This is quite a long chapter, so I highly recommend to close your door, turn on some good music and enjoy this big and emotional chapter. Now, on with the show!
Chapter 10 Paper faces on parade
Meg woke up early the day of the Masquerade Ball feeling butterflies already in her stomach in view of the party that night. Why was she so nervous? It was only a Masquerade, she was going to have some fun and enjoy the company of their new friends. Still she couldn't get out of her head the image of herself tripping and falling down in her new dress. But apparently Meg wasn't the only one who was nervous.
Erik had been quiet for most of the day, barely looking at her straight in the eye. And when she spoke to him, she was completely sure that he had been looking at the pot behind her head. She tried to understand him, it was going to be his first party and of course he was going to be nervous. Probably the whole society of Florence was going to be there. Yes, he had all the right to be nervous. They spent most of their afternoon in complete silence, he would be drawing something and she would be reading or cleaning the kitchen. Night was beginning to fall in Florence when Arabelle arrived to help Meg get ready. Erik got into his room saying a quiet goodbye.
"Strange man indeed" mumbled Arabelle with a smile as they walked inside her room.
"I know" sighed Meg "He has been like that all day long"
"Well, in that case he really needs to enjoy this party!" answered Arabelle cheerfully pulling Meg into the seat in front the boudoir.
They spent the next hour talking joyfully as they both remembered all the things Meg used to do when she was younger. Arabelle was plaiting her hair in long braids. Ones here and ones there, and in some of them Arabelle added shimmering beads that created the illusion that her hair was actually glowing. Meg was seated with only her chemise, having removed the heavy dress she had worn throughout the whole day.
Erik was standing in front of a full-length body mirror observing his own attire. He turned from one side to another, straightening his jacket or his mask. Smoothing down his shirt or picking up invisible fluff. The mask wasn't as comfortable as the one he had always worn, but still it fitted perfectly. The cold leather was already warming to his skin and Erik was grateful that the shop had a wide variety of different masks. And most importantly, they had had the one he had been looking for for Meg. He turned around and grabbed carefully the tissue wrapped package which contained her mask. It had taken a lot of work to find the perfect mask inside the store, but after a while, he saw it. It was exactly like he had imagined it to be. Closing his eyes he took a large breath, trying to get rid of the butterflies inside of his stomach.
This was his first Masquerade Ball, because he doubted the one at the Populaire counted as a proper ball. But he felt that this night was going to be different. It needed to be different. With long steps he walked out of his room and stopped outside Meg's door.
Lifting his hand, he knocked softly.
"Can I come in?"
Arabelle was adding the last touches of powder when a quiet knock startled them both, and then they heard Erik's voice from the other side of the door. Meg looked up nervously at Arabelle. She was only wearing her chemise and the idea of Erik seeing her like that made her blush fiercely.
"No!" she yelled with horror "I'm certainly not decent, so don't you dare come in"
"I won't" Erik chuckled "Do you want me to leave your mask downstairs?"
Erik smiled to himself as he imagined Meg at the other side of the door, her face flushed and a deathly stare which was definitely lovely, not at all menacing.
After a moment, Meg looked up to Arabelle and said loud enough for him to hear it "Arabelle is coming out for it"
The door cracked open and Arabelle squeezed out of the room shutting the door behind her as fast as she could. She looked up at him, her face showing an expression first of surprise and then fascination.
"You look stunning, dear" mumbled Arabelle excitedly.
"Thank you, Madame…Arabelle" he corrected softly at her disapproving glance.
"If I'm not wrong, you are a-"
Erik stopped her raising a finger to his mouth and leaned down to whisper "It's a surprise"
She winked at him and then took the package he was handing to her. Erik wanted this to be perfect, he wanted to give Meg a full surprise, so she didn't know what she was supposed to be, and nor what he was going to be.
"Now go! I believe Fabrizio and Lorenzo will be waiting for you as Gisella will stay with Meg and together they will make a great entrance" said Arabelle hurriedly as she pushed Erik toward the stairs.
But before he stepped downstairs he turned around and faced the older woman again.
