Chapter XI
Marie awoke in the morning, feeling hot and almost sweaty in an instant. Raoul's bare arm was wrapped around her waist, holding her nude body tight to his. Surely any woman would feel happy to wake up next to Paris's most handsomest and wealthiest man but not her… she felt empty. Their lovemaking had been good but awkward to the very least. It was obvious that Raoul never engaged in such acts like other men certainly did; he was clumsy but somehow he learned rather quickly.
But it had been nothing like her first time with her masked man. That night was passionate and full of lust but deep down, there was love there too. Yes, she had loved Erik with all her heart which is not what she could say about Raoul. But how could she have given herself away to a freak who had no name? No life to give her? She couldn't… she'd be the laughing stock of the whole country. So she knew that she couldn't do with what she promised. She had learned from her aunt that the man who the Shah had favored was now a wanted man who was meant to be killed. Was she expected to be with a man who could be murdered or maybe she could be too? It was ridiculous!
Had she regretted leaving? Many times. Did she miss him? Everyday. But she knew that if she ever saw him again and she would give herself to him as many times as he would want. Marie never claimed to be a perfect woman. Perfection in that society was a woman like Christine and Marie was certain that she would never want to be a plain prude like her sister.
But the only problem had been her virginity… it was standing in the way of her future with Raoul.
One night before the wedding when everyone else in her home was asleep, Marie had crept out in the middle of the night to the terrible parts of Paris. She knew it was dangerous but she needed to see one of the gypsy witches that she had once spoken to in her outings. She had asked Julie about the gypsies as Julie knew the gossips of the city and there was one woman that she was told about: Madame Azami. Marie was desperate and located the woman for the one thing she need to convince Raoul that she was a pure woman… a tiny bottle of blood. It was enough to create the false illusion and Marie paid the witch handsomely for it.
As the memory faded, Marie gently placed her hand underneath the mattress, feeling that the bottle was still there. She had used it in the middle of the night when she was sure that Raoul had fallen asleep. The pure white sheets were now stained with droplets of blood.
A deep moan came from her side and Marie turned to see Raoul stirring before finally opening his eyes. He looked at her, his vision still blurry from sleep, but a large smile appeared on his lips before bringing her closer.
"Good morning, my love." he mumbled, lifting himself up and placing a kiss on her lips. Marie let out a giggle but gently pushed him away.
"Please Raoul, it is daylight." She stated. "Such things cannot be done during the day!"
Marie grabbed her robe from the chair next to the bed and arose, putting on. Raoul stared at the beauty before him and he knew that he had to be the luckiest man that ever lived. His wife was the most beautiful woman. How great it felt to call her that! His wife…
"Come we must get up," Marie said, sitting on the bed, caressing his golden hair. "They will be expecting us for breakfast soon." she placed a loving kiss on his cheek and Raoul agreed.
He would be the happiest man if this is how his mornings would be for the rest of his life.
It was around noon, Christine stood on the large balcony in her room that overlooked the garden of the de Chagny château. Raoul had insisted that she and Gustave spend a couple days there so that Marie would not feel so alone after the wedding in the home. Christine held back a scoff at the thought! Marie was perfectly able to handle herself without them there but she kept quiet like she always did. Gustave, of course, accepted the request and had sent for Julie to bring some of their clothings over to the chateau.
"I have been looking for you, my dear." a voice called.
Christine turned and found her father standing at the threshold. She had not spoken to him since the argument with Marie went down save for one worded responses. He missed being around her and she with him. Christine always knew that they had a bond that no one could ever break as she loved him so much. Her father meant everything to her and not speaking to him had hurt her deeply and it was obvious that it was hurting him too.
"I came to sit here in peace after breakfast," she said, wrapping her arms around herself. Noticing her father fidgeting, Christine gave him a worried look before asking, "Are you all right?"
"I must speak with you about something that has been bothering me," he let out rather urgently. Gustave shut the glass balcony doors behind him, hoping for privacy. Christine frowned at his tone, worry overtaking her.
"What is the matter?"
"What I am about to mention is not right of me but your sister was married and last night… well, she lost her virtue to her husband." he began. Christine blinked, not understanding the issue. "If it is true what you said about Marie… I am worried that Raoul could have found out."
"Could he really notice?" Christine asked surprised.
"Men can notice these things, Christine!" he exasperated. "I don't have time to tell you about all that. I simply must be sure of one thing: is it true what you said about Marie?"
"I swear Papa. Henri told me those things to be true."
"Maybe he lied or just misunderstood?" he suggested more than questioned. Christine bit her lip, rubbing her arms as she suddenly felt a chill.
"I hope so, it wouldn't be fair to Raoul if–"
"Would you cease thinking about him!" Gustave snapped, gripping his curls. "Think about Marie! What would happen to her if this ever came out?"
Christine sighed and simply replied, "I wouldn't worry Papa. Marie is not completely daft… if it is true, she is smart enough to work her way around the situation."
"Do you really think so?" Gustave asked, nervously. Christine merely nodded, knowing that her sister was devilishly clever for her own good.
Christine had no desire to continue the conversation and with a curt manner of excusing herself, she left the room and made her way outside. Her father was making it extremely difficult for her to even accept Marie's terrible actions. Why was he so worried about her and the consequences that she would suffer when she didn't care about how the scandal might in turn affect their family? Christine could care less what people thought of her, but her father was a different story.
Christine had grabbed her shawl before exiting the room and once she reached the outside, she placed the long cloth around herself. The spring chill was very mild and slowly leaving but warmth has not been in sight yet. Christine walked through the garden and passed by the large entrance that carriages and horse can make their way through. She was expatiating through, not wanting to think about Marie anymore until her eyes caught a large black stallion suddenly come to a halt.
A very tall man climbed off the horse and proceeded to rush through the entrance. It was almost the fastest she had ever seen anyone run but that wasn't just anyone…. It was her maestro. "No, no, no!" she heard herself begin to mutter. Christine felt fear claw at her throat as she suddenly realized the very dangerous nature of his being there. She began to rush over to him and suddenly placed herself in front of him, causing him to halt.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, out of breath. She didn't know what it was that she saw deep in those eyes. Anger? Death? Murder? Betrayal? Or maybe all... But it was such a dangerous look that Christine truly feared the Opera Ghost then.
