Vlad was in his study, reviewing paperwork provided to him by his general and the lieutenants. He had the names of the men currently listed in the army. Ever since he became more involved in helping his people, Vlad gained more support.

All the Voivode had to do was...be a better man. All Vlad ever knew and learned was how to be cruel. It would be challenging to be honest with Angelina, but there were times when he had the urge to kill. 

Kill his enemies.  

Although Vlad had feelings for Angelina, it was still difficult for him to tell her. It was also challenging to unlearn everything he had been taught and forget his past. The truth was, Vlad didn't want to forget; he wanted to exact revenge against all those he believed had wronged him and his family. While reviewing the paperwork, it was noted that rumors were circulating in Bulgaria that some individuals were interested in joining the Ottomans. It was something he didn't and couldn't allow to happen. 

While reading the paperwork, I noticed a knock on the door. "Enter."

The door opened; Ioana entered with a tray. "Voivode?"

Vlad looked up, surprised to see Ioana. "Ioana? I am surprised that you have arrived. I haven't sent for you."

Ioana closed the door behind her, and she smiled. "You have not, Voivode. Angelina and I have noticed that you are so occupied with your meetings and training that I thought you might need mulled wine. I remember how much it comforted you in stressful times."

Vlad remembered when he first arrived home and fought to maintain his throne. He had gone through many sleepless nights and stress. Ioana would always bring him pulled cider or wine to soothe his nerves. The drinks always helped, which was a comfort, especially when Ioana made them. "Thank you. Please put it on my desk."

Ioana put the tray on the table, poured the warm drink into a cup, and put it close to Vlad. Vlad looked at her, smiled, nodded, and returned to his paperwork. The older woman squeezed the tray as she stood still. "V-Voivode, word spreads that there will be...war." The Voivode momentarily stilled and slowly looked at Ioana, sitting silently. "I know it should not be my concern but it is what I have heard. I am worried."

"It is true." Vlad grabbed the drink and took a sip. "War is unavoidable. My men and I are preparing ourselves when the time arrives."

"I see." Ioana believed that Angelina would have tried to change Vlad's mind, but his pride and need for revenge were too great. "I just worry for Angelina."

"Why? Is she ill? Is she hurt?"

The older woman shook her head. "I notice her worry and stress whenever you are away. She also worries what will happen to you while you are away." They were silent; Vlad looked down at his paperwork. "Do you not care, Vlad?" When she didn't receive a response, Ioana had had enough. Ioana wanted to scream in frustration; she wanted to scream the truth. "Please! You have come this far! You have changed so much, Vlad! I do not want to see you have the same fate as your brother and your father! You can still have an everyday life with Angelina! I want you to live! I-!"

There was a loud and quick knock on the door, which made Ioana and Vlad flinch. Vlad gave Ioana a quick look and then called the person to enter. Both were surprised to see the physician's assistant breathing heavily, indicating that he had run.

Something was wrong; Vlad stood up. "What is it? What happened!?"

"F-Forgive me, Voivode! Lord Vlad the Monk commanded me to get you! Lady Angelina is not well and was taken to the infirmary!"

Ioana gasped in horror. Vlad immediately left his study, followed by Ioana and the assistant. Vlad sped and walked to the infirmary, thinking about Angelina. Angelina appeared well when they spent time together and did not exhibit any signs of illness. He became worried and thought she was hiding something from him.

The trio arrived at the infirmary, but Vlad the Monk stood outside with his arms crossed. Looking at him, Vlad and Ioana noticed his stoic look. Vlad the Monk noticed his brother and Ioana. "Brother, where is Angelina!?"

Vlad the Monk didn't answer; he didn't know how to. He scratched his head. "She is inside. I think it would be best if you entered to get a grasp with the situation."

Vlad and Ioana looked at each other; they entered the room while the assistant remained behind. Vlad the Monk followed suit but kept his distance. Everyone saw Angelina lying on the bed, unconscious. However, the primary physician stood silently while an older woman examined Angelina. "What is going on here!?" asked Vlad.

The physician and older woman violently flinched and bowed, saying, "Voivode" in unison. 

Vlad immediately went to Angelina, feeling her forehead; she was warm. "What is wrong with her? Is she ill?" When looking at the older woman, Vlad felt that she looked familiar. 

"Voivode, Lord Vlad the Monk brought Lady Angelina since she fainted. I found something...alarming, but I wanted to get a second opinion to see if what I have is correct."

"Well?"

The room felt intense, and the silence was torturous. "Voivode, when inspecting Lady Angelina, I felt something in her abdomen and..." The physician looked at the older woman.

"Voivode, I was summoned to confirm the physician's findings. "The young lady is indeed with child."

Vlad the Monk flinched as he looked at his brother, who saw him still.

Ioana, who still held the tray, dropped it. Her eyes and lips widened, and she covered her mouth to refrain from screaming. However, her throat was dry, and she felt no strength to scream. Ioana looked at the older woman and remembered seeing her when confirming Minah's pregnancy. "Y-You are certain?" she asked in a faint whisper.

"I am positive, Lady Ioana."

Vlad stood there, grasping the news: Angelina was pregnant with his child. His child. It couldn't be denied since he knew Angelina wouldn't dare betray him, unlike Minah. "Brother?" Vlad the Monk put a hand on his brother's shoulder. However, to everyone's surprise, Vlad immediately left the room. Ioana was about to call after him, but Vlad the Monk shook his head. "I will speak with him. Stay with Angelina and tell her the news when she wakes." He went out before anyone could answer. Once out of the room, Vlad the Monk noticed his brother standing on the wall, his back facing him. "Brother, I know the news is shocking, but please do not be angered. Angelina-"

"I am not angry."

"Then what is the matter?"

"I don't know what to think and feel, brother. Angelina carries our child and now of all time."

Vlad the Monk bit his lower lip and thought about the pregnancy, possibly changing his brother's mind about going to war with Sultan Mehmed II. "It doesn't have to be that way, brother. There is no doubt that the child is yours. You still have an opportunity to live a normal life with your own family."

"There will never be normality, brother."

Vlad the Monk scoffed with frustration. "Why must you think this way!? Isn't this what you always wanted!?"

"YES!" Vlad's voice echoed throughout the halls, almost feeling a low vibration. He walked toward Vlad the Monk. "I always wanted a family with a woman I would love and who would love me, but I realize the dream will never be! Even if I tried to make peace with Mehmed II, I would have enemies surrounding me, Angelina, and our child! I have destroyed the possibility of us being happy! That dream was destroyed when I was born to this family, to this life! I thought something could change, but I realized that no matter if I had the support of the Sultan or not, there would always be others who wanted power for themselves!" Vlad soothed himself. "I would always have to be on my guard, and so would Angelina and our child. They do not deserve that life."

"Brother, what are you trying to say?"

"What I am trying to say is if they stay with me, they will die, which is why I want you to do me a favor. I want you to promise me that no matter what, you will do it."

The brothers looked at one another, and Vlad the Monk knew his brother would never change his mind. "What is it that you want me to do?"