A/N Alrighty! Here is the next chapter=) I tried to hurry cause I know you all have been waiting to see what happens to Josephine and Erik, so HERE WE GO! But first! I would like to thank my awesome beta buddy! Nicole-AKA Eriks Leading Lady- If it wasn't for her there would be A LOT of mistakes that I over looked so THANK YOU SWEETIE! Ok I'm shutting up now=) Read on!
Chapter thirteen
"Or do they have to be unconscious to be in my arms?" Erik complained.
Erik gathered Josephine in his arms, walking past the organ and down the stairs. Erik stopped at the threshold that was before him and swallowed hard.
The Louis-Philippe room.
Sighing hard, Erik nudged the door open with his elbow, and with a loud groan, the door swung open, revealing a very dark room. Erik took a deep breath, letting it out slowly to clear the images that almost resurfaced. Stepping through the black mesh of the canopy, Erik placed her gently on the velvet comforter.
Turning, Erik lit the candle that was on the small side table next to the bed - so she wouldn't wake to the darkness. He paid no mind to the object that was cloaked in dust; while lighting the wick, Erik's arm gently brushed the latch of the music box. Slowly, the old Persian monkey began to play its haunting melody from so many years ago.
Erik snatched his arm away as though it had burned his flesh. Erik looked at Josephine, who only stirred in her unconscious state. With a heavy heart, images of the past flashed before his eyes. Erik turned on his heel, stumbling out of the room and closing the heavy door behind him. Erik made it to the organ bench before his legs buckled beneath him.
"It's over...she's gone, the past is the past; GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!" Erik clenched his teeth. "This time everything will be different. It WILL be different!"
***
After hours of pacing his lair and several attempts at reading, Erik got frustrated with his lack of concentration, such as reading the same paragraph six times in a row. Erik stood up; throwing the book he had in his hand across the lair with a growl, he decided to pace yet again. The stress of the day could be felt in his shoulders and lower back. With a groan, Erik rotated his neck and gave it a good jerk at an odd angle until he heard it pop, lessening some of the tension in his neck.
"Ugh. Oh, dear," he groaned, placing both hands on his lower back when the muscles became tight.
You're getting old… the voices chuckled into Erik's throbbing head.
"Ha! Speak for yourself!"
We are…Old man!
Erik did his best to ignore them, grinding his teeth instead of responding. The voices were only adding to his stress and irritation; he needed to relax and the only way to do that was through music.
I wonder if she's still sleeping...
"Possibly. I doubt she had a full night sleep; I was not able to play for her last night."
We should see if she's comfortable...
"I am not spying on her - she's sleeping."
What's one peek going to do... We won't tell.
"No!" Erik growled, holding his head. "She's asleep. I have no business inside that room, do you understand?!"
Erik waited to hear the voices taunt and fight back, but only silence could be heard throughout the lair. There were several times when Erik had caught himself going back into the room while she slept, and he was close enough to watch her sleep; close enough to caress her hand while she stirred from a bad dream; close enough to pull the blankets back up because she always kicked them off during the night.
Do it... go to her... that's it...
Erik felt himself being pulled toward the room she was in. The strong hold which she already had on him was already overpowering his state of mind.
"No, no." Erik turned and sat on the divan, the ache in his head throbbed harder.
"She does not need me now; she is fine." Erik sighed, "I need to relax." He leaned back, resting his head. "I would love to play my organ," he murmured, eyeing the lonesome instrument. "I'm afraid it would be far too loud. I do not wish to wake Josephine for she needs her rest."
Instead, Erik settled for his violin, his long fingers grasping the neck of the instrument. "The weeping strings of my violin are much quieter than my organ. It will soothe me just as good, but first: a change of clothing."
Walking into his room, Erik removed his jacket, vest and cravat, replacing It with a cotton white button down shirt. Leaving the top buttons loose at the base of his throat, Erik sighed in comfort with his fresh attire. Erik completed his comfort with his black velvet robe, leaving it loose at his waist.
Once the thick robe was on his shoulders, Erik settled himself on the divan, placing his violin underneath his chin and began to play.
While he played, thoughts of Italy came to mind - the architecture, all the knowledge he took in as a young boy while living with Giovanni.
"Giovanni..." Erik sighed. "That old man perfected everything I know about architecture today. I wonder if he's still alive?" he mused, as the bow swiped across the violin strings, sadly weeping a soft tune.
That's it, Erik, watch your fingers with the chisel. You need ALL of your fingers boy, that's good! Well done! Now let me show you...
"Giovanni's voice will always be heard in my memory, ugh... along with his annoying daughter's voice!"
Erik, what are you working? Erik what do these wires do? Does your little invention even work?! It probably doesn't! Umph! Stop bothering me Erik, I'm watering my flowers!
"That annoying little chit of a girl. She was always causing trouble, always following me around. And she had the nerve to tell me to stop following her!" Erik growled deep in his throat. "On with other memories, shall we?" he said, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.
