The dance schedule was, therefore, changed, and Fernando was now required to attend daily classes in the morning and evening. This news made Fernando extremely happy. For now, he could be near Isabel daily. During the last few months, his inspiration had not ceased. Every evening, he wrote love poems. And, every week, he delivered his poetic creations the way he had the first time.
One day, after several days of intense dance classes, Fernando noticed that Isabel had a strange, pensive expression. Toward the end of the class, he asked, Isabel, can I ask you something?
Of course, infante Fernando, Isabel replied with perplexity. You don't have to ask for my permission. Ask me if you need to ask something, and I am always ready to answer you.
Thank you, Isabel, replied the infante. I just wondered if it would be polite to ask such a question. You dont look the same today as you usually do. I thought you might be overworked because of the frequent sessions with me. Tell me, and I will ask the duchess to reduce the number of lessons.
Oh, no, not at all, Your Highness! Isabel answered anxiously. You needn't ask the duchess to do that. She has not required me to give you extra lessons. I told her to add the extra lessons so we could finish what I had planned. And I dont feel overworked at all. I think you have the wrong impression of the situation, infante Fernando. But thank you for your concern and attention, Isabel said, curtsying gratefully.
Isabel, Fernando answered with inspiration. It would be a great honor for me if I could somehow do you some favor. After all, I am so Fernando suddenly stammered and could not continue his thought.
May I ask you something, infante Fernando? Isabel asked, wanting to lead the conversation out of its impasse.
I'm all ears, Isabel, Fernando replied with a sigh of relief.
One of your cousins told me you are multitalented and even write poetry. Is this true?
It must have been my cousin, Philippa, who told you that, Fernando answered. She always blurts out all my secrets.
Suddenly, it occurred to Fernando that Isabel might be trying to find out who the author was of the poems she often found on her door. Now, at last, the moment had come for me to reveal myself to Isabel, Fernando thought. And if I finally do it, I will be the happiest creature in the world if Isabel accepts my love.
Isabel! Fernando began, preparing to voice out those speeches he had repeatedly rehearsed in front of the mirror. But, instead, he began to talk about something else. Philippa is so imaginative. I told her I tried to write poetry. But it didn't work out. That was a long time ago.
Оh! So its not you, Isabel exclaimed with a surprised and confused expression. It's not you. Just as Fernando had done the last time, Isabel stuttered before she could finish what she wanted to say.
Not me what? Fernando asked.
Oh, no, no! That was just me. I was thinking about something and was speaking out loud. Forgive me, infante Fernando.
After saying goodbye, Fernando scolded himself for his indecision and went to his room. Where had my courage gone? he reasoned. I had always been confident until now. I had always won the training sword fights, not because of my skill but because I had a strong spirit. Not even my older brother nor my cousins have this. Why am I now a wimpy little coward?
Fernando entered his room and looked at himself in the mirror with contempt. Slug! Slob! Slob! he shouted angrily, pointing at his reflection. You are not worthy of a goddess like Isabel! And you are no hero or knight as you always imagined yourself to be! You're a wretched coward! That is what you are! Fernando covered his face with shame and threw himself into bed, sobbing.
During the night, Fernando could not sleep a wink, feeling emotionally uncomfortable and experiencing mental pain and unbearable anguish. In the morning, he got out of bed, all broken up. He went to his desk and, with a distracted look, ran through the schedule of classes for the day:
French speech
Cartography
Latin speech
Star science
Knightly lessons: sword and lance techniques on a moving target
Dance techniques
He went to the mirror and stared at his reflection a pale, frowning face with puffy eyelids and red eyes. I have to pull myself together, Fernando thought. Its a hard day, but I'm not used to giving up. I have to endure and not show anyone my weakness.
The classes took Fernando's mind off the painful thoughts. But during the second to last lesson, Fernando felt a great physical weakness and slight dizziness. However, he decided to ignore it. Putting on his knight's armor, he got on his favorite horse, took a wooden spear, and galloped toward the moving target. Ten paces from the target, Fernando felt very dizzy. His eyes grew dim, the spear fell out of his hands, and he collapsed to the ground.
Fernando woke up in his room. The doctor was sitting on a chair by his bed to his left and was touching his elbow. On his right was the maid, waving a fan in his face. At his feet stood Philippa, and the rest of Fernando's cousins stood at the door.
Oh, you are awake, Your Highness, the doctor exclaimed. I can see your face, which is already quite pink, is quite focused. Tell me, Your Highness, is anything troubling you? Do you feel dizzy or have pain anywhere in your joints?
