Now I Rise (The Conqueror's Saga #2)(119)

But he had chosen Mehmed, and she had chosen this. She could not stop now. Lada sheathed her sword. “Take the bodies to the courtyard. Everyone needs to know a new Wallachia has been born tonight. After they have been displayed, we will give Petru the memorial he deserves.”

“What about their families?” Bogdan asked.

“Kill any Danesti heirs. They have nothing to inherit now. I will give their titles and land to those who actually serve me.”

“Lada.” Nicolae grasped her elbow. His sword was still sheathed. “Do not do this.”

“It is already done.”

“But their children—”

“We cut out the corruption so we can grow. I am making Wallachia strong.” She turned to face him, her eyes as hard as her blade. “Do you disagree with me? They killed my family. They would have killed me, too, when it suited them. And they wanted us to continue under the Ottomans. They would sell our children to the Turkish armies, just like you. Just like Petru. You know I am right.”

Nicolae looked down, scar twisting. “I— Yes, I know. I wish we could have done it another way, but I think you are right. The Danesti boyars would never have supported a new Wallachia under you. But their children are innocent. You can afford to show mercy.”

She remembered the choice Huma made to assassinate Mehmed’s infant half brother to avoid future civil war. Kill a child, save an empire. It was terrible. Sometimes terrible things were necessary. But unlike Mehmed, who had his vicious mother, no one would make these choices for Lada. No one would save her from this. She had to be strong. “Mercy is the one thing I cannot afford. Not yet. When Wallachia is stable, when we have rebuilt, then yes. What we do now, we do so that someday mercy will be able to survive here.”

“But the children.” Nicolae’s voice was as empty as a boyar’s promise.

“You said you would follow me to the ends of the earth.”

“God’s wounds, Lada,” he whispered, shaking his head. “Someday you will go further than I can follow.” He let go of her arm, then grabbed Toma’s body and dragged it from the room.

She had done what was necessary. She watched as each body was removed. She would mark their passing, and acknowledge their unwilling sacrifice. Because with each body they drew closer to her goal. She clutched her locket so tightly that her fingers ached.

She was a dragon. She was a prince. She was the only hope Wallachia had of ever prospering.

And she would do whatever it took to get there.





51





To Lada Dracul, Vaivode of Wallachia, Beloved Sister,

Constantinople has fallen. Mehmed is sultan, emperor, caesar of Rome, the new Alexander. He has united East and West in his new capital. As his vassal, I ask your presence to celebrate his victory and to negotiate new terms for Wallachia’s taxes and Janissary contributions.

He wishes to see you, as do I. I think of you often, and wonder whether I chose right after all. Please come. Mehmed will offer you good terms, and I dearly wish to spend time with you. I have much to talk about with you.

Your visit is eagerly anticipated.

With all my love, and the official order of the sultan, emperor, and caesar of Rome,

Radu Pasha





52





To Radu, my brother, I do not acknowledge your new title, nor Mehmed’s. Tell the lying coward I send no congratulations. He sent none to me when I took my throne in spite of him.

You did not choose right.

Tell Mehmed Wallachia is mine.

With all defiance, Lada Dracul, Prince of Wallachia





GLOSSARY





bey: A governor of an Ottoman province

boyars: Wallachian nobility

censer: A metal ball with slits or small holes into which one puts burning incense, then swings through the air on a chain; used during religious processions and worship concubine: A woman who belongs to the sultan and is not a legal wife but could produce legal heirs dracul: Dragon, also devil, as the terms were interchangeable

fosse: A ditch dug around the exterior of Constantinople’s walls to prevent easy attack Galata: A city-state across the Golden Horn from Constantinople, ostensibly neutral galley: A warship of varying size, with sails and oars for maneuvering in battle Golden Horn: The body of water surrounding one side of Constantinople, blocked off by a chain and nearly impossible to launch an attack from Greek fire: A method of spraying compressed, liquid fire known only to the Greeks and highly effective in battles Hagia Sophia: A cathedral built at the height of the Byzantine era, the jewel of the Christian world harem: A group of women consisting of wives, concubines, and servants that belongs to the sultan Hodegetria: A holy relic, said to have been painted by an apostle and used for religious protection in Constantinople infidels: A term used for anyone who does not practice the religion of the speaker

irregulars: Soldiers in the Ottoman Empire who are not part of officially organized troops, often mercenaries or men looking for spoils Janissary: A member of an elite force of military professionals, taken as boys from other countries, converted to Islam, educated, and trained to be loyal to the sultan liturgy: Religious worship performed in Latin or Greek, depending on whether the church is Catholic or Orthodox metre: Loud music performed by Janissary troops as they attack, extremely effective at demoralizing and disorienting enemy troops Order of the Dragon: Order of Crusaders anointed by the pope