Chapter V.

Christine wasn't too pleased to hear about Erik's plan for a solution. The week wasn't too pleasant for any of them. Erik got tired of her constant "nagging" him, and Christine just listed her worries nervously and endlessly. She could not think of anything else, but her daughter's strange religion Erik chose for her, without even asking her opinion. Erik left for work in the morning, accompanied to the front door by Christine, who tried to make him change his mind, she was talking to him all the time in the morning while Erik got up, got dressed and even though he did not give her a single word of answer, or just groaned some words of displeasure in front of himself, or some soft cusswords, she continued her mini- monologues, constantly walking in Erik's heels.

- Will you shut your face for a moment and let me use the bathroom in peace at least? – He got tired of the twentieth minute of Christine's "concert aria in rondo form", as Erik called these monologues, and just decided to flee out of the situation.

The atmosphere between them got more and more gunpowder – filled, day by day. Erik was tired from working hard during the day, and he had to arrive home to Christine's rondo, to make matters worse.

- Here, – Erik slammed a piece of paper on the table in front of Christine on Wednesday evening, after tiredly returning from the construction to Christine's whining again,- is a piece of goddamned paper. List your worries and your sentences that start with "But Erik…", or "You selfish monster…", and he will answer all of them, finally and after that, he doesn't want to hear a word about this! Leave me alone, Christine, I am tired. – He sighed.

He sat down to an armchair, a bit of further from Christine, he buried his forehead in his hand and gently massaged it. Christine saw how tired he was, and sure had a headache, so she did not say anything else, but started to write. The list contained these questions and remarks:

1. At least you could have asked my opinion about giving a whole new religion to our child. It is your decision alone.

2. Do I have to be Islam as well? And you? Do you believe in God at all?

3. I hardly know that man you asked for this important role.

4. Who was Mahtab?

Erik picked up the list, read it then sighed.

- Is it all?

- Yes. – She said quietly.

- All right: Firstly, I just had the sudden idea about the Islam. I wasn't even sure the Daroga will say yes. Christine, what on Earth do you want and expect of Erik? He is not a wizard. He is only searching for a possible solution. Either the mask or this. Nothing is good for you… you can't be pleased anyway.

- It is a bit too drastic.

- Such as the situation itself. Anyway, I did not ask you about it because of two things: one: You would have said no anyway, and secondly: in Islam, it is the father's right to make decisions regarding his daughter.

- And do I have to wear a veil too?

- No. It is only the child, she will be raised like that. Christine, what is so wrong with Mahtab learning something different? Tell me, how do you know only the one religion you are following, is the One True thing? In a Persian's eyes, it is actually YOU without any beliefs. Why not teach her in time that a person is nothing less than others just because they look and think otherwise? Last Christmas, I thought to myself: just because we did it like this until now, is it the only good way? Of course, not. Change is not a bad thing, mostly. Please think about this, Christine, as I did. She will learn about new cultures, new ways of thinking, and more perspectives. You can talk to her about Christianity if you want. At least she will learn about how you think and accepts many points of view. And, to add to the philosophy: the two religions aren't that different. Islam, more or less, teaches the same things: help others, don't lie, don't steal, be good to others, accept and love your human mates…

- And why aren't they allowed to leave the house without a man?

- Because that is how they protect their women from other men, who may harm them. Either her father or her husband accompanies a woman to the streets. There is nothing wrong with it.

- I don't really know that Persian.

- He tried to save you from me with your young man. – He remarked bitterly. – If it isn't a sign of his good will, I don't know what is. He hardly knew you, Christine, and was willing to risk his life over you, by helping de Chagny. He nearly died there, you see…

- I am sorry.

- Just please be kind to him. He is a good man. I would place my daughter's life in his hands at any time. I trust him, Christine, and like him in my own way. Not much people gained Erik's trust.

- If you are sure about this… I accept your decision. I can see you want the best for the child. And… who that Mahtab was, Erik?

