Angelina was taken inside the castle, admiring its simplicity and beauty. A few coats of arms and pieces of knight armor were displayed on the walls. Candle-lit chandeliers hanging in different parts of the ceiling. Portraits of Christ, along with portraits of noblemen and women. Long, red carpets were on the floor to bring color; servants were working and about. 

The guards took her further into the castle, but they all stopped when a young woman, with her ladies-in-waiting, approached them. The young woman had long, black hair, but it was pulled back into a bun covered with pearls. Her skin was slightly pale, like milk, making her hair shine. She wore a long, blue dress with white designs, accompanied by pearl necklaces and earrings. The woman had a thin face with a few freckles; her lips were a light pink and thin. Looking at her closely, the young woman displayed arrogance that made Angelina shiver.

The young woman was pregnant. The guards bowed and forcibly hit Angelina's head down. 

"Guards, my husband has arrived, I presume?"

"Yes, Lady Minah. He is to enter soon."

Minah noticed Angelina, raising an eyebrow at her appearance. "Who is this? My husband's prisoner?" Angelina realized that the woman in front of her was Vlad's wife. In history, everyone was aware of his second wife, but not much was known about his first wife. "Does it bring you joy to be taken to the dungeons and not be impaled?"

Angelina had the urge to let out an annoyed groan. "Why were rich people in this bigger assholes than in my time?" She sighed. "I-I guess..."

"You wear strange clothing. It is nothing I have seen before. Where are you from?"

"I'm from another nation; I'm a traveler."

"You jest. You could be a spy to kill my husband."

"Wife, I see you met my prisoner." Vlad and Alexandrei entered. All bowed to him; Angelina still had her head forced down. 

Minah huffed, not caring if her disdain was displayed. "Indeed, I have a husband. I am surprised that you haven't killed her yet."

"I agree with Lady Minah. This woman has a vile tongue," said Alexandrei.

Angelina bit her lower lip. "I want to kick his ass so bad." 

"I am still to decide her fate. For now, she must think of her actions. Take her to the dungeons." 

The guards took Angelina down a couple of stairs that led to another part of the castle. Dimly lit torchlights gave little light in the hallway. A cold air hit the young woman, which made her shiver. The deeper she was taken into the dungeon, the darker it became, and it frightened her. The prison cells were small and resembled small caves. Angelina was thrown into a prison cell farther from the rest, and the guards closed and locked the door. She was left alone; the prison was cold. "I must think of a way to get out of here, but now I have to think of ways to survive."

                                                                                       ..............................

Night overcame the skies; Vlad and Minah sat in the dining room, eating their meal. The husband and wife sat on opposite ends of the long table, which was laden with many plates of various types of food. Candles were in the center of the table and on the walls. Servants stood afar from the couple, awaiting orders. 

Minah glanced at her husband occasionally, hoping he would converse. However, her husband concentrated on his food and didn't glance at her. The silence irked Minah, and she cleared her throat. "I missed you, dear husband. I am happy that you returned safely from your travels."

Vlad cut a piece of cheese from another place and took small bites. "I assume you missed my presence."

"It can be tiresome to have servants as company. I do wish you would speak to me of your exploits; it would brighten the day." Minah sipped her socata drink and remembered her husband's prisoner. "What I am curious about is that woman. It is not like you to bring a foreign woman who might be part of those scoundrels of Ottomans."

The Voivode couldn't help but feel amused at his wife's mention of Angelina. He noticed the hint of venom in her voice; she was jealous. Vlad didn't deny that he had his mistresses; Minah knew. However, the Voivode only had to remind his wife once that she knew better than to involve herself in his affairs. "I won't deny that I don't have my suspicions, but she has convinced me otherwise."

"What will you do with that woman? Alexandrei seems to have a distaste for her."

Vlad chuckled. "She spoke back to him. Alexandrei never had the patience for disobedient women."

"Neither do you, husband. Strangely, you would keep this woman alive." 

The Voivode looked at his wife. "I am curious about her.That is why I am keeping her alive."

Minah squeezed her eating utensils; she hated to see her husband speak about another woman so casually. "I see. You are only keeping her alive for mere curiosity? I wonder if there is more to it." 

Vlad blankly stared at his wife, who slowly looked down at her food. She heard him stand from his seat and slowly walk toward her. The noblewoman knew she had angered her husband and decided not to speak further. Vlad stood beside her as he had his hands on his back; his eyes were on her. "My dear wife, you may be carrying my child, but you know I don't tolerate being questioned, not even by you or any other woman. You know that you can always be replaceable. It would be in your best interest not to question my actions. Remember what happened last time?"

Minah shivered; Vlad gently touched her chin, motioning for her to look at him. Husband and wife looked at one another. Vlad then gave her a quick peck on her forehead, put her hand over her womb momentarily, and walked away. Minah sat silently but eventually ordered the servants to leave her alone. Once alone, Minah took a deep breath since she felt her rapidly beating heart.