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“What is this unpleasant news?” Pedro asked.
“Afonso had come to see me before you came in. Guess what he asked me? He said he wanted to continue his dance training with Isabel Zarco. He said he thought her teaching methods were more progressive than that of our chief royal dance master.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Pedro. “Perhaps Afonso is right. I also noticed the head dance master is a great dancer and skilled teacher, but he is very conservative and doesn’t know any of the modern dances or movements.”
“Perhaps you are right, Pedro, but I’m not talking about that,” Isabella said. “It seems to me your nephew is very interested in this dancer.”
Pedro said, “It looks like you might be right, my dear. I just ran into him at the door. I have never seen him so excited before. It was like he was falling in love.
“And I agree with you that this may complicate the situation,” he said. “As long as Isabel Zarco is here, he will not pay attention to our Isabella.
“What should we do?” he asked Isabella.
“We have some options,” Isabella said. “We could grant Senhorita Zarco’s request to teach only at the art school because of her workload. But this may make Afonso suspicious. We can try this scenario later if needed.”
She continued: “We need to come up with a scenario that will have our daughter going to another city or country for some reason. We could ask Afonso to do us a favor and accompany her. We could also ask him to stay with her to ensure she is safe. After all, he always dreams of doing something chivalrous. So let him prove himself by doing this for us.”
“It’s a good idea,” Pedro said. “I even know the right place to send them: To my sister, Isabella,[32 - Isabella of Portugal (Feb. 21, 1397 – Dec. 17, 1471) was Duchess of Burgundy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duchess_of_Burgundy) and the third wife of Duke Philip the Good (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Good). Their son was Charles the Bold (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_the_Bold), the last Valois (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Valois) Duke of Burgundy. Born a Portuguese (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal)infanta (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infanta) of the House of Aviz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Aviz), Isabella was the only surviving daughter of King John I of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_I_of_Portugal) and his wife, Philippa of Lancaster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippa_of_Lancaster).] Duchess of Burgundy.[33 - The Duchy of Burgundy (/?b??r??ndi/ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English); French (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language): Duchе de Bourgogne) emerged in the 9th century as one of the successors of the ancient Kingdom of the Burgundians (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_the_Burgundians), which after its conquest in 532 had formed a constituent part of the Frankish Empire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francia). Burgundy is a historical region in east-central France, but it has given its name to several larger political formations; at its peak, in the 15th century, the duchy of Burgundy was one of the most powerful states in Europe.] I received an invitation from her yesterday. She has invited our family to her son’s fifth wedding anniversary.
“I am sure you have not forgotten that five years ago, at the age of 7, Charles married Catherine, daughter of Charles VII, King of France,” he said. “My sister would like our children and my late brother’s children to participate in this celebration.
“I can say you and I are currently very busy with important government affairs. However, we have decided to send Isabella and Afonso. She is their aunt and was always kind to Edward and me. I’m sure she will happily receive her niece and nephew and host them with love.
“We should inform her immediately so she can prepare for their arrival. And, we will have to reveal our secret to her so she can create the conditions for the youth to help them get closer to each other,” the duke continued. “Burgundy has many beautiful and romantic places where young people can spend time together. And by the will of heaven, the role of Cupid will pass to my sister. That way, Afonso won’t be suspicious.
“We will pray our plan comes true. Do you agree, dear?”
“Oh, that is an excellent, well-thought plan, Pedro,” Isabella said. “I could not suggest anything better.”
“In that case,” Pedro said, “I will prepare a message for my sister and get permission for this trip of the prince and infanta at the council’s next meeting. And if it’s approved, I will send an urgent message to my sister.
“After the council’s decision, we should share our plans with Isabella,” Pedro said. “We must explain to her that our family’s safety depends on her. I’m sure she’ll understand.
“I am assigning you so many tasks, my dear,” he continued. “Will you find some of them to be uncomfortable?”
“I am happy to deal with such important state matters,” answered Isabella. But, Pedro, she asked, “Do you think it prudent to discuss this important matter at the council’s next meeting?”
“You have a point, my dear. It won’t be at the next one. Because this is an urgent matter, I will convene the Privy Council again tomorrow. And, the day after, at our family breakfast, we will tell Afonso and our family of the decision.”
After saying goodbye to Isabella, Pedro left the hall and went to his office to prepare a message for his sister.
