After returning, the new nymphs continued their preparations for the feast and the dance. As they worked, the huntress continued her search for the twentieth nymph, the final choice to complete her court. The King led her to another chamber. Though his face looked grim, he bowed at the goddess and left.

Artemis had not seen this part of the palace earlier. She went inside and found a young woman sitting on the grass beside a pool. She was singing softly - almost in a whisper - to the lilies that swayed in the morning breeze. Her hand played with the trickling water as the maiden's lustrous jet black hair...