15Disclaimer: I own nothing, but my OCs. All rights go to Showtime, the creator of The Borgias.
A/N: Welcome all to my story, Crimson Corruption! I am very much looking forward to hearing your feedback on this story! Enjoy
Fun facts: Every chapter I will have an excerpt showing the factual dates of events in Rome during the reign of Alexander VI or what may have been changed in the show. The show shows true events, but dates were often moved around in the show. Some dates I have written down are true, but others I have changed slightly as per the show and for this story.
1492-1493 Giulia Farnese becomes the Pope's Mistress
-30 November 1492 Giulia delivers a baby girl named Laura. The father of the child is unknown as Giulia could have had a physical relationship with Orsino, her husband, and Pope Alexander at the same time. In the show, Giulia relays that she aborted her pregnancy.
Lucrezia is 12 when her father becomes Pope, not 14.
Cesare and Juan (Giovanni) appear older in the show, around their early 20s. However, Cesare is 17 and Juan is 18 or 16 (birthdate either 1474 or 1476). Meanwhile, Joffre is 10 or 11 (1481/1482) and while he is 12/13 at the beginning of the show.
Ch. 1 The New Pope
Once you have tasted the taste of sky, you will forever look up
~Leonardo da Vinci
Sforza Villa 23 July 1492
Valentina Sforza stood in her uncle Ascanio Sforza's rooms in their family villa at Rome, looking out over the city as she watched the people of Rome go about their daily business. Her own rooms faced towards the gardens surrounding their villa and were far less entertaining than the city itself. Though only 14, Valentina was not oblivious to the happenings of Rome. She knew her uncle's position in the Vatican would be changing. The pope was dying. He had been for several weeks now. She knew it was only a matter of time before her uncle was shut up inside the Vatican in order for the conclave of cardinals to elect a new pope. Her uncle had no chance of being pope as many would be vying for the position. However, she knew he had a chance of gaining a higher position if he supported one of the other candidates.
"Valentina, what are you doing in my rooms again? You should be focusing on your studies." Valentina turned away from the window and towards her uncle who had just returned from the Vatican. She noticed the tiredness in his face as he walked into the room, his cardinal robes trailing behind him.
"I finished my studies for the day. I wanted to watch the city," Valentina responded. She watched as her uncle removed his cardinal hat and slumped down in a chair before his desk. He rubbed his hands against his face, confirming Valentina's suspicions.
"And your mother? Why are you not with her?" Valentina scrunched her nose up at the mention of her mother, Bona of Savoy, who was currently practicing stitching patterns in her own chambers. Valentina was the youngest child of Bona and Galeazzo Maria Sforza, the deceased Duke of Milan who had been assassinated before Valentina was born. When her younger brother Gian became duke, Valentina's mother acted as regent for her son Gian until Ludovico Sforza, Galeazzo's brother, seized power from Bona and tried to imprison her. However, Ascanio rejected the proposal, choosing instead to house Bona and her youngest daughter in his own home to prevent bloodshed within the House of Sforza. As a result, Valentina was separated from her siblings at the age of three and only knew of them through exchanged letters.
"I would prefer not to stick a needle in my thumb repetitively," Valentina retorted, her uncle letting out a chuckle at his niece's response.
"Very well," Ascanio said. "We shall be sure to change your chambers soon, so you are not always inclined to barge into mine."
Valentina shrugged her shoulders at her uncle. He knew she would still spend her time in his chambers as it was her favorite room in the villa, so the suggestion seemed silly to her. "Will the pope die soon?" she questioned.
"Not soon enough. He seems to enjoy dragging out the last days of his life," Ascanio replied.
"And what will happen to us?" Ascanio raised his eyebrows at his nieces questioning.
"And why would you ask that Valentina?" he asked.
Valentina crossed the room to kneel next to her uncle, resting her hand on his. "I know you will try to become pope, but your efforts will be fruitless as there are many more cardinals older than you and perhaps more experienced in the ways of our Holy Mother Church. However, that does not exclude you from rising in power if you lend your support to one of the candidates."
