This is a lot of dialogue, but I still hope it is enjoyable. I would love any critiques or recommendations. Also, I am so grateful for all the reviews! I cannot believe I have more than a hundred on this story! Ahh! Thank you all SO much. Here we go!
Chapter 35: The Mysterious Meeting
Christine POV:
Around her the world was in a pool of chaos, but Christine couldn't deny the bubbling feeling of bliss in her stomach. As the carriage jostled in its rapid attempt to escape the growing crowd of onlookers, Christine couldn't help but reminisce. The smoke behind her blurred away and was replaced by an explosion of colours.
I hate that I care about you
Her mind omitted the first part of his sentence, focusing on the fact that he admitted his feelings for her. His sweet words caressed her and she felt like she was floating on a cloud. He too craved her touch and dreamed about her when she was gone. She felt the exact same way about him, and to hear him admit that hidden truth made her heart soar. She could still feel his lips as they brushed her knuckles, not once, but twice. His tight grip around her as they danced and as they hugged lingered on her skin and she imagined leaping back into his embrace. There she felt safe, blissfully unaware of the chaos around her.
And like a madwoman, she smiled to herself as the carriage rode away from the burning building towards the palace.
Nadir POV:
Nadir glanced around the room, his grip tight on the small knife he had hidden on his hip. To the other soldiers of the room, he sat casually at the table, his arms crossed across his chest. However, Nadir was far from relaxed. The room was filled with anarchists and rebels, all of them not too keen on seeing the chief of police at their secret meeting either.
"May I offer you something to drink, Daroga?" The young man across the table asked. Nadir struggled to look at him as he was the spitting image of his father. However, he knew that this prince was nothing like the monster he physically resembled. It gave Nadir the courage to smile slightly.
"You are too kind, your majesty." He nodded.
Mozaffar, the exiled son of the Shah of Persia, didn't snap his fingers like his father. Instead, he turned and politely asked for assistance from a servant, who raced nonetheless for the nearest bottle of wine. Nadir had limited interactions with the Shah's wife, but he credited her with Mozaffar's stark differences. She had been adamant on raising him on her own, often tricking the governesses and sneaking away with her son for day long errands.
Women… Nadir thought. Even if physically weaker, they have a strength that a man could never possess.
The back door opened and everyone turned. A guard entered, behind him, two young men.
Two white men.
They were clearly related, both possessing gaunt jawlines speckled in hairs from their long travels. They had blonde, curly hair and bright blue eyes. The older one, taller and more defined, nodded towards Mozaffar. He instantly deduced that they must have been the Europeans he had heard so much about.
"Your majesty. It is an honour to meet you in person."
Nadir's pulse quickened. They spoke French? The two men shook hands. "Welcome monsieur de Chagny, how was your journey?"
Nadir blacked out the rest of their conversation, his eyes widening. Out of the entire continent of Europe, their aid had to come from the Chagnys?
Nadir had heard plenty of the Chagny family. It began with Erik's hatred for Raoul, a man he barely mentioned by name if it was not followed by expletives and slander. That 'fop' as his friend called him, was the man who caught his love's eye. Jealousy and rage were associated with him before the involvement of his father. Charles de Chagny was another matter entirely...
His eyes glossed over to the other brother, a handsome young man with a boyish grin. Unlike his brother, he still had some semblance of boyhood with his soft cheekbones barely defining themselves. Nadir gulped as the young man stepped forward to introduce himself.
"Raoul de Chagny." He said while shaking Mozaffar's hand. "A pleasure to meet you, your majesty."
Nadir glanced over to Darius, who absent-mindedly picked at some dirt in his nails. Nadir nearly cursed under his breath. If that boy paid attention he would do great things.
"Darius." He whispered. "You need to find him."
Darius looked up at him, confused. After a moment's thought, he replied hesitantly. "He should be here any moment-"
"Precisely. You must do everything in your power to stop him from attending."
"Do you really think that pup would be able to stop me?"
Nadir's body reacted in two very different ways. His stomach churned, as if he had eaten something rotten. But his eyes rolled like a young girl being told off by a parent. Of course Erik was already here. "Why can't you just use the door?" Nadir hissed, turning to the shadows behind him. He could now see the amber eyes of his dear friend lurking in the shadows. There was only one candle that lit the room, barely highlighting the identifying features of the men that sat around the table. Nadir had to admit that, despite the guards and security measures, it would have been child's play for Erik to sneak in.
