Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

Arranged (Part I)

(Parallel universe (I don't know why I love doing these. I always think of what if this or that happened and a scenario plays out): Sinbad and Layla had always been friends. Even as he went on and captured dungeons and they travelled the world to different countries such as Estia, Sasan and Artemyra. The company had been established and they both founded Sindria together. The only difference to the story we all know is that they never dated. They remained as friends.)

Although they were friends, Layla did have a small crush on Sinbad but she never admitted it to anyone. It was something she thought was pointless since he never saw her in that way. He had a girlfriend...

Her name was Maria and she lived in the palace with them. They had met her during their travels and she and Sinbad hit it off straight away. And although they had welcomed her into the group, Maria had always been jealous of Layla. Even after being together for almost a year, she always thought that Layla was going to try and take Sinbad away from her. Due to that, Layla and Maria never really got on.

Sinbad was clearly stuck in the middle between his best friend and girlfriend but he would mostly side with Layla during their disagreements. However, it was because he found Maria's arguments to be extremely petty. Still, he really liked her. He wasn't sure if he was in love with her yet though. Something kept holding him back but he just didn't know what it was.

***

It had been a couple of weeks since Layla's 21st birthday and Shaheen was scheduled to be arriving at the palace. He had sent a message a few days earlier saying that he wanted to have dinner with them.

"Why do all men do this?" Layla complained as they waited at the entrance of the palace.
Sinbad's brows furrowed in confusion. "Do what?"
"Say you're going to do something but then do it late!"
"Hey! I never do that!"
"Oh? How about when you force me to get ready before a meeting and I get ready on time but then you have to run off to the bathroom when you could have been doing that while I was getting ready!"
Maria scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Can't you just be quiet already? My Sinny-boo never does that."

She giggled and nuzzled her nose against his. Sinbad smiled and did it back to her making Layla retch in disgust. How he went for a girl like Maria she'd never know.

Finally, Shaheen arrived. Layla greeted him with a hug before he shook Sinbad's hand. And then he looked at Maria.

"And you are?" he asked.
"Uh, Maria?" she answered in confusion. "You met me two weeks ago at the birthday party."
Shaheen looked at her blankly and shook her head. "Nope. Definitely don't remember you. But then again, I tend to forget insignificant people."

As Maria gasped in offence, Layla snorted and slyly fist bumped Shaheen as they entered the palace. Sinbad honestly found it funny but he consoled his girlfriend as they followed behind. They made their way to the dining hall and food was instantly served.

"So, brother," Layla started. "What was so important that you couldn't tell me in the letter? You were here just two weeks ago and that's a lot of travelling to do in a short amount of time."
"It's a matter that can only be discussed face-to-face, tayir," he told her.
"What is it?" Sinbad asked.
Shaheen glanced at him before looking at Layla again. "A marriage proposal has come for you."

Layla almost choked on her drink at his words. Even Sinbad was shocked, the only person actually happy by the news was Maria. That way, Layla would be out of the palace for good.

"Marriage?!" Layla gasped.
Shaheen nodded. "Yes. I've had this man in my sights for a couple of months now."
"So, why are you only just telling me about it?"
"I had to see if he checked out. He lives in Reim and he visits Estia as a representative of the country's head of state once in a while," he explained. "It was only recently I was informed that he is looking to settle down. After your party, I found out that you're still single and then went back to speak to him. He's very lovely and I truly think you should meet him."