"Queen," said he, softly, as if to dismiss the danger, "the sky looks like a great rose-leaf."
"It is the last falling leaf of day," said the Kisaki,—"of the day which is sinking into the past, but whose memory our spirits will preserve as a day of joy and peace,—perhaps the last."
She turned away to hide her tears, which, despite her efforts, flowed fast.
The Prince's heart was oppressed with inexpressible agony; he was like the victim who sees the knife at his throat. He dared not speak, lest he should hasten the sacrifice.
Suddenly the Kisaki turned to him.
"Prince," said she, "I have something to say to you: you must marry Fatkoura."
Nagato stared at the Queen in dismay; he saw her eyes were wet with tears, but full of a calm and irrevocable resolve.
He slowly bowed his head. "I will obey," he murmured.
And while she moved quickly away, he hid his face in his hands, and gave vent to the sobs which were stifling him.