"Persia - the heat was so hot you could feel your skin melt with sweat, just standing there in the sand. The way Reza's smile would lighten my mood with his laugh when the darkness of my mind had taken over me. The sunsets… the sunsets were breathtaking - fire red, orange, and yellow spread across the horizon, slowly disappearing from your eyes. Despite all its darkness behind the walls of the shah's mansion, Persia was beautiful...."
Erik became silent for hours, remembering all of the music he had learned in his past, music he had learned from different countries and cultures. Erik played until his hand began to cramp, but still, he did not stop surrendering to his first love: music.
"This is what my body was craving for - the sweet seduction of my music. Mind and body are complete, no bothersome voices to worry about..." he whispered to himself.
Erik sighed in relief, playing softer than before, lighter.
Looking through the slits of his eyes a spot of white moved on the opposite side of the lake. Caught off guard, Erik shot up and off the divan, making a scratching sound with the bow against the strings of the violin. The aweful sound caused Josephine to jump and open her eyes in sudden panic from where she was standing. Erik wasn't the only one who was enjoying the soft tune he was creating.
Neither one moved. There was a long intense silence between the two. Josephine could not move, let alone breathe!
Oh, bother, she thought biting her lip. I've startled him, why didn't I just stay in the room?!
Erik studied her for a moment, her ballet frock was wrinkled and slightly twisted around her waist. A massive amount of hair had fallen around her face, giving her the look of a lost child. That wide-eye, pitiful look she was giving him annoyed him greatly. Erik felt the sneer pull at his lips. Josephine felt very small under his scrutinizing gaze.
"You know it is very rude to stare," Erik snapped, with a note of thunder in his voice. His fierce tone echoed around the lair. Josephine winced before him, and Erik regretted speaking the moment he saw her reaction.
Brilliant, she finally wakes and the first thing you do is yell at her! growled the voice of reason.
Erik turned from Josephine to put his violin and bow back into its case. When he chanced a look over his shoulder, Josephine was still in the same spot near The Louis-Philippe room. With her eyes cast down, Josephine began to twist the fabric of her frock in a knot at her lap.
A nervous habit, most likely, he thought.
This, my good fellow, will be interesting!
"Not now," he growled, clasping the latch of the violin case.
"You shan't stand there all day, Mademoiselle. You may come and make yourself comfortable." Erik gestured toward the dining area that was near the fireplace. When Erik spoke, his voice was surprisingly gentle. Josephine stared at his back, confused by his rapid change of mood, but still she obeyed.
She walked down the several steps of stairs, down the walk way, past the grotto that held the organ, and down several more steps. When she looked up, she was greeted by the white mask. Erik was standing in profile - eyes cast down, fingering one of the clasps to the violin case.
On the other side of Erik was the dining area he was speaking of; Josephine approached the little table slowly, cautiously; as though Erik would attack her once her back was to him. Erik watched her from the corner of his eye. Her movement reminded him of a child slowly approaching a stray dag. The type of dog that wags his tale and shows his teeth at the same time, whether it will lick your hand or snap at it!
Josephine stopped at the little table confused. What happen to the all the pictures? the sculptures? she wondered with disappointment. Everything is different! She pouted.
Before Josephine were a table and two chairs, along with a divan near the hearth.
Josephine sat down at the table with her hands folded in her lap. She waited patiently for what to do next. Josephine started – her heart stopped for a second - when she heard a voice to the side of her.
"You must be famished. I'll get you something to eat," Erik offered.
Josephine didn't even hear him move, and now he was behind her!
Before Josephine could say anything, Erik was gone.
"Well, I am a little hungry," she whispered to herself. At that moment, her stomach gave a loud growl!
"Oh!" She held her hands over her stomach. "I'm glad Erik wasn't near to hear that!" Josephine placed her hands over her cheeks; her cold hands felt good to her heated flesh.
After some time, Erik came back holding a silver tray, placing it before her with a clatter.
"Mademoiselle."
"Merci, Monsieur."
From the tray, Erik picked up a plate and set it in front of Josephine. On the plate was one of her favorite meals: warm baguettes with spreading cheese and slices of strawberries placed on top. Josephine's mouth began to water; she was so hungry.
I wonder if stuffing half of the baguette into my mouth would be considered rude? she thought, looking up at Erik who was pulling out the other chair across from her. Thinking against it, she settled with a thank you.
"Merci," she whispered softly, tearing off a small piece of bread which she chewed slowly..
Erik sat on the opposite side, resting his elbows on the arm rest with the tips of his fingers touching his face, observing her in silence. Josephine chose the exact same time to look up at Erik, catching his eyes upon her. Again, heat flooded her face as she looked back down at her food. Erik couldn't help but smirk at her simple reaction.
She blushes so easily, he mused.