But as Nadir feared, Erik's eyes did not even glance at him when he turned. Instead, they were focused on a particular European.
"You two must be the ones that carelessly set an explosion off in the middle of the city." Erik stated, ignoring his friend as he emerged from the darkness. The entire room grew still, their eyes widening. Everyone had heard about the Angel of Death, though very few had seen him and survived. Nadir watched as many grabbed the swords at their hips.
"Angel of Death...I did not know you had arrived." Mozaffar said warily. "Thank you for joining us."
The two Frenchmen studied the Angel of Death, slowly taking their seats at the table. The elder brother smiled warmly, like a true politician despite the accusations. "We were told to send a signal once we arrived at the location. We did what we could with the little supplies we had. I assure you that no one was in the building when it caught on fire, however, we only lit the top floor to ensure everyone's safety." He furrowed his brow. "I am vicomte Phillipe de Chagny, good sir, and you are?"
"Do you not listen? I am the Angel of Death."
Nadir let out a ragged exhale. Despite being unnecessarily dramatic, Erik was also omitting a threatening aura. Nadir did not like the look of fear in the eyes of the men at the table. All of them were capable of causing great damage if provoked. Phillipe on the other hand, did not seem worried about Erik's dark tone. "An alias for a masked man. I fear, Angel of Death, I know you by another name."
Nadir gulped. Erik chuckled darkly. "Pray tell?"
Raoul leaned forward, his attention now focused. His hands reached to his hip where his fingers gripped what Nadir could only assume was a pistol. There was venom in his voice. "Are you the Phantom of the Opera?"
Erik laughed, a laugh only a maniac could produce. Nadir noticed how everyone winced, some even gasped. "I am he."
Raoul gritted his teeth. "Forgive me, your highness, for my hostility. This is the man who kidnapped my fiancé after years of torturing her at the Opera. I feel nothing but hostility towards this monster."
"Watch your tongue, boy." Erik countered. "Your title will not save you here."
"I know who you are and of your past at the Populaire. Do not act as though you have any power over me, Phantom."
Mozaffar raised his hands. "Enough, please. Set aside your past. Both of you are here for a reason, and you will have to learn to work together. This coup is the only way we can save your fiancé and Persia. In order for us to be free of my father's grip, we must work together. Please, Vicomte, Angel, be the better man. As difficult as it will be, you will need to co-operate to succeed."
Raoul set his jaw, glaring at the shadow of a man in front of him. Nadir glanced back at Erik, who remained in the corner. It was difficult to read his emotions behind his mask, but Nadir was certain this quarrel was far from over. Raoul finally caved. He crossed his arms across his chest, letting Nadir exhale a hushed sigh knowing he was no longer holding his gun. "I can be civil." He stated. "For her, I will do anything."
Everyone slowly relaxed. Erik released an angry huff as he sulked in the back to the corner of the room, a clear sign that he would be peaceful for the time being. All looked towards Mozaffar, except for Raoul. Nadir was certain Erik returned the glare with a menacing scowl.
"Now, I must thank you all for coming." Mozaffar continued. "Your bravery and dedication to this cause will be what saves Persia from my father's tyranny. Tomorrow, we will storm the castle and bring it down from the inside. We have the people on our side, and with them, we will succeed."
Nadir listened intently, his eyes glancing around to the members of the table. He did his best to ignore the testosterone fueled stares of the vicomte and Erik, instead focusing on the real matter at hand.
There were three other men who sat at the table, a handful of their men standing behind them. One was a politician, a man of good faith that Nadir had worked with closely for many years. The other two, however, were members of rebellious forces. The worst of the two was Javad Bijan: a former for hire mercenary that often supported violent methods. Nadir had been searching for him for many years, now he was only a few feet in front of him. Although they both believed in democracy, Javad was willing to burn down cities full of innocents to achieve it. Javad must have felt Nadir's stare, as he turned and smirked in his direction. Nadir's grip tightened on the knife handle. Although Javad supported Mozaffar's rule, Nadir was certain there was some sort of exchange between them. He did not trust either of them, especially Javad.
