An empty cup sat on the floor as Hassan contemplated having another round of wine. He had two already though Jafar’s 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.
“Hassan?” Said person looked to his father. “Are you alright?”
“I’m alright.”
“Hassan.”
He heard the concern in his sister’s voice. “I’m alright.”
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.
“Hassan?”
“Excuse me.”
Watching as the prince hurried away, Jafar signaled the musicians to play before approaching the royal family as Jasmine rose to her feet.
“I knew something was wrong,” she said before being stopped by Prince Cairo. “Not now; I’m going to go find my brother.”
“I will retrieve him, Your Highness.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand as Aladdin made his way over. “It’s the least I can do to put your mind at ease.”
“I’ll go too,” Aladdin offered. “We can find him faster with more people.”
“Please allow me to handle the situation,” Jafar insisted as he bowed.
The sultan furrowed his brow. “I will go–”
“I 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.”
“Jaf–”
“You have my word, Your Highness.”
“Three songs, Jafar. I expect you both back by then or I will be sending the guards to search.”
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.
“Prince Abu–”
“Look, I don’t have time to correct you on how to say my name,” Aladdin griped. “I’m here to help you find Prince Hassan.”
“Shouldn’t you be vying for Princess Jasmine’s attention?”
Aladdin made a face before massaging the side of his head. “The princess didn’t choose me. That much should be obvious.” His disappointment was momentarily visible. “The least I can do is find her brother.” He then looked about the garden square. “The sultan expects you back within three songs, remember?”
“Prince A–”
“I’ll start on this end!”
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. “If you truly wanted to hide, I suggest you find a better spot. You used to hide here when you were a child mind you.” Hassan stiffened but not much else. “You need to return to the party.”
“Why?” The question was so quiet that Jafar barely heard it. “It’s over. She’s going to announce Cairo as her fiancé, isn’t she?”
“Prince-”
“Isn’t she?!”
“You were so close.” Jafar looked at the caged birds before staring down at the prince. “So, what was it that finally set you off?” He leaned down to grab Hassan’s face. “What was the reason that made you throw all this effort away.”
“I…I…” Hassan’s gaze skittered away. “I…”
“I promised your father I would have you back within three songs,” Jafar said as he leaned into Hassan’s line of sight. “Your sister is now worried about you on your birthday no less. You’ve picked a fine time to have second thoughts.” Dark eyes slowly drifted. “Hassan, look at me.” The prince lowered his gaze. “Look. At. Me.” Hassan did so. “Do you still trust me?”
“I…
“You were doing well, more or less, and you were – are – so close.” He carefully tucked stray locks aside before replacing the headwear. “What 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.”
“D-did… did you know about my father’s declaration before the party?”
Jafar stared at the prince before sighing, “I did.”
Hassan moved from his grasp. “You say trust you, but you didn’t bother to tell me that sort of thing?”
“I didn’t want you to worry about something unnecessarily.”
“Unnecessarily?!” Hassan rose to his feet to tower over the advisor. “I’m expected to marry someone and you think that detail was unnecessary?!”
“One thing at a time, Your Highness,” Jafar said as he stood.
“I’m expected to marry someone!” Hassan exclaimed. “I don’t want to be married, Jafar!”
“Your H–“
I don’t – I can’t…! I–!”
Jafar grabbed the man’s face. “Hassan!” The prince flinched. “One thing at a time but, for now, I need you to come back to the party.”
“I–”
“Just need you to wait a little longer,” Jafar cooed as he fixed the man’s hair again. “If you want praise and reassurance, I can give it to you.” The older man smiled when Hassan frowned. “You’re doing so well and all for your sister – for your family’s sake. You truly are a selfless person. It would be hard to expect any less from Agrabah's prince.” Hassan looked down before having his chin tilted upwards. Jafar hummed thoughtfully as he ran his thumb over the prince’s lower lip. “You’re 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. Let’s return to the party. I can even request the musicians to play songs of your choosing so you can dance to your heart’s content.” The vizier spun the man before dipping him. “Doesn’t 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.” He then pulled Hassan flush against him. “You will have nothing to worry about. I’ll even allow the attendant to serve you an additional cup of wine to help calm your nerves. How does that sound?”
“Do you promise?”
Jafar nodded. “Would I lie to you? I just need you to trust me. Can you do that?” The hand at Hassan’s waist tightened when he lingered for too long. “Do you trust me?”
Footsteps caught the prince’s attention before he could answer. “Prince Hassan, are you in here?”
“Prince Ali?”
“Prince Hass–” Aladdin rounded the bend before averting his gaze as Jafar released Hassan. “E-Everyone is waiting for you to come back to the party. I saw some guards just past the fountains…”
“Guards past the fountains?”