"Arabelle, thank you so much for all you've done" he said, his voice filled with emotion.
"It's nothing, dear" Arabelle answered with a warm smile "I hope you have fun tonight and good luck"
Erik thought he could see a sparkle of excitement in her eyes, but he was not quite sure. He took her delicate hand and placed a kiss atop it. With that he turned around and disappeared into the living room.
Meg was twisting one strand of her hair when Arabelle returned. She turned around and walked excitedly towards Arabelle, whose face was beaming with what could only be described as excitement.
"How is he dressed like?" Meg asked curiously as she took the carefully wrapped package the older woman was handing to her.
"Can't say" replied Arabelle with a wink "It's a surprise, Ma Cherie"
"My god! This man is really frustrating with all that mystery!" protested Meg with a pout.
"Well, he's the Phantom of the Opera after all" Arabelle grinned.
Meg laughed at her friend's answer and crawled onto her bed putting the package in front of her. She smiled softy when she noticed the golden ribbon tied carefully around it, a detail she wouldn't ignore. Arabelle sat beside her as Meg began unwrapping the delicate package. She was dying to know more details about Erik's costume and how he looked, but Arabelle wouldn't say a word. She tugged at the ribbon as the soft handkerchief slipped slowly off the mask.
Meg caught her breath when the mask was revealed. Carefully, she took the soft material between her fingers and lifted it. She held it so they both could admire it. The thought that he had chosen it just for her made her heart skip a beat. The details were exquisite and Meg's eyes sparkled with emotion. Tears threatened to fall, but Meg fought them back. To plan all of this must have taken a lot of effort, and to know that he had done it just for her made something inside of her tremble with excitement.
"It's beautiful" Arabelle whispered as she caressed Meg's arm softly.
"I know" Meg agreed trying to speak through the lump that had formed in her throat.
"Are you sure you still see him just as a friend?" inquired Arabelle with her warm voice.
But before Meg could answer, a knock on the door interrupted them. Gently the door opened slightly and Gisella's head appeared into the room. She smiled as Arabelle stood up and opened the door for her to enter. Gisella wore a violet gown with crystal incrustations which sparkled with the light as she walked towards Meg. It had all sorts of different colors sewn into the dress that fell to the end of the dress as a long tail. Her face was sparkling with glitter and her hair was fixed in an elegant bun which also had crystal incrustations all over it. She was definitely a fairy.
"Oh Meg you look beautiful!" squeaked Gisella excitedly as she reached the edge of the bed.
Meg laid the mask again into the package and climbed off the bed.
"You look even more beautiful!" exclaimed Meg as she walked around Gisella admiring the details of her costume.
"We'd better get you dressed or we'll leave both your escorts standing alone!" Arabelle took Meg's hand and pulled her towards the closet where the dress was hanging.
Gisella sat down on the bed as she observed patiently how Arabelle struggled with Meg's corset and Meg complained about how tight it was. Meg wouldn't lie, the dress was absolutely gorgeous, and with that mask the final costume would be breathtaking. Even though she hated the high-society standards, she knew she owed it to Erik. He had planned meticulously every single detail, and Meg really appreciated all his effort. As she struggled with her undergarments, Arabelle tightened the corset even more. Definitely the dress was made for the upper class and it required the assistance of a maid. Her skirt weighed half as much as she did, so she was thankful that Arabelle was helping her with it. When at last the dress was ready, Arabelle tied the ribbons of her mask and took Meg to stand in front of the mirror.
Meg smiled softly. She was sure that it was the most beautiful thing she had ever worn. White and cream silk cascaded all around down from her bodice. A golden ribbon encircled her waist hugging her hips softly. Two straps of golden fabric were tied from her elbows and fell loosely to the edge of her wrist creating the illusion of wings. Meg hadn't noticed before the delicate feathers that adorned the edge of her bodice and the straps of fabric. The mask ended at the tip of her nose and hugged her cheek bones softly. The top covered her entire forehead and opened to the sides in two large feathers. It was white, with small pearls at the edge of the mask, including the eyes and small peak that was of a slightly silver color. It was the exact shape of a swan.
