He isn't the same. It has only been a couple of days of political campaigns, but... I know that he isn't who he used to be. When I first met Sinbad, he was carefree, yet caring and optimistic. He was polite and didn't even question my family's poverty. Sinbad acted the same, but something seemed off. He, who would be King, had an almost empty look in his eyes. 'But why?' I would wonder; However, figuring out something so personal wasn't in my hands. Not yet anyway. It's just... knowing he's different unsettled me. What happened? What did he have to sacrifice?
"(Y/N)? Are you alright? You were spacing out on me." Sinbad chuckled, bringing me out of my train of thought. At that moment, we were out in the garden discussing our forming trade agreement. Nodding doubtfully, he continued, "I was saying that trading around exotic fish and fruit is plausible; However, it isn't very useful for either country, considering our flora and fauna are too similar to one another. Asking for something underground is nonsensical considering that neither Feanel nor Sindria are specialized in mining. If we are looking for something to trade, we need to be clever about our resources."
"Feanel's main source of trade centers around all sorts of things. Material goods, reproductive resources, but where we get our money is by being a trading hub for the rest of the world. Considering that Feanel is closure to the modern world and have less of a reputation, the major empires turn to us more than to Sindria. We mustn't limit our thinking to materials. We also must consider extensions. For example, Sindria's relation to Balbadd is much more diverse than it is to Feanel. On the other hand, Feanel's relation to the Kou Empire is far more advanced and grown than whatever Sindria's relations are... On a normal circumstance, I would put up a bargain for assembling an army that Sindria could use at any time; However, Feanel hasn't had military activity in ten years. Besides, one of the many things our countries have in common is their distaste for war and poverty. Anything that endangers my peoples' well beings isn't worth it." I explained, feeling more than frustrated about this trade deal. Feanel and Sindria had way too many things in common.
It was a beautiful day in Sindria. The blue sky was clear and highlighted the rest of the scenery well. I knew that Sinbad had nothing to do with the placement of the flowers; However, I couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship. They were arranged so beautifully. "Sinbad," Ja'far started, leaning over to his King's ear, "You have another meeting scheduled in ten minutes. I would have cancelled it, but this is an important manner." Sinbad hummed in understanding, before giving me one of his infamous smiles. Little to say, I did not buy it all that much. I was left alone with Ja'far.
"Is something wrong, (Y/N)?" Ja'far queried, as I immediately shook my head. Nothing was particularly wrong. I knew that I wasn't the greatest priority to Sinbad. And that was not my biggest mental dilemma. I had to think about a plausible, sensible trade agreement, which was proving more difficult by the day.
"Nothing Ja'far. Don't worry yourself about me. Curiosity has overtaken me is all." I smiled, which Ja'far immediately reciprocated, "On that note... Sinbad seems awfully different from the last time I saw him. Back in Janah, I mean. Something happened during his conquest, did it not? Would... you mind enlightening me?" Ja'far froze in place, before directing his eyes to the side. It was a touchy subject, just as I predicted. "You do not have to answer. I was just curious." Sitting up from the iron chair, I dusted off my dress discreetly, before gazing back at Ja'far, "I'm headed back to my room. I guess Sinbad and I will continue the addressment tomorrow." Packing up my papers and such, I started to walk around the garden slowly.
'They are so beautiful...' I cooed mentally, holding a day lily in between my fingers. As I hummed a random song, I gathered a bouquet. What a lavish grouping it was. The bright orange day lilies matched rather well with the white roses and the chamomile. Once pruning them correctly, I finally headed to my room with a small smile decorating my relaxed features. The sun was still high in the sky when I made it back. I pulled out a glass vase before filling it with water. Upon placing the bouquet in, I started to get lost in my own thoughts. I remembered the first vase my father ever made. It was decorated with orange blossoms and chamomile just the same as the bouquet. It was my first present; However, the vase would never be seen again after my father was forced to sell it. I always assumed it was hidden away in Janah's Palace, but I was never sure. The opening of the door brought me out of my train of thought.
"(Y/N)? Sorry for barging in, but you weren't answering the knocking." The purple haired womanizer spoke. Trailing my eyes over to his own, I sat up and stepped away from the flowers. "What a beautiful arrangement... Did you learn how to do this back in Feanel?"
"Indeed, I did. My sister taught me everything about flowers. What brings the King of Sindria to his guest room anyhow? If it is concerning your leave of absence, then you are excused. Ja'far touched upon its importance, so I'm sure it was just that. Apologies are not necessary." I explained thoughtfully, briskly picking up a stack of paperwork that so desperately needed to be filled out by the King before her. "These need to be filled out and back to me whenever suitable. It mainly concerns other trade offers that I need you to skim over for tomorrow. They were my sister's notes, but they are messy and more or less confusing. If you need any help with her writing, I am more than happy to assist; However, whether I'll be of help or not is up to my sister's mood when filling it out." Sinbad took the papers gingerly, glancing over the source material. Messy, indeed.
In actuality, Sinbad came by to have a normal conversation, but that wasn't to be the case. I was here under diplomatic reasons, and that was all. If I did not have a reason to converse with him, or if he did not have a point to make clear, the conversation was useless to me... for the time being. Though I had forgiven Sinbad, I was still under such a shock that such a kind, young man would do such a thing as an adult. It was absurd to me! So I tried to not talk to him unless absolutely necessary. Though, I would be lying if I said I did not feel guilty; However, he was keeping things from me as much as I was keeping away my own thoughts and experiences. "Alright then... I'll look this over." With that, Sinbad was gone.
Meanwhile, Ja'far searched the far ends of the archives to mend such a broken relationship. Was it any of his business? Not necessarily, however, if there was any way of mending it, Ja'far would take it. Finally, finding the scroll he was looking for, he blew off some layered dust. He hadn't seen the first edition in so long, he almost forgot the significance. After all, it was handwritten by the very man he and I were having immense trouble with.
Once night had fallen, I had retired to my chamber, and continued to do some paperwork. Luckily enough, the pile started to disappear. As my pen glided over the paper, a knock resonated off the door. "Come in." There was nothing. No answer. No explanation. Nothing. Confused and a little annoyed, I stood up and opened one of the heavy doors. My eyes darted up and down the halls for a single, breathing soul; However, no one was to be found. At the last, I gazed downward to see a well-wrapped scroll. It had an ornate back with a golden string tied around the paper-bounded fabric. The only logical action was to take it into the room and open it. Laying part of it out on the bed, I started to read the words aloud. "For all who wish to hear... for all who wish to know... settle thy nerves and lend me an ear for a tale about a power unbeknownst to man... of a power given from conquering a dungeon..." I murmured out loud, interested in the overall precis.
Forgetting to braid my hair I continued to read. Every word graced over my thoughts as my attention remained solely on the scroll. Apparently, it was regarding Sinbad's adventures in the state that I had met him. The story was well written; However, I couldn't help but chuckle at a few spelling and grammatical mistakes here and there. Upon a fifth way through, I glanced at the clock to recognize that it was almost midnight. I had gotten so invested in Sinbad's adventures that I lost my surroundings. Marking my spot, I rolled it up once more before retiring for the night. Sleep took its sweet time. All I wanted to do in that moment was read more.
YOU ARE READING
Oranges; Sinbad x Reader
Fanfiction"If love was a fruit, it would be an orange. A circle of sections are held together, but are separate - making each segment unique." (Y/N) (L/N) doesn't want to fall in love. All she wants, is to help her father's country in any way she can. Kind-he...