“I told you that I needed to get you back to the party,” Jafar reminded. “Please return to give your family peace of mind, Prince Hassan.” Hassan glanced towards the entrance. “Trust me, the night is almost over.”
Hassan clenched a fist at his side at the thought of this charade ending. He wouldn’t have to tolerate that man’s 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.
“Hassan?”
Dark eyes focused on Aladdin to see him waving a hand in front of his face. “Oh… sorry.” He cleared his throat then proceeded forward. “Sorry.”
“Are… are you going to be ok?” Aladdin questioned. “You don’t have to force yourself to go back to the party.”
Hassan chuckled. “Y-yes.” He turned to the man to see him staring skeptically. “No need to worry, Prince Ali.”
“Hass—”
The prince pressed a finger to his lips. “I’m alright. The night has been very eventful is all and all the excitement just got to me.” He pulled away to clasp his hands behind himself as he spun in place. “I must remind myself to take it easy. I was sick not too long ago after all.”
Aladdin frowned slightly. “Which is why I’m worried now, Pri—!”
Hassan pressed a finger to his lips once more. “Everything is fine.” He gestured towards the door before following behind Aladdin with a smile as he glanced at him. “Trust me.”
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.
“Hassan, what happened?!” she asked as she hugged her brother tightly. “You left so suddenly.” Her hands then cradled his face. “Are you not feeling well? Do you need to rest?”
Placing a hand over hers, Hassan smiled apologetically. “Sorry that I ran off like that. I’m alright.”
Her brow furrowed. “Hass–”
“I am,” he pressed.
“Hassan, my son.”
Said person looked towards the sultan before bowing deeply. “I’m sorry if I ruined the evening. Can… we pretend like it never happened and return to the festivities?”
His father approached him with a worried stare before sighing as he patted his shoulder. “Just… I expect you to let me know if this is too much.”
“Too much?” Hassan parroted as he grabbed the man’s hands. “Too much, you say?” He spun with his father until the man was laughing. “You threw such a party on my behalf. Of course, it’s not too much!” The prince clapped twice as he turned towards the musicians and performers. “Let’s put on a show, shall we?”
“Hass, what about the last of your gifts?” Jasmine asked.
“Two more songs.”
“Hass–”
He took her by the hands. “Dance with me.” She pouted. “C’mon, spoil me,” he said as he pulled her to the floor. “It’s my birthday after all.”
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.
“Al, shouldn’t you be dancing?” Genie asked as he appeared near his friend. He gestured towards the princess before nudging the man with his elbow when Aladdin didn’t move. “Hello? Earth to Aladdin?” He followed his gaze to see him watching the siblings dancing amongst the clapping masses. “You know you’d have more fun participating than spectating…”
“Huh? Oh!” Aladdin rubbed at the back of his neck. “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he mused before glancing at the hand suddenly clasping his shoulder.
“Agrabah’s desert flower and oasis…They’re really something, aren’t they?” Cairo asked as he watched the royal pair dancing amongst the guests. He then gave the man’s shoulder a squeeze. “Only the best for the best.” Aladdin brushed aside the hand. “Why don’t you call it a night?”
“The night’s still young,” Genie stated, “and Prince Ali was just about to ask Princess Jasmine to dance.”
“Don’t you think it’s time to give up, Prince Ali?”
Aladdin glanced at Cairo before Genie intervened on his behalf. “Look–!”
“I would recommend not causing a commotion,” Jafar advised, startling the trio as his staff tapped the floor. “This is supposed to be a night to celebrate His Highness’s birthday, not your petulant squabbling.”
“You’re right,” Cairo agreed as the siblings finished their dancing to leave the floor. “There’s much to celebrate tonight after all.” He was the first to greet the pair with a smile. “So nice to see you again, Prince Hassan. I was getting worried when you disappeared so suddenly.”
“Yet you didn’t really make an effort to help find him,” Genie muttered under his breath before being elbowed by Aladdin.
“Please forgive me. All the excitement was getting to me.” Hassan rubbed the back of his neck before smiling at Aladdin when he received a worrisome look. “I’m alright.” He then took his sister’s and Aladdin’s hand and directed them to the floor. “I want to talk to Prince Cairo for a moment. Why don’t you two share a dance in the meantime, hmm?”
“Hass–”
“He’s a good dancer too,” Hassan praised. “Aren’t you, Aladdin?”
Aladdin laughed nervously. “I wouldn’t say I’m that good…”
“Well, as long as you don’t step on her feet, you’ll be fine.” He then glanced at his sister. “Try not to step on Prince Ali’s feet, ok?”
“Hass!”
