After having to reveal to his father that he has taken his place as head of the family, Lorenzo and his mother Lucrezia go to Rome, seeking financial support from the Pope.
These are happy times for the Medici. Lorenzo and Clarice have had a baby, and the new alliance with Francesco Pazzi guarantees a solid political axis for Florence, with Venice and Milan.
As Lorenzo sees the long-sought alliance with Venice and Milan now looking doubtful, the Pazzi exploit the Medici's moment of weakness by fomenting insurrection in nearby Città di Castello.