Once, Radu would have wanted nothing more. But his joyful life had worn away the sharp edges of the past’s pain. In its place was something like Lada’s silver locket: smooth, cold, filled with the much-loved dust of history.
“The two of you never had any choice but to conquer and lead.”
“And you?”
Radu smiled, kissing his fingers and laying them against the stones. He had wanted so much less than they had—and so much more. They had chosen the hard paths, the lonely paths, the paths of blood and struggle.
“I am returning home to my family.” He moved to stand, then, thinking better of it, took out a knife and carefully scratched two additions onto Lada’s marker.
PRINCE
SISTER
DRAGON
It was enough.
Draculesti Family, Wallachian Nobility
Lada Dracul: Prince of Wallachia
Radu Bey: Also known as Radu Dracul and Radu cel Frumos, advisor to Sultan Mehmed
Vlad Dracul: Deceased father of Lada, Radu, and Mircea
Vasilissa: Mother of Lada and Radu, princess of Moldavia
Mircea: Deceased oldest son of Vlad Dracul and his first, deceased wife
Wallachian Court and Countryside Figures
Oana: Mother of Bogdan, childhood nurse of Lada and Radu, current aide to Lada
Bogdan: Childhood best friend of Lada
Andrei: Boyar from rival Danesti family, son of the previous prince
Aron: Brother of Andrei, in line for Wallachian throne
Danesti family: Rival family for the Wallachian throne
Daciana: Wife of Stefan, friend and servant to Lada
Lucien Basarab: Boyar from Basarab family
Galesh Basarab: Ally of Lada’s, in charge of soldiers
Ottoman Court Figures
Mehmed: Ottoman sultan
Murad: Mehmed’s deceased father
Mara Brankovic: Murad’s widow, Serbian royalty now advising Mehmed
Halil Vizier: Formerly Halil Pasha, executed for treason
Kumal: Devout pasha in Mehmed’s inner circles, brother of Nazira, brother-in-law and friend to Radu