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. Hassan’s smile softened as he flashed Aladdin a thumbs up before flinching at the hand clasped on his shoulder.
“Prince Hass–”
The prince looked at the hand. “I suppose you’d like some attention as well, yes?”
“Humor me.”
“Shall we dance?” Hassan asked as he watched Aladdin spin Jasmine. “They look like they’re having fun.”
“I’m not quite in the mood to dance,” Cairo replied as he traced the gold chains of the other’s clothes.
“Would you like to get something to eat?”
“No.”
“To drink?” he questioned as he went to signal an attendant.
“No.”
Scowling inwardly, Hassan glanced at the fingers toying with his chains before turning to face him. “Want to get out of here?” Olive-colored eyes shifted towards the darker pair. “Is that a yes?”
A small laugh took the man by surprise. “What?”
“You’re just a tad easy to read is all.” 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. “So impatient, so unbecoming.”
“Stop being a tease.”
“I expected more from you. You shouldn’t react so easily to a little teasing. We’re in public,” Hassan chided, “and you’re my sister’s suitor.”
“An exciting notion, wouldn’t you agree?”
Cairo turned his attention back to the pair dancing to see them sharing a laugh as Jasmine stepped on Aladdin’s foot. Despite the silly mistake, it seemed to bring a smile to Hassan’s face. Though small, it was not something that Cairo missed. Watching Aladdin spin the princess much smoother than the last time, Cairo grabbed Hassan’s hand.
“W-what are you doing?”
“I suddenly feel like dancing,” he replied as he led the other to the dance floor.
“Why the sudden change?” Hassan heard his sister laugh before he smiled at the prince. “My, are you jealous, Prince Cairo?” he teased. “Such an unbecoming trait to have as a prince.”
“I know what you’re doing.” Hassan raised an eyebrow. “However, I do think you’re a bit late on trying to sway your sister.”
“I would do no such thing. It’s up for her to decide on who she chooses to be with,” he replied. “I’ll support her decision no matter what.”
“And what if her decision is me?”
A shiver threatened to betray him as Hassan stared at the prince. “You don’t seem like the type to share.”
“Don’t be coy.”
“I–”
“What if she decides to take me as her suitor?” The grip on Hassan’s wrist tightened when he didn’t answer. “You’ll still be her supporting brother, right? She is still but a girl so you’ll keep me entertained until Agrabah’s desert flower fully blooms, won’t you?”
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 brother’s arm.
“Hassan, it’s time to receive the last of your presents!” 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 didn’t follow along. “Hassan, are you alright?” She placed a hand to cheek before frowning. “Do you need some water?”
“Perhaps we should start wrapping up the evening,” Jafar suggested as he nudged the prince forward. “I believe all the festivities are starting to wear him down.” He then leaned down to be by the man’s ear. “It’s almost over, Your Highness. I just need you to endure for a little longer.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvmnrrDhWV
“Everyone, everyone!” 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. “Thank you everyone for coming out to celebrate my son, Prince Hassan’s, birthday!” There was another round of thunderous applause that seemed to rouse Hassan from his stupor. “We have a few more presents for you, my boy, before I ask that you say a few words to wrap up tonight’s festivities. You can do that, yes?”
“O-of course,” came the response.
“Wonderful!” his father said as he looked towards the suitors. “Prince Ali Ababwa, would you like to present your gift?”
Hassan’s 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.
“Prince Ali has notified me that he will be giving me my gift a later time.” Hassan smiled at his father. "I was told that I should expect quite a surprise."
“Is that so?” the sultan mused. “A surprise I look forward to, I’m sure.”
Bowing as he took a step back, he stiffened as Cairo snorted in passing. “If you didn’t have anything, why come at all?”
“Why I oughta–!”
Aladdin grabbed Genie’s sleeve and pulled him back to his side. “Not now, Genie,” he hushed as Cairo awaited his turn.
“I would like to go next!” Jasmine exclaimed as she clasped her brother’s hands in her own. “Hass–”
“Princess Jasmine, such a gift should be treated like a finale,” Jafar suggested. “It would be a marvelous close to such an evening, wouldn’t you agree?”
“But–!”
“H-he’s right, Jas,” Hassan agreed. “If you tell me now, I think the excitement will wear me out completely.” He petted her head lightly as she pouted. “Your gift shall be the best, I’m sure, so let’s save it for last.”
“That just leaves Prince Cairo’s gift,” Jafar stated as he turned his attention to the prince standing at the base of the stairs.
“Yes, yes!” the sultan cheered as he ushered the prince forward. “Come, come! What have you come to bring?”
