Free Dark Heart Rising by Lee Monroe Page B

tried to look away but found himself transfixed. ‘They are not cowards,’ he managed to say. ‘They want the best for us all.’
    ‘They have built this world on a false notion. The notion that a life without risk is a better life. A safer life. When all it is is a life suppressed.’
    ‘Maybe it is. But people are happier here.’
    ‘My father wasn’t.’
    ‘Wait a moment!’ Lowe said angrily. ‘You were angry about your father. You tried to kill that mortal girl’s family.’
    ‘I know.’ Raphael dropped his eyes to the ground. ‘I was wrong. I was very angry. Angry that he had gone. I needed to blame someone. Jane’s mother seemed to be the one … that one I could pin all my anger on. But really … he is gone because of this world, all its suffocating expectations. Its refusal to allow any human weakness.’
    ‘But we are not human,’ Lowe said proudly. ‘We are better than that.’
    ‘Are you sure?’ Raphael kicked a stone at his feet. ‘I don’t know that we are. We just think we are superior.’
    Lowe shook his head. ‘My mother says that sacrifice is the ultimate challenge.’
    ‘What does that mean?’
    ‘That by giving up indulgent pleasure we are made stronger.’
    ‘Or perhaps,’ Raphael replied, putting his hands in his pockets. ‘She is just afraid of feeling.’
    The sound of horses’ hooves made the boys turn to see a black stallion cantering towards them.
    ‘Perhaps you should talk to my brother about sacrifice,’ Lowe said, recognising Luca astride the horse. ‘The two of you can compare notes.’
    Raphael ignored him, straightening up and fixing a welcoming smile on his face. He held his hand up in greeting.
    Luca drew in his reins and brought the horse to a halt. Dismounting, he nodded at his brother.
    ‘I didn’t expect you until tomorrow,’ said Raphael, running a hand through his blond curls.
    ‘Henora is driving me to distraction,’ replied Luca, catching his breath. ‘I had to get out.’
    Raphael cast a quick pointed glance at Lowe, before patting Luca on the shoulder.
    ‘Your choice,’ he said, lightly. ‘You are not bound to this marriage … not yet, anyway.’
    A flicker of annoyance passed over Luca’s face.
    ‘We are all bound to duty,’ he said impassively. ‘I don’t want to have another discussion on the subject.’
    Raphael shrugged. ‘Fair enough. But you brought it up.’
    Luca attempted a smile. ‘I was struggling with my mother’s determination … not the object of her determination.’
    ‘I see. Well, good.’ Raphael stretched and yawned. ‘And how is Lila?’
    ‘Good, as far as I know.’ Luca avoided eye contact. ‘I have not seen her for a while.’
    ‘Lila is wonderful,’ put in Lowe. ‘She will make a good wife.’
    ‘She will.’ Luca looked about him, taking hold of his horse’s rein. ‘Are we riding today?’
    ‘My horse is tired,’ said Raphael. ‘Lowe and I went for a long ride this morning – down to the Water Path. I had forgotten how peaceful it was there. I must spend more time by the river.’
    Luca said nothing, but stroked the stallion’s nose.
    ‘The Water Path is my brother’s favourite place,’ said Lowe. ‘It is where he does all his … thinking. He thinks it is his place … isn’t that right?’
    Luca looked sharply at him. ‘Of course not, don’t be ridiculous.’
    ‘Well … anyway. It makes you think … or makes you forget,’ said Raphael. ‘A place to escape.’
    There was a short silence. Lowe looked from Raphael to his brother, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
    Putting one leg over his horse, Luca looked weary, exasperated. He nodded curtly at both boys before turning the mare round.
    ‘Try and be happy,’ Lowe called after him as he cantered away. ‘No one wants a misery for a husband.’
    The horse and rider sped up. As Lowe and Raphael watched, Luca thundered across the field, his back hunched, as though he couldn’t get away fast enough.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
    ‘Y ou want