CHAPTER 2 - PROGENY
INT. LUCREZIA'S BEDROOM. DAY
Sancia and Joffre help Lucrezia onto the lounge, Vanozza and Giovanni follow.
SANCIA
Let me take Giovanni so you can get some rest.
LUCREZIA
Thank you Sancia.
Sancia leaves carrying Giovanni she pulls Joffre along who leaves reluctantly.
Vanozza runs the back of her hand along Lucrezia's forehead and cheek.
VANOZZA
What is this illness that has come over you child?
Lucrezia hesitates
LUCREZIA
I am with child mother.
Vanozza is shocked.
VANOZZA
How long?
LUCREZIA
4 months past
She lies.
Vanozza does the calculations in her head.
VANOZZA
Praise god. The father leaves a lasting memory within you.
She embraces Lucrezia, Lucrezia does not look happy.
VANOZZA (CONT.)
You are very lucky to be given a child to carry on his father's name after he has already passed. He will be a blessed child, guaranteed the watch of his father throughout life.
LUCREZIA
I fear this will just be another child with a dead father.
VANOZZA
You must not see it that way -
Vanozza tries to comfort Lucrezia and is interrupted by a voice calling.
CESARE (O.S.)
Lucrezia?
VANOZZA
In here Cesare.
Cesare walks in he looks disappointed to see Vanozza he wanted Lucrezia alone. He embraces Vanozza and kisses the seated Lucrezia on the forehead.
CESARE
I've come to say goodbye I must leave for Milan soon, and I do not know if I will have the chance to attend you again before I leave.
VANOZZA
I hope you will not be kept from us too long.
CESARE
No I should not be gone more than a month. I have business with the king of France and then in Ferrara.
He looks guiltily at Lucrezia.
CESARE (CONT.)
- and I have been given news.
He hesitates
VANOZZA
What is it?
CESARE
My wife has given birth to a daughter.
Cesare smiles but he is wary of Lucrezia.
VANOZZA
Oh this is wonderful news! Two pieces of wonderful news in one day we are very blessed. Lucrezia -
Lucrezia interrupts her.
LUCREZIA
I am so happy for you, we will have a playmate for Giovanni
Vanozza looks questioningly at Lucrezia wondering why she does not say anything. Lucrezia shakes her head discreetly at Vanozza
CESARE
And what is the second piece of news?
VANOZZA
Oh… that your brother Joffre has returned home of course. He is in the garden with Sancia, you must speak with him before you leave.
CESARE
Baby brother has returned. I will take my leave ladies. I have some hair to ruffle.
Cesare walks off like an excited child
Vanozza turns to Lucrezia
VANOZZA
You don't want your brother to know of your news?
LUCREZIA
No mother, this is his day, I would not wish to overshadow his own joy.
Vanozza kisses Lucrezia on the top of her head and rubs her arms to comfort her. Lucrezia looks distraught.
EXT. BORGIA GARDEN. DAY
Joffre and Sancia are standing outside in the gardens playing with toddler Giovanni. Cesare enters the courtyard and walks towards them.
CESARE
Little brother.
JOFFRE
Cesare.
They embrace. Joffre nods his head in a motion for Cesare to walk with him, as they walk he glances back at Sancia telling her to stay. Sancia continues to play with Giovanni.
CESARE
It has been too long.
JOFFRE
7 years.
CESARE
You were but a boy when I last saw you.
JOFFRE
Yes well 7 years and a woman to call a wife will make you a man.
Cesare nods
JOFFRE
And you drop the cardinals robes and take a wife too?
CESARE
Yes. She has just given me a daughter. Louise
Joffre looks at Sancia playing with toddler Giovanni.
JOFFRE
A child is yet to grace my wife's womb. I'm beginning to think perhaps she is barren. Which is probably for the best.
Joffre's expression darkens.
CESARE
You don't want a child?
JOFFRE
I want a child that is my own.
Cesare understands the implied meaning. He has heard the rumours and his thoughts slip to Juan.
CESARE
We did not see you at our brother's funeral
Joffre stops walking.
JOFFRE
Truth be told, I had little love for our brother, as did much of our family it seems.
Cesare is cautious.
CESARE
Juan would bring shame to our family. His death was bitter sweet.
Joffre smiles at Cesare
JOFFRE
The taste of it is sweet to me.
Joffre continues walking. Cesare follows
JOFFRE
It came to my knowledge that Juan had come to know my wife.
CESARE
Sancia?
Cesare looks back at Sancia.
JOFFRE
Do I have another wife?