Cairo gestured for silks to be presented. “First 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.” He then eyed the prince’s attire. “I’m sure you’d look exquisite in a different color palette.” All the royal family eyed Hassan’s garbs before looking at Cairo. “Not to say that your current color palette isn’t flattering already.”
“It really is a lovely shade, Hass,” Jasmine commented as she felt the fabric. Her eyes lit up as she caught slivers of something shining. “What–?”
“There are golden strands interwoven in the material. Think of it as sun rays, something befitting of Agrabah’s Oasis.”
“Marvelous!” The sultan clapped as the silks presented before the prince. “Quite marvelous!”
“Indeed,” Jafar mused thoughtfully as his attention went back to Hassan. “Thoughts, Your Highness?” Hassan stared at the silks dully. “Your Highness?”
“What if she decides to take me as her suitor?”
Those words sent a shiver down the man’s spine.
“I’ll support her decision no matter what.”
Hassan’s mouth suddenly went dry.
If he accepted the gift, Cairo was one step closer to being in his family – one step closer to ruining their happiness.
“Your Highness?” Jafar questioned before giving his shoulder a squeeze. “You’re looking a bit pale. Is this too much for you?”
“Prince Hassan?” Said person blinked before looking at the vizier then his father. “Shall we end this?”
“Shall we end this?”
“Hass?”
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.
“I want him out.”
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.
“Hass?”
“Do you not like your present?” the sultan questioned.
“I have so many clothes already,” Hassan replied as he nudged the fabric aside. “Why not have this made into something to give the people, hmm? Better yet– ” He retrieved the fabric and walked past Cairo and to the crowds. “ – why don’t you have it?” he asked one of the dancers that he borrowed the scarf from. “I’m sure it would be a great eye-catching piece for you.” His head tilted with a smile. “I say it’d compliment your eyes.”
“He needs to feel like he can win. He likes to be in control.”
‘Hurt his pride,’ Hassan mused to himself as walked past without sparing Cairo a glance until he was seated. He then gestured for a drink. “Is that all?”
Cairo looked back at the dancer then at Hassan. “Was that not to your liking?”
“I have plenty of clothes,” Hassan repeated with a smile as he received a cup of wine. “Is that all?”
“Of course not,” Cairo announced as he gestured for an attendant to hand him his next gift. He unwrapped a gilded bottle sealed off with wax. “This 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.”
“It must taste exquisite,” the sultan mused as he eyed the gold lettering.
“Perhaps.” He eyed the bottle as he drank from his cup. “This is from your kingdom, is it not?” He downed the rest of his wine before resting his chin in hand. “Fruity taste and fragrant aroma?”
Cairo smiled. “Indeed.”
Hassan’s gaze drifted towards the prince. “Unassuming lack of alcoholic taste despite its potency?”
“Well, yes…”
“You seem to know a bit about this drink, my boy. Have you had it before?”
Hassan continued to stare at the prince before looking at his father. “No, but Prince Cairo had mentioned such a drink before.” His attention then shifted towards the man knelt before him. “It’s so thoughtful of him to have brought this along,” 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 sultan’s eyes widened while Jafar beckoned for an attendant to bring a towel to clean the mess.
“You should try to exercise more care in handling your gifts,” 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 Cairo’s face.
“My apologies,” Hassan said as he held his hands up. “I didn’t mean to break such an important gift.”
“I was looking forward to trying that actually,” the sultan sighed as he watched the broken glass get taken away.
“Hass… he went out of his way to give that special gift.”
The prince glanced at his sibling before frowning. “I’m really sorry, Jas.”
“Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to Cairo.”
Sulking momentarily, Hassan faced the man to see the expectant look on his face. “I do apologize,” he muttered as he leaned in. “It was such an… unfortunate accident.” Cairo scowled. “Such unnecessary waste.”
“Quite but perhaps the prince need not wine,” Cairo quipped. “It can give such an unsteady hand to those not accustomed to it.”
The sultan chuckled at that much to Hassan’s annoyance though a small smile tilted the corners of his mouth. “Perhaps you’re correct.” He then reclined as he rest his chin upon his hand. “Is that all then? Silks and some wines?”
“Were you expecting more?” Cairo questioned.
“I did not have high expectations,” he replied to receive another scowl.
“Well, it’s a good thing I do enjoy surprises,” 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. “I would like to give you something else.” He undid the golden latch before slowly opening the lid. “Behold one of my kingdom’s greatest treasures.”
Silence overtook the royal family before the sultan’s face reddened as he rose to his feet. “What is the meaning of this?!”
395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ052WXcmkwl
395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtpNFQFYN0
395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIgx17rrGw
395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGoLoHYTrX
395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7UPxjYFAE
395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyUoUh5iOg
395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4sPtReOia
