Vlad couldn't believe that Alexandrei had escaped. If the nobles knew that his prisoner had escaped his grasp, Vlad would be viewed as weak. He was so thoughtful that he didn't hear the door to Ioana's room open. 

Angelina and Vlad the Monk walked out of the room, hearing Vlad's outburst. 

"Brother, we heard you from the inside; we were worried." 

"Vlad, what's going on? Please tell us."

"Alexandrei escaped."

"What!?" Angelina didn't mean to yell. She was first relieved that Alexandrei was caught in his lies, but with his escape, the stress returned. Alexandrei would want revenge. "How was this possible?"

"He got help from traitors whose bodies were found not too far from here. The Ottomans are suspected to have a part in this."

"Brother, are you saying that...."

"Yes, that Alexandrei may or will be Mehmed's lapdog." Vlad noticed Angelina's worry. He could blame her, since they could all be in danger. "Angelina, come with me." 

Angelina was surprised by the sudden order. Looking at Vlad the Monk, who reassuringly nodded, she followed the order. "I have to learn to trust some people," she thought. They quietly walked side-by-side until they arrived at his study. Inside, Vlad sat in front of his desk while Angelina stood, but this time was different. She was motioned to sit in one of the chairs. "Does he trust me?"

"Worried about Alexandrei?"

"Huh? Oh, yes. I-I can't believe he escaped and that he may be with the Ottomans." His question caught her by surprise. Exhaustion in his eyes was imminent. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him. "H-How are you feeling?"

The Voivode raised an eyebrow due to the simple question. No one ever asked him how he felt. It made him feel good. "Why do you wish to know?"

"You're going through a lot, Vlad. One stress after another. Being Voivode can be tragic."

There were truths in her words that Vlad didn't want to admit. He fought hard to become Voivode because he believed it was his right. He fought many battles, lost some, won his kingdom, but it was a never-ending battle for power. Vlad slowly grew exhausted from the stress and the constant need to look over his shoulder. Being Voivode was a matter of life and death. "It can be tragic. It has always been my family's duty to defend the Christian faith."

"I understand to a certain degree. You suffered so much loss and parts of your life that you don't want it to go to waste. It doesn't have to be that way. Y-You can simply apologize for what you did to the envoys and pay back what you owe." 

"You dare make a suggestion!? What I owe is not your concern!"

"Yes and no, Vlad. If you refuse to pay back the Sultan, then the Sultan will take action. Not only that but you asking King Matthias or assistance will give the Sultan the wrong message."

"Wrong message? I see nothing wrong with it."

No matter what she said, Vlad wouldn't see her reasoning. It was not the right environment to have the discussion. She had to soothe his thinking process. Angelina stood from her seat and said, "We have our views on certain things. I get that. Anyway, we agreed to eat out and have a barbecue. I will go to the kitchen for some food for us to cook."

Vlad's temperament soothed, and he became amused. "Us? Cook?"

"Yup, us. I will not be the only one who cooks. Besides, it is a relaxing activity that helps take the mind off everyday stresses. It will be fun! We should have it close to the night since barbecues are usually done that way."

Vlad slowly stood from his seat with his hands behind his back. "Hmph, we did agree upon this barbecue. As the sun sets, meet me at the stables, and we will ride to our location. Is there anything else needed?"

"Wood and drinks." Angelina walked to the door and opened it. Before leaving the study, she looked at him and smiled. "Remember, try to have fun." She left.

Her words echoed in his mind. The word 'fun' sounded foreign to him; the only time he had fun was playing with toys with Radu. Still, having a barbecue would be a new experience for him and a way to distract him from the stress in his life. For the first time, he was genuinely excited.