No, Fernando answered, trying to get out of bed.
Oh, take your time, Your Highness. Let me examine you first. He took Fernando's hands, gently lifted them, moved them to the side, and bent them at the elbows while gazing intently into his pupils. Splendid! I can see from your eyes that your hands are not feeling any pain. Now gently bend your knees, Your Highness. Do you feel any pain at all? Now extend your legs and lift them. Splendid! Your bones are intact! Now sit down and turn your head. Do you feel dizzy?
A little, Fernando answered.
That's not good. Do you feel pain in your spine?
A little, Fernando replied.
And in the shoulder joints? Make circular motions with your arms at your bent elbows.
My shoulders don't hurt, Fernando replied.
Now, carefully get up from the bed. The servants will hold you up. Try to walk around the room and let me know if you feel pain in other places, such as your ribs, legs, etc.
No, it doesn't hurt anywhere else, Fernando replied.
Very well, said the doctor. You are fortunate, Your Highness, that you fell from your horse like that. Forgive me, Your Highness. I meant the fall might have been more unfortunate and could have had worse consequences. You will need rest today, and I will probably examine you again tomorrow to see if your condition has improved.
I will prepare an herbal infusion for you to drink immediately after meals, three times a day, one tablespoon at a time. Now, Your Highness, drink this medicine, said the doctor, pouring the liquid from the bottle into a glass of water. This root tincture relieves the excitement of fright and will help you recover.
I wasn't afraid when I fell, doctor, Fernando replied.
This medicine is harmless. You will simply relax. All your muscles will relax, you will not feel pain in your spine, and you will soon recover, Your Highness. Please drink this. I think you will be completely well in two or three days.
Actually, it might be better if I visit you again this evening. But if you do not feel well, ask for me at any time.
Wishing the infante a speedy recovery, the doctor headed for the door and warned the infantes and infantas standing at the door that Fernando needed rest. Everyone also wished Fernando a speedy recovery and followed the doctor out. But Philippa stayed behind. The nurse was in the room by the window table, putting out the vials the doctor had left, and Philippa stood by the bed with her lips pursed in frustration. She was wiping tears from her eyes.
I thought you were dead when they carried you down the corridor. I was frightened," Philippa said. When the doctor said you fainted, I calmed down.
What did you think, Philippa, Fernando said, smiling. That I would die so foolishly? My destiny will be bright and meaningful. I will die in battle like a hero, and my death will not last long.
I don't want you to die at all, Philippa said. When you are an adult and go off to war, I will pray that you will survive and not die in any battles.
Thank you, Philippa. God will surely let me live for you if you pray from your heart.
Philippa smiled and said, Fernando, I will pray very hard. You will always be alive and with us.
Philippa, how long have I been unconscious?
Not long, Fernando. You came to your senses very quickly when they put you on the bed.
Оh! I have a dance class that should be starting soon! Could you let Isabel know that I wont be attending today?
Of course! Ill run and tell her. Otherwise, shell be worried. You know, Fernando, Isabel is the kindest and best senhorita in the palace. After you, I love her the best. She has a good heart, a pure soul, and the most beautiful eyes in the world.
I'll run to her and come to you again tonight, OK?
Thank you, Philippa.
When Philippa left, Fernando tried to remember everything that had happened until he fainted. Soon, he began to fall asleep. The doctor's potion must be working, Fernando thought as he closed his eyes.
After a while, he heard a knock at the door. He reluctantly opened his eyes and saw a nurse hurrying to the door. Behind the door, he heard Philippas voice. She was asking the nurse something.
Hes asleep, said the nurse.
Whos there? I haven't fallen asleep yet, Fernando muttered faintly.
The nurse immediately moved away from the door, and Philippas head appeared in the doorway.
Fernando, thats me, Philippa. Isabel is here with me. Can she see you?
Who? Isabel? Fernando asked once again, unable to believe his ears.
Yes, Isabel, Philippa answered.
Fernando felt his heart and temples beat heavily. The effects of the root infusion ceased immediately. Of course, come in, Fernando replied in a raspy voice, trying to rise and assume a sitting position in bed. He was dizzy from sitting up too quickly and grabbed the back of a chair. The nurse, noticing this, sprang to his side and promptly arranged cushions behind his back so he could sit up comfortably. When the dizziness passed, he saw Isabel sitting on a chair beside his bed.
