There are beauteous women in Naples, I have been told. (Alexander nods) Even for this ugly snout of mine? (the French and the Pope chuckle)
They will swear it is divine, Your Highness.
They can lie in Naples?
Exceedingly well. They hardly know what "truth" is.
HAH! (he and his generals roar with laughter, Charles turns to Cesare) A most excellent Pontiff, your father, is he not?
(smiles uneasily) I have... no other to compare him with.
Well, he has suited our purpose! We could be said to have an understanding. (glances at the Pope, who returns his gaze)
(nods heartily) We could, indeed!
But, in case- just in case- we would make a request of Your Holiness.
Well, we will respectfully hear it.
We would have you nominate a Papal Legate, to accompany our armies to the Kingdom of Naples. To remain with us, for the duration of our visit.
(glances away)... Very well. We will nominate a legate of our choice-
(smiles and touches his arm) Oh, no- not of your choice, Holy Father. (Cesare tenses) Of ours.
... Who would you choose?
(smiles slightly) Your son, Cardinal Cesare Borgia. (Alexander hastily looks in Cesare's direction)
(sharply) You would have me accompany your army as... a hostage?! (Alexander gestures at him to calm down)
No, God forbid. (shakes his head, smiles) A hostage implies emnity!
(angrily) And what does Legate imply?
Friendship, surely! And a guarantee that such friendship will continue.
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