Impaler

Vlad Dracul III

Angelina's eyes widened as she saw the man before her, Vlad Dracul III. "How can this be!? Is he the real Vlad the Impaler!? No, I'm dreaming. All this is a nightmare."

Vlad noticed that Angelina had a light honey skin tone, long black curly hair touching her waist, and soft hazel eyes. She had an average body figure; her skin was clear, smooth, and shined with the sun. Her slightly round face was youthful with a hint of maturity, showing bits of her age. She wore clothing he had never seen before. What made her noticeable was her slightly plump body; she looked well-fed. The women he was used to had a thin figure, so much so that they looked gaunt. "Who is this woman?" asked Vlad sternly and commandingly. 

"Voivode, we found this woman in the forest. She speaks with an accent and wears strange clothing. We didn't want her to escape, for there is a possibility that she may be an Ottoman spy," said one of the men.

Everyone in the room was silent as they looked at Angelina. Many were curious about the way she dressed and looked. "I-I'm not an Ottoman spy! I just got lost in the forest. All I want is to go home!"

"Silence! Do not speak without permission of the Voivode!"

Angelina looked up at Vlad, who eyed her with no emotion. "Are you Vlad Dracul?"

The onlookers murmured to one another. One of Angelina's captors kicked her in the back. "Hey, what was that for? All I asked was a question! I don't even know where I am!"

Vlad stood up and walked around the table before the young woman. "Speak your name." 

"I'm Angelina, sir. Whatever these men say, I am not a spy or anything. Please believe me; I just got lost."

The Voivode put his hands behind his back, his eyes never leaving her. "Take her to my chambers. I wish to speak to this woman alone. All of you may continue with the festivities. We ride back home to Wallachia." The two men motioned Angelina to stand. They followed Vlad toward a pair of stairs leading to the upper part of the building. Fire torches lit the walls and structure. 

Angelina noticed a single door. Vlad opened it, went inside, and motioned Angelina inside. "Unbind her, but shackle one of her hands to the wall." 

The men did as they were ordered. They also left the room but were instructed by Vlad to stand outside. The two were alone. Angelina noticed how he stood at 5'9 tall. Vlad's face was slightly broad, with the signature long black mustache and a trim beard beneath his lower lip. His black hair was wavy, and the bottom tips were curly that went past his shoulders. What caught Angelina's attention were his light blue eyes. Even within the darkness, his pale blue eyes shined. 

"Wow, you're good-looking in person," Angelina whispered. Vlad raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm sorry. I tend to speak to myself aloud without realizing it." She looked down, trying to refrain from blushing. 

"Well, you are the first to speak such a thing. I was thinking of having my way with you, torturing you until your blood stains the floor. However, your words have made me in a better mood."

Angelina felt a chill go down her spine. The young woman remembered all the books and articles she had read about Vlad; he was ruthless. Vlad had a soothing and confident voice and appearance. However, there was a hint of secrecy and cruelty. His mannerisms made it difficult for Angelina to discern whether he was sincere or cruel. "I'm glad, sir."

Vlad chuckled while raising an eyebrow. "Hm, you hold no fear."

"On the contrary, sir, I am a bit. You are well-known everywhere, and you have quite the reputation."

The Voivode chuckled. Angelina thought he would hold more arrogance, but he didn't. "My reputation seems to have crossed the lands. Tell me of your home; you don't seem to be from my kingdom."