Infante Fernando, she said in a gentle voice. You do not need to get out of bed. You still look weak. Let me help you to lie down.
Before Fernando could answer, Isabel suddenly appeared at his bedside. With smooth, almost airy movements of her hands, she spread the fluffy pillows. She held the back of Fernandos head with her left hand and his right hand with her right and said affectionately, Lie down, infante Fernando. You'll be much more comfortable that way. There. Take your time. Slowly.
When he laid down comfortably, she carefully and skillfully removed her hand from under his head and tried to free her right hand, but Fernando gently took it and pressed her palm to his chest. Move the chair closer to the bed, Isabel, he asked. While you were close to me and touching me, my illness was noticeably receding. I think you have healing properties. Please leave your hand in my hand.
Philippa nimbly pulled Isabel's chair closer to the bed and invited her to sit.
Thank you, infanta Philippa, Isabel said as she sat in the chair.
I'll leave you to Fernando then, OK? Philippa asked.
Thank you, Philippa, for bringing Isabel here.
When Philippa left, Fernando turned to the nurse, You can leave, too. When they were alone, Fernando put Isabel's hand to his lips, kissed her, and said, Isabel, I must confess something to you. I am ashamed to tell you this, but I lied to you last time.
What do you mean, infante Fernando? Isabel asked perplexedly.
I lied to you that I hadn't written poetry in a long time.
Fernando, I should not condemn you for this, but rather I should admire you. After all, you hid it from me because of your modesty. And, Fernando, it seems that this kind of talk on this subject is not good for you. For your health, you must have only positive emotions now. I suggest this trivial misunderstanding be forgotten for the time being.
Oh no, Isabel, please. I wont feel at ease until you forgive me for my cowardice.
What does that have to do with cowardice, infante Fernando? And why should I forgive you at all? It seems to me that I dont understand you.
The fact I hid the truth from you was not modesty, Fernando explained. I was afraid that once you knew the truth, you would perceive it incorrectly.
There was silence. Isabel took Fernando's hand in both of hers and said, So those poems at my door were yours?
Fernando nodded. They are mine. And everything written in them is true. I fell in love with you when I saw you on stage, Isabel. It was instantly clear to me that you were my destiny. And my happiness, if you accept my love, or my unhappiness if you reject it. It depends only on you. So tell me, Isabel, what do you want me to be, happy or brokenhearted?
Oh, infante Fernando, Isabel answered excitedly. I do not know what to say. You are very kind and honest, and I could certainly fall in love with you. But I am afraid to. If I fall in love with you and we are told we cannot marry, I will be heartbroken.
And between us, there are many barriers, she said. You are the kings son, so your fate is not in your hands. Im sure you know better than I that marriages of princes and infantes are decided at the national level and mostly for political purposes. Love plays a secondary role. I feel we cant have a future together for that reason.
Im the daughter of the owner of a small island, she continued. And not the whole island, but only a part of it. I am of no value to the country from a political standpoint. Therefore, no one will approve of our union.
So, infante Fernando, I beg you, try to control your feelings for me. Such love is in vain and will only lead to torment. Please do not torment yourself or me.
If I get permission for our union, Isabelle, will you reciprocate my love? Fernando asked. I will ask Uncle Pedro to grant my request for our union. And if he approves it, we can get engaged at the same time as Afonso and Isabella.
Oh, dear infante Fernando, Isabel replied. Tears are beginning to well up in her eyes. You are so passionately in love. You have no sense of time at all. You are trying to do things too fast. I don't know if I can love you as much as you love me before Afonso and Isabellas ceremony. You have the right to inquire if there is a future for us, but I think it is too early to talk about an engagement. However, Your Highness, may I ask that we continue this conversation after you fully recover? It is not good for you to be so emotional in your condition.
I suggest we talk about something else, Isabel said, changing the subject. Let's talk about your progress. You have achieved high success in all the major types of ballroom dancing. And you are ready to show your mastery at the next ball. When you have recovered, we will begin to study other kinds of dancing and
Someone knocked on the door before Isabel could finish her sentence.
Infante Fernando, allow me to open the door, said Isabel, rising from her chair and gently releasing her hand from his. Isabel opened the door. Duke Pedro and Duchess Isabella were standing at the doorway, with the nurse behind them.
Allow us to enter, senhorita, said the Duke, looking at Isabel curiously. He was waiting for her to introduce herself.
Isabel Zarco, she said with a curtsy and cleared the way with a slight step aside.