Hello there! Here's the next chapter for UaL. If you were wondering why I wrote Cesare's scenes was because since this is a Cesare/OC fic im trying to wrote both Contessina and Cesare as to create their scenes together. I always love reviews so please give constructive criticism, and not just straight hate. I own nothing but Contessina's character.
Rome 1942
The night of Cardinal Orsini's banquet, Cesare had intercepted an assassin meant to kill him and his father. Cesare won over the assassin, Micheletto, who was now in his service. Micheletto in return, betrayed Orsini and poisoned him. But the assassination attempts did not stop there. As Cesare starts to leave Orsini's palace, Micheletto approaches him.
"Excellent service."
"I fear it is not over yet, my lord."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, there's more to your Borgia family than father and son."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean we must hurry, my lord. Your whole family's in danger. And the lady Medici."
"What do you mean, what about Contessina?"
"She is an ally to your father, at least that's how Orsini saw it. He sent assassins to her as well."
"My family first, then to Contessina." They hurried to the palazzo, Micheletto running ahead to portray that nothing was wrong. He went to an assassin on a ladder who heard him approach.
"Micheletto!"
"Am I too late?"
"We were waiting for you."
"Then you're too late!" Micheletto stabs the one on the bottom, then pulls the ladder down, but an assassin slips away until Cesare corners him. Micheletto sneaks up behind and kills him. As Micheletto drags the bodies away, Cesare begins to question him.
"You planned this massacre thoroughly."
"If I had planned it, my lord, believe me, we would not be having this conversation."
"You're that meticulous?"
"Always."
"And who planned it?"
"Cardinal Orsini."
"And Della Rovere?"
"I know nothing of him. In this affair, I had but one master."
"And now?"
"And now, I am like a stray dog, masterless. Unless your kind offer still stands."
"You could have let things take their course and betrayed me. Most of your kind do."
"My kind? There is only, maybe one other like me and he is where we need to be now."
"Fuck, Contessina! Let us go, unless there are more assassins for my family?!"
"No, my lord." They leave for the Medici palazzo, running through the streets of Rome. As they approach the palazzo, they see the guards out front slaughtered. They sneak into the house and up the stairs. As they round the corner, Cassio is snapping the neck of the last assassin. He looks up and sees them, drawing his sword. He points it at them, ready to defend his mistress again.
"Shall I kill you too Micheletto?"
"Peace, Cassio. The bishop was concerned for the lady's wellbeing, seeing as Orsini sent assassins after both families." Cassio looked puzzled and turned to Cesare to confirm.
"Is it true?"
"They tried to poison my father and I at the banquet. I came upon Micheletto and turned him to my side. After that we poisoned Orsini, but we had to kill the assassins for my mother and sister before coming here."
"Why did Orsini want my lady dead?"
"Because she is a woman who holds the Pope's finances, and she is an ally to his Holiness." Micheletto interrupted.
"She has said nothing to either way."
"She doesn't need to. She has no reason to choose the other cardinals over the Pope who has been an acquaintance to her for over a year now." Cesare says, the knowledge finally dawning on him. Since Contessina was amicable to the Pope, the Pope's enemies are her enemies now, whether she wants it to be or not. "Tell your mistress in the morning what has occurred, but for now let her sleep. I will tell my father so she should expect a summons tomorrow. Keep her safe Cassio."
"I've been keeping her safe for years now. I will never stop keeping her safe."
"Good. We need to go Micheletto." The bishop and the assassin leave the palazzo, the exertions of the night finally catching up to them. As they leaned against the city walls, crickets filled the air. They were both hot and sticky with dried blood, flaking off their skin into the night.
"You must prove yourself of my trust, Micheletto."
"This is not proof enough?"
"Perhaps. Perhaps not. Can you dispose of the corpses by my palazzo?"
"You would keep them secret?"
