Title: Betrayal of Trust

Rating: M

Category: EC w/ Raoul bashing

Summary: Raoul's not the man Christine thought him to be. What happens when Erik finds out? Will he be able to help?

AU: thanks for all the great the reviews, they mean a lot to me, you're all wonderful and I must apologize for any errors in this, I had no one to read this one over

Chapter Ten

Erik sat on the lake shore with his head in his hands. His faced itched under the mask. Carefully he lifted it to scratch then placed it back over his face. He just finished sealing the outer wall and closing the gate, locking it. He knew though that it wouldn't keep the Guard out for long. They would find a way in some how. When the Vicomte first came, Erik was only out numbered by two. That he could handle. He could handle being out numbered by five but he new when that Lemur man returned, he would be returning full forced with at least a dozen men. A dozen Erik could not handle, especially with a injured shoulder, no matter how skilled he may be. Then there was Christine. She was in no state to defend herself. The poor girl could barely walk on her own. Erik new that the both of them, Christine and himself, would not survive another attack. So now Erik had to make a sacrifice. He had to take Christine and leave the only place he could truly call home. He had to leave his lair and all his possession that he could not carry on his back.

Silent tears streamed down Erik's face. He didn't want to accept defeat, he didn't want to flee like a coward. If Christine wasn't in the picture, he would face a hundred men and go down fighting but his angel must come first. She needed him and he needed her desperately. Only together were their two souls complete. Erik looked up from his hands and over the lake. The still waters always calmed him. The sound of the water breaking on the shore always gave him comfort. "We have to leave. If Christine is to be safe, I have to leave" he whispered to himself, trying to convince himself that it was for the best. Erik rose slowly and brushed the dirt off his pants. He would have to start packing. They would need to leave as soon as possible. Sadly he new a lot of his possessions that he gathered over the years would have to be left behind. Erik walked over to his organ and ran his fingers lightly over the ivory keys. His organ was his prized possession. He set his finger hit middle C, smiling at the sound. "Good bye my friend" he whispered then turned away and hurried towards his bedroom to start to pack.

Christine woke to a quiet shuffling in her room. She opened her eyes and saw as single candle lite on her bedside table. There was a small thud on the bed and she saw Erik place a suit case on the end of her bed. Erik then walked over to her dressers and started going through her draws placing items in the case. "Erik what are you doing?" she asked sitting up. Erik stopped what he was doing and frowned.

"I'm sorry I woke you my dear, I was just packing for you. I'm afraid we have to leave"

"Leave? What do you mean?"

Christine was confused. Why did they have to leave?

"My dear when that man comes back he will bring with him others and I can not defend you against twenty men. I won't see you hurt"

Christine bit her lip and nodded. She watched as Erik hurried back to work and packed a bag for her. She looked to his shoulder. A small blood stain covered his white dress shirt. "Let me help you" Christine said as she slowly climbed out of bed.

"No"

Erik walked over to her and pushed her back on the mattress. "Sit here Christine. Your going to need your energy for the journey" he said firmly staring down at her.

"But so will you. You can't do everything on your own. I'm capable of doing something. I've been resting. I have strength. Let me help you"

"No. You could barely walk to the bed a few hours ago and now you want to get up and run about the lair. No, I will not have it"

Christine turned away from him angry. 'Why must he always treat me like a child' she thought.

Erik stood in front of her for a moment then went and finished packing her bag. A few times he tired to catch her eyes and give her a smile but she refused to look in his direction. He pack very little for her. Sensible gowns and garments that would keep her warm. He had no idea where they would go or how long it would take them to get there. Christine continued to sit and ignore him, being difficult as usually. He knew he would have to give her some small task that wouldn't have her collapsing on the floor. When he finished he buckled the case and lifted it off the bed. "Christine" he began "Get yourself dressed in something warm then pack your small satchel with your dear possessions. Only the small bag please. We need as much room in the carriage as possible. When your finished call for me. I'll come and assisted you to the drawing room. Alright?" Christine sat there for a moment, not answering. She saw Erik from the corner of her eye growing anxious at her silence. 'Serves him right, not allowing me to help' she thought. "Very well" she muttered. He gave her a small nod then hurried out of the room with her case.