"We will continue with our original plans. There is a system of underground tunnels that will allow us to enter the palace undetected. Once we are in, Javad and Ali's forces will take out the guards. Nadir, you said that some of the guards will be aiding us?"
Nadir nodded. "Few of them, but they will be a great help nonetheless. I have ensured that they remain near the main hall to help us enter. They will wear blue scarves, like my apprentice here, around their heads. At first, they may seem to be against you, but I promise you can trust them."
Raoul and his brother sat and listened intently, a translator whispering everything that was said to them. Nadir eyed them quizzically before pulling out a map. He spread it out on the table, ensuring that everyone could see the detailed plans he and Erik had drawn. To his surprise, the two Frenchmen studied it closely. In great detail, Nadir described where and how the troops would enter the tunnels. They all listened intently, asking questions and clarifications frequently.
"Where would the opera cast be kept?" Phillipe asked. Nadir waited politely for the translator to translate into Persian, though he understood the Vicomte. It honestly gave Nadir time to think of how he wanted to answer the question.
"Most of them will be kept in the dungeon. If you wish, you may join Ali and his forces, but take this tunnel once you reach the second fork."
"Most of them?"
Nadir hesitated, finally feeling the glare of the Angel of Death on his back. "Some of the women have been taken to the harem, though they have been untouched."
Raoul's shoulders slumped, his jaw slackening. "Is...Please tell me Christine isn't..."
Nadir sighed. "I am afraid she has. However, monsieur, I promise that she has not been harmed. None of them have. We have been doing our best to ensure their safety."
"Which other women have been put in the harem?" Phillipe asked. He too seemed pale.
"The other ballerinas. The rest remain in the dungeon. We have been able to free a few of them, ones that we knew would be killed. They will arrive in Paris in a few weeks."
"Who did you send?"
"I believe they were known as Reiner, Matilda, and Bastian. That leaves nine in the dungeon, including the managers. They will need medical attention as soon as possible. I am afraid their time here has not been kind. We will free the ballerinas from the harem. The eunuchs who guard them are some of the best, so it would be best if those who are experienced with their fighting style attack them. I promise you, messieurs, we will ensure they escape. Your focus should be on cast in the dungeon."
"Who do you mean by 'we'?" Raoul interjected, glaring at the looming shadow behind Nadir.
"He means me." Erik snarled.
"No." Raoul defied. "I do not trust him. I will go."
"You have no choice." Nadir quickly said in French, but Erik responded nonetheless. "There is no way we could get you to her without alerting the guards of the oncoming attack."
"Then send someone else." Raoul pleaded sternly.
"Who do you think has been protecting her this entire time?" He snarled, enjoying watching Raoul's eyes widen.
"If I learn that you've hurt her, I swear to God-"
"You will do what, monsieur? Please, enlighten me."
"Stop it." Nadir hissed over his shoulder. Mozaffar grabbed onto Raoul's arm.
"Angel of Death, I must thank you as well for your commitment to this cause. We are grateful that you mapped out these tunnels. Have you come up with a plan to close them off once we are done?" Nadir internally thanked him for diverting the conversation.
Erik nodded. "Ensure that you are out of the tunnels before 6 o'clock. They will be sealed off indefinitely then."
Javad raised his hand, smiling as he asked his next question. "What are we to do once we reach the throne room?"
Mozaffar hesitated. "I will confront my father. I will give him the chance to step down willingly. Otherwise...I will take matters into my own hands. He belongs to me, no others will touch him."
"But the rest of the loyalists are ours to dispose with?"
Nadir shuddered at the vile tone in his voice. Javad thirsted for blood, but Mozaffar needed his help.
"Do what you must."
They continued to discuss the matters at hand. Nadir remained mostly silent, but Erik remained completely wordless. The tension in the air remained thick, like the humid air in the city center. Yet no one dared continue the conversation about the opera crew. The two vicomtes talked openly, their input and expertise actually helpful. Nadir was quite impressed with their strategic ability and the advice that they gave. It fine tuned their plan, even in areas that he and Erik had overlooked. It seemed as though they were not just here to rescue their damsels in distress, but genuinely concerned about the political unrest in Persia.
