He tells her of his troubles, and she offers to give him the answer to the queen's question, but, in return he must grant her whatever she asks for, which he promises to do. She whispers the answer in his ear. On the chosen day, the knight gives his answer before the queen and the ladies of the court: what women most desire is to have control over their husbands. All agree that the knight has answered aright and deserves to keep his life, when the old woman reminds the knight of his promise: she now demands that he marry her. He is horrified but has to agree to her request.