vizier to see. โWhich do you think would look best?โย
โWith all due respect, Your Highness, I donโt 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.โ Hassan made a face at him before he went back to reviewing his options. โYou know, there is a rumor that your sister has taken a fancy to Prince Cairo and will be announcing such at your birthday.โ Dark eyes peered up at the older man. โWonโt that be a lovely little birthday present? The announcement of your future brother-in-lโโย
โEnough.โ Hassan set the drafts aside before stroking Kavaโs ears as the large feline nuzzled him. โI get it. I canโt put this off any longer,โ he groused as he got to his feet. He noticed Jafarโs stare soon after. โJafar?โย
โYou look... slimmer. Are you feeling alright?โย
Hassan diverted his gaze to the papers. โThe tailor mentioned the same thing.โย
โStress can be just as dangerous as pride.โ The prince shifted uncomfortably. โIf this is too much for you, I will handle iโโย
โI can handle it!โ He clenched his hands at his sides. โI... I can handle it.โย ย
Jafar watched him momentarily before clearing his throat. โOf course you can. Now then, how have you determined how you would like to proceed? Your birthday is in three days mind you.โย
โThree days...โ Hassan petted Kava as the leopard nuzzled his leg, purring as it did so, before grabbing the sketches again. โWhich one of these do you think would look nicer?โย
โPrinโโย
โHumor me, Jafar,โ he replied as he headed to the door. โI promised I would have a decision for the tailor. Sooner rather than later would be nice so please come along.โย
ย Following along behind the royal, Jafar observed the draft in a scrutinous fashion before eyeing Hassan. โIf I may.โย
โWhatโ?โย
Being whirled around, Hassanโs face reddened as sharp eyes roamed his figure before being turned every which way. Jafarโs attention went back to the sketches as Hassan attempted to compose himself before handing him one of the pictures.ย
โThis one would be the most flattering for you,โ Jafar replied as they waked into the atrium, โbut we should discuss the matter at hโโย ย
โHow about the winner gets the first dance with Jasmine?โย
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.ย ย
Cairo glanced at the vizier then the royal. โPrince Hassan.โย
Hassan simply nodded as he cocked his hip.ย ย
โPrince Hassan.โ His attention went towards the other suitor. โG-Good afternoon,โ Aladdin greeted.ย
Hassan offered a small smile. โGood afternoon, Prince Ali. Mind telling me what you two are discussing?โย
โItโs nothing for you to concern yourself with,โ Cairo interjected. โItโs just a friendly little contest between princes.โย
Hassan hummed thoughtfully. โIt 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.โย He then smiled cheekily. โYou 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...โย
Aladdin covered his mouth as he failed to contain a snort, much to Cairoโs annoyance.ย
โPrince Hassan.โ Said person looked towards Jafar. โI say let the fooโthe princes have their little contest.ย We have other important matters to discuss.โย
โOther important matters?โ Jafarโs lips pressed into a thin line as Hassan looked back at the guests. โBefore we do that, I would like to have a small chat with Prince Cairo.โย
โYour Highโโย
Hassan waved his hand dismissively. โWe can talk later, Jafar.โ The advisor bowed deeply while Hassan turned his attention to Aladdin. โPardon me, Prince Ali, but I would like to borrow your friend here. Is that alright?โย
โSure, but can I...I make a small request?โย
โHey, no special favors,โ Cairo chided.ย
Hassan rolled his eyes mentally at the remark. โWhy not ask me a little later, Ali?โ He then covered his mouth. โPardon me for not using your title.โย
Aladdin held up his hands. โI-itโs alright! You donโt have to use it!โ He then rubbed the back of his neck as he looked elsewhere. โCan I make a request?โ He glanced at Cairo then Hassan again. โPerhaps a bit later?โย
โSure.โ Hassanโs gaze redirected towards Cairo. โWould you be so kind as to follow me?โย
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.ย
Cairo was upon him the minute the lock slid into place.ย
โYou should be grateful I waited until you put the lock on,โ he replied as he caged the prince in. A finger pressed against his lips. โWhat now?โย
โYou remember our arrangement, donโt you?โ Hassan questioned before knocking an arm aside.ย
The other prince grimaced as the other eyed the treasures. โWhy bring me all this way then?โย
โTo tell you to stop using my sister as a prize.โ Hassan placed as hand on cocked his hip. โI get that you're aiming to be her husband but, your actions are unbecoming.โ A finger then twirled in dark tresses as he looked at his guest. โPlus, you giving all that attention to her isโโย
