Roman Ilyasov
Secrets & Mysteries of the Sephardim
“Let us finish our lesson for today, infante,” Isabel said. “We can meet here tomorrow at the same time.”
As she finished her words, Afonso opened the door wide and went to Isabel and Fernando with a stately gait.
“Am I too late for Fernando to introduce me to the most beautiful dance maestro in our palace?” he asked.
Stepping toward them, he said, “Let me introduce myself. I’m Prince Afonso, Fernando’s older brother.”
Isabel curtseyed and introduced herself.
“Oh! Is your name Isabel?” Afonso asked. “We already have several Isabelles in the palace, the daughter and wife of our uncle, Duke Pedro. May I call you Grace? This name fits perfectly with your personality.”
“Your Highness, I am very flattered, but I like my name,” Isabel said.
“You know, Isabel, I just realized you have the most beautiful name. You don’t look like the average Portuguese senhorita at all. Where are you from?”
“I was born on the Portuguese island of Madeira and live in Funchal, the island’s southern port.”
“Oh, so, on this island, all the senhoritas are as blonde and blue-eyed as you?”
Oh, no, Your Highness! The island is west of Morocco and southwest of Portugal. The island’s main population is dark in complexion. The people have dark hair and dark eyes.
“I look different than the islanders because my ancestors come from Judea,” she continued. “Many tribes of Israel once lived there, and the people had different skin color, eyes, and hair.”
“Oh, yeah. I learned something about ancient Jewish history from my tutors,” Afonso said. “And your family has not lost its lineage?”
“My ancestors were very noble people from the dynasty of the kings of Israel. My recent ancestors are of Marranos origin.
“How interesting!” exclaimed Afonso. Please, tell us more. How did your family come to be on the island?”
“My father discovered it a quarter-century ago and founded settlements there,” Isabel said. “In honor of this and other military deeds, which brought great glory to Portugal, my father was rewarded with the possession of half the archipelago.”
“What other military exploits did your father have, Isabel,” Afonso asked.
“My father began serving as a sailor at a young age, " Isabel explained. “During his service, he showed courage and proved to be a talented strategist. He soon received a high rank and became the commander of the navy. He commanded caravels31 and participated in many battles with the Moors, where he constantly won unprecedented victories.
“During the conquest of Ceuta in northern Morocco, he lost his eye. Only after this did he decide to leave the military and become a navigator and explorer. In this venture, he also achieved great success.”
“Your father is a real hero, Isabel,” Afonso said. “I have always dreamed of being a hero like your father and my father, King Edward I.
“When I become king, I will no doubt glorify my name with many heroic deeds and discover many islands and uncharted lands. I will make Portugal the greatest country in the world.
“You will see, Isabel, what our country will be like after a few decades of my reign,” Afonso said. “But, for now, it is enough to dream about the future.”
Afonso changed the subject.
“Let’s talk about you, Isabel. I have heard about your talent for ballroom dancing. Do you mind if I ask Duchess Isabella to include some time in your schedule for additional lessons for your most humble servant?”
“Oh, Your Highness, please don’t call yourself a servant,” Isabel said. “We are YOUR servants. It would be a great honor for me to give a few lessons to our country’s future ruler.”
“Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you and talking with you, senhorita,” said Afonso with a friendly bow.
It was also a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness,” Isabel curtsied.
“In that case, I will leave you with Fernando. I’m sorry, but I still have much work to do before tonight.”
Isabel curtseyed silently with a welcoming smile as the prince hurried away.
After meeting Isabelle, Afonso was in a good mood for the rest of the day. Later in the evening, he decided to visit his brother.
“Good evening, Fernando,” Afonso said as he entered his brother’s chambers. He noticed from Fernando’s face that he wasn’t happy with his visit.
“Oh, I’m sorry I interrupted you,” Afonso said. He noticed the papers on the table and the quill in Fernando’s hand. “I didn’t realize you were doing your homework so late.”
Afonso came closer to the table, looked at the papers, and exclaimed, “Oh, this again! More poems? Are you so enamored by Isabel that you write poetry at night?
“I can understand you, though,” Afonso continued. A person like you admires beauty and all sorts of art and cannot stay indifferent toward such an attractive and skillful dancer. I admit I was wrong when I doubted her indescribable angelic beauty. You were entirely correct. I even felt a bit inspired talking to her.
“You are not jealous of that, are you?”
“Isabelle is so beautiful that any admirer of beauty would experience what you felt when talking with her,” answered Fernando. “I have nothing to be jealous of, Afonso, because she treats you as respectfully as she treats me.
