The Family - Mario Puzo [102]
A short while later, dressed in formal attire, the Pope joined d’Amboise in his study. D’Amboise began. “King Charles is dead. In an unfortunate accident, in which he hit his head on a large ceiling beam, he swiftly fell into unconsciousness, and within hours, despite his physicians and the attentions of the court, he died. Nothing could be done. His relative, Louis the Twelfth, has now ascended to the throne as King. Under his rule, I am sent with information: that the situation with both Naples and Milan is now changed, for this king claims them. They are rightfully his.”
Alexander thought a moment, and frowned. “Am I to understand that your new king claims both kingdoms?”
“Yes, Your Worthiness. One claim is set on the grounds of his forebears, the other on that of King Charles. But be assured, he means no harm to you or the Holy Mother Church.”
The Pope feigned surprise. “Really? And how can we be certain?”
The ambassador placed his hand over his heart in a gesture of sincerity. “I had hoped that you would accept my word and the word of the king.”
Alexander sat silently, thoughtfully, for a moment. “What is it that your king wishes from me? For to come to me with this information, and offer assurances as well, he must desire something dear . . . ”
“Well,” d’Amboise said, “he has a wish that only Your Holiness can grant. And it has to do with his marriage to Jeanne of France. He has asked me to tell you that he is not content, Holiness.”
“My dear d’Amboise,” Alexander said with a look of amusement. “Not content with his marriage to the deformed, misshapen daughter of Louis the Eleventh? What a surprise! Though he disappoints me, for I expected more of him. He is not as charitable as I presumed.”
The ambassador’s voice became cold and more formal. He was affronted by Alexander’s remarks. “It is not a matter of her beauty, Holy Father, I assure you. Their marriage has never been consummated, and the young king strongly desires an heir.”
“Has he another wife in mind?” Alexander asked, already suspecting the answer.
The ambassador nodded. “He wishes to marry Anne of Brittany, the widow of his late cousin, Charles the Eighth.”
The Pope laughed good-naturedly. “Ah,” he said. “Now it becomes clearer to me. He wishes to marry his sister-in-law, and so he asks for a dispensation from the Holy Father. In exchange, he will offer a treaty protecting our lands.”
Amboise’s body seemed to fold in on itself with relief. “In substance, Holy Father, though I would put it more delicately . . . ”
Pope Alexander’s sonorous voice resounded throughout the hall. “This is a serious matter you come to me with. For it is written in the holy Commandments: ‘Thou shalt not covet thy brother’s wife.’”
The ambassador stammered, “But with your dispensation, Your Holiness, even a commandment can be altered in some measure.”
The Pope sat back in his chair and rested, and his voice became much more conversational. “This is true, Ambassador. Still, before I can agree, there is something more I desire than the safety of our lands, for your king is requesting a great indulgence.” D’Amboise said nothing, and Alexander continued. “You must be aware that my son, Cesare Borgia, has given up the hat of a cardinal. And so it is imperative that he must soon marry. The daughter of King Federigo of Naples, Princess Rosetta, seems a suitable match, and one who would be greatly influenced by your king, do you not agree? I assume we can count on his support?”
“I will do my utmost, Your Holiness, to see that the king understands your wishes, and grants an accommodation. Until we speak again, I beg Your Holiness to consider the king’s request, for he has waited patiently for this.”
The Pope looked at the ambassador slyly. “Go, d’Amboise, bring Louis my message. For perhaps both France and the papacy can celebrate, if indeed there are to be two weddings.”
Cesare had sent several messages to Lucrezia at Santa Maria in Portico, asking that she meet him in private, but in each case