She had thrown aside her veil and her women had quickly placed upon her head the linen tiara, where a single jewel shown like a star in the white folds.

Her thick black hair fell in masses upon her shoulders, and her mantle was thrown back, displaying the grand proportions of her figure, clad in tunic and close-fitting belt.

As the king came near, she kneeled and prostrated herself before him, touching her forehead to the ground, and waiting for him to speak.
He stood still a full minute and his eyes flashed fire, as he looked on her crouching figure, in very pride that so queenly a woman should be forced to kneel at his feet--but more in sudden admiration of her marvellous beauty.

Then he bent down, and took her hand and raised her to her feet.

She sprang up, and faced him with glowing cheeks and flashing eyes; and as she stood she was nearly as tall as he.
"I would not that a princess of thy line kneeled before me," said he; and in his voice there was a strange touch of softness.