Brief Summary: Orphaned at a young age, her dying father's wish was for her to marry the man courting her so that she had the chance at living happily ever after. Now Christine stands in the world married to a 'brave' captain and kept in an empty home forever to abide by the rules that govern her society. Yet when she convinces her husband to allow her to join him on an expedition, she is opened up into a strange new world. As they travel onward, she meets and befriends a strange cast of people aboard the ship. However, there is one that evades her understanding and mysteriously draws her closer to him. Though her husband has now grown suspicious, both outer and inner forces have made the two forever entwined. But is the force of a violent man who will stop at nothing to separate them enough?

Extra Note: Though Christine is married to Raoul in the beginning, we are entirely anti-R/C. We hate the fop's guts. Just don't worry, it will all get better really soon.

F: Okay, let's start off this depressing list. I do not own Phantom of the Opera, and if I did I would have Raoul burn to death in the fire and Christine go with Erik. I do not own any of Phantom's characters, nor do I want to. I don't own…

R: Say it…

F: I do not own… *lets out a sob* I do not own…

R: Say it!

F: *wails* I don't own Erik the sex-god! *goes off into a corner to recover from the trauma*

R: *sighs in frustration* Hello everyone. I'm dreaming of ravens at night, and 'F' over there is Le Fantome Victorien. This is our story, I'm showing up for the author's notes. I get to fully write the next one! *smiles evilly, ignoring Fantome's crying* Think of this like Roses of Life. Anyway, hope you all enjoy the chapter.

The Forlorn Sea

Part I: The Life Before

Beginning

With heated rays of the sun masked occasionally by the veil of a cloud, one could see from the skies the busy port of London. It was there that ships docked and loaded or unloaded cargo while each boat's crew moved onto land for some refreshing air and what they considered harmless fun before the mistress of Poseidon called for their return. A buzz caused from constant conversation always filled the air along with the clamor of horses pulling carriages, rope being pulled and tied and stretched to ensure a ship's safety, and the accenting of men's grunts as they lifted heavy loads. This is what surrounded the port daily, and made any British sailor feel safe and at home.

As the sun's bright beams bounced off the clear blue water, a ship docked in the port by the name of the HMS Serenity. As ropes were tied down to keep the ship in place, a gangplank was lowered. Though the first down was some sailor's carrying rather heavy-looking loads, a well decorated man soon strode happily down the plank. A smile graced his features as he stepped onto the solid wood of the dock and he turned to wait as another man soon joined him. He removed his hat to greet the man, and with the removal of the accessory one could truly see his features.

He was handsome, that much any passing woman could tell you. He had a defined profile and soft features. His light brown eyes had a gleam of happiness and triumph in them as he strode down the dock with the other man up to the main boardwalk. His hair, though appearing a light brunette color in a passing glance, was a dirty blond upon closer inspection that he kept tied back with a thin ribbon. It no doubt belonged to a woman he was either courting or already married to, and tying his hair back with it was his way of keeping the trinket close to him.

But, despite all of his attractive features, there was a look of slight irritation on his face that caused some people to avoid his gaze. If anyone chose to listen in on the conversation between him and the man beside him, one would quickly discover why. "I just don't understand it, James. I informed her prior to my arrival that it was only going to be a few more days until I came home to London and here, then she goes and writes me a letter saying that she had decided to stay with the Giry family while she awaited my return."

"Perhaps she is just overwhelmed with everything, like most women tend to do, Sir. After all, you had set off to sea just a mere few hours after your wedding," the man replied in a monotone. It was clear that they had discussed this topic before.

"That is true, James, but I sent her a letter shortly after I left explaining the situation. She knows that, as Captain to one of Her Majesty's ships, I may be called to duty at a moment's notice. She learned of this during the four years that I was courting her. Not to mention I don't understand why she wouldn't want to stay in our lovely home. After all the time and money I put into it just so that she could be as comfortable and at home as possible, she just goes up and leaves it without even my consent!"

"Well, Sir," the man named James explained calmly, "you were more than aware that she was anything but…normal. If I recall, that was one of the reasons why you wished to marry her."

"Now it's just a hassle," he groaned, pressing the palm of his hand gently against his aching head. It had been a long trip since he had left then returned to England. The last thing he was expecting upon his arrival home was for his bride to disappear as well.

