Though officially their uncle, Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia gathers his three children, but Juan's and Cesare's lack of control threaten his life's work.

When a plot to poison the pope is baffled and the pontiff's original testament restored, Cesare watches his brother rise further in Rodrigo's esteem.

A quarrel starts among the cardinals and old reckonings are being settled, while Cesare offers his son as a sacrifice to God, abandoning the newborn.

Rodrigo promises estates and offices for those voting in his favour, and when white smoke rises, he leaves the conclave as Pope Alexander VI.

The wedding of Lucrezia to Giovanni Sforza is to seal the union between the Borgia and Sforza families, but the marriage will not be consummated.

As peace remains brittle, Rodrigo publicly acknowledges his paternity of Juan, Cesare, Lucrezia and Goffredo to strengthen the family bonds.

Instead of keeping the peace, Rodrigo gives in to Giulia's urging and has his men take up arms, but under Juan's command the campaign fails.

With his enemies advancing and his troops deserting Juan's command, Rodrigo has to take a tough decision that puts Cesare's life at stake.

Rodrigo has his back on the wall as the French troops occupy the Eternal city, but thanks to his son Cesare, a fragile peace can be negotiated.

By the intervention of Spain, France is forced to withdraw, but Isabella of Spain demands a purge of the Jews from the Eternal City.

Cesare leads an investigative commission into Juan's death, but cannot find the guilty party and soon fears he himself killed his brother.