Peter Rakoczy: The Music of My Life

Chapter 13: The Monster Inside

Peter was worried about Lisbeth. She had been unusually quiet ever since they stepped foot in Bartholy Castle. He wondered why she hadn't revealed her last name to Nicolae. In fact, she had tried her best to conceal it. Peter decided he would talk to her once she awakened from her nap.

Meanwhile, he attempted to devise his repertoire for the New Year's Eve ball. He was in the middle of one of his favorite nocturnes when the door to the music room opened loudly and slammed against the wall. Peter was startled by the noise. He turned around and saw Stellian.

"Oh, there you are little brother," Stellian shouted. "Hard at work as always, I see."

"I was... thanks for interrupting," Peter scowled.

Bogdan followed Stellian in. Both men's faces were ruddy and their hair looked wind blown. Stellian strode noisily past Peter and stopped by the fireplace, putting his hands in front of the flickering flames.

"My hands are completely frozen," he exclaimed. "Bogdan! Come over here and warm up!"

"Why can't you use the fireplace in the parlor?" Peter asked.

"Are we bothering you?" Stellian sneered. He knew perfectly well that he had interrupted Peter's practice session and he rejoiced in the fact.

Peter sighed and shook his head. He stood up and started to walk toward the door, but Stellian called out to him.

"You missed a fun horseback ride, Peter. Bogdan and I had a great time!"

"Good for you," Peter answered over his shoulder.

"By the way... I hope you don't mind, but I let Bogdan ride Alba," Stellian added maliciously.

Peter stopped in his tracks and turned around.

"You did what?"

"You weren't around so I couldn't ask you," Stellian said. "So I figured she might as well get some exercise."

Peter's face darkened. "You know perfectly well that I wanted to be the first one to ride Alba. She was my Christmas present from Papa."

"Don't be so churlish about it," Stellian answered dismissively. "It's not that big a deal."

"Maybe it isn't to you, but it is to me," Peter approached his older brother. "How would you feel if I rode Caesar without your permission?"

Stellian let out an unpleasant laugh. "You? Ride Caesar? Please... you couldn't handle that horse if you tried."

Peter felt his anger rising. His brother was purposefully humiliating him in front of Bogdan. To his credit, Bogdan looked uncomfortable at Stellian's mean remarks.

"What are you implying?" Peter tightened his fists.

"Oh... nothing really," Stellian sneered. "I'm just saying it takes a real man to handle that stallion." He then winked at Bogdan. "Think you're a real man, Peter? With all of your music and poetry and... feelings..." Stellian chortled.

Peter had had enough. He strode up to his brother and forced him to turn around. Stellian was taken aback at first, but then he burst into laughter.

"Do you really want to do this?" He mockingly raised his eyebrows.

Peter grabbed him by the collar of his coat. "I've had enough of your insults," he growled in Stellian's face.

"Ooo, I'm truly terrified," Stellian smirked. "The little boy is going to hurt me!" He looked toward Bogdan and pulled a face. Bogdan didn't seem amused.