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.
This is temporarily being presented in a summary format until further details can be written in.
Rated M for Mature Teens
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RITORNO
Three months have passed since Cesare's escape. In Rome, Vice Chancellor Della Rovere has persuaded Pope Pius to discharge half of the College of Cardinals. Yet shortly afterwards, Pope Pius is found poisoned, and Caterina Sforza persuades the College to employ their Vice Chancellor immediately as reigning pope rather than delay with a vote. After taking refuge until the search for him has ended, Cesare finds John d'Albret. Keeping his promise, King John III entreats Queen Catherine to give Cesare an army to return to Rome and avenge his family. Machiavelli informs them that Caterina Sforza now resides in the Vatican as consul to the Pope, and that the Borgia states have been seized by the papacy. Seeing no benefit in supporting his mission, Queen Catherine enlists Cesare to be Captain of her personal army in a battle in Bologna instead. Lucrezia uses her influence to dominate her household in Ferrara and resist the demands from the changed political powers in Rome. A letter from Da Vinci arrives impels her to make plans to leave for their villa in Spain. Cesare again presses Queen Catherine for military aid. This time, his efforts at persuasion are successful, but she agrees on condition he return victorious from Bologna. Days later, Lucrezia awaits an entire night in the courtyard of the villa. She awakes to Cesare's hand upon her cheek and the siblings are reunited. After visiting the children, Cesare tells Lucrezia of his plans to avenge their father after the battle in Spain and asks her to make one final promise before leaving her. In Rome, Caterina Sforza awaits the announcement of the new pope. In a slow montage – we see Cesare charge into a bloody battle, fighting valiantly. Shrouded behind Caterina, Lucrezia appears, recognizing her. As smoke emerges from the rooftop, the crowd cheers and Della Rovere is named as Pope Julius. Satisfied, Caterina turns to leave and is face to face with Lucrezia, who holds in her hand the Arma Segrata. After the Cardinals welcome him it is revealed that Pope Julius is responsible for Pope Pius' death. In battle, Cesare drives his sword forward as he is plunged through, and galliantly falls. In the assembly in Rome, Caterina meets Lucrezia's glare and her eyes fall to the weapon in her hand.