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+JMJ+
Diary of a Thief Prince
Part Three
Day Ten of my Future Plans, Being the Nineteenth Day of the Blossom Time
This morning I woke up with a yell. The moon was still shining and the streets were deserted, but I had an idea. I could not believe that I had not thought about it previously.
“Pluto?” I hissed, “Come quick!”
“Eek!” the monkey hissed from above and he leaped down onto my shoulder. I held up my right hand.
“The genie!” I cried excitedly.
“Uh-uh! Eek! Eek! Oh oh!” Pluto shrieked and shook his head wildly.
“Coward!” I said and rubbed the ring.
Poof! Smoke billowed out of the ring and the genie took form. He grinned down at me, looking nothing like a man that had just been awakened from his beauty sleep.
“You wish is my command!” the genie boomed.
“Excellent!” I said, “Make me look like a prince so that I may court the Princess Jasmine! I must have an entourage too!”
“No, no!” the genie cried with a frown and shake of his head, “My powers lie with the summoning of items to fulfill wishes. I could bring you garments, but I cannot bring you an entourage and animals needed!”
“You stink!” I told him crossly.
“Summon the genie of the lamp.” the genie cried, “He is much more powerful then I!” Immediately he vanished with a poof of blue glitter.
“Genie of the lamp?” I murmured. I put my hand into my ragged shirt and brought out the lamp. I glanced at Pluto. The monkey shook his head. I scowled and rubbed the lamp with my sleeve. The silver immediately turned to gold. I stared. Then a thin filmy blue smoke hissed out of the lamp's spout and into the air.
“Eek!” Pluto shrieked and buried his face in his hands. A black and blue genie took shape. He towered far above the rooftops of the little village. I gulped. This genie dwarfed the other genie by many feet.
“Who has dared disturb my slumbers!” the genie boomed, “Am I not made to suffer enough by living in a lamp to be summoned anew by each master?”
“That would be him?” Pluto said and pointed at me with a trembling finger.
“What?” I shrieked and dropped the lamp. Immediately the smoke and genie vanished, and the lamp turned silver in the dim light. I stared at the monkey. Had he really spoken. Pluto shrugged, picked up the lamp and handed it to me. I held it up to the light. I had to be dreaming. There was no way I had not imagined everything that had happened.
Suddenly, the lid exploded off the lamp and the genie exploded out in a blast of blue fire. I cringed. The genie crossed his arms and glared down at me.
“You?” he boomed, “How dare you disturb me twice?”
“Pardon me.” I said nervously, “But don't you have to grant my wishes?”
“Only three!” the genie snarled, “And you better save the last one to free me from this accursed lamp or I will grind you into powder.”
“You know,” I said regaining my courage in my anger, “The genie of the ring is much pleasanter then you.”
“The genie of the ring is young and likes to suck up to his masters!” the lamp genie snapped, “I have learned that humans are fickle and thrive better under threat!” I raised my eyebrows.
“Well anyway, about that first wish.” I said.
“What about it?” the genie snarled, “It better not be one of those wishes where you want to be a prince and gain a vast treasure.”
I squirmed uncomfortably. The genie seemed to be reading my mind. I probably deserved his disdain. But I was not asking for a treasure.
“I wish you to dress me as a wealthy prince, give me a magnificent entourage, with many priceless gives carried by fine slaves. The finest elephants and camels in all the seven worlds. Then place me before the gates of the Sultan's City.”
“Ew!” the Genie said with curled lips, “You are selfish!”
“Whatever.” I snapped, “Just grant the stupid wish!”
“Poof, whatever!” the genie said and snapped his fingers. Nothing happened.
“Poor what?” I asked. He glared at me and vanished. “Now wait one second?” I yelled. Then I found myself shooting through the air. When I came down to the ground again, I hit a stack of pillows and cushions.
When I opened one eye to survey my surroundings, I was in a tent made of rich velvets and silks. Brightly colored carpets littered the floors. A little table of sweet smelling incense was burning to my left. I was dressed in fine yellow silks. The stiffest pointed silk shoes were on my feet.