Christine slowly stood up. Her head spun cause her legs to shake. She grabbed on to the dresser and steady herself. A moment later the dizziness was gone and she slowly walked to her closet and selected a simple thick, navy blue gown. Once dressed she packed the satchel she brought when she ran away from Raoul's then slowly walked out to the drawing room. Erik was near his piano, shoving papers in a trunk. She watched as he unlocked small secret compartments and took out more papers and bundles of money. Erik still hadn't notice her standing in the door way. She walked over to his piano and gathered up all his manuscripts. "You must take these Erik. There's your life's work. You can't leave them behind" she said, her back to him. Erik jumped at the sound of her voice. He did not hear her come in the room. He did not hear her call, which meant she didn't. "Christine" Erik began rushing over to her and forcing her to sit on the piano bench "I told you to call for me when you were ready. Look your face is flushed" He put a cool hand on her forehead. "Your fever is starting up again. I can't having you get sick on our trip"

"Where are we going?"

He took the manuscripts and walked away not answering. He walked back to his trunk and shoved them inside. "I don't know" he answered finally. "I haven't decided. Somewhere away from Paris. Possibly from France"

Christine's mouth dropped, she shook her head. They couldn't leave France. It was there home. "Erik we can't" she began to sat but Erik cut her off. "We must" he said forcefully "We haven't a choice. The Guard will find us where ever we go in this country. Our only hopes will be leaving"

"Everything we...you own is here. I can't let you do that Erik"

Tears rolled down Christine's cheeks. She couldn't let him throw his life away like this for her. It was bad enough that he lost his best and only friend rescuing her now he was going to leave his home behind. She wouldn't let him do this. "Erik..send me away somewhere" Christine said sadly wiping her tears away. "To Germany or perhaps the Netherlands. Somewhere where they wouldn't find me. If I'm gone then the Guard will stop coming down here. You'll be able to stay in your home and write your music"

Erik stopped packing and looked over at Christine. His heart broke at the sight of her tear stained face. Why would she want him to send her away? Did she honestly think he would do such a thing? Erik walked over and knelt down in front of her. He took her face in his hands and gently stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. "What nonsense are you speaking cherie?" he said gently "I would never send you away. I love you Christine. I would rather face a thousand men single handed then send you away somewhere. "But Erik" she cried, her voice broken "You life, everything...I can't let you throw it away for me" Erik rose and sat down next to her on the bench, pulling her into his arms. "Christine, my love" he said nuzzling her hair. "If I were to send you away then I would be throwing away my life. You are everything to me, you are my life. Without out you I am nothing. Where ever you go let me go to"

"Love me. That's all I ask of you" Christine said into his chest and wrapped her arms tightly around him, crying into his shirt. "Hush now cherie" Erik whispered rubbing her back "You and I are going to be together forever. A lair, piano, or an opera is not going to come in the way of that" Christine nodded and lifted her head to look at him. Erik smiled kindly at her and softly kissed her lips. He loved her so much at that moment. The thought of her wanting to give up everything just so he could keep everything touched him deeply. He swore again that he would never let anything happen to this woman, this angel from heaven. "I must finish packing my dear. We should leave as soon as possible" he said and kissed her forehead.

"Pack your violin Erik. If you cannot bring your piano you must bring the violin"

"As you wish my dear"

"I am feeling better Erik. Please let me help you. I will pack food from the kitchen. I swear to you I will not lift a box. Just let me help and pack them"

Erik bit his lip. He wanted to refuse her request. He wanted to insist that she rest but the pleading look in her eyes made him go against his better judgement. Erik closed his eyes and slowly nodded. "Very well my dear" he sighed. "I have a small trunk already in there. Pack everything that will not spoil. If you feel faint, promise you will sit. If you feel ill promise you will call for me" Christine nodded her head.

"I promise"

Erik nodded again and kissed her forehead once more.

"Go my dear, but be careful"

Christine smiled and slowly stood up. Erik watched her walked carefully out across the room. When she was out of sight, Erik picked up his violin and placed it the trunk and finished packing everything in the drawing room.