“I must tell you, though,” he continued, “that Isabel ended up in the palace because of me. It was I who first noticed her on stage. And it was I who told Duchess Isabella who my choice was. Therefore, although you are older than me and will be higher in title when you are king, I have the right of superiority to close relations with Isabel.”
Afonso answered: “No one disputes that, Fernando. I only asked her to teach me a few lessons so I could get to know her. I am not interested in having a relationship with her like what you wrote about in your poetry.”
Afonso noticed the embarrassment on Fernando’s face and said: “I wish you success both in poetry and in love.”
At noon, Duke Pedro went to the royal residence immediately after a meeting on important matters of state, intending to find the duchess in the audience chamber. At the door of the meeting hall, Pedro ran into Afonso. He looked unusually happy and cheerful. Afonso greeted his uncle in a pleasant singsongy voice and respectfully stood aside to let him enter. The duchess was sitting on her throne. Seeing Pedro enter, she stood up and approached him.
“You don’t have any more appointments?” Pedro asked.
“No, dear.”
“Then would you release the servants so you and I can discuss something privately?”
Isabella waved her fan to her ladies-in-waiting, and after bowing, they left.
“My dear, I have good news,” Pedro said. “The council has discussed your proposal for a marriage alliance between Prince Afonso and infanta Isabella. And all members unanimously approved the enterprise. There was one condition, however. They would like the engagement to be announced before the coronation and the wedding to be after the coronation.
“So, my dear, since you want to play Cupid, nothing is preventing you from thinking about ways to make our daughter and our nephew fall in love,” the duke continued, laughing.
“Oh, Pedro, you are so witty,” Isabella answered with a smile. “However, I have some unpleasant news that concerns this conversation. And it could complicate our plans.”
“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 Duchess of Burgundy.33 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 naïve, 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.
For several days now, we have been sailing, admiring the vastness of the sea, the sea creatures and fish, the sea birds, and the beauties of the lands we observe as we sail along the coasts of many countries.
I am very grateful to you, Momma, for your instructions, and I always try to follow them when I have the opportunity. Afonso, unfortunately, is not affected by my passion. He spends more time on deck than in the cabin with me, admiring nature and talking at length with the ship's captain, listening to his tales of military adventures in which he once participated. He also engages tirelessly in sword fighting with the attendant you sent with us.
While trying to set his heart on fire, I suddenly discovered that I had fallen madly in love with him, and I no longer feel the same way about him as I had. I saw him as a real gentleman, and I couldn't think of anything or anyone but him. And this feeling has become painful because he does not see me as a senhorita.
The ship's captain said we would be docking at our destination tomorrow morning. As you instructed, I will give this letter to our escort. My only hope now is in my Aunt Isabella of Burgundy, whom you asked for help with our plans. I pray to the Almighty for help for our whole family and me.
Your devoted daughter,
Infanta Isabella.
Two months later, a second message was delivered to the palace. The Duchess of Burgundy sent her trusted man on a merchant ship to Portugal. As was commanded, he handed the letter to Duke Pedro and told him: “Your Highness! I am sailing back to the Duchy of Burgundy on one of the merchant ships in three days. If your Highness wishes to send Her Serene Highness a message, you may do so through me.” Pedro thanked the messenger and said he would give him a letter on the day he sailed.
After the messenger left, Pedro immediately sent a servant to fetch Duchess Isabella.
As soon as Isabella entered the duke's study, she immediately guessed from her husband's enthusiastic face that news had come from Burgundy.
She hurriedly approached his desk, and as she sat down, she noticed a rolled-up parchment with a wax seal in Pedro's hands.
“Oh, my darling! Oh, my Pedro! Oh, what I see!” Isabella began to exclaim in ecstatic laughter. “How kind of you not to have torn the wax and instead waited for me so we could hear the long-awaited news together. The letter, of course, was not sent by our daughter,” the duchess concluded with a sad note in her voice. “I see the seal of Burgundy stamped on the wax seal.”
“You are very observant, my keen Isabella,” Pedro remarked, tearing the sealing wax carefully from the parchment.
Unrolling the parchment, he began to read:
My dear brother, Pedro,
Forgive me for taking so long to send word. I did not want to disturb you until the ice between Afonso and Isabella broke.
As you asked me to, I created the most favorable conditions for my dear nephew and niece. They traveled together to the most romantic parts of Burgundy, riding through our forests and taking part in forest hunts. One day, at my instruction, the guards on the hunt fell behind the prince and infanta by staging a wild boar chase. This took place by the lake, where a chic, well-protected hut had been set up beforehand. As planned, the prince and infanta had to spend the night there. In the morning, my servants found them in the hut asleep in each other's arms. From that day on, it was obvious that an affair had begun between them.