Now I Rise (The Conqueror's Saga 2)
Page 124
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.
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
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
Draculesti Family, Wallachian Nobility
Vlad Dracul: Deceased vaivode of Wallachia, father of Lada and Radu, father of Mircea, husband of Vasilissa
Vasilissa: Mother of Lada and Radu, princess of Moldavia
Mircea: Deceased oldest son of Vlad Dracul and his first, deceased wife
Lada: Daughter and second legitimate child of Vlad Dracul
Radu: Son and third legitimate child of Vlad Dracul
Vlad: Illegitimate son of Vlad Dracul with a mistress
Wallachian Court and Countryside Figures
Nurse: Oana, Mother of Bogdan, childhood caretaker of Lada and Radu
Bogdan: Son of the nurse, childhood best friend of Lada
Andrei: Boyar from rival Danesti family, son of the replacement prince
Aron: Brother of Andrei
Danesti family: Rival family for the Wallachian throne
Daciana: Peasant girl living under a Danesti boyar’s rule
Toma Basarab: Boyar from Basarab family
Ottoman Court Figures