Author's Note: I truly have no excuses as to why this is so late, I apologize so much for the delay in updates, and hope you all enjoy this chapter. N.S.L. Jewelles is still away and I am no good at checking for misspellings (my computer doesn't have spell check), so any errors in this chapter are my fault, and I apologize ahead of time for them! Thanks everyone and I hope you all review and let me know what you think! DonJuanTriumphs
Chapter Thirty-Six: A Decision Must Be Made
Christine shifted, her body protesting any movement. She did not want to wake! Turning onto her side she snuggled her face against the large, warm body beside her. When it murmured something sleepily and pulled her closer Christine's eyes snapped open to land on the face of her still sleeping husband. Seeing him when she woke up was one of the highlights of her entire day...but immediately she knew something was different. Shifting, she felt her completely nude body rub against his nude body. Tingles ran down her spine even as a blush blossomed on her cheeks. Last night...last night was the final testament to their love for one another. They had finally shown physically how much they loved eachother. She shifted closer to Erik as images of the night prior flooded her mind. Christine felt...whole, complete, she finally felt like a true woman in every sense of the term.
Then, to find out that she had never been touched by Edmund...It had made what had already been a special night mean that much more. She would never question her blessing, and would thank God every day for the miracle he had granted her and her husband. Briefly, and without concious thought, Christine's hand drifted to her stomach. Had Erik's seed taken root? A smile emerged. Nicolette and Adrian she loved with all of her heart but she would love more than anything to some day carry Erik's child. She wanted his children, and hoped that he would not be against the idea. The more she thought about, in fact, the more she prayed it would happen.
But for the time being she was content with her two children and the man holding her in his arms. There was much that still needed to be done. Edmund had to be handled, as did Gabrielle. The idea of that woman did not sit well with her. She could not stay in that dungeon forever. A decision would have to made, and until it was their life would be on a standstill. Christine wanted to know how her husband would approach the situation with Gabrielle. Would he reveal what had happened all those years ago? Reveal Edmund's deception? Would it do any good to ressurect old ghosts? If he were to let her go without a word than she and her brother would be free to continue plotting revenge on Erik, which would leave them in the same situation as they had been in before. No progress whatsoever. She knew, though, that no matter what she thought, Erik had to figure it out on his own. It was his past, his demons, and it would be his decision. If he needed her, she would be there, and no matter what happened her arms would always be there to give him comfort.
The sun had already made its way into the sky, the light washing over the room. Christine knew that everyone would be up and about, but she desperately did not want to leave the haven of her husband's arms. Everything was forgotten, nothing mattered but him, and she was thankful for any and all time she was allowed with him. Erik was stirring beside her, the light having fallen on his face. It seemed surreal that they had made love last night. So long they had waited, so long they had wanted, and it had finally come true! Without opening his eyes, Erik guided her mouth to his own, feeling her sigh against him in pleasure. Perhaps he did not want to get up any more than she did. It was a welcome thought. When his hands began roaming over her already bare body, she knew that it would be quite some time before they left their room...
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"My lord!"
Erik stopped, turning to look at Marc. The other man fell into step beside him, for a moment silence reigning between them. The Dark Prince allowed his thoughts to wander, thinking of Christine. Even now she lay in their bed, asleep, her body exhausted from the bouts of lovemaking that had kept them in their chambers for several hours.
He, too, was tired, and it not only had to do with the lovemaking, but the fact that he had not slept much after Christine's dozed off. Again and again he remembered the fact that Christine had not been touched by Edmund. It had seemed like a wish that would never be granted, and he would never be able to tell his wife how upset he had been when he had learned she had been touched by another. To think that she had been violated was the worse thing he could possibly imagine. Then to have Edmund be the culprit, it just made it that much worse. To know that none of it was was true was a feeling unlike anything he could ever describe.
In the back of his mind he had questioned why Devereux would claim to do something so vile, and convince Christine in the process. But Erik was not a fool, he knew that his one time friend had hoped that he would be able to somehow tear he and Christine apart, and if he had not loved her so much, it might have worked. A thought that scared him. Again he was reminded of the Edmund he had once known, a man who would never stab his best friend in the back, who would always be there to help him if he needed it. The night that he had told Erik that Gabrielle had been married when she had not been had been the betrayal that had led to so many others.
A betrayal that, for a very long time, had affected his wife. It did not seem fair that she had to deal with all of these things. She had nothing to do with what had happened in the past and she was paying the highest price. To Erik, it was a testament of her love for him that she stayed by his side and was there for him when he needed her. That was, perhaps, the one thing that Edmund had not counted on. Their love for one another. Gabrielle he had loved, and he knew he had had a deep affection for Isabel...but what he felt for Christine went beyond either of those relationships. He knew it seemed ridiculous, but he truly felt as if she had been made for him in every way. As if God had created her so that she might be the love of his life, and he was the same for her. His other two relationships were only tests that made him a stronger man, a man worthy of Christine's love.
