Minah was worse than anticipated. 

The noblewoman was rude, spoiled, and terrible-tempered. She made many demands on her ladies-in-waiting, but went after Angelina the most. 

Angelina was assigned the most menial duties, such as cleaning after her numerous pets, which included ten dogs, fifteen birds, and two horses. Whenever a mistake was made, the consequence was being beaten with a rod.

She wanted to fight back, but nothing could be done since Minah was Vlad's wife. Angelina was beaten on her back and hands until blood dripped from her wounds. It was almost difficult to believe that people of lower status suffered tremendously beneath the powerful.

Night arrived, and the servants throughout the castle were slowly closing in on their duties.  Minah was preparing to go to bed as her ladies-in-waiting assisted in putting on her beautiful white nightgown; her pregnant belly was noticeable. Angelina watched as Sorina did Minah's braids. 

Minah looked at Angelina through the mirror. "You have made many mistakes working for me; I shall tell my husband."

"Go ahead, you damn wench! I would rather be put to prison than work for you for another instant!" Angelina thought to herself. However, she couldn't break character, or else she would get another beating. "As you wish, my Lady."

 "You will not beg for mercy, servant? My husband will not be pleased to hear that a servant hasn't been up to standard."

"No, my Lady. I will accept my fate, even death."

The ladies-in-waiting glanced at her. Sorina was shocked, but she couldn't help but admire her courage.

Minah bit her lower lip, hoping she broke Angelina's spirit. "Very well, if that is what you want, expect your punishment tomorrow. Leave."

Angelina bowed and left the room. Out and far from view, Angelina lay by the wall, but flinched when she felt a sting from her scars. Through the pain, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for not lowering so low as to beg. 

"Angelina," said a feminine voice.

"Eeek!" Turning around, Ioana stood behind her. "Oh, Ioana. Sorry, I didn't see you. I-"

"The Voivode wishes to speak with you in his study; follow me."

"And I thought today couldn't get any worse," Angelina thought while following Ioana from behind. She couldn't help but think the worst."Ioana probably told him how poorly I was doing!"

Ioana stopped and slowly turned to her. "I had to speak to the Voivode since he ordered me to keep an eye on you and to report to him."

"I understand, Ioana."

Ioana noticed Angelina's anxious look, crossing her arms, she said, "If you expect a grueling punishment, rest assured that it will not happen. The Voivode knows his wife, but I was amazed by how you responded to Lady Minah. I do not know if you are brave or reckless. Come along, we mustn't let our Voivode wait any longer." The women walked and climbed stairs that led to the top level of the castle until they stood before the door. "Once finished with your meeting, return to the servant's quarters; Sorina will help you with your bath." Ioana left Angelina alone.

Looking at the door, Angelina took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. She knocked on the door. "Enter." She slowly opened the door, peeking inside. Vlad was writing at his desk, not looking up as Angelina entered his study. Closing the door, she slowly approached him, but stopped midway.  "I heard what happened." Vlad chuckled as he continued doing his paperwork.

Angelina squeezed her hands together, trying to contain her annoyance and nervousness. "You have a sick sense of humor." Vad stopped writing as he slowly looked at her. His beautiful blue eyes made Angelina uneasy. "S-Sorry if I offended you, but y-you gave indications that you knew how your wife was going to treat me; you even think it's funny."

Vlad laughed humorlessly, standing from his seat and slowly approaching her. Standing before her, Angelina felt his hot breath on her head. Never in her life has she felt intimidated by such a man. His laughter stopped; his smile faded. "Whether or not I knew, you should hold your tongue, woman. I have no hesitation in silencing a woman who speaks such words to me."

"I-I know and s-sorry about that. It's just that...I have never done something like this before. I also have never been treated like this." Vlad noticed slight blood on the back of her dress, knowing that his wife had beaten her. "I wanted to let you know that your wife might tell you of my failures. Please know that I tried my best to do what was asked of me." 

The Voivode eventually returned to his seat, taking out her bag. "The reason I called you here is for you to show me more of how this thing works. I have been hearing the same song repeatedly, but it got tiresome. Also, a strange noise has been coming from it." 

"He called for me just to show him more of my iPod? Unbelievable!" Vlad motioned her to go closer, handing her the electronic device. The problem became noticeable. "The battery is dying because of the constant usage. I need to charge it; I have a wireless charger that I charged before arriving. I need to get it out of my backpack."  Vlad didn't hand her the bag. "I won't do anything rash. If the iPod is not charged, then it's not going to work. You do want to know more of this, don't you?" Vlad contemplated, but eventually handed her her backpack. Angelina opened one of the front pockets, retrieved her charger, and plugged it into her phone. "You need to let it charge until it gets to a hundred percent."

"Show me more of this, woman."

"You need to use this to move and then click on the song you want to listen to. There are game apps that you can play. Let me show you." Angelina showed him many of the apps and how to play with them. She couldn't help but notice how intrigued Vlad became. "Now you try." Vlad did as he observed, struggled, but with his determination and pride, he was able to play. Angelina watched quietly and couldn't help but notice that Vlad fell at ease. "C-Can I leave? It seems that you are enjoying yourself."

Vlad stopped playing and gave her his attention. "Yes, don't worry about my wife. Her pregnancy is affecting her mind. You will still work for her. Now you may go." Angelina merely nodded as she walked out of his study. She couldn't help but hear the game's sounds and his chuckles as she closed the door.

"Now, this might work." She walked back to the servant quarters.