Chapter 14

From Teasing to Wedding Plans

"What's wrong?" Erik asked once he was sure Alec wouldn't hear them and awaken.

"Nothing is wrong. I am really sorry that I woke you. It now seems so childish and silly that I did. It's just that you looked so irresistible and peaceful that I couldn't help myself," Corrine said as she looked down at the floor.

Erik moved a little closer to her.

"You do know the price of waking me," Erik whispered teasingly into her ear as he leaned closer, and trapped her between the wall and himself.

Corrine's eyes widened as the memory of Alec waking him came to mind.

"You wouldn't dare," Corrine giggled quietly.

"Of course I can't torture you as I do Alec, but I think I can come up with something."

Corrine couldn't help but to catch the playful twinkle in his eye.

"Now, to think of a great torture for you. What shall it be?" Erik wondered out loud.

He was completely taken by surprise when Corrine fell to her knees.

"Please, Monsieur, I didn't mean any harm. I understand that waking you is a treason punishable by death, but please sir I have a little brother I have to raise. He will starve to death without me. I'm begging you, please spare my life. Please have mercy on me."

Erik was surprised to notice that she was a pretty good actress. She had even managed to shed a few tears. Erik felt the urge to laugh, but instead he quickly got into his role in her dramatic impromptu drama.

"Well, well, well. You are begging me for mercy, but it won't work. You have betrayed me, and for that you must be put to death. However..." Erik turned around sharply to look at Corrine who was still kneeling..

"I might forgive your crime if you do something for me."

"I'll do anything, just so I may live."

With that, Erik walked over, and pulled Corrine up onto her feet. Once she was standing with her back against the wall, he leaned against her.

"I'll spare your life as long as you promise to stay with me forever," Erik whispered.

"I promise," she whispered back.

Corrine noticed that he was no longer joking, and this was real. She shook it out her mind, as Erik slowly leaned over, and captured her lips with his own. When they broke apart, Erik whispered.

"My lady, your promise is sealed with a kiss. Now, what is it you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh, Meg and I are going shopping for the wedding, and I... well, I..."

"I suppose you need money?"

Corrine sighed and nodded.

"Erik, I hate asking you for money. You've given me so much, that it just doesn't seem right somehow."

"Corrine, money is just an object, and you are worth more than any treasure chest. So, how much do you need?"

"It doesn't matter. Whatever you're willing to give me. I'm planning on having my dress made."

"Well then, have your dress made the way you want, and after it's finished, I'll give you the money to pay for it. Just promise me one thing."

"What?"

"Have it made the way you want it. Money is no object."

"But Erik?"

"No buts. I want you to be wearing the most beautiful dress is Paris."

"Thank you Erik," she said as she placed a kiss on his lips.

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

The next day...

"Corrine, have you decided where to get married?" Meg asked as they walked down the street to the tailor's shop.

"I think Erik wants something small and simple."

"So it will be a private ceremony then?"

"Yes, possibly. However, I want it to be symbolic, but I don't know how or what."

"It's too bad the two of you can't get married at the opera house."

Corrine's steps stopped as she stared at her new friend.

"What did you say Meg?"

"I said it's too bad you can't get married at the Opera house."

"THAT'S it."

"Corrine?" Meg asked looking confused.

"I want this wedding to be symbolic right?"

"Yes, but what does this have to do with..."

"The stage Meg. What's more symbolic than the stage at the Opera house. It will be like combining his two loves. Opera and Me. Besides there will be plenty of room for everyone to join us," Corrine said as she was getting more and more excited.

"Do you think Erik will agree with this?"

"Don't know until I ask him," Corrine smiled as they continued toward the tailor shop.