Thinking of Christine, even now lying in bed, looking for all the world like a tempting goddess, had his body coming to life even after being repeatedly sated. He had not wanted to leave her side, content to hold her for the remainder of the day and long into the night. However, things needed to be done, and he would need to force his attention away from his alluring wife.
"What do you plan to do with Gabrielle, my lord?" Marc asked, glancing at the other man. Erik sighed. That was a rather good question. What was he going to do with Gabrielle? He had been thinking about that since the moment she had arrived, and as of yet he had not come up with a logical answer. He had so many reasons to despise her, and yet he knew that he would never be able to hurt her. He cursed his weak will, but knew that punishment of any sort was out of the question, he could never raise his hand to her, which left him very little options.
His main struggle, however, was not with her, it was her conniving brother that needed to pay for all that had happened in the past and in the present. This, too, he did not know how to accomplish! Never in his life had he ever felt so unsure. It was weighing heavily on his mind, and he knew he would not truly be at peace until he figured out what had to be done. "She has tried to escape numerous times already, my lord," Marc continued.
"Guards are being rotated periodically?" he demanded. The other man nodded. He knew Gabrielle was not going to sit in that cell and rot. She would do everything in her power to see to it that she gained her freedom. He knew as well that she was capable of achieving such a goal. Men seemed unable to resist her charm, and he feared one of his knights would free her with the promise of what she could give him. Not an appealing idea. "Any news regarding Edmund?" Erik asked, glancing at the knight at his side.
He had had men watching Edmund since the moment Christine had been returned to him. He needed to know of his comings and goings, and anything of importance that went on in that man's life. Yet somehow the man watching had missed Gabrielle sneaking away, and she was now in his hands...It was always good to know your enemy, and now was no different. Knowing Edmund's every move made Erik feel like Christine was not in any danger. He would protect her with his life, but after being taken from him once, he was constantly worried. If it should happen again...No, he could not let his thoughts stray to such places, it would not do any good. If his mind was clouded with fears and concerns, he would not be focused on Christine's welfare. He needed to forget everything that bothered him or it would get in the way of what needed to be done.
"My man informed me that Edmund has not left the chateau since Lady Christine was returned, my lord," Marc said. Erik sighed again. What was Edmund plotting that he had himself locked away for such a large amount of time. Did he know of the reason his sister was here? Her plans? Gabrielle had never worked well with Edmund, if they were working together this time it would mean that he had much more trouble on his hands then he would like to deal with.
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The sound of water dripping echoed around Gabrielle. The ever persistant noise was slowly driving her mad. She felt like a caged tiger, walking back and forth in her cell. She was not used to being in such close quarters and she did not like it. She felt incredibly out of control, and that was one thing Gabrielle refused to tolerate. She always had to be in control or it could be her downfall.
Nothing was going according to plan and knowing that Erik was keeping her locked up in this dungeon was not doing anything for her already sour mood. The guards that protected her cell had more willpower than she would have imagined. There was no doubt in her mind that these men feared the Dark Prince and what he would do to them should she escape. Ruling with fear. She liked that. Men should quiver at the sight of their lord and master, it meant that he was doing what he should in his position. Love and loyalty...Gabrielle resisted the urge to spit. Such things were useless, and would never get anyone what they wanted. She had learned that the hard way.
However, she could not dwell on the past, she needed to regroup her plans and hope that they would be of more use than the ones she had made prior. Unconciously her mind drifted to her brother. What was Edmund doing? Was he making any further attempts to finally bring down Erik? Gabrielle scoffed. No, she knew Edmund, if anything he would sitting at the chateau waiting for her to finish what she said would be done. He was useful for nothing! It pained her to think that she was related to him in any way...such a disgrace. Well, she would not be like her brother, or her mother and father before them. She would make a difference, and she would make Erik pay even if it was the last thing she did...
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"Your supper, my lord." One of the serving maids bowed low after placing Edmund's dinner in front of him. Not meeting his gaze, the young woman hurried away like a frightened mouse. The great hall was now filled with silence, the only noise to be heard Edmund's soft breathing. The long table stretched out before him, completely empty, making the room feel even colder than normal. Of late he had demanded that no one disturb him while he ate. His mind was coursing with thoughts and when he ate was the only time he could truly concentrate. Gabrielle had been gone far too long. He should have known that her plans were foolish, and would not accomplish anything. But she had been so sure...and for a time he had been almost as sure. Anything and everything was a welcome suggestion when it came to the downfall of their worst enemy.