He smiles at Cesare playfully and Cesare smiles back
JOFFRE
She told me that she preferred his company to mine. I was but a boy and she needed a man. Had I have been a man I probably would have cut out her adulterous tongue, but as she had established, I was just a boy, pliable in her more capable hands. I was pleased that you got rid of him. Saved me the job.
CESARE
Juan was assassinated by one of our enemies
JOFFRE
Yes of course. Our enemies.
They give each other a look of mutual understanding and continue to walk.
JOFFRE
So tell me more of your wife.
CESARE
Charlotte de Albret? She is beautiful, kind. She will be a good mother to my children.
JOFFRE
And comes with a French army.
CESARE
Yes that too.
JOFFRE
My wife's family in Naples are not happy with such a match. My wife's family is not happy with our match either, and they are certainly not happy about the death of Prince Alphonso.
CESARE
Naples is not a safe place for a Borgia at the moment. They had already schemed to keep Lucrezia hostage, I suspect they would have eventually made you hostage too if given the chance.
Joffre Nods
CESARE (CONT.)
And I would not wish to be there when France comes to visit.
JOFFRE
So it is true. France will try for Naples again?
CESARE
I am not sure of king Louis intent. But I will depart for Milan soon, he wishes to see me, and I'm sure Naples will be the topic of discussion.
JOFFRE
Another one who does not have time for me.
CESARE
I am sorry little brother- you could come with me?
JOFFRE
To Milan?
CESARE
Yes. I have some other stops, but Milan will be my focus.
Joffre looks over at Sancia
JOFFRE
Will it be dangerous?
CESARE
Not likely. Milan is at peace for the time being.
JOFFRE
But the journey might be dangerous?
CESARE
It may be, but do not fear little brother, I will be there to protect you.
Joffre looks at Sancia again.
JOFFRE
Then I will join you.
CESARE
Excellent, I will be glad of the company.
Sancia is playing with the delighted Giovanni. Joffre and Cesare talk in the background.
(Alexander and Catherina in Castel St. Angelo* where he says they can have dinner he instead says 'we shall see how ones behaviour improves in the coming weeks. Perhaps one day we may dine together.')
INT. BORGIA GARDEN. DAY
Sancia and Giovanni play. Lucrezia enters and Sancia goes over to her.
SANCIA
You are feeling better?
LUCREZIA
It comes and passes.
SANCIA
What unusual sickness is this?
LUCREZIA
It is not unusual, I am with child.
Sancia embraces her excitedly
SANCIA
You must forgive me, I have never been with child
Lucrezia looks at her holding Giovanni
LUCREZIA
It is a pity you would make a wonderful mother.
SANCIA
I would love to be a mother. It has been my heart's desire for some years. But it seems Joffre is the only child I will ever have.
LUCREZIA
Your relationship with my brother is sour?
SANCIA
I do love him dearly, but it has its tribulations. I thought that he would grow and mature as our marriage matured, but I have found no matter how he ages, I am always outgrowing him.
LUCREZIA
Having a younger man must have its benefits?
SANCIA
Yes they do have a certain appeal - When you haven't watched them grow before your eyes. But I do have a taste for older men. Wiser, more cultivated more experienced.
She raises her eyebrows suggestively and they both giggle like school girls.
LUCREZIA
I heard a rumour.
SANCIA
You heard a rumour? How unusual.
She is being sardonic
LUCREZIA
That you bedded my brother - Juan.
Sancia focuses on an object that cannot be seen.
SANCIA
God rest his soul.
Sancia looks back at Lucrezia.
SANCIA
Do you hate me for it?
Lucrezia places her hand on top of Sancia's
LUCREZIA
No. not at all. I myself am not one to deny what my heart wants. And I know what Juan was like, What these Borgia men are like. They can be very hard to refuse.
SANCIA
Indeed.
LUCREZIA
It would be nice to have a sister around. To even out the numbers.
Sancia smiles and puts her hand on top of Lucrezia's that is still holding her hand.
They continue to talk and laugh inaudible in the background while playing with Giovanni.
INT. PAPAL QUARTERS. NIGHT
Alexander is in his night clothes. Vanozza is grooming herself. They have recently made love.
VANOZZA
Have you heard the news? We are grandparents again.
ALEXANDER
Yes Cesare. His ties to France are even stronger now.
VANOZZA
Lucrezia is also with child again.
ALEXANDER
Oh?
Alexander is happy and goes to embrace Vanozza then a thought hits him.
ALEXANDER (CONT.)
Oh.
Alexander stops in his tracks. He is now concerned. Vanozza reads his expression.
VANOZZA
The child of Alphonso.
Alexander is relieved.
