Even cardinal Della Rovere is clearly appalled by the brutality of the invasion war he called for, especially the wiling destruction, carnage and pillage of Lucca so as to terrorize all cities likely to resist the French king and his novel artillery. Even mighty Florence sees no choice but agree to shocking terms. The pope is determined to resist, but his army is insignificant and the meager allies desert, even the in-law Sforzas, and against Cesare's advice, papal Gonfaloniere Juan is made commander in chief, while he is much happier performing kid brother Joffre's marital duties to Sancia. Paolo and Lucrezia enjoy romantic days without brutish master Giovanni Sforza, s when his broken leg heals, she arranges for him to fall again. The cardinals oppose the pope's plan to force city-states by threatening with collective excommunication. King Ferrante of Naples finally dies and his son Alfonso wonders if the throne is still worth fighting for against such odds.
—KGF Vissers