In October 1502 the powerful Cesare Borgia was preparing to invade the Florentine Republic. Niccol- Machiavelli, an official of the Republic, is sent to Borgia-s court to spy on him. 33 years old, he has a nice pen, but he-s not famous. He cheats on his wife avidly, and he''s deep into debts. He''s seen as trusted and useful, but he''s kept on the sidelines.
A complex relationship is created between Machiavelli and Borgia. The Duke needs someone to write a biography to respond to the many -slanders- circulating about him and he chooses Niccol- to do it. And so Machiavelli not only gains wider access to Borgia-s secrets, but also those of Dianora Mambelli, a young woman forced by the Borgias to stay by his side. Attending to both executioner and victim, listening to the Duke-s reflections and discovering the hidden truths that Dianora reveals to him, transform Machiavelli and give him the insight that will allow him to become a great writer. And put his own life at risk.