Once the plan was set, Javad and Ali left with their men. Nadir gave his politician friend a brief farewell. He returned back to Erik quickly, who remained unmoved in the corner. He motioned to Darius to stand.
"We should leave." Nadir whispered, his statement more of a plea. But Erik remained silent, listening to Mozaffar as he talked with the Chagny brothers.
"I must thank you for your support." Mozaffar smiled at the two Frenchmen. "Once this is done, I will be eager to meet with your leaders to discuss our future of peace with Europe."
Phillipe nodded. "Thank you, Mozaffar. I am certain this plan will succeed. You have our support."
Mozaffar turned to Raoul. "I had no idea that your fiancé was a part of the Opera."
Raoul nodded, putting on his gloves. "It would have been her last year. As vicomtess, she would be free from that barbaric lifestyle. I should have been more stern and forced her to stay. I don't think I will ever forgive myself."
"I trust Daroga Khan." Mozaffar mentioned. "I trust his word that she is safe."
Raoul shook his head. "She must be so terrified. She isn't strong enough to endure such horrors on her own."
Nadir backhanded Erik's chest quickly before he could speak. "Don't. He isn't worth your time." Nadir could feel Erik tremble in anger, like a volcano ready to erupt.
"You must truly love her to come this far." Mozaffar continued, unaware of Nadir's warning.
"I would travel any lengths of the earth for her. She is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen and I will never lose her." Raoul turned, glaring towards the phantom. "Not to anyone."
Erik hissed but was again interrupted by Mozaffar.
"Any questions before we depart?"
Nadir prayed for Mozaffar's well timed interruptions. They were so close to leaving this nearly catastrophic meeting. But Nadir's hopes of leaving peacefully were shattered when Raoul turned towards the group.
"Yes." Raoul stated, glaring back at the Angel of Death. "We have acquired a military supply truck to lead the opera cast out of the city and to a boat in the Caspian Sea. From there, we have travel arrangements to get back to France. The truck will be waiting not far from the main gate entrance. We will leave with all of the crew."
Nadir nodded. "We predict that they will be in the throne room with the Shah. He often has members of the harem come to community meetings to show off his fortune. Darius will escort them to the truck as soon as it is safe."
"Christine will stay with me."
Nadir froze. It was as if all the oxygen in his lungs were pulled out. No one spoke, but all stared wide eyed at the Angel of Death. Nadir turned to his friend, staring at him with confusion. Erik had been adamant that Christine was to return to Paris and to the vicomte. Nadir understood how difficult that decision had to be, but it was for the best. What was he even thinking? There was a slim chance that both of them would survive this ordeal, how was protecting a young woman on top of this going to change that. Even then, what would he do if they all miraculously survived? Both of them had agreed that she would be better off living in high society in Paris, not hiding from the world in some distant country.
"Erik?" Nadir questioned, though his low voice was drowned out by the outburst of the vicomte.
"She comes with me. She is my fiancé!"
"She is your nothing!" Erik spat. He leaned over the table, his long gloved fingers spreading against the wood. His voice lowered to a mocking growl. "She denied you. In fact, she chose to run away to Persia just to escape you."
"Lies!" Raoul snapped, slamming his palms on the other end of the table. "She needed time to heal from her father's passing-"
"She denied you because she doesn't love you."
Raoul leapt forward, Phillipe barely able to hold back his brother. Darius ran to his aid, the two men gripping Raoul's arms.
"Stay away from her." Raoul seethed. "She comes with me. Her life is in Paris, not here!"
"Don't you pretend you care about her well being. You would deny her music, suffocate her in your selfish, spoilt world. She is music and you would kill her."
"I have never hurt her!" Raoul spat. "I have always supported Christine at the Opera. I want what is best for her, you just want her. I can only imagine the horrors you have put her through! If anyone would kill her, it would be you!"
Nadir barely had time to react. He could only watch as Erik ducked from under his reach, kicking Phillipe aside as he threw Darius out of the way. In moments, he had Raoul pinned on the table, a blade to his throat. Raoul glared up at him, doing his best to hold back the knife at his neck. Phillipe pulled out his gun, aiming it at Erik's head. But before he could make his demands, both Darius and Nadir pulled out their weapons. The room froze in a tense standstill.