โAre you jealous?โ Cairo inquired in an amused tone. He gave a chuckle when the prince averted his gaze. โCute.โย
โDo not call me cute.โย
Cairoโs eyebrow raised. โBratty all of a sudden, arenโt we? Thatโs rather unbecoming.โย
Hassan sucked his teeth before pointing accusingly at the man. โJust stop using my sister as a prize.โย
โMake it worth my while.โย
โWhat do you mean?โย
โYou know what I mean.โย
โWait until my birthday.โย
Cairo hummed thoughtfully. โYou know, you interrupted yet another friendly competition between myself and that other suitor, Prince Al or whatever.โ ย
โHis name is Prince Ali,โ Hassan informed. โYou could at least be courteous to know who youโre challenging during your friendly competition.โย
Cairo leaned down to be at eye level. โI took the time to follow you all the way here.โ He tilted Hassanโs chin upwards to run his thumb over the manโs bottom lip. โFor you being a gracious host, youโre asking for an awful lot, Hassan.โ He noted the small shiver as he saidย Hassanโs name. โYou should make it worth my while...unless youโre scared.โย
The corners of Hassanโs mouth ticked upwards as he grabbed the prince by the collar, rising to the challenge. โNow whoโs being bratty?โย
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 Cairoโs 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. ย
โYour Highness?โ came the muffled call. ย
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. ย
โDo you need something?โย
โJust checking on you, sir. We didnโt hear anything when we knocked.โย
โOh.โ He glanced at Cairo who was observing the silken tapestries. โWe were discussing some matters amongst ourselves so I didnโt hear you.โ He then gave a sheepish smile. โSorry but can you give us a few more moments?โย
โOf course, Your Highness.โย
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 Cairoโs lips when he leaned down for a kiss. ย
โThe door is unlocked,โ he whispered as he smoothed out Cairoโs clothes. ย
โLock the door.โย
Hassan went to collect the sketches. โI have other matters to attend to.โ ย
โSuch as?โย
He held up the papers. โI promised the tailor I would have my selection to him before the end of the day. Not only should I keep my word but Iย should look my very best for you on my birthday, shouldnโt I?โ He then glanced over his shoulder to give the man and up and down glance before biting his lip. โYou should do the same.โย
Cairo smirked as he walked past the man. โI suppose I could oblige.โย
โI should really eat something...โย
Several others, including his father, had inquired about the sudden loss in weight. It wasnโt really the type of conversation that the prince wanted to have with the sultan but Hassan couldnโt help but lose his appetite when the older man expressed interest in discussing his opinions on Jasmineโs suitors. ย
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.ย
Hassan chalked it up to being a tad tired with all the staffโs party planning inquires before pacifying the man. When his father went back to discussing his opinions on Cairo, Hassanย then excused himself before returning to his room when had lost his appetite.ย
That had been a few hours ago.ย
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.ย
His stomach growling again had him reconsidering as he reluctantly made his way to his main entrance.ย
Throwing open the door, grumbling to himself, he glanced up when he heard a startled gasp.ย
โPrince Ali?โย
โG-Good Evening, Prince Hassan.โย
โIโm a bit surprised that youโre at my front door rather than my balcony.โ Noting his fidget, Hassan leaned against his doorframe as he folded his arms across his chest. โWhat can I do for the handsome prince this evening?โย
Aladdinโs face flushed. โI hope Iโm not disturbing you but can I make my request?โย
Hassanโs eyebrow arched before recalling their earlier conversation. โWhat is it?โย
โPromise not to laugh...โย
The prince was intrigued now. โVery well.โย
โUm... can you... can you teach me how to...dance?โย
Hassan opened then closed his mouth as he tried to process the request. โIโm sorry, what?โย
Aladdin rubbed the back of his neck as he looked everywhere but at his host. โCan you teach me how โโ He held up his hands. โYou know what? Itโs late andโโย
โI didnโt say I wouldnโt help you,โ Hassan reassured. โCan... can I ask... why you... want me to teach you?โย
โI donโt really know how...โ His eyes slowly met Hassanโs. โ...and I didnโt know who else to ask...โย
โWell, I am flattered.โ Hassan pushed open the door to welcome Aladdin inside. โCome in.โย
Aladdinโs 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. ย
โYour room is amazing.โย
Hassan laughed. โIโm sure itโs a nice change from my balcony.โ His guest shifted awkwardly before looking at the offered hand. โShall we get started?โย