Where did Erik get the idea? A knot formed in her stomach at the realization that the costume was inspired completely on her. He obviously had watched the way she moved and danced, for no other animal could be more accurate to her personality. How would the night be? Maybe he would dance with her?
"Come, you both need to impress all Florence" said Arabelle softly as she took Gisella's hand and walked out of the room.
Meg gave one last smile at her reflection before hurrying out of the room behind Gisella and Arabelle.
Erik stood outside the great Castiglion Fiorentino with Fabrizio and Lorenzo as together they waited for Meg and Gisella. The place shined with light pouring out from the windows as the sound of music came from the open doors. It was quite a beautiful night and Erik felt that he hadn't been this excited for the Masquerade at the Populaire, not as he was now. This time he would be like everyone else, no more hiding or threatening. He wouldn't be infuriated by anyone or anything; tonight he would truly enjoy it. Somehow he knew that it would be the same for Meg. Without even seeing her yet, he knew that she would look absolutely beautiful. More than she was already if that was possible.
"Nervous?" asked Fabrizio giving him a calmed glance.
"A little" admitted Erik with a sigh.
"But why, Signore?" Lorenzo asked curiously as he walked to stand in front of the two men "You will be with Signorina Meg! Nothing bad will happen if you are with her!"
The boy was dressed up as a tiger, his little costume of a soft orange with black stripes. His mask reminded Erik of a kitten, but behind it he could see Lorenzo's eyes sparkling with excitement. Fabrizio had chosen to be a buffoon, but no matter how funny his mask was with all those bright colors, he still had that air of knowledge and patience.
"Yes, with Signorina Meg nothing can go wrong" Erik answered with a smile as he remembered how he constantly teased her.
"Signore…" Lorenzo began but stopped. Gaining confidence he took a deep breath "Are you going to marry Signorina Meg?"
Erik looked down stunned at the little boy's question. Quickly he looked to Fabrizio. His expression was of utter surprise, showing that he hadn't said a single word to the boy.
Clearing his throat nervously Erik asked "Why do you say that, Lorenzo?"
The boy twisted his hands nervously and looked down to the ground "Well…as I'm too young to marry her, I wouldn't like to see her with a silly man who doesn't treat her the way she deserves. And I know you are a good friend of her and that you like her very much, as she does too. I wouldn't have any problem if you get married, as I can't it would be great if you do"
Erik stood there stunned, not able to answer to the little boy's petition. After Fabrizio realized that Erik couldn't answer, he took a step towards his son and put a hand on his small shoulder. "Maybe someday" answered Fabrizio with a smile.
"Yes, perhaps someday" nodded Erik as he found his voice again "And only if Signorina Meg wants to."
Together, Gisella and Meg climbed down from the carriage and began walking towards the stairs of stone that lead up to the Castiglion Fiorentino. Meg's hands were shaking with nervousness as they began climbing up the steps. Without noticing it, she had stopped walking up, so when Gisella turned around she blinked a few times to clear her mind and tried to calm the butterflies that had taken up residence in her stomach.
"Meg, shall we?" asked Gisella softly as she stretched her hand out to Meg, who took it grateful to have someone to lean on.
As they continued their way up, Gisella put Meg's arm in the crook of her own as a sign of moral support. She remembered how she had felt at her first Masquerade, and with the escort Meg would have no doubt she was even more nervous!
Lorenzo stretched his neck and tried to see who had arrived. A black carriage was at the entrance of the place, where everyone had already passed to enter to the party. They had spent the last twenty minutes trying to guess what each costume was and who was behind the mask. Although Erik only knew very few people, Fabrizio and Lorenzo seemed to know almost everyone on the guest list and had been introducing Erik. He found the experience of having a conversation with another man quite pleasurable, never before having had the opportunity of being accepted and finding friendship in other people. But now he was sure that he could call Fabrizio a friend. Soon the reassuring voice of Gisella reached them and without knowing exactly why, he straightened his mask and pulled his jacket, then he clenched his hands tightly feeling his stomach twisting nervously. What was wrong with him? He reached up and loosened the stiff collar and glanced forward. Catching his breath at the sight of her, he observed stunned as her figure began to emerge from the stairs, her arm hooked with who should be Gisella. As soon as they were standing in front of them, his stomach turned fully over.
