Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

The Only Way (Part I)

(Alternate reality: If Layla was unable to get pregnant at all and there was no way to heal her, even through Kouen's Djinn. She never got pregnant but Kouen still allowed her to return to Sinbad.)

Sinbad and Layla had been married for just over six months. They had just celebrate their half year anniversary a week beforehand. Everything was going absolutely great and both were enjoying married life. However, there was one thing that was constantly on Layla's mind - she could never give Sinbad a child.

She was standing on the balcony of their bedroom, watching the sun slowly settle beyond the horizon. The thought was on her mind again and there was only one solution she could think of to resolve their problem.

Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her waist, causing her to jump a little. Sinbad chuckled behind her as he held her close and kissed the back of her head. She relaxed and closed her eyes.

"All done?" she asked with a gentle smile.
"Yes." He buried his face into the side of her neck and pressed an affectionate kiss on her skin. "I'm all yours for the rest of the evening."
She placed her arms over his and breathed out. "Good."
After pressing another kiss to her neck, he rested his chin on her shoulder. "What were you thinking about?"
"How did you know I was thinking?"
"You're always thinking."
"True."
"Well?"
She sighed softly. "Sin... You know I can't give you a child-"
"Layla." He lifted his head and turned her to face him. "Will you stop? I don't need a child. All I ever needed and wanted is standing right here in front of me."
She looked up at him sadly. "You've been wanting a child since you were 16 so don't even try and pretend-"
"I'm not pretending. Yes, I did want it back then but I realised that I already have everything."
"But don't you want an heir? Someone who can carry on your legacy?"
He breathed out deeply. "I don't know... Why are we even discussing this? I'm happy with how things are. Now please let's go and eat. I'm starving." He was about to walk away but she quickly grabbed his arm. "What?"
She clutched onto him, her heart racing. "I want you to have a child."
He sighed and gently held her face. "Layla, it's not possible."
"It is possible."
"What?" he asked, completely confused.
"There's a procedure that can be carried out at the hospital," she began to explain. "My eggs are infertile but they can take your sperm and fertilise the egg of another woman and-"
"You mean a surrogate..." He closed his eyes and let go of her face as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "God knows where you're getting all these crazy ideas..."
"But, Sin-"
He dropped his hand. "No."
"But-"
"I said no," he spoke, his tone now laced with anger. "If my child is not a part of you, then I don't want it."

With that, he turned and stormed off into the bedroom before leaving completely. Layla breathed out and turned back to face the sunset again. Surrogacy was the only option they had for a child. She had already met with a doctor who explained everything to her. It was the only way for Sinbad to have a child that was his own who could take the throne one day. She wanted him to have a child that had his own blood in their veins, sharing the genes passed down to it. She knew he was angered by her suggestion but she hoped he would agree to it.

***

Sinbad didn't return to the bedroom for another few hours. Layla had gone to search for him but she was told that he wanted to be left alone. It was about 2am when he quietly entered the bedroom. He expected to find her asleep but he was surprised to see her wide awake and sitting up in bed with a book.

He made his way to his side of the bed and sat down. They both knew they had to speak about the big issue but neither of them knew how to begin.

"Did you eat?" Layla asked, breaking the silence as she closed her book and put it away.
"No," he sighed. "Did you?"
"No... I guess we'll starve together."

He suddenly took her hand and pulled her towards him. She climbed onto his lap and cuddled into him, laying her head on his shoulder.

He kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry for storming off like that."
"It's okay, Sin. You don't need to apologise." She held onto his hand as he listened. "I'm sorry I brought it up. I know it's a sensitive subject but I just want you to have a child of your own. You don't understand how much it pains me that I can never give you that but it would make me so happy to see you be a father. And I would love that child as my own too." She breathed out. "I guess all I want is for you to at least consider it."
He held her tighter. "I did consider it. I had some time to think and I even spoke to Hinahoho and Rurumu about it."
She lifted her head to look at him. "And?"
He smiled. "Let's do it."
Her face lit up with a bright smile. "Really?!"
"Yes. You were right, Layla. I do want a child. Although it won't be birthed by you, the child will still be ours. And as much as you want me to be a father, I want you to be a mother."

She couldn't help up tear up a little as she leaned up to kiss him. He held her face and kissed her deeply. It was one of the biggest decisions they had ever made but they were both in it together.

***

The process was so long and daunting. Sinbad found it extremely weird to pass along his sperm but it was anything to keep Layla happy. Then came the difficult task of choosing the woman who would become the surrogate. They spent time looking through the files until they found the perfect one. She was a 28 year old woman who had recently moved to Sindria. She wasn't very well off and they could tell that she needed the financial support. But what they loved about her was that she never once spoke about money in her statement. All she wanted was to give joy to people.

They both agreed to meet her and so the doctor had it arranged. When the woman was brought into the doctor's office, her eyes widened upon seeing the couple who had chosen her.

"King Sinbad! Queen Layla!" She quickly bowed in respect. "It's an honour to meet you!"
Layla smiled. "Thank you for meeting with us, Maryam."
"Please, take a seat," Sinbad said, motioning to the chair.

They all sat down and discussed all the legal aspects with the doctor. Apparently it was her first time being a surrogate but she understood that once the child was born, she would hand over the rights to the intended parents; Sinbad and Layla. Obviously they agreed to how much they were going to pay her and Sinbad and Layla also agreed that they wanted to keep Maryam inside the palace to offer her the best care during her pregnancy.

Maryam couldn't believe her luck. Sure she said that she didn't want money, although that really wasn't true, but to live in the palace for nine months was better than she hoped for. She also secretly hoped to one day remove Layla out of the picture so that she could live the life of luxury.

Papers were finally signed and the process began. Maryam would have to stay in hospital for a couple of days and then they would collect her when the doctor gave them the okay. Until then, Sinbad and Layla bid their farewells to Maryam before returning to the palace.

"Hey, how did it go?" Yamraiha asked as they entered.
"It went great," Layla said. "We chose the woman and got to meet her. She's going to be inseminated and discharged in two days."
Sinbad nodded. "We need a room readied for her in our tower. She will stay here for the duration of the pregnancy."
Yamraiha's brows furrowed a little in concern. "Are you sure that's wise?"
"What do you mean?"
"Not that I'm super happy for you guys," she began, "but I've heard and witnessed a lot of instances of people bringing in the surrogate mother to their homes. Eventually, feelings start to grow and complications within the marriage arise."
He shook his head and wrapped his arm around his wife's waist. "We all know that I could never have feelings towards any other woman."
Layla blushed softly. "Um, Sin, I don't think Yama is talking about you."
"Exactly," Yamraiha said. "I know you could never, Lord Sin, although there have been instances when that has also happened. However, it's most likely that this woman will start to grow romantic feelings towards you. I mean you're handsome and you're a genuine gentleman. Sometimes..." she added on at the end, Layla nodding in agreement.
Sinbad shook his head. "It doesn't matter. Either way the contract has been signed and we're going to have this baby regardless."
Layla nodded again. "Yes. Thank you for your advice, Yama, but with all of you supporting us, I know we'll be okay."
"That's right. We're just excited to be getting a baby in nine months time."

Yamraiha smiled. She just hoped they weren't making a mistake. Still, she and the other generals would be keeping a close eye on the surrogate. This woman was the only chance for their king and queen to have an heir and they were going to make sure it happened.

(To be continued.)