Wish Come True

By H. L. Davis

“The wedding will be in the morning at the Crystal Pool. Small, with only one or two witnesses.” Aladdin cleared his throat and pushed back the dark curl that always fell onto his forehead. “Would you honor us with your presence?”

Grief grabbed my throat. So the arrangements were complete. Ever since Aladdin’s second wish—to find his true family—had led to the discovery that he was the long-lost prince, it was only a matter of time before the Sultan planned a marriage for his son.

And just this afternoon, they had paid a visit to the exquisite Lady Fatima.

Aladdin’s amber-flecked eyes were bright as he awaited my reply in the lantern light of his chambers. Though my heart was shattered, I could not deny the one who still held each of its broken pieces.

“Of course.” I forced a smile—a skill I’d used often in my centuries as a genie.

He returned a smile of his own. “Thank you. I’d like to bestow my final wish upon my bride. When the time is right.”

“That is well.” Costly rings dug into my skin as I squeezed my hands together. “Now if you’ll excuse me”—I bowed my head—“I will retire.”

Aladdin retrieved the lamp from his pocket and held it towards me. “Sleep well, Zahra.”

“Until morning, my master.” I snapped my fingers, and my form faded into a shimmering mist that danced and twirled through the small opening of the lamp. Within seconds, I was in my room, surrounded by ornate carpets and tapestries, a small table offering me fresh fruit, and a golden goblet of wine.

Alone in my lavish prison, my head began to throb. When would I learn that a genie should hold no desires of her own? That the one thing I was expected to master was my affections? They were to be bottled up as tightly as a vial of precious perfume. Shackled like a dangerous criminal.

Yet I had failed with Aladdin. I’d allowed my heart to soften when his first wish was to save a dying child, let myself care more and more each day for this kind beggar turned prince. I’d begun to hope that, one day, he might come to care for me, too.

Except he didn’t. He was to marry Lady Fatima. He wanted to give her his last wish, too. When that third wish was made, I’d be whisked away to another desolate place for countless years of waiting.

And I’d never see Aladdin again.

I lay upon silk sleeping pillows, my body trembling as I realized: I must tell him. I wasn’t sure what would happen when I did. Pain. Punishment. But I couldn’t face an eternity of wondering what he might have said if I’d only been brave.

***

No sooner had I finished dressing for the wedding than my summons came. Chimes echoed around my chambers, and magic pulled me. I closed my eyes as I flew from the lamp.

It was time.

My feet met tiles warmed by the first morning rays of the late summer sun.  The scent of jasmine and rose flooded my nostrils, and melodic birdcalls greeted my ears. I took a slow breath and opened my eyes.

Before me was the palace garden’s renowned Crystal Pool—rectangular, shining, and clear. In front of it stood two smiling figures. One, the Sultan, grandly adorned. Then Aladdin, looking every bit the royal bridegroom in both garb and grin.

I looked from one to the other, my confusion rising. Had the Sultan seen me leave the lamp? Where was Lady Fatima?

“Zahra.” Aladdin set down the lamp and held out a hand. “I believe it is time for my final wish.”

I hesitated a moment, but Aladdin’s gaze drew me forward. My skin tingled when he clasped my hand in his. “Yes, Prince Aladdin. But please, I must speak with you.”

“Only after my wish.” Aladdin squeezed my fingers. “I wish…”

My heart sank.

“…for your freedom.”

Freedom?

My invisible chains fell to pieces, taking with them the weight of a thousand lifetimes. I stood taller, my muscles relaxed, my bones lighter than those of a sparrow. Air flowed easily in and out of my lungs, my mind almost dizzy with the sweetness of it. The garden around me grew more brilliant, in color and detail. I drank in the sight, my heart bursting with awe.

Sudden movement drew my attention back to the lamp.

It was rising from the ground. Turning, twisting like a top. Round and round it spun until it was a golden haze. A blinding light flashed, and the lamp disappeared.

I was free.

Tears coursed down my cheeks for the first time, and a strange mix of laugh and sob escaped my throat. I turned to Aladdin. “I thought…”

Taking my face in his hands, Aladdin wiped my tears away with his thumbs. “That my last wish was for my bride? It will have been—if you will give me the joy of saying yes.”

I stared into his eyes, so earnest and full of hope.

Could it be?

“Zahra, I don’t want to be your master. I want to be much more. I’ve known for weeks, and finally found the courage yesterday to tell my father the truth.” His voice shook. “So I ask you now, in your newfound freedom: Will you be my wife?”

I brushed Aladdin’s unruly curl back from his forehead and tucked it beneath his turban. “To be your wife is the dearest wish of my heart.”

Aladdin’s lips met mine, rich as honey and sunlight.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H. L. Davis is a Christian, wife, and homeschool mom who calls the South home. She first discovered the joys of writing at ten years of age, and it is a craft she is delighted to pursue once again. When she isn’t brainstorming ideas and weaving words into stories, she enjoys reading, graphic design, and quality time with her family and friends. You can hear an audio narration of “Wish Come True” on the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast.

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