Feels like Insomnia
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story they belong respectfully to Shinobu Ohtaka.
Rating: M
Warning: Themes of mpreg, genderbender and whatever, you know all that good stuff, AU, some crossovers because it seemed fitting and also some mild OOC-ness… If any of this bothers you then you have the option of not reading.
A/N: I've had this idea stewing for a while and it's taken me until now to finally start writing it. I love SinJa but I also love how EnJa presents this alternative and challenging twist to my favorite ship because, I personally find Kouen's character the ideal rival for Ja'far's heart, as crazy as that sounds 8D The story is going to be told in three parts so after this chapter, please stay tuned.
o0o
It took a great deal of strength, strategies and casualties for the Seven Seas Alliance to defeat Empress Gyokuen Ren and remove her from the throne of the Kou Empire but with determination and the four Magi's supporting them all the way through, they managed to make the impossible possible in the end.
Kouen is swift to take over the position as emperor of his homeland. Finally being able to sit at the head of his country as its king, the first order of business he gives is to flush out Al-Thaman and its members.
It's tough, eradicating the people responsible for the dark abnormalities in his empire but the mission is more or less successful, especially with the assistance of the Seven Seas Alliance.
There is nothing official between them, but Kouen still has much to consider since his involvement with the Seven Seas Alliance during the war with his step mother and Al-Thaman. And with the way the king of Sindria has been hinting at the idea of forming a peace treaty between their nations in the near future as well as having the Kou Empire join the alliance, there is no way he can easily put any of it on the back burner. The lady killer even goes so far as to send his advisor Ja'far to assist with the political complications that have been arising since his take over and it's probably one of the few things that have kept Kouen's mind at ease since the woman is well practiced in the field of legislation.
Kouen is almost certain he knows what kind of person Ja'far is after watching her and Sinbad during the war. Her loyalty to the high king of the seven seas is endearing and he's amazed by how well she can manage the country just as efficiently in his stead. She is one of Sinbad's most treasured companions, there's no mistake about it and having her sent his way to assist him is most beneficial in more ways than one he comes to realize.
Koumei and Kouha, as well as many others in his political circle were more than a little on edge with Ja'far's arrival but she quickly proves herself to be a valuable asset despite the friction she creates with her sharp tongue. Kouen rather likes how much of a challenge she presents and he makes no protest when she openly corrects his mistakes and organizes everything for him from his personal library to his paperwork.
Most nights now, Kouen stays holed up in his office working tirelessly. Depending on the urgency of whatever is sitting in between his mountains of paperwork, he sometimes sits at his desk, writing responses and double checking the texts well into the morning.
It's only when Kouen hears a knock at the door of his study does he let out a sigh of relief after reading over one particular matter that'd been recently brought to his attention. He smiles to himself, eyes still scanning over the papers and he doesn't bother calling out that they may enter because he knows who it is when the petite advisor lets herself inside a second later, regardless of whether or not she received his permission as she carries a tray of hot tea and snacks and makes her way across the room.
"Still working I see?" She asks, setting the tray done gently on a small table next to his desk since there is so little space around him as it is. She had it brought in for him a month ago, he recalls and though he hasn't said anything, he actually appreciates it being there because it helps keep the mess away from his work.
"Obviously." Kouen yawns before gazing up at her for a short moment, his chin resting on a curled hand. "These documents don't read or write themselves after all and it's my duty to complete them."
As Ja'far pours him a cup of tea, he watches the way her lips curl into a smile, humming softly to herself as if his words are like music to her ears. It is a beautiful sight, he admits and he thinks back to the moment she first stepped foot into his palace two months ago. It hadn't taken him very long to learn how much of a workaholic she is by nature and to some degree; her work ethic can even rival that of his brother Koumei's strategic tendencies. No surprise there how quickly they became friends due to their similar working habits, he thinks with a light chuckle. Still, her character fascinated him at first glance and even now she still peaks his interest.
"Do you need any help your highness?" Ja'far offers him the cup and he takes it.
