Chapter Ten
"An engagement vow?" Raoul frowned. Christine sighed.
"It's some ridiculous Rymansian tradition. Nobody even does it anymore but Papa's insisting we do it for the court."
"But we're already engaged. I asked you and you said yes."
"I know. But he's determined and it's just for show anyway." Christine said, flicking through a book. They were sat in the library, trying to get some peace. "Here it is."
She passed him the book and he read the vow through.
"And we just say it together?"
"Hmm. It's not difficult, but the court always need to feel as though they're important so Papa let's them do these silly traditions." Christine said, sitting opposite him on the windowsill.
"Well, let's do it then. It'll be easier than arguing. Although, I do sometimes wonder exactly who it is that is getting married." Raoul commented. "We don't seem to be doing anything; everyone else is sorting it out."
"I know. Marie's enjoying herself immensely." Christine smiled.
Raoul smiled and looked at her sideways.
"Do you realise that we've been engaged for nearly a fortnight now and this is the first time that we've been alone?"
"Good lord, has it been that long?"
"Yes."
"Time just flies." Christine smiled, scooping up Ayesha as she prowled past.
The door opened and Meg entered, curtseying.
"Meg, you don't need to do that." Raoul said. Meg flushed and smiled.
"Thank you, your highness. Princess Christine, the dressmaker is here."
"Didn't I see the dressmaker yesterday?"
"No, that was hair stylist." Meg said. Christine frowned.
"Then who was it on Monday?"
"That was the florist."
"Oh… fine." Christine pouted, getting up. Raoul stood too and kissed her forehead.
"Be brave. You can make it through this." He said in mock-solemnity. She smiled.
"Better get your horse ready, I may need rescuing."
"We could always elope." Raoul suggested. Christine laughed.
"It'd save a lot of time and pain."
"Except if my mother got hold of you." Meg reminded them both. "She's having a lot of fun ordering everyone around."
"I wouldn't dare take that away from her." Christine said solemnly and then whispered frantically to Raoul, "When do we leave?"
He laughed and pushed her to the door. Raoul watched her go and then reached for a piece of writing paper.
The next day Christine sat in the study, going over wedding plans with Marie. Or, more specifically, Marie was talking about wedding plans and Christine was staring out of the window with her head balanced on her fist.
In three days she and Raoul would be performing the betrothal vows. And a week after that they would be married. And after that… well, she didn't know. She would be going to Hirlos with Raoul, Philippe and Sorelli for a formal introduction to the people. And after that they would be expected to visit several other countries as well. A never-ending circle of social events and travelling until they could finally return to Rymansia. Raoul could not be King of Hirlos. Philippe's line would carry on that role, so Raoul would be come King of Rymansia. That was one of the reasons why this marriage was so purposeful. Rymansia and Hirlos would be united, Raoul would be given a kingdom and Rymansia would be given a king.
And what then? Eventually they would be expected to have children. But Christine didn't want to think about that just yet. It was a terrifying prospect and one she simply wasn't ready for. She still felt so young herself, although she knew it was perfectly reasonable for her to be married and have children at her age.
She cared for Raoul. She did. Why shouldn't she? He was handsome and charming, sweet and courageous. He would travel to the ends of the earth if she requested it of him. He would be a good husband and would do everything within his power to make her happy.
Then why was she so uncertain of this marriage? Well, she knew the answer. She inwardly scolded herself for being so ridiculous. That was completely unreasonable and it would be stupid to throw away what she had for the sake of whimsy romantic feelings.
"Christine!"
Christine snapped her head up. Marie was glaring at her.
"Have you been listening to a word that I have said?"
"I'm sorry Marie, I was miles away." Christine apologised, rubbing her forehead. Marie's expression softened.
"Are you unhappy, Christine?"
"Why would you think that?" Christine asked.
"I don't know. But you have been so quiet these past few days."
"I'm just… overwhelmed. There's so much to do and so little time." Christine said, looking at the papers Marie had put on the desk.
Marie put the papers to one side and held Christine's hands.
"You are afraid?"
"…A little."
"It is understandable. Marriage is an enormous thing to do."
"I just… how do we know that it will always be happy?" Christine asked. "What if it goes wrong and we both regret it?"
