Loyalty and Betrayal

Where it surfaces

• V: The Princess

  Valeria's trust in Bellarion is tested as she decides whether to involve him in her secret plans, highlighting themes of loyalty and potential betrayal.

• Service

  Valeria's trusted nobles plot murder behind her back.

• IX: The Marquis Theodore

  Bellarion betrays the conspirators to the Regent, yet Theodore questions his loyalty, framing it as self-interest rather than true allegiance.

• X: The Warning

  Bellarion betrays the conspirators to the Regent while claiming to serve Valeria; a Judas is revealed among the plotters.

• XI: Under Suspicion

  The conspirators fear Bellarion has betrayed them to the Marquis Theodore; his loyalty is questioned throughout the chapter, and he must convince them of his fidelity.

• XII: Count Spigno

  Spigno's betrayal of the conspiracy by freeing Bellarion is met with Bellarion's own betrayal, as he kills Spigno to further his own mission.

• The Trial

  Princess Valeria feels betrayed by Bellarion, whom she trusted, and believes he is a spy for the Regent.

• XIV: Evasion

  Theodore's willingness to discard Bellarion as 'inconvenient' and Bellarion's ambiguous loyalty to the Marquis and Valeria underscore the fragile nature of trust.

• IV: The Champion

  Facino's loyalty to the Duke is questioned by his wife, yet he returns to Milan despite the Duke's malevolence, while the people acclaim him as their champion.

• V: The Commune of Milan

  Facino's loyalty to the Duke is tested by court intrigue and suspicion, while della Torre and others scheme against him.

• VI: The Fruitless Wooing

  Bellarion's steadfast loyalty to Facino contrasts with the Countess Beatrice's attempts at betrayal through seduction.

• VIII: The Battle of Travo

  Bellarion's self-sacrifice and loyalty to Facino are highlighted, as he risks his life to execute the plan, while Buonterzo's forces show disloyalty in their panicked flight.

• IX: De Mortuis

  Facino's loyalty to the Duke is met with suspicion and censure, while Bellarion's loyalty to Facino is rewarded only posthumously.

• X: The Knight Bellarion

  Valeria accuses Bellarion of disloyalty for his coldness, while Bellarion perceives her words as disloyal to Facino.

• XII: Visconti Faith

  Facino's long loyalty to the Visconti is met with betrayal as the Duke allies with the Malatesta and sets a price on his head.

• XV: The Camisade

  Vignate's history of betraying Gian Galeazzo Visconti is contrasted with Bellarion's steadfast loyalty to Facino, highlighting the moral complexities of allegiance in mercenary warfare.

• Severance

  Bellarion's departure is framed as both a sacrifice for Facino's peace and a strategic move, blurring the lines between loyalty and self-interest.

• XVII: The Return

  Valeria's scorn for Bellarion stems from his past treachery, which she believes ruined her hopes. The negotiation for an alliance hinges on trust and guarantees, highlighting the fragile nature of loyalty.

• XVIII: The Hostage

  Valeria's internal conflict between trusting Bellarion and remembering his past betrayals; Theodore's forced compliance hints at potential future treachery.

• Book III

  The chapter examines the fragile nature of allegiance in a world where alliances shift rapidly, and Bellarion's bonds to Facino Cane and others are tested by new temptations.

• II: The Battle of Novi

  Bellarion's loyalty to Facino contrasts with Theodore's betrayal of his trust; Theodore accuses Bellarion of being a Judas, but Bellarion remains true to his adoptive father.

• III: Facino's Return

  Facino feels betrayed by Gian Maria's ingratitude; Bellarion's loyalty earns him rewards; Pusterla urges betrayal of the Duke.

• IV: The Count of Pavia

  Bellarion acts to protect Facino Cane's honor by warning his wife, while Valeria questions Bellarion's loyalty to her family.

• V: Justice

  Venegono's loyalty to Facino contrasts with Mombelli's betrayal under torture, and Bellarion's initial skepticism of Venegono's warning.

• VI: The Inheritance

  The captains' ceremonial surrender of swords contrasts with Bellarion's subtle manipulation, questioning the true nature of loyalty to Beatrice.

• VII: Prince of Valsassina

  Carmagnola's unexpected support for Bellarion in the council, contrasting with his past opposition, and Bellarion's secret manipulation of alliances.

• X: The Arrest

  Carmagnola's accusation and the captains' swift judgment highlight themes of loyalty and perceived betrayal.

• XI: The Pledge

  Bellarion is accused of treason and double-dealing, while Valeria's pledge to Carmagnola ties loyalty to military success.

• XII: Carmagnola's Duty

  Spigno's betrayal, Ugolino's defection, and Valeria's shifting trust underscore the theme.

• XIII: The Occupation of Casale

  Bellarion's unwavering loyalty to Valeria contrasts with the betrayal of Theodore's usurpation; the city's council is forced to switch allegiance.