In front of him, there she was, just as he had imagined it. No, it was more than he had expected. He couldn't move, couldn't speak. Even if he had wanted to, his body wouldn't react. His eyes were wide open, his lips parted just slightly by the surprise. As his heart pumped faster, a warm feeling invaded his whole body as he admired every single detail of Meg. Feeling a shiver run up his spine, she looked up and found his gaze. How could she look even more beautiful? He held her stare, the warmth in her eyes causing all of his fears to slowly disappear. He observed pleased as somehow she was feeling the same way as her eyes softened.
Meg felt as her heart skip a beat when she recognized him. He stood resting his weigh on his right side, his arms firmly clamped to his sides. She looked first to his eyes, those eyes which she would recognize even through that mask. The mask was the same size as hers, but it was of a soft brown which seemed almost golden. It only revealed from his nose down. It had the shape of a bird too, just that that bird was definitely not as graceful as hers. The peak reached to the end of his nose, and then the mask opened into two peaks, covering his ears. The contours of the eyes were golden, which made his eyes sparkle even more. He had decided to be a hawk. He wore a white shirt covered by a soft gold silk vest. A cream brown tailcoat covered the expanse of his broad shoulders. The shirt was clamped inside the brown trousers by a tight brown cummerbund which showed his narrow hips. Also, he wore long black boots like the ones he had worn as the Red Death. After trying to admire him as fast as she could, she dragged her gaze up to his face, a curve lifting one side of his mouth a bit more than the other.
Gisella had realized how Meg faltered and held her grip even more tightly as they approached the men. As soon as they were in front of them, Gisella let go of Meg's arm and walked to greet her husband and son before entering the great ballroom
When she stepped near to him, the scent of peaches and lilies unbalanced him even more. Without thinking what to do next, he reached out and took her hand and squeezed to prove to himself that she was real. Meg couldn't speak, feeling a jolt up her arm as he gently squeezed her hand and looked down enigmatically at her, a small smile playing in his lips.
"You are so beautiful" he breathed.
"Thank you, you look stunning, hawk man" she smiled softly as her cheeks colored slightly underneath the mask.
"So did you like the costume, my dear swan?" he teased as he observed amazed how her cheeks got that tint of red.
"I love it!" she said excitedly momentarily forgetting all her nerves "Oh Erik, the mask is absolutely gorgeous!"
"I'm glad you like it" Erik replied honestly "Shall we go inside?"
He moved to stand beside her and took her hand, positioning it on the crook of his arm. Meg let him guide the way, somehow in a trance. Together they walked through the huge double doors, her dress flowing behind her like a cascade with feathers. Her breath caught at the sight of the place, it was nothing as the Populaire had been. Thousands of people moved around the huge ballroom, all of them in disguise. It seemed like a sea of masks, colors and forms. There were tables on both sides, and in a corner there was a large table with food and drinks. Her stomach growled in protest at the sight of so much food. As they made their way into the room, Erik led them to the welcoming line where they would greet their hosts.
"Oh and who do we have here?" Isabella asked excitedly while she held her husband's arm gently.
Isabella was Marco's wife and was dressed as Mother Nature, wearing a long green gown with flowers all over her hair. Marco was dressed as a Spanish bullfighter, with the red cape and all.
"Let me guess…" said Marco jokingly "Signorina Meg Giry and Signore Erik Destler, perhaps?"
Meg giggled and leaned toward the couple "It's a secret"
"Oh but of course!" answered Marco excitedly "And we are so happy you could come"
"Thank you for inviting us" replied Erik honestly.
"But please enjoy the party" answered Isabella with a warm voice.
