@axreticule liked for a starter!
One might be forgiven if they didn't notice that the Vatican was particularly abuzz with activity today; for to an untrained eye, humanity's sanctum sanctorum was always filled with people. But to the young Holy Father himself, who had come to know its halls as intimately as anyone would know their home, spotted clergymen and women roaming up and down hallways where there would only be people on days when the doors were open to the public. As he moved from his desk and to one of the many windows that lined his office, Alessandro's chocolate-brown eyes looked out into the great courtyard of St. Peter's Square, mind turning over the events that were the cause of all this. Francis and Mary, the King and Queen of Franc, had recently written to him asking for permission to come and make pilgrimage to the Holy See and pay their respects in person. Only a few knew of the meaning of all that was going on right now; namely, himself and his older siblings, whom he’d shared with the contents of the letter. "And to think they haven't even come yet." His Holiness’ thoughts were interrupted by a guard opening his door, the heavy footfalls making the Supreme Pontifex turn around. The robes of divine office, heavy in weight from the golden embellishments affixed to it, shifted around him as he faced the guard, who announced that the nun he had summoned was here. When she came in, Alessandro’s lips curved into a small smile. “Béni matin, sœur Adélaïde!” The French poured from his mouth as easily as did his mother tongue of Italian, and he crossed the room to sit upon the straight backed chair behind his desk, his eyes meeting the nun’s again. “I-I have a request for you, should you have the time. Their Majesties, Francis and Mary, are arriving for a visit within the week. Cardinal Sforza s-says that you have an ear for music; p-perhaps, then, you would do the honour of arranging the choir and choral music for the Mass when the King and Queen arrive?”
