Chp 2

Leonardo sat on the roof top, deep in his thoughts when Alessandro and Antonio arrived. "It's past your bed time, Your Grace", said Alessandro. Here, he is Lord Leonardo Henry Borgia, son to the general of the papal army Juan Borgia and Princess Mary Tudor of England. In England, he is Prince Leonardo Henry Borgia, the first grandson to King Henry VIII and often addressed as either 'Your Grace' or 'Your Highness' at court, Rome or England.

"We are in deep trouble", said Leonardo, "Their marriages are sinking rock bottom and my grandfather in England would be furious if he ever finds out". "Who wouldn't? Your mother is his pearl, his precious jewel. The problem is, how to tell your mother, my mother and his father about what we discovered without getting caught red-handed?", said Alessandro. Leonardo shrugged. They were young boys. Would anyone listen to them here? Of course if they tell, no one would believe. Leonardo knew this is not England. There, everyone listened to him because he was the king's grandson.

"We're far too young to travel on our own. It's not safe", said Antonio. The trio sat and thought for more ideas. "How about your grandfather, Lord Antonio?", asked Leonardo. "He's not due back in a couple more weeks. Writing a letter is out of the question. Micheletto", said Alessandro. "Can we trust Lorenzo?", asked Leonardo. "He's with grandfather", said Antonio. Leonardo gave himself a face palm.

"I fear for what will happen in the future. You two are like my brothers and I don't want any of us to be separated", said Leonardo. "We may be separated in life, Your Grace, but we are brothers, bond in this relationship for as long as we live till the next life", said Antonio. "I hate to break this up, but I think we should go to bed before we get caught", said Alessandro. The boys went back to their rooms respectively.

A few weeks later, Leonardo woke up the next morning a little too early. Sun was about to rise from the horizon and he took the opportunity to enjoy the view. He thought of his mother. What will happen if she found out about his father's late night activity? Should he tell her? Should he write to King Henry? No, it will cause uproar and the possibility of a war. His grandfather is no longer in his prime years and will retire soon with his uncle, Prince Edward as his heir.

Then, Lorenzo came in, as if he knew when the young prince will wake up. "Your Grace, shall we prepare for your day today?", the old servant asked. "Lorenzo, be honest with me…", said Leonardo, tone full of authority, "You do know my father's late night activity, don't you?". Lorenzo bowed his head down and said, "Yes, sire".

"Why didn't you say a word of it to me? Why must I find out on my own?", asked Leonardo. "Your Grace, you must know, I did it to protect you. You haven't seen the darkest part of your father and what you see is only a little bit of it", answered Lorenzo. "What of Uncle Cesare? Don't tell me Aunt Lucrezia is just as same as her brothers", said Leonardo. When Lorenzo bowed his head down in shame, Leonardo knew the answers he seeks. "Alessandro knew his father had turned his back on his mother, but he had no idea who is he with. I want you to find out on all three Borgia siblings with discreet. Your loyalty is important to the House of De Luca and I don't want them to lose someone as loyal as you. Honour and Loyalty – their motto is as important as their pride and I assumed yours as well. They don't have much connection, but the Borgia House and you. I beg you, Lorenzo, for their sakes", said Leonardo. "I will do as you bid, Your Grace. Should anything happen, I will carry our secret to the grave. You have no need to worry. The Borgia House is not only their connection", said Lorenzo, "Now, onto our daily plan. Should it happen to be a sunny day, I would assume Young Masters Antonio and Alessandro would love to ride. Shall you join them, Your Grace?". "As I have as always", said Leonardo. "Very good, Your Grace", said Lorenzo as he began to help Leonardo prepare for his day before Alessandro and Antonio wake up.