Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Phantom of the Opera characters, only my own

Chapter 26: A Flattery for Petticoats

Annabelle grimaced slightly as the corset tightened around her ribcage. "Just a little bit more, Miss," the maid grunted. She gripped the edge of the dresser and tilted her head back to look at the ceiling.

'Why… Why me?' She thought vehemently.

"Because it is the height of fashion," her mother responded. She watched her daughter's facial reactions through the mirror. "You forget that you are nobility. You're father let you dress in boy's clothes to pursue your childish dreams." She shooed the maid away and took control of the lacing.

'Mother, I don't want to go to this ball.'

"Nonsense. You are of age. And perhaps you will meet suitors." Her face lit up at the thought of marrying Annabelle off. She skillfully tightened the corset the rest of the way and tying a small bow at the square of her back. "My dear, you will look positively beautiful." She smiled stiffly before departing.

Annabelle let out a frustrated growl as the door closed. She reached behind and untied the knot. A sharp knock at the door made her freeze.

"Annabelle? May I come in?" Erik's voice drifted through the door.

Stiffly, she made her way to the door to let him in.

"Oh, my apologies."and he turned quickly. But Annabelle simply rolled her eyes and took his hand, dragging him into the room.

She turned back to the dresser and rapped her knuckles on the wood to get his attention. 'Please fix this for me.'

Averting his gaze, Erik loosened the lacing in the back and Annabelle breathed in gratefully. He couldn't help but see her soft skin through her chemise. "Might I suggest a change?"

'Change?'

"There are different styles of corsets. This one is mainly used to physically change the female form instead of accentuating its features." He opened up several of her closets and took a step back, pondering.

Annabelle slipped the corset off and she covered herself, knowing that she was very exposed through the thin fabric.

Erik was muttering to himself, picking out a few things here and there. "Please put this on. I will be right outside the room, if you need me."

She waited until he left to approach the clothing on her bed. It was a beautiful emerald-coloured blouse and petticoat. A British fashion, where the corset was to be positioned outside of all the clothing. She gently touched the cloth with one finger, finding that the boning was completely gone. 'Who had put this in my closet?' she thought to herself as she changed.

Everything fit snugly, but definitely better than the other outfit she was forced into. She took her position and knocked on the wood once more. Erik waltzed in, fastening his more elegant mask into place. Without saying a word he laced her up, letting his fingers slide up her arms, just like he had in his dream last night. His eyes caught hers in the mirror.

"You're beautiful, my dear violinist." Annabelle's face flushed red and she looked away, embarrassed. He leaned forward, kissing her temple lightly. "You are."

'You flatter me too much.'

"Only because you're worth the praise." He kissed her temple again.

She turned in his arms. 'Where did you go last night? I woke up alone.'

"I had some business to take care of." Erik tucked a curled strand of hair behind her ear. "Nothing dangerous, I promise you." She smiled softly at his words.

"What impropriety is this?!" A shrill voice resonated around the room. Annabelle closed her eyes in annoyance. "You two shouldn't be alone together!"

"With all do respect, my Lady, I am your daughter's tutor. There are times when we will be alone." As he spoke, he tied a black mask across Annabelle's eyes. "Perfect."

"And what is.. is, this?!" She gestured to the new outfit her daughter wore. "She had on the perfect outfit of nobility! Did you talk her out of it?"

"I believe you are talking about the out-of-season corset?" Erik's voice was very calm. Annabelle touched his arm reassuringly to ensure he didn't lose his temper. "This is now the outfit of nobility spreading through Europe. And Miss Firestrom carries it well. Beautifully well. You should be proud of her."

"Proud? I will be proud when she has a suitable male on her arm. And furthermore-"

"My dear, we must be going. The carriages have pulled up." Annabelle's father appeared in the doorway, and with a huff her mother disappeared in a flurry of skirts.

"I apologize for my wife's behavior, Mr Daroga."

"It is of no worry, Monsieur." Erik nodded his head slightly.

Her father looked at Annabelle in apology. "Perhaps it would be best if you escort my daughter to the court ball. God only knows what her mother will attempt to do."

"As you wish, Monsieur Firestrom." He bowed as Annabelle curtsied at his side. The echoing steps faded down the corridor.

Annabelle looked at her shoes, sniffling a little. Erik pulled her tight against his chest. "No tears, my love."

He loosened his grip enough so she could sign quickly; 'I don't want to follow my mother's dream. I don't want to be a simple possession of a man of wealth.'

"Shh, shh.." Erik rocked her slightly. "I will remain by your side through this night. I promised to protect you, did I not?" She nodded against his chest. "Then protect you I shall." He tilted her head up and her tears were wiped away with his thumb. Chastely, he kissed her, and it seemed to have calmed her enough.

"Come, we have an appearance to make." He offered her his arm, and Annabelle smiled while accepted his offer. They descended down to the carriage quickly, but with her having a spring in her step.

Author's Note: Hopefully you are still enjoying. The ball should be awesome :) And thanks to my cousin to help me edit