The Ring will Suffice

Alice pursed her lips, looking at Roger for a moment before making her decision. Gold was powerful, there was no denying that. It forged empires and brought ruin, greasing trade and igniting wars. Unlike some greedy fools though, she saw gold for what it truly was: a tool. It was a means to an end, not an end in itself. The continued accumulation of wealth was only useful as long as she had need for it. After all, she had no desire to become similar to the guild masters of the merchants, sitting like a dragon atop of their horde that they refused to spend. To the princess, gold was only a stepping stone to be used to obtain what she truly desired: power. Rubbing the ring on her hand, she knew there was another way to get what she wanted, one that was a more direct display of the power she holds over the other gender.

In the end though, Alice concluded that such a blatant powerplay might not be what she wanted to do. The merchants guild were a conniving group who prefers subtlety over direct action, and openly seducing their financial overseer in his own office might not be the play if she wanted to endear herself with them. Instead, she pulled the ring off, placing it on the table and then sliding it over to Roger, allowing him to take a closer look. The ring was an heirloom of the family, having been passed down from generation to generation. Alas, her mother had during childbirth, so Alice never got the chance to see it on anyone else's hand except for her own. Some might think it callous that she would so easily part with one of the only items that signified the connection between her and her mother, but she would disagree. Putting the ring to good use was the best way to honor her mother in Alice's opinion. Plus, it was only collateral. If all went according to plan, she would have it back by the time the crown landed on her head.

Roger picked it up carefully, taking out a monocle to examine the diamond's purity and quality. Done all in show, as the both of them knew, because he certainly didn't doubt her. Satisfied with his cursory examination, he stood up and reached underneath his desk. With a grunt, he lifted a heavy chest onto the table, landing with a thud. Opening it up, he showed the princess the contents within. Glistening brightly were neat rows of gold coins, one thousand exactly, enough to feed a peasant for a lifetime and more.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you, and the guild will always welcome you into our halls. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best in your endeavors," Roger says politely, bowing deferentially.

"Indeed, your contributions are appreciated," Alice said in return, curtsying before calling for her knight Finley. He quickly enters and picks up the chest of gold with ease, and jingling can be heard within. No doubt the return trip back to the palace will spawn plenty of rumors.