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“What else then?” Afonso asked.

“It’s not something I can explain. You must see it,” Fernando said. “I am sure you have never seen such charm and perfection as Isabel possesses. I can see by your mocking smile that you don’t believe me. You will have the chance to see for yourself. I have a dance class today. Come to the dance hall, and you’ll see what I mean.”

“Thank you for the invitation,” Afonso said, “but I have a busy schedule today. I still have three lessons: Cosmography, geography, and Latin.”

Afonso paused for a moment and asked, “What time does your dance lesson end?”

“Shortly before the ringing of the bells for Vespers,” Fernando said.

“Oh, great!” Afonso said as he walked toward the door, “I will try to come toward the end of your classes to see what cannot be described in words.”

Although he was tired after his lessons, Afonso headed to the dance hall as promised. As he approached the door, he heard the sounds of a flute and a harp and felt his fatigue begin to disappear. He carefully opened the door and peered inside to see Fernando and Isabel were the only ones in the hall. The musicians were sitting behind the curtain. Isabel stood with her back to the door so Afonso could not see her face. “Of course, her figure was impeccable,” Afonso admitted, looking at her from head to toe. Isabel motioned toward the curtains, and the music stopped.

Afonso liked the smooth, graceful movement of Isabel’s hand. He opened the door wider and heard her melodious voice; that was all it took to make his fatigue disappear.

“Your Highness,” Isabel turned to Fernando. “The sarabande 30 is not a street dance. Although it was created for commoners, it was adapted into a court dance. And many elements of the dance have changed.

“For example,” she explained, “instead of lively jumps, you should make a light low jump and, at the same time, watch your hands. Your hands should always move smoothly and resemble the movements of a conductor conducting to the beat of the music. You and your partner must simultaneously start and end the dance, dancing in circles.

“Also,” she continued, “it would help if you did not stay too close to your partner but not too far. There must be a respectful distance between you.

“And when several couples are dancing at the same time, you will also have to ensure you are in line with everyone in your row. Am I making my thoughts clear, Your Highness?”

“I understood everything, senhorita,” Fernando said. “Just call me Fernando in class.”

“All right, Infante Fernando,” Isabel said. “Then, with your permission, we will repeat the beginning of the dance.”

Having returned to their starting positions, Isabel signaled the musicians to start the music again. Now Afonso could see Isabel from all sides. “Her name is not Isabel; her name is ‘Grace,’” Afonso concluded, silently admiring her gracious movements.

Fernando was more than right. Her perfection was indescribable. It must be seen to be understood.

When the dance was over, Isabel said: “I think, infante Fernando, you did much better this time than last time. Next time, we will work on different movements and try to perfect them. You are learning very quickly. If you continue at the same pace, you will become one of the best dancing cavaliers in the kingdom by the time your brother is crowned.

“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 caravels 31 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.”