-Natalia-
I held the hand of my guardian and we walked into meet the King of France in person. I saw His Holiness' face light up in recognition.
"Ah, your highness may I present my son Cardinal Cesare Borgia and his ward the Lady Natalia Orsini" I curtsied in respect.
" Your Majesty" we spoke and I looked up.
"So you are the famous Natalia" I looked at Cesare then back at the King
"I beg your pardon, your Majesty"
"The Lady Lucrezia spoke fondly of you. She said that she thought you would be more charming than her"
"I doubt that My King, But I see she was right about you, a charming gentlemen" I smiled he laughed
"Come let us eat."
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"There are beauteous women in Naples, I have been told. Even for this ugly snout of mine"
"You think it ugly your majesty?" he looked at me
"Sorry?"
"You think you nose ugly, how insulting of yourself I would have said it had a certain oh what do your people say...erm" I pretended to thing "je ne sais quoi?" he laughed again
"You know your French" I smiled
"A little nowhere near as perfect as you but then again you are French"
"Cardinal your sister was right, your ward is a charmer" I looked at Cesare who smiled
"That she is." I smiled back. I didn't need telling that we had to keep the King sweet.
"They will swear it is divine, Your Highness." His Holiness continued
"They can lie in Naples?" The King asked
"Exceedingly well. They hardly know what truth is" The King was full of laughter as he laughed again.
"A most excellent pontiff, your father is he not" King Charles asked my guardian.
"I have no other to compare him with"
"Well, he has suited our purpose. We could be said to have an understanding."
"We could indeed."
"But in case, just in case, we would make a request of your holiness."
"Well we will respectfully hear it."
"We would have you nominate a papal legate to accompany our armies to the Kingdom of Naples and to remain with us for the duration of our visit." I stopped eating and watched
"Very well. We will nominate a legate of our choice..."
"Oh no! Not of your choice, Holy Father. Of ours."
"Who would you choose?"
"Your son and his ward. Cardinal Cesare Borgia and Lady Natalia" I dropped my fruit.
"You would have us accompany your army as a hostage."
"No. God forbid. A hostage implies enmity."
"And what does legate imply?" I wondered
"Friendship surely. And a guarantee that such a friendship will continue." I looked at Cesare then back at the King.
"If you so wish it. We are nothing if we are not friends" I smiled stiffly
YOU ARE READING
The Borgia's - NATALIA
FanfictionBOOK 1 Natalia Orsini has had a rough life courtesy of her Uncle. She never thought she would be saved but she was and by none other than Cesere Borgia. Thanks to her saviour she is given a second chance at live under the protection of the New Pope...