"I wouldn't harm a hair on her head."
Raoul snickered, his mocking laugh cut short as Erik squeezed his throat. "If this is how you handle your emotions, I doubt that you have been so angelic to her."
"You would never be able to make her happy." Erik hissed, his arm shaking as he tried to push the blade down against Raoul's resistance. "She needs music and you would take that from her."
Raoul scoffed. "She would survive without it. I can give her anything, you can only give her pain and suffering."
Mozaffar raised his hands. "My friends! We must end this violence."
"Why don't you let her choose?" Raoul seethed in between gasps.
"Don't tell me what to do!"
"You know...she would...she would choose me...over a freak like you."
"Erik, let go of him!"
Nadir dropped his gun, wrapping an arm around Erik's throat and pulling him off the Vicomte. It was a weak chokehold, one that Erik was able to break free from quickly. However, it held him back just enough for Phillipe to pull his brother off the table and behind him. Erik froze as Phillipe raised his gun.
"I will shoot you, you devil." Phillipe threatened.
Raoul coughed and gasped for breath, quickly standing to face them. "She is capable of making her own decisions of who she wants to be with. Only a monster wouldn't be able to see that."
"She will choose me."
"Keep lying to yourself."
"Raoul, stop!" Phillipe interrupted. "There is nothing you can do to protect her if you are dead."
Erik straightened, fixing his coat. "I accept your conditions. She will choose, and I will respect that decision. But do not act surprised when she denies you a second time."
Raoul glared up at his attacker. " She will choose me, no matter what you do. But I swear, Phantom, if you take her from me, I will find you."
Nadir felt his stomach flip. Out of the corner of his mask, he could just see the far skin of his cheek tighten, the only sign that the Phantom smiled behind his mask.
"I look forward to it."
Erik POV:
Erik inhaled the cold evening air. It had taken all his strength not to rip that fop apart with his bare hands. But the thought of her crying over his corpse made him sick to his stomach.
That fop's words drove him to a new level of insanity. He looked at Christine as a naïve little girl, one incapable of protecting herself.
Maybe at one point, Erik had viewed her as the same. A beautiful young girl who needed his protection. But these past couple of days he had seen her stand up against Kings. She continued to fight despite all the horrors thrown in her way. She even found it in her heart to forgive him over and over, though he knew he never deserved it.
Christine Daae was not a terrified young woman in need of a hero to save her. That impulsive, stubborn girl he was used to had been replaced by a pillar of strength. No, she was the bravest, most talented woman he had ever met. It would be an honour to be in her presence for the rest of her life, regardless of what she chose to do.
And you will be free too?
Erik gazed at the sun, slowly setting behind the mosque. He foolishly allowed himself to hope.
"Yes, my dear. After all this, I will be free too." He whispered into the night air. After this was done, they would leave here. He would stop at nothing to ensure her happiness. Her happiness was his own, and no matter what she chose, he would respect it.
Now he had a taste of happiness, he would rather die than let it go.
Christine POV:
Jammes had been acting quite peculiar for most of the evening. When Christine had returned, she had pushed her friends away, saying that she wanted to be alone. She couldn't produce any more fake tears and lies to deceive them, especially when she was utterly ecstatic. Instead she sat in the corner on the lower floor, staring off into the distance as she dreamed about the way Erik called her angel or how he confessed his need to touch her.
Yet it was Jammes, of all people, who followed her downstairs. Christine was ready to send her away, but noticed her attention was directed somewhere else. Christine peered over her shoulder, watching her friend as she looked behind a tapestry on the adjacent corner.
"Jammes?" She questioned. The young ballerina jumped.
"Oh, I am sorry, Christine. Am-Am I disturbing you? I didn't mean to!"
"No, you were not. But I must ask what you are looking for? Have you lost-"
Jammes shh-ed her quickly, rushing over to her friend. She peered around the room, ensuring that Fazia was not in sight. There were some older women on the other end of the floor who gossiped while knitting, but their attention was focused on their task and their backs were to them.
"Christine, I think I have found something. I-I know you may not want to discuss this, but I believe I have found something important."
"What is it?"
"I think I've found a way to escape here."
