Of Princes and Dragons: Book 2 (Lords and Commoners) by Lynne Hill-Clark

Author:Lynne Hill-Clark [Hill-Clark, Lynne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hill, Clark & Associates
Published: 2017-07-15T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 45 Wallachia 1456 A.D

As Vlad had already learned, the Wallachian crown came with many problems, each of which had to be dealt with in turn. The first order of business was the boyar class. Within a month of being the sole ruler it became apparent that the boyars were not convinced that Vlad was a legitimate ruler. They were rightfully suspicious of the relatively sudden death of Prince Dracul. Most of all, they were displeased because Dracul had taken their right to name the next ruler away from them. The boyars wanted to appoint the successor to the throne. Since they had not done so with Vlad, they viewed him as an illegitimate usurper of the throne. There were murmurs of replacing him with Dan, a man born of the noble line of the Danesti family.

“We must deal with these boyars. A group of nobles who feel that it is their right to put whomever they choose on the throne are dangerous,” Vlad mused. “They have learned to turn a substantial profit by being ruthless and playing politics. They are nothing more than paid assassins and traitors to the throne.”

“They appear to be the most immediate threat to your rule.” Sergiu agreed. “I wonder how many rulers of Wallachia they have murdered? The Ottomans can be pacified with their annual tribute of gold coins and boys for the sultan's army. The Saxon merchants in Transylvania will hopefully be pacified with a low sales tax for now. But the boyars — they are a different story.”

Vlad nodded. “We will deal with each of these threats in order of importance. The boyars will be easy enough to handle, unlike the Ottomans. We will start by inviting the boyars to a feast at my government compound in Targoviste. Tell the Janissaries that if it does not go well then they will be the ones feasting.” Vlad had long since adopted the term Janissaries to refer to his elite corps of soldiers. In his kingdom Janissaries meant Vlad’s loyal vampire warriors.

“I will inform them that they must hold off on feeding until this gathering,” Abdulla said.

“We will make an example of these nobles. This is what happens if one dares to cross me.”

Now that Vlad had become ruler, he was not about to let anything get in the way of his throne. He had worked hard for this for many years. It had been a long time coming, which led Vlad to develop a sense of entitlement. I deserve this. Wallachia is mine.

“There are more diplomatic means of solving problems. Must we kill them all?” Sergiu questioned.

“Aye but killing is the surest and easiest means. Especially for vampires, who must kill to survive. This way I eliminate a threat and feed my bloodthirsty men.”

Sergiu frowned. “Aye, it must be done.”

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