"More than that. I would keep you secret. Dump them in the Tiber. Meet me by the Vatican gates in two hours' time. We shall discuss your future service." With that parting remark, Cesare heads into his house, waiting in the dark for his mother. He sees a candle go out in the room, then a few moments later Vannozza emerges. "Mother."
"Are you trying to frighten me?"
"I'm sorry, Mother."
"Why are you here, Cesare?"
"I imagine things—murders, blood-spattered throats, poisoned chalices."
"Perhaps you're not wrong. We have many enemies now."
"And Lucrezia?"
"She's sleeping. You miss her that much?"
"Always. If anything happened to her, I'd die."
"What could possibly happen?"
"I'm putting a guard on the house."
"Is it so dangerous outside?"
"We are in a different city now."
"Is it still called Rome?"
"I'm not sure it has a name. We weren't the only ones they were after."
"Who else?"
"Contessina Medici. She's only a girl but she holds much power, more than she realizes."
"What harm did she pose to them? She's little more than a child."
"A child who holds the Papal accounts, a child who friends with the Pope. She has made enemies, and she did not realize it. I have to protect her as I protect Lucrezia. She has no one mother."
"Not even her brother, he is her head of house?"
"Her brother, from what I heard, is a witless worm, she has all the power, which she does not use and that is what scares them. I must leave and inform father. Stay safe tonight mother." Cesare leaves, his mind heavy. This girl who could change Italy and does not even realize it! She is graceful and deadly smart as well. The only thing that does not protect her is her inexperience in the game of men and politics. Cesare realizes she is a Medici; she knows politics but this? Murder, assassins, and possible wars. She does not know this part of the world. She still has that shine of hope in her eyes, the hope for a better world. Cesare swears to himself that he will protect that hope for her as long as he can, just as he protects Lucrezia. So lost in his thoughts about Contessina, he realizes he has come to his father's rooms.
"Father? Father? Father, I've had to place a guard on the—" The Pope interrupts him, gesturing behind Cesare.
"The good cardinal, my son, has been expressing his shock and dismay at this evening's outcome." Della Rovere, hiding in the shadows like the snake he is. He was the picture of innocence, but Cesare was doubtful of how innocent he was.
"Poison, it seems, was the cause of Cardinal Orsini's demise."
"One shudders at the thought."
"As to who poisoned him, I have no idea. Perhaps we should ask ourselves, who benefits most from his death?" Cesare did not like that tone, the implication enough.
"And what are you implying, Your Eminence?"
"I am implying nothing. I am merely offering His Holiness any help I can in unmasking the culprit. Our Holy Mother Church can afford no such scandals." The clinking of chains can be heard from the hall, as Juan appears, dragging Micheletto in chains behind him.
"We have Orsini's household staff in irons, Your Holiness. Cardinal.
"The good cardinal, my brother, has offered to help us unmask the culprit behind this plot." Cesare stalks closer to Micheletto, the threat in his eyes plain as day.
"We apprehended this wretch skulking outside by the gate."
"A plot, by definition, needs more than one participant, does it not?"
"Do you recognize him?" Juan asks as Cesare pushes Micheletto to his knees. The Pope and Della Rovere survey him and then finally the Pope recognizes him.
"Didn't he pour the wine?"
"Do you know this man, Cardinal Della Rovere?" Cesare asks the cardinal, searching for any sign that Della Rovere knew Micheletto. And there it is! The flash of recognition in the cardinal's eyes, and then it disappears like smoke.
"I know he attended at the cardinal's table, but there were many of those. Beyond that, nothing." Juan surges forward, grabbing Micheletto shoulder, and pulls him to his feet.
"If this creature is indeed the poisoner, some hours on the strappado should loosen his tongue." The Pope takes a drink of wine, shrugging his shoulders.
"See if he talks." Juan drags Micheletto off and after a few moments, Cesare follows them. Just a few paces behind, he catches up to see Juan landing a punch on Micheletto.
"Brother. You have already exhausted yourself in our father's defense. Now I could spend a good hour questioning this man."