Christine's breath caught in her throat. The thought of escaping the palace seemed impossible. It was filled with guards and loyalists who would instantly throw her back into her lavish prison. Worse yet, on the other side of those doors were the Shah and the Sultana, two people she feared the most. "Escape?" She questioned.
Jammes nodded, nervously looking around her. "A few days ago, I found a small metal bell that must have been a part of a decoration. I put it by the main doors so it would jingle when they were opened. I was afraid that he would enter while we were sleeping and that maybe if I put that there...we could protect you in time."
Christine squeezed her friends hand warmly. Jammes blinked away her guilty tears, one that Christine wished she could console with the truth. "Jammes, that is incredibly kind of you. But this isn't your fault-"
"You misunderstand me. I know this isn't my fault, but not because I didn't hear it, but because he didn't enter through the main door at all."
Christine's eyes widened. There was only one way into the harem and it was through that door. It was a towering barrier that prevented them from leaving the suffocating room. She wondered if maybe he had scaled the side of the palace and entered through the balcony. Her heart seized at the thought, but she knew that had to be impossible. The palace was made of smooth stone, there would be nothing to grip onto. Phantom or not, he could not fly up to the balcony unnoticed.
"I think...I think I know how he did it."
"How?"
Jammes bit her lip, motioning her to follow. They walked around the back corner towards the tapestry. The other women were too enraptured in their conversation to notice the ballerinas sneak around to the other side of the room. From here, the curve of the wall hid them.
"Look." Jammes whispered, nodding towards the tapestry. Christine leaned forward, the cool feeling of the stone therapeutic against her skin. She stared into the darkness, her eyes just able to make out the shape of something behind it. She gasped. It was the same lever she had seen in the hidden piano room. Without thinking, she reached in and pulled it.
Jammes gasped as the wall next to the tapestry silently moved, revealing a thin opening. The small tunnel entrance was lit by a burning torch, though the tunnel itself seemed to continue down into pure darkness. Christine glanced around. No one had heard them or seemed to be coming down the steps. Without thinking, she grabbed Jammes's hand and pulled her into the passageway.
"We should tell the others!" Jammes whispered.
"Fazia will notice. Let's go and see where they lead. Then we can return and save our friends when everyone is sleeping."
Jammes nodded and the two women walked further down the tunnel. Christine gripped onto the torch, raising it forward to light the path. They both gasped as the door closed behind them, trapping them within mysterious passage. They were silent, both looking around them. Jammes gripped Christine's hand. "What if this passage isn't safe?"
Christine sighed. If Erik used these, then there definitely was the chance that there were dangers lurking in the shadows. He was an assassin and a brilliant architect. Who knew what could be down here. However, he could be waiting for her on the other side of this path...
"We have to try. Let's go."
Christine led the way, holding the torch in front of her. The tunnels were small, requiring them to slightly hunch. Christine gripped onto Jammes's hand. She wasn't sure if it was to comfort herself or the trembling ballerina. They followed the tunnel as it twisted around. It came to a split and the women blindly chose a direction. Christine tried to keep a mental note of which directions they chose. The walls all seemed the same and she did not want to get lost below the palace.
Right, Left, Left, Right. She repeated in her mind. How long did these tunnels go on for?
"Look there!" Jammes whispered, her voice echoing around them. Christine squinted, gasping as she saw the wooden shape before her. It was a door. They ran forward, Christine relieved to find some end to the tunnel.
"Should we open it?" Jammes asked.
Christine scanned the door. "Here, hold this." She passed the torch to Jammes, scanning the door in the process. Christine pulled at a small wooden lever on the door, which opened a small peep hole. She glanced in, squinting to examine the dark stone pathway. Something about its design seemed familiar.
"It is the dungeon!"
Jammes groaned. "This is not where I wanted to go."
"But the rest of the crew are down here."
Jammes's eyes widened. "But-but there are guards in there. We cannot fight them off alone, can we?"
A part of her wanted to flee with Jammes back to the harem. At least there, she wouldn't be hurt. But she glanced into the familiar halls of the dungeon. Madame Giry was in there, the rest of her friends she had sworn to protect. On top of that, she had Erik now. He would protect her, no matter where she went. But he was out there, facing whippings and torture to ensure her safety. It caused her heart to ache to know he was suffering because of her. Christine straightened her back. She would be brave for herself and she would be brave for him. He could use all the help he could get.