“I feel stupid!” I said to no one in particular. Pluto landed on my lap knocking the wind out of me.
“Wish granted fool!” the genie snarled as he popped out of the lamp. He had shrunk several feet and fit easily inside the tent.
“You are puny.” I gasped.
“Do not mock me!” the genie snarled and vanished again. I glanced at Pluto, he shrugged.
Day Eleven of my Future Plans, Being the Twentieth Day of the Blossom Time
I rode into the Sultan's city in a little golden house astride an elephant. Twenty armed men were riding on white horses behind and in front of me. Camels laden with rich gifts of silk and jewels came after the camels followed by richly clad slaves. Armed men carrying banners led the procession followed by colorfully dressed men and women waving cooling feathers. Pluto sat by my side dressed in a little feathered and jeweled turban. I held a feathered golden scepter in my hands and looked smug. The lamp was under my pillows.
We burst into the city in style. Everyone was stopping and staring. I waved and looked superior. Rumors were spreading quickly. We rode up to the doors of crystal palace. The Sultan himself came out on the steps in his finest garments. I dismounted by a long golden ladder and walked through my bowing entourage. The Sultan nearly bowed. His loathsome son Jasper was at his side. No I did not like Jasper. He struck me at Anne's wedding. For that alone he was my lasting enemy. He struck me for no reason at all.
“Welcome, my lord, to the Crystal City!” the Sultan said as his courtiers gaped around him.
“Why father.” Jasper grumbled, “It is only Verek of the Glittering Island.”
“Who is obviously very rich.” the Sultan sniffed.
“I have come to court your daughter.” I said imperiously. I was enjoying myself.
“Ha.” Jasper snorted, “Good luck with that.” then he slunk off. The rotten jerk.
“Yes, yes!” the Sultan cried and he escorted me into the palace.
Once in the palace I showered the Sultan with my rich gifts and many words of praise. I even despised myself I was so stuck up. Why was I sucking up to him of all people? This was not how I wanted to be viewed. But I rather enjoyed acting the part. I had the perfect knowledge of how to act. Most of the courtiers of my father's court were such parasites. But to be fair, the Sultan was just as flattering as I was.
“My dear Prince.” the Sultan told me, “My little flower will be proud and honored to be the wife of so noble a man.” I caught Jasper staring at me. Since I had acted completely different when we last met almost a year ago, I was not surprised at his confusion. I ignored him.
“When do I get to gaze upon the rare beauty of your richest pearl?” I asked. I saw one of my slaves clutch at his own neck and make a gagging face. I frowned, then realized that it was the genie in human form. When the Sultan turned to see what I was staring at, the genie vanished. The Sultan shrugged. I faked a smile.
Suddenly a golden white flying lion came down the marble staircase and approached us. I stiffened. Not only had I never seen a Golden White before, but the only time I had ever encountered a lion was when I went hunting with Waylan and Deborah. I nearly got mulled to death before Waylan killed the wretched beast. I never went hunting again. I preferred my quarry to be declawed.
“Oh noble prince of the Glittering Island.” Jasper said with a smirk, “My beauteous sister approaches. I stood up, nearly tripping on the wide tip of my sleeves.
Princess Jasmine came down the staircase in beautiful royal splendor. My jaw dropped. Her black shining hair was tied back in a braided swirl around the back of her head. Two long thin braids came down her front to her waist. She wore little jeweled blue silk slippers on her tiny feet. Blue silk leggings under and open tunic. Her tunic was buttoned across her front and fell in folds down her sides from the waist down. The long trailing open sleeves of her tunic swept the ground. Under that she wore a dark blue silk shirt. Around her neck was a double ring of diamonds. On her forehead was little triple lined golden chain with a white emerald set in the center. On her head was a golden spiked crown bonnet set with pearls and diamonds. But it was not her clothes or her beauty which made me stare. Jasmine was Malwona from the market.
Jasmine turned her dark eyes on me. Then her coral lips flattened and her eyebrows drew together sharply. A red fire parrot flew down the stairs behind her and landed on her shoulder.