"Is that really a task for a cleric?" Cesare looks at Juan, then grabs Micheletto head and knees him in the face. He picks him up and drags him into the torture room. Juan and the guards leave while Cesare closes the cell door and locks it.
"Up. Up! Would you have talked?"
"Only to sing your praises, my lord."
"Still want to earn my trust?"
"Eternally, my lord."
"Lie low for a day, then. I can have word sent out that you couldn't be broken."
"And then?"
"Then get close to Cardinal Della Rovere. Tell me what he thinks. What he plans. After you leave, watch the Medici palazzo. I want to make sure Contessina is being taken care of."
"Then you must hurt me, my lord. And believe me, Cassio can watch her. He does the things the lady cannot do herself. If you want me to be able to slip into the Cardinal's house, then you must hurt me, my lord."
"Haven't I hurt you enough already? And good, someone needs to watch her at all times."
"To convince this cardinal, my back must tell its own story. And I have heard that he has an interest in the male torso. And even I cannot convincingly whip myself. So, whip me, my lord." Cesare takes the whip and then lays a strike across Micheletto's back. The sound of the whip hitting flesh makes a dull thwack as Micheletto lets out a small grunt. "Harder." Cesare hits him again. "Harder, my lord." Cesare begins to hit harder, the whip whistling through the air before hitting the skin. As it makes contact, the skin splits open like a knife was taken to Micheletto's back. As blows lands, Cesare speaks.
"And if you betray me, you will end your days on that rack." All the while Micheletto is silent until this sentence.
"Then it would not be in my interest you betray you, my lord."
"Good."
"Again. Again." This goes on for an hour, Micheletto's back looking like ribbons at the end. They part ways, Micheletto to his duties and Cesare to his father.
Medici Palazzo
"My lady, last night, some assassins snuck into the palazzo." Contessina was stunned. Assassins?! What had Contessina done to warrant such cause? She has never spoken against or for anything about politics in public, that was her rule! Cassio interrupts his lady's thoughts.
"The assassin came after you because of your support of the Pope my lady."
"So, you are telling me that after they tried to poison the Pope, they sent assassins to my house and tried to kill me just because I have an acquaintance with His Holiness?! The absolute fucking nerve of Orsini! He is lucky he only died of poisoning! I would have done worse. How did you come across this information?"
"The lord Cesare and his assassin came by to check on you, my lady. He was told you were also a target, so after he defended his family, he stormed into the palazzo only to see me dispatching the assassins. He also said that he would tell his father and that we should take extra caution." Contessina was so furious that she was shaking. "He also said that some time today the Pope will summon you, to talk about the finances and most likely the attack." Contessina sighed, then began to prepare.
"Very well, let me organize my things. Until we receive a summons, I want you to compensate the families of the guards outside, if they need money give it to them. If they need employment, we can always find something for them. Then after that go find new guards and train them yourself this time! I don't want to be caught off guard again. Watch for Micheletto, if I'm beginning to understand Cesare, he will want to watch over us. Let Micheletto know you see him but don't bother him, the man is only doing his job." Contessina begins rearranging her books while Cassio sets about his tasks. The fact that Cesare was worried enough about her to check on her wellbeing was a strange thought. She was just an ally, and you normally don't go to such lengths to protect an ally. Every time she thinks she is beginning to understand the man he changes her perspective once more. He keeps himself aloof around her, but she has heard he is quite carefree around his sister Lucrezia. So, what was it about herself that made him guarded. What could this man's interest in her mean, given that he wants to protect her?
The Vatican
The Pope waits in his chambers, his head heavy with the drama of the past night. He wonders if the threats will end, when he hears a rustle and looks to the side to see his son.
"Do you have something to tell me? About the night's events?"
"Only that I will protect you. Protect our family. Protect the Lady de Medici because they sent someone after her as well. With my life if needs be."
"She's alright?"
