Convinced that the lightning strike was a sign of God’s disapproval, Rodrigo begins fast for Lent. His political problems worsen as Cesare’s intemperate killing of Giovanni has hardened made the Sforzas angry, while Savonarola now rules Florence, which means that Papal deposits with the Medici Bank may be lost.

Desperate for new allies, Rodrigo recruits Vanozza to persuade Lucrezia to marry again. Lucrezia resists and plays the diva. Meanwhile, she and her mother along with Giulia, confront the Cardinals and demand that they channel money to the poor.

In Florence, Cesare confronts Savonarola, but is almost killed by the friar’s child army. Seeking to prove to his father that he is capable of taking control of the Papal armies, Cesare and his “stray dogs” attempt a daring heist of Medici gold, but he is disappointed when he learns that Juan is coming back from Spain to take military command once again.