“Jasmine my little precious flower.” the Sultan cried, “Come meet Prince Verek of the Glittering Island.” Jasmine curtsied according to the custom of Kildimere. I bowed elegantly, but could not take my eyes off her. She glared at me.
“Jasmine, father wants you to marry him.” Jasper said as he jerked his thumb rudely at me. I frowned, but still did not take my eyes off Jasmine. The princess turned to father with a gasp.
“My darling.” the Sultan said, “Prince Verek is rich-”
“Is that all?” Jasmine interrupted coldly, “I can tell at a glance.”
“Most beautiful angel.” I gasped attempting to voice my feelings, “I am honored to be-”
“He is a flatter!” Jasmine gasped, “Father I will not marry a man who wants to buy me with false words!” she turned and darted nimbly up the steps.
“Don't go.” I gasped frantically. But my words were lost in the roar of the Golden White as it darted after it's mistress. My heart went with them. I do not believe in love at first sight and this was not love at first sight. I had already met her and had no feelings then. Or had I? But what was I to do if Jasmine refused to marry me? Maybe I had overdone things a bit.
“She will come around, dear Prince.” the Sultan said, as he grasped at my arm, “She is really a sweet girl. But I think she may have been surprised.”
“She will?” I asked brightening, “For I never could marry another now that I have gazed upon your splendid jewel!” this time my words were not flattery, they were the truth.
“Jasmine will do as I say.” the Sultan said with a big smile. My heart sank. I did not want to force Jasmine to marry me. I wanted her to consent of her own free will.
Day Twelve of my Future Plans, Being the Twenty-First Day of the Blossom Time
All the rest of yesterday Jasmine avoided me. She remained out of sight and could not be found. Jasper smirked at me. I decided I hated him as much as Waylan did. He really was such a jerk. He probably had thought it great fun to abandon Waylan and his friends to the crocodiles. Why I bet he did it on purpose. There is simply no consolation for a heart in love when it is scorned. Jasper repeating, “I told you so.” over and over again was no consolation.
I was staring out my balcony window on my second night of the palace, when who should appear, but the Genie of the lamp. He was about man size.
“Ah, but the prince mopes.” he sneered, “You like all men are a great big fool!”
“Leave me alone!” I groaned and buried my face in my pillow.
“Stupid, get out your dumb carpet and fly over to your love and talk to her!” the Genie roared causing the floor to shake. I looked up.
“Go see Jasmine?” I gasped.
“That is what I said fool!” the Genie snorted, “Would you like me to repeat it?”
“No thank you!” I cried and leaped to my feet.
“Stupid!” the Genie snorted, “Humans have mush for brains!” he vanished in a soft shower of glitter.
I looked down at my floor. The magic carpet was spread out on the floor between me and the velvet curtains that made up the door to my chamber. I was alone since the constant whooshing of the slaves' fans had irritated me. I leaped to my feet and darted over to the carpet. I did not bother putting on my boots. I preferred bare feet anyway. Besides, I was still dressed like a fine prince.
“Magic carpet, take me to Jasmine!” I cried softly. The carpet fluttered into the air. I flung out my hands to stop myself from tumbling over as the cloth rippled beneath my feet. I manged to stay upright for a second before the carpet shot out the window. I tumbled face downwards. That was probably a good thing as I would have been raked off in the window if I had staid standing.
As the carpet flew out into the starry moonless sky a furry creature leaped onto my back. I let out a yell before I realized it was Pluto.
“So there you are, you little rascal.” I said as I sat up.
“Eek, eek!” Pluto shrieked and pointed up. We were flying towards the tallest tower on the palace. A balcony was ringed around the topmost point. I could just make out the shadowy shape of three figures. An animal, a human and a bird.
“Why did it have to be the Golden White?” I muttered. I would be much more comfortable attempting to talk to Jasmine without a flying lion glowering at me. Pluto let out another screech and bounded away.
