A/N: This is my first attempt at writing a fan fic, I hope you enjoy it! Reviews are always welcome and appreciated! I do not own any of these characters, all characters are property of the Disney Corporation.

Rich dark clouds were swirling with a vengeance above their heads; within mere moments the gentle light of day that was meant to usher in the announcement of Agrabah's future rulers had been taken over by an ominous sky that sent the city into a panic. The concern and fright of thousands was booming like thunder through the streets, exacerbated by the disappearance of the sultan and his daughter who, to their surprise, found themselves no longer on the palace balcony but cowering before the man who was, just minutes before, this nation s right hand.

The trembling princess clutched her father until her muscles would clench no farther while her wide eyes remained focused on the greatest betrayal she had ever known. The tall, thin man had ceased his insane-like laughter and remained motionless, contemplating his next move. The city was imploding with fear and uncertainty, which he did not anticipate would occur so quickly, and the soon-to-be former sultan would not end his incessant begging for mercy. Jafar found himself bewildered that after decades of experience the weakness of man still surprised him. Why was it so difficult just to find one person who showed an ounce of spirit, of fight, of resilience

"Jafar, I beg you! I will do anything you want, just don't-"

"Oh stop your relentless whining."

And with a streak of light from his staff, Jafar covered the sultan with his magic, instantly muting him. Now he could think in peace for a brief moment. He needed to calm the people, this was the first step. He knew that nothing can get accomplished during chaos but how? The sultan the one, loved figure that could return Agrabah to a state of calm he must address the people. Jafar knew that cowardice would cause the sultan to relay any message that he demanded, but what should that message be? Dear people of Agrabah, Jafar through the use of a genie, will now take over your city and will be the most powerful sorcerer in the world? No, the truth would not suffice.

Jafar swiftly turned away from the sultan and Jasmine, crossed his arms and his mouth set into a form of frustration. Suddenly the shrieking voice of Iago rang in his head, "You marry her and then we will throw papa, and the little woman off a cliff!" That is it! The people did come to the palace for a wedding announcement after all, so an announcement they shall have! The satisfaction of his newly found plan was short lived when the only glitch presented itself-the princess. Harboring a far greater amount of courage than her father, it would be impossible to force her into a marriage, the lengthy list of rejected suitors was proof of that. Jafar's arms clenched even tighter and he found himself angered that he had banished Aladdin so quickly. Aladdin s life would have kept her compliant. Frustrated by his over-eager actions, he knew that if this plan were to work he must not let himself become too overzealous with power.

The only option left was her father. Finally a small, devious smile forced its way onto his thin face and he smoothly turned to face his two prisoners. With a wave of his staff the sultan bobbed over to him and turned upside down and Jafar began to circle him.

"Jafar, stop! Please, leave him alone!" Jasmine stood and feverishly began to run to her father s aid. Before she was able to place her second foot in front of her the heat of magic took over and held her in place.

"Ah ah princess" his finger waving in front of her, "if you have not yet noticed the city is at its wits end and your father s life is hanging by a thread. Now, if you listen to my offer you just may be able to save them both."

The glow that was holding Jasmine still dissipated and she raised her eyebrow, "what offer?"

Jafar straightened and a smile that sickened Jasmine spread across his face, "Two options lie in front of you. Agree to marry me and I will let this pathetic excuse for a sultan live or-"

"What? I will never marry you! You disgust me! How misguided could you be to think that I would ever-"

"I am NOT finished!" he sternly interjected, "Or if you refuse I will murder your father in front of you. Regardless of your choice, I will rule Agrabah, and if you refuse I will keep you as my slave."

Jasmine's eyes widened and she placed her hand over her heaving chest to calm her heartbeat. Jafar leaned into her and she tried to resist a shudder as he whispered in her ear, "And believe me princess, I do NOT show the same kindness to my slaves."

He stared into her eyes that were beginning to glass over with tears. Jasmine felt the heat of her blood pressure rise and the overwhelming sense of being trapped began to choke her. A feeble attempt from the sultan to speak broke their stare. Tired of the wait, Jafar briskly stepped back to the sultan, withdrew a dagger from his robes and held it tight against the sultan s throat. Jasmine let out a shriek.

"Well, make your choice, child! Your time is up!"

He pressed the dagger harder against the sultan who began to moan and Jasmine threw her hands up, "No! Stop! I will do it! Just please let him go!"

Jafar snaked a smile and satisfaction flushed over his pale face as he withdrew the dagger and the sultan dropped to the ground. Jasmine immediately ran to him and held him tight, sobbing.

"Jasmine, my darling, please do not do this! This is not worth my life!"

"Ugh, enough sentimen"t said Jafar exhaustively has he pulled the sultan to standing, "she has made her choice, and a wise one at that! Now it is time to make that announcement. I think the people have suffered long enough, don t you?"

Pushing the sultan back toward the balcony, Jafar ended the storm that all the while was raging above and the sun began to split the darkness. "Now, act like a leader and calm your people." He pushed the sultan threw the curtain and turned his attention to Jasmine who was visibly trembling, "Relax princess, it is not every day that one gets to stand by, let alone marry, the most powerful man in the world." He clasped her hand and before she could object he pulled her onto the balcony as the announcement was made.

The loudness of the crowd mixed with confusion pounded in her head as she tried to process the last few hours of this unspeakable day. Cold, hard lips crashing against hers sent her soaring back into the moment at hand and her heart sank at the realization that she had just been legally bound to the vial betrayer who banished the only man she had ever loved.