"Get out of my way!" he growled, his voice sending a terrible chill throughout her body.
"How dare you even come here! You–"
Erik now rushed to stand directly in her face. "How dare she betray me?" he thundered. Christine swore that the whole ground shook under his powerful shout. "She swore to marry me and then deceived me by fleeing and marrying another. Are you aware that she has been mine?" he snarled. At Christine's shocked face, he got his answer.
"No… it isn't true." Christine trembled now finally realizing that, though she believed Henri, every chance to doubt was all gone. "There must be some kind of mistake!"
Erik pushed passed, angrier at her attempts to understand. But Christine quickly grabbed his arm, gripping him and trying to hold him back.
"Release me!" he roared, ignoring her gasps of fright.
"Please I beg of you!" Christine cried. "Raoul is not at fault! He is a a victim–"
"That is of no matter to me," he sneered, continuing to move towards the home. Christine once again rushed to stand in front of him.
"Please! Monsieur Khan has told me that you are a good man!" she said. "There innocent people who can suffer if you go through with this!"
"There is no such thing as innocent people," he muttered bitterly.
"Please, Maestro… why must you do this? She is already married and I am sure what happened between the two of you will no longer continue." Christine sputtering, her heart racing.
"We shall see." he once again pushed past her and Christine felt her teeth chatter from fear and tears were welting up in her eyes.
"I am willing to give you anything!" she cried out, not knowing whether to afraid or happy when she noticed him suddenly halt. Erik turned slowly to look back at her and Christine almost felt like he was a predator with those malicious eyes. He slowly trailed back towards her and it took much courage for Christine to not back away.
"Anything?" he pressed.
"Yes," Christine assured, swallowing a lump in her throat. "I c-can give you money. I have savings that–"
"I don't want money," he dismissed the idea. "I lost a woman who was meant to be my wife. The daughter of a baron… perhaps I shall have another." he snatched her forward towards him causing Christine to gasp. Despite his seriousness, she knew that he was simply trying to intimidate her. She yanked away from his grasp, before hearing footsteps behind them.
"Erik!"
The masked man looked back and saw the Vicomte walking towards him before giving Christine another hard look. Her widened eyes now realizing that it was much deeper than she thought.
"You know one another?" she asked, astonished at the fact.
"Erik, how pleased I am to see you," Raoul said with a charming smile, ignoring the fact that the masked man was there uninvited. Erik, however, said nothing and kept his gaze on Christine, who in turn was attempting to look away from him. Keeping her eyes on the floor, or looking at Raoul as he spoke. "It has been quite some time since I have seen you. I trust you are well?"
"You needn't concern yourself with my welfare." Erik replied but to Christine's surprise, it was not in a hostilic tone.
Not noticing the tension between Erik and Christine, Raoul continued, "I'm sorry that you missed my wedding! I had visited the opera house hoping to find you but alas could not."
"I was preoccupied with clandestine affairs." The masked man said simply. Christine looked up at Erik with a curious look. He certainly was a man who kept his life so private.
"Indeed? Ever the mysterious, hm?" The Vicomte chuckled. He remembered his manners when he noticed Christine shift uncomfortably."Have you introduced each other?" he asked Christine, gesturing with his index finger between her and Erik.
"Yes, yes." she replied quickly, her heart accelerating further.
"Very well," he said. "Come, Erik. I would love you to meet my wife." Raoul let out his arm for Erik to follow and the masked man let out a smirk that did not go unnoticed by Christine.
"I would be honored to," he said, his eyes locked on Christine's before both men turned and moved towards the entrance of the chateau. Christine opened her mouth to say something but finding nothing would come out, she decided to just follow behind.
.
"Oh Papa," Marie said as she paced around the room where Gustave was seated at a piano, softly playing some melodies. "I wish you wouldn't have accepted Raoul's request for your presence here."
"Whyever not?"
"I don't mean in regards to you rather Christine." she bit with a frown. "I am simply tired of her accusations."
Before Gustave could reply, Raoul and Erik entered the room before Christine rushed behind finally reaching them. Marie's back was towards the men and did not notice when they had entered the room. Gustave stood to greet the masked gentleman, however, Raoul spoke first.
"Marie, my love, I'd like you to meet Erik," he said.
Marie turned to look at the guest before her heart suddenly stopped and her eyes widened as if she had just seen a ghost. Those piercing golden eyes held such coldness within them and Marie never knew if she would ever see them again.
Yet now, here he was standing before her, in the most elegant clothes that she had ever seen, his jet black hair was slicked back, and his pearl white mask reminded her of the time in Persia.
Suddenly, everything started spinning and Marie collapsed to the ground causing both Raoul and Gustave to rush to her aid.
Erik simply stood there watching as they all tried to wake the fainted woman, his arms crossed over his chest. Christine moved forward slightly, not knowing whether to stay put or help Marie. She gave Erik a worried glance, but he did not bother to care.
Raoul carried his unconscious wife away with Gustave rushing behind him, not remembering about Erik and Christine who were left alone in the room.
Minutes ticked on and silence fell over the two. Christine wanted so much to say, to yell and scream, however there was a different vibe off of Erik now. Something crueler and she wasn't sure if she wanted to toy with the demon inside of him.
"What you desired happened," Christine began, her tone low and cautious. "Why do you stay? It is best if you leave… please."
"What I desired?" he questioned apathetically.
"Yes, you caused quite a reaction." Christine said, her breaths heavy. "Marie even fainted from fright."
"And do you intently believe I am content with only that?" he asked, turning around to face her. "No, this has only just begun."
"What do you mean?" Christine asked, her face displaying fright and worry. However, the Vicomte entered the room before either of them could continue.
Raoul appeared, seemingly calmer than before. "She is awake and well." he assured both of them who, in truth, didn't care about her wellbeing. "Christine, I must thank you for keeping Erik company while I saw to Marie."
"Yes, of course." she said rather dismissively. Raoul turned to the masked man and patted him on the shoulder.
"Erik, let us speak in my study." he suggested. Both men walked away towards the room but not before Erik cast Christine a sort of victory look.