I was beginning to second guess my plan to talk to Jasmine, but it was to late. The carpet whooshed up to the balcony and hovered just out of sight. I found myself face to face with the Princess. She let out a scream. The Golden White reared up on the low rail of the balcony and growled in my face. I leaned backwards to avoid being mulled alive.
“How dare you climb up here?” Jasmine gasped, “Get out of here immediately!”
“Not without speaking with you.” I said grimly.
“Why should I speak with you?” Jasmine asked, “My father has tried many times to marry me off to the worst fools in all of the Third World! They are always rich princes! Well, I have had enough! I swore never to marry any man unless he can obtain my love!” she crossed her arms and turned her back on me. My heart lifted. Then I was not without hope.
“And may I not try to win your love, princess?” I asked. She whirled and glared at me.
“You?” she snapped, “How could you win my love? I have very little respect for you since I first laid eyes on you in the palace! Go! I do not wish to say more! I know how to judge a man! You are a fool!” she glared at me.
“As you wish princess.” I said after a pause and I turned away, “I will leave you now!” the carpet dropped about a foot.
“No!” Jasmine shrieked, “You are going to-” she stopped. I turned around and looked up at her.
“What?” I asked hopefully. Perhaps she was not as cold as she was trying to appear.
“What are you standing on, Prince?” she demanded as she looked over the edge. When she saw the carpet, she gasped.
“It is magic.” I said with a grin, “Care to come for a ride?”
“On a flying carpet?” she breathed, “I thought those were only fairy tales.”
“All the world is a fairy tale.” I said with a laugh. I held out my hand, “But not everyone gets to fly.” She raised one eyebrow.
“Prince, you would be surprised.” she said, but she did take my hand. For the second time in my life I held the hand of princess Jasmine. It was even better then the first time.
Jasmine stepped onto the carpet. Her feet were bare like mine. I grinned. She gasped slightly and tightened her grip on my hand, when the carpet sank under her weight.
“Can it really fly?” she whispered.
“Magic carpet, take us over the city!” I said. The carpet shot into the air. The two of us fell onto our faces with yells. We sat up laughing.
“We are flying!” she cried.
“Not every silver tongued suitor can give you this.” I said.
“I have Simba.” she said sternly, “I can fly when I wish.” I glanced back over my shoulder. The Golden White was still staring on the balcony, but the parrot was flying after us.
“Is Simba the Golden White?” I asked.
“He is my dearest friend, besides Ali.” Jasmine said, she stared at me, “But most people just call them flying lions. How did you know their true name?” I did not reply. It would have been somewhat awkward to say that it was because I had gone lion hunting with my triplets and tried to kill one and ended up getting mulled by a common lion.
“Oh look!” I cried, “We can see the white harbor lights of Sandstorm Lodge from here.” I pointed out across the dark desert to a sparkling light on the horizon.
“So you can.” Jasmine said, she put one hand on my shoulder and slowly stood up.
“Be careful!” I cried, “It is nigh unto impossible to balance-” Jasmine flung out her arms. The rushing wind blew her dark hair back.
“There is nothing more glorious then flying through the starlit sky!” she cried and burst into a song.
“In the Far Night Sky
In the Darkness
In the shining Light of the Stars
Far above the rooftops
Far away from all the world
I am flying
I am singing
I am free
The Wind is rushing through me
The World is gliding by
The stars are wheeling overhead
I am Flying
I am singing
I am free”
It was the most glorious night of my life. But all to soon a faint light appeared on the horizon and I was forced to turn the carpet back. I set Jasmine back on the balcony besides the glowering Golden White. Jasmine kissed it.
“See dear Simba,” she whispered, “I have come back safe.” Oh how I envied that creature. Then the princess turned back to me. “Thank you Prince Verek.” she said, “You have been far kinder to me, then I to you.” she curtsied, “Good night and thank you.” she then went into the tower. I flopped back on the carpet and closed my eyes. The carpet drifted off, but I was oblivious to anything except the memory of the most wonderful time of my life. I did not come out of my daydream again until Pluto leaped on me forcing me to return to the real world.
