The Borgias Season 4 (If I were to co-write it)

by deni269

A screenplay based on Neil Jordan's screenplay 'The Borgias Apocalypse'. Alphonso has passed and Lucrezia and Cesare now find themselves bound in an even bigger mess. Cesare plans a campaign to Naples which sends his little brother home to Rome for safety. How can Sancia help Lucrezia with her new dilemma? *contains SPOILERS for Neil Jordan's 'The Borgias: Apocalypse'*

3. Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3 PROVERBS 27:6

INT. PAPAL BARRACKS. DAY

Rufio and Micheletto are training with their swords.

They parry and riposte. They advance and retreat. And it continues. They are equally good fighters and every time Micheletto advances and attacks Rufio skilfully avoids it and vice versa.

RUFIO

I see why you are legend

They continue

MICHELETTO

You are not so bad yourself

RUFIO

That is a great compliment coming from a legend

They continue

MICHELETTO

I do not give out compliments often

RUFIO

I do have one advantage over you though

They continue

MICHELETTO

What is that

RUFIO

Youth.

Rufio lunges and catches Micheletto behind the foot, he goes down and Rufio straddles him. His dagger at his throat. Micheletto's dagger is at his. Rufio looks down lustily at Micheletto. He looks as if he is about to kiss him when Cesare and Joffre enter. Rufio quickly jumps off Micheletto and faces Cesare.

CESARE

I see you two are getting along.

Micheletto gets up, dusts himself off and approaches Cesare.

RUFIO

Swimmingly

MICHELETTO

How was your trip?

CESARE

It was – promising.

Cesare turns to Joffre.

CESARE (CONT.)

I wish to take Joffre around tonight. Show him some of Rome's delights. Gather my Condiottore. Tonight is your night off.

INT. BROTHEL. NIGHT

They are in a brothel for the more wealthy citizens of Rome lavishly decorated filled with sexual sculptures and tapestries. There are fresh red roses in every vase and urn. Joffre is off to the side enjoying the company of some half-dressed courtesans. The others sit at a table. The Orsini brothers, Vitelli and Baglioni are also enjoying the courtesans. Cesare, Micheletto and Rufio are not participating although Rufio's eyes linger on one of the courtesans and Micheletto watches him suspiciously.

RUFIO

Your brother is like a child in a toy market.

CESARE

I don't think he has ever seen so many breasts at once.

Joffre is groping the breasts of two courtesans at once.

RUFIO

Perhaps he was taken from his wet-nurse too early.

CESARE

Perhaps he was given to his wife too early.

Joffre excitedly grabs the behind of a passing courtesan. She holds the arm of a large burly looking man. The man grabs Joffre and lifts him to his feet. He throws him so he falls on the ground.

MAN

Get up and fight me like a man.

Joffre stays on the ground and looks over to Cesare and his men for help.

The man lifts Joffre and forces him back against a wall. Joffre and the man begin to wrestle. The man gets a hold of Joffre and slaps him. Joffre is struggling out of his grip.

The Condiottore look to Cesare.

Cesare raises his eyebrows amused and then gets up to stop them.

He grabs the man off Joffre, the man then takes a swing that Cesare skillfully ducks. The man takes another swing, Cesare avoids it ducking under and behind he grabs his neck from behind and slams his head down on a nearby table. The man falls unconscious to the floor and some courtesans come running to his aid.

Cesare turns back to Joffre who is busy with his face in the bosom of another courtesan.

EXT. STREETS OF ROME. NIGHT

Micheletto walks out of the brothel and stands by the door he looks through the streets. Some drunkards stumble around the front, another man is tending to a horse. A group of well dressed women escorted by a man give Micheletto a filthy look as they pass.

Rufio exits and stands beside him. Micheletto starts walking away, Rufio follows.

MICHELETTO

You do not wish to stay?

RUFIO

No, there is little of interest to me in there.

Micheletto looks back on him. He allows him to catch up.

MICHELETTO

How well did you know Pascal?

He swallows at the name. Keeping in his emotion.

Rufio seizes the opportunity.

RUFIO

I knew him quite well.

MICHELETTO

He worked for you?

