11. Boshun

Icouldn't take my eyes off Jasmine and not only because she was gorgeous, animated, and incredibly sweet. I was falling for her already, and I wasn't sure what I could do about it.

She couldn't wish for me to love her, and why would she? I was essentially a servant like Viscar. When her wishes had been granted, I'd have to leave her. I'd never see her again after that.

I decided to make the best of it. We had a few days. She'd meet with the healer tomorrow night, and if the woman didn't immediately agree to help her sister, I'd compel her to do so. There was no harm in that, and I doubted anyone would consider it bending the rules. It appeared that I couldn't directly heal someone, but as far as I knew, I was allowed to use subtle persuasion.

More or less. It wasn't like anyone would find out. No one supervised genies.

We ate breakfast and went outside, finding everyone gathered in front of the hedge maze high on the hill behind the castle. Wandering through a maze wasn't a stimulating event, but if it meant I could be with Jasmine, I'd happily follow her through the maze.

"We're going to add a twist to the usual maze event," King Tricar announced. He waved to his primary servant, a woman who stepped forward.

She cleared her throat. "Today, we're adding a treasure hunt."

Gasps rang out from the people gathered around.

"Items have been hidden within the maze," she added. "And whatever you find, you may keep."

"Yes, some delightful treasures," the king intoned. "Please, take a basket for your collection."

Gaily decorated wicker baskets sat on a table, and the fluttering ladies around us rushed forward to collect them.

I urged Jasmine to follow them, and after giving me a shy smile, she did. But when she reached the table, they'd all been taken.

"This one will do," I said from her side, holding up one that was nicer than all the others, as it should be since it was crafted by a genie.

"Oh, I missed it. So pretty." She stroked the bright ribbons and delicately touched the flowers attached to the sides.

People were already gathering near the entrance to the maze, the women dancing on their toes while their escorts watched them with indulgence.

"What do you think we'll find?" Jasmine asked, and I loved seeing her excited. I suspected she had very little in her life that gave her joy. "I'm thinking of little things, like a bobbin of thread. Cooking utensils might be nice. A thimble."

These were things a woman who'd had to struggle to survive would find exciting.

"I imagine they're not as practical as that, but we'll see," I said, hoping my words would be proven true. Actually, I'd make sure they were.

"When the rope drops," the king's servant called out from ahead, "you may proceed into the maze. Do be kind to everyone else. No rushing. No shoving. And if you're fortunate enough to reach the center of the maze first, there will be yet another surprise waiting." She gave us all a polite smile. "Is everyone ready?"

A few women tittered. Jasmine shot me a grin.

"Proceed," the woman said, lowering the rope and stepping back quickly to avoid being trampled.

Jasmine sucked in a breath as the other women thundered forward, quickly entering the maze. Squeals rang out right away as they found treasure.

"Well, let's still do this." Jasmine's smile had already faded. "I'm sure they'll find everything, but perhaps there will be a trinket or two left for us."

I held out my arm, determined she'd find more than a ‘trinket or two.' "After you, my lady."

"Yes." She flashed a grin my way and held up her basket. "Thank you for escorting me, kind prince."

There was so much more I wanted to do with Jasmine than stroll through a maze.