Prologue

He was the son of a fisherman in a small village of the Partevia Empire by the sea. Blessed by the gods and loved by the source of life, the rukhs, he was known as the miracle born to save the world. He was gifted with the ability to connect with lives, reading their waves and behaviour as if it were second nature. To him, the state of the war-stricken world was to be rewritten and the lives of humanity were to be saved. That was his fate. The fate of a boy named Sinbad.

She was the daughter of a man; a man whom no one knew. Orphaned at birth, she was left upon the doorsteps of a household by the streets of the Reim Empire. However, humans were never as kind since the family immediately took her to local slavery auction house, exchanging her for her worth. The rukh did not bother with her particularly and the gods probably forgot about her existence. An insignificant being amongst the sea of others of her species. She was not destined for great things. In fact, she might not even be destined for anything at all.

Yet, the bindings of fate are always cruel and merciless as the ties of these two individuals begin to entangle. They were both fated to meet.

The purpose? Perhaps a test for the boy, or maybe a ploy to destroy the both of them. Regardless, the moment their eyes laid on one another, it is clear that one of them is still a cut above the average population and the other is dispensable.

Chapter 1

"Well, well, who do we have here?" A sultry voice, well-controlled and smooth echoed through the walls of the dimly-lit room. Swirls of incensed smoke danced in the candlelight, creating an intoxicating atmosphere, dangerous yet enticing.

A lavender-haired teen sat upon the luxurious velvet couch situated in the centre of the room, along with two others who looked slightly younger than him. The boy with platinum blonde locks shifted uncomfortably as he attempted to shrink even deeper into his seat, an unsatisfactory frown marring his young features. The other auburn haired boy simply looked too excited and lecherous for his age.

I inwardly blanched at the sight. These boys looked barely above eighteen and yet here they are in one of the largest brothels of the esteemed Reim Empire. They must either be really wealthy or part of the noble heritage. I tried to hide the scowl threatening to show on my face. This just made my job a lot harder.

Sauntering over with a group of other women behind the head mistress, I tried to lower my gaze, hoping that perhaps I could just pass the day with only serving refreshments and avoid interactions. The headmistress greeted the teens, teasingly lowering her cleavage line before ordering us to spread out and entertain the guests.

How revolting for someone her age to act this way towards young teens…

I could never get used to such a sight, no matter how many times I've seen it. Humans are just disgusting, no more, no less. Moving towards the back of the room, I stood with my head lowered, praying to get through the night just unnoticed.

For a few hours, I was successful. However, fate seems to utterly despise me as the headmistress had to leave to attend to the overwhelming number of guests that has started to stream in. Before she left, she turned and glared, her coral eyes stabbing into my being as she cooed in a sickly voice, "You, please entertain the esteemed guests here well." The threat in her voice stealthily but clearly embedded in that deceivingly sweet tone, only directed at me.

Nodding in compliance, I stepped towards the main couch where the boy with purple hair sat, sprawled in a comfortable position with arms hanging off the back of the seats proudly. The dread was real, as I lamented another night of lies and sexual placation to the "guests". Upon seeing my approach, the boy shot a playful smirk as his eyes glinted the shade of liquid gold.

I hate it.

"Hey beautiful," he drawled as his cheeks tinted a shy pink from the alcohol. I descended by his side, intentionally leaning into his expectant arms as I rested a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm surprised you can withstand the strong alcohol of our humble abode, Sir." A smile, a pitched voice and flattery, that is all that I need.

"Sinbad."

"E-excuse me?" I stuttered, surprised at his sudden and serious tone.

"My name is Sinbad."

Ah… yes, I hate it.

"Yes, I see… Sinbad," I played along, pretending to muse and be shy as I tested his name on my lips. It sounded nice, surprisingly.

He smirked as he shifted, leaning his face closer to mine as he openly gazed at my face. An uncomfortable feeling twisted in my stomach as I tried to mask my displeasure. His golden eyes scanned every inch before finally landing on my eyes, drilling into the crevices. His mouth parted as a warm and gentle breath escaped dangerously close to my lips. The smell of alcohol and a hint of the ocean invaded my mind, my focus fading to how his lips were just barely an inch above mine.