Ascanio studied his niece thoughtfully before responding. "You are learning. You are much more educated in politics than your brothers and sisters."
"That is because I have an uncle who cares about my education and does not use me for show," Valentina spoke, referring to her uncle Ludovico who cared less for her siblings. He only sought to control them and use them for political alliances as pretended to be the Duke of Milan, a title that rightfully belonged to her eldest brother.
"Forgive your uncle," Ascanio replied, stroking Valentina's face in a fatherly manner. "He knows not the true meaning of family and power."
"And you do?" Valentina questioned, staring up at her uncle trustfully and yet, innocently.
Ascanio grasped his niece's chin firmly, tilting her head upwards so he could look her directly in her eyes. "Do not doubt my protection of you and your mother. You are the only things not corrupted by your uncle."
"All mortals are corrupted during their lifetime, uncle. It's just the time that differs."
The Vatican 2 August 1492
Pope Innocent was dead, and the College of Cardinals was in the process of electing the next Pope of Rome. Cardinal Ascanio Sforza and Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia entered into the library of the Vatican, Borgia securing the doors behind them as they talked in private after the recent meeting between cardinals. No one had reached a majority of votes to be elected cardinal.
"Of course, Cardinal Sforza, the entire conclave knows that I cannot be both Vice-Chancellor and Pope of Rome," Borgia spoke, Sforza knowing what he was insinuating.
"Then you can no longer be a Vice-Chancellor," Sforza replied.
"You mean I may yet be Pope of Rome?" Borgia questioned.
"If you can find a suitable Vice-Chancellor." Sforza began to pace along the corridor, Borgia following behind him.
"And how would you describe the qualities necessary for a suitable Vice-Chancellor, Cardinal Sforza?" asked Borgia.
A smirk of a smile appeared on Sforza's face and he gave a small chuckle. "Discretion."
"Mhmmm," Borgia voiced.
"Loyalty…and a certain kind of wisdom." Sforza grabbed a scroll off one of the many desks in the library, feeling the material of the document against his fingers.
"Can you be more specific?" Borgia continued.
Sforza returned the scroll back to one of the desks as the two men reached the end of the room. "I would say the one who will be suitable as Vice-Chancellor would be wise to support the Vice-Chancellor who would be Pope."
"Hmmm…" Borgia pressed his finger against the wall of the library, pushing off of the wall and turning back towards Sforza. "And I would say…we have an understanding," Borgia finished. Sforza only smiled at his words. Valentina was right. His star was slowly rising.
18 August 1492
Ascanio and Valentina stood on the balcony overlooking the papal gardens, watching as the youngest Borgia was reunited with her father after he was elected Pope. "I feel as if we are intruding," Valentina said. Her uncle had brought her to the Vatican for some unknown reason, but watching the scene below, she knew why now.
"Do not think we are intruding. We are merely…observing," Ascanio spoke.
"You brought me here to spy on them," Valentina replied, turning to her uncle with a furious glare. "Just because you are to be Vice-Chancellor now…"
"Yes, I will be Vice-Chancellor and that is why you are here. The Borgias are now our allies. It would do you well to know exactly who they are. To understand our allies, we must understand their weaknesses, their strengths, and anything else that an enemy might use against them," Ascanio explained to his niece.
"So, you want me to be a companion to the Pope's daughter?" Valentina questioned.
"No, I want you to be much more than that." Valentina raised her eyebrows at her uncle's words. "You must gain her trust and in time…you will gain her family's trust."
"And what does my mother think of this plan?"
"My dear niece…" Ascanio answered, taking his niece's face in his hands. "Your mother was the one who arranged the whole plan."
Lucrezia giggled as she ran across the courtyard to her father, the new Pope of Rome. She comes up behind him, placing her hands over his eyes and surprising him. "Hello Papa."
Rodrigo Borgia was surprised by the arrival of his daughter, but pleased. "Oh, I have missed you." Lucrezia knelt down beside her father's chair in the courtyard, Rodrigo stroking Lucrezia's golden curls.
