Scene III: The Road to Rome.
Lucrezia and Louise are secured in a carriage while Cesare is mounted upon a horse leading the entourage. Da Vinci approaches the party, but before entering the carriage to ride with Lucrezia, briefly comes over to Cesare's side.
CESARE BORGIA
Senor Da Vinci, it is with great honor we welcome your presence with us on our journey to Rome. My sister is very much bemused by your skill. It cheers her to know you are joining us.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
It is a pleasure to be in your services, Lord Borgia. Might I express my condolences on your loss, my Lord? How fleeting and unfortunate it is to lose one's companion.
CESARE BORGIA
My thanks, Senor Da Vinci. It was a most unfortunate accident.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
(Puzzled)
An accident, my Lord?
CESARE BORGIA
Yes, her ladyship stumbled before falling into the fountain.
Regrettably, she could not swim.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
Ah I see… (Nearing closer to Cesare's side) Perhaps I am just a folly old man and I beg your forgiveness should you think me a fool, but you see I was present when they prepared the Lady Charlotte... And there was no water found in the lady's lungs, my Lord.
CESARE BORGIA
What are you saying, Senor?
LEONARDO DA VINCI
(Hesitant)
Well you see, my Lord, the Lady could not have drowned without water filling her lungs, it's what happens when the body cannot get air. Therefore… and in no way do I mean to cause you additional pain, my Lord?
CESARE BORGIA
Tell me.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
Her highness was dead before she entered the water. By the inflation of her mouth and the amount of blood in the fountain… it would appear she was poisoned, my Lord.
CESARE BORGIA
I was there, I saw the blood. They told me she would have hit her head on the concrete in the fountain?
LEONARDO DA VINCI
I'm afraid there was no such open wound on her head, my Lord. She sustained only slight bruising.
CESARE BORGIA
You are telling me that Lady Charlotte D'Albret was murdered, Senor?
LEONARDO DA VINCI
I do apologize my Lord… I thought you knew.
(Cesare looks off towards the French palace, seemingly coming to an understanding of the broken alliance and France's retraction of military support. Clenching his jaw, he returns his gaze to Da Vinci.)
CESARE BORGIA
Senor, I must ask you to keep this information of the utmost confidence.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
I should agree, my Lord. I entrust the matter in your hands as your humble servant, sir.
CESARE BORGIA
Your discretion is appreciated, Senor Da Vinci.
(Da Vinci leaves Cesare's side and enters the carriage. We see a glimpse of Lucrezia, sitting across from him through the window of the carriage, mainly her hands folded across her lap. Cesare looks over pensively at her, clearly thinking something, then steadies his horse and rides off to lead the troop away.)
