I know, I know, you all hate me….or at least you hate Raoul. But I cannot stress enough that there WILL be a happy ending for them all. Would I deal my boy dirt like this and not leave him happy at the end? NO!
To make you all like me again…I hope…may I tempt you with a little piece of knowledge? As soon as I give my characters in The Phantom Triumphant their much deserved happily-ever-after, I will be posting a new story that is currently in production. No official title as of yet, but I am calling it my "Pirate Erik" story. It will be quite long (at least 40 good sized chapters ) and as long as I keep up the pace I have been writing, I will be able to post daily like I did for Angel of Persia. So be sure to hit the "follow author" button so you do not miss the boat…er…Pirate ship! Arrgggggg.
Chapter 14
MASQUERADE
"Top of the morning to you gents," Raoul greeted Firmin and Andre as he entered their office the next day. "I have no doubts that a finer day never existed."
The two managers eyed the young Vicomte with curious humor.
"What, pray tell, has you in such an interesting mood?" Firmin asked, putting down the papers he had been looking at.
"Everything my friend. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming. Can't you smell it?" He asked, taking a deep breath. "Spring is in the air."
"Ah, spring." Andre said, giving a knowing wink to Firmin. ''Isn't that when a young man's fancies turn to thoughts of love?"
"Or more appropriately, to a certain charming singer by the name of Christine." Firmin deduced.
Raoul's wide Cheshire grin would have made any attempts of denial pointless, and he ended up giving a defeated laugh.
"I find myself completely guilty of all your accusations. Where Christine is concerned, I am an open book," he leaned forward, eager to share his news. "Although she asked me to keep it quiet for a while, I find that if I don't tell someone I will burst. Christine accepted my proposal of marriage last night." He told them, expecting a boisterous round of congratulations.
Instead, he watched as their smiles faded into worried frowns as they glanced around the room nervously.
"What is the matter with you two? This is great news," Raoul said, a little hurt by their reaction.
"Of course it is, the best of news," Firmin agreed, then in a low whisper added. "Don't you think that this isn't the best place to be announcing such a thing?"
"Why not? Because of the Phantom? For heaven's sakes, he has not been seen for six months. Face it, he is ancient history, never to trouble us again," Raoul said, his scoffing tone upsetting the two managers further.
"Not so loud," Andre shushed. "You can never tell with him."
"Cower and quake in your shoes if you wish, but don't expect me to join you. In fact I hope he is listening and I hope he is getting quite an ear full." He looked around the room and called out loudly for the benefit of any Phantoms who may be eavesdropping. "Christine and I are to be married. Do you hear, she has accepted my proposal and now wears my ring in place of your necklace. She now belongs to me and nothing you can do will spoil our happiness. Nothing!"
However, despite his brave speech Raoul found himself holding his breath, just as Andre and Firmin were, half expecting a ghostly answer. Yet none came and Raoul's confidence returned.
"You see, the ceiling didn't cave in, no lightning struck me dead and the world didn't come to an abrupt end. The Phantom is gone, and I for one say 'good riddance'!" He found he had to laugh just a little at the frightened expressions on the two men's faces. "Come on now, cheer up. This is a big night for you two. Your Masquerade ball is the talk of Pairs and its success is assured. In fact that is what I came to tell you. Christine and I accept your invitation and shall be there with bells on, and considering the fact that I left the costume choice up to her, I may literally be wearing bells this evening."
Raoul's jest had the desired effect, causing Andre and Firmin to laugh, a nervous laugh, but still a laugh.
"We are glad to hear it Raoul," Andre told him. "We are truly glad to hear about you and Christine as well. It couldn't have happened to a nicer couple. I only hope this doesn't mean we will be losing our star Diva to matrimony."
"That will be solely up to Christine. I am an open minded and understanding man and if Christine wishes to further her singing career I will not stand in her way. In fact if that be the case you may reserve a Box for me at each performance, for I shan't be missing a single one." Raoul looked at his pocket watch and smiled at the two men. "Now if you will excuse me, there is a dozen roses out there with Christine's name on them and I am off to find them." With a happy wave he was out the door and gone.
"Do you think the Phantom was listening?" Firmin asked once he was gone.
"I hope not. Otherwise I would not wish to be in Raoul's shoes for anything!" Andre said, forcing his attention back to the papers they had been studding earlier. Yet, try as they might, the dark and foreboding feeling that hung over them like an ax ready to fall would not leave.