"You look awfully young for someone to be working here."

My eyes widened, darting to meet his.

I hate those eyes.

Those golden irises stared down, imploring and blatantly curious. His face was clear, except for the drunken blush that coloured his cheeks. I kept my hold, looking at the daring expectancy and thirst for answers that this boy had in his eyes. Biting back a snort, I smiled wryly, pressing a hand to his chest until his back hit the velvet couch as I leaned down at his surprised look.

"And you, my dear Sinbad, look awfully young for someone to be visiting here, aren't you?"

Sinbad almost pouted at the statement, lifting up a hand to ruffle his purple locks, "I'm a man alright."

"Indeed, Sinbad," I flashed another placating smile before helping him up and serving another glass of wine.

Sinbad took it almost instantly, downing it as his eyes glazed over again and lingered on the empty glass for just a couple more seconds than needed. This boy obviously could not hold his liquor well. I gingerly pried the glass out of his fingers, setting it down on the glass table before any accidents happen.

"Say…" Sinbad started again, his voice slurred and slow. "How old are you?"

I raised a brow, taken aback and suspicious at his interrogation and persistence on the topic. His interest and tastes seem to be quite queer if that is what he is bothered by.

"It is rude to ask a woman for her age, Sinbad."

He let out another pout before squinting his eyes, clearly under the influence of the alcohol. The plum haired boy leaned forward swiftly, a hand pressing against my upper back and another gently cupping the side of my chest while his mouth rested with a small peck just by my left ear.

"Then, may I at least have your name, Miss?" He whispered.

An involuntary shudder ran down my spine as I arched awkwardly, trying to avoid his searing touch. Since when did this guy move so fast, and while he is drunk, no less. I could feel a frown knit its way into my brows as I bit my lips at the close proximity.

I hate the way he moves.

Sinbad, in his drunken stupor, continued planting feathered kisses along my cheek up to my ear as he waited for my answer. His eyelids looked heavy and his hands idle but refusing to let up an inch. I could feel the bubble of anxiety within my chest rising. His touch is toxic and poison against my skin.

"Ai," I bit out, my voice airy and annoyed.

Sinbad halted in his movements, his lips hovering above my cheek as his eyes gingerly opened. Our line of sight met, both left eyes boring straight into the other's. In his pool of golden irises, I could feel myself being sucked in and drowning, deeper and deeper. My own raven coloured orbs staining his brilliant ones a murky greyish yellow within its reflection.

I had let my guard down. Just because he was a boy who looked no older than eighteen.

"Ai", he breathed, testing it upon his tongue. The way it sounded coming from him is suffocatingly assuring.

I hate the way he speaks.

I laid a hand on the front of his chest, pushing him away as I gave the sweetest smirk I could muster. He looked slightly displeased, though not for long as his eyes rolled back before collapsing on the couch. A gentle snore resounded across the room as Sinbad's breathing evened out. My gaze locked upon this boy and for the first time, I felt reluctance to pry my eyes away.

Sinbad…

A boy rich enough to patron such a brothel at his age. A boy intelligent enough with his words and naturally talented in his advances with people. A boy as charismatic as the sun, drawing people dangerously close voluntarily. A boy gifted in everything that he is.

"Sinbad, huh," I let out a sigh, before turning to look at the other two equally drunk companions of his that were also passed out on the couch.

Gathering my robes, I exited the room together with the other women as we made our way back to our sleeping quarters to call it a day, although not before darting one last fleeting look at the dangerous boy with purple hair whom I probably will not be seeing again.

I really hate him.

—

For quite a number of times in my life, I question my decisions. One of those times, I questioned whether it was right to go with you. My jet black eyes landed on your broad shoulders, muscled through the years. It was tougher and more encompassing than I remember. Now, here you stand, in the white and lilac robes of fine silk, adorned with the various silver and gold accessories of your metal vessels, overlooking the walls of the castle you have built.