Vannozza came up behind Rodrigo. "So, you have won?"
"Yes, I've won," Rodrigo replied.
"You've won what you always wanted. My congratulations." Vannozza went to kiss Rodrigo, but he rejected her affections.
"And I have lost." Vannozza drew away from Rodrigo, a concerned expression highlighting her features.
"But what have you lost, my love?" Vannozza questioned.
"You."
Vannozza turned around abruptly. Lucrezia looked between her parents with a frown on her face. "You will never lose me."
Lucrezia caresses her father's fingers with her own, watching the scene in front of her. "In spirit maybe, but in the flesh I may have to."
"The Pope cannot love?" Vannozza asked, outraged at the thought.
"The Pope can love God but to be seen to love anyone else would be unthinkable." Rodrigo closed the bible he had held open in his hands, not meeting Vannozza's eyes.
Vannozza neared Rodrigo again. "So, we'll find ways to accommodate our affections. Something like we've always done."
"All of Rome knows you're the mother to my children. Not only must the Pope be chaste, he must be seen to be chaste," Rodrigo explained. He believed this with all his heart. He loved Vannozza, but he needed to be seen as holy, as a chaste Pope.
"The children? You can be seen to love them, no?" Vannozza questioned, concerned for her children's wellbeing.
"Of course!" Rodrigo reached towards Lucrezia, stroking her chin affectionately.
"I always knew this day would come," Vannozza declared. She was clearly distressed. "As long as you are with me in spirit…"
"I will always be," Rodrigo stated.
"And with no one else…"
Rodrigo shook his head at the idea of such a thing, "That is equally impossible, Vannozza."
"So, we take vows of chastity along with your new status? Must we take vows of poverty too?" Vannozza is curious as to what exactly her lover had in mind with this new papacy. If he could not love her, would he make her destitute as well?
"Poverty? God forbid!"
26 August 1492
"His Holiness, Pope Alexander Sixtus." The whole of Rome had gathered for this occasion, the crowning of Christ's vicar on Earth. Everyone had watched the Pope's procession, cheering wildly as he passed. It was a grand occasion. No expense had been spared. And for the celebration, Ascanio had had a dress commissioned for his niece. He looked across the gallery at his niece, his eyes searching for her figure.
Valentina wore a dress of red and white with gold accents, the colors of the Sforza-Visconti branch of her family. Her hair was half-up, a net with pearls placed in her hair as her brown curls spiraled down her back. Her mother sat beside her, also donning a gown of red. However, she wore a veil instead of wearing her hair loose. Valentina was a replica of her mother, except for the fact that her eyes were a light blue instead of dark brown. They both watched as Rodrigo Borgia became the new Pope, only a few seats away from where the Borgia family sat.
Lucrezia Borgia wore a gown of gold, her brother Cesare wearing an outfit of black. The two siblings contrasted greatly. One seemed a beacon of light, the other a torch of darkness as their fates were set before them. "That is so many titles, Cesare. What will his family call him now?" Lucrezia questioned as she watched the ceremony in front of her.
Cesare leaned over in his seat, amused at his sister's thoughts. "Holy Father," Cesare whispered to his sister.
"Holy Father. That's easy. Even I can remember that." Cesare smiled at his little sister's words.
"And tell me dear brother…"
Cesare clearly wanted his little sister to stop speaking, but he thought it too amusing. "What, sis?"
"What must I call myself? Holy daughter?" Lucrezia questioned curiously.
"You are still Lucrezia Borgia, my love. You will only change your name when you marry." Cesare was very adamant that her name would remain the same. He hoped she would not marry for a long time, though that was doubtful.
"And when will I marry?" Lucrezia asked, looking up at her elder brother.
"Never, if I can help it," Cesare whispered, all humor vacant from his voice.
"But surely it is good to marry, Cesare?" Lucrezia continued.
"As the Pope's daughter, you will have every prince of Europe vying for your hand." Cesare placed his finger under his sister's chin, bringing her face towards his as he looked her directly in the eyes. "They may care very little for your heart."