Silence. Erik sat back, looked like he was sick or really tired. Christine thought he fell asleep suddenly, but no. He was just staring blankly into the air.

- Erik…?

- Erik would rather not talk about it, Christine. – Finally he spoke, but his voice was as emotionless as a mechanical creature's.

- Were you in love with her? – She continued stubbornly.

- Do you know the tale of "Blue Beard"?

- Yes… - Christine nodded.

The "Blue Beard" tale again? Christine remembered back that awful night with the scorpion and the grasshopper… Erik mentioned the tale then as well, when she caught the little bag with the keys. What does he mean with this tale always…? Erik worded things so mystically sometimes.

- Well… - He spoke very quietly as he continued again. – A man's heart is like the castle of "Blue Beard", Christine. There are rooms in it he likes to guide you through, there are some of them he shows carefully, but there are also rooms that are locked… forever. And it would just give me much pain if I opened that door for you. I keep it closed not to remember it… to forget… to bury the past. – He sighed again then rose to leave.

- At least you could say something about her…

- I'd rather not, as I said.

- You sure loved her much if you name my child after her… maybe even more than you love me…?

- Why do I have to measure love on pharmacy scales? – He burst out in frustrated, tired anger. – Leave me alone Christine, please tonight Erik has had enough… don't follow him… he is working on a composition he wants to finish… and Erik needs peace and calm for it.

He left the room so quickly that Christine did not have time to ask for his forgiveness, but she knew it wasn't even that much important – if Erik got frustrated or mad it was the best to leave him alone. She silently cried in her chair. She did not think Erik will react this way to a simple question that was bugging her for months. Part of her wanted to accept and forget Erik's past, as she did not want to cause any more pain to his already tortured soul, but the other part of her was curious about the happenings and that mysterious woman Erik found worthy of such an honor, to name his only child after her.

Christine slowly went towards the nursery to check on the baby and spend some time with her in her sadness, but when she opened the door she saw Erik silently cradling the baby in his arms, softly humming the Brahms Lullaby to her. She had to smile to the thought that Erik chose the baby's company to help him calm down, instead of retreating in his study for the rest of the night, composing himself to sleep, or leave without any sleep for work the next morning.

She approached Erik from behind and put a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head back, looked Christine in the eye.

- Erik could not work. – He said with a bitter tone in his voice. – He is not calm enough. Please don't start it again. – He pleaded.

- I am sorry, Erik. – She whispered contritely.

Without an answer, Erik put an arm around Christine's shoulder and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. They stood there for a long time, like a happy family, all three of them. It was like a painting or a family photograph as they hugged each other, and finally their hand reached for each other and interweaved around their child.

- Come to bed, my dear. – He offered kindly. – It is late. - Erik finally placed Mahtab back in the cradle and stroke her tiny face with his finger, then they left the room, arm in arm.

Sunday came fast since Erik and Christine made peace. Christine was surprised to see Erik was cooking lunch. She knew he can cook, but he mostly did not like the process, it took his time he could have used for more important things. Eating and making food wasn't that important to Erik, he only cooked on special occasions or when he wanted to be kind to Christine for some reason.

- Why are you cooking? – Christine asked curiously. – You know I like it and I'd gladly cook for the Persian.

- That is something Erik wanted to avoid. – Erik laughed. – Not because of your cook, as you are a perfect cook, especially since we are married. But there are certain food the Daroga isn't allowed to have, because of his religion and you can't know about it. It would be a bit of awkward, you see. And… well, I know what his favorite is. I make it for him since he is doing such a great favor for us.

- You are so thoughtful. That is something I like the most about you Erik.

- I try my best. – He nodded.

- Erik… - She continued on a softer voice.

- Yes, dear?

- Did you show Mahtab… to the Daroga?

- I did. – Erik nodded.

- What did he say?

- Nothing. He gasped a bit.