Christine clenched her fists before hurried out of the room and heading towards Raoul and Marie's room. She had a lot she needed to say to Marie.
Upon entering her room, she found Gustave and Celeste keeping her sister company. The now awake Marie was bickering with her father about how all she needed was rest and that she was fine.
Once noticing Christine, Marie spoke, "Please Papa, I simply need rest. Christine can keep me company."
"All right," Gustave relented. He place a kiss on Marie's forehead before telling Celeste that they best leave Marie alone for awhile. Speaking amongst themselves about the reason for her faint. As soon as the door closed, Marie rose quickly from the bed and stared at Christine.
"You saw him!" Marie cried out. "You saw Erik!"
Christine removed her shawl and threw it on the bed angrily. She stared down at Marie who was in turn giving her a desperate look. "How could you be so careless?"
"What did he tell you? Why is he here?" Marie questioned, grabbing Christine's arms and holding them tight.
"Must you ask? He intends to claim you and tell Raoul the truth!" Christine snatched her arms away from Marie's grasp, almost in disgust. "Perhaps he is doing so now! They know each other–were you aware of that?"
Marie looked around, her mind go crazy. She moved to a prayer position on the bed and begged to Christine, "Please you can't allow him to do so! You must impede him and–"
"Impede?" Christine scoffed, almost laughing at the thought. "Dear God, you know him better than I! Do you really think Erik to be a man easy to control?" Marie closed her eyes in frustration, realizing there was little that could be done. Christine stared at Marie with such an angry look that she was sure if looks could kill…. "How could you? How dare you do such a thing, Marie?"
The youngest Daae said nothing but covered her face in her hands. She slumped down into the bed as tears escaped her eyes, not knowing what it was that she was going to do next. Was she really going to lose the wealthiest man in Paris for a masked man?
.
.
.
"Do you accept then?" Raoul asked Erik. The masked man stood on the other side of the room, making no attempt to get closer to the Vicomte.
"Very well, I will managed the opera house." He replied coldly. Raoul gleamed at his acceptance like a child whose parent allows them to eat one cookie before supper.
"Nadir swore that you would not accept working in one of our businesses," he said with a slight chuckle. "How I long to see the look on his face now that I've convinced you!"
Erik remained silent. He stared at the Vicomte with a long and hateful look. Raoul never seemed to notice the hostile gaze towards him as he began to draw up papers for Erik's new position. The Vicomte de Chagny was a charming and handsome man who any woman could want… was that perhaps why Erik held such disdain towards him? Or was it because this man had unconsciously taken everything from him?
"When can you begin?" Raoul asked, dipping the pen in parchment.
"Tomorrow," he replied curtly.
"Very good," Raoul mumbled, concentrating on the paperwork. "Evidently, you will be staying here–unless you have a home closer to the opera house?"
Normally he would refuse any charity–especially from this man–but Erik knew that he arrived to this terrible home for one reason and if living here made it easier for him to snatch Marie away, so be it. "Yes I have a home." Erik hissed. "But I will remain here, if you wish."
"I can send someone to retrieve your things–"
"I do not take a liking to people entering my home and touching my possessions," Erik cut off. "If you will prepare a coach, I can retrieve my belongings in the morning."
"Very well," Raoul accepted.
"Raoul!" a piercing voice called.
Oh and did Erik remember the terrible voice. As the study door opened, the masked man slowly turned around and his eyes set on the woman that once did everything she could to make his life miserable.
Celeste stood at the door, wide eyed. She could felt her heart halt before begin beating in a abnormal but rapid pace. Good lord it was as she was seeing Lionel in the flesh! The mask hid the face and this man was certainly a lot taller, but the posture and that terrible look–it was him!
"I see that you remember Erik," Raoul muttered, standing up at Celeste's presence. The older woman's face almost became a snarl when she fully came to a realization on who this person was.
"WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?!" she shrieked.
Raoul flinched at his mother's rudeness before glancing at Erik who was still staring at Celeste. "Give me a moment with my mother, Erik." he said, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance. "I shall call for a servant to prepare your room. In the meantime, you may explore the home and make yourself comfortable."
Erik said nothing but moved towards the door, halting right in front of Celeste. "Seemingly the years have not changed you," he said with a smirk. While one would believe he would be referring to her appearance, Erik only meant her cruel persona. "Pity." he muttered before exiting the room.
Celeste rushed up before the desk, her nose flaring with anger. "Why has he come here?" she questioned, looking back as if to see if Erik was listening.
"Maman, please." Raoul let out with a roll of his eyes. "I do not understand why you hold such hostility towards him. He has done no harm to any of us."
"He's a criminal and everyone knows it!" she snapped. "All aristocrats know of a masked man who steals from the rich and stupidly gives it to the poor!"
"The judgment that the wealthy class holds in regards to Erik is fallacious," Raoul countered. "I ask of you a chance to demonstrate–"
"Not a chance!" Celeste screeched. "I want him gone immediately!"
"I am sorry, Maman but I have offered him the position of manager in the opera house. He has accepted and will be staying here."
"This freak in our business?"
"Nadir says that he is an honorable man," Raoul explained, his tone becoming colder by the minute. As much as he hated arguing with Celeste, he disliked her telling him how to run things even more.
"Do you wish for him to rob from us?! Leave us on the streets?!"
"ENOUGH!" Raoul roared, slamming his fist down on the desk. The pain quickly rushed through his bones as he was surprised at his own strength. Seeing his mother jump at his reaction, he took in a deep breath and calmed down a bit. "Forgive me, mother but at times you infuriate me! Your hostility and rejection of Erik is absurd… my father wanted us to be friends and I will live up to his wish."
"That excuse is tiring me the more I hear it!" Celested fumed. "I cannot bear to see that beast day after day!"
"Give me one valid reason, maman!" Raoul challenged, his voice becoming louder again. "Simply one! And perhaps I will grant your wish and ask Erik to leave."
But that is where he always got her! How could she tell her son that the reason she hated that masked freak was because he also was the son of Lionel? A bastard child who Lionel wanted to make a part of the family? She never wanted him to know because she believed he would complete with Lionel's wishes of making him a part of the family and she could never have that. A bastard child… but even worse; a disfigured freak.