"Yes Father. Her manservant protected her as I came upon her house. They sent assassins after her because they were afraid of her power and support of you."
"Well, have someone send for her, it's time we reviewed the accounts together, and I can check on her wellbeing. As the Pope and I hope her friend, she has some semblance of trust in us."
"It will be done Father."
"Well, all of the others bought and sold. We merely proved ourselves better at the game. But we draw the line at murder, do we not?"
"Orsini drew no such line."
"I see. So, we are one less cardinal this morning. I was your age when I became a cardinal. Seems like yesterday. This red signifies that you are ready to spill your blood in defense of the Christian faith." Cesare stalks forwards, takes the cap only to push it aside.
"No, Father."
"Are you, my son, ready to spill your blood in defense of the Christian faith? I think you are!"
"For the defense of my family and Contessina, perhaps."
"That too."
"Give me control of the papal armies and I will protect us all."
"We will have one son in the cloth and one in armor. You know our wishes."
"But a cardinal's red?"
"And Lucrezia must marry."
"So soon?"
"She is fourteen years old."
"She is just a child."
"We must bind our enemies to us. Make friends of them. And what better way is there than marriage. You can perform the rite—as cardinal."
"Am I a cardinal already?" Cesare despairs, one step further away from what he truly wants. Glory eternal and the papal armies. And Lucrezia, married at fourteen. She does not know the ways of men and how cruel they can be. Her innocence will be lost and then the world will darken as her light leaves her. And, in the dark recesses of his mind, one step further from Contessina. He wants her, and now he cannot have her. He would not subject her to the life of his mother, and she would never tolerate it. All he can do is watch her, keeping her safe from the shadows.
Vice-Chancellor's Office
Contessina was dressed in finery, walking the halls to the office she knows so well. She enters the chamber with a guard announcing her arrival. She see the Pope and Cardinal Sforza conversing but stop to look at her. She kneels before the Pope, a new experience for her.
"Your Holiness."
"Ah my dear how wonderful to see you! Come, stand before me. Lovely, my dear, you look very healthy. And how are you after last night? My son told me of what happened."
"I am well Your Holiness, it could have been worse, but I trust my manservant to look after me."
"Of course, my dear. Now tell me, could you find time to visit my daughter, Lucrezia? She has expressed a wish to meet you. I was hoping she could gain some of your wisdom my lady."
"It would be my honor, Your Holiness. I look forward to meeting with her."
"Wonderful! Now I must go take confession, but this is Cardinal Sforza, he will be working on the accounts with you from now on."
"How I will miss our chats Your Holiness."
"So will I my dear, so will I." As the Pope leaves, Contessina turns to the Cardinal, an unpleasant look on her face.
"Sforza."
"Medici." The Medici and the Sforza's used to be allies, until Caterina Sforza's husband was involved in the Pazzi conspiracy. While the Pazzis faced judgement that day, Riario would wait years before his assassination, and it was not done by her family. Nevertheless, the bad blood was apparent. They continue to stare at another until the cardinal broke frosty silence.
"My lady, while our families have had troubles between us, we are the financiers of the Pope. I trust we can put aside our differences for the Holy Mother Church." She smirked; this man is smarter than his relatives.
"Of course, Cardinal, after all, it's just business." The two then got to work, for this Pope is far different from the last. They discuss at length the finances of the papal office, including the future marriage of the lady Lucrezia. After the end of the meeting, Contessina wanders the halls of the Vatican. The paintings, the architecture remind her of Florence. She misses the terracotta roofs, the cathedral her family built. She misses her home. She passes a room with a lady and a painter. Giulia Farnese. The lady rumored to be the Pope's newest mistress. She enters the room, curtsying to her fellow lady.
"You are Contessina de Medici, are you not?"
"I am, my lady. Just as you are Giulia Farnese."
"It is easy to remember the banker to the Pope, a woman at that."