- See? Maybe her face isn't that bad… I mean… people might not react worse to her than the Daroga.

- He was prepared to the sight, Christine, only that is how he could stay so calm. And anyway, the Daroga is very good at controlling his emotions.

- Has he ever… seen your face?

- He would not have, if it is up to Erik. – He gave an answer not directly saying yes or no, but his answer implied that he was somehow unmasked in front of the Daroga against his will.

- I am sorry…

- Don't be. But I'd be happier if you made yourself useful, my dear. Make tea. Please.

Christine obeyed and did not ask about Erik's past any more that morning.

When the Persian arrived to the address Erik gave him, with a bouquet of flowers he brought for Christine, he was amazed by the looks of Erik's home. The house by the lake did not look anything special from the outside, as Erik did not have the opportunity to build a home that meets his imaginations. But this house was breathtaking.

The exterior looked like a gothic Victorian mansion combined with some Greek columns and some Persian lantern- light on the top. It also had a beautiful big balcony on the first floor and huge windows to let light in. The garden had a smaller fountain and some benches around it. The whole house looked like it popped out of a storybook and it contained all the influences Erik has ever met in his life. The Daroga nodded and involuntarily let out a small whistle of joy and delight.

The front door flung wide- open as he wanted to walk closer to the porch and Erik hurried out to greet him.

- Salam, Mohammed! – He looked rather pleased, and made a small gesture to show the Daroga in.

- Salam, Erik… what a nice house… incredible…

- Thank you. – Erik proudly drew himself up and smirked. He loved when his work made such an effect on someone, the Daroga could hardly find his words when saw his house. That house he was so proud of.

Erik did not have anything to be ashamed of about the interior either, it was even much more beautiful than his lake house, with a beautiful grand foyer with a staircase the Daroga could have sworn was taken from the Opera, awesome arches and large, comfortable rooms. Erik guided him through the house, partly because he was pleased about the Daroga's admiration and partly because he thought the Persian actually deserved to see his home now that he accepted his daughter.

When they stepped in the nursery, the Persian smiled contently.

- She has a very nice room, Erik. You sure made a great job.

- Only the best for my family. – Erik replied a bit more silently.

- And… where is our baby? – The Persian asked kindly.

- Here, asleep. – Erik stepped closer to the cradle. – She has a good habit to sleep with facing her back to the visitors. – He added, letting out a bitter laugh.

- Erik! – It was Christine's displeased voice.

- Just kidding. – Erik sighed.

- May I pet her? – The Daroga took a few steps closer.

- Just gently not to wake her up. – Erik looked at the Daroga with surprise. Why on Earth would someone other than him and Christine want to touch the thing?

- Thank you Erik, I will be careful with her. You know that … I know a lot about babies. – Their gaze met for a second and then Mohammed gently caressed the baby's back with his fingers. – Hello Mahtab, my darling. – He added softly.

Erik could not believe his eyes and ears. He knew the Daroga was a good man and he accepted to be his daughter's Godfather, and he also knew he wasn't a squeamish person but he still did not think the Daroga would ever want to touch Mahtab. He guessed their relationship will be similar as his was with his poor unhappy mother – Mahtab will not let to approach the Daroga withing touching range and he will only talk to her.

"Stop, back away! To your place!" – He suddenly heard his mother's cold and desperate voice in his mind. "I said to your place! Don't come so close… do you hear me…? Away!" These words echoed in his ears. "Erik!...Erik….!" Why did she call him Erik…? She did not even know he uses this name….

- Erik… are you all right? – He lifted his head and looked at the Daroga with a confused look in his eyes. Was the Daroga calling him…? Of course it was… his mother died so long ago… oh those flashbacks… they drive him crazy.

- Let's go to eat. – He answered, without acknowledging the worried look on Christine's and the Daroga's face.

