Work Text:
Leonardo,
I did something that would soon make headline, but I want you to hear this directly from me. I killed the false Pope Sixtus, chocked him to death with bare hands, as I once did to my mother, under his command. I have no intention to deny my crime should anyone come and ask me. I am a murderer and, for the first time ever, I feel no regret. I will not hide this from you: I do not feel sorry for his loss. Quite the contrary, I am now so very relieved, and feel like I should’ve done it long ago.
Not that I have any plans for my next move. The Pope had no lawful descendent, so until anyone else finds about my crime, which one will, sooner or later, I may even stand a chance of succeeding his position. I had never imagined myself being in that throne. How I wish you were here by my side, guiding me with your better judgement, but then I would only be dragging you down with my past, my fault, and my misery.
The good news, however, is that my mind is no longer split in two. I am at one, not with the Labyrinth, but with myself. I can now feel the world in whole, without any disconcerting blanks in my memory. I still have to live with what I’ve done, but probably not for too long. I would say that I have no fear for any trial that is sure to come, and that I welcome death which serves me right, but then I would be lying. You know what a pathetic one my childhood was, with my father abusing me in every possible way. Even worse was my adolescence, starting with the most horrible murder in this world or another. With Sixtus dead I am finally free, and yet I cannot enjoy this freedom.
Still, I take no regret killing him. Before doing so I said to him that I had to kill my other parent together with the one who led me astray. It’s convenient to find them both in the same person, I declared. I refuse to take those sinful words either. The Architect was right about one thing, you know, that I need to bring my revenge upon him. Speaking of the Architect, you may be surprised to know that he is one of the Cardinals in Florence, which is how he managed to reach me the night before my execution, for my ‘final prayers’. Look what Christianity has become. A false Pope who didn’t believe in God, a real one working with Turkish heresies, and a Cardinal who runs a cult. Tell me, you who never cared much about our so-called belief and therefore enjoys a clear mind, can this be one of His cruel jokes?
I shall not disturb you further with my own madness. I hope you and Lorenzo are happy to learn that one of your arch enemies is now gone.
Best,
Girolamo Riario
Count and Captain General of Holy Roman Church
Your old rival and friend