โThereโs no music.โย
โItโs rather late for music,โ Hassan replied as he took Aladdinโs hand, โbut one does not always need music to dance. You could always make your own if you really need it though.โ ย
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 princeโs 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.ย
โAre you feeling better since last time?โย
A blush darted across the princeโs face as he locked eyes with his guest. โD-Do you really have to ask me that while in this position?โย
โI donโt see why now isnโt a good time.โย Hassanโs blush darkened when a loud growl filled the silence. โHungry?โ Aladdin questioned as he stared down at his host. Hassanโs mouth clamped shut as his stomach responded for him. โMaybe you should get something to eat... Itโs also getting rather late. I should get going...โย
โPerhaps...โ His gaze skittered away for a few moments before he looked up at Aladdin. โPrince Ali?โ Aforementioned continued to stare down at the other. โUm, can I stand up now?โย
โY-yes!โ He pulled the other up quickly before distancing himself. โS... sorry.โย
โThatโs quite alright,โ Hassan said as straightened his clothes with a small laugh. โYouโre a rather quick learner.โย
โYouโre just a good teacher,โ Aladdin corrected.ย
That earned him another laugh as Hassan spun in a circle. โYou flatter me but perhaps youโre right, my handsome prince.โ He then clasped his hands behind him. โI 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 onย my birthday? You can show her what youโve learned.โย
โActuallyโโย
The man snapped his fingers as he hurried up to Aladdin. โBetter yet; take her out on a date tomorrow! I don't think youโve spent as much time with her as Cairo.โย
โHassโโย
Hassan grabbed his hands. โWhy 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.โ His grip tightened somewhat. โYou should definitely spend more time together,โ he insisted. โYou both would look so good together! What do you say?โย
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. ย
โI... I would love that.โย
โWonderful! I will make the arrangements. You just need to be in the garden at noon.โ The growling of his stomach then reminded him of his previous hunger as he started ushering the other towards the door. โAt any rate, leave everything to me, Ali.โย
โSure thing,โ Aladdin said with a bow once in the hall. โThank you again for the lesson.โ ย
โIt was my pleasure,โ Hassan said as they walked down the corridor. โDo sleep well.โย
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 Hassanโs mild annoyance, before approaching.ย
โGood evening, Your Highness,โ Jafar greeted. โYouโre out rather late.โย
โAs are you,โ he replied. โWhy are you out at this hour?โย
โI had some inquiries was all.โ Hassan arched an eyebrow. โAnd you? I expected you to be sleep atโโ A growl interrupted the man. โAh, well, nice to see you getting your appetite back.โย
โI didnโt exactly eat dinner earlier.โย
โBut I was notified thatย you were having dinner with your father.โย
โThat was the plan until I found out he wanted to talk about Jasmineโs suitors. You should know that I love my family more than anything, Jafar, but I cannot stomach his opinion on Cairo.โ The name dripped with palpable spite. โI want him out.โย
โI suppose now is as good as any to discuss how you plan to do deal with that.โย
Hassan gestured for the other to follow. โCome with me. I rather discuss this in priโโ ย
โDiscuss what?โ Both turned to see Cairo munching on an apple. โItโs rather late, isn't it?โย
โIt is so I find you walking around rather alarming,โ Jafar replied. โWhy are you wandering about at this hour?โย
Cairo bit into the apple for emphasis. โGot hungry.โ His eyes then drifted towards Hassan. โWhat about you?โย
โHis Highness is not required to answer your qโโย
Hassan held a hand before gesturing Cairo to follow along. โI 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.โ He gave the man a smile. โHe is rather dutiful.โย
โYou flatter me, Your Highness.โย
Cairo rolled his eyes at the interaction before smiling when the pair focused on him. โWhy not take a walk with me if youโre so restless?โย
โYou think that would tire me out?โย
โI can think of a few ways...โ Jafar made a face. โYou know Iโm not particularly fond of sharing but youโre more than welcome toโโย
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 manโs chest before a mischievous smile tilted the corners of his mouth. โWhen you make comments like that, it makes me think youโre asking for help in a roundabout way. I donโt think youโre up for the challenge.โย
โCheeky litโโย
โJafar.โ Said person looked towards Hassan. โCome along.โ His attention then went back to Cairo before turning to walk away. โI suppose you can come too.โย
