The Desert song

Escape

It took a long time to relay everything that had happened after I had last seen the prince, so after I finished I was quite out of breath.

"So, that's how you ended up as a slave." Natsume rounded shortly.

"Yes.. but I really have no intention of staying here, I need to find my-"

"Morgiana," Natsume cut me off, drawing a long breath.

Aladdin tensed at my side and scowled, and Judal left the ginormous room we were offered in a awkward rush.

"..You have no idea where your brother is, and you don't even know if he's still alive."

He paused and looked out the window.

"For all we know he's dead, and I can't have you looking for someone dangerously who might not even be out there!"

I looked at him in surprise and got to my feet.

I tried to look to Judal for support but he'd already left.

"..Prince... this is my brother! The only family I may have left.. I cannot just leave that information! I have to look for him!"

I cried, looking at his sullen face for an explanation.

"Mor, I understand! And I'll help you find him, however, you can't look for him alone! It's too dangerous. I'll send gaurds, hire people,"

I finally saw what he meant. He didn't want me looking for him at all.

"..Natsume, get to the point! What do you mean-"

The prince looked to the ground in a somewhat embarrassed and ashamed look.

"I want you to come to the palace, where it's safe, and I'll help you look from there," He looked up at my confused face.

"And I'll hire people to look for your brother, I'll even send a magi, Judal, to help!"

His eyes darted to the door and a whimper emitted from it as Judal re-entered.

I stared at him in disbelief for a moment, then I realized something odd.

Aladdin was being unusually quiet.

I looked down at him who was resting on my lap, and examined him.

"Aladdin.. are you ok?"

His face was very dark and emotionless, and for a moment it reminded me of the monster-like Aladdin in the pub.

Natsume noticed this too and looked at him.

The room continued to be warm, so I cautiously patted his head.

"Um, can I.. have a moment alone with Aladdin please?" I asked Judal and the prince.

Natsume nodded reluctantly and guided a complaining magi out of the room.

"Aladdin," I asked as soon as they had left.

He hopped off my lap, and in a demanding voice, ordered me,

"Morgiana, we're leaving. Your brother won't be found anywhere near this country. I see it now that we're here."

"Wha-" I didn't have time to protest, because he tugged my arm and dragged me towards the window.

"But what about Natsume.. and...Sif.."

I stuttered after a moment of thinking about the lonely king.

"We're leaving," He repeated.

"If you stay here, you'll be taken away by Natsume, and judal. You CANNOT be trapped in that palace for the rest of your life, you want to find Saare, right?"

He gave me a cold and demanding look.

"What are you talking about so suddenly..? Of course I want to find him! But I can't just leave like this!"

But Aladdin was already dragging me I the window again, and before I knew it I was lifted out and slowly down onto the ground which was a few stories below.

"Aladdin!" I yelled.

"I'm sorry, Mor!" He quietly whispered, jumping up and touching my forehead.

"Goodnight.."

He gently whispered as I unwillingly slipped into unconsciousness once again..