Seeing a florist's shop up ahead, the young man strolled ahead and quickly bought the largest bouquet that the owner sold before hailing a carriage-for-hire. "Wish me luck, James," he said, stepping into the cushioned booth. "God above only knows what I will be receiving when I go to her." With that, he closed the door firmly and rapped the ceiling. Leaning back into the comfortable seat, he stared out as the passing scenery as he thought of his wife. True, he wasn't being particularly fair to her, but she was a woman. If it wasn't for people like him, women like her would have been lost in the world. The fact that he fell in love with her too merely helped make everything easier.

Smirking to himself, he could not deny that being a sailor did have some perks, despite how upset his beloved got over it. He hardly needed to be home, and could enjoy the pleasures of life without her knowledge. Yes, it was bad timing with him leaving before he could even take pleasure in their wedding night, but he could easily make up for it. Of course, he would then have to set sail shortly after, but something told him that he wouldn't mind as much this time around.

As the carriage continued it's trek away from the busy docks and onto the even busier cobblestone streets of London, he only wished that he would not be turned away by her while she stayed at her friend's house. Though he loved her greatly, he did not know how long he would be willing to continue playing her games.

At a lovely two-story house located on the far side of London, three women sat together while enjoying afternoon tea. Two of them were in their early twenties and the other one a proud mother all chattered happily as they sipped at their tea and snacked on small scones and other similar treats. A vibrant and joyful air surrounded the group as a petite woman with chocolate curls laughed. Taking her fork, she broke off a piece of cake and bit into the delicious substance while she told the young blonde beside her of her latest adventure through the market.

Her story was brought to an abrupt halt though as the older woman scolded her for her lack of manners. She lectured her on how it was extremely 'unlady-like' to talk with her mouth full, showing to the whole world the mashed food she was about to consume. Her friend began to gloat in the feat of getting by without harsh words, but she had opened her mouth too soon. Both of the girls soon fell into fits of laughter.

Much time had passed since the last visit from the brunette and that was during the time her father was gravely ill, when she was still a young child. He soon passed away and she was placed in the system. Shifting to and from each new family, each new home, grew heavily on the poor child, yet she still maintained her positive outlook on life. Her friend, Meg Giry, and her mother, Antoinette, managed to stayed in contact over the years.

Now it was pleasant to sit in the familiar house of the Giry family and indulge in a bit of fun. The smell of lavender from a nearby park was a relief from the fumes of the sewers below these days produced. Recognizable clatter of tea cups being placed back in the pantry sent her back to the time when her father and her would come on a regular basis and the two older folks would talk and the little girls would play in the gardens.

It was with this love that was like a family that Antoinette was more than welcoming upon the brunette's arrival. Already she had spent several weeks with them, enjoying their company and conversations as she awaited the arrival of her husband, the gallant Captain of the HMS Serenity.

As the old grandfather clock that was placed in the hall chimed seventeen times for the hour, the two younger women discussed Meg's newest infatuation while Antoinette contently washed and put away the dishes into a well-used cabinet. The two girls erupted into another fit of laughter as Meg attempted to describe her love, but the delicate chiming of the door's bell interrupted their mirth.

Drying her hands off, Antoinette left the room and walked into the hallway. Approaching the door, she opened it only to find her guest's husband glaring off into space. Suddenly, he seemed to notice that the door had opened and hurriedly lifted a large bouquet of roses and tulips. An apologetic and charming smile was on his face, but Antoinette could tell that it was just an illusion.

"Oh? How pretty," she said pleasantly. "But I believe that you do not mean them for me."

"Where's Christine," he demanded, all kindness from earlier disappearing as he pulled the bouquet away only to glare and scowl at the older woman.

"In here, Raoul, where else? Though I cannot say that I can hardly blame her," she explained, the tone of her voice showing the man just how unfazed she was by his attempt at intimidation. "So what is your grand excuse this time?" she questioned. "Or, are you going to use the same one you always feed her?"

"Get out of my way, woman. I've no time for your games," Raoul hissed, pushing past the older woman and entering the house without bothering for permission. At least we know that he's not a vampire, Antoinette thought with amusement as she followed after the irritated man as he made his way into the small kitchen.

Upon seeing his wife, Raoul frowned in a disapproving manner before setting the flowers down and walking up to her. "Christine, why were you not home, waiting for my safe return?" he demanded, though the soft and hurt voice he used made it sound more like an innocent question. Antoinette, having just entered the room, rolled her eyes.

