The sun slowly rose, warming Vlad with its rays and waking him up. His light blue eyes shone with the sun, but he immediately covered them and moved to the left side of his bed to escape the light. As he lay on one side of his body, he saw the electronic device he had left on his bed. Vlad admitted that he enjoyed using the contraption, which brought him much entertainment he hadn't had in years.

The Voivode couldn't remember when he had actual enjoyment or happiness. The only one who brought him happiness was his beloved mother, Cneajna. He remembered his mother's dark brown hair and her beautiful brown eyes. She was a beauty with a beautiful heart who always tried to shield her sons from the violence inside and outside their lives. Vlad also remembered his older brother, Mircea II, whom the people loved. Vlad always respected his older brother, who opposed their father's plan to send him and Radu as prisoners to the Sultan.

Vlad remembered his mother's cries and screams when they took him and Radu away from her. A burning rage came up in his chest from the memory of his father, a man who loved his pride and power more than his own family. His father, Vlad II Dracul, attempted to fight for the throne of Wallachia and sought the Sultan's support.

(Vlad II)

In return, their father gave him and Radu as hostages to Sultan Mehmed II, where the boys were taught many languages, including horse riding, and, more importantly, Islam. Vlad refused the teachings of the Ottomans and refused to betray his faith, believing that their God was the only one. He took the teaching to heart and endured many punishments. When Vlad was in his adolescence, his father and brother were murdered; his mother committed suicide out of fear.

The Ottomans helped Vlad regain the throne when his father and brother were killed. However, Vlad knew that the Sultan wanted to use him as a pawn. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. 

"Voivode, we have arrived with your clothing for the day." Vlad sat up and permitted the servants to enter his chambers. Four men holding clothing assisted the Voivode with changing. While finishing, another male servant, who stood outside, entered. "Voivode, Lord Alexandrei wishes to speak with you."

"Let him enter."

Alexandrei entered the room and bowed and said, "Good morning, Voivode. I hope you had a good slumber."

"I have. It has been a while since I had a good sleep."

"I am certain you are aware what day it is." The servants finished dressing him and left the two men alone, closing the door behind them. "We have found the actual nobles and traitors who helped dispose of your father and brother. They have been invited for dinner as you requested."

Vlad smirked. "Good, everything must go perfectly today. I have waited for this moment to have those traitors pay for betraying my family."

"I shall inform the servants to make the dinner to your standards and I also have ordered the torturers to get everything ready."

"Good,."

Alexandrei was about to leave, but noticed the electronic on the bed. "What is that thing, Voivode?"

Vlad forgot to put the electronic away, not wanting anyone to know about it. "It belongs to that woman. I made her a lady-in-waiting for Minah."

"That woman still lives!? You let her live after such disrespect that she has done to me!?" The Voivode slowly glared at Alexandrei. "Forgive me, Voivode. I know I have spoken out of turn."

"I have my reasons, Alexandrei. I have found that woman to be useful to me. Understand?"

"Yes, Voivode. Forgive my impertinence."

"Make sure that everything will be ready."

Alexandrei walked out immediately, and Vlad quickly put the electronic device away in one of the cabinets. There was another knock on the door. "Enter." 

Ioana entered and bowed. "Voivode, good morning."

"Ah, Ioana, good morning. You have news about that woman, I trust." 

"It is not much. Last night, she intrigued the other female servants with a story."

Vlad raised an eyebrow. "A story?"

"She earned the interest and respect of the other women, except for Daciana, of course."

He wasn't surprised that Daciana may have disdain for Angelina. Vlad took Daciana as his mistress, but he grew bored when she began to ask for marriage. Never in a lifetime would he ask a mere, unattractive peasant for marriage. He tossed Daciana away and threatened to have her tortured to death if she spoke more about marriage. "So she is also a storyteller. Perhaps I can use her for tonight's dinner. She can tell a story to make the guests more comfortable before knowing their fates."

Ioana felt a chill go down her spine. She couldn't believe that she had forgotten about tonight's dinner in the castle. She also failed to inform Angelina of today's activities, knowing the young woman was unprepared or lacked the heart to witness such atrocities. "A-Are you certain that is wise, Voivode? She is still new and-"

"I have decided that she will be tonight's storyteller. Tell her to think of a story, and do not tell her the true reason. Understood?"

"Yes, Voivode. I shall leave to wake the servants to serve Lady Minah." Ioana left to fulfill her duties, but couldn't help but feel terrible about what was to come.