Chapter XXVI: The Bishop is Dead. Who Will Take His Place?  

What irritates me the most is when people silence me. What exactly annoys me? The way they do it, of course...

"Vlad, why did you kiss me?"

"To show you that I am willing to wait for you... Honestly, I believe that the longer I wait, the stronger my feelings will become..."

"Yeah, sure... And I will become the King of France... Vlad, you have so many options, why would you choose me?"

"Because you are different from the others... Plus, the cardinal who came is your lover, right?"

"No... Or rather, not anymore... Personal issues..." I said, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry to hear that... You know, could I come to the funeral tomorrow? I really want to see a Mass conducted by you..."

"I won't be conducting the Mass; Cesare will... I will just preach after the Gospel..."

"Great, then I'll come too... I want to receive communion from your hand tomorrow, okay?"

"We'll see... Go now..."

"Fine... See you tomorrow. Goodbye, Antonio..."