“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?”