It took Erik several trips across the lake to bring all the luggage across. He waited until night fell to go and retrieve a carriage from Nadirs apartments. He wanted an enclosed carriage so Christine would be comfortable for the journey. He set the carriage up in the alley way behind the opera house. An inclosed carriage would help when they had to sleep while on the road. One could not grantee a inn to be close by when one needed one. Erik tethered the horses to the carriage. He pack all the blankets and food inside the carriage along with their valuables. Everything else he tied on the back and covered with a tarp to protect from the weather. When he went back for Christine he found her wondering around in the library, her cloak fastened, gloved fingers scanning the books they were forced to leave behind. "Christine, its time to go" Erik said quietly. Christine nodded but continued to walk beside the book shelf. "I want to take them all with us" she said quietly. Erik opened his mouth to speak but Christine lifted her hand, stopping him and said "I know we can't" she said "But I wish we could" She walked over to the sofa and sat down. "When I ran away from Raoul's and came here. I hoped to find you. When I didn't I prayed that you would return. I thought maybe you were just out running errands, that you would be back anytime" Erik walked over and sat down next to her. "While I was waiting for you to return" she continued "I wanted to make sure everything was prefect for you. It took me days to straighten up your home Erik. I wanted to make it our home" "You did cherie" Erik said taking her hand in his own and squeezing it.

"But now we have to leave it Erik"

"Yes we do but we will find a new home. One that we can make our home together"

"I will miss these books. They always brought me comfort when I was lonely"

Erik pulled her into a hug. "I shall buy you more books once were settled my dear. I will buy you a whole bookstore if that is what you wish"

Christine's face lite up in a huge grin. "A whole bookstore you say. Now that sounds like a wonderful idea" she laughed. Erik smiled back.

"Lets go my dear. Lets go and find you your bookstore"

Christine nodded and they both stood. Erik wrapped his arm around her waste and helped her towards the boat.

Lemur sat in the back of the tavern. He had a scowl on his face as he listened to his second hand man, Marque. "Renee we just don't have the man power you want. Marius and his group are on assignment for Count Pomersian. Ronald and his ground are out of the city. That only leaves us and my three men" Marque explained, trying to ease Lemur as he patched up Lemur wound. It was shallow wound just below the shoulder. "I don't care. Gather all you can. This man I speak of is dangerous. He killed Thomas. He still has the de Chagney girl. She's another one I have to teach lesson, I refuse to let the woman get the better of me" Marque frowned and shook his head. There was no reasoning with Lemur when he was drunk.

"Very well Renee, I'll see who I can gather"

Lemur watched his friend leave then drained his glass. Never in his career did an assignment give him so much trouble. The woman, Christine, would feel his wrath. She was the cause of all this. If she just stayed with the Vicomte in the first place, Thomas would still be alive. Lemur threw a few francs on the table and stumbled out of the tavern into the cold dark night. He wanted revenge. He needed it. Without realizing where he was going, Lemur found himself standing in front of the opera. He scowled at the building. "Damn you monster" he muttered "You will feel the blade of my sword as I have felt yours" The sound of a carriage tore Lemur's eyes away from the building. He saw a carriage coming around the opera house. Looking at the driver Lemur got sight of a white mask as the carriage speed past him. "Monster" Lemur yelled and chased after the carriage "Stop now and face me" The carriage continued on and Lemur saw the girl, Christine, look out the window back at him, her eyes frightened. As the carriage traveled farther and farther away Lemur gave up on his foot pursuit. He bent over, placing his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. They were fleeing Paris, Lemur new this now. They would head North no doubt. As quick as possible Lemur headed back to the tavern. He would gather all the men available and head after the girl and her monster. Nothing would stop him from seeking his revenge.

Erik drove the horses hard for all night and for the better part of the day. He wanted to put as much distance between Paris and he and Christine, especially after the close encounter with Lemur. The man appeared to be alone but Erik could not take the chance in stopping. Not with Christine with him. Once the sun came up Christine insisted upon sitting next to him on the drivers bench. The sun was warm so he allowed her to for a few hours. He still had yet to decide where they would head. Christine suggested England, they could stay with Madam Giry and Meg. As much as the idea sounded good, Erik advised against it. The Guard would know about Christine's friends living there. They couldn't put Madam Giry and Meg at risk like that. They would have to find somewhere else, at least for now. "I do wish we could go to England Erik" Christine sighed and rested her head against Erik's arm.

