"I have had some experience with royalty, though not a formal court setting," Fuu said. And by royalty, she meant Prince Ferio... not exactly typical, though he dressed the part these days. "But I'll do the best I can."

If the ants didn't have any complex rituals, though, she was reasonably confident that she could get by without causing a diplomatic incident--her inclinations were to be more polite than the situation called for. She glanced at Owain, stifling a smile at his ostentatious declaration. No gasp or applause, though in a less important situation she might have given him some encouragement. She was more seriously concerned now that he might antagonize the ants.

"Perhaps we might save games of good and bad cop, or confrontations with might soldiers, until we know if they're truly hostile," she said with a smile. Like Hakuryuu, she was not eager to get into a fight. "The riddle is about a key. If we can negotiate for its gift or loan without violence, that would be ideal."