Disclaimer: I do not own Magi, only OC(s)

Kouen's lap was warm, his rough hand stroking my back comforting me, as I tried not to lean into his hold on me. My feet were exposed, to my horror, but didn't seem to bother him.

It was awkward, however, as everybody instantly noticed. A strange woman being in the lap of the prince, future emperor. A few girls surrounding the tabled looked furious, turning towards others and begun whispering among themselves, laughing at each glance they took at the odd sight in front of them.

Other women ignored us completely, instead going towards Sinbad, trying to get his attention. Yet he stayed transfixed on me.

I remained in Kouen's lap in utter confusion at what was happening. I wanted to be a general, not some floozy girl.

"They are courting you, my lady." Marlas responded to my confusion matter-a-factly.

Courting? But I am not a princess or queen, or anything to my name?

"These men aren't thinking with their minds." Elve's voice provided some insight.

"Let alone you are a king's vessel." Marlas added.

I began to remember Kouen questioning me about marriage. He pointed out that I may have to be married off for the betterment of the empire. To Sinbad? That would be the most logical conclusion as everybody knew the Kou Empire has spoken about alliances with the Seven Seas Alliance.

If that was his plan, why was I in his lap? Had he changed his mind, labelling me as his own?

My mind started to get dizzy, trying to understand these men. Till it was interrupted by a Koumei, hovering above Kouen's ear, whispering.

"The emperor wishes to see you."

With that, Kouen seemed to glare at Sinbad, daring him to come close before lifting me bridal style and setting me down gently on the ground and walking away with Koumei to where the emperor sat, eyeing me.

Taking his chance, Sinbad appeared behind me. Without speaking, he led me where other groups had formed.

I soon spotted Leo, talking with a few women who smiled at him and laughed at his jokes. He seemed like a little man picking up women, dressed in a dark blue robe that matched his hair and eyes. I laughed at the thought of him trying to impress the women.

Leo instantly brightened up more when he saw Sinbad and me, with his hand resting between my shoulder blades.

"Leo and I have been talking," Sinbad beamed as Leo came bounding towards us, "About you."

Before I could question him, Leo came.

Leo jumped up towards Sinbad who caught him and swung him around, legs flailing, and laughter erupting from both of them. Slowly, Sinbad placed Leo back on the ground carefully, rubbing his hair in a playful way like they had known each other for years.

Leo, who was the opposite of me, could make friends with adults easier than I could, even Sinbad. I was impressed.

I was even more impressed at how well Sinbad was with kids. I hadn't expected such a simple thing from a king, any king at that.

They chattered on for a while, forgetting I was there. I spaced out till they both stopped and turned towards me with an evil smile. Nervous, I looked down.

Leo immediately raced off to the same group of girls he was speaking with earlier while Sinbad came towards me slowly. He seemed friendly and inviting. Suddenly, his golden eyes tilted forward. In one swift move, he wrapped one hand around my waist, pressing me against him, and the other hand pulling on my wrist, to close any space between us.

His smirked face eased closer to mine, till I could feel his breath on me. Warmth flooded through me as I felt his lips touch my forehead softly.

In a daze, I touched my forehead, unsure of how to respond.

Sinbad practically dragged me to his side, the space where the group of girls were now cleared. He refused to ease his grip against my waist as we slowly swung back and forth, in a slow dance.

Though we weren't really moving fast, a few droplets of sweat built up. I was nervous as all hell.

I could see Leo out of the corner of my eye, giving his approval. I clenched my jaw in anger at him, setting me up. Though, I had to admit, I liked it.

Sinbad's chest was just as warm as Kouen's and held me gently against his form. I felt his head rub softly against the top of mine, almost like a cat. I closed eyes, trying to enjoy the moment with my childhood hero while also ignoring the stares I continued to receive from other people.

By the time Sinbad stopped, it happened to be dinner time, finally.

People slowly began to go where they seemed to be assigned on the table while others left, seeming they were only invited for the intro to the dinner. I questioned if I was one of them as I wasn't sure where I was to sit.

I looked side-to-side before Kouha seemed annoyed as he touched my shoulder and tilted his head in the direction to where we were headed. I tried to look forward constantly, ignoring the whispers around the table as I passed them.

Kouha led me to a seat where Leo was. I sat next to him and an empty seat that was soon filled with Kougyoku, who seemed to ignore me as well, resisting my constant stares at the back of her head, trying to gain her attention.

Giving up, I attempted to tickle her. Kougyoku's face turned a bright red, trying to hold it in.

The dining room echoed with a stomp of a metal staff against the floor coming from the throne. Conversations stopped, heads turned towards the emperor, admiring him next to Sinbad on his right and Kouen near his right.

"Let's begin!" His voice sounded frail for an emperor, deciding to ignore it, the guests cheered, raising their glasses before food begun to pour in from a back door.

Hi-o! Just from curiosity, which should Ira chose, Sinbad or Kouen? You can comment in the reviews or sent a private message, all opinions are greatly appreciated!