What Role Did the Idea of "Fate" Play in Machiavelli's

What role did the idea of "fate" play in Machiavelli's analysis in The Prince?

A) Fate marked the sheer random movement of nature and people that was beyond the ability of any ruler to control.
B) The most skilled and prepared ruler could not fully escape the operations of fate that might cause a prince to lose his realm.
C) The idea of fate was but a metaphor for the favor that God randomly bestows on some rulers and denies to others.
D) The skilled ruler can overcome the operations of fate if he is willing to abandon all moral limitations and scruples.