"Perhaps I should do what you have done, brother-take Holy Orders. Give my heart to God," Lucrezia declared.
"That might be the safer option, my love." Cesare continued to try and divert his attention back to their father, but Lucrezia would not stop talking.
"Does Papa have so many enemies?" Lucrezia asked, worried for her father.
"As our father, perhaps not. But as Pope…" Cesare's dark eyes scanned their father's being, before he turned his eyes to another figure. To his left, the color red caught his eye and he turned his head slightly to view the person who wore the crimson cloth. He saw two women, obviously mother and daughter. The mother was still beautiful, much like his own mother he thought to himself. But the daughter, she was a sight to behold. Cesare had never seen the two and wished to figure out who they were.
"Lucrezia, do you know who that is in the red dress? The one with her hair down?" Lucrezia cast her eyes in the same direction, shaking her head.
"I am not sure brother. Perhaps you should ask mother." Lucrezia finally turned her attention back to their father, Cesare's eyes flickering over the two women before he once again focused on his father.
Sforza Villa September 1492
"What has happened?" Valentina questioned, pulling her robe closer around her nightgown as she emerged from her chambers and into the corridor of her family villa. Her mother, Bona, trailed behind her daughter as they looked over the terrace at Ascanio as he ascended the stairs. The women had heard the commotion outside as Ascanio arrived home after that night's ordeal.
"Someone poisoned Cardinal Orsini," Ascanio stated, reaching the top of the stairs. Bona gasped, holding her hand over her mouth in shock. The Borgia had been Pope for only a week and a cardinal had been killed.
"You mean someone tried to kill the Pope," Valentina corrected her uncle.
"Perhaps," Ascanio answered. "Though whoever tried, failed in his attempt."
"Are we in danger?" Bona clasped her daughter's hand tightly. She feared for her youngest daughter. All her other children had been taken from her by their uncle and she feared now her daughter was in danger because of her uncle's position.
"No Bona, we are not. But the Borgias…I fear this is just the beginning."
Orsini Villa September 1492
"Has Orsino deserted you then?" Valentina asked as she laid on a chaise in her friend Giulia Farnese's chambers. Valentina had been friends will Giulia since her marriage to Orsino, Valentina having been a guest at the wedding. She knew that Giulia despised her husband and that she had been repulsed by him since the very beginning of their marriage. Valentina didn't blame her. His appearance was unsatisfying, and he had no manliness about him.
Giulia gave out a loud sigh, fiddling with her cross necklace. "Yes, he's left me here in Rome while he has gone to Bassano."
"How very convenient of him. Well, you shall have to come and stay with me."
"Perhaps," Giulia replied.
Valentina watched her friend closely, noticing something off about her. "You have something else planned?"
"Perhaps." Valentina smirked at Giulia's words. Of course, Giulia had a plan. With beauty like hers, she could use it any way possible to achieve ends meet.
The Vatican September 1492
Valentina and her mother were to be introduced to the Pope that afternoon, Ascanio insisting that as he was closest to the Pope that his family needed to be as well. For the occasion, Valentina and Bona dressed in their best finery. Valentina wore a dress of blue silk brocade whereas her mother chose a shade of red to reflect their Sforza ancestry. The two walked side by side through the Vatican walls, several eyes following them as they walked towards the Papal throne room.
The doors opened, revealing Pope Alexander on his throne. Cardinal Sforza and the Gonfaloniere Juan Borgia stood on the Pope's right and Cesare Borgia on his left. Cesare's eyes lit up when he saw Valentina, Juan's doing the same. They were both intrigued.
The Sforza women made their way towards the Pope, curtsying before him when they reached the appropriate distance from his throne. Valentina stepped forward, lowering herself to kiss the Pope's shoe before she kissed the Pope's ring. She was startled when the Pope reached down to grasp her chin, her eyes lifting up to meet his. They were kind, gentle, much unlike the rumors of Rome.