This morning I woke up with a yell. The moon was still shining and the streets were deserted, but I had an idea. I could not believe that I had not thought about it previously.
“Pluto?” I hissed, “Come quick!”
“Eek!” the monkey hissed from above and he leaped down onto my shoulder. I held up my right hand.
“The genie!” I cried excitedly.
“Uh-uh! Eek! Eek! Oh oh!” Pluto shrieked and shook his head wildly.
“Coward!” I said and rubbed the ring.
Poof! Smoke billowed out of the ring and the genie took form. He grinned down at me, looking nothing like a man that had just been awakened from his beauty sleep.
“You wish is my command!” the genie boomed.
“Excellent!” I said, “Make me look like a prince so that I may court the Princess Jasmine! I must have an entourage too!”
“No, no!” the genie cried with a frown and shake of his head, “My powers lie with the summoning of items to fulfill wishes. I could bring you garments, but I cannot bring you an entourage and animals needed!”
“You stink!” I told him crossly.
“Summon the genie of the lamp.” the genie cried, “He is much more powerful then I!” Immediately he vanished with a poof of blue glitter.
“Genie of the lamp?” I murmured. I put my hand into my ragged shirt and brought out the lamp. I glanced at Pluto. The monkey shook his head. I scowled and rubbed the lamp with my sleeve. The silver immediately turned to gold. I stared. Then a thin filmy blue smoke hissed out of the lamp's spout and into the air.
“Eek!” Pluto shrieked and buried his face in his hands. A black and blue genie took shape. He towered far above the rooftops of the little village. I gulped. This genie dwarfed the other genie by many feet.
“Who has dared disturb my slumbers!” the genie boomed, “Am I not made to suffer enough by living in a lamp to be summoned anew by each master?”
“That would be him?” Pluto said and pointed at me with a trembling finger.
“What?” I shrieked and dropped the lamp. Immediately the smoke and genie vanished, and the lamp turned silver in the dim light. I stared at the monkey. Had he really spoken. Pluto shrugged, picked up the lamp and handed it to me. I held it up to the light. I had to be dreaming. There was no way I had not imagined everything that had happened.
Suddenly, the lid exploded off the lamp and the genie exploded out in a blast of blue fire. I cringed. The genie crossed his arms and glared down at me.
“You?” he boomed, “How dare you disturb me twice?”
“Pardon me.” I said nervously, “But don't you have to grant my wishes?”
“Only three!” the genie snarled, “And you better save the last one to free me from this accursed lamp or I will grind you into powder.”
“You know,” I said regaining my courage in my anger, “The genie of the ring is much pleasanter then you.”
“The genie of the ring is young and likes to suck up to his masters!” the lamp genie snapped, “I have learned that humans are fickle and thrive better under threat!” I raised my eyebrows.
“Well anyway, about that first wish.” I said.
“What about it?” the genie snarled, “It better not be one of those wishes where you want to be a prince and gain a vast treasure.”
I squirmed uncomfortably. The genie seemed to be reading my mind. I probably deserved his disdain. But I was not asking for a treasure.
“I wish you to dress me as a wealthy prince, give me a magnificent entourage, with many priceless gives carried by fine slaves. The finest elephants and camels in all the seven worlds. Then place me before the gates of the Sultan's City.”
“Ew!” the Genie said with curled lips, “You are selfish!”
“Whatever.” I snapped, “Just grant the stupid wish!”
“Poof, whatever!” the genie said and snapped his fingers. Nothing happened.
“Poor what?” I asked. He glared at me and vanished. “Now wait one second?” I yelled. Then I found myself shooting through the air. When I came down to the ground again, I hit a stack of pillows and cushions.
When I opened one eye to survey my surroundings, I was in a tent made of rich velvets and silks. Brightly colored carpets littered the floors. A little table of sweet smelling incense was burning to my left. I was dressed in fine yellow silks. The stiffest pointed silk shoes were on my feet.
“I feel stupid!” I said to no one in particular. Pluto landed on my lap knocking the wind out of me.
