Impaler

Minah

Angelina was taken inside the castle and saw its simplicity and beauty. There were a few coats of arms and knight armor by the walls. Long red carpets were on the floor to bring color; servants were working and were on and about. The guards took her further into the castle, but they all stopped when a young woman approached them. The young woman had long black hair but was put in a bun covered with pearls. Her skin was slightly pale as milk, which made her hair shine. She wore a long blue dress with white designs, pearl necklaces, and earrings. The woman had a slightly chubby face. She was also not alone; she also had female servants behind her. Angelina noticed that the young woman was pregnant. The guards bowed and forcibly hit Angelina's head down. 

"Guards, my husband has arrived, I presume?"

"Yes, Lady Minah. He is to enter soon."

Minah then noticed Angelina; she raised an eyebrow at her appearance. "Who is this? My husband's prisoner?" Angelina realized that the woman in front of her was Vlad's wife. In history, everyone knew about his second wife, but not much was known about his first wife. She thought it was comical that movies in her era used the name Minah. "Why do you smile, woman? Does it bring you joy to be taken to the dungeons?"

Angelina had the urge to let out an annoyed groan. "Why were rich people in this bigger assholes than in my time?" She sighed. "No, forgive me, my Lady."

The noblewoman eyed her. "You wear strange clothing. It is nothing I have seen before. Where are you from?"

"I'm from another nation; I'm a traveler."

"You jest. You could be a spy to kill my husband."

Footsteps were heard going toward them. "Wife, I see you met my prisoner." Vlad and Alexandrei entered. All bowed to him; Angelina still had her head forced down. "Indeed, I have a husband. I am surprised that you haven't killed her yet."

"I agree with Lady Minah. This woman has a vile tongue," said Alexandrei.

Angelina bit her lower lip. "I want to kick his ass so bad." 

Vlad glanced at Angelina. "I am still to decide her fate. For now, she must think of her actions. Take her to the dungeons." 

The guards took Angelina down a couple of stairs that led to another part of the castle. Dimly lit torchlights gave little light in the hallway. A cold air hit the young woman, which made her shiver. The deeper she was taken into the dungeon, the darker it became and frightened her. Although it was difficult to see due to limited light, it was noticed that the prison cells were small and looked like small caves. Angelina was thrown into a prison cell farther from the rest, and the guards closed and locked the door. She was left alone; the prison was cold. "I must think of a way to get out of here, but now I have to think of ways to survive."

Outside the dungeons, day eventually turned into night. Vlad and Minah sat in the dining room, eating their meal. Husband and wife sat on opposite ends of the long table, which had many plates of various types of food. Candles were in the center of the table and on the walls. Servants stood afar from the couple, awaiting orders. 

Minah glanced at her husband occasionally, hoping he would converse. However, her husband concentrated on his food and didn't glance at her. The silence irked Minah, and she cleared her throat. "I missed you, dear husband. I am happy that you returned safely from your travels."

Vlad cut a piece of cheese from another place and took small bites. "I assume you missed my presence."

"It can be tiresome to have servants as company. I do wish you would speak to me of your exploits; it would brighten the day." Minah sipped her socata drink and remembered her husband's prisoner. "What I am curious about is that woman. It is not like you to bring a foreign woman who might be part of those scoundrels of Ottomans."

The Voivode couldn't help but feel amused at his wife mentioning Angelina. He noticed the hint of venom in her voice; she was jealous. Vlad didn't deny that he had his mistresses; Minah knew. However, the Voivode only had to remind his wife once that she knew better than to involve herself in his affairs. "I won't deny that I don't have my suspicions, but she has convinced me otherwise."

"What will you do with that woman? Alexandrei seems to have a distaste for her."

Vlad chuckled. "She spoke back to him. Alexandrei never had the patience for disobedient women."

"Neither do you, husband. Strangely, you would keep this woman alive." 

The Voivode looked at his wife. "I am curious about her.That is why I am keeping her alive."

Minah squeezed her eating utensils; she hated to see her husband speak about another woman so casually. "I see. You are only keeping her alive for mere curiosity? I wonder if there is more to it." 

It was silent between the couple; Vlad blankly stared at his wife, who slowly looked down on her food. She heard him stand from his seat and slowly walked toward her. The noblewoman knew she angered her husband and decided not to speak further. Vlad stood beside her as he had his hands on his back; his eyes were on her. "My dear wife, you may be carrying my child, but you know I don't tolerate being questioned, not even by you or any other woman. You know that you can always be replaceable. It would be in your best interest not to question my actions. Remember what happened last time?"

Minah shivered; Vlad gently put his right hand on her chin, motioning for her to look at him. Husband and wife looked at one another. Vlad then gave her a quick peck on her forehead, put her hand over her womb momentarily, and walked away. Minah sat silently but eventually ordered the servants to leave her alone. Once alone, Minah took a deep breath since she felt her rapidly beating heart.