RUFIO

For the Sforzas, but I was his main contact.

MICHELETTO

Did you care for him?

RUFIO

Very much so.

MICHELETTO

Yet you put him in my way.

RUFIO

He was a means to an end.

MICHELETTO

And that end is of no interest to you now?

RUFIO

It interests me.

He looks Micheletto over

Micheletto stops walking and faces Rufio.

MICHELETTO

Have you ever had someone die in your arms?

RUFIO

Many.

MICHELETTO

Someone you love?

RUFIO

Not as yet. And I hope I never have to.

MICHELETTO

It destroys the heart beyond repair.

RUFIO

Beyond repair?

Rufio slowly steps in to Micheletto and makes his way to kiss his lips.

We see from behind as Rufio's face stops still in front of Micheletto's.

We now see from the side Rufio's lips are almost touching Micheletto's and Micheletto has his dagger at Rufio's throat. Rufio does not move.

MICHELETTO

Try that again and I slit your throat and pull your tongue out through the opening.

Micheletto steps away and walks off in to the night.

Rufio watches him leave. He turns to walk the other direction and as he leaves he takes a handkerchief from his shirt and wipes his lips.

INT. BORGIA PALACE. DAWN

Cesare enters supporting a drunk Joffre on his shoulders. Joffre knocks into a wall and almost knocks over a vase. Sancia comes out to inspect the noise.

SANCIA

Where have you been?

JOFFRE

I, dear wife, Have been fucking.

SANCIA

You did not even tell me you had returned to Rome!

JOFFRE

See. This is what I mean.

He says to Cesare

JOFFRE

I am not in the mood to be chastised. I must go to bed

Joffre says to Sancia with bravado.

SANCIA

You cannot! You must talk to me.

JOFFRE

I go to bed, I'm not a child to be told what to do.

Joffre heads of to the nearest bedroom, stumbling along

SANCIA

You are my husband, and you must talk to me.

Sancia calls after him.

JOFFRE

Cesare is here, he can talk to you. Maybe he can fuck you too, like my other brother.

Sancia cringes. And then looks to Cesare.

SANCIA

You are responsible for this?

CESARE

I was not responsible for the – fucking - only the drinking.

A crash is heard off-screen

JOFFRE (OS)

Ouch!

Sancia rolls her eyes

SANCIA

The drinking is worse. I do not like him when he has been drinking. It brings out the bull in him.

CESARE

Well he is a Borgia.

SANCIA

He was away for long enough. I thought maybe the Borgia had left him.

CESARE

It never leaves us.

SANCIA

No. I would not mind so much if he was more like you or - Juan. But after all these years he is still just a child.

CESARE

And your talents have not been able to make him a man?

SANCIA

I have barely had the chance. He treats me like a doll. Something pretty to play with, but when he is done playing. He gets bored and looks for something else to occupy himself. And when he tires of that he wants to play with me again.

CESARE

You do not like being - played with.

He is flirting

SANCIA

Well, not how a child would play with me. If a man were to play with me, I may enjoy it.

She flirts back

CESARE

And Joffre is not man enough?

SANCIA

No I need someone, older, wiser, more skilled.

Sancia takes Cesare by the shirt and rubs along his chest.

CESARE

Then you should not worry about Joffre's whoring. They will keep him busy, and of he is kept busy it leaves you open to explore other - options.

He pulls her against his body. Sancia lingers for a moment and then pulls away.

SANCIA

It is all well and good for us to be taking our pleasure elsewhere, but that would not bring us a child. - An heir.

She looks away dreamily

CESARE

You have had no luck so far on that front?

SANCIA

I wish it came as easy as it does for your sister. One beautiful child and another in bloom.

CESARE

My Sister?

SANCIA

Yes, Lucrezia.

CESARE

With child?

SANCIA

Yes.

Cesare departs immediately, he pushes past Sancia and does not say anther word. Sancia looks after him confused.

(Rufio and Adriana in Rufio's apartments)

INT. LUCREZIAS BEDROOM. DAY

Lucrezia is standing by the window looking forlorn. Cesare enters.

CESARE

Sister you look as if you have plumped a little in these few months.

