Chapter Two

Apollo's Lyre


It was the following morning that Christine received a letter in the post, something that did not often happen now that she had ordered Raoul to no longer write. She walked into the sitting room where Mama Valerius was seated, reading her own mail. Christine sat down in a chair, opened the envelope and took out the neatly written paper.

'Mlle,

As by order of law it is required for you to wed within the next six months, we have not received any petition from a gentleman so far to take you as his bride. If we do not by the first of next month we shall be forced to assign one to you.

It is our sincere hope that whomever gives you their name be good to you, and hopefully finish their life with you as their wife. We understand, however, that this may not happen. Please remember your right to divorce him, after your twenty-fifth birthday.

Sincerely

M. Claude Bautois, Chief Marital Marshall'


Trembling Christine set the paper down and looked at Mama, who was eyeing her with interest. "I.... I must talk to you, Mama." She said, moving to sit by her on the sofa. "You know, of course, the Marriage regulation..."

Mama nodded silently. "And... You remember what Raoul said... About, Erik?"

"That you love him and wear his ring?"

Christine fidgeted. "Yes, well, Raoul was... He was right about me loving Erik. But the ring wasn't a symbol of... Engagement until just last night..."

Her adoptive mother's eyes sparkled. "Lotte, you will marry this man of an angel?"

She sighed. "If he can have it cleared with the Marshall. We talked about it last night."

Mama clasped her hand. "Darling, you do love him, don't you?"

Christine nodded. "Yes.... I... Well I didn't realize until last night, do you think it's too soon to believe it?"

"I think you should be careful. It could be... Well something else, I can't say I do not know him. Pity, or well, that's a good example. Don't let not wanting to hurt him fool you if your heart is with Raoul."

Christine flinched. She nodded, gathering her cloak. "I'd... I need to talk with Raoul. I will be back soon."

"Christine, why in God's name do we have to come up here?"

"It is safer." She stated dully.

Raoul snorted as he looked over the edge. "Not likely."

Christine shook her head and once he sat down she went into the story of meeting Erik and seeing him, and then of unmasking him, then of the only just ripe engagement. Raoul had visibly stiffened and listened on with anger.

"So then, you love him and not I? This has all been one big fabricated lie?"

Oh Raoul if only you can see that the world doesn't revolve around you! I do love you but not the right way! And that is exactly why before you leave I will have you believe I do and then run off with Erik so you would not come back to me! She thought desperately.

(The following is the exact same thing as the book up until the *)

"Oh my betrothed for a day, if I did not love you, I would not give you my lips! Take them, for the first time, and the last." *

He kissed her and she noticed how different it was from her kiss with Erik. He certainly was passionate, but she did not feel attached to him as she had Erik. She faked it though, pulling him to her. Her eyes opened to look at him but were caught behind him on Apollo's Lyre. She stiffened instantly as the golden eyes stared in disbelief at her. If only he would tap into my thoughts! She pulled from Raoul and continued to stare.

"Monsieur," Erik's tone was cool. "I have come to collect my bride."

"She is not," Raoul hissed. "She will never be! I will take her from here where you can seduce her no more!"

Christine opened her mouth to defend her beloved when Erik stepped closer, clearly restraining himself. "The only reason I do not kill you now, Monsieur, is that Christine would not want it so. You best step aside and the let the girl make her own decisions."

Raoul did not budge. "I won't have it! I would sooner jump and take her with me!"

"If you even think about so much as touching her any more I'll kill you on the spot and you'll wish you never doubted me!" Erik growled.

"Erik do not say such things!" Christine whimpered.

"And you!" His eyes burned with a sadness and anger the likes of which she had never seen in him. "I thought you said you loved me! I thought it was I whom you pledged your hand to last night! I thought so many things Christine, when you kissed me! But apparently I was wrong!"

"No, Erik!" She choked out barely allowing him to finish. She ran to him, shoving Raoul aside, she clutched at Erik's hand. "You were not! You must have read my thoughts, you MUST have! Erik, please...."

He grinned coldly, pulling his hand away. "Perhaps I did." He turned to Raoul. "All right, take her with you. Take her far away but remember, her eighteenth birthday draws near, she has received her notice, Monsieur, and unless you can convince the Marshall to give you her hand before your 36'th year, which is quite a bit off, she will be my bride!"

Christine's eyes overflowed. "Erik, just let me go with you now, take me, just let me..." She stepped forward but his hand was up.

"Do not come here. Do not come to me until I have fairly won your hand, or terrible things shall happen!"

"Things!" She shrieked drawing away at his mad words.

"Terrible ones!" He stepped away and seemed to vanish.

Trembling she felt Raoul's arms envelope her. She had been mad to think of loving Erik! He was no different than all of the stories! He threatened her if she should come to him!

"Don't worry." Raoul murmured. "I will convince them to give me your hand."

She suddenly felt safe in his arms, safer than she would in Erik's. How wrong she had been about her feelings! And how blind she had been about Erik! What would happen if she indeed had to marry him? He would surely kill her! Whether it be because she refused to give herself to him that night or for something foolish like not making tea!

She snuggled closer, praying Raoul would indeed win her hand. This no longer was a game. This was life, and she had to go by it's rules...


Make a bit more sense? I hope so... My heart goes out to Phantom Aria, thank you for not quitting, I know it's tough. Just remember instead of having some overwhelming fanbase, you have a few loyal followers! Sometimes that's just better for most of us...

Anyhow I hope you like it, hit me with those reviews and if you have any good ideas review or email me. This is still dangerously close to be my final published story on this site.