She was exquisite. He should be careful of such matters; his heart was still quite damaged from a Lady who would prefer to be a nun, but there was no crime in appreciating beauty. Danger, perhaps, but when one lived in Rome, all was danger.

Cesare lowered himself to one knee, as seemed fitting when presented with royalty.

"I have no titles," he said, "but Cardinal of Valencia, a collar which I wear with the greatest of reluctance. How, fair lady, should a Cardinal address a Queen?"