With that they both said goodbye and kept walking. Leaning down Erik whispered softly if she wanted something to eat, and after observing her embarrassed smile they walked towards the table of food. But before they could arrive, someone stopped Meg by placing a warm hand atop her shoulder. Turning, she saw Gisella with a soft smile. Leaning down she took Meg softly by the hand and pulled her closer so only she could hear what she was saying. Erik stepped back and with a soft smile he went to the refreshments table giving them some privacy.
"My friend, there are many gentlemen who wonder who is the gracious Swan Princess and are asking for an introduction" Gisella whispered excitedly "Also ladies are eager to know who is the mysterious Hawk Prince."
Meg opened her mouth in surprise and mumbled "Do you think I should go to meet them?"
"Of course not!" squeaked Gisella "I'm completely sure that your escort would hate to be parted from you…tonight you both need to be together."
"Do you think so?" Meg whispered nervously glancing quickly at Erik who was selecting some sweets onto a plate for them.
"Absolutely" answered Gisella seriously "Maybe you are good at pretending, and so is Erik. The only thing you need to know is that the heart never lies"
And with that she disappeared again into the sea of colors, leaving stunned Meg behind. Was she right? Could her heart have already chosen? And what about Erik? It couldn't be…he didn't want to marry her. But then again, the way he had looked at her made her even more confused. Could it be that…
"Are you all right?" asked Erik quietly placing a warm hand on her back, startling her momentarily. She looked up at him, once more feeling the power of his glance overwhelming her.
She recovered fast and smiled "Yes, just hungry"
They moved swiftly through the crowd and found an empty table near to the wall, sitting down and eating the delicious food Erik had chosen. They watched as new guests were still arriving at the main entry doors, while Fabrizio and Isabella greeted them. Trying to be careful and not spill anything on her dress, Meg continued to eat all the different sweets, marveling at the new flavors she was tasting. Erik observed amused by her actions and leaned forward, placing his hand over hers.
"Most of the woman in here are barely drinking something and here you are trying to eat a large chocolate sweet"
His hand was warm and comforting, covering her own. Glancing down to observe the way his hand trapped hers, she swallowed hard and looked up again.
"Well, I'm hungry!" she protested suddenly bewildered by his tease.
Erik laughed "Of course, you are not like the rest of the women here"
Without intending to, Erik began to caress with his index finger the top of her hand. Yes, she wasn't like the rest of the woman. She was better.
"Hello Principessa and Signore Falco!" the sweet voice of a girl interrupted.
In front of them stood a lovely flower with a bright smile. Even behind the mask that resembled long purple petals, Clara's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"And who do we have here?" asked Meg sweetly leaning forward to grab the little girl's hand.
Clara leaped towards Meg and hugged her tightly "It's me Signorina! But don't tell Signore Erik! Let's see if he can find out who am I!"
She stepped back again and twirled gracefully to show the little green leaves that hung all over her costume. Meg winked at Erik to ensure he would follow Clara's game. With a nod he observed Clara again and leaned forward.
"Could it be maybe the flower fairy?" he asked giving her a smile.
Clara laughed excitedly "No! It's me!"
Without a warning, Clara was already sat on Erik's lap admiring the details of his mask. It was always a challenge to remember all the questions the little girl asked, besides the fact that she used to speak faster than any one Erik could remember.
"I like your mask signore, you know Maman bought me this dress because she knows how much I love flowers, and also it's purple! My favorite color! Do you like Signorina Meg's dress too?"
Erik blinked surprised before smiling "Your dress is really pretty, Clara. And yes, I really like Signorina Meg's dress"
Looking around for someone, Clara leaned closer to whisper at his ear "I think tonight it's going to be my first waltz ever!"
Meg leaned back on her chair and continued to watch the couples twirling around gracefully. Every time Clara talked with Erik something inside of her trembled with emotion. To see such a powerful and dynamic man beeing tugged by such a little girl made her feel somehow emotional. In a moment, Clara was at Meg's side, leaning forward to softly caress her long braids.
