I decide to seek out Sinbad first. I find him in the courtyard, speaking with some advisors. As he sees me approaching, he dismisses them with a wave of his hand.
"Daniella," he says, concern evident in his eyes. "What's wrong?"
"We need to talk," I say urgently. I lead him to a more secluded area of the garden, away from prying eyes and ears.
"What's going on?" he asks, his voice gentle.
"They want to test my virginity," I say, my voice breaking slightly. "Why didn't you tell me about that."
Sinbad's face turns red,'' its ladies' topic, I couldn't talk about it.''
"And you decided to send Lady Nabile," I yell in a whisper. "We are to do it in front of a court."
"Don't worry," says Sinbad. "It's usually women and it's quick. We can just do it when we get to Solaragrath."
"And who said I'm going back with you to Solaragrath?" I retort.
"Would you prefer to get married at home?" says Sinbad, clueless. That's when I realize that this marriage needs a lot of sacrifices. I may never see home again if I go to Solaragrath.
"What is the matter, Daniella?" he asks. "Something you care to share with me?" I look up at him and I can't find it in me to tell him why I really don't want that test and I had not thought about the distance from home to Solaragrath.
I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "Sinbad, this marriage is a huge step for me. Leaving my home, my family..."
He reaches out, gently taking my hand. "I understand. But know that I will do everything in my power to make you feel at home in Solaragrath."
"But this test... what if I can't pass it?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.
Sinbad's expression softens. "Is that what's truly bothering you? Daniella, if there's something else you need to tell me, now is the time."
I look into his eyes, searching for any sign of judgment, but all I see is concern. "I... I'm not a virgin, Sinbad. If they find out, it could ruin everything."
I look into his eyes, searching for any sign of judgment, but all I see is concern. But I can't find it in me to tell him that I'm not pure.
"I will request they delay it until the wedding day," says Sinbad.
I look up at him and smile. "Is it possible?" I ask.
"Miss Nabile is a tough nut, but she can't stick to rules all the time," says Sinbad. I meet his gaze, wondering what is going on in his mind.
"What if they ambush me in the middle of the night?" I ask, my voice trembling.
Sinbad chuckles softly, trying to lighten the mood. "They won't. I'll make sure of it."
"But how can you be sure?" I press, the anxiety evident in my voice.
"I'll speak to Miss Nabile personally and ensure she understands the importance of this delay," he assures me.
"Thank you, Sinbad," I say, feeling a bit of relief.
He smiles, a reassuring warmth in his eyes.
As Sinbad leaves to handle the situation, I take a moment to gather my thoughts. The weight of the expectations and the looming threat of exposure feels overwhelming. But knowing that Sinbad is on my side provides a small measure of comfort.
I return to my chambers, my mind racing with the events of the day. As I lay on my bed, trying to relax, my thoughts drift to Alibaba. He had been unusually quiet during the confrontation earlier. Maybe he could offer some insight or even help in navigating this tricky situation.
Deciding to take a chance, I slip out of my chambers and make my way to Alibaba's quarters. The palace is quiet, the halls dimly lit by torches. When I reach his door, I knock softly.
"See, the engagement is getting you nervous even before you reach Solaragrath," Alibaba says as he pours me a cup of tea.
"Try getting married to a man you've known for less than a fortnight," I reply, taking a sip of the tea to calm down.
Alibaba chuckles softly, sitting down across from me. "I can't imagine it's easy. But Sinbad isn't a bad match, all things considered. He's powerful, influential, and he cares about you."
I take a deep breath. "It's not that," I say. "It's sad that a daughter has to leave her home. Solaragrath is a whole sea away from home."
"The people on your continent don't seem like great options," Alibaba teases, a playful glint in his eyes.
"You're one to talk," I shoot back with a smile. "Always flitting around from kingdom to kingdom. Have you ever thought about settling down?"
Alibaba leans back, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Settling down? Me? The world is too big and too full of adventures for that."
"Maybe you're right," I say, trying to be idealistic. "But there's something to be said for having a place to call home. Somewhere you belong."
"Home is where the heart is," Alibaba says, raising his cup in a mock toast. "And my heart belongs to the thrill of the unknown."
I roll my eyes but can't help laughing. "You always know how to make light of a situation."
"It's a gift," he says, winking