Secrets & Mysteries of the Sephardim

Secrets & Mysteries of the Sephardim
Roman Ilyasov

The book «Secrets and Mysteries of the Sephardim» focuses on events on the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century. It is based on historical facts about the lives of the Portuguese and Spanish monarchs. These facts are partially or fully opposite to the legends created by the monarchs and political figures of the Holy Roman Empire. It is also based on the archival data of papal bulls found in the Vatican Apostolic library and many other archival sources. This research and Columbus’s writing style questioned Columbus’s Italian origins and revealed his Portuguese-Sephardic origin. It also proves that Columbus’ birthplace was not Italy or Spain but Portugal. Another mystery is where the name Columbus originated. There were many cases in history where people took the surnames of those who influenced their lives significantly. In the opinion of this book’s author, Columbus might have taken the name of a person whose identity he could not reveal because of sensitive circumstances.

Roman Ilyasov

Secrets & Mysteries of the Sephardim

INTRODUCTION

The book “Secrets & Mysteries of the Sephardim”[1 - Sephardic (or Sephardi) Jews, also Sepharadim or Hispanic Jews are a Jewish diaspora population associated with the Iberian Peninsula. The term, derived from the Hebrew Sepharad (lit.?'Spain'), can also refer to the Mizrahi Jews of Western Asia and North Africa, who were also influenced by Sephardic law and customs. Many Iberian Jewish exiles also sought refuge in Mizrahi Jewish communities, resulting in integration with those communities.] focuses on events on the Iberian Peninsula[2 - The Iberian Peninsula (/a??b??ri?n/ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English)), also known as Iberia, is a peninsula (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsula) in southwestern Europe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe), defining the westernmost edge of Eurasia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasia). It is principally divided between Continental Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Portugal) and Peninsular Spain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsular_Spain), comprising most of the region, Andorra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorra), Gibraltar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar), and a small area of Southern France (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_France) (French Cerdagne (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Cerdagne)).] in the 15th century.

It is based on historical facts about the lives of the Portuguese and Spanish monarchs.[3 - A monarch is a head of state (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_of_state)for life (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_tenure) or until abdication (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdication). Therefore, a monarch is the head of state of a monarchy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarchy). A monarch may exercise the highest authority and power in the state (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_state), or others may wield that power on behalf of the monarch. Usually, a monarch either personally inherits (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inheritance) the lawful right to exercise the state's sovereign rights (often referred to as the throne or the crown) or is selected by an established process (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elective_monarchy) from a family or cohort eligible to provide the nation's monarch.] These facts are partially or fully opposite to the legends created by the monarchs and influential political figures of the Holy Roman Empire[4 - The Holy Roman Empire was a political entity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polity) in Western (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europe), Central (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Europe), and Southern Europe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Europe) that developed during the Early Middle Ages (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Middle_Ages) and continued until its dissolution in 1806 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissolution_of_the_Holy_Roman_Empire) during the Napoleonic Wars (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleonic_Wars). From the accession of Otto I (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_I) in 962 until the 12th century, the Empire was the most powerful monarchy in Europe.] of that time.

It is also based on the archival data of papal bulls[5 - A papal bull is a type of public decree, letters patent (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letters_patent), or charter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter) issued by a pope (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope) of the Catholic Church (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church). It is named after the leaden seal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seal_(emblem)) (bulla (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulla_(seal))) traditionally appended to the end to authenticate it.] found in the Vatican Apostolic library and many other archival sources.

And, of course, it is based on the genetic research of Christopher Columbus’ brother and son’s genes. This research and Columbus’s writing style questioned Columbus’s Italian origins and revealed his Portuguese-Sephardic origin. It also proves that Columbus’ birthplace was not Italy or Spain but Portugal. Readers can find a detailed description of the research in the book, “Christopher Columbus was Portuguese!” by Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva.

Another mystery is where the name Columbus originated. There were many cases in history where people took the surnames of those who influenced their lives significantly.