The next day, after the council approved the trip, Pedro informed Isabella. Isabella went to her daughter’s chambers. Entering her room, the duchess asked Isabella to excuse the servants and invited the infanta to the table for a conversation.
“My darling, you are 12 years old, and I have waited a long time for you to reach an age when you could discuss our family’s problems and offer solutions. The opinion of every family member is very important to us in any discussion. I know you are a very responsible and conscientious person. And you will always try to do everything you can to keep our family safe. Am I right?”
“Oh, Momma,” the infanta said, “it is so unexpected to hear your flattering opinion of me. Of course, I love everyone in our family very much. And I would never advise anything that would bring harm to our family.
“But I must ask, Momma. You said someone could harm our family? I am confused. I have always believed our high position protected us. No one would dare try to harm us.”
“I, too, thought that was the truth when I was young,” the duchess said. “Unfortunately, the higher your status, the more instability there is and the more envious your enemies are. And the higher your status, the more you get injured when you fall. Therefore, we must always be vigilant.”
“I now understand, Momma, what you have said,” the infanta responded, “and I am grateful you would like me to be involved in family affairs. Tell me, Momma, what dangers do we need to be aware of, and what should we do to prevent them?”
The duchess smiled. “I don’t want to burden you with all the problems our family faces or may face right now, and I don’t want to tell you who our enemies are. However, I want to tell you who our most important enemy is and the trouble this person can cause if we do not take appropriate measures.”
“I’m ready to listen, Momma.”
“Everyone knows the most dangerous enemies are not strangers but relatives. One of these people is Afonso’s mother. You have probably already heard about how she tried to make changes in our country after the death of her husband, King Edward.”
“I thought it was just gossip, Momma.”
“Oh, how I wish it were, my precious. Unfortunately, it is all true.”
“Why would she want to harm us, Momma?”
“She wanted Portugal to be ruled by Aragon. That’s where she comes from. She wanted to do this while serving as regent for Prince Afonso. Thank God we did not allow this to happen.”
“Now I understand, Momma. But how can she harm us? After all, my father is the regent of her sons.”
“That’s just the point. What will happen to our family after Afonso’s coronation?”
“Momma, Afonso will not allow anyone to harm our family,” the infanta said. “After all, you and my father have done and are doing so much for him and Fernando. And you have a genuine love for them. Because of this, Afonso will never allow anyone to harm us after he becomes king.”
“You do not know his mother,” the duchess said. “She is a villainous and vindictive woman who has no trouble misleading her victims. We have evidence she is continuing her despicable schemes.”
“Like what, Momma?”
“I cannot tell you,” Isabella said.
The infanta protested. “You said I will now be part of solving our family’s problems. So tell me all the secrets.”
Isabella smiled at her daughter. “OK. You must never tell anyone what I am about to tell you, especially Afonso. He will consider you an enemy if he learns about it from you.”
“I swear, Momma.”
Isabella explained the situation to her daughter.
“Government officials intercepted letters sent by Eleanor to Afonso. In them, she attempts to turn him against your father. She slanders him, our family, and even some officials. Afonso is very na?ve, and if the letters got to him, he would not be a loving cousin for much longer.
“If that's so, Momma, it's only a matter of time. She can do whatever she wants after Afonso's coronation.”
“You are right in your thinking, my little sunshine. I'm very glad you came to that conclusion yourself. But a close-knit family is unbeatable. If everyone in our family, regardless of his or her whims and ego, tries to do his or her best, no evil force can defeat us. That is why our family must take steps to prevent it from happening.”
“What do you suggest, Momma?”
“There is only one way to save us, my child. It depends on one person in our family.”
“Really? Who’s that, Momma?”
“That’s you, my angel!”
“It depends on me? What do you mean, Momma? I can't believe it’s up to me to save our whole family.”
“Hear me out, my dear. The monarchs of various states use a centuries-old, justified method to create and maintain friendly relations between monarchs. Both sides benefit by maintaining trade, economic ties, and political alliances. It is also used for many other benefits. In our case, we can use this method against our present enemy, Eleanor of Aragon. I will tell you in a moment what this method is and how you will play a major part in it.
“First, I want to assure you that you will not be a victim of this political scheme,” Isabella said. “Your father and I are doing this to save our family. But first and foremost, we are doing it for your own sake. We want to see you as every mother and father dreams of seeing their child.”
