A/N - Sorry for the delay. Poor fanfiction wouldn't let me upload anything yesterday. At any rate, onwards we go.


Raoul was in the dining hall, having just settled into his large chair at the head of the table. He had briefly questioned Jei as to Christine and Emina's absence, but had dismissed it. He had an odd sort of trust for the gypsy girl, and somehow felt that as long as the two were together all must be well. His peaceful meal was interrupted as his wife hurled herself through the doors, a distraught Emina on her heels.

"She's the devil's advocate, Raoul, and I will not have her in my house any longer"

"Christine, please" Emina attempted to calm her.

Raoul stood abruptly, tossing the fine linen napkin to the table.

"What is the meaning of all of this?"

"She knows him! She is his lover! She took me to him, back to that hell. She's a liar" Christine was yelling so loudly that by now, anyone in the residence had scurried toward the commotion. The hired help peeked in from every available doorway.

Emina bit at her lip. She had to find a way to squelch this, and quick.

"It was only a dream, Christine! Monsieur, we went for a carriage ride and Christine dozed off. She awoke in this state and I can't seem to calm her." Luckily, Emina had learned to lie well at an early age. She cast a deeply apologetic look toward Raoul.

Christine was outraged, her eyes widened in horror at Emina's words.

"You little witch!" She squealed, and cast herself at Emina. Emina fell beneath the weight, her head coming in contact with the edge of the table as she fell. She could feel the warmth on her skull and could only groan. For a moment she could not see Christine's face atop her, only a series of dots and stars.

Raoul was astonished at the scene that had unfolded before him so rapidly, and for a moment, was fixed to his spot. When the sound of Emina's head hitting the table resounded, his reverie was broken and he moved to action. With ease he lifted the struggling Christine from the wounded girl, and forced her into a seat.

"Christine," he hissed, the frustration he had since their marriage tinging his voice. "Stop this."

Christine ignored her husband, and attempted to launch herself through his arms.

"Marcus," Raoul called loudly over the shouting of his wife. "In the study, on the table. Bring it!"

The elder gentleman who had been watching from the doorway scurried off to do his Masters' bidding and returned only seconds later. Raoul released Christine, and soaked the cloth with the potion the doctor had left. By the time she had begun to assault Emina again, Raoul caught Christine about the shoulders and held her tight to his chest. He forced the cloth over her mouth and nose and with only a few inward breaths, his wife was unconscious. He lifted her body, and handed her over to Marcus.

"Put her to bed," he sighed, dropping down aside Emina.

Emina had seen the last bit of the struggle, and was now attempting to sit up.

"Please, Emina, forgive me. I did not realize she put you in danger. Here, let me.."

Before Emina could say anything, Raoul had picked her up as well. This time, he made it a point to deliver her safely to her bed. A handmaid scurried after with water and ointment to mend her wound.

Raoul carefully settled her atop her blankets, then reached behind to inspect the gash on her head.

She winced as he touched it, and he guided her cheek to rest against his shoulder.

"It's deep, and may require stitching. Jei, call the doctor. Meanwhile, I'll hold the cloth." That said, he pressed a cloth tightly to the wound and allowed her to relax into the pillow.

"Monsieur, I'm fine, really.." Emina began, preferring to be alone to try to figure out the implications of all of this.

"Raoul, please call me Raoul." His deep blue eyes seem to plead with her, making Emina somewhat uncomfortable. She nodded her consent.

"Raoul," she murmured softly, and he smiled at her.

"I think I will send her with the doctor, for some treatments. This is getting out of hand. I am sorry I involved you in all of this, I thought it would help if.."

Emina reached for his free hand and patted it lightly.

"Do not apologize, Mon.. Raoul. I will gather my things and be out of your way in a day, if that is soon enough.."

"Do not be ridiculous! Of course, I would have to come up with some reason to keep such a lovely lady in my presence in my wife's absence, but we could create some sort of facade. I will not see you on the streets because of my wife's.. foolishness. You will stay here."

Emina suddenly felt very feminine, and realized they were alone. She blushed.

"Thank you, Raoul.."

Raoul smiled again, and Emina could see the boyish charm that must have appealed so much to Christine. Here, sitting at the edge of her bed, was a man that was as much opposite from Erik as any human could be. His entire being exuded a gentleness and gaity, as opposed to Erik's brooding and roughness. What a decision Christine had been faced with!

Raoul watched as the blush faded from Emina's face, and without thinking, reached to stroke one of her cheeks' idly with his thumb.

"You're beautiful, Emina" he muttered, his voice lower - more of a forced whisper. He watched as she squirmed beneath his compliment and even averted her gaze, but she did not seem entirely displeased. She was beautiful, and bright, and alive - and present. Everything his wife seemed to lack in her current state of lunacy. Raoul wondered if he really desired the woman before him as much as his mind had convinced him, or what she represented?

"The doctor will be here momentarily, I will check for him." The same tone offered these words, and then he released the cloth behind her head. He leaned and pressed his lips to her forehead, savoring the feel of that soft flesh beneath his kiss. With a sigh, he turned, and left the room.

Emina closed her eyes, and sighed.