Season 4 Episode 3: Blood Inheritance

by Moth To A Flame 86

France retracts its support of the Borgia empire, forcing Cesare to return to Rome to enlist his own Italian army. Resenting his aspirations, the condottieri begin the task of recruitment, meanwhile conspiring against him. Alexander continues to pursue the events of the Vatican, and Cardinal Sforza implies Rufio in the proceedings. Lucrezia and Cesare reach a reconciliation.

1. Chapter 1

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

Thank you for reading!

BLOOD INHERITANCE

Despite the victory in Marche, the French allies decide to recall their armed forces from Cesare's grasp, citing the broken alliance as their excuse to end support of the Borgia Empire. Determined to still take Naples, Cesare returns to Rome to replenish his forces, with Lucrezia and Louise in tow. En route, Da Vinci intimates to Cesare that despite the appearance of drowning, Charlotte died of poison. The condottiere are commissioned to enlist additional forces to build an Italian army, yet during their recruit they also begin a secret plot of betrayal – first by seeking out Rufio's inside advantage. Unaware of Rufio's dealings with Cardinal Sforza and Della Rovere, they reach a profitable agreement. In Rome, Alexander is both relieved to see Cesare return victorious, and angered by the loss of France's support. Cesare assures him he will build forces from the support of the Italian states, yet Alexander continues to stress over the events in the Vatican. Informing Cesare of the replacement of Cardinal Antonelli with Todeschini, and imprisonment of Cardinal Adriano, he has him investigate further and Cesare has his own audience with Cardinal Sforza. Sforza divulges nothing, but tips Cesare off about Rufio, implying he is not to be trusted. In secret, Todeschini notifies Della Rovere about the Borgia's loss of French allies and they discuss their next play. Lucrezia cares for Louise and visits Giovanni at Vanozza's home. She contemplates wedding the suitor from Ferrara she met in France, whose inheritance could protect the family and help replenish the treasury and arms. Cesare seeks answers from Rufio, who in turn accuses Cardinal Sforza. Uncertain on whom to trust, Cesare faces a critical decision and confers with Alexander on their next steps, but before he can act, Alexander admonishes him to visit his family. Cesare goes to Vanozza and while there, shares a tender moment with Louise and Giovanni, reflecting on their similarity to himself and Lucrezia and how much they have changed over time. After witnessing her brother's emotional expression, Lucrezia is anguished and confesses to Charlotte's murder. Pent by guilt in failing to cleanse her sins and already knowing the truth, Cesare tearfully forgives her.