"I do my best my lady." She goes to the bench by the window and stares into the city. As she looks into the streets, her mind thinks of the man who haunts her. His eyes seem to follow her wherever she goes. It is a pity the man is a bishop, for he is wasted for the clerical life. If only he did not take holy orders...oh what is she thinking?! He is untouchable, a bishop, and she, she.. is just a banker, not even a member of Italian nobility. Not worthy for the likes of him.
"She is beautiful." Contessina looks up, and to her surprise, there stands Lucrezia Borgia. She is inspecting the painting of La Bella Farnese.
"She is." The painter remarks with a smile.
"They both are. More beautiful than your painting."
"I've just begun."
"You must do better, then. Her hair curls, here. Who is she?"
"Giulia Farnese. At your service."
"And you, my lady?" Lucrezia looks to me, though she knows who Contessina is.
"Contessina de Medici, my lady." She smiles very brightly, happy to have finally met her.
"Why is he painting you, Giulia Farnese?"
"Your father, the Pope, commissioned him."
"Will he paint one of me?"
"I will commission him, now."
"Why are you holding a baby goat?" She walks by Contessina, her skirts flouncing all the way.
"It will become a unicorn."
"Then I want a unicorn. Or even better, a sea horse. I want to lie on a bed of seashells and have a sea horse in my lap."
"Like this one?"
"Yes. Just like this one."
"You must have it, then."
"I can?"
"It's a gift. From Giulia to Lucrezia."
"Can I kiss you, then?"
"Only if we are to be friends, all of us." Contessina smiles at the both of them.
"Nothing would please me more. All three of us, friends. Though I am a poor showing for I have no gift by my lovely thoughts on your gown Lucrezia." The blonde blushes, then kisses the both of them on their cheeks.
"We are friends already." The three of them sit for a long while, talking as friends who have known each other for a lifetime had. Later on in the evening, Contessina heard that Vannozza Catteneo stormed into the Vatican, screaming that Giulia was the Pope's new whore. All of Rome knew of the incident by sundown.
Borgia Palazzo
"Get these to the Deacon-Cardinal for signatures." Cesare said to his servant before spotting Micheletto off to the side. He heads into the darkness of the hall waiting for Micheletto to speak.
"He has met in secret with those cardinals that hate your father. With Johannes Burchard, he is making a case for your father's deposition."
"On what grounds?"
"Notorious and public lechery."
"Lechery? My father? God forbid. Has he evidence?"
"He means to find it."
"Then perhaps we should find it first, and silence it before it speaks. Now, did he say anything about Contessina?"
"No, my lord. It appears that it was mainly Orsini, but as he has not said a word about the lady, I would not dismiss him yet."
"Very well, what about her? What did she do today?"
"First, she visited her tenants, checking to see how profit is after the Conclave. Then, she headed to the Vatican where she met with your father and cardinal Sforza. Then later she became friends with Giulia Farnese and your sister my lord."
"And how did her and my sister react to each other?"
"They became fast friends, talking for hours my lord."
"Good, the more connected she is with our family, the more we can watch over her." He leaves Micheletto to find his father and finds him in the hall of the Vatican.
"Your mother was somewhat troubled yesterday. She finds the change in our life difficult."
"So I noticed."
"Do what you can to keep her out of here."
"It would help, maybe, if you were more discreet in your affections. You are aware, Holy Father, of the plots against you?"
"Oh, what would Rome be without a good plot?"
"The College of Cardinals is split down the middle."
"What? Well, perhaps we need some more cardinals."
"Johannes Burchard has been asked for an opinion."
"Dear old Johannes. He does give excellent opinion."
"On your deposition, Father."
"Indeed." The two Borgias walk off separately, putting their plans in motion.
Borgia Palazzo
Contessina, Giulia, and Lucrezia are all outside enjoying the day, talking to each other about Lucrezia's painting.
"I wanted seashells and a sea horse."
"But you have a sea horse, my love."
"No, I mean a real one. Like your goat."
"But real sea horses are tiny, my love."
"Am I your love?"