“Wish granted fool!” the genie snarled as he popped out of the lamp. He had shrunk several feet and fit easily inside the tent.
“You are puny.” I gasped.
“Do not mock me!” the genie snarled and vanished again. I glanced at Pluto, he shrugged.
Day Eleven of my Future Plans, Being the Twentieth Day of the Blossom Time
I rode into the Sultan's city in a little golden house astride an elephant. Twenty armed men were riding on white horses behind and in front of me. Camels laden with rich gifts of silk and jewels came after the camels followed by richly clad slaves. Armed men carrying banners led the procession followed by colorfully dressed men and women waving cooling feathers. Pluto sat by my side dressed in a little feathered and jeweled turban. I held a feathered golden scepter in my hands and looked smug. The lamp was under my pillows.
We burst into the city in style. Everyone was stopping and staring. I waved and looked superior. Rumors were spreading quickly. We rode up to the doors of crystal palace. The Sultan himself came out on the steps in his finest garments. I dismounted by a long golden ladder and walked through my bowing entourage. The Sultan nearly bowed. His loathsome son Jasper was at his side. No I did not like Jasper. He struck me at Anne's wedding. For that alone he was my lasting enemy. He struck me for no reason at all.
“Welcome, my lord, to the Crystal City!” the Sultan said as his courtiers gaped around him.
“Why father.” Jasper grumbled, “It is only Verek of the Glittering Island.”
“Who is obviously very rich.” the Sultan sniffed.
“I have come to court your daughter.” I said imperiously. I was enjoying myself.
“Ha.” Jasper snorted, “Good luck with that.” then he slunk off. The rotten jerk.
“Yes, yes!” the Sultan cried and he escorted me into the palace.
Once in the palace I showered the Sultan with my rich gifts and many words of praise. I even despised myself I was so stuck up. Why was I sucking up to him of all people? This was not how I wanted to be viewed. But I rather enjoyed acting the part. I had the perfect knowledge of how to act. Most of the courtiers of my father's court were such parasites. But to be fair, the Sultan was just as flattering as I was.
“My dear Prince.” the Sultan told me, “My little flower will be proud and honored to be the wife of so noble a man.” I caught Jasper staring at me. Since I had acted completely different when we last met almost a year ago, I was not surprised at his confusion. I ignored him.
“When do I get to gaze upon the rare beauty of your richest pearl?” I asked. I saw one of my slaves clutch at his own neck and make a gagging face. I frowned, then realized that it was the genie in human form. When the Sultan turned to see what I was staring at, the genie vanished. The Sultan shrugged. I faked a smile.
Suddenly a golden white flying lion came down the marble staircase and approached us. I stiffened. Not only had I never seen a Golden White before, but the only time I had ever encountered a lion was when I went hunting with Waylan and Deborah. I nearly got mulled to death before Waylan killed the wretched beast. I never went hunting again. I preferred my quarry to be declawed.
“Oh noble prince of the Glittering Island.” Jasper said with a smirk, “My beauteous sister approaches. I stood up, nearly tripping on the wide tip of my sleeves.
Princess Jasmine came down the staircase in beautiful royal splendor. My jaw dropped. Her black shining hair was tied back in a braided swirl around the back of her head. Two long thin braids came down her front to her waist. She wore little jeweled blue silk slippers on her tiny feet. Blue silk leggings under and open tunic. Her tunic was buttoned across her front and fell in folds down her sides from the waist down. The long trailing open sleeves of her tunic swept the ground. Under that she wore a dark blue silk shirt. Around her neck was a double ring of diamonds. On her forehead was little triple lined golden chain with a white emerald set in the center. On her head was a golden spiked crown bonnet set with pearls and diamonds. But it was not her clothes or her beauty which made me stare. Jasmine was Malwona from the market.
Jasmine turned her dark eyes on me. Then her coral lips flattened and her eyebrows drew together sharply. A red fire parrot flew down the stairs behind her and landed on her shoulder.