Christine was a bit of irritated that Erik changed his beliefs so much. He did not even pray before meal, however it was Sunday. She did, despite of everyone else's lack of prayers. It felt a bit awkward, though. The Daroga was very kind during lunch, he complimented the fact that his favorite meal was prepared and he said it was very delicious. Erik did not tell it was him who made it, even though he loved when something he did was complimented. They were mostly silent while eating, and Christine started to feel a bit awkward, so she asked:

- And… how did you two meet…?

A bit of silence came, then Erik replied.

- I have already told you. I was working on a palace in his country. By the way one doesn't speak while eating.

The Daroga looked at Erik and gave him a little smile that Erik did not seem to notice. When they were done with the dessert and coffee, the Daroga looked at Christine and he started talking to her about the soon to be relationship between him and Mahtab.

- When she turns 4 years old, I will read the Koran to her. I will teach her how to pray according to my religion, and she will have to cover her face when she steps outside. She cannot leave the house without a man that accompanies her, but it will be mostly Erik.

- It doesn't sound too bad. – Christine had to admit. – But I don't want her to cover her face at all. Tell me, please, is she really that bad to look at?

- Christine… - Erik's voice turned a bit irritated. – You are acting like it wasn't you who said I was unbearable to look at.

- I admit. – She lowered her head. – That I needed time to get used to and later to love your face, Erik. But…

- I think it is really the best if she doesn't show her face too much, Christine. – the Persian said softly. – Not everyone is like you and me. But Erik has a good plan for it. Please trust him.

- Thank you, Mohammed. – Erik looked at the Persian. – This is the second time you surprised Erik today. Um… well… I think I tidy the table a bit. I beg your pardon.

Erik, to hide his embarrassment about being complimented so many times, rose and unset the table then walked out to the kitchen to get rid of the plates and cups. When he left the room, Christine decided to ask the Daroga about something that did not escape her mind.

- How much do you know about Erik's life in Persia? – She asked softly.

- A lot. – He said a bit nervously. – What would you like to know, Madame?

- Who was… Mahtab?

To this question, a second later the sound of shattered china came from the kitchen's direction, then a frustrated and very painful cry of a bass- baritone angelic male voice.

- I am sorry, just a minute. – Christine rose from her chair and walked to the kitchen where Erik knelt in front of the remaining pieces of one or two coffee cups.

- Erik… do you need my help? – She asked with worry.

- NO! – Erik jumped up furiously and he had to control himself not to shake so bad. – I will be at the nursery while the Daroga tells you a bedtime story, my dear Christine… please let me know when you are finished ripping Erik's soul apart… - the tone of his voice was bitter, sarcastic and miserable. He left the kitchen, staggering as if he was drunk.

When Christine returned to the Daroga she was fighting herself for a time whether to ask him again or not, but in the end she decided she will want to hear the story about Mahtab. Erik is mad already just by the fact she asked about her, so she has nothing to lose. Erik will find peace in some days, and she, finally will be calmer to know the truth.

- Please Daroga… tell me who Mahtab was.

- Erik… didn't tell you… did he?

- No. I asked him many times but he refused to answer me.

- It is a long and sad story. Are you sure you want to hear it?

- I want to know who my daughter is named of.

- Well… but please Christine… promise you will love Erik the same as you do now, regardless of what you learn about him. It was so long time ago… and please don't bother him with this story after I tell it to you. It still haunts and tortures his soul and as you see, he doesn't like to talk or think about it.

- I promise, Daroga. I know Erik had committed things in the past he doesn't talk about and I know he made mistakes… and sins… but the way he talks about this Mahtab… I can't help but makes me curious about her. I want to learn this secret and after we can forget about it.

- Very well. To answer you shortly: she was a dancer at the court. But I know this doesn't give you much relief, so I tell you she was Erik's first love.

- Oh, I know he loved her very much. It can be sensed from the way of his intonation, the look in his eyes… a dancer you say?