I stared in a daze at your liquid gold eyes. Those orbs that have matured over the years as well; wild adventurous flames that have been refined into cultured warmth that burns and lights the way for others. The only thing that never changed was the passion that resonated from your entire figure, of the promise you made and goals you vowed to achieve from your youth. Your smile widened as the bustling from the cities and markets below resonated through the air up to the palace grounds.

Turning in pride and satisfaction, you flashed me one of your rare genuine beams, "Ai, the country looks like its thriving."

The Kingdom of Sindria…

I let out a light chuckle, "Indeed, my king. It is all because of you, the people of Sindria thank you."

The silhouette of your teen lingered against your back, shining with an innocence that was once forgotten. Upon hearing my answer, you almost looked displeased as a cringe hinted at the edge of your lips.

"That's not what I'm expecting," you whined childishly.

Cool breeze from the ocean miles away picked up, sweeping through the palace rooftop and caressing both our figures. Your elegant lavender locks and my common midnight black hair danced in the wind in an entangled mess and for a moment, everything was silent. My eyes seem locked onto yours, inescapable in the abyss of liquid gold. However, it does not matter because I might not want to turn my gaze away either way.

You have no idea how far away you look this instant, Sin…

I could feel the fleeting sting at the back of my temple and the distant dull ache within my ribcage. You must have sensed it too, albeit a different kind. Your brows start to mar into a habitual frown (you have started doing that a lot recently), your expression growing serious.

Since when have you learnt to make such scary looks, Sin…

Crossing the distance between us in mere two steps, you lunged for my arm before dragging me into a tight embrace. The breeze calmed as our harmonious heartbeats now thundered in my ears.

"Careful Sin, you almost seemed desperate there," I jokingly let out a snigger, raising a hand to stroke the top of your head as if I were comforting a child. Every stroke scalding my palm, every stroke cutting away little of what I have left.

Your grip tightened.

We stayed like this, for a few seconds too long but a few moments too short.

You gradually pulled away, your eyes shaded under the white turban crown and your purple fringe. After a breath, you spoke, firm and low, "You have no idea."

Slipping out a scoff, you stepped back further, gazing at me with those infamous liquid gold irises tauntingly. The gaze of a king, the gaze of a man.

"I was afraid you'll be so weak the wind will carry you away," he jeered, those eyes glinting akin to that of a polished blade.

I could feel the dull prick of needles rising from my temples to the back of my eyes and the constant pounding in my chest rising to nausea in the back of my throat. The air suffocating and greedy, sucking anything and everything that is left of me.

If this is how things are to be, Sin, then I'll play along according to your wishes…

"What do you take me for, you idiot? I can easily best any one of your eight generals any day," I clicked my tongue in mock annoyance as I shot him a victorious and prideful scowl.

Without missing a beat, you let out a boisterous laugh. A laugh so lively and light that it resonated across the entire roof and even caused some guards and citizens on the level ground below to look upwards in confusion. You comically wiped a tear away from the corners of your eye before gazing at my own with friendly warmth.

Various emotions flashed through your eyes that reflect the blazing sun, too fast for me to catch. I suppose that was how my own eyes look to you as well. You blinked, content finally settling into your expression.

"C'mon, let's go back in," you held out a hand invitingly.

"Sure. I'm certain Jafar must be looking for you since you ditched paperwork," I brushed past your shoulders, sardonically calling out.

I could see the panic rising in you as you immediately bolted through the doors back into the palace, muttering prayers that Jafar has not noticed your absence.

Gazing at your retreating back, I think I relented a little. It does not matter whether I made the right or wrong decision to go with you. It is the fact that I went with you that matters, and for that decision, I did not regret anything. Not even when it will probably lead to both our downfall…

—

Author's Notes:

Hello, this is TR! Thank you for taking your time to read one of my first fanfics and I really hope you like it. I apologise beforehand for the slow updates of this fic because of school and for any mistakes in my writing. If you enjoy this fic, please feel free to favourite/follow, it will mean so much to me. Constructive criticism and reviews are also very welcome! Thank you for giving this fic a chance! See you! J