Chereads / Reborn in History: The Legacy of Alfonso VII (English) / Chapter 14 - Chapter 14: Sancha's Birthday

Chapter 14 - Chapter 14: Sancha's Birthday

Urraca closed the last of the heavy volumes she had been reviewing in her office. After hours of concentration, she had finally finished with the tedious papers that required her attention. With a sigh of relief, she rose from her desk and stretched her arms, feeling the slight crackle in her joints.

She turned to her faithful servant, who was waiting silently near the door.

Urraca: "Maria, please tell the cooks to prepare the meal. Everything should be ready in 20 minutes."

Maria nodded promptly and left the room to fulfill her lady's instructions.

Meanwhile, Urraca left her office, leaving behind the piles of papers that now rested neatly on her desk. She made her way through the castle corridors, her mind already set on the next task: waking her daughter Sancha.

Arriving at Sancha's door, she gently knocked before entering. She found Sancha still asleep, a peaceful expression on her face as she lay under the warm blankets.

Urraca approached delicately and gently placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, shaking her slightly.

Urraca: "Sancha, dear, it's time to wake up. The meal will be ready in 20 minutes."

Sancha, still groggy, stirred under the blankets at her mother's gentle shake.

Sancha: "Mom, is it time already?"

Urraca nodded with an encouraging smile as Sancha rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the sleep that still embraced her.

Urraca: "Yes, dear, the day is in full swing."

With a resigned sigh, Sancha slowly sat up, stretching her arms towards the ceiling before letting herself fall back onto the bed for just a moment longer.

Sancha: "Just a moment, Mom. Let me lie down a little longer, and I'll be ready in a jiffy."

After a brief moment of maternal complicity, Urraca watched her daughter fondly before responding with a gentle yet firm smile:

Urraca: "Alright, dear. You have exactly 20 minutes."

With these words, Urraca left Sancha to get ready, knowing her daughter would comply with the set time.

As she made her way towards Alfonso's room, she stopped short upon seeing a maid exiting Alfonso's chamber. With a hurried gesture, the maid attempted to pass unnoticed, but Urraca intercepted her with a direct question:

Urraca: "Have you changed the diaper already?"

The maid turned to Urraca, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes before she responded with a quick nod:

Maid: "Yes, my lady! I've just changed the cloth."

Satisfied with the response, Urraca nodded and allowed the maid to continue with her duties.

Urraca entered Alfonso's room, where the soft murmur of her baby filled the air. With gentle steps, she approached the crib and carefully lifted the little one, who greeted her with a happy babble.

With maternal skill, she cradled him in her arms and brought him to her chest to breastfeed.

After a few precious moments of intimacy, she gently placed him back in the crib, making sure he was comfortable and safe before withdrawing.

With a final glance at her sleeping son, she left the room.

Urraca returned to the hallway, heading once again towards Sancha's room. With a light step, she stopped in front of the door and called softly.

Urraca: "Sancha, dear, are you ready?"

From inside the room, Sancha's voice responded with enthusiasm, though slightly rushed.

Sancha: "Yes, Mom! Just 30 more seconds!"

Urraca smiled at her daughter's response and waited patiently outside.

A few moments later, the door opened, and Sancha emerged ready for the day, with a radiant smile illuminating her face.

Sancha: "Here I am, ready for the day, Mom!"

Urraca nodded, and together they made their way to the dining room.

Urraca and Sancha arrived at the dining room, heading towards the table and taking their seats.

Urraca noticed the bell on the table and took it in her hand, prepared to announce their arrival, she rang the bell gently, making its soft tinkling resonate throughout the dining room.

Miguel, the kitchen assistant, entered briskly, carrying with him the silverware and the deep plates. On his arm, he carried two small towels and two gleaming ceramic glasses.

Miguel elegantly arranged the silverware to the right and the glasses in front of Urraca and Sancha, ensuring they were impeccably arranged. Then, with a kind gesture, he placed the deep plates in front, ready to be filled with the delicious food the cooks were preparing.

With a respectful bow, Miguel discreetly withdrew, leaving Urraca and Sancha ready to enjoy their family breakfast.

Diego, the castle's head chef, entered the dining room with a steaming pot of wild boar stew with vegetables, releasing a delicious aroma that filled the room. Carefully, he placed the pot in the center of the table, making sure it was within everyone's reach.

Then, with a serving utensil, Diego began to fill Urraca and Sancha's plates with generous portions of the savory stew. With skill and dexterity, he distributed the delicacy evenly, ensuring that each plate was served with the same care and attention.

Once all the plates were served, Diego took the pot and left the dining room, leaving Urraca and Sancha to enjoy their meal in peace and harmony.

Carlos, the kitchen helper, entered the dining room with elegance, carrying a plate with a freshly cut loaf of bread. Carefully, he placed the bread in the center of the table, complementing perfectly the wild boar stew and vegetables that were already there.

Additionally, he carried an extra small plate, intended to taste the food before the guests ate it. This gesture, though uncommon, was a standard precaution to ensure the guests' safety, making sure the food was free from any harmful substances.

With meticulous attention, Carlos took a small portion of the stew with a clean spoon and tasted it carefully, evaluating its flavor and quality. Satisfied with the results, he nodded in approval.

After ensuring everything was in order, Carlos discreetly withdrew from the dining room, leaving the diners to enjoy their meal in peace and security.

After Urraca and Sancha had enjoyed the delicious stew, Miguel entered the dining room to collect the used plates and silverware with his usual efficiency and discretion. He carefully removed the empty plates and used silverware from the table, leaving it clean and tidy.

At that moment, Javier, the kitchen assistant, entered the scene with a tray loaded with new silverware and flat plates. He placed each item with precision and care, ensuring everything was arranged impeccably for the next course.

With a courteous gesture, Javier withdrew from the dining room, leaving Urraca and Sancha ready to continue their meal with new silverware and clean plates.

Carlos entered the dining room with a large tray holding juicy roasted ribs. He placed the tray in the center of the table and, skillfully, began to cut the ribs into smaller portions, ensuring they were ready to be served.

Once all the portions were arranged on the tray, Carlos stepped back slightly, allowing Urraca and Sancha to serve themselves as they pleased. With a kind smile, he indicated that they could take the portions they desired and place them on their own plates.

With this invitation, Urraca and Sancha could enjoy the delicious roasted ribs at their own pace, taking the portions they wished and savoring each bite with pleasure. Carlos remained nearby, ready to attend to any other needs they might have during their meal.

Diego returned to the dining room with an exquisite honey and walnut tart, a delight for the palate. Carefully, he cut the tart into eight generous portions and arranged them elegantly on the table, ensuring that each piece was perfectly placed and ready to be enjoyed.

The sweet and tempting aroma of the tart filled the air as Diego completed his task. Once all the portions were ready, he withdrew with a smile, leaving Urraca and Sancha to enjoy the final sweet touch of their meal with delight and satisfaction.