In the opinion of this book’s author, Christopher Columbus might have taken the name of a person whose identity he could not reveal because of sensitive circumstances. But who was this person? And what heroic deed did this person perform that affected him so profoundly?

Along with the great Sephardim, such as Columbus and other prominent Sephardim who glorified the Sephardim throughout the world with their deeds, the first book includes characters from the time of Columbus who dishonored their Sephardic origin with their actions. These people are inhumane and include, among others, Thomas Torquemada.[6 - Tomаs de Torquemada (Oct. 14,1420 – Sept. 16, 1498), also anglicized as Thomas of Torquemada, was a Castilian Dominican (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_Order)friar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friar) and first Grand Inquisitor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Inquisitor) of the Tribunal of the Holy Office (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Inquisition) (otherwise known as the Spanish Inquisition). The Spanish Inquisition was a group of ecclesiastical prelates created in 1478 and charged with the somewhat ill-defined task of “upholding Catholic religious orthodoxy” within the lands of the newly formed union of the crowns of Castile (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_of_Castile) and Aragon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_of_Aragon). The lands of this newly formed royal union are now known as the Kingdom of Spain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain).]

CHAPTER I. Portugal 1444 – 1459

It’s early morning in the palace, and two dozen servants are bustling about in the breakfast room.

The butler, standing at one of the large hall windows, was restlessly wiping the moisture from his pale face. His hand was half-trembling, and he often glanced through the window at the chapel. He motioned to the servants, setting the food on the table to hurry, and irritably made remarks to them when he saw they were not placed neatly.

According to traditions established by Pedro,[7 - InfanteD. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_(honorific))Pedro, Duke of Coimbra (Portuguese pronunciation: [?ped?u] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Portuguese); English: Peter) (Dec. 9, 1392 – May 20, 1449) was a Portuguese (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal)infante (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infante_of_Portugal) (prince) of the House of Aviz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Aviz), son of King (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Portuguese_monarchs)John I of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_I_of_Portugal) and his wife, Philippa of Lancaster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippa_of_Lancaster), daughter of John of Gaunt (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Gaunt). In Portugal, he is better known as Infante D. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_(honorific)) Pedro das Sete Partidas [do Mundo], “of the Seven Parts [of the World]” because of his travels. Possibly the best-traveled prince of his time, he was regent between 1439 and 1448. He was also 1st Lord of Montemor-o-Velho (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montemor-o-Velho), Aveiro (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aveiro,_Portugal), Tent?gal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent%C3%BAgal), Cernache, Pereira, Condeixa (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condeixa) and Lous? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lous%C3%A3).] Duke of Coimbra,[8 - Coimbra is a city and a municipality in Portugal. Coimbra District in the Centro Region, Portugal. It was the capital city (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_city) of the country during the 12th century (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_century).] all members of the royal family, both adults and children, must gather for a family breakfast every Sunday after morning prayers. Because of his busy schedule, Pedro wasn’t able to see his family every day. Therefore, a few hours during breakfast allowed him to meet them and discuss any concerns or problems that arose during the week.

“Thank God, we seem to have time,” the butler sighed with relief. He walked around the table again and ordered the servants to straighten the chairs. Then, he excused everyone and had 10 servants from the adjacent hall enter. These servants were more qualified in serving and were specially trained in court manners. It would be their job to serve the royal family members during the morning meal.

The butler again went to the window, crossed himself, and said, “Thank God,” as he saw members of the royal family leaving the palace chapel. Shortly after that, the door opened widely, and Duke Pedro, his wife, Duchess Isabella of Urgell,[9 - Isabella of Urgell, Duchess of Coimbra (Spanish: Isabel) (March 12, 1409 – Sept. 17, 1459) was a Catalan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalan_people) noblewoman of the Urgell (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counts_of_Urgell) branch of the House of Barcelona (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Barcelona). She was the wife of Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infante_Peter,_Duke_of_Coimbra).] a prince, four infantes[10 - Infante, (masculine), feminine infanta, the title borne from the 13th century by the children of the Spanish and Portuguese monarchs. The title infante was borne by the sons of the sovereign, and the title infanta was given to the daughters and to the wife of an infante.], and three infantas appeared on the threshold.