“So tell me, Momma. What did you come up with?”
“We decided to have you marry Afonso and, after his coronation, become the queen.”
“What? Me? But how is that possible, Momma? We only have the usual family relationship. I don’t have feelings for him, and neither does he for me. Besides, he’s a man of principle. You can't force him to marry me.”
“We don't want to force him to marry you, just as we don't intend to force you to marry him without mutual love.”
“Then I don't understand, Momma. There is no mutual love between us.”
“Oh, my dear, Isabelle. Listen to what I'm about to tell you,” the duchess said. “The feeling of love comes and goes. It is temporary for most people. Only a small number of people claim that love is permanent. I'm not sure that's true, though. At least I haven't met such people yet.”
“How come, Momma? Don't you and my father truly love each other?”
“Your father and I have true love, my angel, but only at the end of life can one come to a definitive conclusion. For some people, love is the fruit of their illusions. For some, love is a real hot flame in the soul that can ignite itself. But it is also possible to ignite it in someone else. Conditions, desire, and time play a big part in this.
“We, our little angel, will create the conditions for you and Afonso. You show your desire to see him as a conqueror of your heart and to enchant him. The rest is a matter of time.”
“Is it really that simple, Momma?” the infanta asked.
“Oh, no, my darling. It's not,” the duchess responded. “To ignite a flame in someone's soul, you must have that flame yourself. Love is infectious and overwhelming. Love is an art. Art is exciting, but it's never easy. And whether this art becomes a masterpiece depends on the talents of the master who creates it.
“And remember one more thing: ‘A woman's strength is her weakness.’ Men like to feel superior in strength and courage. Once you learn to show your weakness and timidity, success will be inevitable.”
“How interesting this all is, Momma,” the infanta said.” You have revealed so many new and exciting things. I would be glad if you could help me put it all into practice.”
“I will try to explain all this to you in general terms, my precious,” Isabella said.
Remember, no one can teach you how to behave in any situation. Only your feelings and intuition can tell you how to act. Don’t be afraid of that. You have inherited these innate qualities from me, your father, your grandparents, and your ancestors. You are of royal blood. We gave you an excellent education. You already have everything in you that you can use in any situation. However, your father and I may not always be by your side and cannot always help you with our advice. But you don't need us. Listen to your heart, and it will tell you the right path.”
The duchess continued: “We are sending you to the Duchy of Burgundy to your and Afonso's beloved aunt, the Duchess Isabella of Burgundy. She has invited us to her son Charles’ fifth wedding anniversary, but we have decided to send just the two of you. You will have plenty of time to spend together while sailing on the ship, and then you will have a journey in a carriage to Burgundy. We will inform her in advance so she can create the right conditions for you to make your feelings emerge and flourish. The rest will be up to you.”
“How interesting and romantic this whole thing is, Momma,” the infanta replied. “I am grateful for your concern and trust in me. I am also grateful for your advice. And, from the bottom of my heart, I agree to all your instructions and will do my best to make everything come true.”
“That's wonderful, my child,” the duchess said. “I am sure you will do well with our blessing and the Almighty's help. Now, let me leave you. And remember, Isabella, our conversation must remain a secret. Do not tell anyone – not your brothers, sisters, friends, or future children. It is our secret. We will formally inform Afonso and everyone about your upcoming journey tomorrow after matins at the family breakfast.”
The duchess stood up, approached her daughter, took her by the elbows, and said goodbye. “From today, sweetheart, a new chapter in your story begins, and remember, you are the sculptor of your fate. Bless you, and God be with you.”
After kissing her, the duchess headed for the door and added: “I will go prepare for this God-blessed voyage.”
The next day, after matins, the royal family gathered as usual in the breakfast hall. As planned, Duke Pedro announced the invitation his sister gave to them to go to the Duchy of Burgundy.
“The Royal Council has approved this trip,” he said reassuringly. “It is essential for our nation to maintain kinship ties with the rulers of those nations who will be happy to lend a hand in times of need. In the same way, friendly relations between countries lead to better trade relations, which improves the country’s welfare.
“However, the present political situation in our country is precarious,” the duke explained. “So we have decided to remain here. In our place, we have chosen Afonso and Isabella to represent us. They will stay with my sister for a few weeks, and will return to the palace after this celebration. You will have a wonderful voyage by ship. Your aunt will also take you to some fabulously beautiful places in Burgundy. You have been within the walls of this palace for a long time, and we hope that this journey will enable you to see the world in more varied and vivid colors.