"So, this is your niece, Cardinal. Valentina Sforza." the Pope muttered. His name rolled off of his tongue as if he was deciding whether the name was worthy of her or not.
"Yes, your Holiness," Ascanio replied. "And this is her mother, Bona of Savoy." The Pope released her chin, allowing Valentina to step backwards and allow her mother to kiss the Pope's shoe and ring as she had done.
"We are blessed to be in the presence of such women of noble lineage."
"It is we who are honored, your Holiness," Valentina spoke, her eyes staring back at the Pope boldly instead of being plastered to the ground.
"Beauty and eloquence," the Pope remarked. "You have raised her well." Bona nodded her head at the Pope's compliment. "Tell us, how old are you?"
"15, your Holiness," Valentina answered.
"15. You should be a companion to our daughter, Lucrezia," the Pope decreed.
"It would be my pleasure, Holy Father," Valentina replied.
"Wonderful!" The Pope clasped his hands together in a sort of happy gesture before rising from his chair. He descended his throne, taking Valentina's hand in his. "Let us take a walk. Now tell me, you have the beauty of your mother, but are you anything like your father?" Ascanio and Bona followed behind as did the Borgia brothers who watched the young Sforza intently.
Valentina turned glum at the mention of her father. "From what my mother tells me, your Holiness. My father, Galeazzo, was assassinated before my mother knew she had conceived."
"Yes, we remember that unfortunate day in our youth. The skies mourned for your father's passing that day," the Pope spoke.
"And as your Holiness may know, my brother is under the control of my uncle, Ludovico Sforza, and is a virtual prisoner in his own home," Valentina retorted as they strolled out onto the balcony.
"Yes, we know of that unfortunate situation as well."
"Then perhaps, Holy Father, you should know that if you recognize my brother as the true Duke of Milan that he would give you his full support of your papacy," Valentina explained.
Alexander studied Valentina's face, his forehead furrowed in thought. "You, my dear Valentina, are quite direct with your tongue."
"A trait I inherited from my father," Valentina said. "Forgive me for my forwardness, your Holiness."
"There is nothing to forgive my dear. I hope my Lucrezia may have your ability to speak her mind." Alexander lifted Valentina's hand and kissed it. "Now if you will excuse us, we have much work to do regarding our Holy Mother Church."
"Of course, your Holiness." Valentina curtsied to the Pope as he strolled away, her uncle following behind and whispering a "Well done" to her as he passed. The Borgia sons trailed behind the servants of the Church, though Cesare cast a look towards her as he passed. Valentina dare not lift her eyes, feeling the heat of someone else's on her being as she stood up from her curtsy.
Bona came to stand beside her daughter, casting a sideways glance at her. "That was a risk, to press your brother's case to the Pope."
"Wouldn't you want your son's title restored to him? Have our home given back to us? A home you and I have not seen since I was three?" Valentina questioned her mother. Bona said nothing, stiffening at her daughter's words. She turned on her heel and walked back inside the Vatican. Valentina sighed deeply, retreating after her mother as she had nowhere else to go.
The Vatican October 1492
"Why are we going to the Vatican Church?" Valentina asked, strolling next to Giulia as they entered into the church.
"I wanted to make a confession."
Valentina frowned at her friend's words. "You have punished yourself enough for you discretion. Besides, your husband abandoned you. I think you have suffered enough."
"Would the Pope agree?" Valentina stopped in her tracks, staring aghast at her friend.
"You have an audience with his holiness?" Valentina asked.
"Yes, I do," Giulia declared.
"And why did you bring me with you? For added effect of your confession?" Giulia gave her a sheepish look, her brown eyes connecting with Valentina's blue. "Just because I am younger than you, it does not mean I am oblivious to the schemes in Rome." Valentina smiled at her friend, interlocking arms with her. "Besides, you know my uncle has told me to become companions with Lucrezia Borgia. We both may be involved in schemes as of yet my friend." They neared the confessional booth, Valentina pulling her arm from Giulia's. "I will wait for you," she murmured under her breath, walking away from Giulia and towards a pew in the front of the church. She kneeled down and began to pray as she waited for her friend to emerge from the confessional booth.