"I think we can make it through undetected. Do you trust me?"
Jammes's eyes widened, but she hesitantly nodded. They set the torch on the ground and slowly opened the door. It was completely silent and incredibly heavy. The two girls grunted as they opened it, seeing that the other side was lined with brick. Christine nearly gasped, recognizing the room immediately.
It was where Erik had first kissed her.
She couldn't hide her blush as they closed the nearly hidden door. It felt like ages ago since he kissed her so passionately. Though his actions were entirely inappropriate, she couldn't deny that she craved the electricity of his passion again.
Christine shook her head, forcing herself to focus. She could see a small opening that served as a handle, one that she had not noticed the last time.
"I know where we are, come with me." Christine led her through the dungeon, ignoring the yells and screams of some of the prisoners. Jammes leapt, trying to flee back to the door when they yelled, but Christine kept dragging her forward. The prisoners screamed all the time, no one would think anything different about them passing through. Christine stopped at a corner, glancing around. There was a guard by the door that lead to their private cells. She huffed, knowing that there was no way they could get around him. She scrunched her brow, trying to think of some way to distract him.
"What is behind that door?" Jammes asked. Christine turned, her heart sparking with joy and fear. It was the room where Andre and Firmin had been. Before they were spotted, Christine quickly pushed Jammes in, closing the door behind them.
"Jammes." She warned. "You must be quiet. You may not like what you see. This is where Andre and Firmin are kept, but I am afraid they are not in the best health."
Jammes nodded, her body trembling as Christine slowly walked forward. Yet, the room was empty. Both of the wooden beds were bare, their empty chains laying haphazardly over the top. Both Christine and Jammes's eyes were drawn to the red stains left behind on the wood.
"Wh-where are they?"
Christine sighed. "They must be with the others. I have no idea how we are going to get past that guard."
A series of footsteps caused them to freeze. Jammes slowly stepped forward and listened against the wood. "We should leave."
Christine agreed. The two of them quickly walked back towards the door. If Erik was with them, then they could easily get past that guard. Maybe this was a part of his plan to escape all along? As they returned to the tunnel, Christine turned to look at her friend. Jammes was peeking through the hole, ensuring that no one followed them.
"We should continue down the path. Maybe we can find a way out?"
Christine agreed, taking the torch in her hand. The further they walked, however, the more her thoughtsr ate away at her insides. They were finally alone, no one listening to them. She suddenly had so much to say. "Jammes, there is something I have to tell you. But you have to keep it a secret."
Jammes stared at her quizzically. "Of course. What is wrong."
It was as if a dam within her had exploded. As they walked down the tunnels, Christine explained everything she could. She barely breathed as she explained how Erik had been protecting them all this time. He had never defiled her, nor harmed her in any way. It was all a lie to protect them. She talked about how he ensured that no one came to take them in the night. She assured her that she had not been violated, like he had seemingly intended, but in fact he had given her music and saved her from the Sultana. Jammes remained silent the entire time, her jaw loose as she listened to her friend.
"But you never told us, because Fazia is watching us?"
Christine nodded. "I had to lie, otherwise they would know he is helping us. I couldn't risk everyone's safety."
Jammes was silent for a moment. "I...I thought he was a beast for what he did to you. But this whole time, he had been protecting you...protecting us."
Christine nodded. Jammes continued. "Has he protected our friends in the dungeon? He protected Louis?"
"To the best of his ability. He plans to help us escape soon."
Jammes nodded. "I will tell no one, but I am grateful to hear your story. I cannot wait until we leave this place. I never thought I would see France again." Jammes wiped away a tear from her eyes, smiling at her friend. "You know...he clearly cares about you."
Christine blushed, causing Jammes to giggle. "And it seems you care about him too." She continued.
Christine shrugged, feigning ignorance. Before she could speak, a sliver of light caught her eye. "Jammes, look!"
Before them was an exit. A small ladder lead up to a metal grate. Next to it was another lever that Christine assumed would open it. Above was the side of the palace, the evening sun illuminating the sky. They must have been under a fake sewage grate of some kind.
