Impaler

Celebrations Pt.1

King Matthias Corvinus.

The name sounded familiar, and Angelina tried hard to remember. He was a King, which shocked her since it wasn't every day one could meet royalty in person, especially from the past. 

When glancing, Matthias was as tall as Vlad and had a stern-looking face. His black eyes were emotionless and looked like they had no life. His long brunette hair was curly and looked as if it were entirely tangled. The King had thin lips, a long nose, and light wrinkles; he looked more intimidating than Vlad. When meeting Vlad, Angeline believed he had a more youthful and innocent appearance. Matthias looked like he could make people cringe at his very sight. 

Matthias motioned Vlad to rise, which he did. Angelina and Sorina followed suit but ensured to stay silent. The men shook hands. 

"I imagined the travel was long, but you have any sincerest gratitude. I ensured to get the best for you to feel at ease."

"It was long, but being in one's castle for long can be strenuous. Traveling to the countryside was soothing; I wouldn't have traded the experience." The King then noticed Angelina and Sorina; he raised an eyebrow. He couldn't deny that Angelina held a different beauty from the women in his court. "Who is this?"

Angelina and Sorina flinched; Vlad glanced at them and said, "That is Angelina, one of my main attractions. She is a wonderful story teller and singer. The other lady is her lady-in-waiting. She-"

"Actually, your majesty, Sorina is my best friend." Angelina bowed again. "It is an honor to be before you."

Sorina also bowed, surprised at Angelina's declaration. Best friend; it made her feel tranquil. 

Vlad seemed displeased about the outburst; Matthias was expressionless as he focused on the two women. The King walked forward but stopped when getting closer to Angelina. "It is uncommon to view a low-birth servant as a friend. Although I cannot help but admire your honesty. Refreshing that one can have friends. I do look forward to hearing your singing and stories."

"Please, follow me. I shall take you inside the festivities." The two men walked forward with Angelina and the other servants in tow. Vlad glanced at her and focused on the path ahead. As they got closer to the festivities, music echoed. 

An announcer saw them and walked forward. "King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary and Voivode Vlad Tepes of Wallachia!"

The musicians stopped playing, and everyone became silent at the announcement as they viewed the two powerful men. Everyone bowed as the two men walked toward the main table. Angelina and Sorina stood beside the festivities, and the other servants did. Once the men reached the main seat, Vlad motioned for everyone to sit; Matthias also sat.

"My honored guests, I am honored to invite King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary to today's celebrations." Everyone clapped and cheered as Matthias lifted his hand upward. This celebration also commemorates the history of my family and Wallachia. As you know, I have done actions that made many of you question and fear me." Many guests looked frightened or nervous, but no one dared to speak. 

"Rest assured that today is only a day for celebration, and I have news for all of you before the festivities' conclusion. Please enjoy yourselves!" Vlad motioned the musicians, and they played a new song.

Servants entered the festivities carrying trays and plates of food and drinks. The guests poured themselves drinks as they slowly began to feel comfortable. Angelina and Sorina watched as everyone had fun. "This feels different from the last time. You could tell when the...Voivode had something planned. However, you don't feel any tension."

Sorina began to sway with the beat of the music. "Agreed, but the Voivode will go through with his plan before the end of the celebrations. I cannot help but feel edged."

"Don't worry, what he has planned needs to happen." The sound of the music gave Angelina the urge to dance. "Want to dance?"

"Oh, um, I don't know how to dance. Also, servants are not allowed to dance in such festivities. We do so privately and far from the guests."

Angelina huffed, grabbed Sorina's hands, and motioned her to the dancefloor, where the guests ate and drank to their hearts' content. Once on the dancefloor, everyone, including Vlad and Matthias, noticed them. Sorina felt her face turning red as everyone looked at them. "A-Angelina! I-!"

"Sorina, since I am the main attraction, I have a right to have fun. If I want to have fun, I want you to have fun. Don't worry, I will take the blame." Angelina then only held onto one of her hands and gave each other space. She led Sorina to make turns and would switch places. Angelina clapped her hands with the beat. Sorina was embarrassed, but Angelina had her sights on her and instructed her to dance. The young lady began to follow suit, and the embarrassment slowly vanished.

Everyone, including Vlad and Matthias, watched the two young women dance. Some wanted to laugh at their dancing skills, and others found them amusing. Vlad, however, had his eyes set on Angelina. Her smiles and sparkle in her eyes showed her confidence and happiness that wasn't common in his world. His guests found her and Sorina comical, but he realized that, like him, they were trapped in their walls of ignorance, not knowing what was in the outside world. 

The young women eventually finished, as did the music. No one cheered or clapped, and Sorina looked down at the floor, but Angelina kept smiling. "Please excuse me, King Matthias. There is something I would like to do."

Matthias nodded. "Brave young woman. I cannot help but believe that she is your mistress?"

"I made her my mistress, but she still refuses to see it as such. Please excuse me." Vlad stood, and everyone watched as he walked to the dance floor. The guests murmured when he made his way to Angelina and Sorina. The Voivode stopped before her; Sorina bowed and slowly walked off the dancefloor. 

Angelina and Vlad eyed each other, neither refusing to look away. Vlad then snapped his fingers; the musicians understood and slowly began to play another song.

Vlad did a short bow, and Angelina did the same. She didn't know what dance moves Vlad would lead but decided to follow him. He motioned out his right hand, and Angelina held it with her left. It was something that Angelina watched on a television show, and sure enough, Vlad motioned for her to do a turn.

Then, they switched hands and did the same. The Voivode then motioned Angelina to him, but her back was on his chest. It was challenging to fight off a blush, but Angelina couldn't help the looks they received. Vlad slowly twirled with Angelina in his arm while the other held her free hand. 

Vlad let go of her waist and twirled her around, making her face him. Angelina felt her warmth from the contact; the Voivode smirked as he put one hand behind his back while putting his free one onto hers.

Their arms and hands intertwined as they made twists and turns. Angelina felt like she was flying mid-air; Vlad was a good dancer. He didn't try to over-dance or embarrass her. After many twists, turns, and suave dance moves, by the end of the song, Vlad motioned her toward him as he held onto her waist. Angelina motioned backward while being held; the music ended.

The guests were silent, and everyone slowly cheered and clapped for them.

Angelina looked into Vlad's eyes; there were no ill intentions. There was a slight gleam that she hadn't seen before. "Could it be...?"  She got back to her position.

Suddenly, the announcer cleared his throat loudly as he stepped forward. "Honored guests, Lord Vlad Călugărul has arrived!"