Page 28 of Jasmine's Enchanted Genie

He pinched his eyes closed for a moment, and I knew why. Once I made my wish, there would only be two left.

When he opened his eyes, he cupped my cheeks as if I was the most precious person in the world, stroking my skin with his thumbs. “What is your wish, tiny one?”

“You can’t heal my sister.”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I would if I could.”

“I know. Damn rules.”

A hint of a smile curled up his lips before they smoothed. “What can I do instead?”

“I wish everyone in the village magically had plenty of food, housing, clothing, and any medicine they need, forever. That no one ever goes to bed hungry or shivering again.”

“So it shall be,” he said softly. He gave me a quick nod. “Done.”

Nothing felt changed, but I could picture the family living in the shack beside mine, their bare cupboard suddenly overflowing with goodies. Three crusty loaves of bread sitting on the counter, still warm from the baker, and fresh meat filling their cold box. Fruits and vegetables sitting in baskets on the floor, and blankets, piles of clothing, and mittens to keep tiny fingers warm in the winter placed neatly inside their bureaus.

They’d smile with joy. They’d cry like I did right now.

It was time for the average person in the village to get a small taste of what it was like to live like their king.

17

BOSHUN

Shouts rang out from the castle, and I magicked a sword into my hand and burst to my feet, seeking threats.

“What’s happening?” Jasmine whispered, sliding off the gazebo seat and looking around.

“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”

Her chin lifted. “I’m coming with you.”

We left the gazebo and made our way toward the entrance, keeping close to the plants growing along the path to shield us from view. When we were about to leave the gardens to approach the castle itself, Jasmine’s breath sucked in, and she yanked me backward, behind a big tree.

“Wait,” she hissed, her gaze trained on a person arguing with the guards, their face hidden in the shadows. “That’s Cordellia. She’s come for the lamp.” She gazed around wildly, looking for a place to hide.

“My magic should’ve kept her from passing the gates.” Why wasn’t my spell working?

Moonlight stabbed down, revealing the woman’s face, and my heart plunged all the way to the ground. When had Cardia come to the village and why did she use the name Cordellia? This witch imprisoned me in the lamp long ago after I refused to sleep with her.

This explained how she got past my spell. Only a powerful witch could do so.

“Should I use a wish to ask you to create a disguise for me?” Jasmine asked, her stark gaze meeting mine.

Cardia’s head whipped around, and her gaze pierced the gloom where we hid. “There you are!” She stomped toward us. I quickly magicked a new disguise for myself, that of one of the staff.

If she hadn’t already seen Jasmine, I’d mask her as well. For now, I’d watch to see how this played out, though I wouldn’t let her harm Jasmine.

Jasmine stared at me before turning her attention back to the witch who latched onto her elbow and shook her.

“Where is it?” Cardia snarled, dismissing me with barely a glance, as I knew she would. “I can smell it on you. You didn’t . . . touch it, did you?”

Jasmine huffed. “I’d have to touch it to . . .” Her gaze fell on the guards storming over to us.

“Where is it?” Cardia leaned close, her lips peeling back to reveal the fangs she usually masked, showing how angry she truly was.

“Leave Lady Bains alone.” I thrust my arm down between them and tucked Jasmine behind me.

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