Ah, Erik...who would have thought that we would end up in such a place? When he had first met the young boy who would later grow up to be one of the most feared knights in history, he would have never believed that they would become such hated enemies. Why am I surprised? I made sure that this happened. However, no matter how hard he tried not to, his thoughts turned towards Isabel...the one woman who had ever held his heart. Married to the man that was guareenteed to see her dead before their marriage was over. And he was right with that prediction, she had died because she should have never been with Erik in the first place. Of course the masked man had tricked her, and because of it Death had become her lover.
And now the one man that deserved nothing had everything he himself wanted. A beautiful wife...the thoughts of Christine seemed to torment him always, taunting him with dreams of things he could never have for himself. Then to think that Erik was father to the daughter of the woman he loved. Nicolette should have been his, could have been his if Erik had not tricked Isabel into marrying him. Poor Isabel...how had she been able to stand the idea that she was carrying that animal's offspring? It was too horrific to think about. And for a long time after realizing that she was carrying his enemies child...Edmund had given up on the fact that would ever be his...until... his eyes drifted towards the parchments lying beside his food.
He had received one of those parchments when he had completely given up hope. Isabel's flowing handwriting ran the length of the page. For quite some time the two of them had kept in touch through letters. He did not know how she had managed to receive his with Erik around her, but she managed, and her words were the only thing that had seemed to keep him going through that horrible time. Of course the Dark Prince had found out what was going on and quickly put a stop to them corresponding...What had it felt like, Erik, to know that your wife truly wanted me? That she was writing to me because she could not stand the sight of you? Though it had pained him when she was no longer able to write, he still had the ones she had sent him so many years ago, and of late he found himself reading them again and again, trying to get closer to her when otherwise it would have been impossible.
Knowing he was only tormenting himself, Edmund picked up one of the old parchments, his eyes scanning over the surface.
My dearest Edmund,
I know that I truly have no right to get into contact with you...but forgive me, Edmund, I could not help myself...I think about you all the time, and I could no longer resist getting into contact with you. My husband...he knows not that I am writing, otherwise you would never have received this. The reason I wrote this letter is because I finally found the courage to say that I do care for you, Edmund, and I hope that you can forgive me for marrying and hurting you. I never meant to hurt you.
I want you to know that I treasure the nights of passion we shared...they are the only thoughts that sustain me when ever he tries to lay his hands on me. I know it is my wifely duty to give my body to my husband...but he is so hideous Edmund! His face...I have never seen anything like it in my life! Even now, writing this, my skin crawls in revulsion. I know it will pain you to read this, but I am pregnant with his child, a fact that I think you are already aware of. It disgusts me to think that I carry that things child. I have tried unsuccessfully to rid my body of what is growing inside of me, but to no avail. The Prince watches me constantly now, and every time I try something he stops me...he can be extremely rough when he wishes, and he only wants the child alive so he can torment me. I am sure he never believed that he would reproduce, probably believing that his face would be carried on, and yet he forces me to carry this child, a whelp I do not want. My parents' would have died if they found out that I carried the devil's offspring...
Never mind, Edmund, I do not want you to worry over me. For now I can take care of myself. But it would make things so much easier to know that you would write to me occassionally...I often wonder how you are. I truly do miss you, and only wish that I could see you...to know that someone in the world might still care for me. Please do not hate me for my actions...I regret them, which, in itself, is punishment enough...I could not stand for you to hate me too.
All my love,
Isabel
For a long time after receiving this letter Edmund had debated over whether or not he should write back to her. His heart was screaming at him to do so, but his wounded pride was holding him back. But hearing that it was his touch she craved, not Erik's, was enough to make him write back. Their correspondence lasted for some time, and each letter became more and more intimate. Isabel talked about how she dreamed of him at night, his hands all over her skin...making her body ignite in flames. She would tell him that she would wake up in a cold sweat, her entire body aching for him and him alone.
After reading such words his own body would harden in arousal, and he would wish more than anything that she was there, in his bed, giving him the pleasure he had only ever received in her arms. Soon it was not only Isabel that had such dreams, but he himself. Only another thing to add to his constant torment. Then to think Erik touched what was his...that only caused anger to boil in his veins. Isabel would often tell him of how cruel Erik was to her, how he used her for his own plaything. It disgusted him how much of an animal his friend truly had become. Why does this come as a shock to me? He raped Gabrielle for God's sake! What made me so certain that he would not harm Isabel?
