Lie to her.

"V-very well. Let me be honest with you. The ring is more than some mere trinket. It's old. Exactly how old I cannot say, but it first came into my family's possession when it was plundered from a Beathan lord's castle, back in the dark days of conflict between the northern kingdom and my own. I've been fond of the piece for a while, but decided not to wear it to dinner the other night so as to avoid reminding Donald and Kara of our countries' oft-bloody past." you say, trying to spin a more convincing lie.

Madeleine snorts.

“Remarkable!” the princess remarks, rolling her eyes. “All this bother over a silly little ring!”

You clear your throat.

“I'm sure Kara and Donald aren't the type to hold grudges.” Madeleine says, any suspicions she may have had now seemingly assuaged. “Now come along Edward, we're nearly there.”

Taking you by the arm once again, Madeleine leads you further into the palace. Travelling down several flights of stairs, you eventually come to the entrance to the menagerie.

The guards on duty outside the menagerie straighten up, saluting as you and Madeleine pass by.

Past the front door is a sort of foyer area, leading off to several different enclosures. Despite it's purpose as a venue for viewing animals, the menagerie is as opulently appointed as the rest of the ducal palace. White marble and expensive-looking furniture dominate the square room. The entire area has been perfumed, most likely in an attempt to avoid the smell of the animals offending delicate Sinnabarrovian noses, though the scent of... nature unavoidably lingers underneath the sweetness of the perfume.

Two figures reside in the room. One of them, leaning back against a desk, speaking to the other is Ben Swain, Madeleine's aide and favourite.

The other is a young woman, of exotic features and bright, expensive garments. Her brown-skinned complexion and black, silken hair mark her out as different to most women, particularly the two fair-featured Sinnabarrovian ladies you're currently with.

“Sigrun!” Madeleine calls out, approaching the other woman, her arms spread wide. Smiling, Sigrun turns and flings herself into the princess' embrace.

“Your Excellency, it's been too long. If I knew you were coming, I'd have had my staff-.” Sigrun responds. Unlike Solla, Sigrun's voice is unaccented, sounding as Sinnabarrovian as Madeleine, if not quite as pampered and refined.

“Edward, this is Sigrun.” the redhead says, turning to you, her arm still linked around the other woman. “She oversees the palace's menagerie, goes abroad to search for rare creatures and bring them back here. Sigrun, this is Edward, King of Itheria.”

Sigrun bows her head respectfully as she is introduced to you.

“You honour me with your presence, Your Excellency.” Sigrun tells you.

“Your Majesty. That's the form of address Itherians prefer.” Madeleine corrects the other woman, her smile unfaltering all the while.

“Truly? Then forgive me, Your Majesty. Princess Madeleine, how may I assist you today?”

“I wish to take King Edward on a tour of the menagerie!” Madeleine announces. “Show him what a world-beating collection you've put together, on our coin.”

“Perhaps while you're doing that, I could stay and chat with Sigrun?” Swain interjects. “The stories of her travels are most fascinating.”

“Sigrun will be coming with us, Benjy.” Madeleine says imperiously. “If you're that **** for someone to “chat” with, Ellie can stay behind. We all know you prefer cock anyway.”

Swain sputters, Sigrun stifles a chuckle and Elodie simply stares down at the marble flooring.