Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

If Layla's Parents Ruled Estia (Part III)

Flying over Estia was the most exciting thing Layla had ever experienced. Once their flight was over, Sinbad had landed with her on top of a hill at the outer edge of the country and returned to his normal form. They sat together on the grass and watched the sun finally disappear completely behind the horizon whilst the first stars of the night began to twinkle. Layla had asked him everything she wanted to know about the world and the dungeons and Sinbad answered every single question.

"Thank you, Sin," Layla said softly as she wrapped her arms around her knees. "I'll never forget this."
"You are very welcome, Layla." He smiled at her. "I just wish I could have taken you farther."
"Me too."

She laid her head in her arms and smiled at him and Sinbad was losing himself in her beauty. She wasn't just beautiful on the outside but even her heart and mind were unlike anyone else. And Layla couldn't quite believe that he was just a little older than she was. If she could, she would trade her life of royalty to travel with him.

"What are you thinking about?" he suddenly asked her.
She lifted her head. "How did you know I was thinking about something?"
He smirked softly. "Because you're blushing."
She quickly placed her hands over her cheeks and gasped. "I am not!"
He laughed. "You're right. You're not."
She rolled her eyes and lowered her hands. "I swear you're such an idiot."

Sinbad found her words amusing, however, Layla was shocked by what she just blurted out. Not only was it rude but she always imagined being so carefree with the man of her dreams.

Sinbad chuckled quietly. "Okay, now you definitely have to tell me what you're thinking."
She smiled shyly and played with the grass. "Well... I don't know..."
He scooted closer to her. "Come on, I won't judge."
She breathed out and looked at him. "I guess I just... How do I put this?" She sighed again. "When I read The Adventures of Sinbad, I began to fall in love with the man in the book."

Sinbad was surprised but he remained silent as she continued. Feeling too shy, she averted her gaze.

"And the more I read it, the more I fell in love with him," she said. "My love for Sinbad grew each time I read it. I would dream about meeting this faceless man I had fallen for and often wondered what it would be like."
"And?" Sinbad asked. "Did I meet your expectations?"
She lifted her gaze to him. "You exceeded them."

***

Sinbad had flown her back to the palace, dropping her off back into her room before bidding her a good night. After going back to his room, he lay in bed and sighed.

'This is wrong... I shouldn't be falling for her.' He closed his eyes. 'If only I could take her with me...'

The next day, Layla took Sinbad, Hinahoho and Jafar out to tour the country. She showed them the statue of the founder of Estia, the hospital that uses advanced technology, the jewellery factory and all the other places there. They were surprised by how advanced the civilisation was considering they never went abroad.

All the while, there was some tension brewing between Sinbad and Layla. Even as they walked through the streets side-by-side, there were slight touching of hands and the occasional sly glances at one another.

Layla had fallen for Sinbad long before she knew he actually existed. And now that he was physically in front of her, the love only grew. And as for him, he felt like he had always known her. He had never felt that way towards anyone.

As they neared the end of their tour, Sinbad had the sudden urge to have some fun. Whilst Hinahoho and Jafar were occupied in checking out a store, Sinbad took hold of Layla's hand. She looked at him surprise but didn't say anything as he held his finger to his lips, motioning to her to remain quiet. He then led her away from the other two, sneaking away as quietly as possible. She held her hand over her mouth and giggled to herself as they made their way out of the building.