Angelina lay in bed for a couple of hours throughout the day after serving Minah. She was grateful that it was a calm day and that Minah hadn't given her any grief. Minah had stayed in the gardens for two hours, looking and smelling the flowers. The sight and scent of them soothed the noblewoman. Angelina couldn't help but feel pity for Minah. All she wanted was for her husband to be by her side for their child's birth. "Minah is the way she is because she is lonely. Still, that doesn't excuse her for acting such a-"

 Her thoughts were interrupted when the door was opened; the female servants arrived. Angelina couldn't believe she stayed in the room most of the day; time had passed quickly. Sorina walked toward Angelina and sat beside her. "Finally arrived! So you were here, resting?"

"Yes, I was thinking of more stories to tell but there are other things plaguing my mind."

"Would you like something to eat?"

Angelina was about to answer, but she noticed Ioana walking toward them both. The young ladies stood. "Angelina, I want you in my quarters. Sorina, go eat and rest."

The young ladies looked at one another and went their separate ways. Sorina glanced back at Angelina, worried for her friend. She suddenly bumped into someone, but when she saw who it was, an annoyed groan escaped her lips. "Daciana." 

"I hear that Ioana is paying more attention to your friend."

Sorina rolled her eyes. "You always like to hear the worst of those you find a threat, do you not, Daciana?"

Daciana put her hands on her hips and smirked. "Well, I care about the greater good of our Voivode. I would hate it if he was displeased."

"Oh, so you care about our Voivode? When was the last time you were called to his chambers? Our Voivode got tired of you. You couldn't please him very well."

Daciana trembled in rage and then grabbed parts of the upper part of Sorina's dress. "You dare speak to me in that manner!? You are nothing but a worthless-!"

"Enough!" Everyone in the room flinched at Ioana's voice; Angelina stood by the door, watching everything unfold. Ioana walked toward the duo; Daciana let her go. They were quiet as the older woman stood before them; Ioana didn't look pleased. "I cannot seem to turn my back regarding the two of you." She looked at Sorina. "Go on." The adolescent nodded and went toward the exit; she and Angelina glanced at one another. "As for you. I am getting tired of your impertinence! If you cannot calm your temper and stop troubling the other women, then I will dismiss you from this castle!"

The female servants gasped and whispered to one another. They knew that being dismissed from one's position was a terrible punishment. Many castle servants didn't have homes to go to; some had families that needed them for income. 

Daciana was lucky to have been a servant since her mother was a prostitute. Daciana never knew her father since he could have been one of her mother's clients. She was found by Ioana, who gave her a position as a servant.  The young woman was fortunate to be Vlad's mistress for a time, and it was the happiest moment of her life. However, Vlad became distant and chose other women as his mistresses. She knew that Vlad had a high position, and it was common for him to take other women. It hurt her, but she was willing to do anything to be by his side. If dismissed, she wouldn't be able to see Vlad again. "Forgive me, Lady Ioana. I know I lost my temper. I will not anger you again."

 "This will be your last warning." She shooed the other women away so they could get on with their business. Angelina was amazed by Ioana's authority; she could fill women's hearts with fear. "Follow me." Angelina did as she was told until they arrived in Ioana's room. A long white nightdress had lacing at the front and floral decorations on the skirt. "The Voivode wants you to wear this when you visit him tonight."

Angelina couldn't believe she had forgotten that Vlad wanted her to visit him for the night. Her stomach was going to explode from the anxiety. "I-I don't know if I can do this..."

Ioana softly smiled. "I was like you once. I was naive and innocent, a fool to know of the world. There are things in life that are beyond one's control. You mustn't let fear overcome you, or you will not be able to survive."

"Ioana, were you-?"

"It doesn't matter. Change, and I will personally take you to the Voivode's chambers. There is a secret passage we can go to so you are not seen. He doesn't want certain eyes to know. I will wait for you outside."

Ioana left the room, leaving Angelina alone. She slowly undressed and put on the beautiful nightgown; it fit her perfectly. "I-I can do this. I won't let him get his way." Angelina opened the door and got out of the room. 

Ioana looked at her from head to toe. "You look lovely. Come along." Ioana led her to a hallway that was away from the servants' quarters. It led toward Vlad's room, but they ended up in a room resembling the armory. Angelina was confused but saw Ioana move one of the coats of arms away from the wall; there was a door handle. It was a secret door that led to a secret passage. The passage was pitch dark, but Ioana got a hold of her hand as she led Angelina through the darkness until she reached the end of the path. They made it to the door to Vlad's room. "We are here. Take this as an opportunity to know him. There is much more to him than he allows others to see. I will pray for you." Ioana returned to the secret passage and closed it, leaving Angelina alone.

Angelina took a deep breath as she knocked on the door. "Enter." She slowly opened the door and peeked inside. Vlad sat by a table looking at some documents. His room was lit by many candles as a soft gust of wind went through the gated windows. She slowly entered and closed the door.

Vlad slowly looked up from his paperwork; they were finally alone again.