Then remembering what had passed between herself and the prince that very day, she coloured faintly and looked down, neither the glance nor the blush escaping the watchful Ithobal.
Presently Sakon spoke:-- "King Ithobal," he said, "I am honoured indeed that you should seek my daughter as your queen, but she is my only child, whom I love, and I have sworn to her that I will not force her to marry against her will, whoever be the suitor.

Therefore, King, take your answer from her own lips, for whatever it be it is my answer." "Lady," said Ithobal, "you have heard your father's words; be pleased to say that you look with favour upon my suit, and that you will deign to share my throne and power." Elissa took a step forward on the dais and curtseyed low before the king.
"O King!" she said, "I am your handmaid, and great indeed is the favour that you would do your servant.

Yet, King, I Pray of you search out some fairer woman of a more royal rank to share your crown and sceptre, for I am all unworthy of them, and to those words on this matter which I have spoken in past days I have none to add." Then again she curtseyed, adding, "King, I am your servant." Now a murmur of astonishment went up from the audience, for few of them thought it possible that Elissa, who, however beautiful, was but the daughter of a noble, could refuse to become the wife of a king.

Ithobal alone did not seem to be astonished, for he had expected this answer.
"Lady," he said, repressing with an effort the passions which were surging within him, "I think that I have something to offer to the woman of my choice, and yet you put me aside as lightly as though I had neither name, nor power, nor station.

This, as it seems to me, can be read in one way only, that your heart is given elsewhere." "Have it as you will, King," answered Elissa, "my heart is given elsewhere." "And yet, lady, not four suns gone you swore to me that you loved no man.