After the Count of Barcelos and the Master had finished dinner, which we mentioned in the chapter before last, they were visited by Count Álvaro Pérez de Castro, Rui Pereira and other honourable noblemen. The Master conversed with the two counts and stated that he recognised that he had caused the queen huge displeasure by killing Count Juan Fernández in her palace and that it seemed to him to be appropriate, subject to their agreement, that he should go and seek her pardon. Once they had agreed that it was indeed appropriate, they all rode through the city and headed for the queen's palace.

The queen was in her chamber and dressed in mourning, as was her custom. They passed through the doorway and bowed before her. The queen rose to receive them. When the two counts entered, the Master's men also made their way in and stood there, fully armed. When she saw them enter in this way, the queen complained when she addressed them, ‘Holy Mary, help me! Just what is the meaning of this discourtesy? Is this the way to enter my chamber? What do you want? Are we all to meet together in council?’ They fell silent and quietly stood there without saying a word. On seeing this, she said, ‘Proceed, then! Since this is God's wish, you’re welcome.’ She resumed her seat on the dais and bade the counts sit down. The Master then sat down, and the two counts each took their seats on opposite sides. Once they were seated, Count Álvaro Pérez addressed the Master as follows: ‘My lord, tell the queen your purpose in coming here. Afterwards we shall discuss other matters.’ Then the Master and the counts rose and knelt before the queen, and the Master began the following speech:

‘My lady, he who does not err has no need to beg for pardon. But I have erred against you, and it is right that I should seek your pardon, even though God is aware that my intention was not to err against you, nor to cause you distress or offence. But events disposed themselves in such a way that what I did needed to be done in your palace.