Miguel's Temptation

Toledo, summer 1589.

Miguel Hernández de Montejo is a nobleman aged twenty-three, and he is one of the most sought-after bachelors in the entire kingdom of Castile. Miguel is tall and slender, with a thin, pointed nose and dark hair. His eyes are gray-blue, like the color of the sea in summer. He has a pale complexion that never seems to tan, no matter how much time he spends outdoors.

To the chagrin of many single women, Miguel soon begins a courtship with Beatriz García de Menéndez. She is a young woman of twenty-two, with long, dark hair and wide brown eyes. Her skin is a bit darker than Miguel’s, yet still fair, and her figure is curvaceous. Beatriz has been pursued by many men but she has always refused them all in favor of the man she truly loves: Miguel. 

The sun is setting over the city of Toledo as Beatriz and Miguel sit in a small, secluded garden, watching the birds fluttering between the trees. They have been engaged for six months now and are to be married within a month’s time.

“You are so beautiful,” Miguel says, leaning over to kiss her. “I am the luckiest man in the world.”

“You’re beautiful as well, my love,” she replies, smiling. “I can’t wait to be your wife.”

Miguel is a little nervous about their upcoming wedding night, but he has been assured by his friends that it will be a wonderful experience for both him and his bride.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Beatriz says, “my cousin is arriving from Madrid in two weeks.”

“What’s his name again?”

“Alonso García de Bolaños. He is a most charming man, and I am certain you will agree.”

Two weeks later, Alonso arrives. He is staying at the Alcázar de Toledo, the old castle that has been converted into a palace for the Habsburg kings of Spain.

Beatriz brings Miguel along to welcome Alonso to Toledo.

“My dear Alonso,” she says, “so lovely to see you!”

“Likewise, Beatriz,” Alonso replies. Then he turns to Miguel and says, “And you are certainly none other than Miguel Hernández de Montejo! I caught word of your betrothal with my cousin. I must say, you are every bit as dashing as she described.”

“Thank you, Alonso,” Miguel answers with a flattered smile.

He takes a good look at Alonso. He is tall and slender, with shoulder-length blond hair. His eyes are dark brown and his skin is pale. He is wearing a red doublet over white breeches. Beatriz has previously told Miguel that Alonso is her age—twenty-two, a year younger than Miguel.

Miguel admits to himself that Alonso is quite handsome.

“Beatriz has told me much about you as well,” Miguel continues, “and I cannot wait for our families to become one.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Miguel,” Alonso says with a warm smile. Then the three of them retreat into the palace.