Columbus informs Bartholomew, notwithstanding the failure of the expedition of Dulmo, that the King is interested by Columbus's proposed Western expedition. Columbus then must explain to Beatrix that the cost of living out his dream will come at the expense of their being together. It is a difficult time for Columbus to have to say such a thing, for Beatrix tells Columbus that she is soon to become a mother which, according to custom, would usually imply wedlock. However, Beatrix reassures him, telling him not too worry for this, for she realizes that the importance of Columbus's mission dwarfs their formal wedding. Beatrix then gives birth to a child, Fernando, that August. Columbus remains convinced about the importance of finding a western route to the Indies by sea, however the King feels differently. A friend of Columbus named Sel with close ties with the Queen then attempts to convince Her Majesty about the importance of the project. Columbus is then received by the Queen who promises to help with his project after the fall of Granada.