Season 4 Episode 5: Web of Betrayal

by Moth To A Flame 86

Micheletto returns and aids Cesare in foiling the plot of his condottieri of second sons. To tip the scale in the family's favor, Alexander persuades Pedro Borgia to become a cardinal and monitor the conspiracy in the Vatican. Lucrezia tries to disguise her condition while seeking to entice Alfonso D'Este.

Disclaimer: The following is a fictional writing depicting my imagination of the events that could occur if there was a Season 4 continuation of "The Borgias". I own no rights to any of the characters, and the historical aspects of the story have been enhanced or tweaked using creative license to make for an enjoyable story.

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Rated M for Mature Teens

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WEB OF BETRAYAL

Micheletto warns Cesare of his condottieri's conspiracy with Rufio to betray him and reveals details of their plan. Cesare welcomes him back into his service, but Micheletto insists on his conditions – after aiding Cesare in his next conquest, he wishes to die as atonement for his past betrayal. Alexander discusses the next conquest of Bologna with Cesare and inquires about the situation afoot between Rufio and Cardinal Sforza. Cesare tells Alexander he believes Ascanio was telling the truth about Rufio but insists there is more to the plot. With Ascanio under speculation, Alexander seeks to increase the family's allies in the College of Cardinals by persuading Pedro to become a Cardinal. Secure with the situation in the Vatican, Cesare departs for Bologna with Da Vinci's arms and Micheletto hidden amongst his army. Alfonso D'Este courts Lucrezia, while she tries to hide signs of sickness. D'Este notices but remains fascinated by Lucrezia's portrait and asks to meet Da Vinci. They share their interests in art. Later on in private, Lucrezia swoons and Vanozza aids her, then questions her about her condition. Just before Cesare and the army reach Bologna, he gives private orders to Rufio that he plans to secretly depart from the armies on a mission to Imola. Seizing the opportunity, Rufio tells the condottieri of second sons about the change of plans and they slip out of the encampment to stage the assassination. In the morning, Cesare & Rufio ride for Imola. Yet at the moment Rufio has planned for their attack, soldiers from Cordoba's infantry arrive and Cesare uncovers their betrayal. To Rufio's surprise he is arrested and brought to the Spanish prison, where the rest of the conspiring condottieri are already captured. The condottieri are then executed, and Rufio is freed to be questioned by Cesare. After torture at Cesare's hand, he finally admits Della Rovere as the last accomplice and Cesare appears to set him free, only to have him killed by Micheletto.