“Your Holiness, there’s a secure message from Prime Minister Valentini. He requests an update on today’s events.”
I feel warmth spread through me at the mention of Matteo’s name. “Tell him—” I pause, considering protocol, then decide against it. “Actually, I’ll speak with him directly. Please arrange a secure call for this evening.”
Tomás nods, a hint of understanding in his eyes. “Of course, Holy Father. And may I say… I’m proud to serve your papacy. Truly.”
As he leaves, I turn to the window, looking out over St. Peter’s Square. Somewhere out there, Matteo is fighting his own battles against the same corruption. Tonight, I’ll tell him about this unexpected groundswell of support, about the allies emerging from the shadows. Together, perhaps we can truly change things—not just expose corruption, but build something better in its place.
The thought fills me with a hope I haven’t felt since becoming Pope—a hope born not just of love for one man, but of love for the Church I’ve dedicated my life to serve.
13
Pulling Threads
Matteo
I stride into my office with a lightness in my step that seems almost inappropriate given the gravity of the security situation. But I can’t help it—the memory of Marco’s touch, his lips against mine, his hesitant then increasingly confident explorations—it’s all still burning through me like electricity.
“Good morning, Prime Minister,” my assistant says, handing me a stack of security briefings. “The cabinet is assembled in the conference room whenever you’re ready.”
“Thank you, Elena. I’ll be there shortly.”
As I review the most urgent documents, I catch sight of myself in the reflection of my office window. There’s something different—a brightness in my eyes, a slight flush to my skin that no amount of political composure can fully mask.
The door opens without a knock, and Sophia walks in, two coffees in hand. My sister has never respected the formality of my office.
“I brought reinforcements,” she says, setting one cup on my desk. “Thought you might need it after your… late night.”
I accept the coffee without looking up. “Thank you. The security situation required immediate attention.”
“Mmm-hmm.” She perches on the edge of my desk, a position she’s taken since we were children discussing secrets in our shared bedroom. “The security situation. Of course.”
I finally meet her eyes, finding them dancing with barely suppressed amusement.
“What?” I ask, though I already know.
“Nothing.” She takes a sip of her coffee. “Just noticed you’re walking differently today. More… relaxed. Almost like someone who’s finally—”
“Sophia,” I warn.
“What? I’m just saying it’s nice to see you looking less tense.” She leans closer, dropping her voice. “Though I’m curious about who managed to accomplish what years of my nagging couldn’t.”
I stand, gathering my papers. “We have a cabinet meeting.”
“Fine, keep your secrets.” She moves toward the door, then pauses. “But whoever they are, I approve already. You look happy, Matteo. Even with everything going on, you look happy.”
As we walk together toward the conference room, she nudges my shoulder playfully and gives me a knowing wink. I roll my eyes but can’t suppress my smile entirely.
* * *
The cabinet room falls silent as I enter. Gabriella Esposito, my Justice Minister, looks up from her notes with a sharp gaze that misses nothing. Carlos Rossi, my Deputy Prime Minister, offers his usual slick smile that never quite reaches his eyes.
“Thank you all for coming on short notice,” I begin, taking my place at the head of the table. “As you know, we’ve uncovered significant evidence linking several government officials to organized crime through Vatican Bank connections.”
I slide a folder toward the centre of the table.
“These documents detail transactions between Finance Minister Russo’s private foundation and shell companies controlled by the ‘Ndrangheta. Similar connections exist for Transportation Minister Bianchi and three parliamentary undersecretaries.”
Carlos leans forward, his expression carefully neutral. “These are serious allegations against prominent members of our coalition, Prime Minister. Perhaps we should discuss this privately before proceeding.”
