Ioana sat on a chair close to Angelina, who was still unconscious. The physician returned to his study while the midwife stayed behind, making a drink for Angelina when she awoke. The news of Angelina's pregnancy shocked the older woman to the core. Many thoughts trailed on the future of Angelina and the child. She also worried about Vlad going to war; if something were to happen to him, Angelina and the child would be in danger.

"Mmmnngghhh..."

"Ioana, she is waking," said the midwife.

Ioana and the midwife were silent as Angelina slowly regained her consciousness. "Oooohhh, my body feels heavy; my head feels like I have been hit by a train." Angelina slowly opened her eyes and looked around her, noticing Ioana and the midwife. "Ioana?" The young woman slowly sat up in her bed. "Wh-What happened to me? The last thing I remember was that I was with Vlad's brother in the library, and everything went dark after that."

The midwife and Ioana exchanged a glance and prepared themselves for what was to come. However, the midwife walked forward with a hot drink in hand. "My Lady, it is best you drink this. It's good to soothe the body; you gave everyone quite a scare."

Angelina gladly took the beverage, which was hot to the touch. The drink tasted bitter when she took a sip, making her squint. "It's..."

"Bitter, yes, but it will help. You don't need to drink it all, just drink as much as you can."

"Thank you." While Angelina took small sips of her drink, she couldn't help but notice that Ioana was looking at her with uncertainty. "What's wrong? Did I worry you too much? I'm feeling a bit better. I feel nauseated and tired. I-"

"You are with child."

"Huh?" Angelina stilled, and her brain almost went off on her. "I'm with what?"

Ioana sighed, "You are with child, Angelina. You are carrying Vlad's child."

Angelina felt her mind going blank when she heard the news. She was pregnant with Vlad's child. When the reality soon hit, she was filled with questions, but the one that came to her constantly was whether it was possible. Since Angelina was in the past, it was thought that pregnancy wasn't possible if time travel affected one's body. The young woman was proven wrong and was pregnant with Vlad's child, a man who will forever be remembered in history. The beverage was dropped while slowly getting out of bed, breaking the cup and spilling the liquid. 

"Angelina, you need rest. You-"

"Are you sure?" Angelina asked in a monotone voice. The older women flinched. "You know what I'm trying to ask. Are you both sure that I am pregnant!?"

"Yes, the physician and I checked. I am a midwife and I know the symptoms of pregnancy. I am certain that you are with child, my Lady."

"I-I need to tell Vlad."

Ioana put her hands together while motioning Angelina to sit on the bed. "He knows. Vlad was informed about what happened to you."

"A-And?"

"He looked as if he was in total shock. Vlad's brother followed him, but I don't know what happened afterward." 

Angelina suddenly got off the bed and immediately walked out of the room. Ioana was about to call out to her, but the midwife stopped her. "It is best that she goes to the Voivode, Lady Ioana."

Ioana slowly sat back down and slumped back in her seat. "Oh...things are going to hell. One thing after another and the worries never end."

"Quite. I do not like to gossip, but there is word that the Voivode will go to war against the Ottomans and that many men in Wallachia have been asked to join the army."

"It would seem that war may happen. I have hoped that the pregnancy would bring Vla-Voivode some joy." Ioana slowly looked ahead; a wooden cross was visible. "Dear god, I thought you were merciful..."

Meanwhile, Angelina quickly jogged toward Vlad's study. That was the only place he would be. Her nausea was getting stronger, making her stop once in a while, since the feeling of throwing up was overbearing. She motioned herself close to the wall, coughing while clenching her stomach. 

"Angelina..." The young woman flinched and looked to her right; it was Vlad the Monk. He saw her current state. "You were told."

"You don't look surprised."

"I may not look it, but I am still trying to grasp the news of your pregnancy. Though, I give you my congratulations."

Angelina coughed while she stood by the wall. "How did your brother react to the news?" Vlad the Monk was silent and would look away now and then. "Where is your brother?"

"He is in his study, but it would be best not to see him now. He is still in shock with the news and-"

The young woman scoffed, her stomach clenching. "Oh, and he thinks that I'm not!? That's what happens when one has sex without protection! Still, we should have thought about the possibilities! I need to see Vlad and-!"

"Angelina!" Vlad the Monk raised his voice, surprising her. "Forgive me for the outburst. I understand the news is a shock, but also for my brother. I tried to make him see that this is an opportunity for him to live a normal life with you and your child. This child is a product of both your love."

"H-He never told me he loved me. Maybe he never did."

Vlad the Monk slowly walked toward her but ensured to keep his distance. "Do not say such things. I know that he does. Believe me, my brother loves you. He is afraid to say it because he fears...to lose you." The two stood silently, but Vlad the Monk couldn't stop thinking about his conversation with his brother. The Voivode asked something of him that Vlad the Monk couldn't bring himself to do since he still hoped his brother could change. Without his brother's knowledge, he had an idea. "Angelina, I have one last resort that could bring peace between the Sultan and Vlad, but there are many risks, and Vlad could see this as a betrayal. Will you help me?"

Angelina noticed Vlad the Monk's determined eyes and knew they were running out of options. "What is your plan?"