Giulia entered the confessional booth, making the sign of the cross over her chest and kneeling down to clasp her hands together. "May I thank you, Holy Father, for bequeathing to me your precious time." Pope Alexander remained sitting forward, his eyes glued to the door in front of him.
"Go on my child," Alexander spoke, nodding his head at Giulia.
"I have sinned mightily, your Holiness, and know there are some sins that only the Pope can forgive," Giulia relayed.
Alexander turned towards her. "They are few, but the most grave." He has an edge of seriousness to his voice. "Tell me."
Giulia's eyes remained staring at the ground. She would not lift her eyes upwards towards the pope. "My husband, your Holiness, has long been…distasteful to me."
"I fear…you are not the first woman to share that fate," Alexander spoke.
"His person I find repellant. His advances sicken me. His hand upon my body makes me retch with disgust," Giulia relayed.
"Have you denied him…your duties as a wife?" Alexander questioned. To do so would be a sin he thought to himself.
"No, your Holiness. I performed them as the Church says I must."
"So, I…fail to discern the sin," Alexander said confused.
"I found myself with child. The thought of this body of mine, marred by the presence of his offspring-inside-drive me to an act of transgression that…" Giulia halted in her speech.
"Go on, my daughter," Alexander pushed.
"I put an end to my pregnancy," Giulia stated, her voice filled with guilt.
"That is most grave indeed."
"A sin that only the Pope can forgive." Giulia lifted her eyes to stare at the Pope.
"Only God may forgive. But we may intercede on your behalf." Alexander turned his head to connect eyes with Giulia. He feels sympathy for her, no anger whatsoever.
"Then please, your Holiness, beg for me his mercy," Giulia pleaded.
"And your husband? He knows of this?" Alexander asked.
"He knows nothing," Giulia conveyed. "He has retired to his castle in Bassano. He satisfies his lust on me no longer."
"And you are now chaste?" Alexander questioned.
"I have no one, your Holiness."
"Then perhaps that is to be your penitence-to follow your husband to Bassano, as is your duty." Giulia stared at him incredulously.
"I would prefer a life of destitution, your Holiness," Giulia relayed.
"Then love God and find a peace within the walls of a nunnery," Alexander stated in a strict tone. He was beginning to feel hot…very hot at the sight of Giulia Farnese and her plight to him.
"Can one find peace in such a love, your Holiness?" Giulia does not know how the Pope could think she would retire to a nunnery.
"It is what we must do, Giulia Farnese," the Pope declared.
"I fear I may lack your Holiness's will. I am still young your Holiness, and by body, I am sure, could find and give much happiness if soul could find peace," Giulia suggested.
"Do you beg forgiveness from God for the enormity of your crime?" Alexander wanted to be anywhere, but in confession now. He wanted Giulia Farnese to stop her questions and submit to his will, but she persisted.
"I do so daily your Holiness. My soul yearns for its punishment," Giulia spoke.
"Then you must fast, from matins till evensong, and flagellate your naked body twice nightly," the Pope commanded.
"With knotted cord your holiness?" Giulia asked.
"Cord of silk will suffice. To destroy the beauty the Lord has granted you would be to compound your sin. Ego te absolve ab omnibus censuris, et peccatis, in nomine Patris et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen." Both make the sign of the cross over their chests, Alexander sighing once Giulia had exited the booth.
"Giulia Farnese!" The Pope exclaimed, Giulia stopping in her tracks and turning towards him.
"Your Holiness?"
"One of your lineage…to be destitute-we cannot allow it. We must find you some temporary and temporal refuge." Giulia remained silent, turning away and calling for Valentina who had heard the last of their conversation. Valentina rejoined her friend, casting a glance towards the confessional booth as they left. She gave Giulia a knowing look to which Giulia ignored as the two headed towards the Orsini Villa.