Celeste stared at her son with a angry gaze. Knowing she could not say more, she let out a large huff and stomped out of the office. Even Raoul was surprised that she left without another word. He expected her to shout some more about how unfair it was to have an alleged thief under their roof. Yet she simply left.
With a sigh, he felt a bit unsettled with the whole ordeal. But it was unfair that Erik was to suffer only because his mother thought him to a delinquent.
His father would have never permitted Celeste to remove Erik from their home…. So Raoul won't either.
.
Erik moved outside to where he had hastily left Caesar. The loyal beast was still standing there, simply waiting for his rider to return. Erik remembered when he had taken him all those years ago and how strong he had been then. His stallion was older but still strong nonetheless and Erik was grateful to it for all of the times it had remained by his side.
"Here once more, old beast." He muttered to Caesar as he glanced up to the chateau. The beautiful home only mocked him as it did when he was young. It was a home that could have been his but instead a coward left his mother pregnant and dead. Leaving him not only a bastard but a monster as well.
Erik grabbed the reins as he was going to put Caesar away but a carriage came rushing towards the front of the home, almost in high speed. Knowing exactly who it was, Erik remained put. He gently caressed the black stallion as the carriage halted and Nadir stepped out, desperately.
When seeing Erik standing there, the Persian sneered at him angrily. "What have you done, Erik? Why have you come here like a mad man?!"
"Afraid of what I am capable of?" Erik asked. "My monstrous nature has not been unraveled yet, I assure you."
"Explain to me at once!" Nadir demanded.
"Marie promised to marry me," Erik snapped, irritated that he had to repeat the story again. "I met and bedded her while I was in Persia. But she disappeared shortly after without any explanations – she lied to me! She came to marry that foppish boy!"
"And you attempt to extract revenge?!" Nadir asked, narrowing his eyes with disappointment. "For Allah's sake! Must you be blind to see that you would only cause catastrophe? You would ruin the lives of these people all for your idiotic pride!"
"My pride?!" Erik rounded to stand in front of Nadir but the Persian hardly flinched, already accustomed to his wild temper. "To believe this is all for the sake of redeeming my dignity would make you the foolishest man alive!"
"Then what is this about, hm?" Nadir asked, "You came and said all these truths because a man, in which you believe has taken everything from you, now has taken a woman in which you loved!"
But was it love? Erik questioned that himself for three year after she has left him. She was the first and only woman to have created a lust in him and he had never felt anything like it before. Marie inspired the best in him and when Persia had become dangerous, he could not think of leaving her. She had shared so much with him all those nights and after they had made love… Erik never wanted to be without her again.
Yes, he had loved her.
Erik's stern face never faltered but he simply replied, "I have not revealed the truth still,"
Nadir's surprised expression could not be hidden. "You mean to tell me that Raoul is unaware that…" he trailed off as he couldn't even finish the sentence.
"He married my inamorata?" Erik finished for him, ignoring all thoughts of courtesy. "No, he is not aware."
"Why not?" Nadir asked skeptically. "Were you unable to talk to him?"
"On the contrary, I did speak with him. The fool welcomed me with open arms and now I am the new manager to the opera house," Erik said as he went back to grab the reins. Nadir stared with shock and moved along as Erik began to walk away with Caesar.
"Truly?"
"Ironic, is it not?" Erik snarled. "I deserve ownership of the opera house. It was my design that was constructed."
"Enough, Erik!"
"Perhaps if you'd seen the expression of that damnable woman that is de Chagny's mother," Erik scoffed at the memory of Celeste but gave Nadir a smirk. "Almost as if she had seen a phantom."
"Of course! I have said many times that you have become the replica of your father!" Nadir replied annoyedly. "Anyone who met him could tell the resemblance."
"Excellent," Erik muttered. He encountered a worker and strictly instructed the man to put Caesar away at the stables. The worker ran off almost in fright and did as he was told. Erik held back anger at the reaction and instead turned to face Nadir.
"Why are you doing this, Erik?" Nadir questioned. "Truthfully, why?"
Erik said nothing and remained staring at the Persian man who had raised him the following years after Lionel's death. He had become a important person who Erik had grown to care for even if he denied it. How was he to tell a man who raised him to be good that he came to the chateau with horrible intentions?
"Monsieur Khan!" Raoul greeted as he descended from the stairs of his front home and made his way over to the two men. "What a pleasant surprise!"
Nadir eyed Erik as Raoul stood in front of them both. "I apologize for the sudden arrival," Nadir said excusing himself. The Vicomte however, waved his hand, dismissing the apology.
"Nonsense, you are always welcomed here." Raoul assured with a gentle smile. "I trust Erik has told you that he is the new manager of the opera house."
"Indeed he has." Nadir's mouth formed a grim line.
"I was very sure that having a civilized conversation with Erik would help convince him," Raoul said, feeling very proud. A chill gushed through the men and it was then that Raoul remembered that they were outside. "Let us come into my office where we may speak comfortably."
All three men made their way inside. They passed the large living space where Celeste sat with her embroidery in hand, spending time with a random task. Upon seeing the two men who she swore never to have in her home again, she felt her heart sink into the pits of her stomach. She watched them with hawk eyes and she knew that they felt her gaze. The only one who did not ignore her was Erik who returned her stare with an even deadlier one. It was only than that she looked away; whether it was Lionel's resemblance or the mere fact that his eyes were frightening, she couldn't always look into them. She feared him dreadfully.
Erik smirked once Celeste turned her sight back on her task, knowing that he had more power over her than she thought.
Once they arrived to Raoul's office, the blonde gentleman closed the door behind them. He beckoned for Erik and Nadir to sit before his desk. Nadir did so but Erik remained at a distance, not entirely content with being there.
"Your mother is still as pleasant as I remember her," Erik began sarcastically. Raoul frowned and opened his mouth to protest but Erik simply held out a gloved hand to stop him from trying. "Do not negate it; I am well aware of her resentment towards me."
