Radu Dracul

18 (Beginning of “Bright We Burn”)

21 (End of “Bright We Burn”)

38 (Epilogue of “Bright We Burn)

**Radu Dracul** is the son of Vlad Dracul II, a Wallachian vaivode, or warlord prince. Later in life, he also becomes a military commander and spy for the Ottoman Empire.

## History

Radu was born to a royal Wallachian family in 1436, about a year after his sister Lada. When they were children, their father offered them to Sultan Murad of the Ottoman Empire as collateral in a deal that involved Wallachia's vassalage in exchange for protection. They grew up in the Ottoman capital of Edirne alongside the sultan's son, Mehmed.

Later in life, Lada ran away from Edirne to take back Wallachia and free her people, while Radu remained loyal to the Empire and became one of Mehmed's most influential agents.

Mehmed sent Radu to act as a spy during the Seige of Constantinople. He worked under Mehmed's direction for the entirety of the seige, despite a growing sense that he may be fighting for the wrong side. In the end, Radu played a key part in the fall of the great city, and returned to Mehmed while his lover Cyprian and wife Nazira chose to flee the city.

Later, he retired to the countryside with Cyprian, Nazira, Fatima, and Lada & Mehmed's daughter.

## Physical Description

Radu is frequently described as an unusually beautiful boy. His hair is long, dark, curly, and better-maintained than his sister's. His lips are full and delicate. His eyes are large, clear, and soft, and are framed by a dark sweep of lashes. He has cheekbones, and a squarish shaped jaw of stone. He also has thick eyebrows.

## Personality

As a child, Radu was weak and avoided conflict. He was a crybaby who was treated poorly by his siblings and the other noble children. Growing up in the Ottoman Empire, he learned to manipulate others with his looks and gain social connections through his nonthreatening appearance. By the time he was employed as a spy in Constantinople, he had become an expert liar, though he felt conflicted over the way his talents were being put to use.

## Relationships

### Ladislav Dracul

Lada is Radu's sister. They have had a strained relationship since childhood, but have always cared for each other regardless, in their own ways.

### Mehmed ll

Radu has unrequited romantic feelings for Mehmed and is unconditionally loyal to him. Even when Mehmed's behavior is questionable or Radu's love for him proves harmful, he refuses to leave his side. By the end of *Now I Rise*, he has begun to see that his feelings for Mehmed are pointless & toxic and has fallen in love with another man. By the end of *Bright We Burn*, he has moved on from Mehmed.

### Cyprian

Cyprian is Radu's friend and benefactor in Constantinople, and eventually his lover. Though Radu once thought he could never love anyone but Mehmed, he finds himself falling for Cyprian throughout his stay in Constantinople. When the city finally falls, Radu confesses to him that he was a spy all along. Cyprian is heartbroken, but his love and loyalty to Radu and Nazira does not waver.

### Nazira

Nazira is Radu's wife and the sister of Kumal Pasha, the man who taught Radu the practice of Islam. Their marriage is only for the sake of public image, as they are both homosexual, and they are more close friends than anything. Nazira's real lover is Fatima, who poses as their maid.