November 1492
Giulia sat in the Pope's rooms, a goat in her lap as the painter Pinturicchio started his masterpiece of her. Valentina stood beside him, watching as the artist began his brush strokes. She had been allowed in the pope's chambers due to her association with Giulia, something her uncle was immensely pleased about. It seemed her association with Giulia would aid her in her introduction to the Borgia family. Not that she was surprised when her friend told her the Pope had given her Cardinal Orsini's old villa, but Valentina had no idea that the Pope would be so blatant in his affection for her.
"Will you be given rooms here as well?" Valentina asked Giulia, referring to the Papal rooms.
Giulia smiled at her friend's words, keeping perfect posture as she was supposed to when being painted. "I believe so, though not yet. I am sure his Holiness would like for me to remain in the villa he bestowed upon me for now." Valentina nodded at Giulia, a silence occurring in the room as Giulia remained sitting with her head forward while Valentina watched the artist work his wonders.
Suddenly, Giulia cleared her throat, alerting Valentina of their visitor. She looked up to see Lucrezia Borgia looking at them from behind a pillar before she stepped out into the open room, smiling at Giulia and Valentina. Giulia glanced at her but stayed seated. "She is beautiful." Valentina smiled. It was true Giulia was beautiful, but Lucrezia was coming into her own beauty. However, she still had a child-like quality about her that added to her growth.
"She is," Pinturicchio agreed.
"More beautiful than your painting," Lucrezia remarked. Valentina held back a laugh at the expression on Pinturicchio's face.
"I've just begun," Pinturicchio stated.
"You must do better, then." Lucrezia pointed to the portrait where Giulia's hair fell down in spirals. "Her hair curls, here." Lucrezia strolled in front of Giulia and asked, "Who is she?" Valentina couldn't understand why Lucrezia would be asking Pinturicchio when Giulia was sitting right there.
"Giulia Farnese. At your service."
"And you?" Lucrezia said, looking towards Valentina.
"Valentina Sforza, my lady."
"Why is he painting you, Giulia Farnese?" Lucrezia asked, coming to stand next to Giulia and holding the baby goat she cradled in her arms.
"Your father, the Pope, commissioned him," Giulia answered.
"Will he paint one of you too? Or perhaps even me?" Lucrezia questioned, looking to Valentina now.
"I will commission him now," Giulia voiced, "Unless Cardinal Sforza wishes to have him commissioned for his niece's painting."
Lucrezia smiled at the baby goat bleated and she stroked it gently. "Why are you holding a baby goat?"
"It will become a unicorn," Valentina spoke.
"Then I want a unicorn," Lucrezia declared.
"Would you like something better, my lady?" Valentina asked. "You cannot have the same animal as Giulia. And as the Pope's daughter, I think we should find something better. A seahorse perhaps?"
Lucrezia rolled over the idea in her mind. "I want to lie on a bed of seashells and have a sea horse in my lap." Lucrezia eyed Giulia's necklace, Valentina noticing the look on the young girl's face. She connected eyes with Giulia, but her friend had already noticed.
"Like this one?" Giulia fiddled with her seahorse necklace.
"Yes. Just like this one." Lucrezia reached for the necklace, fingering the gold material.
"You must have it, then," Giulia insisted. Lucrezia's face broke out in an expression of childish delight.
"I can?"
Giulia unclasped the necklace, handing it to Lucrezia. "It's a gift. From Giulia and Valentina to Lucrezia."
"Valentina too?" Lucrezia asked, turning to the other woman.
"Valentina gave me the necklace and now, we are giving it to you." Valentina nodded her head at the statement.
"Can I kiss you both then?" Lucrezia questioned, looking between Giulia and Valentina.
"Only if we are to be friends," Giulia all but declared.
"Only friends are allowed to kiss each other," Valentina added.
"We are friends already." Lucrezia leaned down to press a kiss on Giulia's cheek before making her way to Valentina and doing the same. She took Valentina's hands in hers, light blue meeting a darker shade of blue. Valentina knew Giulia's and her friendship with Lucrezia had just begun, but she already knew that they were about to cause a scandal in Rome.
A/N:Comments?
