Disclaimer:/ I do not in any way, shape or form own Magi or Sinbad no Bouken/Adventures of Sinbad.

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Step One: Denial

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Of course she didn't like that… that criminal! Even if he was helping them after they had been exiled from her kingdom. Even if he had agreed to take them in, after she had badmouthed him right to his stupid face. Even if his golden eyes was enough to make her legs melt- Wait. She was getting a little off topic. (She cleared her throat, ignoring the confused glances Dragul sent her).

He was a traitor to her country, the one who started it all. He ruined her life, and turned her into the low-life scum she had always seen her fellow nobles scoff at in disgust.

Not only that but he was just too cute- STUPID. Yes. Stupid. That's absolutely what she meant. (She coughed suddenly, waving away Saher and Tamira who looked at her in worry).

But honestly. Who in their right mind would call the princess "cute girl" like she was some sort of common girl on the streets, where all eyes could see, and all ears could hear? She had a name, in case he didn't know, a name that she carried with pride. Serendine Dikumenowlz du Parthevia.

And she might have been a girl, yes, but in no way was she "cute." She was a girl that hungered for battle. A girl who lived to break the status quo. To show everyone and anyone, that those who dared to underestimate the power of a princess would pay dearly.

So when she pointed her sword at him, what does he do? Does he cower in fear, like all the others at the other end of her blade? Or perhaps, he drops down to his knees, begging for her to spare his pathetic life.

No. Of course, he does not.

She was instead rewarded with a boyish grin, warm eyes, and that horrid nickname. And in no way was she flattered by it. Not at all.

Just because that little episode had happened quite a while ago (two years was quite a long time to hold a grudge) did not mean that she forgot about how humiliated he made her feel.

And as she sat a ways from the rest of the overly ecstatic employees of his company (what a loud bunch they were) during dinner, all she could do was stare at him.

Stare as he lifted his finely crafted goblet in a toast (what for, she wasn't able to hear). He spoke a few words, before everyone erupted into a roaring cheer.

Setting down his cup after taking a generous sip of whatever liquid was inside, he folded his arms, looking over the chaos that was ensuing with a smile.

She scoffed to herself. What a strange fool he was. Shouldn't he had made an effort to settle down the crowd rather than simply grin in approval? Idiot. (And no, he did not look the least bit attractive with his arms crossed liked that).

He glanced over at her so suddenly, as she continued to scowl at him, catching her eye. A stupid smirk formed on his face, that only broadened when her eyes widened in slight surprise and embarrassment.

That smug face, what she wouldn't give to just slap it right off of him. She clenched her fists around her spoon.

'Insolent scum.' She thought, glaring harshly at him.

A part of her hoped for the boy to simply look away. It was least he could do. But unfortunately, this was Sinbad she was dealing with. If it were someone else then perhaps it would've been easier on herself… Take that Mistoras boy for example, it would've been absolutely no problem to shake him away. Maybe with a little glare, and a frown, she could have that boy inching away from her within seconds.

But this wasn't Mistoras who had met her stare. This was Sinbad.

And of course Sinbad would just laugh her harsh glare, the same glare that had caused grown men to wet themselves, off in amusement, before shooting her a wink.

Her poor ladies-in-waiting were stuck with an anger-induced mess of a girl for the rest of the evening.

(And no, her face was most definitely not tinted with multiple shades of pink and red because that wink sent butterflies in her stomach. Not at all.)

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an:/ i told ellie (ElephantLover69) that i would post this during the weekend lol so here i am. ughh my otp is perfect. i should be working on my other story but /shrugs/. but i actually worked on this story like back in july sooo... ha, anyways i love sinseren, and my children needs more love. sinseren squad assemble! /power rangers theme comes on/ lol anyways, hope you all enjoyed this first chapter!

xoxo

-Suka-chan