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

Chapter 27: For A Price-Part 1

"Oh my gosh, your dress is so lovely!"

"Is this the new style for the year?"

"How does this feel compared to the current fashion?"

Annabelle was surrounded by the younger girls of the court, hands reaching out to stroke her clothing.

"Oh, it's so soft!"

"It flatters you so well!"

"My Lady?" Erik's voice drifted over the awe of females, and she felt his reassuring grip on her shoulder. He managed to break through them and escorted her away. "See? I told you it was flattering."

'You could've warned me about the attention I would get,' she signed, a surly expression on her face.

He laughed. "I wouldn't have known. But in all honesty, I wish I could see you like this much more often." He handed her a glass of red wine. "My apologies for leaving you alone as I retrieved your refreshment."

Annabelle smiled and took a sip. It smelled of roses and oak. 'It's wonderful.'

"Only the best for my Lady."

A sudden rush of people surrounded the descending staircase as the host, Viscount Druitt, made his appearance. If the girls had gone wild just by seeing her outfit, it was much worse when they saw him.

"Lord Druitt is as gorgeous as ever tonight."

"His hair is like spun gold."

Annabelle felt her chest tighten as her mother joined the group. The Viscount was indeed a handsome man. His hair brushed over is shoulders that were covered in an ivory jacket. He was the epitome of high nobility with his aristocratic features and expensive clothing.

He sweetly talked to the females as he parted through them. His eyes roamed across the dance floor, until they settled on her. He leaned down to talk to Lady Firestrom, and his eyes began to shine as she spoke to him.

'Erik, I don't like this.'

Just then, the violinists began to play a beautiful waltz. "Fear not, my Lady. We can stay away form him long enough with the dance." He took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

'You really expect me to dance in public?' Annabelle was feeling frantic, but Erik smiled and went to their starting position anyway.

"Shall we dance now, young Mistress?" Without waiting for a response, he went through the basic steps. Surprised at herself, she was keeping up with him. He twirled her around and her petticoats flared out to expose her ankles. "And you dance beautifully in this dress."

Annabelle didn't know how long they danced for, but eventually she pulled away and went to the open balcony door. Erik accompanied her, chuckling to himself. She sank down on a bench and sighed. "How could you have become exhausted so easily, my Lady?" He offered her some water.

'It's not like I do this every day.' She took the water gratefully and sipped it as they looked up at the night sky.

Slow clapping brought their attention back to the party. Annabelle stood up quickly and curtsied. Erik took his spot right behind her, almost like a guardian. "Your dancing is exquisite, like a lovely little robin." The Viscount stared intently at Annabelle as she rose from her curtsy.

'Thank you, my Lord.'

"Forgive me, I am not well versed in the language of hands." He held out a small quill and a piece of paper. "Your mother mentioned this, so I came prepared." Annabelle wrote her response and handed it back. "There is no need to thank me. I do hope you are enjoying the party." He bowed slightly and took her gloved hand, raising it to his lips to brush them across her knuckles.

She could feel Erik bristling with anger behind her, yet his face had a mask of calm. She took her hand back wrote: 'Yes, it is a wonderful party. However, I am not used to court balls.'

While the Viscount read her response, she wiped the back of her hand on her dress.

"Oh, I see. Well," The Viscount stepped next to her, placing his hand on her waist. "Perhaps I can get you used to this type of.. entertainment." His fingers went further down to her hip.

Erik saw her visibly shuddered and stepped forward, laying a hand onto the Viscount's shoulder. "I think it would be best for my Mistress to rest for a moment. She can come and find you inside, when she feels better."

"Nonsense! The more livelier it is, the more fun she will have."

Annabelle looked to Erik pleadingly as she was escorted away inside by the Viscount. Erik growled and his fists tightened. "I can endure this. It is just for the party, nothing more." he thought to himself. The shattering sound of clay brought his mind back to reality. A destroyed flowerpot was littered at his feet. "Alright, maybe I can't endure this." He reentered the dance hall, and disappeared into the crowds.

Annabelle was seated in a private room, now in a chess match against the Viscount. 'I don't understand why you would prefer this to your own party.'

"I like quiet company. After a while, the noise starts to give me a headache." He moved his bishop to take her rook.

Her knight took the bishop. 'Check.'

The Viscount sighed and leaned back in his seat. "I've never gotten this far in a game of chess with a woman before. I'm very impressed."

'You flatter me.'

"Indeed I do, my little robin." He moved his knight to take her pawn. "Perhaps I can show you some more amusements?"

'Oh? Like what?' She moved her queen into place. 'Checkmate.'

"Hm, you might be a bit young for it."

Against her gut feeling, Annabelle was curious. 'Please don't tease me, my Lord.'

"Alright, my sweet, we can go." He helped her out of her chair and led her out of the room and further into the manor. She could hear the voices of the party-goers starting to fade away. He went up a flight of stairs and pulled a tapestry to the side. A hidden door was positioned behind it. "Secret tunnels was my grandfather's speciality when constructing homes. I hope this provides enough entertainment for you this evening. After you, little robin."

Steeling her resolve, she stepped into the hidden room. As the door shut, a heavy smell washed over her. It was sickly sweet, like the entire room was doused in rose oil. Her vision began to blur and her body fell back towards the door. Trying to keep her eyes open, she felt her body give away and she slumped to the ground.

"See? Aren't you enjoying yourself, my little robin?" His voice faded as she lost consciousness.

Author's Note: Yay cliffhanger!