New World New Life 199 Over A Pot Of Tea

As Tinee served them their tea, Sylvy finally mustered up the courage to speak first. 

"Thank you, Grand Priestess Alfin," Sylvy said. 

Alfin was not certain why her King was expressing her thanks. But after some thought into it, she realised why. 

"You're welcome, my King," Alfin returned the courtesy, "Your subjects need to know their place. You are the King, after all."

Indeed she was, yet she was also just a mere puppet controlled by strings. 

"There isn't much I can do," Sylvy sighed as she looked down at the hot cup of tea in her hands. 

"Who told you that," Grand Priestess Alfin scoffed. 

Sylvy looked up in shock, "Well… my family…"

"You mean your brother?" Alfin said sharply. 

Sylvy was surprised by the Grand Priestess's direct att.i.tude. There were few who dared to show their true face to her and she definitely did not expect the Grand Priestess to be one of them. Seeing the King's expressions made Alfin chuckle. 

"My apologies, my King. I am blunt with my words,"

Her apology made Sylvy smile a little, "That's alright, my brother is … intrusive, to say the least." 

"That boy is still hung up that he didn't get to be King? He's been holding it over you, hasn't he?" Alfin continued. 

The Grand Priestess took the words right out of her mouth. But Sylvy had an image to uphold. She had her family name written on her back and the weight of her nation in her arms. The King cannot be selfish. The King must be just. 

Seeing Sylvy's troubled expression and lack of words made Alfin let out an audible sigh. She leaned back into the sofa chair and sipped her cup of tea. She recalled the Choosing Ceremony that was held in the b.u.t.terfly Dome. 

Alfin oversaw the entire ceremony from start to finish. She herself had expected the ceremony to be nothing more than a mundane affair. But when she saw Sylvy and her family walk into the b.u.t.terfly Dome, she knew there was something different about the girl. 

Much to everyone's surprise, the b.u.t.terflies chose her instead of her brother, Eskyl. The shock on all of their faces was priceless to behold. Eskyl kept any disagreement he had to himself. All he did was to maintain the image of the Flutterheart family. But the surprise on Sylvy's face revealed everything. 

It had been six years since then and Alfin usually did not meddle with politics and governance. But the rumours that had been brought to her attention worried her. Witnessing it in court first hand was a separate matter altogether. 

"I had high hopes for you, my King," Alfin said with a sigh. 

Sylvy knew what she meant, she did not rebut her. 

"I had high hopes in myself too," Sylvy replied with a soft sad smile. 

Tinee watched on with sadness. She had been by Sylvy's side since she was ten. The lady-in-waiting knew the heart of her King like her own. Under the pressure of the Flutterheart Family, was there really a place for a Female King?

"Wasn't there something you wanted to discuss with me?" Sylvy asked, hoping to bring them back on topic. 

Alfin nodded as she placed her cup of tea down on the table. 

"Indeed. It's regarding the formation of an alliance with the Republic of Mothylek." Alfin said. 

"What about it?"

"I support your decision to hear what requests of the Mothylek. I also urge you to consider fostering good ties with them," Alfin explained. 

Sylvy pondered over Alfin's words before she replied, "You think an alliance between our people would be beneficial?"

Alfin rubbed both of her palms together and blew a breath of air into it. When she opened her hands, a lone monarch b.u.t.terfly rested in the middle of her palms. Its wings were orange in colour while its wing veins were black. 

As the b.u.t.terfly contracted its body, the motion propels the b.u.t.terfly into the air. As it fluttered its wings, Sylvy held out her hand as the monarch b.u.t.terfly landed on her palm. Within an instant, she saw a glimmer of the future. 

"The Kingdom of Papillion needs strong allies. The Mothylek would make a trustworthy friend," Alfin explained. 

As soon as she finished her sentence, the monarch b.u.t.terfly disappeared from Sylvy's hand. Alfin stood up from her seat. 

"Thank you for granting me an audience with you, my King. I hope that you would work for the greater good of our land and our people." Alfin said before she headed towards the door. 

"Wait!" 

Sylvy stood up from her seat. She was still a little disoriented from the visions of the future she had seen. But she was not about to waste the one opportunity she had to ask her question. Sylvy looked up at Alfin straight in the eyes. 

"You could have told my brother, or the next Monarch. Why tell me?" 

Alfin replied, "Because I have high hopes in you, my Queen."

With those parting words, the High Priestess took her leave. She did not wait for Sylvy to react. As she walked out of the Study room and into the hallway, Alfin sensed that someone was keeping an eye on her. 

She could sense the presence of another figure, shadowing behind her. It was not difficult for her to find out who it was, but she made sure not to expose them just yet. The Kingdom of Papillion had for too long held on to their many traditions. 

It was about time for a little change. 

Back in the Study room, the High Priestess's parting words echoed in Sylvy's mind. 

Because I have high hopes in you, my Queen.

This was the first time anyone had addressed her as Queen. 

Why did it matter to her so much?

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