*A/N* I'm sorry for the slow update! The site was down, and on the day it was fixed I left for NYC for a week... So FINALLY, here's chapter 10!
Christian's play is a rip off of Disney's Aladdin, just in case someone notices...
Out of the Darkness... One Step from Hell
Ever since Christian kicked the doctor out, Harold ordered him back to work. Satine accompanied him every morning to the Moulin Rouge, while Christian wrote, rehearsed and directed his new play. Satine sat at a empty table, isolated from the rest, and watched the poet with admiration for hours on end.
This morning was no different; she sat as far away as possible from the rest, her head resting in the crook of her arm on the table. Christian, explaining the Arabian street rat's character, cast a quick eye in the diamond's direction. Her face was pale, and her shoulders slumped. Although always reserved, she looked more depressed than usual.
Alright, that's all for today, Christian concluded quickly. Tomorrow we rehearsed scene four, the princess' escape.
As an afterthought, he called, Toulouse, I want the stand keeper's song memorized by Monday. You've been at it for weeks! He chuckled at the artist's worried expression.
Satine didn't notice his approach. She jumped at his warm greeting and snapped out of her daydream.
Are you okay?
She nodded slowly; Christian clearly didn't believe her. Before he could voice another thought, however, Marie yelled across the Moulin's dance floor, Harold wants to see you in his office in a few!
Signing, Christian kissed Satine's forehead, I've got to go, but I promise to be back soon. She smiled weakly at him and returned to her daydream.
He's coming.
Satine's haunting voice filled his ears. Christian asked, confused. No answer. She only stared at him with her sparkling blue eyes.
***
The usually silent hall to Zidler's office echoed with muffled voices. Someone was already meeting with him. Christian thought it best to wait until they were finished, so he sat on the chair facing the office door, and waited.
I want my end of the bargain, a familiar voice screamed. An annoyingly nasal voice.
The color drained from Christian's face. It couldn't be him.
I can walk out of this office with the deeds in my pocket, and every single one of you worthless people will be thrown on the streets!
It was. As much as Christian wanted the truth to stay hidden, he couldn't deny it. The duke. In Harold's office, that bastard bargained for Satine like a piece of property.
She will be mine. You will give me to her, or I'll take her like I once did. And we all know how well that turned out.
Christian shook with rage. If the duke touched one hair on her head he would...
He snapped his eyes up at the sound of the opening door. The duke, taken aback by the poet's presence, only snarled in a manner that even a mouse would find comedic.
Oh. You, was all the duke said before disappearing out the Moulin Rouge's back door down the hall. Harold bade Christian in. He slammed the door in uttermost fury.
You won't let him touch her!
Christian, I-
If you care the slightest about Satine, you'll keep him away from her, Christian spat.
It's not my choice, Zidler replied sadly. The duke is entitled to her. It's in the contract.
Christian exploded, She's not a piece of property you can fight over!
Harold only stared down at his desk.
He hurt her Harold. He'd do it again. If you even care whether she's alive or not, you'd help me protect her.
I'll see what I can do, he said, but nodded in a manner that suggested he'd help Christian. Harold probably knew the duke would be listening to their conversation.
The poet left abruptly after, and returned to Satine in the dance hall. He stopped short, seeing the person he loathed the most at the entrance.
I've come to collect my earnings, the duke said possessively, his eyes riveted to Satine. A choked sob escaped her lips.
This can't be happening. Not again. He can't take Satine away. I won't let him..."