"I know you do cherie but we cannot. Maybe in six months we shall but for now I suggest we find somewhere else. Hide out in a place where there's not a lot of people"

Christine nodded sadly. She knew Erik was right. "Perhaps Netherlands then" she suggested "Its quite small and its not to far from London. A few days journey"

"Its quite a journey from here though"

"Could we board a train somewhere. Maybe in Brussels?"

Erik thought for a moment. Christine was making some sense. Brussels was a weeks journey from Paris but then they could make it to the Netherlands sooner by train. It would be better for Christine. In her weakened state, a carriage ride would not be doing her any good. "Perhaps will do that my dear" he said and stirred the horses down the dirt road. Christine smiled and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. "Merci mon cherie" Erik whispered.

"De rien mon ange" Erik wrapped his free arm around her and pulled her tightly against his side.

Lemur and five other men made there way on horse back along the back streets of Paris. Christine and the Phantom only had six hours head start on them and Lemur was sure his team could make up that in a day of hard traveling. He knew the girl was ill. The Phantom would have to stop to accommodate her frequently. Before they left Lemur sat down with Marque and looked over a map. They were heading north which meant either Belgium, England or Germany. He wired his men station at the boat crossing to England to stop any man with a mask. They already had the description of Christine and were prepared to stop her as well. "I highly doubt he would take her to Germany Renee. There very troublesome there right now. The boarder crossing would be almost impossible" Marque explained.

"So your saying that you think there headed for Belgium? And then what? Where would they go then?"

"Well they could stop there, or continue on. If the girl is in ill state like you said, it would be wise for them to board a train in Brussels and head for some other destination"

Lemur scowled. He hated not knowing what his prey was up to. He watched Marque show draw a line along a path on the map. "This is the trail they would have most likely taken" Marque said "With a carriage as you described any other path would be useless. Lemur study the map. There were many paths to take but the one outlined was the only safe one.

"We can catch them Renee. The men are readying the horses as we speak. I feel that in two days time we shall catch up with them and then we can avenge Thomas"

Lemur smiled and nodded.

"You are right my friend, as always. I want the girl though. She has much owed to me"

Marque nodded then gathered the map in his satchel. "Let us leave Renee, daylight is just breaking we can cover much ground before night fall" he said and walked to the door. Lemur removed his pistol and checked to make sure it was loaded then secured his sword to his belt and followed Marque out the door.

Christine and Erik stopped at a small inn called the Wondering Horse the next night. Erik wanted to travel on but Christine broke out in a small fever and Erik new they would have to stop. Erik settle them in then order a small meal from the kitchens. The room was small, containing a bed against the wall, a chair, a writing desk and a small table with two chairs. The window looked out onto the vast country side. Christine curled up in the bed and closed her eyes. Erik walked over to her and pulled the covers over her. "Rest my dear. I've asked the page boy to bring us up some supper. You need to get a hot meal in you" he said quietly. "I'm not hungry" Christine mumbled, pushing her face into the pillow.

"You have to eat something Christine, your body needs the energy"

Christine nodded and turned away from him. Erik sighed and went and retrieved a night gown from one of her cases. "Lets get you changed my dear" he said and sat down next to her again. Christine allowed him to undress her and place the night gown over her head. She was barely aware of what he was doing. Once she was changed Christine curled up against the wall and dozed off. Erik changed the bandage on his shoulder and put a few things away while he waited for supper to arrive.

When Erik heard the soft knock on the door he made sure his mask was securely in place before answering it. A young girl stood nervously at the door holding a dinner tray. "Your...your supper monsieur" she squeaked her eyes staring at his mask. Erik opened the door wide so she could enter and place it on the table. "Thank-you for your trouble he said and handed the girl a franc. Taking the franc she curtseyed then tore her eyes away from his mask and hurried out of the room. Erik shut and secured the door then went over to the tray. He lifted the lid and found a two plates of vegetables and chicken and two bowels of soup with an apple danish for desert. Erik inhaled deeply. It smelt delicious. "Christine supper's arrived" he said and set the plates on the table. Christine stayed curled up on the bed, not answering. "Christine" Erik called again "Come and eat before it gets cold" "I am not hungry" Christine said and pulled the covers tightly around herself.