So, Erik thought, the gauntlet had been thrown down at his feet. Raoul had all but challenged him to step forward and dispute his claim on Christine. From his hiding place it took a great deal of restraint not to come out and wipe that smile of triumph off that arrogant boy's face, but if he wished to carry out his plan, one he had worked towards for the past six months, Erik realized he needed to remain hidden. So he let Raoul revel in his momentary victory, to relish the taste of success, before he would step forward and dash all his hopes of happiness forever! Erik would bide his time, wait for the appropriate moment, then execute his revenge. Yes, tonight Erik was going to the ball!
As he made his way back down to his underground home he reflected back on the past six months. They had been long and lonely days, each filled with the pain and loss of the woman who had betrayed him. There were times he felt he would go mad from missing her, then in his next breath he would find himself cursing her name and the hold she still had over him. Would he ever be free from her piercing eyes, her lovely smile or her musical laugh? Her memory haunted him always, and even sleep provided no refuge for she crept into his dreams at night as well. He threw himself into his music and out of desperation, by pushing himself beyond what he thought possible, Erik finished his opera. 'Don Juan Triumphant' was complete, and after tonight his fictional hero would not be the only one who would triumph. Erik would reign victorious as well, he would show them all…especially Christine.
That evening when Raoul and Christine entered the Opera House the gala was in full swing. Everywhere one looked there was a sea of laughing, masked faces. Each more splendidly dressed that the last. Christine was sure there were dozens of people that she knew dancing amid the crowd, but with their disguises on she knew that she could be standing eye to eye with them and never know it.
They found Andre and Firmin quiet easily though since Andre's deep laugh was quite recognizable and could be distinctly heard over the din of the crowd. Christine found herself chuckling at the interesting costumes chosen by the two managers. Andre had on a mask resembling a swamp creature and wore a tuxedo trimmed with ruffles and a blue satin cape. While Firmin looked all skin and bones in his skeleton costume beneath his flowing red cape. The two of them were quite the sight, not to mention extremely happy.
"Good evening Andre, Firmin." Raoul greeted the two.
"Greetings and felicitations to you as well," Andre said with a flourish of his cape. "And who might we be graced with on this most auspicious occasion?"
"Why it is none other than King Arthur himself accompanied by the fair Queen Guinevere," Raoul told them with a low bow.
"My, my, Raoul. From a Vicomte to a king in one night, you are truly moving up in society," Firmin laughed.
"Well tonight I feel like a king," Raoul said, taking Christine's hand, his adoring stare causing her to blush beneath her mask.
"With such a beautiful queen at your side I can see why," Andre told him as he took Christine's other hand and kissed it. "We can hardly wait to begin rehearsals on our new production this week, it promises to be quite a show. With your golden voice singing the lead it is sure to be a success."
"Thank you for the compliments Monsieur, you sure know how to flatter a lady." Christine said.
"Well don't tell my wife, least she will expect me to dole out such mush on a regular basis to her, and I refuse to live with a woman who has a swelled head." Andre said jokingly causing everyone to burst out laughing.
"Now if you will excuse us, Monsieurs, we are off to enjoy your splendid party. You two have quite outdone yourselves," Raoul said looking around at the newly remodeled room.
"Well one does one's best," Firmin answered, a look of pride escaping from behind his mask. "Now go. Dance, eat and have fun for tonight is a celebration."
So they did, leaving Andre and Firmin alone.
"The do make a charming couple don't they," Firmin mused.
"Yes, and what a splendid way to celebrate an engagement. This Masquerade Ball was quite an ingenious idea of ours, if I do say so
myself." Andre said, none to humbly.
Firmin plucked two glasses of champagne from a passing tray, and handing one to Andre, proposed a toast.
"Here's to us. Not to mention a prosperous season and our new chandelier." They clinked glasses and downed the small drink in one gulp.
"You know Andre," Firmin said thoughtfully. "It is quite a shame that Phantom fellow couldn't be here tonight, I dare say he would have rather enjoyed the anonymity a gala such as this would provide."
Andre stared at his friend in aghast.
"Bite your tongue, Firmin!" He hissed. His eyes darting around at the myriads of parading masks.
"Forgive me, my friend," Firmin said, realizing exactly what he had just said. "I am afraid, for a moment, I had quite taken leave of my senses."
