Page 27 of Jasmine's Enchanted Genie

“This is wonderful,” she breathed, snuggling into my arms. “If only we could stay here forever, flying over the lake and into the mountains beyond.”

“I want that too.”

Sadly, Farisa slowly turned and took us back toward the castle.

“We’ll get something to eat when we get back,” I said. At least I had dining at her side to look forward to. “But remember, you have to ask for your first wish before the sun leaves the sky today. The second by the end of tomorrow, and the third before that day is over.”

“I want to be with you all the time, Boshun.”

“Never wish for that,” I said, unable to keep fear out of my voice. “You wouldn’t enjoy being trapped inside the lamp with me.” She’d come to hate me for sure.

“Maybe I would like that. At least you wouldn’t be alone any longer.” Simple honesty came through in her voice.

For the rest of my days, I’d treasure the knowledge that she meant it.

“I don’t know what the lamp would do if you were there with me,” I said.

She peered up at me. “What can be worse than what’s been done to you so far?”

She didn’t want to know.

16

JASMINE

Farisa landed, as did the other dragons giving guests rides, telling me others must’ve decided it might be fun. We slid off her back.

I went over to her head and stroked her face. “Thank you, lovely one. That was one of the most wonderful experiences in my life.”

She nudged my belly and gazed at me with eyes that seemed to see right to my very soul. Could she sense the jumble I was inside? I was desperate to help my sister, and I was rapidly becoming desperate to be with Boshun forever.

“Is there a way?” I whispered near her ear. “Is it wrong to ask for something solely for me?”

She huffed softly, and I took that as a no. Life had cursed him to remain with the lamp and me in the village.

“If you’ll all come inside,” one of the staff called out, waving from the edge of the field. “We’ve prepared a feast that will amaze you.”

Boshun held out his hand, and I linked our fingers together. We followed the others toward the castle, but before I stepped inside the enormous open double doors, I looked back.

Farisa watched us still, and I swore I read sadness in her eyes.

We went to the dining room and the staff brought out course after course, lowering each plate in front of us. I could barely eat anything. The knowledge that I’d have to use a wish before midnight was gnawing through my bones.

Leaving the dining room, we settled in the huge front parlor with some of the other guests, though we sat apart from them while they played cards and other games at tables, the women’s laughter trilling out, followed by the low chuckles of their escorts.

I fiddled with the jewels in my basket. So much wealth; it would help me and my sister for years.

But it couldn’t make her better.

“I don’t need these,” I hissed. “I just want my sister to be healthy. Why can’t I trade them for something like that?”

He put his arm around my shoulders, which helped me feel a little better.

And then it occurred to me.

“I know what I want for my first wish,” I whispered.

He rose and took my hand, tugging me up off the sofa, and we left the room. Outside, we strolled along a path weaving through beautiful gardens, only occasionally passing anyone else. Finally, we settled on a wooden bench inside a gazebo overgrown with honeysuckles that perfumed the air.

---