“Jasmine my little precious flower.” the Sultan cried, “Come meet Prince Verek of the Glittering Island.” Jasmine curtsied according to the custom of Kildimere. I bowed elegantly, but could not take my eyes off her. She glared at me.
“Jasmine, father wants you to marry him.” Jasper said as he jerked his thumb rudely at me. I frowned, but still did not take my eyes off Jasmine. The princess turned to father with a gasp.
“My darling.” the Sultan said, “Prince Verek is rich-”
“Is that all?” Jasmine interrupted coldly, “I can tell at a glance.”
“Most beautiful angel.” I gasped attempting to voice my feelings, “I am honored to be-”
“He is a flatter!” Jasmine gasped, “Father I will not marry a man who wants to buy me with false words!” she turned and darted nimbly up the steps.
“Don't go.” I gasped frantically. But my words were lost in the roar of the Golden White as it darted after it's mistress. My heart went with them. I do not believe in love at first sight and this was not love at first sight. I had already met her and had no feelings then. Or had I? But what was I to do if Jasmine refused to marry me? Maybe I had overdone things a bit.
“She will come around, dear Prince.” the Sultan said, as he grasped at my arm, “She is really a sweet girl. But I think she may have been surprised.”
“She will?” I asked brightening, “For I never could marry another now that I have gazed upon your splendid jewel!” this time my words were not flattery, they were the truth.
“Jasmine will do as I say.” the Sultan said with a big smile. My heart sank. I did not want to force Jasmine to marry me. I wanted her to consent of her own free will.
Day Twelve of my Future Plans, Being the Twenty-First Day of the Blossom Time
All the rest of yesterday Jasmine avoided me. She remained out of sight and could not be found. Jasper smirked at me. I decided I hated him as much as Waylan did. He really was such a jerk. He probably had thought it great fun to abandon Waylan and his friends to the crocodiles. Why I bet he did it on purpose. There is simply no consolation for a heart in love when it is scorned. Jasper repeating, “I told you so.” over and over again was no consolation.
I was staring out my balcony window on my second night of the palace, when who should appear, but the Genie of the lamp. He was about man size.
“Ah, but the prince mopes.” he sneered, “You like all men are a great big fool!”
“Leave me alone!” I groaned and buried my face in my pillow.
“Stupid, get out your dumb carpet and fly over to your love and talk to her!” the Genie roared causing the floor to shake. I looked up.
“Go see Jasmine?” I gasped.
“That is what I said fool!” the Genie snorted, “Would you like me to repeat it?”
“No thank you!” I cried and leaped to my feet.
“Stupid!” the Genie snorted, “Humans have mush for brains!” he vanished in a soft shower of glitter.
I looked down at my floor. The magic carpet was spread out on the floor between me and the velvet curtains that made up the door to my chamber. I was alone since the constant whooshing of the slaves' fans had irritated me. I leaped to my feet and darted over to the carpet. I did not bother putting on my boots. I preferred bare feet anyway. Besides, I was still dressed like a fine prince.
“Magic carpet, take me to Jasmine!” I cried softly. The carpet fluttered into the air. I flung out my hands to stop myself from tumbling over as the cloth rippled beneath my feet. I manged to stay upright for a second before the carpet shot out the window. I tumbled face downwards. That was probably a good thing as I would have been raked off in the window if I had staid standing.
As the carpet flew out into the starry moonless sky a furry creature leaped onto my back. I let out a yell before I realized it was Pluto.
“So there you are, you little rascal.” I said as I sat up.
“Eek, eek!” Pluto shrieked and pointed up. We were flying towards the tallest tower on the palace. A balcony was ringed around the topmost point. I could just make out the shadowy shape of three figures. An animal, a human and a bird.
“Why did it have to be the Golden White?” I muttered. I would be much more comfortable attempting to talk to Jasmine without a flying lion glowering at me. Pluto let out another screech and bounded away.
I was beginning to second guess my plan to talk to Jasmine, but it was to late. The carpet whooshed up to the balcony and hovered just out of sight. I found myself face to face with the Princess. She let out a scream. The Golden White reared up on the low rail of the balcony and growled in my face. I leaned backwards to avoid being mulled alive.
