This is how I would have done it:
1) When they reach the planet they are told to wait for an official meeting with his magesty the king to ask for permission to enter the ruins
2) It doesn't need to be tension, but enough if 1-2 pages show uncomfortable mood while waiting for the meeting.
3) The king will be cold and say that he knows what and who Danica is, then he will say that he has the artifact that she needs and it is under his guard for generations
4) AFTER the stupid test when Danica will say that she will just ask politely, the king can start the feast and change the mood.

As a bonus, the countess talk about how all rulers are the same will actually make more sense here.

It's still the same crap, but less lame.