Chapter Eight

"The food was delicious, Your Holiness," Anne replied softly as she and Rodrigo Borgia walked down the hallway. "I especially loved the almond cakes. They are exquisite. I used to think that cinnamon tarts were delicious, but you have proved me wrong."

Rodrigo chuckled. "Then you shall have all the almond cakes you want, my dear. I shall have a box sent to you every day."

Anne smiled. Rodrigo reminded her strongly of her father, Thomas. But he gave you up, a small voice at the back of her mind said. He went away from the Tower and never looked back.

Anne pushed the thought away and smiled again. "Your Holiness is too kind. What have I done to deserve such kindness?"

"We have heard of your misfortune in England," Rodrigo began, and Anne fought to maintain a passive expression on her face. "And we wish that you have a chance at a new life...a better life."

"Your Holiness gives me more than I deserve," Anne whispered, her eyes dropping to the floor. The two stopped, and Anne raised the holy hand to her lips and kissed it. "I will forever be in your debt."

"No more tears, my dear," Rodrigo said soothingly. "Your new life has no room for such trivial matters. Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Anne Boleyn."

Anne dipped into a curtsy. "Thank you for having me, Your Holiness."

Rodrigo nodded and watched as Anne made her way down the hallway, finally disappearing beyond the archway.

"Is it true?"

Rodrigo turned to find his son, Cesare, standing a few feet from him. "What is?"

"That you plan to have Juan marry Anne?" Cesare walked slowly towards him, his hands clasped behind his back. "I thought you were looking for more...suitable brides. Anne Boleyn has no family wealth and no connections, only the fact that she was once a Queen of England."

"Indeed." Rodrigo turned on his heel and walked back to his chambers, Cesare keeping a respectful distance from him. "But you must admit, while Anne may not have the connections we wish her to have, your sister's marriage and Joffre's imminent marriage to Sancia of Naples would be more than enough."

"It will never be enough to defeat Charles," Cesare insisted. "Unless..."

Rodrigo paused, looking at his oldest son over his shoulder. Cesare was silent, thinking. Rodrigo knew Cesare would learn the intricacies of his plan soon; he certainly had an analytical mind for such matters.

"You wish to use Anne to convince the king to call off the attack," Cesare finally said.

Anne had spent time in the French court during her youth, and was reported to have grown close with the queen – and essentially, the king. While Cesare did not like the idea of having Anne marry his brother and using her as a pawn in their schemes, he could not help but marvel at his father's ideas.

"Yes," Rodrigo admitted, evidently pleased that Cesare had caught on quickly. "Would that not be a better way to solve our problems with Charles?"