It had been three weeks since the assassination attempt, and Angelina had been healing as anyone anticipated. She couldn't do anything too strenuous, or it would have opened her wound, so Angelina listened to the orders. Still, after a couple of days, she was tired of lying in bed and would try to do walks and easy exercises. 

Ioana and Sorina would get upset when Angelina disobeyed the physician's orders, but she didn't care. Angelina knew what she could and couldn't do but was tired of being in bed all day for long periods. What surprised her was that Vlad would frequently visit her, always asking about her pain and progress. Although he tried to hide it, Angelina noticed that Vlad looked concerned whenever he visited her. It was adorable to her, and when Angelina could move her arm more, he took her out for walks outside the castle. Walking outside made it peaceful for the young woman, but she realized that it made Vlad feel at peace. He sometimes looked at the day sky as if it were his first time.

Vlad would also invite her to eat with him in his chambers but would not do anything sexual toward her. Angelina realized that Vlad was slowly changing, and there was hope she could change his mind about going to war against the Ottomans. 

Angelina was in her room, and Ioana and Sorina helped dress since Vlad invited her to dine with him in his chambers. She was dressed in noblewoman's clothing, which made her feel off since it was something Angelina wasn't used to. "You look lovely, Angelina. You have also healed as quickly as expected," Ioana said as she finished doing Angelina's hair.

"She is right. You look like the Lady of this Castle!"

"I-I wouldn't say that! We are just having a friendly dinner!"

Ioana and Sorina looked at one another. "Since the assassination attempt, he has visited and invited you to dine with him. I have also heard that he spared the assassin."

"H-He did!?" Angelina stood in front of the mirror and looked at Ioana's reflection. "How do you know? Did he tell you?"

"Three days after the attack, he met with the Targoviste leaders, priests, and the assassin himself. The Voivode informed them about his decision regarding the assassin. He is to go to the priesthood where his education would be paid for. I heard that the child was reluctant but when threatened, he eventually accepted." Ioana was momentarily quiet but continued, "I caught a glimpse of the assassin, he is just a boy."

Sorina huffed while crossing her arms. "No matter the age, he knew what he was doing! He could have killed Angelina!"

Angelina sighed as she turned to the women. "I understand how you feel and think, Sorina. I thought I would be angry about what he had tried to do, but I'm not. When Vlad told me about the boy, he reminded me about Vlad himself. I think Vlad felt the same. He suffered so much because of Vlad's decisions, just like how Vlad suffered in the hands of the Ottomans."

The women were silent, but Ioana walked toward the door and opened it. "Come now. We will lead you to the Voivode. It would be best not to keep him waiting." Angelina nodded, then remembered wanting to show Vlad the pictures from her time; she got her backpack. The women looked confused but decided not to question it; they all left the room.

While walking, Angelina noticed how many female servants eyed her with jealousy. The young woman felt she didn't have to worry about watching her back. She earned Vlad's respect and trust. She made it a long way and survived many trials, using her quick wit. Angelina didn't realize how complex politics were in the past. Then, Angelina thought about her era. Questions went through her mind about whether or not she would return to her time.

Did she want to go back?

Questioning this thought confused Angelina, as her main goal was to return home. However, she learned ways to survive in her past and gained the confidence and strength she couldn't have had in her era. Also, Angelina learned so much about Vlad and wondered if she could change his mind about going to war; it could change history and her era for Romania. 

Would the changes be positive?

Angelina didn't give it much thought since she cared about her current predicament. "Angelina, we arrived." Ioana got her out of her thoughts as she saw the stairs leading to Vlad's room. "Sorina, go ahead of me. I must speak with Angelina alone."

Sorina looked at Angelina, who nodded at her; the adolescent nodded and walked away. When Sorina wasn't seen, Ioana gently held onto Angelina's shoulders. "I wanted to thank you, Angelina. Vlad had made so many changes that there is hope for peace for Wallachia and within himself."

