146 - How the Master was released and dined that day with the queen, and concerning the discussion he had with her

Summary

With the Master having arranged to escape on a certain day in the manner that you have heard, Vasco Martins came to him before the day his escape was to take place, and said to him and Gonçalo Vasques, ‘My lord, I bring you good news.’

‘What is it?’ they asked.

To that, he replied, ‘My lady the queen is coming to attend Mass at the cathedral tomorrow morning, and commands you to be released and attend Mass with her.’

They were very joyful at this and said that they were greatly indebted to him. The next day, the queen arrived to attend Mass at the cathedral, and, while she was there, Vasco Martins came with both of them to the place where the queen was. There they kissed her hand and greeted the other great lords present, as well as Count Juan Fernández, who was with them. After Mass was over, Count Juan Fernández took the queen's arm, and the Master that of Princess Beatriz, the queen's daughter, and they proceeded thus to the door of the cathedral. Then the queen climbed into a litter, for she was pregnant at the time, and the count walked beside the litter speaking with her, whilst the Master led the princess's horse.

When they arrived at the palace gates, the Master and Gonçalo Vasques intended to take their leave of her, in order to go to their lodgings; but she told them not to go, but to come and dine with her. The Master was very suspicious of this invitation, thinking that she intended to poison them, and would rather have avoided it at that time, if he could have excused himself. Then they sat down to eat in the queen's chamber, she sitting at her table, and the Master at the head of another table, with Count Juan Fernández next to him, and Gonçalo Vasques on the far side of them. The Master ate fearfully, afraid of what we have just mentioned.

After dinner was over, fruit was brought, and the queen began to speak of the jewels she had, and how much they cost her, boasting about them. The count got up from the table while everyone was still sitting and went over to the couch where the queen was sitting at table.