“How dare you climb up here?” Jasmine gasped, “Get out of here immediately!”
“Not without speaking with you.” I said grimly.
“Why should I speak with you?” Jasmine asked, “My father has tried many times to marry me off to the worst fools in all of the Third World! They are always rich princes! Well, I have had enough! I swore never to marry any man unless he can obtain my love!” she crossed her arms and turned her back on me. My heart lifted. Then I was not without hope.
“And may I not try to win your love, princess?” I asked. She whirled and glared at me.
“You?” she snapped, “How could you win my love? I have very little respect for you since I first laid eyes on you in the palace! Go! I do not wish to say more! I know how to judge a man! You are a fool!” she glared at me.
“As you wish princess.” I said after a pause and I turned away, “I will leave you now!” the carpet dropped about a foot.
“No!” Jasmine shrieked, “You are going to-” she stopped. I turned around and looked up at her.
“What?” I asked hopefully. Perhaps she was not as cold as she was trying to appear.
“What are you standing on, Prince?” she demanded as she looked over the edge. When she saw the carpet, she gasped.
“It is magic.” I said with a grin, “Care to come for a ride?”
“On a flying carpet?” she breathed, “I thought those were only fairy tales.”
“All the world is a fairy tale.” I said with a laugh. I held out my hand, “But not everyone gets to fly.” She raised one eyebrow.
“Prince, you would be surprised.” she said, but she did take my hand. For the second time in my life I held the hand of princess Jasmine. It was even better then the first time.
Jasmine stepped onto the carpet. Her feet were bare like mine. I grinned. She gasped slightly and tightened her grip on my hand, when the carpet sank under her weight.
“Can it really fly?” she whispered.
“Magic carpet, take us over the city!” I said. The carpet shot into the air. The two of us fell onto our faces with yells. We sat up laughing.
“We are flying!” she cried.
“Not every silver tongued suitor can give you this.” I said.
“I have Simba.” she said sternly, “I can fly when I wish.” I glanced back over my shoulder. The Golden White was still staring on the balcony, but the parrot was flying after us.
“Is Simba the Golden White?” I asked.
“He is my dearest friend, besides Ali.” Jasmine said, she stared at me, “But most people just call them flying lions. How did you know their true name?” I did not reply. It would have been somewhat awkward to say that it was because I had gone lion hunting with my triplets and tried to kill one and ended up getting mulled by a common lion.
“Oh look!” I cried, “We can see the white harbor lights of Sandstorm Lodge from here.” I pointed out across the dark desert to a sparkling light on the horizon.
“So you can.” Jasmine said, she put one hand on my shoulder and slowly stood up.
“Be careful!” I cried, “It is nigh unto impossible to balance-” Jasmine flung out her arms. The rushing wind blew her dark hair back.
“There is nothing more glorious then flying through the starlit sky!” she cried and burst into a song.
“In the Far Night Sky
In the Darkness
In the shining Light of the Stars
Far above the rooftops
Far away from all the world
I am flying
I am singing
I am free
The Wind is rushing through me
The World is gliding by
The stars are wheeling overhead
I am Flying
I am singing
I am free”
It was the most glorious night of my life. But all to soon a faint light appeared on the horizon and I was forced to turn the carpet back. I set Jasmine back on the balcony besides the glowering Golden White. Jasmine kissed it.
“See dear Simba,” she whispered, “I have come back safe.” Oh how I envied that creature. Then the princess turned back to me. “Thank you Prince Verek.” she said, “You have been far kinder to me, then I to you.” she curtsied, “Good night and thank you.” she then went into the tower. I flopped back on the carpet and closed my eyes. The carpet drifted off, but I was oblivious to anything except the memory of the most wonderful time of my life. I did not come out of my daydream again until Pluto leaped on me forcing me to return to the real world.
To Be Continued
This is awesome. :) I can't wait to read the next part.
ReplyDelete-Quinley
Thank you Quinley. I think this is my favorite story in this volume so far. :D
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