Raoul sighed. "I will not deny it." he assured. He moved towards his desk and sat at his chair, scratching the wooden floor as he pulled the seat closer to the table. He leaned back and thought about how to say the next part carefully. "My mother… she lives in another world, per say. With your infamous reputation, she lets herself be convinced that you are a bad person. However, I have something to say to you, Erik.
My father wanted us to be close friends. I know that much to be true and he would have never wanted us to abandon each other in our times of need. What I am doing for you now is partially because of him and what he wanted for both of us." He paused for a second, then continued. "The other reason is purely for the memory of our juvenescence. I always held you in high regard as a child–hell, I remember following you around everywhere. I know you must not believe me but the truth is the only true friend I had was you."
Nadir shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing at Raoul with sad eyes. His intentions were pure and good; he wanted to be close to Erik again like he was so many years ago. It is a pity that those feelings were unrequited. Nadir turned to look at Erik but found no expression behind his mask.
Erik was silent. He seemed unfaltered by the tender words that Raoul had spoken to him. It was almost as if he had set a barrier to never have any remorse for what he intended to do in the end. Erik was stone cold and his demeanor did not change throughout any moment.
He was not going to be swayed that easily.
Meg was sitting in her small garden, reading the a book. While the air held quite the chill, she remained out where the air was fresh and she felt almost free. Being a ballerina was wonderful and everything she could want but she sometimes felt almost constricted. Like a fish without water, dying to go back to its natural place.
With a deep sigh, Meg closed her book. Concentrating in the literature was futile; she had her mind on other things. How was she meant to be in peace when there were so many thoughts that invaded her mind? But just as she was going to stand and go back inside, she caught sight of a person by the tree across from her.
"Meg…" called the voice.
She stood to her feet and hesitantly moved closer. Meg saw the figure remove his hat and recognized those ashy blond locks. "Henri?"
Henri came from his hiding spot and walked to stand in front of Meg. He gripped his hat in his hands nervously, fidgeting with it as he tried to speak. "Hello, Meg." began Henri.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to speak with you." Henri took her hands and led her back to the stone bench she had been sitting on. "I must tell you that I was mistaken in my form of leaving."
Meg blinked.
Henri continued, "My intention had been to make you aware that I was going away for a while. I went to work… and well I wanted to tell you of my feelings for you."
"By sending me a letter?" Meg questioned irritably.
"I know now that it was wrong of me…" he stammered, afraid to say anything wrong. "I spoke with Christine and it was she who made me aware of it."
"You seemed to have quite a friendship with her, hm?" her lips formed a grim line. While Christine was her best friend, and Meg loved her, she couldn't help but feel a bit envious that Henri had spoke to Christine before he spoke to her.
Henri caught on quick to her interpretation. "No, no – Christine is just a friend… a good friend to us both. She made every intention to help you more than me, I think." he sighed and rubbed his chin with his thumb, wondering how to explain.
"Yes it was she that told me that you were friends," she muttered. "How did you meet anyway?"
"A friend of mine is also a friend of hers… more or less." Henri scratched his head , trying to find a way to explain. "It's just that you refused to see me before and I was desperate to speak with you once more."
"Yes well, I wasn't exactly extatic to speak with the man who ended things with me by letter."
"I didn't end things!" Henri corrected aloud. Meg sighed and crossed her arms over her chest, waiting. "I just… I never loved someone before Meg and I am not sure how these matters work."
Meg felt her heart stop. "Truly?"
"Yes," Henri answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Meg stood to her feet, feeling herself in a trance and Henri took her hand in his gently. Meg looked down at Henri. "Then why did you leave?"
"As I said, I went to work," he stood up to look into her eyes. "I am not a wealthy man but I have enough to live comfortably."
"You went for only a month." she pointed out, confused.
"Well, it was more of a task a dear friend of mine wished for me to take," he explained. "I never wanted to do it but he believed it would help in terms of having to provide for my wife. When I went, I was terribly unhappy and the work was exhausting–"
"Henri," she stopped him, her mouth agape. "What did you say? Say it once more!"
"Working was exhausting–"
"No!" Meg groaned rolling her eyes. "You said wife."
"Oh, yes." he said. "Surely you must have known of my intentions for you, sweet Meg." he gave her hands a soft and lingering kiss. Meg was sure that she would melt if it was physically possible! Her heart was racing and her face flushed with emotion.
"Will you ask?" she pressed. Henri chuckled at her insistance causing Meg to blush for being so forward.
"My dear, sweet Meg," he began. "Since the moment I gazed at you on the stage I knew you were meant for me as I for you. I could never love another and I must have you as my wife. Would you marry me?"
"Yes, of course I will!" she threw her arms around him and planted a quick kiss to his cheek. Henri lifted her up and spun her around, happy that she accepted. Feeling rather bold, he put her back down on her feet and place a soft kiss on her lips.
Meg gasped before backing away, surprised at his actions. Her cheeks reddened and a giggle escaped her lips as she felt the wonderful feeling that it is to be kissed! She stepped forward to Henri once again before placing another quick kiss upon his mouth.
Surely this must be heaven! Henri held her hands gently and gazed lovingly into her eyes. Oh how he loved her!
"We must thank Christine for her wisdom!" Meg said with a giggle.
"Indeed," he agreed. He pulled her down to sit once more on the bench and Meg did so. Grabbing the forgotten book and placing it on her lap.
"There is one slight problem, my love." Meg said, her gaze looking behind of Henri.
"What is that?"
"How will you tell my mother?" she asked, gesturing her gaze to her home behind them. Henri turned around and found Madame Giry staring at them with a stern gaze and arms crossed through the second floor window. Henri felt sweat on his forehead and fear rush through his body.
"Is it too late to take the marriage proposal back?" he asked Meg teasingly which only caused the blonde to let out fits of laughter.
Erik stepped inside to him room which was in the first floor of the chateau. It was quite hidden away and he was content in that aspect. He didn't want anyone snooping around in there.
The room seemed to be a study with a bookcase, a desk, and seats. It was adorned with walls of walnut wood, royal blue and gold drapes, and bookcases attached to the walls. However, one on walls, in between the bookcase were arched double doors that lead into his actual bedroom. It was not a extraordinary room but it was large enough for him. There was a four poster bed and a panel door that lead to his bathroom.