"You can't know. All you can do is try and make each other happy." Marie said softly. "When… when Meg's father was still alive, we were so very happy. Everyday was different but he was always so strong and happy. He made me feel happy by simply being there."
"Were you afraid of getting married?" Christine asked.
"Everyone is. Even if you are sure of who it is, you are afraid. But you must not dwell on the fear. Because that such a very small part of it. Once you overcome that fear, there is nothing that can stop your happiness."
Christine watched Marie. The older woman had a soft expression on her face as she remembered some long ago day filled with love and sunlight. Christine looked down at her hands and Marie snapped out of her memory.
"Why don't we go over the rest of this tomorrow? You should go and play some music. You haven't practised since Monsieur Destler left."
Christine pushed open the music room door and went in. She had not dared to enter this room since Erik's departure. She ventured slowly over to the piano and sat down, running her fingers over the beautiful keys without pressing them.
"Christine?" She looked over at the door. Raoul was stood on the threshold, not entering the room.
"Are you alright?" He asked. Christine nodded and smiled.
"You can come in you know."
"I didn't want to intrude." He explained, stepping inside. "Marie finally let you out of her grasp?"
"I wasn't paying attention anyway. It's all getting to be a bit too much."
Raoul stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders.
"It won't be for much longer, Christine."
"Thank the lord." She muttered. Raoul laughed and kissed her cheek.
"Would you play me something?" He asked, looking at the piano. Christine hesitated.
"I haven't practised in some time, I won't be very good."
"Christine, I wouldn't know the difference." Raoul replied. She smiled and moved over slightly on the bench so he could sit.
Christine placed her hands on the keys again and launched into one of the pieces she had been trying to learn lately. And as she played, she felt her soul being soothed as though the music was running through it, comforting and softening.
Raoul watched as her face transformed into an expression of simple pleasure and smiled to himself. She truly did love music. It was no wonder that she and Erik had gotten on so well. They were two of a kind. And he was glad. He considered Erik to be his closest friend and it would have been terrible if he and Christine didn't get on.
Her fingers stumbled over a tricky part and she winced.
"I told you I'd do it wrong." She began to say but as she turned her face to his, he pressed his lips to hers. After a moment he pulled back and smiled.
"It was perfect."
"You really know nothing about music, do you?" She smiled.
"Afraid so. You'll have to teach me." He said, stroking her hair and moving to kiss her again.
"Christine?" Meg shook her friend awake. "Come on, we've got a lot to do."
"It's too early."
"We've got to get you to court." Meg reminded her. Christine looked up, her hair in her face.
"It's today?"
"Yes! Get up!"
Christine stumbled out of bed and went to wash her face as Meg laid out her dress.
"Christine, may I ask you something?" She said.
"Of course." Christine said, drying herself.
"Are you sure about this?" Christine straightened to look at her friend, letting the towel she had used on her face fall to the floor. Meg was watching her with a frown.
"Meg…"
"Christine, this is your betrothal. If you're uncertain about this, then it's not fair to Raoul. Not when you're in love with-"
"Don't."
Meg paused. Christine looked her in the eye.
"Don't say that again, Meg. Please don't say it."
"Why?"
"Because if you say it out loud it makes it far too real and that cannot be allowed. Where's the corset?"
Raoul was waiting outside the enormous room where all the members of court were waiting. The door to the entrance hall opened and Marie, Meg and Christine entered. Raoul smiled at the sight of her. She was dressed in a beautiful gown of silk, the palest shade of pink possible with her dark hair in a simple twist. On their wedding day she would wear white but today she could wear any colour.
Marie turned to her, kissed her forehead and then hurried into the hall with Meg, who avoided Raoul's gaze. But he only had eyes for Christine. He held out his arm.
"Are you ready?"
She smiled and took his arm.
"Never. But we can't turn back now."
"No." He smiled as they turned to the door. It opened and they began to walk down the aisle made by the standing people. There was silence but an atmosphere of happiness and many smiles followed their progress. Raoul couldn't help the grin on his face. Christine was smiling slightly too. She couldn't help it, the atmosphere was infectious.
