Page 104 of King

The hatred.

The way they all despise me.

Even Dante has pulled away and refuses to speak to Guido .

My life has fallen apart with Giovanni. His death is something I’m not even allowed to grieve because I am being accused of murdering him.

But yesterday I found out who it was.

Whether it was brave or stupid of me - I messaged the one responsible and he made it clear that he was coming for all of them. For every single one of Giovanni’s sons. He made it clear that he would leave no male heir to take his throne.

Their lives are all in danger and I’m the only one who knows.

With a heavy breath I tug my coat tighter around my shoulders and shove my hands into my pocket. It’s time to face him, and hopefully he will listen.

The church is beautiful. The moment I walk inside I’m shrouded by a sense of calm, which intensifies the ache in my heart. It’s so quiet I can’t think of anything else but my pain.

It’s like this place was built as a space for us to face the things that hurt us the most, but to do so in safety. In quiet.

I swallow hard and walk towards the confession booth.

The heels of my stilettos click loudly on the stone floor, echoing up to the ceiling.

Stained glass windows splash colorful light onto the pews.

I slip into the booth and sit down.

The Bishop sits quietly on the other side of a mesh screen that obscures his face.

“What have you come to confess, child?” he asks, his voice deeper than I remember, perhaps broken from pain and loss.

“Six months ago I lost the man I love. He died righting front of me, and right in front of his sons. He was an incredible man, who deserved more than what happened to him.”

Santino recognizes my voice, and my story.

The tension in the air crackles, but he doesn’t move.

“I have been accused of his death.” I say tightly. “But I have proof that it wasn’t me. And I know who really murdered him - who sent that snake.”

Santino lets out a heavy, angry breath.

“I’m struggling because no one will believe me, but I need them to, because they are in danger as well. All of his sons are in danger. Someone is after our family, Santino. You have to help me keep them safe.” I beg, turning towards the mesh.

Santino lets out a low, deep growl and stands up.

“This confession is over.” He says coldly.

“Please, no, wait - Santino please, listen to me.” I beg.

He steps out of the booth and into the church and I hurry out of mine to stop him from leaving before I have a chance to explain everything.

I grab the sleeve of his gown and pull him to a stop.

His back is facing me, his shoulder set in tense agitation.

“Please, get your hands off me.” He says, a dark warning, hidden behind incredible restraint that he has been practicing over the past six months.

“Santino - I know killed your father. I know who is after the family.”

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