Erik knew that he certainly seen finer rooms than the one he was standing in. Persia had larger rooms and exquisite decorations but here in Paris… even the most richest man's home paled in comparison to that.
However, before he could think anything else, the sound of his door creaking open caught his attention.
Erik narrowed his eyes, irritated that someone came already to disturb him. If he was was to say here then he would have to make everyone aware that he was not a man to be disrupted. He made his way back into his study and found none other than Marie standing there. She took a step forward as if to run to him but Erik cut her off.
"One move and I'll kill you where you stand," Erik snapped, his angry expression clearly visible despite his mask.
Marie stopped in her tracks, not knowing whether he was bluffing or being true. She decided not to find out and spoken instead, "I came to speak with you."
"On the subject of what?" Erik asked, slowly trailing towards her, looming like death over Marie. "Or have you come to tell me how you are in love with that heroic de Chagny? Or that you are happy being the mistress of the de Chagny household and finally being able to wear the finest clothes and jewelry money could buy?" Those words bit into her heart as it was his intention to call her a gold digger; to insult her and make her feel like dirt.
"No, Erik…" Marie began. "I found out that you were going to be killed in Persia and my aunt Yvonne forced me to come back to Italy… Then once back my father forced me to marry Raoul because Christine wanted to devote herself to music!"
"Do you think me a imbecile?" He moved past her, his black cape flowing behind him. "As if I could believe any more lies that come from your repulsive lips!"
"I swear–"
Erik turned quickly on her and pushed her against the wall, his hand on her throat. "You will swear nothing!" he roared. His amber eyes burned into her skin and it was now that Marie truly feared him. Many years ago when she first met him, she acted brave but now… this was a man who she had hurt and broken. And nothing in this world was more dangerous than a broken hearted man.
With a sneer, Erik pulled himself away. Hearing her gasp for air gave him some sort of guilt but satisfaction at the same time. With his back towards her, he simply looked over his shoulder and spoke, "You are revolting more than ever… a wanton wench; a blatant being–"
"I will not permit you to insult me!" Marie shouted, attempting to storm off.
"And how will you stop me from doing so?" Erik taunted. Marie whirled around angry now but it was no match to the hate that was consuming the masked figure in the room.
"I will tell him the truth!"
Erik's face became harder and and he provoked, "On with it then! I desire nothing more than for him to become enraged. Let that ignoramus come and challenge me; it would be my greatest pleasure to kill him in front of your eyes…" his voice was deadly and it sent a shiver down her spine.
Marie closed her eyes for a moment before she moved closer to him. "You have every reason to be angry with me but I know that in your heart you still love me just as I love you." she declared, grabbed the collar of his coat as if to have tight and near her.
"You are quite mistaken," Erik glowered. "Any feelings I ever had for you died years ago."
"No, that isn't true." she denied his statement. "You are simply hurt and I can understand how you feel!"
"You understand nothing," Erik snapped, yanking himself away from her grasp. Marie stomped on her foot, upset at his sudden movement.
"If you can let me explain–"
"I don't wish to hear your fabrications of this situation," Erik's golden eyes held such hate that Marie was frightened of his true intentions then. "The only way I can forgive you and you may repent for the wrongdoings you have done is by running away with me."
Marie stared at him, her eyes widened and afraid. Leave with him? But what life could he possibly give her? She loved him, yes but she didn't know if she could ever be with him. He was a man of many mysteries and being with Raoul was so much easier than having to love Erik.
Marie closed her eyes, tears now streaming down her face. "I… I can't–"
"Then we have nothing left to discuss," Erik muttered angrily. He yanked her by the arm and dragged her towards the door. The frightened Marie gasped at his painful grip, sobbing as he threw her out of the room and slammed the door in her face.
.
With Marie resting after her fainting spell (or so they believed), Gustave and Christine sat in the parlor room just a few doors away from Raoul's office. Both of them were sitting in peaceful silence and evidently heard the conversation of the gentlemen in the office. With the mention of the name that Gustave had heard Christine say before, he had looked up wide-eyed at his daughter.
Gustave stood from where he sat and quickly rushed to shut the doors. Looking back at his daughter, he made his way over to her and sat next to her. Knowing that apparently these doors were not as sound proof as they thought, he began in a whisper. "Tell me truthfully Christine… is this man who we saw when Marie fainted the same Erik you accused her of being with?"
Christine glanced at the door, almost afraid that someone was going to walk through. She nodded her head and Gustave closed his eyes in disappointment. "Oh Papa, you should have seen him… he was furious!" she said in an angry whisper. "It seems to be that they met in Persia and Marie had promised to marry him,"
After explaining everything to him, Gustave and Christine made their ways towards Marie's bedroom. While he wasn't sure what to believe, Gustave didn't want this situation to go any further. It was a dangerous game that was being played and Gustave knew it could lead into further disasters.
Wanting to hear both sides of the story, Gustave went towards Marie's room with his eldest daughter. They would settle this now.
But upon arriving, both Christine and Gustave found the bed empty. Amelie was putting on the new sheets and stood when they both entered the room.
"Amelie," Greeted Christine. "Why are you here? Where is Marie?"
"I don't know, Chris–Mademoiselle." Amelie quickly corrected herself. Sure Christine was all right with being called by her name, but in front of other people could be seen differently. And Amelie did not want to be punished by another person's misunderstanding. "I just came to put the clean sheets in. The bedroom was empty when I came in."
"But she just had a fainting spell!" Gustave shouted, clearly upset. "If she was ill, why would she leave the room?"
"Papa, please. This isn't Amelie's fault!" Christine said, defending the servant girl. The brunette turned to the young girl who was eye-widened, shocked by Gustave's demeanor. "Amelie please retreat. You may finish this later."
Amelie did as she was told. She grabbed a rag seemingly in a ball, placed it in her apron pocket, before leaving the room. Christine turned to her father, grabbing his hand tightly. "Worry not, I shall go look for her." she assured and exited the room rather hastily.
Gustave let out a deep breath and slumped on the bed, sitting hard that the wooden frame creaked terribly.
What was he to do if this was all true?
