Page 98 of Sacred Hearts

I make my way through the chamber, accepting handshakes from allies, meeting the glares of opponents with steady eyes. My phone vibrates in my pocket, but I resist checking it until I’m in the relative privacy of the antechamber.

It’s a message from Sophia:Marco is free. Swiss Guard loyal to him. Cardinals arrested.

Relief floods through me so intensely that I have to lean against the wall for support. Marco is safe. The conspirators who tried to imprison him have failed. I type back quickly:Government survived by 4 votes. Tell him I’ll call when I can.

I step out onto the parliament steps where a sea of cameras and microphones awaits. The crowd beyond the media cordon is larger than I expected—supporters and protesters alike filling the piazza.

“Prime Minister Valentini, your government survived by just four votes. How do you respond?”

I take a deep breath, letting the cameras capture this moment ofcomposure before I speak.

“Today, the Italian parliament has chosen democracy over corruption, truth over manipulation. The margin was narrow, yes—but democracy often hangs by such thin threads. Our government will continue its work against corruption, regardless of how powerful the corrupt may be.”

“What about your relationship with Pope Pius? Do you regret—”

I cut the question off with a raised hand. “I regret nothing about being honest with the Italian people. I regret nothing about loving another human being with dignity and respect. What I do regret is that powerful interests tried to use that love as a weapon against both of us, to protect their criminal enterprises.”

A young reporter pushes forward. “Your coalition has lost several parties. How will you govern effectively now?”

“One day at a time, with transparency and integrity. We’ll seek support for good legislation from wherever it comes. The fight against corruption continues—in fact, as we speak, Italian authorities are working with Vatican security to process the arrests of several prominent cardinals implicated in financial crimes.”

This revelation sends a ripple through the press corps. Questions fly at me from all directions, but I raise my hands for quiet.

“I must return to work now. Italy faces challenges that won’t wait for political drama to resolve. Thank you.”

As I turn to leave, my security detail closing around me, I spot a flash of rainbow flags mixed with Italian tricolours in the crowd. A group of young people chant my name, their faces alight with something that looks like hope. I nod to them briefly before ducking into my waiting car.

“To the office,” I tell my driver, then sink back against the leather seat, finally allowing myself to exhale fully.

My phone rings almost immediately. It’s Gabriella.

“We need to talk about the budget vote next week,” she says without preamble. “We’re four votes short.”

I close my eyes briefly. “Already back to work, I see.”

“The opposition won’t give us time to breathe. Carlos may be in custody, but his allies are regrouping.”

“Set up meetings with the independents. And the Greens—they might support us if we strengthen the environmental provisions.”

“Already on it. And Matteo—” Her voice softens slightly. “The Pope is giving a public address in an hour. Thought you’d want to know.”

My heart jumps. “Thank you.”

After ending the call, I check the secure phone Marco and I use to communicate. There’s a message waiting:

They cannot separate what God has joined. I address the faithful at 4 pm. Watch if you can. With love, M.

The car pulls into the secure underground garage beneath Palazzo Chigi. I hurry through security, nodding to staff who offer congratulations or concerned looks. My office feels like a sanctuary when I finally close the door behind me.

Sophia is waiting, perched on the edge of my desk with a tablet in hand.

“You look terrible,” she says bluntly.

“Four votes, Sophia. Four.”

“But you won.” She hands me a glass of water. “And so did Marco. Colonel Reichlin finally came to his sense and mobilized the Swiss Guard the moment they confirmed the cardinals’ corruption. They’re in custody now—Antonelli, Lombardi, and Visconti.”

“What charges?”

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