Try to talk to Madeleine

Waking, you leave your empty bed chamber and make for the part of the castle that's been given over to Madeleine.

Rapping on the door with your good hand, you're greeted moments later by Ben Swain.

“I need to speak to Madeleine.” you say abruptly.

“Unfortunately, my lady's just retired to her bedchambers.” Swain says, coming out into the hallway, softly closing the door behind him. “But if there's anything I can do to help, majesty, consider it done.”

“She's just gone to sleep now? The sun's been up for-”

“Like so many things, Madeleine's sleeping patterns are out of the norm. She's been so immersed in several projects that she put off sleeping. Though knowing her, she should be up and about before noon.” Swain reveals.

“Perhaps I'll return then.” you say. “I really do need to talk to her...”

“On the topic of matrimony, I take it?” the bard says, an enigmatic smile on his face.

“Does she know already?” you sigh. This could complicate matters...

“No. Madeleine was far too interested in trying to increase the effective range of the ballistae our southern mercenaries brought along to talk to anyone.” Swain tells you. “I asked around myself. Apparently the ceremony and feast were delightful, congratulations.”

“Well, I'm sorry for not inviting you. It was rather a spur of the moment sort of a thing.” you quip.

“I'm not the one you have to worry about slighting, majesty.” the bard says. “I'm sure you're aware Madeleine will not take this well.”

“That's what I'm worried about.”

“Though if you're willing to avail yourself of my services, I might be able to help.” Swain offers. “I can prevent my lady from finding out, at least for a day or two, prepare her for you to break the bad news. No one on the continent knows how to navigate her moods better than I.”

“And what do you get out of it, Swain?” you ask. Like many, you'd never been able to ascertain his true motives.

“Why, the satisfaction of ensuring good relations between your realm and Madeleine's, majesty.” Swain insists.

“How noble.”

“Perhaps you could consider our slate clean after this, majesty. I'm well aware that when I abandoned my life in the Admiralty, I deprived you of a lifetime's service.” Swain asks.

“Fine, we have a deal.” It occurred to you that Swain would have made a poor captain, but perhaps a decent spy.

“Have no fear, majesty. If we handle this right, your relationship with the princess is most definitely salvageable.” Swain assures you.

Turning, you take your leave, heading off about your other business in the castle.