With a broad smile, the butler approached the incoming monarchs. He bowed and said in a monotonous tone, “I ask your royal highnesses and your lordships to the table.”

The servants, dressed in elegantly starched clothes, immediately approached the carved oak chairs and bowed. Holding on to the high backs of the chairs with one hand and with beautiful movements of the other, they indicated to each family member to take their places according to position and age.

Duke Pedro was the guardian of his nephew, Prince Afonso,[11 - Afonso V (Jan. 15, 1432 – 28 Aug. 28, 1481), known by the nickname (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sobriquet) the African (Portuguese (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_language): o Africano), was King of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_Portugal) from 1438 until he died in 1481, with a brief interruption in 1477. His nickname refers to his military conquests in Northern Africa (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Africa).] who was to become the king of Portugal in a year and a half on his coming of age. Pedro was the second son of the late King of Portugal, Jo?o the Great.[12 - Jo?o the Great (Portuguese (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_language): Jo?o) (April 11, 1357 – 14 Aug. 14, 1433), also called John I or John of Aviz, was King of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Portuguese_monarchs) from 1385 until he died in 1433. He is recognized chiefly for his role in Portugal's victory in a succession war (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1383%E2%80%9385_crisis) with Castile (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_of_Castile), preserving his country's independence and establishing the Aviz (or Joanine) dynasty (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Aviz) on the Portuguese throne. His long reign of 48 years, the most extensive of all Portuguese monarchs, saw the beginning of Portugal's overseas expansion. John's well-remembered reign in his country earned him the epithet of Fond Memory (de Boa Memоria); he was also referred to as “the Good" (o Bom), sometimes "the Great" (o Grande), and, more rarely, especially in Spain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain), as "the Bastard" (Bastardo).] After Jo?o’s death, the throne was inherited by Pedro’s older brother, Edward I.[13 - Edward (Portuguese (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_language): Duarte) (Oct. 31 1391 – Sept. 9 1438), also called Edward the Philosopher King (Duarte o Rei-Filоsofo) or the Eloquent (o Eloquente), was the King of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_Portugal) from 1433 until his death. He was born in Viseu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viseu), the son of John I of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_I_of_Portugal) and his wife, Philippa of Lancaster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippa_of_Lancaster). Edward was the oldest member of the "Illustrious Generation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illustrious_Generation_(Portugal))" of accomplished royal children who contributed to the development of Portuguese civilization during the 15th century. As a cousin of several English kings, he became a Knight of the Garter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Garter).] He ruled Portugal for only five years until he died of the plague at 46.

After Edward’s death, his wife, Queen Eleanor of Aragon,[14 - Eleanor of Aragon (May 2, 1402 – Feb. 19, 1445) was Queen of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Portuguese_royal_consorts) as the spouse of Edward I of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_I_of_Portugal) and the regent of Portugal as the guardian of her son. She was the daughter of Ferdinand I of Aragon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_I_of_Aragon) and Eleanor of Alburquerque (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_of_Alburquerque).] was denied the regency[15 - A regent (from Latin regens ruling, governing) is a person appointed to govern a state pro tempore (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro_tempore) (Latin: “for the time being”) because the monarch is a minor, absent, incapacitated, or unable to discharge the powers and duties of the monarchy, or the throne is vacant, and the new monarch has not yet been determined.] of her minor son, and Pedro temporarily inherited the throne.

He was elected the trustee of the king’s two minor sons, Prince Afonso and infante Fernando.[16 - Infante Ferdinand, Duke of Viseu and Beja (or Fernando, Portuguese pronunciation: [f???n??du] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Portuguese), Nov. 17, 1433 – 18 Sept. 18 1470) was the third son of Edward, King of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward,_King_of_Portugal) and his wife, Eleanor of Aragon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_of_Aragon,_Queen_of_Portugal).] The rules of the Portuguese court say a prince who reached 14 (the age of majority) had the right to rule.

