Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

Esra's Power of Persuasion

Sinbad and Layla were in a meeting with two representatives of the Reim Empire. They were seated in the throne room with the representatives, Hassan and Nathaniel, sitting opposite them.

The debate was getting quite heated with the Reim representatives demanding so much more than what was first agreed on in terms of trade. However, Sinbad and Layla were not willing to budge.

"I'm sorry," Sinbad said. "But our crops can't grow more than what's capable."
"Then plant more!" demanded Hassan.
Layla shook her head. "If we plant more, then the fruits won't retrieve the required nutrition from the soil. And I doubt you'd be happy with small, unflavoured fruits."
"Exactly," Sinbad agreed. "Besides, our fruits are in demand all over the world. We have to be fair."
Nathaniel stood from his seat. "If that is the case, then we'll pull out of our contract!"
"Sir, do you really think that's wise?" Layla asked. "Do you really not want Sindria as an ally?"
Hassan also stood. "We don't wish to be allies with a country that is unjust and-"

A quiet sucking sound made him lose track of what he was saying and they both looked around, wondering where the sound was coming from. Sinbad held his hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing as Layla's eyes widened a little. She had been wearing a scarf around her chest the whole time because she was nursing the baby. Esra was under the scarf the entire time since before the representatives arrived.

Layla peeked under the scarf and hushed her. "Are you done, Esra?"

Hassan and Nathaniel glanced at one another before looking back up at the thrones.

"Is that...the princess under there?" Hassan asked.
"Yes," Layla answered.

She made sure she was all covered up before lifting Esra out from behind the scarf. The representatives were in awe at how tiny she was as they watched her pass the baby over to Sinbad. She was only two months old so he held her so she was lying across his arm. Hassan and Nathaniel couldn't hold back their squeals as she looked over at them.

"She's so small!" Hassan squealed.
"And so cute!" Nathaniel said excitedly.
Sinbad smiled proudly. "Yes, she is. And one day she will rule over Sindria."

The representatives looked at each other, silently debating between themselves. It was like they knew what the other was thinking and gave each other a nod.

"We apologise, Your Highnesses," Nathaniel said as he looked at them. "We believe our demands were unreasonable and we're happy to continue with our alliance."
Layla smiled brightly. "That's fantastic news, Sir Nathaniel."
Hassan held up his hand. "Can we hold the baby?"
Sinbad chuckled. "Of course."

He got up and walked to the representatives, handing Esra over to Hassan first. They both cooed over her as she looked up at them. Sinbad turned to look over at Layla and wiggled his brows. She gave him a thumbs up.

Sinbad was right in making the decision to bring Esra to the meeting. All it takes is a sweet, innocent baby to sway the hearts and minds of others.