ALEXANDER
That is marvellous news, I don't know what kind of blemish another bastard would have put on her name.
VANOZZA
Blessed are the children born posthumously
ALEXANDER
Yes, but it will make our situation with Naples even more difficult, and it will mean we have to hold off on our Marriage plans for Lucrezia.
VANOZZA
You plan to marry her already? So soon after the death of her husband
ALEXANDER
The game does not wait - Yet we will have to for this child.
VANOZZA
Then the child has already proven itself a blessing.
Alexander mumbles in agreement.
VANOZZA
And Joffre we are happy to have him home?
ALEXANDER
Yes, yes. It is good to see our youngest again. And his lovely wife.
VANOZZA
Sancia is very beautiful, but it is the one coupling that has not yet born fruit.
ALEXANDER
Yes that marriage has not been as profitable as we hoped -
It is probably better she has no children anyway. If she were to die her lands and titles would pass to Joffre.
VANOZZA
I hope you are not wishing our dear daughter in law ill?
Alexander waves dismissively
ALEXANDER
No, No of course not. But the situation with Naples and France, with Cesare and Lucrezia and Joffre. It is convoluted.
VANOZZA
Cesare will surely follow France into Naples.
ALEXANDER
Yes Cesare. He acts on his own now, we have little influence over our son.
VANOZZA
He pursues his own interests, yet you should still be proud of him. He has had many successful endeavours, and He has proven to be a fine general.
ALEXANDER
Yes. And speaking of which, we must keep watch on the victim of his last successful endeavour.
(Catherina and Adriana in Castel St. Angelo)
INT. MILAN. PALACE. DAY
Generals and advisers are standing by the table looking at a map of Italy.
KING LOUIS (OS)
You would know of your child.
CESARE (OS)
a daughter I heard.
Cesare King Louis, and Joffre enter the room.
KING LOUIS
We cannot all be blessed with sons.
CESARE
We will see what the future holds.
Louis nods in agreement.
KING LOUIS
She is named Louise.
CESARE
A fitting tribute to his grace.
KING LOUIS
Will you see your child? Your wife?
CESARE
I am very busy your grace, and I'm sure you plan to keep me busy.
Louis smiles and then motions to the map.
KING LOUIS
We are planning our campaign to Naples. You know the area well do you not. I believe your brother has lands there.
He motions to Joffre
JOFFRE
I do your grace.
KING LOUIS
And how do you feel about the upcoming reckoning?
JOFFRE
My allegiance is with my brother, and with France.
King Louis nods his approval and turns back to Cesare
KING LOUIS
You used my men wisely with your assault on Forli. Minimal losses. I believe they didn't even know you were coming until you were at the gate.
Cesare looks relaxed.
KING LOUIS (CONT.)
And if we were to approach Naples do you know such a place we could camp so our enemy did not know we were coming.
Cesare examines the map and then Points.
CESARE
Pozzuoli
His fingers run over the location.
It is close to the shore if you need to take to ship. And It has good cover, woodland nearby. It is not a path often travelled from Naples. Your approach could be disguised for a time.
KING LOUIS
This is good we will send word when we wish for you to join us at Pozzuoli
CESARE
And when will that be?
KING LOUIS
We must be patient. We are in discussions with Ferdinand and Isabella
CESARE
I heard talk of involving Spain. Is that necessary? Or wise?
KING LOUIS
We would have the support of Spain in this conquest.
CESARE
We hope this does not come back to bite your grace.
KING LOUIS
Let me handle the politics. You handle the battle.
CESARE
Very well your grace.
Louis seems a little irritated by Cesare's impertinence.
KING LOUIS
You may take your leave.
He waves to dismiss them.
Cesare bows and turns to leave
JOFFRE
We came all this way just for that?
Cesare grabs his brother and pulls him along before Louis gets angry.
INT. MILAN. CORRIDOR . DAY
Cesare and Joffre walk the corridor
CESARE
You cannot very well expect him to send letters discussing his strategy. Anyone could intercept them – you will learn this brother.
JOFFRE
Sorry.
He pouts.
CESARE
Now let's get moving. Love awaits
INT. MILAN. PALACE. DAY
From another corridor a hooded figure can be seen, it enters and removes the hood to reveal Della Rovere.
DELLA ROVERE
you take advice from this … bastard
LOUIS
regardless of his birth he has proven himself a fine general. I would not like to be on his opposing side.
He looks at Della Rovere. Della Rovere is thoughtful.
(Jordan's scene where Alexander asks Adriana about Catherina continues)
(*Lucrezia scene excluded)
A MONTAGE –
Joffre and Cesare in the presence of a young man, shirtless sparring with a manservant, he is well muscled and a skillful fighter. Joffre beams. Cesare shakes his head.