After Duchess Isabella took her place at the table, the duke sat to her right. The seat next to the duke belonged to 12-year-old Prince Afonso. Afonso’s brother, 11-year-old Infante Fernando, sat next to him. The duke and duchess’s children held the following places: infantes Pedro,[17 - Pedro of Coimbra (also known as Peter the Constable) (Portuguese (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_language): Pedro, pronounced [?ped?u] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Portuguese); c. 1429 – Granollers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granollers), June 30, 1466), sometimes known as Peter V of Aragon, was the son of Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infante_Peter,_Duke_of_Coimbra), who became the fifth Constable of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constable_of_Portugal) and third Grand Master (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Master_(order)) of the Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Saint_Benedict_of_Aviz).] Jo?o,[18 - Jo?o or John, Prince of Antioch (1431–1457), was the second son of Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infante_Peter,_Duke_of_Coimbra), and Isabella of Urgell, Duchess of Coimbra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_of_Urgell,_Duchess_of_Coimbra).] James[19 - James of Portugal (Sept. 17, 1433 – 27 Aug. 27 1459), also known as James of Coimbra, James of Lusitania, was a Portuguese (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal)infante (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infante) (prince) of the House of Aviz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Aviz) and a bishop (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop) and cardinal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_(Catholicism)) of the Roman Catholic Church.] and infantas Isabella,[20 - Infanta Isabel of Coimbra (Isabella of Portugal) (March 1, 1432 – Dec. 2. 1455) was a Portuguese infanta (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infanta) and Queen of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_consort_of_Portugal) as the first spouse of King Afonso V of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afonso_V_of_Portugal).] Beatrice,[21 - Infanta Beatrice of Coimbra (1435–1462) was the fifth child of Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infante_Peter,_Duke_of_Coimbra), and Isabella of Urgell (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_of_Urgell,_Duchess_of_Coimbra).] and Philippa.[22 - Infanta Philippa of Coimbra (1437–1497) was the youngest child of Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infante_Peter,_Duke_of_Coimbra), and Isabella of Urgell (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_of_Aragon,_Countess_of_Urgell). She became a nun in the Convent of Odivelas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odivelas), where she died in 1497.]

After everyone took his or her seat, the duke told the butler, who looked sickly, to leave. Then, he announced: “Now let’s praise God for all that he has given us.” Pointing to the decorations on the table, he uttered a short prayer: “Bless us, O Lord, for these, Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, and grant that all people have their daily bread. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

The servants approached the tables and began serving the meal. The duchess, who never had much to eat, finished her breakfast first. She turned to Afonso with a smile and said, “I asked your teachers how you were doing in your classes. All your teachers praised you highly, your highness. They enthusiastically said you were ahead of your planned training program, and you might finish your studies ahead of your coronation date.”

“Wonderful!” the duke exclaimed. He raised his glass to toast the prince. “All your efforts in your studies, my dear nephew, will bring you great success and be beneficial to our country.”

Turning to the duchess, he continued, “I thank you, my dear, for your curiosity about the prince’s academic progress, which pleases me excessively. It also reassures me since I have been very concerned about my dear nephew’s ability to rule such a complex state as our Portugal. But now I am relieved. I will soon be able to transfer the kingdom to a successful person who can cope with his duties. He will quickly become as great as my beloved brother, Edward, was.”

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart, uncle, for your kind words,” Afonso said politely, wiping his lips with a napkin. However, I still do not feel ready for such duties. I still do not know much and fear I cannot properly manage the country.”

Afonso continued, “I would like to ask you to delay this event until I feel I am ready.”

The duke, shaking his head empathetically, answered: “I perfectly understand, Afonso, but, unfortunately, what you ask is impossible. You have no idea what can happen when people discover that the coronation will be postponed. Many will immediately slander me. They will say I do not want to transfer power to the legitimate heir.