Clearing his throat in attempt to ease her embarrassment, he spoke. "I see you're enjoying your meal," he commented, spotting a smudge of spreading cheese on her cheek.
"You must forgive me; I forgot to offer you some tea. I am not one for playing host," Erik said, handing her a cup of steaming hot tea. Erik sat back in his seat and watched as Josephine began to look for sugar to add.
"You don't need to add anything. The tea is already the way you like it."
Josephine made a face, looking up at him dumbfounded, then back down at her tea. "The-the way I like it?"
"Oui, ma chérie: three spoons of sugar and a slice of lemon - the way you like it," Erik replied, rather satisfied with himself.
Josephine didn't bother asking how he knew this, so instead she slowly sipped her tea, and then set it back down. Josephine gave a bashful smile to the man in front of her - it was the way she liked it. Looking at Erik, Josephine noticed that she was the only one eating. There was more than enough food for both of them on the tray.
"Are you not going to have any, Monsieur?" she asked hesitantly, finally meeting his gaze.
Erik did not reply, only giving her a slow shake of the head.
"You should have some," Josephine continued," it is very delicious," she admitted, starting on the second piece of her baguette.
Erik looked at her stiffly. "I don't like eating in front of people, Mademoiselle."
"Why?" Josephine asked, taking a sip from her tea.
Erik's eyes narrowed into slits defensively. "iIt is no concern of yours, Mademoiselle, now finish your meal."
Josephine should have been assured, but his voice was low - chilling acidic with withheld rage. It had slipped Erik's mind how frustrating innocence could be!
"I'm sorry to upset you, Monsieur. I was only curious," Josephine said slowly.
"Well, you know what they say, my dear, curiosity killed the cat," Erik said, darkly.
"That may be true, but satisfaction is what brought the cat back, Monsieur," Josephine shot back not missing a beat. "I assure you, the cat has nine lives; I'm sure you have not forgotten that point," she added with a smirk of her own.
"That may be true, my dear, but the lives are quickly taken from the curious little cat if it is not careful of its surroundings," Erik replied, his voice was oddly calm.
Josephine did not reply, and Erik was met with silence once again. She was half way done with her food before she spoke again. Swallowing, Josephine gathered up the courage to ask the question she had been wanting to the entire meal.
"Is it because...because of your mask, Monsieur, that you wish not to eat?" Josephine blurted out, looking through long lashes.
Erik's once relaxed hands had became fists against the arm rest, and the vein on the side of his neck became visible. If looks could kill, Josephine would be dead by the look Erik was giving her now - those piercing blue eyes shot daggers right at her.
Josephine waited for her answer, determined not to break eye contact with Erik, who didn't even blink! Josephine stood strong for only so long until Erik's dominance told her otherwise, and she looked away defeated.
"For your own safety, Josephine, you must follow these three rules that you WILL obey."
That was the first time Erik had said her name – let's be honest, she liked the way he spoke her name - but the implied power of Erik's voice over Josephine frightened her. His voice was silky yet commanding.
Josephine searched his face.
"One: Do not question about why I wear this mask. I wear it for a reason, and I don't need silly questions being asked repeatedly. Two: NEVER touch my mask, child, I'm warning you now," he said quietly." If you see what is underneath - it will all be over."
Flashes of Giovanni's daughter falling to her death played before him.
That stupid girl! Erik thought with a grimace. I tried to warn her…
Josephine sucked in a lungful of air; but Erik wasn't finished, and the pain in his gaze while he spoke of the mask broke her heart. She knew then that she would try her best to follow his commands...
The vulnerability in Erik's voice was gone with the blink of an eye, and once again his voice had become low and stern. Erik leaned forward in his chair and emphasized his words very slowly so she would get the point. Josephine looked at him wide eyed; Erik's behavior was too calm for the words he used.
"And Three: Don't ever try and remove it, Josephine, for if you do, and you manage to get away from me...you will regret it very dearly. Do I make myself clear, DeBeaux?"
The only thing Josephine could do was nod her heard to his question. Erik's voice had dropped down to a dangerously low level, but the one thing that gave her chills down her spine and the hairs on the back of her neck stand were his eyes.
His eyes went from a clear grey to a dark blue - almost black – and the gleam in Erik's eyes dared Josephine to prove him otherwise with his threat.
Josephine swallowed hard. "What am I doing here, Monsieur? What do you want with me?" Josephine asked, almost panicking.
"You are here because you will be taking singing lessons here -" Erik gestured around him "- and you will become the next prima donna with my instructions," Erik announced with a hint of enthusiasm.
Josephine was too shocked and taken aback to think.
"What did you just say?"
So what do you think? You like it? Please let me know R&R! If any of you have never read Susan Kays Phantom, her book explains that Erik was in love with her. I found her annoying and I didn't really see any Erik being in love with her because he didn't think or talk about her that much. So, my Erik never love or like her very much; I just wanted to clear it up=)