As Clara continued to praise how beautiful Meg's hair was, something, or rather someone caught Erik's eye. The tiny tiger was walking slowly towards them, glancing nervously to Meg. Erik smiled as he remembered the little boy's crush on Meg and waved a hand at him. Lorenzo walked faster and stood by Erik's side, completely hidden from Meg and Clara.
"Why so lonely?" asked Erik giving a quick glance at Meg, who was already paying attention to his interaction with the boy.
"I was going to ask Clara to dance, but maybe she doesn't wants to" replied Lorenzo as he tugged his little coat.
"Well, go on and ask her" encouraged Erik.
Lorenzo's eyes darted from Clara to Meg "She looks really pretty."
Turning around, he realized he was talking about Meg "Yes, she does looks really pretty"
Meg held her breath when she heard Erik's soft whisper. Did he really think she looked pretty? Forcing herself to give Lorenzo some privacy, she glanced back to Clara who continued talking about the way her mother had accomplished to get a flower mask. Erik was aware that Meg was listening, so when he glanced at her, he was somehow pleased when a soft pink colored her face…or at least the part he could see.
"I want to dance with Signorina Meg too, but I'm just too small" pouted Lorenzo "What if she says no?"
"If you want I can dance with Clara so you don't have to be alone" suggested Erik.
Lorenzo looked up happily, his face beaming with excitement "Yes that would be amazing!"
Erik stood up as Lorenzo walked to stand in front of Clara and Meg. The boy cleared his throat and Meg gave Erik a questioning look, but he just smiled.
"Signorina Meg would you like to dance?" asked Lorenzo straightening his back to look taller as he stretched a hand towards Meg.
She laughed and took the boy's tiny hand "I would love to, Signore"
She stood up and passed by Erik's side, giving him a warm smile. Erik turned around and asked Clara to dance too, surprised when the little girl took his hand strongly and tugged him to the edge of the dance floor where Meg was slowly dancing a waltz with Lorenzo. Meg observed with a lump on her throat as Erik took Clara's little hand and allowed her to guide him on a simple waltz. Somehow Meg knew that Erik knew perfectly how to dance, he was practically good at anything, and for a musician like him it would be easy to dance a simple waltz.
Erik looked down surprised at Clara, realizing that she hadn't said a single word. Then he saw the tiny frown and pout she had as she glanced to where Lorenzo and Meg were. Erik knew what was going on: she was jealous of Meg! She was supposed to dance her first waltz tonight, and he knew with whom she wanted it to be. When the song ended, Erik didn't let go of her tiny hand but approached to where Meg and Lorenzo were standing.
"Would you mind if I steal Signorina Meg for a dance?" Erik asked to Lorenzo, a small curve tugging form the corner of his mouth.
Clara looked up with surprise at Erik and then looked to Lorenzo, who stretched his hand towards her "Would you dance with me, Clara?"
"Yes!" answered Clara, smiling brightly and quickly standing in front of Lorenzo as another song began.
Meg observed tenderly as the lovely couple got lost in the crowd, both of them talking and laughing. Slowly, she glanced up at Erik, suddenly overwhelmed as he gazed down enigmatically at her. He stretched out a hand to her and smiled.
"May I have this dance?"
The next thing Meg felt was his warm hand enveloping her own as he placed his other hand on her back, sending a shiver up her spine. They moved slowly as he led them in a slow waltz. She had been right, he knew how to dance perfectly. They were separated by merely inches, only one step from the other. As he led them to the sea of masks, soon they were laughing and enjoying the dance, nothing else mattered. As the song came to an end, Erik began to stop. She looked up at him, his breath hitting her face. His eyes sparkled with emotion as his grip loosened.
"Do you want to go outside?" Erik asked quietly.
After she nodded, together they walked to the direction of the balcony. The night's fresh air caressed Meg's heated face softly.
"Fabrizio is calling me, I'll be back soon" said Erik as he stepped back and saw as Fabrizio waved a hand towards him.
"All right" she smiled "I'll be here"
She walked towards the edge of the balcony, admiring the lights reflected on the Arno River. Beyond, the buildings of Florence shined, creating a beautiful scene. Laying her hands over the cold marble, she bent her head down and tried to get a better view of the gardens.