- Yes, but you must understand our dancers aren't like the ballet girls in the Opera. They wear a special attire and dance to our music that is so different from the European music. Our dancers are much more sensual. Mahtab was a solo dancer, she entertained the court in the evenings. She was in her late teens and had deep brown eyes, black hair and a very sweet voice. Erik told me he loved her voice the most. Erik, at this time was in his mid- twenties, and a very powerful person in Persia. He met her when he saw a performance of hers once. You see, Erik always loved music and he, despite not really being the soul of a party, liked to come to these evenings, to learn about Persian music and dance. He often sat in the corner, with some music paper and wrote down what he heard and made music sketches. Mahtab was such a great dancer that he instantly remarked she had an effect on him. She was beautiful and very musical. Erik said all her movements were music. He wanted to compose something she can dance for, and when he did, and it was performed, he fell madly in love. The piece Erik wrote, I have to admit, suited Mahtab so well and was better sounding than our original music. It was breath taking to listen to, and watch the girl dance.

Then he requested the court to send him Mahtab for some nights, as he had sleeping problems and he wanted to be entertained and relaxed. She was sent to his suite, many times, and only left in the morning.

- Did he sleep with her….? – She gasped.

- He didn't.

- How do you know? – Christine jumped up with fury. – Did you hold the candle for them?

- Sit back, Madame.

- I will ask him about…

- I said sit back. – The Daroga gently pushed Christine down to the chair. – You promised you will listen to me without interrupting and that you will not talk to Erik about this.

- All right. – Christine sighed. – How do you know he did not…?

- He told me he did not. Christine, I know he lied a lot to me, and sometimes, to you too, but then, I know he was honest. He talked to me about their pure love and that they talked about music. Erik talked to her about European music, gave her examples of the great composer's work. He learned about Persian music, and taught her to French language. They were talking until dawn, and playing music. He watched her dance. She laughed and was very kind to Erik. She was a kind girl. But don't be jealous of her, Christine. Erik's first lov, of course, had a great effect on his life, and as he had no negative sides of their short relationship, he remembers the nice memories about her. But that doesn't mean he loved her more than you. I know he loves you more.

- Did she see his face?

- No. Erik refused to show it to her, but she did not force to see it. But she knew why Erik didn't want to show it.

- What has happened to her…?

- Well… Erik fell in love so much that he did not want to leave Mahtab in Persia when his work came to an end. They only had some weeks before the palace was done and Erik planned to take Mahtab with him to Europe and marry her. Of course, you see, Mahtab was the Shah's property. She wasn't allowed to leave Persia with someone… especially not with someone without belief. Erik tried to keep that in secret and only told me what he was up to. I did not tell it to anyone. I should have, if I was a loyal servant to the Shah, but to be honest, I thought Erik deserved a girl, and I did not want to ruin his happiness… but someone of his servants overheard us… he wasn't careful enough.

The Daroga lowered his head and fought back some tears as he bit his lips.

- What has happened to the girl….?

- When they learned about Erik's plan, she was caught and sent to prison. That is why he was sentenced to death. Trying to steal the Shah's property.

- What? – Christine gasped. – Not because of he killed people….?

- No. The reason was Mahtab. I would have agreed him to be punished for the other sins he committed… but I felt he can't be punished for THIS. That is why… I made that little comedy with the corpse on the shore and helped him to flee. It would not have been righteous to die for something he did not do. And only because he loved someone.

- Did Mahtab… die?

- Yes. – The Daroga said softly. – She was asked about her loyalty for the Shah. They asked her three times if she stays or she goes with Erik. If she says she is loyal to the Shah, she would have been sent back to the palace, and not to see Erik ever again, and only Erik would have been punished, but she said she loved Erik and wanted to be with him. And if he was sentenced to death, she wanted to die as well. She said Erik was the most loving man she ever met and wanted to marry him in Europe, live like a French wife to him. When she was dragged back to her cell and passed Erik, she started singing "La Marseillaise" out loud. She sang some French songs in her cell as well. Erik cried for hours.

