Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

Sinbad's Son? (Part I)

It was just a normal day in the palace. There weren't any meetings and Sinbad had already completed his royal duties, so everyone simply relaxed. He, Layla and Esra were in the garden to make the most of the gorgeous warm weather. Esra was running around the grass chasing butterflies and Sinbad was laying down with his head on Layla's thighs whilst she casually played with his hair.

It was days like that when they both appreciated time together as a family. They enjoyed reminiscing their own childhood as well and hoped to take Esra to Tison Village one day.

"I think we should take her when she's older," Sinbad said.
Layla nodded. "I agree. She'll appreciate it more."
"Lord Sin!" came Jafar's voice.

They looked over to see Jafar running towards them and he seemed urgent. Sinbad sat up as he came to a stop in front of them.

"What is it?" Layla asked.
Jafar took a deep breath. "There's a woman here who's demanding to see Lord Sin."
Sinbad stood up, helping Layla up as well. "About what?"
"She's claiming that you're the father of her son."
"What?!" Sinbad and Layla yelled together.
Sinbad frowned. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," Jafar answered. "We would have turned her away but it's a pretty big claim to make. Besides, she's brought the child with her and she won't give us anymore information."
"This is crazy," Layla said as she tried to keep her anger at bay.
Sinbad sighed. "It's fine, Jafar. I'll speak to this woman." He then turned to Layla. "Come with me."
Her brows were furrowed slightly as she was torn. "But Esra-"
"I'll look after her," Jafar said. "You should go."
She nodded. "Thank you."

Sinbad grabbed her hand and hurried into the palace with her. They were both silent, focused on getting there and sorting out the bizarre situation.

When they arrived to the throne room, they slowed to a walk and entered. Inside they found Hinahoho, Drakon, Sharrkan, Pisti and Spartos. Yamraiha was on a mission somewhere else. There was also a woman with a young boy holding her hand.

The room was deadly silent and all eyes turned to Sinbad and Layla. Even the woman turned to face them. She seemed to be around Layla's age and she was quite beautiful. She had brown hair that was tied in a low ponytail and brown eyes. Not only that, she was also quite busty. Upon seeing Sinbad, she smiled tearfully but her smile dropped upon seeing his hand holding Layla's. The little boy couldn't have been more than five years of age but he had one very distinct feature; purple hair. They were both clad in common clothing, nothing that made them look homeless.

Sinbad and Layla made their way to the thrones and sat down. Layla was gripping onto his hand as she looked at the boy. There was a definite connection with the hair and he had a similar style to when Sinbad was that young. However, Sinbad couldn't remember the woman for the life of him.

"Your Highness," the woman began with a bow before standing straight again. "I'm Aisha and I have travelled all the way from the Reim Empire. I come here today to claim the rights for Shab. Our son."
Sinbad sighed. "I apologise, Miss Aisha, but your journey here was in vain. I have never met you before in my life."
Aisha seemed hurt by his words. "But, Your Highness, I fell pregnant soon after you spent the night with me. He is the result of the love we made," she said as she brought the boy to stand in front of her.
"Excuse me," Layla spoke in a hard tone. "The King would never in his right mind-"
"I'm sorry, Your Highness," Aisha cut her off. "But he wasn't in his right mind. He was drunk and spent the night in the red light district where I was working that night."
Sinbad frowned. "Drunk or not, I would never be disloyal to my wife. Trust me. I know."
"I apologise for my rudeness but as far as I know, you and Queen Layladria were not in a relationship six years ago," Aisha stated. "That night you came to me, you used alcohol to drown away your sorrows." She closed her eyes and held her son's shoulders. "Just two weeks later I found out that I was pregnant."
Layla raised a brow. "In your line of work, it could have been anyone."
Aisha looked up at her. "I thought so too, Your Highness, but King Sinbad is the only one Shab resembled. I swear I never would have come here. I would have lived life in ignorant bliss. I didn't come here for myself." She crouched down and brushed back her son's hair. "He never would have known. But he's becoming inquisitive and keeps asking about his father." She then looked at Sinbad. "During your recent visit to Reim a few months ago, Shab saw you and for the first time he felt a connection and recognised you as his father. Tell me, how could I deny a little child of his father?"