The purged Cardinals are stripped of their titles and wealth; King Ferdinand refuses to accept Giovanni; Cesare considers an alliance with the old enemy; Alexander sticks to his plan; Lucrezia is abandoned on her wedding night.

Cesare's diplomatic mission is a success; Bianca takes her own life; Alexander and Sforza conspire to repay Gonzaga; Lucrezia travels to Naples; King Ferdinand continues the refusal of recognizing Giovanni.