Impaler

Warning

Angelina walked out of Vlad's chamber; she sighed in relief. Her heart was beating rapidly at the thought that Vlad would try to take advantage of her. "Angelina."

"Oh, uh, Ioana. S-Sorry, I didn't see you there."

Ioana noticed Angelina's state and chuckled. "I imagine that the Voivode hadn't tried anything on you, yet."

"Y-Yet!? N-No way! Thankfully he just wanted me to...sing to him and tell him stories. However, he wanted me to sleep beside him." Angelina scratched the back of her head. She couldn't help but feel confused about why Vlad would make her such innocent, intimate actions. Was there a possibility that Vlad desired someone to listen? It would have made sense to her since Vlad had a turbulent childhood, and he always had to be vigilant. 

"Angelina, we must return before everyone wakes," said Ioana as she motioned the young woman to follow. Angelina merely nodded, and they went to the secret passage, leading them back to the female servant quarters. While walking, Ioana couldn't help but notice Angelina's thoughtfulness. "Are you thinking about the Voivode?"

This got Angelina out of her daze. "S-Sorry, what did you say?"

"I said if you were thinking about eh Voivode? Usually, the women that come out of his chambers would speak highly of his prowess."

A blush came across Angelina's face. "W-Well, not me!"

"You confirm my belief that you truly are special and different from the other women that the Voivode had bedded. I also believe he sees it too."

This confused Angelina; Ioana seemed to know much about Vlad that many people didn't. "Can I ask you something?" When permitted to ask, Angelina continued. You seem to speak about Vla-I mean the Voivode positively. Why is that? He is an evil man."

Ioana stopped mid-way; she didn't turn to look at the young woman. The older woman bit her lower lip and felt her anger rising, but she couldn't entirely blame the young woman. Vlad had violent tendencies and used cruel methods on those he considered his enemies or worthless. She sighed. "I have known him since he was born, Angelina. I also knew his other brothers; they all were close." Memories returned to the older woman when Vlad and his brothers were children. They were surrounded by enemies who wanted them eliminated. The previous Voivode, Vlad's father, was a sadistic man who enjoyed causing pain to others. He was also not a good leader and always broke promises. The memory of Vlad II made her shiver. "Vla...the Voivode, didn't have a good childhood. Even with his high status, it has its privileges and burdens. Vlad and his brothers were always surrounded by instability and death threats. His father was a cruel man, and his mother was a gentle yet meek woman."

"Okay, but what about you? Since you have known Vlad and his family for a long time, why do-"

"Angelina." Ioana slowly glanced at the young woman. "There are certain things you mustn't ask or know. If you speak or ask about him, it will bring you more trouble. Believe it or not, you are getting unwanted attention."

This made Angelina slightly nervous. She didn't like to attract too much attention to herself, and she despised drama. However, since Angelina was warped into another time, getting too much attention could be a matter of life and death. "Well, it's not my fault! Vlad made me to be his nurturer! He could have any other woman!"

Ioana sighed. "I'm not speaking about the women. What I am trying to warn you is about Alexandrei."

Alexandrei's being mentioned brought a shiver to her spine. Him being close to her made her feel disgusted. "I haven't done nothing to that bastard! He accused me of being something I am not! All I did was defend myself. He is nothing more than an insecure prick!"

Angelina's curse words were difficult for Ioana to understand, but the older woman couldn't help but chuckle. "I will admit that I agree that Alexandrei is a bastard to the core. However, I must warn you that he is dangerous. The Voivode trusts him completely."

"And you don't. Why?"

Ioana slowly turned forward, not looking at Angelina. "He has a love for power. He does have the Voivode's trust, but he doesn't have the power he truly desires."

This alerted Angelina; Ioana told her things that were considered dangerous. The young woman believed that Vlad was a dangerous psychopath, but the more she thought about it. The more it made sense that Alexandrei was someone not to be trusted. Alexandrei was always quick to judge. When they first met, he disliked and distrusted her immediately. Alexandrei also wanted to get rid of her without trying to know her. Vlad, at least, took the time to listen to her. "That would make sense. I will try to be cautious around him."

"Yes. Also, do not mention that you seeing the Voivode in secret. He will try to get any information from you. Understand?"

"Yes."

"Let us be off, then." The women continued until they reached the end of the secret passage. Ioana opened the door and ensured that no one was in sight. "Alright, it is time for us to go." The duo was walking toward the female quarters and was about to arrive, but they were stopped in their tracks when they heard footsteps coming toward them. 

"Lady Ioana!"

Ioana saw a male servant running toward them; he looked frightened and nervous. The male servant looked to be in his teens. "What is it, child? Why the commotion?"

The adolescent stopped before the women as he tried to regain his breath. "L-Lady Ioana, it is L-Lady Minah!"

"What of Lady Minah!? Is she hurt!?"

"She was screaming and asked me to get you and the midwives!"

Ioana and Angelina were stunned. "Midwives? Does that mean...?"

"Yes! Lady Minah is ready to give birth!"