After beeing introduced to one of Fabrizio's closest friend, Erik returned to the balcony. Meg stood bent over the railing trying to see something below her. Her long arms were stretched at both sides of the railing, her dress spreading around her tiny waist like a white sea. Her hair was over her right shoulder, glowing with the lights that shined from the ballroom. The tiny pearls from her braids sparkled as the air made her hair dance. Even with her back to him, she was breathtaking.
Meg closed her eyes and let the air move her hair. Softly, a tune reached her ears from the ballroom. She knew that piece! Surely she had heard it before…but where? Without wanting to, her body began to swing from one side to another. Slowly, she gave a step back as the music began to penetrate her soul. She raised her arms gracefully, moving them back and forth in a way that was familiar to her. If the skirts had been less heavy, perhaps she would have danced some of the old steps she remembered. When the music reached to its crescendo was when Meg remembered from where she knew the song: she had danced to it during one of the exercises her mother had made them do! The single thought of her mother filled her with peace, and slowly the balcony began to vanish, the stage of the Populaire appearing in front of her. She could see the stage hands walking from one way to another, Monsieur Reyer in front of her as he directed the orchestra, her mother walking around the ballet troop correcting mistakes…
Suddenly, a pair of hands encircled both of her wrists and twirled her around. Meg felt startled at first, but after recognizing the familiar and intoxicating scent, she relaxed her arms and laughed softly.
"Dancing alone during a Masquerade?" Meg felt Erik's hot breath tickle her ear and smiled to herself.
She spun around and faced him, a smirk forming on his sculpted lips. He pulled her closer and placed his hand on the crook of her back, his touch burning through the silk of the dress. She placed her hand on his shoulder, feeling the muscles stretching beneath her touch. They were closer than they had been on the ballroom, but Meg didn't say anything, a part of her wanted him to pull her even closer. Erik began to move slowly from one side to another.
"It was really sweet what you did for Lorenzo" said Meg as she looked up into his green eyes.
He smiled "That boy falls in love too fast"
Erik's gaze travelled from the top of her mask, going down as he admired her beautiful neck. He wanted to caress it, to know if it was as soft as it seemed to be. And the same happened with her hair, falling like a cascade of gold, framing her face. He suddenly had the urge to bury his face down and inhale the fragrance of lilies that was making havoc his senses.
"What are you looking at?" asked Meg feeling as if his gaze burned her.
He looked at her eyes and grinned "Now I understand why Lorenzo was eager to dance with you and Clara felt jealous, ma petite…tonight you look breathtaking"
Meg colored and dropped her head to stare at the expanse of his chest. Every time he looked at her that way, she felt he was trying to say something, but didn't dare to.
"And now thanks to you there is a romance blossoming in Florence" she giggled looking up at him again.
"Maybe" Erik answered with a wry smile "Her first dancing experience was with a man who was dancing his very own first dance too"
Meg thought that it would be an unforgettable moment for the little girl, but to know that it had been Erik's first dance too made her heart ache.
"You…She was…" Meg mumbled confused and then looked up at him with emotion "Now I'm jealous of her!"
Erik laughed, her reaction somehow reminding him of Clara "But you are my first waltz"
Without a warning he twirled her around as they danced around the balcony. Meg giggled as Erik continued to twirl her around. If someone had watched them at that precise moment, it wouldn't have seemed to be Erik's first dance. He move with a masculine elegance that was impressive and made Meg wonder how he had learned to dance. Probably observing too many parties at the Populaire had taught him something useful. Erik began to slow down as Meg's laughter began to fade away. Their bodies were now almost touching, she could feel his hip against her own and how his legs brushed her skirts. Never before had she been so close to a man, not in a way as intimate as this was.
"Do you think Lorenzo and Clara will grow up and maybe get married?" whispered Meg.
"Perhaps…the boy does care for her" he smiled softly "Childhood sweethearts"
Meg thought of his answer for a moment and then raised an eyebrow "What does he knows about love? He is so young."
