Free Angel in Black by Fela Dawson Scott

empty-headed, thinking of nothing but marriage and children. They have no opinions, except those of their husbands, and gossiping is the highlight of every long, boring day.” Her voice grew strong and determined. “It’s a man’s world and women are left ignorant, left to do a man’s bidding at his will. We are born, live, and die in the shadows of men. Perhaps I wish to cast my own shadow.” Her words came tumbling out, but not in anger — it was gone, leaving her feeling drained and emotionless.
    “You talk nonsense, Rina,” Blake mumbled, standing, not certain why it made him so uncomfortable to listen to her unusual convictions.
    “I am a woman. Though I am smaller of frame and more fragile, I am your equal. My mind is as capable of learning and comprehending as yours. Is this notion so difficult to understand?”
    “Yes … yes, it is. You were meant to be made love to, and taken care of, to be protected against the evil in this world. You were meant to bear children and run a household. It’s so simple, why must you make it sound so terrible?”
    This was ridiculous, he thought, and strange. It was as if he had had this same conversation with someone else recently. But with who evaded him.
    “No. It is you who makes it so difficult. For not seeing me as I truly am.” With a deep sigh, Rina stood and straightened her clothing.
    “You are a confusing wench who fights like a wildcat and dreams impossible dreams.”
    “Perhaps — but dreams are all I have.”
    Without saying another word, Rina left in search of Blackstar. Their violent encounter was over. So why did she feel a twinge of disappointment? She found her horse grazing near Blake’s Arabian mare. Gently, she ran her hand over his horse’s back, feeling her hard, sinewy muscles. Admiration for the magnificent animal showed clearly in her touch. The horse moved nervously but calmed as Rina’s soft voice soothed her.
    Blake walked up behind her, an amazed look on his face. “What did you say to her? She usually allows no one near except me. Have you cast your spells on her as well?”
    Rina ignored his remark and continued to pet the horse’s soft muzzle. “What do you call her?”
    “Hera,” he replied.
    “After the Greek queen of gods.” Considering this, she smiled. “It suits her, for she is truly a queen.” Rina did not notice the raised eyebrow at her knowledge of the Greek name. “It seems Blackstar likes her, too.”
    Rina laughed openly when her own horse nudged her, jealous and wanting attention as well. Again Blake was taken aback by her loveliness as her face lit up with a stunning smile. Sapphire eyes sparkled and her mirth warmed his heart. Foolishly he wished he could always make her laugh. “You should laugh more often, little one. It makes you look like an angel come down from heaven.”
    She eyed him warily, but Rina could not keep a pleased flush from warming her face at his compliment.
    “You are far too serious for someone so young.” Absently, Blake ran his finger down her pink cheek, tracing her delicate jaw line.
    Rina pulled away, feeling as if his light touch was fire. Her voice remained controlled, but Rina felt as if a war waged inside of her. “I have so little to laugh about,” she said, hoping conversation would calm her. Anything was safer than the feelings he aroused at a single touch.
    “Now, what could possibly cause you so much worry and strife?”
    “I worry how the people of my village will make it through the coming winter. Will we have sufficient wood to keep warm? Will the small amount of food we have be enough? How will we fight starvation, freezing cold, and disease? We break our backs planting and harvesting, but most of it goes to Langsford. Each year I see suffering, each year I see death. All because of one man.”
    For a moment Blake saw pain on Rina’s face and it tore at his heart. “Those are problems the master of Camray should take care of. This land should provide for