Lucrezia looks away from him to hide her emotion.

Cesare embraces her.

CESARE

You are with child?

Lucrezia nods.

CESARE

So the father lives on through the son. This could cause a political calamity with Naples.

LUCREZIA

This child was conceived on the night of my husband's death.

Cesare's face shows growing recognition. He embraces her again. Lucrezia allows it and then steps away

LUCREZIA

They all believe it to be Alphonso's child and of course it is safest that they continue to believe so, but it saddens me, that I shall have yet another fatherless child.

Cesare comes behind Lucrezia and cradles her swelling abdomen.

CESARE

He shall have a father.

LUCREZIA

He shall have an uncle.

CESARE

He shall have a devoted uncle who will cater to his every whim and wish

Lucrezia smiles

LUCREZIA

You think spoiling the child will benefit him?

CESARE

I think spoiling the child will benefit me

He kisses her neck and holds her. They both smile wistfully.

INT. BORGIA PALACE. DAY

The nurse maid Maria is cleaning up the remains of the vase that Joffre knocked over early that morning. Vanozza approaches.

VANOZZA

Maria, What is this?

MARIA

I don't know my lady, I found it like this.

Vanozza bends and examines some of the broken pieces. She is visibly upset

VANOZZA

This was a very expensive piece! The artist has now passed it is irreplaceable.

MARIA

I'm sorry my lady, I don't know what happened. Maybe it was Young Giovanni. I keep insisting that he not play inside.

VANOZZA

Do not blame a child for your mistakes.

MARIA

But it wasn't I.

VANOZZA

This will have to come from your pay.

MARIA

My lady?

VANOZZA

Clean it up.

Vanozza walks of angrily. Maria looks after her bewildered.

INT. SANCIA'S BEDROOM. EVENING

Sancia is lying in bed reading. Joffre hovers in the doorway watching. Sancia continues to read in bed. He waits for her to notice him and then coughs to get her attention. She looks up.

SANCIA

Joffre.

JOFFRE

Sancia. May I enter?

SANCIA

I am your wife. You may enter my chambers whenever you wish.

Joffre enters and goes to sit on the bed.

JOFFRE

You take to bed early.

SANCIA

I have been playing with Giovanni all day. He is quite exhausting.

She smiles wistfully thinking about Giovanni

JOFFRE

I am sorry.

Sancia sits up and puts the book down. She opens her arms to him beckoning him to hug her. He sits beside her and puts his head to her breast

SANCIA

Sorry for what?

JOFFRE

For what I said. For what I did. For where I had been.

SANCIA

You think I was worried that you were unfaithful?

She gives a chuckle.

JOFFRE

I know that when I was younger – when we were first married. Well I –I guess I was more interested in books than in being a husbands.

He laughs uncomfortably motioning to the book at Sancia's side.

SANCIA

You did love books.

Sancia is smiling.

JOFFRE

And I know that you were a woman, and you had the needs of a woman, and this is why you turned to my brother, and to Don Agnolo and to your cousin Mario.

Sancia looks guilty

JOFFRE

But I know that is in the past now.

Sancia bites her lip.

JOFFRE (CONT.)

Now we are together in Rome. We are both adults and we are going to make our marriage a happier one.

Sancia strokes his face.

SANCIA

Did you like the girls Joffre?

JOFFRE

The courtesans?

SANCIA

Yes

They were – different. They were loud and they smelt a little - but they were more giving than you usually are.

Joffre moves his hand up and hesitantly cups Sancia's breast.

SANCIA

They are paid to be that way.

JOFFRE

I have never been with a courtesan before. I have never been with any woman before. Other than you.

He glances up at Sancia and she smiles at him.

JOFFRE (CONT.)

Sometimes I think maybe the reason we – haven't had a child.

He is hesitant

SANCIA

Yes

JOFFRE

Well we hardly share a bed.

Sancia takes his face in her hand and turns it up to look at her.

SANCIA

Would you like to share one tonight?

JOFFRE

We should. Maybe if you took the time to teach me. You might want to invite me more often.

