Rodrigo returns from his monastery and makes Lucrezia First Counselor, while Cesare remains on a military campaign to subjugate the rebel provinces.

Cesare awaits an answer to his ultimatum to Florence, while Rodrigo is stricken ill and Lucrezia becomes embroiled in sexual politics.

Cesare's new mistress could trigger a diplomatic indecent, and public allegations of debauchery are made against the Borgia family.