Angelina and Ioana immediately returned inside the castle, ensuring that no one saw or heard them. When it was clear, Ioana told Angelina to go back to her quarters and would call upon her if she was needed. Ioana believed that Vlad would ask for Angelina's company tonight, but she had faith in the young woman and would not let herself be used. The older woman walked toward the castle's exit to await her son. All the fear, the anger, and the shame Ioana had felt for so many years disappeared. She wanted to tell someone the secret she had held for so long, and it made Ioana feel free.
Upon arrival, Alexandrei and the other guards stood in front of the door. The sight of him made her skin crawl. "Vile brute! To think that you may be the father of that poor child! Angelina is right; we must see that child and tell Vlad about this."
The doors were opened, and Vlad entered, looking refreshed; everyone bowed in respect. No one dared speak, fearing the consequences if they did. Vlad eyed everyone, including Alexandrei. He decided to walk past him and motioned for Ioana to follow him. Alexandrei felt anxious about being ignored and feared that Vlad was slowly losing his trust. He needed to remain in power to achieve his goals. Alexandrei immediately walked behind Vlad. "Voivode, I have made more preparations for the festivities, which will be completed in time. Also, a messenger arrived and brought this; it is a letter."
Vlad and Ioana stopped, and the Voivode slowly turned to Alexandrei. "Who is it from?"
"I have not read it, Voivode. Howver, there is a wax sigil and it looks to be...Ottoman."
The mention of the Ottomans made Vlad's blood boil, and it was noticeable. Vlad motioned with his hand, and Alexandrei gave him the letter rolled into a scroll. Alexandrei and Ioan watched in silence as the Vovoide read the letter. "It would seem that the envoys have arrived on the border of Wallachia sooner than anticipated."
"If that is true, Voivode, then they would arrive during the festivities. What would you like to be done?"
Vlad crumpled the letter and glared at Alexandrei. "Send word that they may arrive a day before the festivities. I don't want my mood to be ruined. If they refuse, then they should return back to their scoundrel Sultan. No exceptions."
"I will have the letter written, Voivode. Also, what of Lady Minah?" Alexandrei noticed Vlad's glare darken and knew he should have avoided the topic. "Forgive me. I am concerned that the guests will inquire of Lady Minah, but I just wanted to tell them what you wish me to tell them if they should ask."
"It is not necessary for you to tell them anything. It will be my responsibility to do so. No one will dare to question me anymore. I decided that it would be best to keep her in this castle, away from public eye. There will be more risk if she was put elsewhere."
Ioana stepped forward. "That would be wise, Voivode. If I may speak more into this. I believe Lady Minah should have a little more care that can help with her health overall."
Vlad wouldn't usually care for someone who wasn't used to him, but Minah's condition could be found and used against him. "Do what you see fit. She is no longer used to me." He glared at Alexandrei. "Leave." Alexandrei looked uncertain but decided not to argue and went away. Vlad and Ioana kept on walking. "I'm getting rather tired of Alexandrei's insistence. His ideas and suggestions only lead to terrible results."
"You know what is best for you, Voivode. If you believe that Alexandrei is unfit, do you think it best to give his position to someone else?"
"I could but I cannot help that he hides something from me and if I were to let him go, then he may spread information to my enemies."
Ioana nodded. "Oh, my child. If only you knew the truth." She had never liked Alexandrei since he always tried to have a say in Vlad's decisions. Yet, her feelings were justified; she wanted to speak the truth there, and then proof was needed. The child was the key. "You are right, Voivode. If I may ask, why not kill him?" The Voivode stopped walking as he looked at the older woman, raising an eyebrow. "F-Forigive me, Voivode. I shouldn't have spoken out of turn."
"I am rather surprised; you never suggest death to anyone."
"Yes, Voivode. If I may be so bold; I never had a good feeling of Lord Alexandrei. It is as you say, he may be hiding something that may go against you."
They were silent, and Vlad put his hands and arms behind him. "Is there something you wish to tell me?"
The older woman knew that whenever Vlad took a particular stance, he was not happy. Ioana wanted to tell him that, but she wanted to make Vlad distrust Alexandrei even more. Angelina may not have wanted her to tell him, but Ioana couldn't be silent and see Vlad be made a fool of. "I-I don't know if I should say this, but I couldn't help but overhear a certain conversation."
"What conversation?"
"Remember that you had suspected Lady Minah may been having affair?"
When Ioana kept silent, the realization slowly dawned on him. Vlad immediately grabbed Ioana's right arm, squeezing her. "What are you trying to tell me, Ioana!? Alexandrei and Minah have been-!?"
"F-Forgive me, Vovoide! It is what I have heard; I do not know if it is true!"
Ioana's grip tightened slightly, making her flinch. Vlad let her go and said, "I always had my suspicions, but Alexandrei!? It is the ultimate betrayal!" Vlad paced back and forth as he thought about the child. "When that child was born, I knew that it couldn't be my son! I want you to find the person you heard this information from and bring them to me."
"I-I will do so."
"Also, I want Angelina in my chambers tonight."
"Y-Yes, I shall take her to you." Vlad walked away, and Ioana couldn't help but feel that telling Vlad so soon was a good idea. She also realized that Angelina may not be happy with her decision.
Meanwhile, Alexandrei was in his room, sitting behind his desk. He had finished the paperwork for the festivities and asked the servants to send the papers to the merchant to obtain the remaining necessary materials. As the day approached, the servants began preparing the dining hall. However, Alexandrei couldn't help but feel that his situation was worsening. Vlad had lost interest in Minah, and Alexandrei heavily relied on her to keep his position. She was always there to defend him whenever Vlad disagreed with him.
Alexandrei and Minah have known each other for many years since he once served her family. He was attracted to her, but since she was of a higher rank, he couldn't go after her. Minah's father found out about his attraction and decided to send him away. However, Minah pleaded that he be sent to Vlad. Her father believed it was a good idea for Alexandrei to convince Vlad that Minah was a good marriage match. Alexandrei worked hard to gain Vlad's approval and eventually married Minah.
"Damn it! Everything is going to hell!" His thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on his door. "Who is it?"
"Lord Alexandrei, it is I."
"Enter."
The door was opened, and Daciana entered. "I have information regarding that wench, " she said. Daciana entered the room with permission and closed the door behind her.
"What information do you hold?"
"Well, it is not much but I saw her enter the library with a man."
Alexandrei raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? Would you happen to know who this man is?"
"From what I could hear, his name was Bioan. They spoke in secrecy, and I couldn't get too close since my shadow could be seen beneath the door. From what I could muster, they spoke about you and...Lady Minah." Daciana noticed how emotionless he became. She couldn't hear the entire conversation but felt that it was something Alexandrei didn't want anyone to know. "What else would you like me to do?"
"Keep an eye on her and I have other plans I must make. You may leave."
Daciana nodded and left him alone. Once alone, Alexandrei punched his table so hard that he made his fist bleed. Bioan sounded familiar to him; he was the one who was caught outside Minah's chambers. "So that fool lied to me after all. I was a fool to let him live! No matter, I Must get rid of him and that witch!"
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