It's still very hot so he blows the surface of his tea before taking a sip. "The stack on my left is of less concern to me, but can you review it for me anyways and take notes? Condense the information, just enough so that I can have an overview."
"Of course." She smiles at him, looking all too happy to do the work.
It'd only taken the woman a week to adjust to working with him like this, and every day since then she's been working dutifully day and night. Always next to him like a shadow.
Kouen eyes the small plate of pastries sitting next to the pot of tea. They're definitely not the usual desserts he is used to seeing so he knows instantly that Ja'far had been the one to bake them herself. She's a surprisingly good cook, he remembers from the past times she baked for him, and without a second thought he is already reaching over and popping the small treat into his mouth. It's soft and flakey, the taste sweet from the glaze coating but the outside itself is still relatively easy to bite into. Once the breading melts away there is suddenly a burst of flavor and he pauses as the filling settles on his tongue—its peaches.
As the hours pass in relative silence between them, Kouen thinks back to the noblemen's suggestion. It isn't of great importance to him personally but with the way things are for the empire, uprisings are sure to happen even more than they already are. He loathes that the fat pig makes some point in his argument but Kouen has no real interest in pursuing the idea despite his age. Well, not yet at least.
Looking up from his work for a moment though, he watches the way Ja'far is so concentrated on her task; her pale green eyes focused and quill pen scratching relentlessly against the parchment in front of her. It could be like this every day, he thought out of the blue and suddenly recalling Sinbad's letter, the gears in his mind begin to turn.
The next day, Kouen assembles a private meeting with his council.
o0o
"Thank you for the white peaches." Ja'far bows before him. Kouen has no reason to follow her onto the ship to bid her farewell but he wants a little more time with her, even if it is only five or ten minutes longer. "If they don't spoil by the time I get back to Sindria, I'll be sure to share them with everyone. I know they'll love the taste just as much as I do."
"And if they do happen to start spoiling on your journey, what will you do?" Kouen teases her a bit.
Ja'far frowns at this, but her smile picks up quickly. "Then I'll just have to eat them myself and share them with the crew members."
'They're meant only for you and no one else but so long as you're unable to share them with your king, I guess shipmates are a better choice.' Kouen thinks to himself and he chuckles lightly at her reply. "That's quite generous of you. Ah, before I forget, please give this letter to your king." He says, pulling a scroll out from his sleeve and handing it off to her.
Ja'far takes the scroll gently into her hands, fingers curling tightly around it. "I'm assuming it's important?"
"Yes, it is." Kouen replies as Ja'far's expression turns curious.
"Then, would you allow me to read it first?" She asks and her interest amuses him.
"I believe you know the saying, patience is a virtue, right?"
Ja'far nods her head slowly.
"Then I would suggest that you wait to read it with your king." Kouen says, chuckling softly.
Ja'far makes a face at him but she doesn't argue. His point is valid enough she guesses so she nods her head again. Still, she can't help but feel a tad bit suspicious. It's only natural after all.
With the ship now ready to leave the docks, Kouen knows that his time is up. He sighs sadly at having to say goodbye but he is more than sure that Ja'far will be back in due time. After all, his letter will be more than enough to persuade her to return to his side, he is certain.
"I believe this is goodbye, Emperor Kouen." Ja'far says in a quiet voice. "It was a grand experience to work with you." She bows again but Kouen goes to stop her midway.
Gasping softly, she feels a strong hand lift her chin and when their eyes meet, Ja'far feels as though she's frozen in place. Before she can protest, Kouen presses his lips against her cheek, kissing her softly and when he pulls away, she can only imagine how red her face is.
"I promise you, this isn't goodbye. In fact, it is only the beginning." He tells her, voice calm and serious as the back of his fingers caress along the side of her face.
