207 Why Does It Matter?

While the siblings reminisced about their past, everyone else was baffled by their laughter. After all, this was a serious meeting! Was the negotiator laughing because they found it ridiculous that the King was a woman?

Seeing how the situation unfolded and the look on everyone's' faces, Aether quickly helped them to get back on track with a simple nudge. 

Vy bowed and apologised, "My sincerest apologies, your Majesty."

When Vy looked up, her mouth gaped open. She had expected to see a man dressed head to toe in luxury with a haughty personality. Maybe even chided her for her disregard of traditions and respect. Yet the King who sat before her looked more like a demure looking princess, her maid and Ramas. 

The shock on her face mirrored the surprise on Sylvy's face. To Ramas, none of it was a surprise for he knew all along. This scene that was unfolding before these eyes was everything he could have hoped for and more. 

"Aren't Kings supposed to be men?" Lycster asked innocently. 

Tinee's face turned dark as she immediately snapped back, "Such a rude child, how dare you speak with such disrespect before the King!"

Lycster closed his mouth immediately, regretting ever saying anything. The look on the boy's face was filled with dread and despair! He did not want to cause trouble for his sister or jeopardise the mission. That was not what he had meant to do!

"My sincerest apologies, your Majesty. My brother is young, he did not mean to be disrespectful," Vy quickly apologised on Lycster's behalf. 

Sylvy smiled and shook her head, "That's quite alright, no offence taken. For a child, his age to speak his mind so freely is rare indeed."

Vy and Lycster were invited to seat with Sylvy, as they drank tea and ate some light snacks. Apart from Ramas, this was the first time Sylvy had spoken to someone that was not from her Kingdom. 

Vyrena was also the first woman she had met who was not from Papillion. As they continued to speak, she noticed that Vyrena did not look very comfortable in the outfit she was wearing. Despite that, she appreciated that the negotiator had done the extra mile to adhere to the traditions of Papillion. 

As time was of the essence, both parties did not dwell on the formalities for too long. 

"I hope that both the Kingdom of Papillion and the Republic of Mothylek can come to an agreement, your Majesty," Vy said, " After all, an alliance between both parties would be greatly beneficial to everyone."

Sylvy nodded, "Indeed. What happened previously was regrettable. It was never my intention to disrespect and upset Leader Atlas and the delegates from the Republic of Mothylek."

As such, the Mothyleks had left in anger and refused another meeting ever since. 

"But my King, if you do so, they will know…" Tinee reminded Sylvy. 

"Why does it matter if you're a woman or not? Why should that ever affect any decision you make?" Ramas spoke up. 

He recognised Sylvy's talents after he had gotten to know her. She was not a clueless air headed lady that was selected by random chance. Sylvy Flutterheart was chosen and with good reason. 

Listening to his words and Tinee's warning, Sylvy had her doubts. She had them for a really long time. While there were not many books on the Mothyleks and their culture, based on what she had found they valued strength and intelligence. 

They did not care much for if one was a woman or a man, as long as you were able to prove your worth. 

She had spoken to many witnesses of the meeting with Leader Atlas. While some had spun truthless lies, some had provided her with the truth. It was Eskyl's insensitivity to the customs of the Mothyleks that resulted in the soured relations. 

Not to mention, his utter disrespectful behaviour. 

It's best for you to be seen and not heard.

Those words hit her the hardest, always echoing at the back of her mind. As she gripped onto her teacup tightly, Sylvy could feel her thoughts piling up in her mind. There were a million ways things could go wrong. 

One misstep would give her brother the chance he had been waiting for since the moment she was crowned. If she was going to be heard, she would need powerful allies by her side. 

-It is now or never.- she said to herself. 

"I am willing to meet with Leader Atlas. As a sign of friendship and apology for what had happened previously, I recommend that we meet in their territory to carry out our discussion," Sylvy declared. 

"Your Majesty! But you can't leave the castle! Let along enter the enemy's camp. Who would protect you?" Tinee exclaimed. Her voice was filled with worry and concern. 

Vy was surprised by Sylvy's bold decision. But this turned out to be in her favour, for this would give the Mothylek's more assurance. 

"If Leader Atlas is willing, I would also like to understand their customs and traditions more," Sylvy continued. 

But all of this was not going to be easy to execute. Furthermore, if Eskyl found out about what they were planning, everything and everyone would be in danger. Leaning back in her chair, Syvy pondered over the issue. 

To be honest, she knew well enough that if she disappeared, her brother would readily take over and claim that she was dead. That would effectively give him the power to make himself King, just like he wanted. 

"My brother, Grand Advisor Eskyl, is cunning and ambitious. If anything were to happen to me, he would gladly take over and declare himself King," Sylvy said solemnly. 

Hearing those words, Ramas moved forward and knelt down on one knee. He held Sylvy's hands in his and said, "Then let him be ridiculed when you return stronger than ever."

The glimmer in his eyes, why had Sylvy never noticed it before? 

Sylvy was surprised by Ramas's sudden gesture, but she did not move away. But as soon as Tinee saw it, she quickly swatted Ramas's hands away and pulled on his ear without mercy. 

"What on Earth do you think you're doing?!" Tinee exclaimed in anger as she dragged him 

away to the side. 

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Sorry sorry! I got carried away!" Ramas pleaded.