He tried so hard to protect his daughters from the wrongs of the world. Maybe he had been to cold to Marie… maybe he didn't pay enough attention to her to notice her frivolous nature. He loved his daughter and she was perfection in his eyes but how could he have been so blind? Marie had always charmed men but he forced himself to believe that it was because of her kind nature and good heart.
Suddenly, the door opened and in walked Marie with an sadden expression. She gasped at the sight of him and spoke, "Papa? What are you doing here?"
"Where were you, Marie?" he scolded harshly. "Why did you leave your bedroom?"
"I needed some air," she replied simply.
"Air?" Gustave replied in disbelief. "Or to see that Erik?" he inquired but his tone held such belittlement. At Marie's shocked face, he pressed, "Christine told me everything, Marie! How could you be so foolish? That man even told your sister of what you have done!"
Marie scoffed angrily. "Why can't you leave me alone?" she asked as fresh tears fell anew. "Why must you both continue to meddle in my life?"
"And what other choice do you leave us, Marie?" Gustave barked, his fists clenched. "Do you have any idea of what you have done? Or what your actions could caused? If that Erik told Christine than he most certainly could run off and tell Raoul!"
"But it's all a lie! I have not done anything wrong!" babbled Marie as a little sob escaped her lips. "This is all a conspiracy that Christine has created because she hates me! She cannot bear to see me happy!"
She threw herself on the bed and sobbed away, creating the false illusion that she was overcome with grief. Her father merely stared at her with grand disappointment and left the room, knowing that no further information was going to be uncovered with her saddened behavior.
However, once Gustave closed the door behind him, Marie rose from the bed and stared at herself in the mirror across the room. She gripped the sheets, baring her nails through them as suddenly everything was crumbling around her.
Marie didn't know how she was going to fix this but she knew she had to soon.
.
.
.
Christine looked around the chateau, wondering where Marie could have went. She looked through the garden but had not found her there either. As she made her way inside thought the glass doors that lead into the music room, she suddenly was surprised to see Erik also coming in at the same time through the room's opposite door.
She softly closed the door behind her and stared at him with wide eyes. Erik scoffed at her frightened expression and moved inside of the room. They both walked towards each other standing only a couple of feet away.
"Oh do away with that petrified mien," Erik derided. "I still have not done anything. I have allowed myself to remain sealed by the likes of your despicable family." He insulted but Christine ignored that part.
"And I am grateful that you have not told the truth," she said sincerely.
"Do not thank me either." he snapped.
Christine looked down at her feet, almost like a child who has been scolded. With little courage, she muttered, "I do not believe that you should have accepted the manager position."
Unsurprised that she knew about it, Erik asked, "And why, pray tell?"
"Prudence," she explained. "I am sure that Marie is very compunctious about the whole thing–"
"Must you be the naivest women or a deceitful one?" Erik mocked almost laughing at her statement. Christine felt her face redden at his question, almost angry at herself for thinking that she could fool a smart man. "Do you truly believe that that loose woman is repentant? After all it was she who went looking for me all those years ago! Not only did she get was she wanted but purposefully she drove me wild with desire. Tell me, what man with blood in his veins would possibly refuse?"
Christine couldn't look up and felt herself fluster as he spoke so sharply. He was letting out his anger on her and she couldn't help but accept it. In behalf of Marie, Erik had suffered more than he deserved and Christine allowed him to let out his rage. "In Persia I risked my life everyday in attempts to gain more money so that I would be able to give her anything she wanted. And to be able to comply with all those things that you people think important: family, suitability, religion." he added extra emphasis on that last word, knowing Christine to be a woman of faith. She did look up then and it angered Erik more that he read pity in her eyes. "I did it all because she swore to love and marry me."
"I understand but please I beg be generous–"
"Generous!" he reproached. "Generosity is the luxury for those who are truly happy. And as of now, I am the devil that many paint me out to be."
Christine felt herself breathing heavily at his outburst. Was this truly the man he was to become? She didn't want to think so. Christine knew there was good in him but he was a man who has been hurt and even if it was wrong, his anger was justified.
Erik glared his eyes at the petite woman before him before he allowed himself to calm down. Afterall, none of this was her fault. Even he hated the world and blamed everyone for his suffering, he could never blame Christine. She was the exact opposite of Marie and while she tried very hard to stop him from extracting his revenge, it was a pure intention. Not because she wanted to save her reputation or to reduce a scandal, but rather to aid everyone else.
Noticing his paroxysm of anger left her trembling, Erik thought it best to change the subject. "You have not practiced," he stated rather than asked.
Christine lifted her eyes to looking into his, surprised by what he said. "No," she let out. "You promised to train me… but you left."
"Ah, yes." Erik replied, recalling this to be true. "I had other matters that needed to be taken care of."
"What matters?"
"None that concern you," he retorted. Before long a knock came at the door where a servant came to tell them that dinner was to be served in minutes. Christine thanked the girl and turned to Erik with one last glance before heading towards the door. But before she could reach it, he called after her, "We will begin lessons after dinner."
She halted abruptly. "What?" she turned to face him.
He walked towards her and now both stood in front of the door. "I expect you will be punctual considering nothing else is worth your time."
"But Papa wanted to –"
"Am I given to understand that I am supposed to bid by your time?" he asked, frowning beneath his mask. "No. You shall come after dinner."
Leaving no room for argument, he opened the door for her. Christine paused, "Will you not be eating with us?"
"No," he snarked. "I believe I would put off many appetites with my appearance."
"You mustn't be so cruel about yourself," Christine said before placing her hand on his arm. Erik held back the instinct to jerk away from her touch, almost faltering at her warmth. "Please? I would like you to come eat."
She didn't know why she wanted him to come. In fact, Christine believed that everyone would have preferred it if he stayed away as it would be less dangerous that way but even so… she could not be unkind. How could she let him isolate himself? A solitary person can always be the ones generate the most surprises. You can never know what goes in their minds and Christine did want to know Erik. He was a good person…
He stared at her, his gaze reading her thoughts. It was frightening how he knew exactly what she was thinking… as if he could read her mind and body. She noticed him internally debate whether he should accept and after a moment, he clicked his tongue.