Ja'far stands there, utterly speechless, even after Kouen pulls away and walks off the ship. Around her, the shipmates are just as dumbstruck by the exchange and once the ship starts drifting away from the empire's docks, it is only then that Ja'far finally manages to get ahold of herself and swiftly retreat to her private quarters which are located below deck.
o0o
'High King, Sinbad of the Seven Seas, given the gravity of the situation that is happening within the Kou Empire's and taking into consideration the viewpoints in which my councilmen stand, I, Emperor Kouen Ren of the Kou Empire accept your invitation into the Seven Seas Alliance as well as forming a truce between our two countries on the condition that Sindria's head advisor, Lady Ja'far be brought to the empire and instated as the country's Empress to rule beside me.'
Sinbad has no idea how many times he reads the first paragraph. Beside him, Ja'far stands there, just as shocked as he is.
'So that's what he meant…' She thought to herself, finally understanding the true meaning behind Kouen's last words to her. Swallowing thickly, she reads the last part of the scroll aloud. "If these conditions are not met and you are unable to answer this letter by the end of the month, then please consider the future prospect of a potential peace treaty between our nations, rejected."
"This is outrageous…" Sinbad glares at the scroll, burning holes into it and she shivers under the intense aura that surrounds him.
Ja'far places a hand against his arm, squeezing it gently, reassuringly if only to calm him down. She understands the situation at hand. They've been caught in a web and although she doesn't agree wholeheartedly with Kouen's demands, she doesn't want to risk Sindria entering another war so soon after having one just end. Everyone is still healing from the wounds inflicted by Gyokuen Ren and Al-Thama despite the many months that have already passed. They're truly lucky that Kouen didn't point his sword at them back then and she doesn't ever want to see it happen in the future. If this is the only way, if this can bring about the peace the world needs, if she holds the key then she knows what she has to do for the sake of the people she loves most.
"Sin." She whispers his name, her small hand reaching up to cup his face gently. Turning his hard gaze towards her, she sees the lack of light in his bright golden hues, how pained he looks because he knows what her decision is just by looking at her. "For you, for our people, I'll do it. I'll marry Kouen and become the bridge between Sindria and the Kou Empire."
And Sinbad squeezes his eyes shut after hearing her words. Breathing in sharply, he drops the scroll to the ground, ignoring the way it clatters against the stone tile as he takes Ja'far into a tight embrace.
o0o
It is the night before her journey back to the Kou Empire, their last night together in Sindria as king and advisor because tomorrow, Ja'far will be considered the fiancée of Kouen Ren.
Ja'far normally doesn't approve of sleeping in Sinbad's bed so frequently, for fear of political scandal since their intimate relationship shouldn't exist in the first place but with the way things are, and the future that a waits for her, she doesn't have the heart to deny his desires. But in return for indulging him and his need for skinship with her, he stops frequenting the red light districts and partakes in not a single drop of alcohol, remaining completely sober during her last days in Sindria.
Although Sinbad has done all he can to remain unchanged and unfeeling of their situation, the dam breaks the moment he has Ja'far pressed down into his bed and wrapped up in his arms tightly.
"Sin?"
"I don't want you to go." He whispers into her hair, his face hidden from her worried gaze.
"I know." She says with a heavy heart, her hands gripping the back of his tunic tightly. "But, you'll be there for me, won't you?"
Sinbad breathes in the sweet scent perforating from her soft white tresses. It wasn't too long ago that they shared a bath together; abide too long to be considered a bath and he smiles softly at the memory. With it being their last night in the place they've always called home, he wants to make the remaining hours special for her.
Lifting his face up, he turns to look down at her lovingly and caresses her cheek. "Of course I'll be there for you. What kind of man would I be if I let you enter the lion's den alone?"
She breathes a sigh of relief, smiling sadly at him.
Lowering his face to hers, Sinbad captures her lips and kisses her passionately. Ja'far moans softly, opening her mouth for him and his tongue dives in within seconds to taste the sweetness hidden there. He's already forgotten how many times they've kissed in the last few weeks. It's been more than a thousand, he is quite sure but he wants as many as he can get before it is too late.
Although it hasn't been long since their earlier activities in the bath, Sinbad still strips her down until she's bare and naked under him. He doesn't understand why she continues to react with embarrassment even though they've done this many times before but it's Ja'far and regardless, he loves everything about her, from the freckles dusted around her nose and cheeks to the battle scars that litter her pale skin.
