"Well said, and I mean no disrespect to you Sir knight, but I am required to follow my King's wishes. As for a brief protocol lesson, and I assure you this applies to all civilized nations, an unattached princess who has just reached the age of majority is under the protection and guidance of her guardian. As her mother is not here it is his majesty. It is his duty to introduce her to the delegates and of course find her a suitable match if a possible suitor presents himself. You may very well be such a man, though your companion this evening was as lovely as any woman in attendance so that could be awkward tonight. In short, tonight was not the night."
"The nature of my duties require that most of my time be spent in the
un-civilized parts of nations.
I restate that I have no romantic interest in the princess. Perhaps as a favor to me, someone who risked his life to ensure Lira's safety, you can let me speak with her? Or, if you insist upon following your protocols, introduce me to your King. Surely he would want to meet those who returned Lira safely to this...[awkward pause as I try to find another word besides "when"]...Icefia.
My other options to speak with her get increasingly complicated and/or embarrassing for the both of us. I was not joking about being overly persistent."