Impaler

Allies

The statement echoed in Angelina's mind; her heart raced. Her throat slowly became dry, and Angelina walked toward a wooden chair and sat on it. "H-How could you say such a thing?"

"I know it is difficult to hear. Imagine my surprise when I first heard it in secret. I was terrified, but I still went on to fetch the alcohol since I feared that I would get caught. Unfortunately, I was right." Bioan slowly walked by the bookshelves and touched the many books. "Lord Alexandrei caught me trying to leave and I know that he feared of the possibility that I heard his conversation."

"S-So you ended up in prison. Did Alexandrei and Lady Minah find out that you heard them?"

"They suspected, but when I was seen with a half-filled bottle of alcohol. It was assumed that I was drunk. However, I was questioned and I had no other option but to act drunk to make it seem believable that I hadn't heard about the conversation between the two."

Angelina's right leg trembled; she would've never imagined the possibility of Alexandrei and Minah being intimate. However, the more she thought about it, the baby didn't look like Vlad. Also, Vlad didn't have a connection or a sense of pity for the newborn; he also believed it was a punishment from god. Her eyes widened, and she said, "a punishment of god..."

Bioan stopped pacing. "What was that?"

The young woman regained her strength and looked at Bioan. "I will be honest since you have been with me. Lady Minah indeed gave birth to a baby boy, but he was born with some disabilities and disfigurements if that makes sense." When Bioan nodded, Angelina continued, "Ioana also told me not to trust Alexandrei, but I thought it was because he was an absolute bastard. Is there a possibility that Ioana knew something about Alexandrei?"

"Lady Ioana has been here longer than any of us. However, many servants here and some nobles were never fond of Lord Alexandrei. From what others say, he always tries to meddle in Voivode's decisions but is always warned not to overstep his boundaries." A smile slowly crept on Angelina's lips; Bioan noticed. "You are smiling, Angelina. What are you thinking?"

"This is a revelation, Bioan. You know the truth about the affair. We can use the truth against Alexandrei."

Bioan looked uncomfortable. "It would be dangerous and unwise to go against Lord Alexandrei, Angelina. He is cunning, dangerous, and manipulative; he will do everything to escape trouble. Also, Lord Alexandrei will know that I was the one who told you. I merely convinced him that I was drunk but if word got spread, then I will surely be sent to death."

They remained silent, and Angelina knew that Bioan was right. If Angelina just told Vlad of the possible affair between Alexandrei and Minah without any proof, it could mean her and Bioan's death. However, she had to prove that something did happen. Then, an idea came to her. "I have to see the baby boy again."

"Isn't the child with Lady Minah?"

The young woman shook her head. "Vla-I mean, the Voivode wanted to have the infant killed since he was born with a disability. I was lucky enough to convince him not to do so. Ioana took him to a family that will take care of him." Angelina smiled again. "I need to find the child and fully analyze him. We need to find proof."

Bioan raised an eyebrow. "I must admit that I admire your determination and your foolishness. We are but mere servants, Angelina. We mustn't involve ourselves."

"Ever since your release, has Alexandrei ever seen you?"

"Well, no."

"Who was the one who ordered your release?"

"The Voivode. He stated that there was no evidence that I was a spy since."

Angelina nodded. "If that is the case, what do you think Alexandrei will do once he sees you again? As you said, he hungers for power and fears someone might dispose of him. There's a possibility that he will not let you out of his sight or, worse, try to get rid of you." Bioan flinched and looked nervous. Angelina hated to use fear tactics to get Bioan to help her, but she couldn't get evidence alone. "Alexandrei hates me since he suspects I am a spy for the Ottomans. I did nothing, and I'm accused of looking different, and I refused to accept his disrespect. We may be servants, but things will never change if we do nothing. If we can get rid of Alexandrei, at least we will achieve our power back."

Bioan stood still and couldn't believe that Angelina's words had impacted him. He had been powerless all his life and had to follow orders to serve the Voivode and have food to eat. Angelina also made him realize that he had the power to ruin Alexandrei's reputation as a man with power. He also couldn't deny that if he and Alexandrei met again, then suspicions of him knowing the truth would overcome the noble. There was also the possibility that the nobleman would try to assassinate him. Yet, Bioan could try to run away, but where could he go? He couldn't go back to a life of poverty. The Voivode and his home were the only things that brought him security; he owed it to the Voivode who freed him. "Very well, I will help you in your cause."

"R-Really? You will?"

"Yes, the Voivode gave me my freedom, and I am still in danger since I am to be suspected of knowing the secret. So what are your plans? You said that you will analyze the infant?"

"Yeah, I need to see more of his physical appearance and we need to get other proof, maybe witnesses."

"I doubt no one will say anything. It is suicide."

Angelina paced back and forth. "Lady Minah always has her ladies in waiting, and guards are protecting her. Someone must know something because no one would allow another man in her chambers."

"Yes, I see your point. What I will do is ask around to see what I can find. This library can be our secret meeting place to tell each other what we found."

"Perfect, let's meet here after the festivities are done. The Voivode said that I am invited to go and this can give you a better opportunity to make your research easier."

The two looked at one another and nodded. Angelina decided to leave the library first, and Bioan did the same. Once the two were out of sight, someone came out of one of the rooms a bit far from the library and went off their way.