Taking a hold of her ankle, Sinbad lifts her leg up to his lips to kiss the joint before licking along the scar that stretches down her inner thigh.
Pressing the back of her hand against her mouth, Ja'far blinks back a few tears. She shouldn't cry, she really shouldn't but it's difficult to be strong when she knows they won't be allowed to have this kind intimacy anymore.
When Sinbad finally reaches her entrance and sweeps his tongue across her folds, it is only then that Ja'far cries out and allows her tears to finally fall.
He makes love to her, ensuring her needs are met before his own because it is the least he can do. He doubts Kouen will even want to satisfy her, so he marks her up, hoping that she will imprint his touch into her memories forever. When he is at the peak of his release, Sinbad is loath to pull out as he gives her a few last deep thrusts into her heat. He wants to release inside of her, to feel his seed planted deep in her womb but he knows Ja'far won't allow it, especially now. He's done it before, in the past but because of it they've had a few close calls, all of which she has never forgiven him for and to do it against her will now would mean losing her respect for good should a surprise arrive months down the road when she becomes the Empress of the Kou Empire.
It would mean disgrace.
Spilling across her stomach, Sinbad's body quivers above her and when he looks down at her, he is pained to see her tear streaked face. Without a word, he reaches down to wipe away the salty stream that paints her cheeks with the pad of his finger and he smiles at her before leaning down to kiss away the rest of her tears.
o0o
The journey to the Kou Empire feels much shorter than Ja'far remembers. With each day that passes as they sail closer to her new home, the more she feels the anxiety creep over her. Sinbad does his best to keep her sane—calm but he can only do so much for her.
The day they finally reach the country's main docks, Kouen is there, waiting to greet them.
Ja'far tenses at the sight of his smug expression. It is as if he knew all along what would happen the moment he placed the scroll into her hands and she curses him bitterly. She shouldn't have listened to him and read it anyways.
"It's good to see you again, Ja'far."
"Pleasure." She replies; her eyes casted downwards to avoid the disgusting look of triumph on her future husband's face.
She doesn't bow either, and it makes Kouen's faction turn sour at her disrespect.
Ja'far pays them no mind though, and Kouen merely smiles at her defiance before he closes the short gap between them and wraps an arm around her waist. It has her stiffening instantly. Turning to look over at Sinbad, the king of Sindria clenches his fists tightly and gives her a rigid nod, unable to do anything to help her or risk exposing their relationship.
They've already agreed that the moment Ja'far steps into the Kou Empire, that they would be nothing more than acquaintances at best. It pains them both deeply, but it is the only way.
"Come, you all must be exhausted after having been at sea for so long." Kouen says, and he begins leading Ja'far away from her companions to the carriage sitting just a few feet away.
With Ja'far being taken further and further away from him, Sinbad curses the red haired man a thousand times over.
o0o
The wedding between Kouen and Ja'far is lavishing.
Kougyoku seems to be the most excited out of all her sisters and she compliments Ja'far more times than anyone else that day. The woman has been nothing but truly kind to her, having always paid close attention to the girl since she had so very little companionship throughout her life. And now that she is the sister in-law to the young Kou princess; it is probably one of the few things that makes Ja'far smile, if just a little.
All of Sindria's generals are present, as well as a few major nobles. Even the four Magi's are all there to witness the event, thanks to Aladdin's persistence and Ja'far easily spots Alibaba and Morgiana amongst the guests as well.
Sinbad is smiling for her, but she knows it's nothing more than a façade. She herself is wearing one and although she knows—a wedding should be one of the happiest moments in a woman's life, it is not the case for her.
As she looks on at Kouen, Ja'far accepts that he will have her hand—that much is true but he will not have her heart she promises herself.
o0o
Their wedding night terrifies Ja'far in the beginning when Kouen forcibly pins her down to the bed.