- How did she… die?

- She was to be thrown into the Torture Chamber Erik has designed, and Erik was to be watched it.

- God! – Christine screamed.

- In the evening I went to Erik's suite to arrest him… and saw all his servants on the floor… lifelessly. Their tongue was cut out and placed next to them. In Persia that is how you accused someone of betrayal. I knew I was too late. I frantically searched for Erik, as I thought he has committed suicide, but I could not find his body. I ran with my people to the prison to check on Mahtab…. And then… I saw that sad scene.

- What? – Christine cried. – What happened…?

- Mahtab was already dead by the time I got there. Erik cradled her lifeless body in his arms, humming to her. She was suffocated to death as I could see on the body. He killed her before we could have. I wanted to take her out of his hands, but he yelled at me "Get thee gone! Leave my dead wife in peace! I am singing her Requiem!" He then turned back to Mahtab and gently kissed her forehead, then continued to hum the Requiem… for her dead wife. I sent everyone away…. And did not arrest him. I sat next to him as he was quietly stroke her now pale face, and kept repeating: "Oh, how beautiful you are… my dead wife as beautiful as she was alive… I did not kiss you alive… but kissed you when you died. " Hours passed and Erik finally let her go… he was too tired to think of himself. My heart broke and I just told him he will be kept in another prison a bit further. I told everyone I am taking him to his cell and only when we were outside, I told him my plan about his flee. He was too worn out emotionally to say anything, but I hoped he will be a good man once and lead a life he deserves… as he deserves a good life, Christine.

- Now… I can see why didn't he want to talk about this… this is awful… this is…. Oh, poor Erik…. Poor unhappy Erik…! – She sobbed and jumped up from her seat.

- No, no… Christine… wait. Please wait… will you? – The Persian gently caught Christine's hand. – Don't go to him like this. He will hate the situation… he is already mad, you should not make him feel even more miserable. Please… go to somewhere else in the house and calm down a bit… I will take care of Erik and talk to him.

- You… might be… right…

Christine sniffed and slowly went to the music room upstairs. Soft piano playing could be heard… Chopin's Funeral March.

There was a short knock on the nursery's door some minutes later.

- Come in. – Erik groaned. He was a bit of surprised to see the Daroga standing there nstead of a hysterical Christine.

- Erik… do you have a chessboard?

- Chessboard? What for? – He gasped.

- You know… we had thoughtful and great conversations over a chess party. You remember them…?

- Yes… and they always made me feel better. – Erik lifted his head and smiled. – I have a chess table in my study. Follow me.

They wentto Erik's study and sat down to play chess.

- Are you the black? – The Daroga smiled.

- Yes, Erik is always black. – He nodded. – So you start. Did you tell her? – his voice was mechanical again.

- Yes… I did.

- How did she react? – Erik's voice turned so tired and soft as he was dying.

- Fairly well. Look, I told her that… you loved her more than… Mahtab.

- I don't know… why everyone measures my love for others. – He took a step with his queen to hit the Daroga's horse.

- I am not measuring it Erik… but she seemed to be a bit of jealous. You must understand that she was just curious.., and she had the right to know about why you named your daughter "Mahtab". Now she does. But I asked her not to talk to you about this, Erik.

- Thank you. – Erik let out a relieved sigh. – And thank you for telling her… Erik… wasn't strong enough. He tried to… once… but his throat closed up at the thought and could not say a single word… and he felt he was about to vomit. So he rather did not bother any more.

- Now you can forget about it, Erik.

- I hope so. – He sighed and put a piece forcefully in front of the Daroga with a childish grin: - Mate. And with that, the play had ended.

When the Daroga left the house, and Erik turned back from the front door his eye caught Christine standing behind him. She did not say a word, but walked closer and hugged him from behind, and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.