4.

The Borgia Apartments

"

Follow me" Cesare gestured up a flight of stairs in grey stone. He lead me to a large reception hall. His little sister which I met in 's came running into the room, "Cesare! You're finally hom-" She looked right at me "Really, Cesare? Lucrezia Visconti? Oh well, Will she stay for supper?" I was about to say no, but Cesare interrupted me, "Of course she will!" He smiled at me. I faked a smile.

Supper with the Borgias was a rather blandt experience.

Rodrigo, Uhm… I mean the Holy Father started, "So, miss Visconti. I hear that you're betrothed. To whom? If I may ask."

I smiled, "I don't mind your asking. I'm betrothed to Leonardo Medici from Florence".

Rodrigo picked up a grape, and popped it into his mouth, "Isn't he a banker"

"My father was eager to make a good match for me. Especially since I'm the last child after his first wife."

Juan laughed "A good match?! I would cringe if I had to marry a womanly poet, and wannabe swordsman!" Cesare gave him a grave look.

Venozza, mother of Cesare, Juan and Lucrezia, took a hold of my hand "I'm sure that he's lovely." I smiled to her, she was a kind woman, who cared much about other's feelings. I've also heart that she used to be a Spanish curtsane before she became Rodrigo's wife, and mother to his children. But, she had the grace and beauty of a real lady.

Cesare dried of his mouth, "He's coming to visit her tomorrow. It's a part of the engagement. And father, did I mention that her older sister is married to one of the Princes of Milan? Her big brother is also married to a duchess in Naples."

Rodrigo looked up from his plate in wonder, "What's your sister's and brother's name, Lucrezia?"

I shrugged, "My sister's name is Mariella Alexandra princess of Milan. My brother's name is Filippo Trevulzio Visconti, High Constable in Prince Alfonso of Milan's army."

Juan looked up at his father with a sparkle in his eye, both of them nodded and continued eating.

The rest of the supper was eaten in silence. It was only Venozza and Lucrezia who tried to make conversation; the weather, other cardinals, the situation of the poor, even fashion.

Cesare excused us, and we left the table. He took me out to the gardens, and he stopped at a fountain, "What do you think of me Lucrezia?"

"Cesare, There's something about you which draws me to you. You're magnetic"

He smiled, "You're so beautiful. I have never seen such unusual beauty before" He reached for, and took a hold of my hand, "But unlike many other men, I see you as both a beauty, and a possible alley."

I became curious, "How can I be an alley? I'm just a seventeen year old girl."

Cesare laughed at my remark, "Women in general are such good alleys since they have hidden skills. They also have a lot of power over their fathers or husbands. A strength of a man comes through his wife."

He picked up a white rose. The whiteness shone bright in the darkness, "The best way to demonstrate a woman's power and influence is by looking at a rose. Many people get blinded by it's beauty, and a flawless surface. A rose looks fragile, and it has many health benefits, or as I like to call it: Hidden talents. Many is so blinded by the rose's beauty and fragile appearance, so they grip around it, only to discover the thorns, which hurts them. The Rose only hurts the ones who aren't careful. I admire the rose for the ability to hurt the ones who underestimate this beautiful flower." He gave me the rose.

I looked at the white flower in my hands, "How could I possibly hurt someone?"

Cesare took a hold around my hands, which capsuled the rose, "You're smart. Smarter than anyone give you the credit for. And now you'll have me as an alley. I'll crush anyone who has the means to hurt you, or dishonour you. So, are you still my alley?"

"I'm your alley, but don't make the assumption that I'm an alley to the rest of your family!"

He smiled "Of course. This alley will be on your terms. But now, we should get you home. It's starting to get late." He lead me out towards a gate, where a coach waited for me outside. I turned around towards him, "Can I rely on you as both a friend, and an alley?"

Cesare cupped my face with his hands, "Of course, Lucrezia. If I can be of help as a friend. Good night, and may your betrothed answer all your prayers. He'll have to deal with Cardinal Borgia if he doesn't"

"Thank you, Cesare"

The coach escorted me swiftly home.

Mercuro stood in the door to our villa, "And where have you been so late?!"

"I went for a walk to clear my head. I took the chance now while the conclave was over."

The crease in between Mercurio's young eyes emerged once again, "I was worried about you. Nencia told me that she last saw you in the Vatican, and that you just disappeared after dinner."

"Like I said, Mercuro: I took a walk to clear my head. I'm dead nervous for tomorrow."

Mercurio shook his head, "Sorry, sweet sister. I'm never going to be able to understand the female mind. I just worried when you weren't in your bedroom, or in the garden. You're my sister, and I love you."

I gave him a hug, "Mercurio, I love you too! I'll always be your little sister. May I go to bed?"

Mercurio nodded, "Good night, sweet sister."

Tomorrow would be the day I met my future husband. I was literary going to meet my new life. Leonardo Medici. I wondered if it would be love. Love, like one reads of in the poems, and hears of in songs. A love which sweeps me of my feet. And hopefully we will enjoy a mutual love. Maybe he even is pretty, or even better: handsome. Leonardo may have the same handsome features as my friend and alley: Cesare Borgia.

I pray that father found me a good and gentle husband.