“You are well aware of what happened recently after my brother’s death. Queen Eleanor, your mother, who had received the right of regency, tried to become absolute rule over Portugal. She planned to make our country dependent on Aragon,[23 - Aragon is an autonomous community (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_communities_of_Spain) in Spain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain), coextensive with the medieval Kingdom of Aragon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Aragon). In northeastern Spain, the Aragonese autonomous community comprises three provinces (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_Spain) (from north to south): Huesca (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_Huesca), Zaragoza (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_Zaragoza), and Teruel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_Teruel). Its capital is Zaragoza (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaragoza). The current Statute of Autonomy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statute_of_Autonomy) declares Aragon a historical nationality (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationalities_and_regions_of_Spain) of Spain.] where she was from. She dreamed of making our independent, freedom-loving homeland a vassal state and annexing Portugal to Aragon. If the Cortes[24 - In the Medieval (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval)Kingdom of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Portugal), the Cortes was an assembly of representatives of the estates of the realm (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estates_of_the_realm) – the nobility (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobility), clergy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clergy), and bourgeoisie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourgeoisie). It was called and dismissed by the King of Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_Portugal) at will, at a place of his choosing. The Cortes, which brought all three estates together, is sometimes distinguished as Cortes-Gerais (General Courts), in contrast to smaller assemblies which brought only one or two estates to negotiate a specific point relevant only to them.] did not intervene promptly and create a legislative document defining a fair regency, the unrest could have developed into a civil war. I hope you understand what I mean, dear prince, and I am sure you’ll agree that any questionable political decision could lead to significant destructive consequences.

“I beg you, Afonso, do not ask me that again. I assure you that you should not worry. Believe me. I will help you until you feel comfortable being a strong ruler.”

Noticing Afonso looked like he was about to protest, Pedro deftly changed the subject by turning to the duchess. “Dear Isabella, did you only inquire about the academic progress of my oldest nephew or both?”

Isabella replied: “Of course, I also inquired about infante Fernando’s progress. All his teachers except one assured me that Fernando is just as successful in his studies as Afonso.”

“You said, ‘except one,’” the duke asked with a slight frown.

“That’s right. His dance teacher.”

“What’s wrong?” asked the duke with surprise.

Fernando shrugged. Isabella continued, “His teacher said Fernando does not work very hard, especially when paired with a partner.”

“In pair dances?” asked the duke.

The duchess nodded. She planned to continue speaking when infante James unexpectedly broke into the conversation.

“Mother,” he said, “hard work has nothing to do with it. Fernando is just clumsy. Many of the senhoritas with whom Fernando danced told me. They all complained that the infante had stepped on their toes.”

“Clumsy? It can’t be!” the duke retorted. “I have often watched with delight how well Fernando skillfully wields a wooden sword in combat lessons. There he has no equal among his peers. Isn’t it true, Fernando?” The duke turned to the infante.

“Right,” answered Fernando proudly.

“So what is this report of alleged clumsiness in dancing?” the duke asked.

“I …, I …,” Fernando stumbled over his words.

Eight-year-old Phillipa exclaimed: “I know what it is! Fernando’s dance partners make him feel sick when he dances with them. So he deliberately steps on their feet. That way, he doesn’t have to dance with them.”

“Philippa!” exclaimed the duchess. “Why are you making up such a ridiculous story?”

“I’m not making anything up,” infanta Philippa said. “Fernando told me this in confidence. He also said it didn’t matter if you chose partners for him from the families of barons, counts, marquises, and other nobility. Just because they are noble doesn’t mean they are attractive. Tell them, Fernando. Fernando lowered his head and said: “I know now that I can’t share secrets with you, cousin, and I can’t trust your word.”

Philippa let out a guilty cry and covered her lips with the palm of her hand. “I forgot I gave you my word! Forgive me, please, Fernando,” Philippa sobbed.