SIXTEEN
"And so, that is where I have been. Exploring an underground city, getting left behind, and having to trek through the desert to get home," Aladdin finished. He'd managed to tell his mother the truth without mentioning djinn once.
"A truly alarming tale, my son. But what does this have to do with the princess?" Maman asked gravely.
Aladdin choked on his water, briefly becoming a fountain before his coughing fit eased. "What princess?"
"Her Highness Princess Maram, who summoned me to the palace to give you a message," Maman said.
"What message?" he asked faintly.
Maman scrutinised his face. "You do not seem surprised that one of the Sultan's daughters would summon me, or leave a message for you."
Now he'd done it. "I met her once in the marketplace. She was very gracious.