“What do you say, Afonso and Isabella?”
“I've always dreamed of traveling to different countries,” Afonso exclaimed excitedly. “Even in my dreams, I often see myself as either a sailor or a noble knight performing valiant feats. I am very grateful to you, uncle, and to you, aunt, for your care. You always think of things to do for me to make me feel more satisfied.”
“I am delighted to have such a wonderful journey and will be glad to visit my aunt,” said Isabella meekly. “Thank you, father and mother. I am used to being near you, so it is frightening to know that you will be far away from me.”
“Isabella!” exclaimed the duchess. “You will not be alone. By stating his innermost dreams, Afonso has revealed that he is like a valiant knight in the depths of his heart. He will always care for you and not let anyone hurt you on water or land. Isn't that so, Afonso?”
“Oh, Isabella,” said Afonso.
His voice had pathos in it.
“You don't have to worry about your safety. You have nothing to fear. I am perfectly capable of handling a weapon. Please, uncle, let me take with me not an instructional sword but a real one so I can protect the infanta from ill-wishers.”
“Of course, Afonso,” Pedro answered assuringly. “It is always prudent to take the best weapons on long journeys. You can choose any weapon from the king's arsenal.
“And, for you, my Isabella,” Pedro continued, “I will also be reassured. I will remember that next to you is the son of a hero of Portugal, my brother, King Edward I, who showed himself as an incomparable navigator and an unsurpassed hero in the African wars. Afonso’s son is his blood, so he sees what is destined to happen to him even in his dreams.”
The duchess joined the conversation. “Your cousin, my dear Isabella, is as noble and brave as his father. We would not send you if we were not sure that you would be in safe hands.”
“Thank you, uncle and aunt, for your kind, faithful words about my father and me,” said Afonso proudly, with a twinkle in his eye.
After breakfast, Fernando, overjoyed to hear of Afonso's departure from the palace, went to his room in high spirits. He loved and respected his brother and had always trusted him, but deep down, he still feared that Afonso might become his potential love rival.
“Now, no one can stop me from winning Isabel's heart,” he thought as he walked to the table after he entered his room.
He carefully took the poems he had written the night before and reread them, kissing the place where the name “Isabel”’ was written. He took a quill and wrote on the back, “From your admirer.” Then he carefully rolled up the parchment with the verses, tied it with a scarlet string, and lightly applied floral oil to the edges of the parchment. He then headed to the part of the palace where Isabel's room was.
As he walked down the corridor that led to her room, Fernando slowed his pace. His heart was pounding. When he was sure the corridor was empty, he walked to Isabel’s door, tied the parchment to the doorknob, knocked on the door, and ran back down the corridor. He hid behind a column and listened. Soon, he heard the door open. Now Fernando could not only hear his heart beating, but he could feel an intense throbbing in his temples. Fernando heard the sound of the door closing, and he breathed a sigh of relief, satisfied with the thought that everything had gone as planned.
“Will she understand that the poems are from me?” Fernando thought as he went back to his room. “She couldn't help feeling that I was madly in love with her, although I tried not to show it outwardly,” he reasoned. “And how would she feel about that if she understood that?”
He entered his room, approached the mirror, imagined her in front of him, and said, “Isabel, may I reveal my feelings for you? When I saw you for the first time, my heart immediately told me that destiny had sent you to me. I fell in love with you at first sight. I dream of you day and night.
“So let me offer you my hand and heart,” he continued. “Let me become your suitor. If you are unsure of your feelings, I beg you not to refuse my request. Let me prove how strong my love is. I am sure you will experience the same feelings for me as I have for you in time.”
As he walked over to the bed, he lay down and imagined Isabel untying the parchment string and reading his poems. Then his head began to fill with other things, and his thoughts sweetly stirred until he dozed off, nestled against the pillow.
The ship on which Prince Afonso and infanta Isabella were to set out on their first sea voyage was outfitted in a matter of days.
In the palace, everything went on as usual. The duke and duchess began to feel anxious two weeks later, waiting to hear from their daughter, and dreaming and praying that their plans would come true.
Finally, the duchess received the long-awaited letter from Isabel, which said the following:
Hello, Momma.