His touch is hardly considered gentle, and she trembles considerably when he has her completely naked under him. As his fingers glide down across the smooth skin of her stomach towards her womanhood, her breathing spikes. Luckily he doesn't do much to her aside from thrusting his digits into her heat several times to help stimulate her and get her wet inside, however, the moment he finally enters her is a completely different story.
Ja'far grips the sheets, turning her head to the side to muffle out her cries into the pillow beside her head. She doesn't want to give him the satisfaction of hearing her cry out for him and although she feels like she's got a hold of herself when she bites the thick fabric between her teeth, it isn't long before Kouen begins to pound inside of her.
She absolutely hates how her body is beginning to react and it becomes challenging with each second that passes to contain her moans.
"You truly are defiant!" Kouen says, panting, his thrusts fast and punishing. "Why won't you cry out for me?"
As her body rocks unwillingly against him, Ja'far manages to glance up at him from the corner of her eyes before squeezing her eyelids shut. She doesn't answer him at all and when she miraculously reaches her release with Kouen, she screams into the pillow, biting down harder than ever to drown out the sound.
She hates how filthy she feels with his release inside of her and when he finally pulls out, she curls up into a tight ball and refuses to look at his face for the rest of the night.
o0o
The morning after, Kouen finally takes the time to trace the scars that litter his new wife's body.
Some are already faint with time but there are still others that are more obvious. He isn't blind to the ones drawn along her inner thighs, even last night he saw them but he held his tongue back in favor of satisfying his need to touch her at long last.
She finally belongs to him but only in title. The silverette still has yet to fully accept him, and he is aware of her latest dislike of him as well. He's no fool.
Still, he is confident in himself, confident that with time, she will learn to warm up to him again.
o0o
"Let me be brutally honest with you, Emperor Kouen. If I hear that you so much as make Ja'far cry or unhappy in any way, I will take her back to Sindria, even if it is against her will."
"If you were to do that, you would be breaching our agreement." Kouen counters, glaring slowly at the older king who matches his darkening stare fiercely.
"I'm not talking about politics, this is about Ja'far." Sinbad says; his voice hard. "If I had any say in the matter, she wouldn't have been here in the first place but we both know why she made the decision despite what she truly wants. All I ask is that you consider her happiness and not neglect her feelings because I swear, I will ruin you if you hurt her." He threatens.
"You have nothing to worry about, King Sinbad." He replies; his temper flaring now but he controls himself firmly. It'd be very bad if they were to start fighting and should it come down to djinn equipping—he can't even fathom what would happen afterwards. "Rest assure, I guarantee that Ja'far will be happy here in the Kou Empire because I will be able to give her everything you couldn't."
Sinbad tenses considerably, because he knows it is true. As king and advisor, there is only so much he can give her within their restrictive relationship and with a heavy heart, he nods his head in silence; feeling even more defeated than ever before.
o0o
Ja'far has a harder time adjusting to the Kou Empire as the new Empress than she originally thought.
When she'd been the visiting head advisor of Sindria, things were much simpler but now she's fatigued more often than usual—both physically and mentally. What's worse is that she can hardly remember feeling this way when she'd been back home, remembering long nights of paperwork, her friends and Sinbad—she begins yearning for the familiarity of her country almost desperately. It's even harder for her to work by Kouen's side now because of how tired she's been and more often than not she begins to retire to their shared bedroom earlier than he does.
What's the use of trying to work when there's the certainty she'll pass out on the job?
Waking up with the emperor beside her isn't so bad anymore now that it's been over a month since they've been married but his dominance over her is still overbearing and Ja'far can't help but call him a tyrant every once in a while when she feels his strong arms wrapped around her waist. It is quite different compared to when Sinbad holds her, she notes, comparing how less gentle and loving it is. The unnecessary amount of strength in his embraces feels borderline possessive. Although it is quite unnerving to some degree, Ja'far still can't help but wonder if it's Kouen's way of showing his affection for her. Either that or he really is just being a pompous, tyrannical man.