"What do you know about love, Meg?"
His soft answer surprised her, unbalancing her momentarily. She loosened the grip on his hand and let her hand fall off his shoulder. He observed silently as a thousand of emotions appeared on her eyes. She stepped back and Erik let her, feeling an empty space between his arms. Meg turned away from him, suddenly feeling incredibly cold.
"I know nothing about love…" Meg whispered, her words disappearing into the air.
"Me neither" answered Erik quietly from behind.
"I've never…no one has ever cared for me" mumbled Meg as her eyes began to fill with moisture "Not in that way, I suppose. And if a man has noticed me, it has always been because of how I look, not who I am"
"The same thing happens with me" replied Erik "Only that no one notices me for the right reasons"
How could he say that? He was a great man, she had learned that during their time in Florence. He was always taking care of her, protecting her, and despite her efforts to hide it, she always laughed when he teased her. His face didn't matter, for Meg, he looked handsome how he was. Feeling angry at how he still didn't accept himself, she turned around abruptly to face him, a lonely tear rolling down her cheek from under the mask.
"Well then, all are fools!" she exclaimed raising her arms "What do you want me to say to prove it? You are an extraordinary man, Erik…at least for me…"
He glanced at her in a way he never had before. His eyes were sparkling with emotions she had never seen before. The curve of his mouth turned up in a sad smile.
"Meg you are the one who is extraordinary" he whispered as he approached to her "Since the moment we met, you haven't done anything but to accept me as I am. No one has ever done what you have done for me."
She began to breathe heavily, a lump forming on her throat as Erik walked closer to where she was standing. Erik knew this was his chance, probably the moment that would change his life forever, and mostly of all, her life too.
"I don't think I deserve all you have given me…everything you are willing to give me. I've suffered so much for love, but somehow you helped me to become a man again, you have given me what I need. I know I can't offer you much in return, but at least I can try."
With that, he put his hand in his pocket and took out a small black velvet box. Meg looked up to his eyes surprised, her gaze filled with nervousness. But he wasn't looking at her, he was looking down. Slowly, he knelt down on one knee. Only until that moment he dared to look up into her eyes. Meg was crying by then, her eyes showing a mix of excitement and fondness. He felt as butterflies appeared again in his stomach and a knot formed as well.
Erik opened the box slowly and revealed a single ring resting inside. It had tiny diamonds around a single amethyst that sparkled with the stars above them. His eyes shot up to hers as Meg's hand flew to her mouth to suppress a gasp of surprise.
"Marguerite Giry, will you marry me?"
Meg was speechless as her eyes darted from the beautiful ring to his eyes. Not even in her wildest dreams would she have believed that he would ask to marry her. She had thought that her mother's request would be soon forgotten by him. But it hadn't. And now he was on one knee asking her to marry him. Her heart pounded heavily, she needed to give him an answer. Erik gazed up at her nervously, never in all his life had he been so nervous and anxious about something. But then Meg had arrived and changed his life completely. He never thought that someday he would ask another woman to marry him, not after what Christine had done. But what if she said no? Surely her rejection would hurt even more than anyone else's. His hands were shaking as he observed Meg. But then, the unexpected happened.
"Yes"
Meg felt that single word escape her lips softly as she nodded slowly. Erik's eyes softened, his eyes shinning with unshed tears. He stood up, gaining a head above her. A smile formed on his lips as he took the ring and grabbed Meg's hand. She was beaming with joy as tears fell down from her cheeks. Her eyes shot up to his and she smiled. Erik didn't remove his gaze from her eyes as he slid it onto her finger and held her hand in his. He raised her hand and placed a soft kiss atop her knuckles. Slowly, he pulled her closer, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. He moved until she felt his forehead touch hers, the soft material pressing over her forehead. She closed her eyes at the contact. His breath hit her face as his hand encircled her waist and rested at her back, touching with his fingertips the exposed skin. Never in his life had Erik felt so complete. A shiver ran across his spine as she drew their hands into his chest. His lips parted and tears fell freely down his cheeks as he whispered into her face.
"Thank you"