"All right," he let out.
At dinner, Erik sat next to Nadir and attempted to stay as far from everyone as possible. He ate very little and struggle to do so with his mask. A pleasure was that Celeste had refused to eat with everyone once she learned that Erik would be at dinner. As if her presence was a thing to be missed; that shrill voice would harm everybody's hearing.
Raoul and Marie were not at the table either and Gustave had said that Raoul had decided to have their dinners sent to their room. Marie was still ill from the faint and Raoul preferred to stay by her side.
Nadir had been speaking, directly at Gustave, about the cruelties that he has seen in Paris. "The people need more than they are given. They cry to so many but it is almost like people refuse to hear them."
"Well that's how it has been and will always be," Philippe interjected as he took a bite of his food. Nadir stared at him with a disappointed look, almost insulted at his idiotic sentence. Erik, too, slowly looked up at Philippe with cold eyes. "There have always been the rich and the poor. It's simply the way of life."
"You speak that way because you look from afar," Nadir countered. "But if you too had to fight hunger and the misery that they live, I doubt you would agree with your previous revelation."
Christine glanced over at Philippe, her face displaying disbelief at what her ears were hearing. Before she could interrupt, Philippe continued, "I would believe you to be right and thankfully I am not in that situation." he stated with a shrug. "I believe everyone in this world lives by what they deserve."
The words were cold as ice and Christine quickly turned to Erik, afraid of what he could think. Philippe's words created an affect on Erik as she could notice the twisted face of anger underneath his mask. Christine glanced at his hands as he clenched his silverware tight, holding back so much.
"What do you think, Monsieur Erik?" Philippe turned and asked him. The table went silent and Erik merely stared back at the idiotic man across from his.
"You are profoundly delusional," Erik maligned, receiving surprised looks from everyone at the table. Philippe cleared his throat. "Was that answer not to your liking?"
"Evidently not," he rebuffed. "Have you no opinion?"
"I assure you I have much opinions on political dogma," he said in a cold tone. "But I do not converse with those whose brains are equivalent to an empty pot."
With that, Erik stood from the table and exited the room even when Nadir called after him. Christine turned and gave Philippe a hard look but he hardly noticed.
With a long sigh, Nadir continued eating. However, Philippe spoke once again, "Do not worry, Monsieur Khan. You musn't be embarrassed afterall it is Raoul who is at fault for having us eat dinner with a man so indecorous."
"Forgive me for saying so, but it was you who offended him." Christine spoke up before Nadir could. Her spitfire suddenly came out and Gustave looked up at his daughter, surprised by her sudden burst.
"Christine–"
"It's the truth, Papa." she turned to look at her father. "It is inhumane to tell a person, who was born into poverty and struggled to survive, that it is a life they deserve." With her expression of annoyance towards Philippe, Nadir let out a soft chuckle.
"Christine, please!" Gustave scolded, embarrassed by his daughter's attack on Philippe.
"No, no," Philippe put his hand up to stop Gustave from saying further. "Let her say what she thinks." He turned towards Christine, attempting to hide his irritation by her defence towards Erik. "And do you, Christine, believe that that Erik deserves more than what he has?"
"I do not know him well enough to say," she replied truthfully. "But I know there are many people in this world who are undeserving of the luxuries they have." The indication that she believe Philippe to be undeserving was there and Gustave cleared his throat, attempting to stop his daughter from continuing.
Nadir smirked further and never felt more proud of Christine than in that moment. She was definitely a lady who knew the good in people but also was not afraid of giving out her opinion. Normally a woman who feared offending others, Christine shot back today at Philippe and Nadir could not stop thinking how marvelous she was.
She was indeed a force to be reckoned with.
Late at night, once everyone in the house was asleep, Amelie went to her room down in the servants quarters. While normally she slept with the other woman, she instead went to knock on her brother's door before letting herself inside.
Beau had been falling asleep in bed, when Amelie came in. His grumpiness was expressed throughout his face. "What is it, Amelie? It's late and I'm tired."
"Oh I must tell you something!" she cried as she went to light a candle in the room. Beau sat up in bed and scratched his eyes, trying to awaken.
"Must it be now?"
Amelie went to sit down on the bed next to Beau and took out a rag from one of her apron pockets. "I was changing the sheets in the master bedroom as I do – when I did, I found this!" she exclaimed. Opening up the rag, she revealed a tiny bottle with blood inside.
"What the hell is that!"
"Blood, Beau!" Amelie said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "The mistress had this hiding underneath the mattress!"
A realization suddenly dawned on his as he looked at the object in his sister's hands. "Could it be… witchcraft?"
"I don't know… maybe." She let out. "Or maybe something else." she knew this statement was something her brother wouldn't quite understand but she did. Amelie knew exactly what the blood was used for. "I have to tell the Comtesse!"
"Are you mad?!" Beau grabbed his sister's arm as she tried to run off. "Listen Amelie, it is never wise to meddle in our masters' problems. It always ends worse for the servants." he explains.
"Yes but telling the truth could help Christine!" Amelie said.
"What?"
"I heard the other servants talking about how they thought the new mistress Marie snatched the Vicomte away from Christine!" Amelie shared before looking down at the dirty bottle. "Maybe if I tell the truth we could help her get him back?"
"Amelie, servants gossip to make their jobs go by faster!" Beau brushed a hand through his hair in frustration. "I think you'd better put that thing back where you found it. It'll do more damage than good."
Amelie stuck her lips out in a pout before looking at the tiny bottle. "Fine," she agreed as she let out a long breath of air.
"Good," Beau said before placing a kiss on his sister's head. "Go to bed, we must rise early."
Amelie nodded her head before scurrying out of the room. Once walking to her bedroom, she halted before the door and she glanced down at the bottle, wrapping it once more inside the rag. She knew that Beau was right but something in her was nudging at her to do what she thought must be done. Amelie bit her bit nervously before letting out a big sigh.
Glancing back at the door that was her brother's room, Amelie mentally apologized to him for the wrong she knew was going to do.
A/N: Isn't Marie just a PEACH? Ha!
Finally they met again! Poor Erik has so much anger in him!
Hope you enjoyed the chapter! R&R!