Impaler

Echo

It was night, and Angelina knew she would see Vlad tonight. The young woman knew Vlad would try to get her to lie with him. He had done many despicable acts throughout the day, and Vlad may not hesitate to be violent to her. Angelina knew it could be her last day on earth, so she fought back. Since she was transported into the turbulent past, she felt fear that was thought impossible.

However, the more Angelina lived in the era, the more her fear slowly dwindled since she was getting used to the violence and threats. Eventually, the fear would dissipate. 

It was night, and the women changed, bathed, and slept. Angelina lay on her bed, looking through the darkness and wondering about her next steps. She also thought about her encounter with Daciana. When Daciana arrived back from her duties, Angelina noticed the look on Daciana's face. Angelina couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off with Daciana, that she was hiding something. She made more enemies, which was getting tiresome, but having Vlad's interest meant more protection. 

Angelina kept on waiting, but Ioana still didn't arrive. It was strange, but the young woman thought she was safe. As sleep slowly consumed her, a tap was felt on her shoulder. "Child, it is time," Ioana whispered. A disappointed sigh escaped Angelina's lips, but she decided not to argue so as not to worry Ioana. It was dark, making it difficult to see. However, Ioana held Angelina's hand as she led her out of the room. Once out and the doors closed, Ioana got a lit fire torch. "I have arrived late, but after what happened today, I wanted to ensure that the women and the other servants were asleep. We must be more cautious than ever."

"It's alright. I would be cautious, too. Although..." Angelina hesitated to speak what was on her mind, but Ioana quickly glanced at her.

"You hoped that you would not visit Vlad tonight. I understand." Ioana kept quiet as she led Angelina to the passageway to the secret room. "I wanted to inform you that he is not in a good mood tonight, and there is a possibility that..."

Angelina felt her stomach hurt; she had a feeling that something terrible would happen. "I still won't let him touch me."

Ioana focused on her. "Angelina, I know you are a woman with dignity, self-respect, and values. However, there are limits to when one should hold those values for one to survive and-"

"Ioana..." Angelina stopped and slowly smiled, confusing the older woman, who stopped in her tracks. "...I understand that you worry about me and Vlad. You indicated that I was chosen because I was different. The thing is, with men in power, they get tired of the same thing, and those who went through trauma want to find something or someone that gives and shows them hope. If I immediately give in to his tyranny, then the hope will be gone, and I will end up like Daciana and the other women before her. I have to show him that his intimidation and power will not always end up as he wants." Angelina couldn't help but feel empowered by her speech but was afraid she wouldn't be able to show it when coming face-to-face with Vlad. However, the young woman had to pressure herself to stand her ground. "Take me to him."

The older woman was stunned. She could tell that Angelina had a fire of determination in her eyes. Admiration went throughout Ioana's being. Ioana nodded and led Angelina to the front door. "We have arrived. May god guide you." 

Ioana slowly walked back down as Angelina stood in front of the door. "God has never guided me; I have always been my guide." She gently knocked on the door until she was given the signal.

"Enter."

Angelina took a deep breath and slowly opened the door; a calm and warm gust of air hit her being. Inside, Vlad sat before the mirror as his back turned on Angelina. Looking at his reflection, Angelina could tell that Vlad was thoughtful. The door was closed, and Angelina slowly walked forward until she reached the side of the bed frame. It was silent between them; the silence usually made the young woman anxious, but Angelina felt surprisingly calm. She had a goal that motivated her to see it through to the end. "I heard what you did."

Vlad finally blinked, looking at Angelina through the mirror's reflection. "You have seen the smoke, and I imagine someone told you what I have done."

"Yeah. I was horrified by what you had to do, but that horror changed into disgust. You want to know why?" When Vlad said nothing, Angelina continued, "You call yourself 'Voivode' as people are ordered to do. However, what you did out there was not what a Voivode should have done." Angelina knew what was said would have consequences and was prepared to face them. 

Vlad slowly turned and faced her. He then slowly stood up and put his hands behind him. Vlad slowly walked to Angelina until he was a couple of inches before her. "And what in your view makes a Voivode?"

Anger slowly crept into Vlad, written all over his face. Angelina noticed, but she refused to be intimidated. "I don't know much about politics, and I have no interest in it. A Voivode usually governs the province that was given to him by their King. A Voivode leads through an example to help protect the people, especially those who are vulnerable. You, Vlad, did the opposite. You killed the people you sought to protect from the Ottomans."

Suddenly, Vlad slapped Angelina so hard that an echo was heard in the aftermath. Angelina almost fell to her knees but gathered her strength to keep standing. Blood dripped from her lips, but Angelina slowly looked up to Vlad without wiping her blood. Her heart slowly pounded, but she maintained her calm demeanor. Then, Vlad grabbed a handful of her hair, making her face close to his. "You cursed woman! You try to mock me and tell me what my duty is! Those people were nothing but parasites to my people, to Wallachia. If the Ottomans were to attack, they would be the first to perish!" His grip on her hair tightened. "I did the favor of ending their misery!"

"No, you didn't!" Angelina yelled with similar force. "You killed them because they remind you of your failings as Voivode. You feared seeing the downtrodden and poor as the failings of your governorship. You killed those people who looked up to you! Who had hope that you would care for their suffering. Yet, you did more harm, especially to your reputation as Voivode."

"You dare-!" Vlad was about to slap her again, but to shock, Angelina slapped him across the face. His eyes widened, and he let go of Angelina's hair, but she did not move back.

Angelina, however, was even shocked by her actions. She never intended to put her hands on such a powerful man. However, something within her being felt the urge to do so. Vlad was consumed and entrapped in his ignorance, paranoia, and trauma, leading Vlad to commit heinous acts of violence. "I heard much about your father, Vlad. I heard how much of a horrible man he was who only cared about himself and power, leaving you, your siblings, and...your mother in despair. Don't you want to be different from him!? Do you want to have a legacy of a man who spilled the blood of his people and enemies!? Or do you want a legacy of a beloved and feared man who did everything in his power for his people and country!? You have that power to be a better person Vlad!" Angelina calmed herself before continuing, "You always had the power but never believed in yourself."

It became silent, and Angelina felt she had crossed the line and it would be her last moment. She closed her eyes, awaiting for Vlad to take her to guards to have her impaled or for him to kill her. The more Angelina waited, nothing happened; the flicking of candles echoed. Angelina eventually opened her eyes and was shocked to see Vlad before her; his chest almost touched hers. He then grabbed the back of her neck tightly. "This is it; I'm going to die. Hopefully, death will be quick." However, Vlad forcibly motioned her face to his. 

Their lips collided; they kissed.