SANCIA

I have tried

JOFFRE

Yes I know, but you tried when I was a boy. When I was not as keen to listen, when I didn't know how important it would be.

SANCIA

Very well.

Sancia lays back on the bed and opens her arms in surrender.

SANCIA

Let the lesson begin

she smiles cheekily. Joffre looks at her bewildered

JOFFRE

What do you want me to do?

SANCIA

Where should you start?

JOFFRE

Undress?

SANCIA

That might help.

Joffre hurriedly pulls his boots off and then impatiently tears at his linen shirt.

Sancia laughs.

SANCIA

Do it slowly Joffre. Sensually.

Joffre removes his hose slower but awkwardly. Sancia smiles amused. She pulls across the covers of the bed.

He now stands before her naked.

SANCIA

Now you need to undress me.

Joffre awkwardly plonks himself on the bed and starts to push up Sancia's nightshirt.

SANCIA (CONT.)

Slower

Joffre moves slower, he pulls it up over her thighs over her breasts; he gets it caught on her head.

SANCIA

You need to loosen the ties.

Sancia sounds a little annoyed. Joffre loosens the ties and pulls it off her head getting her hair caught in it. Sancia yelps in pain. Joffre throws the gown to the floor in frustration. And stands up getting off the bed.

SANCIA

Keep going.

Joffre hesitantly sits back down and immediately tries to climb on top of her, he starts kissing her. Sancia pushes him away.

SANCIA

No. you need to make me ready.

JOFFRE

Ready?

Sancia looks down to between her thighs.

Joffre hesitantly places his hand on her thigh and moves it upwards.

Sancia closes her eyes and smiles. She lets out a sigh

SANCIA

Good

She gasps.

Joffre is smiling triumphantly.

She starts breathing heavily.

Joffre is looking eager .

SANCIA

Ouch!

Sancia jumps and Joffre moves away

JOFFRE

Sorry

Sancia rubs her temples in frustration

SANCIA

Its ok, come here.

She opens her arms to him and he slides in beside her.

SANCIA

Let's work on the kissing.

Joffre moves in to kiss her.

SANCIA (CONT.)

Gently

She reminds him.

Joffre starts off gently and gets more forceful. Sancia sighs in frustration.

Joffre rolls of and sits on the side of the bed.

JOFFRE

This is pointless.

SANCIA

Maybe tonight is not the night.

JOFFRE

Maybe it'll never be the night.

SANCIA

We just need to give it more time.

JOFFRE

We've given it 7 years.

SANCIA

Well half of those years can't really be included.

JOFFRE

I never should have married.

SANCIA

What?

Sancia is annoyed

JOFFRE

I should have joined the church, that was what I wanted.

SANCIA

You? A bishop? A cardinal?

JOFFRE

Yes me. But that was for Cesare. Juan got the army, Cesare the cardinalcy, and I got a wife.

Sancia looks a little offended.

SANCIA

A wife who loves you.

She reaches out to touch his arm and he shrugs her off

JOFFRE

Yes me. And my brother. And her cousin and half the men in the kingdom of Naples

SANCIA

Joffre you said –

JOFFRE

I know what I said, but that's not what I feel.

Sancia is looking stern.

SANCIA

What you said is the truth Joffre, you were very young and I did need more.

JOFFRE

A wife should not need more than her husband.

SANCIA

Well maybe I wouldn't if you were more

Joffre raises his voice angrily.

JOFFRE

I'm being all that I can be

Sancia raises her voice to match

SANCIA

And that isn't enough!

Joffre angrily gets up and starts pulling on his hose.

SANCIA (CONT.)

I'm sorry

he pulls on his linens

SANCIA (CONT.)

Come back to bed.

He storms towards the door carrying his boots.

SANCIA (CONT.)

Joffre?

He walks out.

SANCIA (CONT.)

Get back here!

Sancia reaches for her nightshirt and pulls it over her head angrily. She gets her dressing gown and pulls it on then slips on her slippers and storms out of the room after Joffre.

INT. CORRIDOR. EVENING

Sancia storms angrily down the corridor approaching Joffre's room. As she approaches she sees him emerge dressed in his cloak. He heads toward the entrance of the palace. Sancia dashes back to her room and emerges wearing a hooded cloak.