"Well don't feel so bad, for I have to admit that the thought of how easy it would be for him to slip in among the guests had crossed my mind on several occasions tonight as well. We will just have to remain on our guard and hope for the best," Andre said, pasting a smile back on his face as he turned to greet more of the arriving guests.
Meanwhile Raoul and Christine were enjoying a dance, spinning around in each other's arms to the lively music. Christine was having such a wonderful time that all her worries about her engagement to Raoul and her thoughts of Erik had completely abandoned her. Tonight in her beautiful costume, amid all the laughter and music, she was free. Free to enjoy all that the evening had to offer.
"Are you having fun?" Raoul asked as they dances.
"Yes, I am having a marvelous time," Christine assured him.
"I'm glad. There were times when I wondered if I would ever see your beautiful smile again," he was quiet for a second, then went on. "I know I promised to keep our engagement a secret, but if there is any chance you have changed your mind, this would be the perfect time and place to make our announcement." He suggested hopefully.
"No Raoul, I think I would much rather keep it just between us for a bit longer." She told him.
"Why Christine? It is no crime to be in love and wish to be married. What are you afraid of?" He questioned.
"Please Raoul, let's not argue about this, not tonight. Just understand that I must wait until the time is right for me. A little longer is all I ask," Christine pleaded.
"Very well, I will do as you wish my love. Tonight we shall be free and happy, no more talk of serious matters," his smile had returned, lightening her heavy heart as he spun her into the dancing crowd once more.
Suddenly from the doors at the top of the grand staircase a group of lavishly dressed performers emerged. Each one sported a musical instrument or a stick with long colorful streamers attached. They ran down to the crowd, spinning and twirling among the guests singing and dancing, drawing the crowd into their song as they sang about masks, paper faces and the masquerade.
Each of the performers each took a partner from the watching guests and drew them out to dance. Raoul was snatched away from Christine's side by a nimble little dancer dressed as a water nymph, and though she wore a mask as everyone else did, Christine felt almost certain it was Meg. Raoul gave a helpless shrug and smile as she led him away while Christine laughed secretly at his utter ignorance as to the identity of his would-be partner.
During the past months Christine had not been blind to the devoted looks Raoul had received from Meg, though he seemed totally oblivious. It made Christine sad to see how Meg pined for Raoul's attention, which it seemed he gave only to her. She found herself almost wishing that it had been Meg he had given his ring, which she still wore hidden around her neck. Yet, as she too was pulled forward by one of the performers to dance, she dismissed such useless thoughts.
In the next few minutes Christine shared dances with many partners, and though at first it had been fun, she soon found herself looking around for Raoul. For too many of her partners resembled Phantoms, and as she went from man to man each of their eyes seemed to burn her with knowing stares from behind their masks. She was beginning to become frightened, her heart catching in her throat at the thought that one of these men could be Erik in disguise. Just when Christine's spinning mind could take no more and she was about to flee from the dance floor and escape all those eyes, she was rescued by Raoul's strong arms that held her securely as they danced. All her fears subsided and she fell back into step, following his gentle lead. The singers began again as they danced up the staircase, their song reaching its climax.
The last words were barely out of their mouths when everyone was startled by a loud crack followed by a tower of black smoke as it rose from the stairs amid the dancers. They all shrank away in fear, some falling to their knees in fright and surprise. The crowd gave a gasp as well, but all the time figuring it was just part of the lavish entertainment provided by Firmin and Andre.
Then from out of the fading smoke a figure stepped forward. He was dressed all in crimson, with a Death's head mask visible from under his large feathered pirate's hat. In his left hand he held an enormous bound manuscript with an indiscernible title written across the cover in red ink. Everyone knew the legend of the Opera Ghost and though some did not believe that he actually existed, they all recognized that this was who this figure portrayed.
Most of the guests laughed and clapped their hands excitedly, thinking this was just another actor there to amuse them. Not so for Andre, Firmin, Raoul and Christine. They knew this was no staged entertainment, this was real. The Phantom had come to the party.
Erik laughed inwardly at the manner in which he was being received. The foolish guests thought this was all a ruse, part of their night's fun. Yet, he knew that not all were ignorant of his true identity, and those few were all he wished to convince. His eyes narrowed as he saw Raoul's arms encircle Christine protectively, afraid he would snatch her from his grasp. As for his delicate Christine, her face had gone white, from fear he suspected, at his grand entrance. He would deal with her momentarily, but for now he directed his attention to the two quaking managers who stood at the bottom of the stairs.
