The opportunity passed, not to be repeated, and the king departed, making his way to Santarém. At this juncture, the wife of the King of Castile, Queen Leonor, passed away and Count Juan Fernández was dispatched on an embassy to Castile, as you have heard. As the ill repute of the Queen of Portugal's relationship with him did not cease, the matter was discussed at very great length by certain lords of the realm, especially by those who were allied to the king, owing to their close association with him and to his elevation of their honour and rank. This they did because they were greatly disturbed at the dishonour to their liege lord which resulted from that relationship.

Among those who were greatly disturbed in this way was, as we have said, Count João Afonso, the queen's brother, since he was a major counsellor of the king, prominent in his Royal Council and a man for whom the king had a very great liking. By contrast, though she was his sister, he enjoyed far less the trust and love of the queen, because she felt that he was ill-disposed towards Count Juan Fernández, owing to the reputation which they both shared.

This brother, the Count of Barcelos, was deeply upset at the king's dishonour and realised that his sister, for as long as Count Juan Fernández remained alive, would not abandon her affair with him. Consequently, he decided once more to take steps to bring about his death, discussing the matter with the Master of Avis, with Dom Pedro Álvares, the Prior of the Hospitallers, and with Gonçalo Vasques de Azevedo.

They all agreed that it would be best if the deed were to be carried out by some man of little account in respect of any potential consequence, as it was preferable that a man of little standing should perish, rather than some honourable man of lofty station. Firstly they spoke about this with Fernando Álvares de Queirós, who was a criado of the king, a man ready for anything and who was accompanied daily by four mounted men. But he uttered many excuses, declaring that in no way would he do anything to displease the queen, especially such an action as this, for which she would certainly feel particular grief.