"Christine please, come and eat. You need nutrients to fight off this fever you have"

"I am not hungry" she snapped. Erik walked over to her and pulled he covers off of her. "Erik what are you doing?" she asked looking up at him angrily, her eyes slightly glazed. He pulled her up and dragged her over to the table. He sat her down then covered her legs with a blanket. "Eat your soup Christine" he said firmly and placed the bowl in front of her. Christine refused to look at him or the bowl and stared at a spot on the wall. Erik sat down and began to eat his meal. After a few moments of waiting for Christine to pick up her spoon, Erik dropped his fork and pounded his fist on the table. "Christine eat your soup now. Don't make me force you"

Christine looked at him with a scowl. "I am not hungry" she seethed "All I want is to get some sleep" "And you will once you eat your soup" Erik replied. Erik stared at her while Christine stared at the wall. After a few minutes she mumbled angrily under her breath and scooped her spoon off the table and began to eat her soup. Erik waited for her to eat a few bites before he continued with his meal. Ten minutes later Christine finished and tossed the spoon on the table. "There" she said "I ate it. Are you happy? May I please go to bed now?" Without waiting for a answer she rose from her seat and stomped towards the bed. Two feet away, a dizzy spell over came her and Christine collapsed to the ground. Erik was at her side in a matter of seconds. Christine silently cried as Erik picked her up off the floor and gently laid her in the bed. "I'm sorry Erik" she wept "I don't know way I'm being so stubborn. I just hate the fact that I can't even travel for more then a day before getting exhausted. I'm going to be the death of us" "Hush cherie" Erik soothed, laying down next to her and pulling her in his arms "It is not your fault. You've been through a trying time these last few days. Christine you almost died. Your body stopped breathing. You barely had time to recuperate from that. Of course your going to tire easily. That is way you need all the energy you can get. Food is what gives your body energy"

Christine buried her face in his chest and nodded. Erik gently rubbed her back and sang quietly to her. Soon Christine's cries stopped and she relaxed against his chest. "What time will we be leaving tomorrow" she asked quietly. "If your fever permits. Lunch. There's another inn about five hours away. We'll travel there then stop so you can rest"

"Erik if you want we can travel father. I'll stay in the carriage. I won't sit next to you"

"Nonsense. Will stop at another inn tomorrow and then will see about traveling for longer periods of time. Where hours away from Paris and there has been no sign off anyone following us. I think were safe to stop a few times"

Christine nodded. "Will you sing to me to sleep?" she requested.

"Of course my dear"

Erik sang a soft lullaby and waited for Christine breathing against his chest to become even and for her muscles to relax, singling that she had falling asleep. He then slowly untangled himself from her and went and finished his dinner.

Christine's fever diminished over night and after warm breakfast they departed as scheduled at lunch. Erik bundled Christine up in blankets and with her favorite book in the carriage. He lite the small gas light inside to give her some warmth then climbed onto the drivers seat a started off once again.

That evening Lemur and his men stopped at the Wondering Horse. The men walked into the inn and sat down at the small tavern inside. They each ordered a drink and Lemur asked the bartender "Tell me, have you seen a young woman recently come in with a man in a mask or dark cloak?" The bartender cleaned out a glass and nodded. "Yes, they arrived yesterday. The young woman wasn't well. They left around noon today" the bartender said and placed put the clean glass away. Lemur smiled. Marque was right. They had headed north towards Belgium. "Did you happen to see which way they left?" Marque asked pleased that he was right. "Ya, they headed north on the left path" the bartender answered refilling their drinks. Lemur drained his glass and smiled. "Thank you monsieur, you've been most helpful" he said and through a few francs on the bar ledge. "Come gentlemen" Lemur said rising from his seat. A few hours travels and we shall reach are destination"

The same evening Erik and Christine stopped again at another inn. They ate a small supper together in their room then Erik pulled out his violin and played while Christine softly sang. They had a nice relaxed evening together then curled up in each others arms to get a some sleep. They were unaware of a group of men entering the town. The leader of the men, Lemur, slowly guided his horse along the streets until his group came upon the only inn in town. When he saw the only carriage sitting in front of the inn, Lemur with a an evil grin on his face turned to his group. "Come boys. I think we have found are prey"