EXT. BORGIA PALACE. NIGHT

Joffre walks down the steps of the palace a short time later Sancia emerges cloaked she follows him through the streets.

(Micheletto and Catherina in Castel St. Angelo)

INT. PAPAL DINING ROOM. NIGHT

Alexander is getting ready to dine. Servants are still bringing dishes out and preparing the area. Joffre approaches.

JOFFRE

Father?

ALEXANDER

Holy father.

JOFFRE

Holy father?

ALEXANDER

What is it my child?

Joffre looks around at the busy servants and hesitates. Alexander beckons him to continue.

JOFFRE

Well you are the pope.

ALEXANDER

That we are.

JOFFRE

And you had a hand in making Cesare Cardinal

ALEXANDER

That we did

JOFFRE

And Cesare is no longer a cardinal

ALEXANDER

Where is this heading?

JOFFRE

I was thinking you could maybe make me one. – a cardinal.

Alexander laughs heartily

ALEXANDER

Joffre you are married.

JOFFRE

I was thinking you could grant me an annulment of my marriage.

ALEXANDER

On what grounds?

JOFFRE

Well I am unhappy with her

ALEXANDER

If we granted annulments to every man who was unhappy with his wife. Then no woman in Italy would have a husband.

JOFFRE

and she has been unfaithful.

ALEXANDER

Are we to believe you are faithful to her?

JOFFRE

Well no, but she is a woman it is her duty to care for my needs and my needs only.

ALEXANDER

And who will care for your needs if you are to be a cardinal

JOFFRE

That would not matter to me.

ALEXANDER

Trust me Joffre. It matters.

Wives are often unfaithful. It is hard to justify an annulment under such circumstance.

Joffre is thinking of another excuse.

JOFFRE

Then I can claim the marriage has not been consummated. There is no proof, she has no children.

ALEXANDER

You would wait 7 years with no word of this? No man could wait 7 years for his wife to bed him.

Joffre thinks desperately searching for a good reason.

JOFFRE

I wasn't yet 14 when I married we could annul on the grounds that I did not meet age of consent.

INT. CORRIDOR. NIGHT

Sancia is listening by the door,

ALEXANDER (OS)

A dispensation was already made on that matter 7 years ago.

a single tear runs down her cheek. She wipes it away and then walks off.

INT. DINING ROOM. NIGHT

We are back in the room with Alexander and Joffre

JOFFRE

Father, I have always wanted a Cardinalcy. More than Cesare. I do not wish to stay married. My wife, she belittles me, and taunts me and - she treats me like a child.

ALEXANDER

Well if recent behaviours are anything to go by, I would say you need to stop acting like one if you wish not to be treated so.

JOFFRE

Father?

ALEXANDER

My answer is no. I will hear no more on the matter. Now off with you I am expecting a guest.

He waves him away dismissively. Joffre mopes out like a scolded puppy.

Alexander tries to admire himself in the reflection of a platter. He cannot see clearly. He turns to one of the servants.

ALEXANDER

How do I look?

(Micheletto, Cesare and Catherina on the staircase)

(Cesare, Catherina and Alexander in the dining room)

(Micheletto in Castel St. Angelo)

INT. CORRIDOR. NIGHT

Sancia is leaning against the wall looking sorry for herself, Cesare enters and sees her

CESARE

Sancia?

Sancia smiles at Cesare.

(Alexander and Catherina in the dining room)

(Micheletto in Catherina's cell)

INT. PAPAL QUARTERS. NIGHT

Cesare enters the room pushing Sancia up against the wall, they are kissing passionately and trying to undress each other

(Catherina and Alexander in the dining room)

(Micheletto in the corridor. *instead of a servant emerging it is Joffre. He helps Micheletto search)

(Catherina and Alexander in the dining room)

(Micheletto and Cesare in the Corridor * except Cesare emerges redressing. After they have left Joffre looks in the room and sees Sancia re-dressing)

(Catherina, Alexander and Cesare in the dining room)

Through to

(Cesare, Micheletto, Adriana and Rufio in Cesare's Quarters)