The opportunities we may take (Sinbad x OC)

Stress Reduction

Author's Note:

Argh, I'm so sorry. It took me forever to finish this chapter, and most of it was already done weeks ago. I've taken a bit of a break from writing lately. Somehow I lacked the motivation. Hopefully I won't need as long for the next chapter.

I hope all who read this, have a nice Christmas season and can enjoy the time despite the circumstances.

Have fun with the new chapter <3

Stress Reduction

--- Castle of Sindria, The kings study---

„ ... The rumors of her spiritual abilities have spread throughout Sindria, which is why now not only former residents of Dalmasca but others as well wish to be allowed to visit her. But of course, all conditions are carried out as you have instructed them to be. At the moment, only registered residents are admitted to visit her and they are checked in detail one more time in advance, before they are allowed to see her." reported Ja'far, who dutifully stood next to the king's large mahogany desk. He raised his head briefly to look at Sinbad who circled the table casually, before the ash-blonde man flipped through the documents he had gathered in the past few days once again.

"Have there been any critical incidents in the meantime?" asked Sinbad gravely as he settled into his cushioned armchair, before he  placed his arms on the sturdy desk in a businesslike manner. Ja'far paused briefly before shaking his head: "No. No one is allowed through who is even minimally off thegrid, and the presence of the guards greatly intimidates most visitors.... So much so that Salome has sent some of them away."

When the Vizir observed Sinbad's facial expression darken a bit, he directly made an effort to continue: "It is to be observed that the general mood among our people seems to be even better than it was a few months ago. Her presence raised the general well-being, as you had predicted. Among the visitors are many who seek comfort and advice after the loss of a loved one or during hard times."

"Excellent", Sinbad replied thoughtfully, nodding at the good news as he pulled out the scroll from his tunic that Isaac had handed him a few days ago. Still frowning, Sinbad's gaze slid to his open window as he absently turned the scroll in his fingers. "I do not want the guards to leave their posts, however. Sindria may be safe in principle, but there have been people after her in the past.", the king spoke in an emphatically casual tone, while his jaw tightened slightly, barely noticeable. Immediately, Ja'far nodded and began to jot down a note as an aid to his thoughts. "Of course!", he replied dutifully, before turning the page to move on to the next item. When he read what item was next on his agenda, he paused for a brief moment before clearing his throat. "My informants report that Salome seems more unbalanced by the day. Master Isaac seems to be putting a lot of pressure on her and the fact that she is not to leave the castle for the time being seems to be affecting her as well. One of my employees said that he overheard a conversation between her and her brother in which she expressed her wish to go to the city. Her brother, however, also said that she was attracting too much attention at the moment, as people were beginning to recognize her from the many visitors she had already received." Ja'far recited carefully before looking up to observe Sinbad's reaction. The king frowned even more, as he ran a thoughtful hand over his clean-shaven chin. Instead of answering, however, he turned to the woman who was also in Sinbad's study: "Yam, tell me about the archpriest!"