The Borgias, Season One

Charles VIII:
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)

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
They will swear it is divine, Your Highness.

Charles VIII:
They can lie in Naples?

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
Exceedingly well. They hardly know what "truth" is.

Charles VIII:
HAH! (he and his generals roar with laughter, Charles turns to Cesare) A most excellent Pontiff, your father, is he not?

Cesare Borgia:
(smiles uneasily) I have... no other to compare him with.

Charles VIII:
Well, he has suited our purpose! We could be said to have an understanding. (glances at the Pope, who returns his gaze)

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
(nods heartily) We could, indeed!

Charles VIII:
But, in case- just in case- we would make a request of Your Holiness.

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
Well, we will respectfully hear it.

Charles VIII:
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.

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
(glances away)... Very well. We will nominate a legate of our choice-

Charles VIII:
(smiles and touches his arm) Oh, no- not of your choice, Holy Father. (Cesare tenses) Of ours.

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
... Who would you choose?

Charles VIII:
(smiles slightly) Your son, Cardinal Cesare Borgia. (Alexander hastily looks in Cesare's direction)

Cesare Borgia:
(sharply) You would have me accompany your army as... a hostage?! (Alexander gestures at him to calm down)

Charles VIII:
No, God forbid. (shakes his head, smiles) A hostage implies emnity!

Cesare Borgia:
(angrily) And what does Legate imply?

Charles VIII:
Friendship, surely! And a guarantee that such friendship will continue.