"I would dearly love you both to be."
"My mother hates you."
"You will learn, my dear, as women, we control so little of our destiny. Men do."
"But what about you Contessina? You control your fate."
"Only because your father allows it, my dear. If not, I would be sent back to Florence and either sent to a nunnery, married to a man who would most likely abuse me, or worse, my brother would have the authority to kill me. I disobeyed him and it would be his right. But because your father values my mind, I stay where I am away from my brother, and I am free to do as I please. Most women do not have my advantage." Giulia turns back to Lucrezia.
"As to the matter with your mother, the outcome is, we hate each other. But we should not."
"Who should we hate, then? Men?"
"No, my love. It's in our nature to love them. But we should protect ourselves against them. Against our feelings towards them. We will all of us, one day, be replaced."
"Are you giving us instruction?"
"Would you like me to?"
"I think I would."
"So would I, seeing as my mother died when I was little. But she was very pious and would not have taught me like you are going to." Contessina frowns, she barely remembers her mother. Her father is a little clearer but only just. Lucrezia continues to ask Giulia questions.
"What weapons do I have with which to protect myself."
"Your beauty."
"But beauty fades, does it not?" Contessina inquires.
"Beauty can be deadly when well used. But as Contessina said, it doesn't last forever. Gone, like the snows of last year."
"What else?"
"When beauty fades? Your wit. Your intelligence."
"And I have those weapons?"
"Oh, you both do. In abundance. You should cultivate them. You will be married someday. You may need them—sooner than you think. You as well, Contessina." Giulia looks to her, hoping to convey some wisdom to the Florentine.
"I will only marry until the Pope or myself chooses a man."
"But not your brother?" Lucrezia asks her friend.
"That would require courage and confidence, my dear Lucrezia. None of which my brother has. I will never listen to that coward of a man ever again. Really the only man I currently respect is the Pope, and Cassio."
"And what of my brother, Cesare? Do you not respect him?"
"I do not know him, my love. How can I respect a man if I do not know him? He seems kind to those he loves, such as yourself, but to others? To me? I do not know him well enough. I hope that what I say does not disregard me in your mind, my dear." Contessina hopes that her honesty is not punished. She did not mean to be cruel, but she truly does not know the man well enough. While he intrigues her, like Giulia said, her feelings must be protected against him.
"Never, my dearest friend. I cannot fault you for honesty." The women return to simply loving the day, the sun shining down from the heavens with God's love.
The Vatican
"Is she pretty, this piece of evidence?"
"She has her charms, my lord."
"Perhaps you could see that she takes a vow of silence. Would God forgive us, Micheletto?"
"I know not the ways of God, my lord."
"But you know the ways of silence. I must join my father with the cardinals. Continue on Micheletto." Cesare leaves to join the meeting, which drags on for hours until they almost reach the conclusion of the meeting. The Pope carries on with his many decrees.
"And we decree bullfighting will be permitted within the walls of Rome on public festivals and the last Thursday of every month. And, finally, the main business to hand. We wish to announce our decision to expand the College of Cardinals, in view of the crippling workload placed upon it by our restructuring of the affairs of our Holy Mother Church. Thirteen new servants of God will receive the cardinal's biretta." The cardinals stand in protest, the prospect seemingly unbelievable. "We have judged it wise to strengthen the College of Cardinals, given the enemies who have wormed their way within the Church of Rome."
"This is against all precedence." Della Rovere interrupts, realizing the Pope move. "His Holiness will fill the College with his favourites. I accuse His Holiness—"
"Oh! Of what are we now accused?"
"Of an offense against canon law. Against the Law of our Holy Mother Church."
"Canon law? But we have taken advice from the most eminent of all of our canon lawyers." The Pope motions to the doors, opening to reveal Johannes. He bows before heading up to the dais. He starts to inform the College of the law.
"The Council of Constance is most clear on this matter. I refer you to Statute 42, Paragraph 3—"
"In brief, I pray." The Pope interrupts, hoping to make this short.