Hearing that Erik had raped Gabrielle after claiming so profusely to love her...it had been the spark that had ignited his already fuming anger, a fire that was even now burning brightly. His sister had once been innocent and pure, such a contradiction to who she was now. The cold, unfeeling person Gabrielle had become was thanks to the man she had loved so much. This change had been caused by Erik, and he would get his revenge still. Not only for his sister, but for Isabel as well.
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Christine gasped when she was pulled into a secluded corner of the great hall. Before she had time to struggle, a warm mouth landed on hers, passion flaring all the way down to her toes. When he pulled away she smiled up at him. "Erik..." she breathed, more happy than she ever remembered being. When she had woken up it had been well passed noon and she had been quite embarrassed to finally make an appearence, sure everyone would know what had kept her in bed so late. Then Nicolette and Adrian had come running to her and asked her endless questions, informing her that they had been looking for her for hours. Erik had been in the training yard so she had spent the remainder of the afternoon with the children. She had just been helping with supper when Erik had grabbed her.
"Is it time for bed yet?" he murmured, a slight pleading tone to his voice. She giggled, shaking her head. He growled, pressing kisses against her neck. "Why not? We can slip away without anyone noticing," he said, trying to persuade her.
"I know not about you, but I am starving!" she laughed, pushing him away. She had sauntered a few steps away from him when she turned to meet his gaze once more. "And I do believe we shall both be needing our energy..." she said, her meaning in her voice. Erik made a move as if to grab her, but Christine made her escape and disappeared into the kitchens, laughing.
Erik ran a hand over his face. Who would have known that his wife was such a tease! It seemed impossible that he could want her again, but he did, as if he had never touched her at all. Luckily the distraction he needed came when Nicolette came running over to him. After getting her settled he sat himself down, waiting for their meal to be served. Nicolette was talking nonstop about all she had did that day, and Adrian, to her right, remained silent, although he was smiling. When Christine finally joined them supper proceeded her. Erik took her hand, beginning to eat. Throughout the meal he glanced around himself in a sort of amazement. His eyes would rest on his wife, and then his two children. He had a family...
After everything that had happened in his past with Gabrielle, Edmund, and Isabel...he would have never believed that he would be here tonight, sitting with the three people that meant the world to him. It seemed like too much of a miracle. God had truly been merciful to grant him his greatest desire: a family. I will never take them for granted. This promise was not something he was ever going to take lightly. He loved them all too much to not treasure every moment he had with them.
"Erik..." Christine said, drawing him into a conversation. For the first time his chateau hummed with warmth and laughter, surrounding him completely. As he looked upon his wife throughout their meal, he could clearly see the love she had for him in her eyes. They seemed to glow every time she gazed at him, and her smile never wavered. When she spoke to the children he could see how wonderful of a mother she truly was...the more he thought about how wonderful she was, and how lucky a man he had become, the more he began to realize that something was missing...a small piece of the puzzle had yet to be put in place.
His mask...Christine had not seen him without it. She had given him her body and her heart without reservations, yet he had not trusted her with his deepest, darkest secret...Guilt washed over him and a sense of shame he had not felt in quite some time. She had every right to know what he hid. If she loved him as much as he was sure she did, than his face would not matter. Briefly he pictured her looking upon him, her face twisted with horror, but he pushed such thoughts aside. His Christine would never do that...she would never turn away from him. He felt a slight pressure on his hand, and turned to see the very woman he was thinking about looking at him with some concern.
"Are you alright, my love?" she whispered, concern more than obvious in her eyes. He smiled reasurringly at her, squeezing her hand.
"Yes, little one, everything is just fine," he murmured. She continued to frown, and he wondered how she knew that he was lying. Did she truly know him that well?
"Just tell me when you need me, Erik, I will always be here," she said softly, so no one in the room could hear her. Erik smiled again. Yes, he could trust this woman, and he loved her so much he knew he could not hide it from her any longer. Tonight, he would show her who he truly was, and then not a part of him would not be hers, and he would no longer be holding anything of himself back.
"I know, Christine, thank you..."
The doors of the great hall swung open, the evenings cool air floating through the room. Erik looked up to see Marc and Raoul making their way towards him, their expressions grim. Immediately a sense of dread washed over him. He could feel Christine grow tense beside him, as if she, too, knew something was not right. When the two men reached them they bowed respectfully.
"My lord, may we speak with you in private?" the older of the two men asked. Erik frowned.
"What is it?" he demanded, not really keen on being patient.
"I do not think you would wish-"
"What is it, Marc?" Christine asked. Erik glanced at her, noting the regal tone to her voice. The two knights glanced at eachother, but knew that they could remain quiet no longer.
"My lord, my lady...Gabrielle has escaped."