Angelina arrived at Vlad's study. A shiver went down her spine, thinking about what could have happened to the guests. She stood by the fireplace to keep herself warm. Vlad closed the door behind him as he walked behind his desk and sat in his chair. "Your story was impressive."

"Thank you. Did I meet your expectations?"

"It has, though it pains me to admit it." Vlad noticed Angelina's discomfort, knowing she was curious about what happened to the Boyars and their wives. "Tonight's events surprised you, did they not?"

 "I-I know it's none of my business, but you mentioned them betraying your father and brother."

Vlad sighed while massaging his forehead. "Yes, when my father and brother were out of the way, they made profits when they worked with the Ottoman savages. They were going to eventually conspire to rid of me since it would financially effect them. Do you believe what I have done was wrong?"

 "I-I can't say whether or not you have done right or wrong. Some may or may not find it agreeable—only you know, V-Voivode. You did what you felt you had to for the sake of your kingdom. That is what a good ruler would do."

Vlad's gaze never wavered, but he couldn't help but feel slightly surprised by her response. "You say that, but do you know what I have done with those traitors? Would you still hold your words true?"

"I-I don't know. Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures."

 "Are you saying that what I have done was out of desperation?"

"N-No! It's just a saying! I have heard it many times that when people are in a difficult situations, they act quickly. It was never meant to offend you!"

Vlad scoffed. "Well, I have called you here to inform you that you are my official mistress."

Angelina flinched violently as she couldn't believe how calm Vlad was. "P-Please tell me you're joking!? Y-You are married and-!"

"I married Minah since she is of my class, not for affection. Her duty is to bear healthy children who will take my place. Since you are my official mistress, no harm will come to you. Not even Minah shall harm you. You will not refuse or..." An idea came to him. "I might as well show you the consequences. Follow me."

The Voivode stood up from his seat and motioned the young woman to follow him, which she did reluctantly. They walked out of Vlad's study, where he then motioned her to follow him to an exit that led to the outside part of the castle. He stopped by the stone balcony and gestured for Angelina to look downward. She slowly stood beside him and looked downward.

Angelina felt her soul leave her body. Her eyes widened in absolute horror. Her lips trembled; her breathing became ragged. She wanted to yell, but her throat and mouth became dry. Tears slowly formed as the strength in her body was slowly leaving her. She saw the bodies of the boyars and their wives, naked and impaled on stakes. They were impaled through their private parts, their blood poured down from the wooden stakes, and some of them twitched. "My...god..." Angelina's legs wobbled, and she fell to the floor. Some of the impaled were either dead or still alive.

Vlad looked at her in amusement as he did at the sight of the impaled traitors. "I wanted to show you who I am and what I am capable of. I have no qualms of showing no mercy to a man or woman. You do well to remember this, and you will arrive at my chambers tomorrow night." Vlad left Angelina alone, who still knelt on the floor.

 She let out a horrified cry.