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.ย
โYour Highness and His... Highness, good evening,โ a guard greeted. โMay I ask what brings you to the treasury at this hour?โย
โI 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 wasnโt to make sure heโs not going overboard.โย
โYou know he only wants the best for you, Your Highness.โย
Hassan chuckled sheepishly. โPerhaps, but humility over expenses is more appealing.โย
โKind as ever, sir.โ The guardโs attention then panned towards Cairo who was eating an apple. โWill... His Highness be accompanying you?โย
โYes; if that is alright?โ The guard merely bowed before opening the door for them. โDo you mind giving us privacy for about twenty minutes?โ Cairo hummed quietly. โPerhaps thirty?โย
โAs you wish, sir.โย
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 Hassanโs 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.ย ย
Cairoโs hands busied themselves along Hassanโs sides before smiling against the lips he had been kissing.ย ย โCurious to know if I still have to wait until your birthday.โย
Hassan kissed him again. โDonโt act spoiled,โ he chided as his hand fished through the drawer behind him.ย
โI could spoil you,โ he whispered as he sat Hassan on the desk. โNow and after.โย
โYou have to wait but I can show you what to expect..โ Deft fingers glided down Cairoโs 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. โGive me just a moment, ok?โย
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 Cairoโs shoulders before trailing down his arms. ย
โHassโโย ย
โClose your eyes.โย
โWhy?โย
โItโs easier to imagine all the things I will do for you with your eyes closed,โ Hassan whispered as he moved to stand in front of him. ย
โAnd what do you have planned?โย
Hassanโs finger slipped down to the clasp on Cairoโs shirt. A swift tug had dislodged thing before it was tossed to the floor a few meters away. His hand roamed down Cairoโs chest before coming up to stroke his cheek.ย
โFirst, I will put on a show just for you.โย
โOh?โย
โI do love to dance,โ he replied huskily, โbut thereโs just some moves you canโt show in public.โ His thumb trailed across the manโs bottom lip. โI want to serve you the finest wine โโ 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. โโ before letting you decide whether I look best with or without my birthday attire as I dance for you again.โ ย
โYou should already know the answer to that.โย
Hassan chuckled as he ran his fingers over the large sapphire before tucking it away into a small bag. โPerhaps but that would also be a shame not to appreciate the tailorโs hard work,โ he said thoughtfully, placing the matching headpiece into the bag as well.ย
Cairo turned towards the sound of Hassanโs voice. โI can admire it as I remove it.โ Hands were upon him again. โIt would be a shame if they were ruined but you might look nice that way.โย
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 faรงade he had built but the small bag pressing against his back gave him enough assurance to drape his arms around Cairoโs neck once more. ย
โI look forward to the night of my birthday,โ he murmured as Cairo leaned in for a kiss. ย
The gesture was almost reciprocated until a knock at the door interrupted them. โYour Highness?โย
Hassan gave the man a quick kiss before making his way over to the door as it opened. โAll seems to be in good standing,โ he announced as the guard entered. Dark eyes panned over to the other prince that was looking at the portrait of his late mother. โWe should get going?โย
Cairo hummed thoughtfully as he headed towards the entrance. โIt is getting quite late.โ Both men bid the guard a farewell as they went on their way. โCare to continue what we started?โย
โI must request some of his time,โ Jafar announced as he turned his attention to Hassan. โIs that alright, Your Highness?โย
โAh, yes,โ Hassan agreed before smiling at Cairo. โWe can continue our... discussion another time, Prince Cairo. Please excuse us.โย
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 otherโs gaze upon him. ย
โYour Highness, we need to disโโ Hassan withdrew the small bag from his sash before holding it out to Jafar. โWhat is it?โย
โLook.โ ย
He pulled out the small finance ledger before his eyes gradually widened when he noted the jewelry. โThis isโโย
โIโm aware and youโre aware how out of all the jewelry, finances, and treasures, that is fatherโs most prized possession.โย
โThat is quite the move,โ Jafar admitted as he closed the bag. โWhat would you like for me to do?โย
โI want him out,โ Hassan growled out. โI want him gone and out of my sight permanently.โย
โPermanently?โ The prince glared at the man. โYour determination is admirable, Your Highness.โ He then bowed at the waist. โLeave the rest to me.โ ย
ns 15.158.61.54da2