"I could hardly stay in that stuffy place you call a home. Besides, I was getting restless and thought visiting the Girys would brighten my mood. It worked," she said cheerfully, avoiding the annoyed thoughts her husband was showing in his eyes. She never understood her husband's reactions whenever she did something, anything for that matter. From the nervous chatter he produced after taking a stroll outside on her insistence, to professing his love to her, often times assisted with sweets, upon returning home from a long voyage at sea. Christine thought it was just how he was during the times they would meet each other while courting at first. But as time passed it only seemed odd from a person of such high stature. Especially with the recognition he gained at sea amongst other sailors, and possibly a few pirates.

As she thought of all this, she quickly turned hostile and snapped at him. "You can't just leave me at home and expect me to welcome you back after your 'long and arduous journey' that you supposedly survived from. I am not some prize you can showcase to the ladies and their beaus at galas." Rising from her chair she thanked the family for their hospitality, then left the man staring in her wake. Christine was tired of all the tall tales her husband bestowed unto her each time he left, then came back with an even larger story.

That man is insufferable at times, I swear, she thought as she climbed up into the carriage. Leaning into a comfortable spot by a window, she began to brood in silence as she waited. It was at times like these that she wondered why she ever married the man. True, he was young, charming, handsome, and every girl's fondest dream. Though what those same girls did not consider were the other aspects that he carried: arrogance, quick temperament, over protectiveness, and she found it extremely difficult to overlook his drinking habits. She had lost count on how many times he returned home after a night out with liquor on his breath, a slur on his tongue, and clueless as to who she was.

She let out an exasperated sigh, waiting for her husband-in-question to finally come after her. It didn't take long for her wish to be granted.

"Now, Christine, let's just calm down and think about this," Raoul called out, exiting the house without the flowers but with Antoinette and Meg close on his heels.. "Is there really any need to be this upset, dear? I've been writing letters to you, explaining the estimated time of my arrival home. You would have had plenty of time to come and visit your…friends," he explained, saying the last word with such disgust that it seemed he was about to be sick. To both Christine and her friends, his opinions were more than clear when it came to the upper-middle class Girys.

Ignoring his comment, Antoinette walked past the aggravated blond and peered into the window, smiling warmly at Christine. "You are more than welcome to come visit whenever you like. Our door is always opened."

"To the occasional beggar, no doubt," Raoul commented before climbing into the carriage and slamming the door shut behind him. "Good day, Madam," he said gruffly, not even allowing his wife the pleasure of a farewell before he ordered the coachman to bring them back to his estate.

As their ride passed in silence, Raoul stared at his wife as she gazed out the window instead. "Christine, my dear, my beloved," he crooned, reaching out a gloved hand to rest over hers as it rested in her lap. His fingers wrapped around the pale hand, his thumb rubbing over the top as he leaned in close to her. "I'm here now, isn't that what matters? You know I'm a busy man; Her Majesty needs one of her finest captains to help keep the trading waters safe as well as deliver her most valuable goods." When Christine still did not turn to face him, he frowned slightly before using his spare hand to reach into his decorated coat. "Look what I've brought for you, pet," he whispered.

Reluctantly, Christine turned her head to look at him, thinking that it finally would quiet him so that she could mope in peace. Once her eyes noticed a velvet box, Raoul smiled and opened it, revealing a rather large sapphire cut into a drop shape. Taking the trinket out, she noticed that it was held by a thin, almost web-like silver chain.

"We recovered it from a ship, and I just knew that you'd love it," he explained before opening the clasp. Reaching behind her, he reattached it so that it hung delicately from around her neck. Leaning back, he gazed at her approving, allowing his eyes to linger in her cleavage where the jewel rested before returning to his earlier position. Rubbing the top of her hand once against with his thumb, he whispered sweet words to her.

"You know I only love you, my dear. I've even put in a request to Her Majesty to allow me a slight break so that I may spend some time with my beautiful wife. We've yet to properly enjoy our wedding night, after all the times I've been called to duty," he whispered, lifting his hand to gently trace the curve of her neck as he studied her face like one would gaze upon a piece of art. "You know that there is a gala tonight my brother is hosting as well, and I was hoping that you'd grace everyone with your exquisite presence, my darling."

She gave him a strained smile. "Of course."

A/N: I'm just going to go right out a say this: I hate R/C pairing and I do believe that Raoul is the biggest fop in this and the next world, but it's needed for now. Don't worry, things will get better really soon. Please review! Hopefully I will see some people for the next chapter.