Erik began to descend towards them, the sound of his boots on the marble steps resounded through the room like thunder. He approached the two men, taking center stage, all attention on him. He then gave a low sweeping bow, not wishing the blissfully ignorant crowd to suspect him as anything but an actor playing his part.
"Come now good Monsieurs, not even a greeting for me?It would break my heart to think that you didn't even miss me a little," Erik gave a shake of his head. "I do hope you didn't think that I had left entirely, heavens no. I have just been a tad busy as of late, working on something I wish for you to see," Erik held out the manuscript, showing them the title. "I have written you an opera, my good managers, and I humbly submit it for your inspection. I have entitled it 'Don Juan Triumphant''."
As he said the title he threw it across the small space that separated them, into Andre's shaking hands. He caught it, much to his surprise, and held it tightly for fear he might yet drop it in a spasm of fright. With a threatening tone, Erik continued.
"I have enclosed quite detailed instructions which I very much hope you shall comply with. I would hate to have to demonstrate what the consequences will be if you choose to ignore my council. Remember, there are a many things in this world that are worse than a shattered chandelier." He emphasized his last word with a menacing step forward, causing Andre and Firmin to shrink back further. Erik could have laughed out loud at the silly looks on their faces, but his eyes grew stern as he turned slowly to face Christine, still standing in Raoul's embrace.
Erik lifted his hand as if to beckon her forward, and to Raoul's horror she actually pulled away from him and advanced towards the Phantom. Erik was pleased to see that she still responded to his commands, unquestionably and almost without thought.
Christine was also shocked to find herself drawn to him, and though she fought to regain control, she found that resistance was futile. He still held her in his power and she went to him as a willing slave, eager to do her master's bidding.
When only a few inches separated them Erik lifted his hand and using one finger drew the golden chain out before her. Raoul's ring dangled there, the diamond sparkling in the light. So Christine dared wear a token of Raoul's love and commitment. He momentarily wondered what she had done with the necklace he had given her. It enraged him to believe that she may have dared destroy it, in an attempt to rid herself of all memories of him. His hand gripped the chain as he ripped it from her neck, the clasp giving way with little resistance.
"Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, your voice is still mine! You will sing for me alone. Fulfill your promise and perform my opera!" Erik said, his voice harsh and threatening. He then looked over at the stunned Raoul, flinging the ring across the floor to land at his feet. "Keep your pretty presents, she shall never accept it again." He gazed once again at Christine, the twinge of fear mirrored in her eyes causing his heart to melt slightly. He lifted his hand to brush her cheek gently. "You still belong to me Christine, only to me." Then remembering his resolve to only be cool and stern with her, he dropped his hand and stepped back, addressing the crowd. "Although I would love to stay and share in such marvelous festivities, I fear I must bid you all adieu. Continue your fun and dance the night away, but remember…" this he now directed only to Christine, his voice harsh once again. "... I shall be watching!"
Then with another loud crack he seemed to evaporate in a puff of black smoke. There was a moment of complete silence, then the room erupted in a thundering of applause and laughter. Every one still thought it all an act. People began to approach Andre and Firmin, clapping them on the back and congratulating them on such an ingenious show. Saying what a marvelous way to introduce a new production and how they couldn't wait to see this 'Phantom's Opera'. The two managers tried their best to smile and play along, but their knees were like jelly and they were finding it difficult to breath. In all the commotion no one paid much attention as Raoul ran to Christine's side and escorted her hurriedly from the room. No one that is except Meg, who followed diligently.
.
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Well, Erik has once more claimed Christine as 'his'. Possessive little cuss aint he? Gotta love it!
So what did you think?
And remember to hit the 'follow' button for Pirate Erik...coming soon to a FF site near you!
Oh and to my Guest reviewers:
HopeIsHere16 – please find a way to sign in, I have so much to say about your wonderful and insightful comments and I would love to respond to your questions.
Chronover – If I truly have you under my spell…then I command you to get an account so that I can write you back – ha ha
Ginger – Oh boy do I want to respond to you! Please sign up – it is free and anonymous – and I would love to know what you are thinking of my Angel of Persia too.