Angelina was still outside and on the floor by the balcony, feeling vegetative. The image of the impaled bodies haunted her. History taught the future about the brutality of Vlad the Impaler; Angelina witnessed it firsthand.

 "Angelina?" 

The young woman slowly looked up as Bioan walked toward her. She wanted to speak but didn't have the strength to do so. Bioan, on the other hand, noticed the impaled bodies that were on display; Bioan didn't look away. He had seen many people impaled during his time as a soldier. Seeing Angelina's current state, he knew that she was traumatized. "Angelina, it's best that you move away from here." He helped her get up and gently grabbed her left arm, leading her away from the outside balcony. 

"He's a monster," Angelina whispered. Realization hit her as she remembered what Bioan told her the day before. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?"

Bioan was quiet as he gently let go of her. "Yes and no. I knew that the Voivode was planning something, but I didn't expect he would impale them. I imagine that you have never seen such torture methods."

 "N-No. I guess you can say that I haven't. I have never seen such...cruelty."

"I understand; I felt the same way when I first saw the horrors of the Voivode." Bioan looked around to ensure no one heard him speak about Vlad. Spies were everywhere, and he knew that he had to be careful. "You should go and rest; you had a long day today. I must return to my duties." Bioan gently patted her on the shoulder as he walked away. Angelina nodded as she slowly walked away, arriving at the female servant's quarters. There was no one in sight, and that suited her well. She didn't have the strength to speak to anyone. Walking toward her bed, someone entered the room.

 "Angelina, you arrived."

"Ioana, I...don't feel like talking." The image of the impaled nobles plagued her mind, and Angelian didn't realize the tears were dripping down her face.  Ioana walked toward her and stopped behind her, gently grabbed Angelina's hair, and began to play with the lower half first. She then massaged her scalp as her hands trailed upward and downward repeatedly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Ioana was momentarily silent as she continued massaging Angelina. "Would there have been a difference if I told you?"

"A difference?" Angelina faced Ioana, feeling offended that Ioana hadn't taken the time to prepare her for the monstrous act she had witnessed. "It would have made a huge difference! I would have refused the offer! I-!"

"You didn't see the process of the nobles' execution. The Voivode gave me orders to remain silent on certain things. It's not wise to anger him."

Angelina noticed a hint of sympathy and exhaustion in Ioana's expression. She wondered how long Ioana had worked in the castle and the atrocities that came with it. "I'm sorry that I snapped at you. I-"

"No need to apologize. You have seen too much."

"V-Vlad made me his official mistress." A shiver went down Angelina's spine. "I'm scared. I don't want to be a mistress."

Ioana couldn't help but feel pity for Angelina. "What an innocent soul. To be in such a cruel time." She slowly walked around and sat beside Angelina. "I know that you do not wish to be a mistress, but many women here would consider it a blessing. I know you would not think of it that way. To become a mistress to a man of noble birth does bring some comfort, but it can also be a burden. Even if a woman does not have a choice."

"I still don't want to be his mistress. If he is such a man of God, then why commit adultery if it is a sin?"

"Men and women tend to follow what they wish and turn away from God when they choose. God will be their judge." She stood up. "You are different from him. Try to get to know him. Perhaps there is more to the Voivode than meets the eye. Now rest. Tomorrow, you will work under Lady Minah." Ioana walked toward her room and shut the door.

Angelina sat still and slowly lay down on the bed, dreading tomorrow's arrival.