Joffre and Cesare are in the presence of a handsome man, laughing women surround him. Joffre beams, Cesare shakes his head
Joffre and Cesare dine with a large man, food sprays out of his mouth as he laughs. Joffre screws up his face. Cesare rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Joffre and Cesare follow a young handsome man around a garden, he begins reading from a book looking dreamy and touching his heart. Joffre looks questioningly at Cesare. Cesare shakes his head.
EXT. FERRARA. DAY
The city of Ferrara. Amongst the beautiful hills. Two figures on horseback enter
EXT. STREET. DAY
Joffre and Cesare enter and admire the beauty of the city. The sculptures, the art, the music.
JOFFRE
Beautiful.
He is looking at a pretty girl. Cesare looks around.
JOFFRE
Our sister would be happy here.
Cesare nods.
INT. DINING ROOM. DAY
Cesare, Joffre, Alfonso, and several young attractive male attendants dine. The male attendants have their shirts partly open baring their chests. They laugh at Alfonso's every joke and find excuses to touch him, Alfonso watches them with desire. Cesare smiles triumphantly.
ALFONSO
I am intrigued by the opportunity that has presented itself. We have grieved our dear wife Anna for nearly 4 years. It is time to move on. I am told your sister is very beautiful.
CESARE
An illustrious beauty unsurpassed by any other.
ALPHONSO
Beauty must run in the family
Alfonso eyes Joffre and Cesare.
Joffre misses the gesture.
CESARE
Our mother is very beautiful.
ALFONSO
I am also told your sister has a certain - reputation.
Alfonso lifts his eyebrows to his companions. They all chuckle.
CESARE
Reputations are what people say of us. Not what we are.
ALFONSO
Our reputations make our legends.
CESARE
Well, I would not want to think what my legend would tell.
ALFONSO
Nor mine.
They both chuckle in agreement.
ALFONSO (CONT.)
She has an illegitimate child no?
CESARE
She has a child whom she loves dearly.
ALFONSO
It is not the best baggage to bring on the journey of a new marriage.
CESARE
My sister will not be parted with her child.
He is firm.
ALFONSO
We did not suggest such a thing. I love children. My dear Anna never blessed me with a child. I would like to hear the laughter of children in these walls.
CESARE
So the child would be welcome?
ALFONSO
It is early days. I must give my proposal thought. Maybe get my poet to write words of love for me.
He looks to another handsome man at the table. It is Bembo.
ALFONSO
And I believe your sister has a husband to grieve. I will present my terms to his holiness the pope in due course.
Joffre looks to Cesare and nods questioningly. Cesare smiles and nods back.
EXT. ROAD TO ROME. DAY
Joffre and Cesare travel on horseback along a path through the open plains. A small guard follow them. Joffre shifts uncomfortably in his saddle.
JOFFRE
Cesare?
CESARE
Yes brother.
JOFFRE
Don't you want to see your child?
CESARE
I don't have the time Joffre. There is a war to prepare for.
Joffre shifts uncomfortably again.
JOFFRE
Could you not send for her. To come to Rome?
CESARE
My wife has just given birth, she will not be ready to travel.
JOFFRE
But you could send for her. So she could be with you?
CESARE
Rome is not a safe place for them. I would prefer they stay in France where it is safe.
Joffre shifts uncomfortably again.
JOFFRE
If I had a child, I wouldn't want to be away from them.
He says it more to himself than to Cesare. Cesare is deep in thought. Joffre shifts uncomfortably again.
CESARE
What's the matter with you brother? Do you have parasites?
JOFFRE
No. It is my back end. How do you sit atop a horse for so long?
CESARE
It comes with experience.
JOFFRE
I do not think Lucrezia could handle such a journey.
CESARE
Lucrezia will ride in a carriage. As women do.
Joffre lowers his eyes remembering what his wife told him. They are silent for a bit.
JOFFRE
Do you think she would be happy in Ferrara?
CESARE
Perhaps
JOFFRE
There are many handsome men in Alfonso's court. You don't think she will be – tempted?
CESARE
I don't think they will have much interest in her.
Joffre is confused
JOFFRE
Why not?
Cesare is astounded. He shakes his head in disbelief.
CESARE
You really have been sheltered haven't you?
JOFFRE
Why?
He smiles to himself and rides on past Joffre. Joffre slows trying to figure out what Cesare is talking about. He calls after Cesare
JOFFRE
Did I miss something?
(Catherina and Adriana in Castel St. Angelo)
(Adriana and Rufio in Rufio's apartments)