It was the day, and everyone in the castle knew that Sultan Mehmed's envoys would arrive. Everyone in the castle knew that if the meeting didn't go well, then there would be war.
A war that would be unavoidable.
The festivities would take place a few days later, and the preparations were complete. The invitees were invited, and all that was needed was for the day to arrive.
Angelina never left Ioana's side, who was still unconscious. The physician informed Vlad that Ioana would survive, but she would take time to awaken. Vlad ensured he put his best foot forward and trusted his guards to guard his mother. Death would be their punishment if they failed to keep Ioana safe. Orders were given that only he and Angelina would be allowed to visit.
Angelina was also surprised that Vlad told her about Mehmed's envoys, which were to arrive, and their meaning. When she asked if there would be peace, the Voivode was silent. However, he eventually said, "It will all depend on them." When Vlad told her that, she noticed the hatred in his eyes. He despised the Ottomans, and the young woman couldn't help but feel that something would go wrong. Before arriving in Romania, Angelina and Vlad read about the country's history.
Vlad still went to war against the Ottomans, and not only that, but he also died. A shiver went down her spine at the thought of it. Her heart felt heavy with the thought of him dying; Angelina stilled, realizing she felt saddened by him possibly dying. She shook her head at the thought since her goal was to go to the Hoia-Baciu Forest to return to her time possibly.
However, Angelina knew she had to focus on the present to survive. Vlad told her of the plan, and she would be part of the festivities. That was why Vlad ordered the best tailors to attend to her dress fitting. She couldn't deny feeling excitement, but the feeling of anxiety was also present. Angelina was beside Ioana, holding her hand gently; she had never left her side since the accident. Her thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on the door.
"Halt, we are not allowed to have any visitors beside the Voivode and the Lady Angelina!" said one of the guards.
"I understand, sir. I just wanted to drop off some food and blankets for Angelina," said a feminine voice.
"Sorina?" Angelina immediately stood, went, and opened the door. Sorina stood on the other side with some food and blankets; she wasn't alone. "Bioan? You're here too?"
Bioan smiled. "Of course, I heard what happened to Lady Ioana. I found your friend here wanting to visit, so I decided to come along."
Having Bioan and Sorina visit made Angelina feel happy and warm. It had been a while since she slept in the servants' quarters. "Can they come in momentarily? They-"
"Forgive us, Lady Angelina, but the Voivode gave us strict instructions that only you and he can visit Lady Ioana. Please understand that if his orders are disobeyed, there will be dire consequences for us," said the guards.
Angelina wanted to feel annoyed, but remembered Vlad giving them strict orders. The one who pushed Ioana could still be within the castle. "I understand. You guys, we have to talk outside the room. I don't want the guards to get in trouble. The guards' relief was not what it was, and it was understandable. Vlad didn't like disobeying his orders, and Angelina couldn't imagine their punishment. She motioned her two friends away from the room, but not too far, since Ioana wanted to watch out for the guards who disobeyed their orders.
Sorina motioned for the blankets and a basket of food. "You haven't been in the servants' quarters, and I was worried. I also didn't know if you were eating, so I thought I'd bring some food for you and blankets to keep you warm."
"Thank you, Sorina. You are a true friend. I have been so worried for Ioana that I haven't been eating well. Thanks for your concern." Angelina then looked at Bioan. "Hey, I'm surprised you're here."
"Of course. However, if you remember our meeting in the library. I think you would be happy for me being here."
Sorina couldn't help but feel tension between them; they hid something. "What is happening with you both? I cannot help but feel that something is happening."
Angelina sighed. "Sorina, I appreciate your kindness, but nothing is happening. You-"
"Don't lie to me. I may be young and sometimes naive, but I can tell when something is wrong. I want to know what."
Bioan grunted as he massaged his forehead. "There is nothing serious. We like to speak about the riff-raff happening here. That is all."
The two hoped Sorina would believe them, but the adolescent didn't seem convinced. "Truly, you two don't trust me? What if I told you both some important information that might be useful to you? Did you two know that Daciana is missing?"
Bioan and Angelina looked surprised. "R-Really? How did you find out?"
Sorina shook her head while crossing her arms. "I will no longer speak unless you tell me what is happening. You two expect me to tell you what I know, but then I am kept in the dark. It is not fair."
"We say nothing because we are part of something dangerous that can put you and others in danger. It could even cost you your life. Angelina and I do not wish any harm upon you," said Bioan.
"My life is at risk every day. You two may not know, but other female servants torment me due to my youth. I get lustful gazes from men who may not hesitate to force me upon them, even though I don't want them. Lady Ioana was the one who kept me safe. I owe much to her. I want to return her kindness, and if it means sacrificing my life, so be it. Now, if you want more information, you will tell me what is happening."
It was silent between the trio. Angelina couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and annoyance. Sorina was young and had much more to live. Living in a castle has its advantages, but it always comes with its risks. When looking at her eyes, there was determination and fearlessness. That was when Angelina told her everything about Alexandrei and Minah. Bioan was surprised that Angelina relented but decided to remain silent. Eventually, Angelina finished telling Sorina everything. "Now you know anything. All I ask if your to keep silent."
Sorina covered her lips with both her hands. "I-I knew something was strange between Lord Alexandrei and Lady Minah. I didn't want to believe it, but my heart was telling me something was amiss."
"Wait, you had your suspicions?"
The adolescent nodded. "The ladies-in-waiting under Lady Minah also had their suspicions but we dared say nothing or it would be definite death. So, the child she gave birth to is possibly Lord Alexandrei's?"
"Yeah, we have to assume the worst. Now, tell us about Daciana."
"Huh? Oh, of course. After the Voivode ordered the guards to inspect all the servants and everyone in the castle, it was found that Daciana was the only one missing."
"Daciana!? Is there a possibility that she was the one who pushed Ioana!? She always feared Ioana, but if that was the case, why would she try to kill her!?" Angelina looked at the duo. "Would you happen to know if the Voivode knows?"
Sorina shrugged her shoulders. "I do not know. There are many servants I doubt the guards know everyone and their names. D-Do you think that she may have something to do with Lady Ioana's fall?"
Bioan became serious as he looked at Angelina. "We have to assume the worst. Why on earth would a mere servant disappear after an accident? If this Daciana was the one who pushed Lady Ioana, what would be the motive?"
"My theory is the possibility of her working with Alexandrei. However, why go after Ioana? I have to tell Vla-I mean, the Voivode about this."
"Before you go, there is something I need to tell you. I found out where the infant is currently staying. Finding the information wasn't easy, but some guards spread among themselves of Lady Ioana walking an infant to a particular home not too far from here."
Angelina felt relief at knowing the child's location; all that needed to be done was to tell Vlad of their findings. However, he would be meeting with the Sultan's envoys. Angelina looked toward one of the windows where the clouds covered the sky. "Looks like it's going to rain. Maybe it's a sign of what is to come."
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