"Christine. I think, if we really tried, we could get everyone out of here."
Christine nodded, smiling brightly. "With his help, Jammes. I am certain of it."
The two of them walked out of the tunnels, following the same path they came. It was miracle that they made it back without taking a wrong turn. Christine wished she had some sort of notepad that she could write down the directions. If they were to do this again, they wouldn't have time to wander aimlessly around the tunnels. On their journey back, Christine explained more about the Sultana and the Shah, two terrifying leaders she wanted nothing to do with. Jammes shivered at the mention of their names, asking questions she almost didn't want to know the answer to.
"What's was your third question?" Jammes interrupted.
"Hm?"
"You mentioned that you had wanted to ask him three questions, but never got the chance. What was your third question?"
Christine sighed. "I want to know why he wears a mask. I know who he is and I could easily identify him from a crowd. But I think...I think there is something wrong with his face, which is why he keeps it covered. I had asked him before but he brushed it off and never answered me. I am sure it isn't something he enjoyed talking about but...I just... I don't know if he trusts me enough to tell me."
Jammes thought about her words. They walked in silence for a moment before she replied. "I don't know how he will react, but I am sure he sees that you mean him no harm or disrespect. If he is willing to take lashings for your safety, then I am sure he trusts you enough to answer that question. Love is about trust, isn't it?"
Christine nodded, her heart warming. Yes, if Erik really did love her, he would trust her. That was what love was built on, wasn't it? She thought about Raoul, her dear Raoul. Yes, she loved him and she trusted him, but it wasn't how she loved Erik. With Erik, it was like the air left her lungs when he was gone. But all this time, she was able to survive without Raoul. In fact, she felt almost guilty for not thinking about him. Erik could trust her just as much as she trusted him. Maybe one day, he could love her just as much as she loved him.
Soon they arrived at the harem door. They found another peep hole and checked to make sure they would enter unnoticed.
"Jammes. Thank you for this. I have been wanting to tell you all for a long time, but haven't been able to. It feels nice to know I have such good friends by my side."
Jammes smiled. "We will always be by your side, Christine. But I will be honest, Sorelli and Meg will be furious that I knew the truth before them."
Christine laughed. "I am sure they will survive."
Carefully, the two exited the tunnel, closing it behind them quickly. They smiled at each other one last time before climbing the stairs to the first floor.
"There you are!"
The two girls froze, their hairs standing on end as Fazia raced down the steps towards them. Christine's heart rattled in her rib cage at the fierce scowl that plagued her face. It took everything she had to remain outwardly calm.
"Hello, Fazia." She greeted warmly. "We were just relaxing-"
Fazia waved her hand, silencing Christine mid-lie. "Never mind what you were doing. You must change into these immediately."
Christine and Jammes glared quizzically at the dark purple dresses in Fazia's hands. They took them hesitantly.
"What is this for?"
"The Sultana is hosting an event for very important politicians. The Shah will be attending and insists that members of his harem are present. The four of you have been specifically asked for, so you better act on your best behaviour. I will not have the reputation of my harem squandered by a bunch of pale ballerinas. Now change, quickly."
Christine felt her knees wobble, forcing her to consciously fight herself to stand. Jammes's face went pale as they looked at each other.
"The four of us?"
This is my first fanfic, and I know I have a long way to go in regards to my writing. But I hope I have explained Christine's progression from the beginning of the story. She stands up to others more and always leads with confidence. I am trying to show that she knows what she wants moreso now than at the beginning when she was just hoping for a miracle. Please be honest and if this isn't the case then I will go back and edit some more. Thank you all so much!
Phantomgirl24: Haha this is a rollercoaster, but worth it in the end! Not so sure about 'peace' anytime soon but boy are sparks about to fly. Thank you!
YinuoTong: CONGRATS! You were my 100th review. So grateful! I wish I could give you a prize but...here we are haha. I am glad you are loving the chapters. Thank you!
Lucyole: They did have a normal conversation and being with each other is just easy. Good guess on that question, but it was about the good ole mask. Erik's favourite topic of conversation haha. Thank you!
FleshofMidnight: It is quite the doozy. Was it the question you were thinking? Thank you!