"I wouldn't say that, Ioana. Vlad was the one who decided to change himself. He did more of the work."

Ioana sighed while smiling. Her hands trailed down from Angelina's arms, and she grabbed her hands. "You are too modest, young one. It was because of you and your stubbornness that made Vlad see the way. No one, not even I, could get to him. Vlad had given up on himself years ago, but deep in his heart, he wished for someone to have hope in him."

"But...you did."

"I did but I also feared him; he doesn't know the truth about me and I was nothing more than a mere servant. I did what was expected of me and Vlad knew that I wouldn't dare disobey him."

Angelina looked at Ioana. "He knows the truth. Oh, Ioana, if you only knew," she thought. 

"Now, you must not keep Vlad waiting, he will wonder of your whereabouts. Good night, Angelina."

"Good night to you too, Ioana." Angelina watched as Ioana walked away. She then walked up the stairs and toward Vlad's chambers, where she saw light under the door's opening. Standing in front of the door, she knocked. 

"Enter."

The young woman opened the door and slowly entered. She saw Vlad standing by the widow, looking at the night sky. He also stood by the table, where plates of food, desserts, and cups of drinks were in order. "Vlad..." Angelina closed the door behind her. 

Vlad slowly turned to look at her. "Angelina, you arrived." He walked toward her and noticed the clothes she wore. "You look like the Lady of this Castle."

"Sorina said that. I am just me. No noble, peasant, or whatever. Just me. Like how you are yourself." She then felt Vlad gently grab bits of her upper dress and exposed parts of her right chest, exposing the scar. "What-?"

"How have you been feeling? I am surprised you are able to heal quickly." He let go of her clothing. 

Angelina smiled. "I'm surprised too, but the arrow wasn't too deep so I could heal quickly. I feel energetic, and I will be able to go back to action!" She then remembered what she was told about the assassin. "Oh, and Ioana told me what you did with the boy. I wanted to say thank you, for being merciful. I-I am proud of you." Angelina noticed that Vlad fought the urge to smile; her words impacted him. It wasn't every day that Vlad would hear encouraging words from anyone.

"You must be hungry. I ensured that the best would be served tonight, especially from what I must speak with you about." His tone sounded serious, and Angelina felt something was wrong but hoped for the best. She was led to the table, where she sat on her seat first, and Vlad sat on his. "Eat, first." The Voivode cut pieces of pork and slowly ate without looking at Angelina. 

The silence felt awkward and nerve-wracking. Angelina watched him eat in silence, not looking at her. "Vlad, what's wrong? I could tell that something is bothering you. You have visited and spoken to me for the last couple of weeks, but now you look troubled."

The Voivode ate small pieces of his food and sipped his drink before looking at Angelina. "I got word from the church, and they are delaying my divorce from Minah."

"Well, that should be expected. I know divorce can be looked down upon. Where is Minah?"

"She is still in her room; her mental health is worsening. I wish for her to be put in a convent as quickly as possible."

Angelina took a piece of bread, put some pork, and slowly ate it. "W-Well, it's to be expected. She is locked in the castle 24/7 a day. I can imagine it could be torturous. Maybe she needs some fresh air." She thought Vlad would argue against it, but Angelina noticed that Vlad looked thoughtful. "Something else is bothering you, Vlad. Please, tell me what's on your mind?"

Vlad gulped his drink and looked at her; he took a deep breath. "I have not received word from King Matthias, and it seems I will not have his alliance." The news comforted Angelina; if King Matthias did not respond, Vlad wouldn't be able to go to war with a small army. "It would seem the news delights you."

"I would be lying if I said it didn't. I-I don't want you or anyone to go to war. You-"

"There is something else."

"I have received word that Mehmed is having his army trained for a possible attack. War is to happen next year and I am preparing for it."

Angelina immediately stood up from her seat. "Vlad, please don't tell me that-!"

"Yes, war is coming and I will fight."