Page 44 of Jasmine's Enchanted Genie

“If you use a wish, we can get back to the castle and start reading those books,” he said. “We might find a clue there to free me.”

“I’m not wasting a wish.”

He gave me a sad smile. “It’s not a waste. We’re stuck here, and I’m useless without my magic. A wish could take us to a safer location.”

I rose and hurried over to him. “You’re not useless, so don’t say that.”

His hands splayed wide. “I can’t use my magic. I can’t do a damn thing to protect you.”

“In this, we have to use our brains. I’m not strong. I don’t have magic. But I’d find the strength and the will to do something if it meant I could help you.”

His face cratered. “You’re right. I’m sorry. My magic has been a part of me forever, long before I was trapped inside the lamp. The lamp only enhances my natural ability. Now that it’s been stripped from me, I feel like a big part of me is missing.”

“Would you give up your magic if it meant you could escape the lamp forever?”

“Yes. Being with you is all that matters.”

“Then let’s get out of this trap like a person without magic would. We’ll return to the castle and use the time we have left to go through the books. If we find something that’ll help, wonderful. If not, I’ve got the seed of an idea I can wish for that might make a difference.” I hoped I had a seed. It was more like dandelion fluff than a true seed.

But if the wind caught my idea and lifted it into the sky, it might just work.

“You’re right.” He lifted me up and kissed me. “No one can stand between us. I need to remember that.”

“No one,” I echoed as he put me back down.

We went through the sewing things, and I found a metal awl. “What about this?”

With a grin, he waved to the door. “Show me your magic, love.”

I couldn’t help smiling back. Despite our dire situation, we were still together. Surely something good had to come from that.

I inserted the tip of the awl into the lock and played with it, slowly shifting it back and forth and twisting.

A subtle hum rang out, and the door opened.

26

BOSHUN

We stood in the hall, listening for a long time, but hearing nothing. Holding hands, we hurried down the corridor and peered around the corner. We still heard no sounds, and we found no evidence anyone was around, but someone had locked the storage room door from the outside.

Cardia’s office appeared like we’d left it, including the broken panel.

We took the stairs as quickly and quietly as we could, then poked our heads out into the hallway below. When we didn’t hear or see anyone, we hurried to the back door.

Outside, we bolted to where we’d left the carriage. Once we’d settled on the cushions, I tapped on the roof to tell the driver it was time to return to the castle.

Only when we were safely inside Jasmine’s room did I release the air I’d held in my lungs.

We sagged onto the bed, lying side by side, staring at the canopy overhead.

“I don’t think I’m made for a career of theft.” Sitting, she looked down at me. “I was a wreck in the treasure room, a wreck inside Cardia’s office, and I’m still a wreck, because it seems like we’re no further ahead than we were before we left my room.” She glanced toward the clock. “And I only have half an hour left before I need to make my second wish.”

“We’ve got these.” I held up the books.

“Cross your fingers we’ll find something helpful inside them.”

I sat up, and we moved to lean against the headboard, her on my lap and each of us with one of the two books open. We were soon sorting through the pages.

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