Most days, if Ja'far isn't working, she spends her free time with her sister in-laws Hakuei and Kougyoku. The six other Kou princesses don't seem as interested in her for whatever reason but Ja'far doesn't care. They'll come around sooner or later when they feel like it, she hopes. Hakuryuu, Koumei and Kouha are acceptable company as well and so long as she isn't alone with Judal, she tolerates the Magi just fine—surprisingly.
As another month falls away from the calendar, Ja'far's fatigue worsens until the day she finally collapses in the middle of the hallway with Kougyoku and Hakuryuu by her side. The young prince is swift to catch her before she hits the ground and Ja'far is relieved as her mind begins to go blank.
The news of her collapse spreads like wild fire throughout the palace and in no time, Kouen, Koumei, Kouha and Hakuei are there to see her at her bedside. It is only for a brief moment though, because seconds later the family doctor is shooing them all out the door.
"I can't have the lot of you crowding around my patient, you'll only make matters worse." She says and Kougyoku pouts at her despite the ring of truth in her words.
When the doctor closes the door, leaving the family outside to wait as she assesses the health of their beloved Empress, Hakuryuu is the first to break the expansive silence after what seems like an hour.
"I do hope Ja'far is alright." He says worriedly.
"I'm sure she is fine." Koumei yawns.
"You sure?" Kouha arches a brow at him, looking at him skeptically. "Her baggy eyes are worse than yours and it's weird because unlike you she actually gets a decent amount of sleep."
As if appearing from out of thin air, Judal is seen floating above them, grinning knowingly. "Oh believe me, there is nothing to be worried about. Freckles is just fine."
"Judal!" Hakuryuu glares up at the Magi. "That is no way to speak about Ja'far! And how can she be fine when she just fainted?!"
The Magi merely rolls his eyes though, seemingly unaffected by the prince's offended attitude. Pinching the air, he plucks at a bright white rukh, allowing it to become visible to the eyes of the royal family for but a second before he releases it back into the air. It's taken some practice but he's managed to control the corruption of black rukh he sometimes spreads.
'Oh, Ja'far is alright, there is nothing to really be worried about at all.' Judal thinks to himself. In fact, they should be rejoicing soon enough now that he senses movement going on behind the doors.
Moments later, Kouen is called into the room and though he wears an indifferent expression, he is more than a little hesitant to learn about what is ailing his beloved wife. Upon entering his chambers, he sees the doctor smiling. It peeks his interest now and his eyes wander over to the silverette still lying asleep in their bed.
"Empress Ja'far is quite alright your highness. She gave us all a bit of a scare but the good news is that the empire has something grand to look forward to in the coming months for our dear Empress is carrying a child inside of her. Congratulations, Emperor Kouen." The woman bows and it takes the male much longer than he expects for the news to sink in.
'A child? So Ja'far's fatigue had been caused by a pregnancy all a long?' He questions more to himself than anything else.
Silently, Kouen makes his way over to his wife's bedside. Sitting down, he ignores the family physician leaving the room (probably off to inform the others of the good news) and instead reaches down to stroke the silverette's cheek lovingly.
He's happy. He may not show it, but he really does feel incredibly happy.
o0o
When Ja'far wakes up and learns about her pregnancy, she is less enthusiastic than the rest of the family.
Kougyoku and Hakuei seem to be bouncing on their heels while the brothers congratulate them. She's smiles at their happiness but for her—well she isn't quite prepared for motherhood so soon after having gotten married not too long ago.
Finally alone in their bedroom, Judal makes his appearance known and she frowns at the way he sneers at her.
"Bet you wish it was Sinbad's don't you?" He teases and instantly she makes a pained noise.
Judal's breath hitches and he steps back, blinking at the sight of a tearful Ja'far. Her emotions must be all over the place since she's pregnant, he thinks but then again his words were hardly kind and he bites down on his bottom lip with a groan. He really didn't mean to make her cry.
"Look, I'm sorry okay Freckles—I didn't mean anything by it…"
Ja'far doesn't look up at him though. Shaking her head, she hugs her trembling frame tightly and in a quiet voice, asks him to leave.
Judal does just that but later in the night sneaks back into the room to leave her a bowl of peaches. She isn't the only one who loves eating them.