"His Holiness, the Pope, may expand the College to any number he deems appropriate, if the burden of work necessitates—"
"I challenge him to name them now!" Della Rovere persisted, not backing down.
"Dottore, if you would be so kind." Johannes begins to read the list of nominees.
"The Bishop of Lucca, His Grace Fiorentini, will be named Cardinal Fiorentini. The Bishop of Naples, His Grace Giovanni Mascoli, will be named Cardinal Mascoli. The Bishop of Valencia, His Grace Cesare Borgia, will be named Cardinal Borgia." Della Rovere begins to laugh in disbelief and outrage.
"The Pope would make his son a cardinal? I warn you; I have evidence that will bring this house crashing down around your ears."
"Evidence?"
"Of lechery, transgressions, both public and notorious!"
"Why, then Cardinal, you must present it."
"I will!" Della Rovere bows, spitting at the floor of the Pope's feet. He leaves a furious trail as he leaves the College. Johannes continues to read the names, and the meeting draws to a close. The next day, however, finds Cesare at Della Rovere's palazzo, with the dead maid in his bed. As he pulls back the covers, he questions Micheletto.
"Was the good cardinal known for lechery?"
"He was discreet in his affections, my lord. So discreet, indeed, he asked me to clear the house of servants yesterday."
"He must have had lecherous intentions, then. But I'm shocked that they ended in murder."
"And now he's fled, my lord."
"I would recommend discretion in this matter. The Church of Rome can ill afford another scandal."
"Perhaps he desired her silence, my lord."
"He must have, poor girl. Whom can one trust in this Rome of ours?"
"I believe trust needs to be earned, my lord."
"Perhaps. And perhaps it has been." Cesare stalks off, leaving Micheletto to his own devices. He walks through the streets of Rome, his mind on many things. But it still goes back to her, with her dark hair and even darker eyes. The way she knows how to play politics yet still maintain some innocence. The way she holds a book, or ask her tenants how they are, even when most nobility would spit on them. She is everything and yet seemingly nothing. Oh, how he wants her. He burns for her, like Death meeting Spring and how he wants to take her, but he cannot. Not while he is confined to the Church. The sound of her laughter draws him out of his thoughts. For there she is, walking along the street, giggling at the children that play. He sneaks behind her and leans toward her ear. "Do you wish for children?" Contessina is startled, whipping around to see him.
"My lord Borgia! Don't scare me like that!"
"But I like seeing the look on your face, my dear lady."
"But it is not kind to do that my lord."
"Then I apologize, my dear. Please, let me walk you back to your house?"
"I would appreciate that my lord. What brings you to the streets my lord?"
"My mind, and Cardinal Della Rovere."
"Oh, and what did the cardinal do?"
"He fled the city after a maid was discovered in his bed, slain."
"Oh, that poor girl! I hope you compensated her family at least."
"What ever do you mean, my lady? I had nothing to do with the matter."
"I'm sure. But still, small acts of money can help win the favor of people, especially if you tell the family that Pope is deeply sorry for their loss."
"You have a keen mind, my lady."
"Thank you, my lord. You have the cunning sense as well. I hope you continue to use it in service of your family."
"And, perhaps, in service of you, my lady?"
"I am not worthy of your concern, my lord. I am a simple banker."
"You are anything but simple, my dear. But enough, fore we are at your palazzo. Please, do not think you are not worthy, you are worth more than all temporal things on earth."
"Your words are too kind my lord, but I thank you for them anyway. Goodnight my lord."
"Goodnight my lady." And so, he leaves her, with his words baffling her even more! This man is a man of the Church. He cannot afford to be interested in her, not with his father's enemies everywhere. He deceptively charming, with the way he stares into her eyes. Eyes which seem to see into her very soul. She desires him, she knows this now. She can tell he feels something for her as well, but to which end are they both willing to go? For now she can do nothing, but wait.