They reached Charles and Philippe, bowed and then moved apart to stand opposite each other. Charles smiled broadly at them both before turning his attention to the court as they all sat.
"Good sirs and kind ladies. I welcome you both on this fine day and invite you to share in the ceremony of betrothal that will start the road towards a union between the countries of Rymansia and Hirlos. But, and I feel, more importantly, this is the union of two people who I care for very much, as I am sure King Philippe would agree."
Philippe beamed his approval. Christine smiled faintly and her eye was caught by Meg, who stood to one side with her mother, looking rather ill-at-ease. When she saw Christine looking at her she forced a smile and turned her attention to Charles, who was thanking everyone for coming.
"All rise for the speaking of the betrothal vows." Charles announced. Christine and Raoul stood with everyone else and crossed to stand before Charles and Philippe. Charles took each of their hands and gave them to the other.
"Christine, Raoul… speak your vows." He said.
The two turned to look at each other, clasping hands and began to speak, clearly the words that they had been practising for the past three days.
"Today begins my walk with you. Where you go, I go. Where you stay, I stay."
Charles and Philippe both smiled widely, as did most of the court.
"When you sleep, I will sleep."
Meg watched with a slight frown, chewing on her lip.
"When you rise, I will rise."
Raoul could hardly believe that this was true. Christine's solemn, beautiful face was turned up to his as they spoke the rehearsed words. But these were more than just words, they were the truth.
"I will pass my days within the sound of your voice, and my nights within the reach of your hand."
Their young voices were clear and strong. The court stood attentively, watching the couple.
"And none shall come between us."
Christine felt Raoul squeeze her hands slightly and she smiled briefly as they said the final sentence.
"This I vow."
Raoul took Christine into his arms and kissed her. This was not planned, but nobody seemed to mind too much. There was a ripple of applause and Charles said happily,
"The marriage of Prince Raoul de Chagny and Princess Christine Daae will take place in one week, uniting the countries of Hirlos and Rymansia forever."
More applause and several cheers. Raoul didn't care. He was gazing down at his fiancée, barely able to breathe. Christine smiled.
"Are you alright?" She asked softly.
"I have never felt better in my life." He whispered. And it was true. He could never remember feeling this elated. She smiled and they turned to face the court, bowing and curtseying to them. The cheers began again as they walked down the aisle.
To Erik Destler,
I hope that your journey to Hirlos was not too uncomfortable and that you arrived safely. It has been strange here in Rymansia without you, Erik. I find myself with far too much spare time. Although I have found a way of filling it.
Doubtless, my good friend, you have heard by now of my engagement to Christine Daae. I believe Philippe sent a message some time ago. I am happier than you can imagine and I think that Christine is happy too, although she seems unsure. By the time you receive this we will have had our betrothal ceremony. We are to marry one week after the ceremony and I must beg a favour of you.
I shall not enquire as to why you felt the need to return to Hirlos. I pray that whatever reason you had, the matter has been resolved for I wish for you to come back to Rymansia as soon as possible. I wish for you to play at mine and Christine's wedding. This would make me very happy and I know it would please Christine too.
Do not turn away this request without consideration, Erik. Please think about it. I am not asking this of you as your prince, but as your friend. I want you to be at my wedding. Good manners demand that Philippe be my best man, but more than anything I wish for your presence at the ceremony. You are the best musician in either Hirlos or Rymansia and there is no one else I would want to have to play at my wedding.
Yours faithfully
Raoul de Chagny
A/N: The vow words are from 'The Wind On Fire' trilogy by William Nicholson. I just think they're beautiful words so I borrowed them!
This story will be 20 chapters long, but the chapters will be getting longer. Also, I do realise some of it is quite predictable, fairy-tale wise. That's kinda the idea. Some of it's the same, some of it's different. Later on in the story it will be getting very different, a bit grittier and more mature. But not in a sleazy way! I stick to my word – no sex scenes here. I can't write them, I've never tried and I probably never will!
In other news – wah. I got a plate for my top jaw today. I hate it! My head hurts, I can't eat and I can't even talk properly (my friends are all cheering!) Lol, never mind. Some day I'll have a beautiful smile and it'll all be worth it. In theory.
Lotsa luv 'n' huggles
Katie