Chapter Thirteen

Union of a Nightingale and a Scorpion

Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without,

and know we cannot live within...

Christine woke up to wind crashing against her window. Was that a good sign, to have it raining on your wedding day? Wedding day...the mere thought of it sent a little sliver of fear to her heart. But it was easily overpowered by her sense of anticipation.

It still seemed hard to believe that she was marrying Erik...her tutor, angel, guardian. But who would ever do if not him? Perhaps this would be the next step in proving to him that she really wanted to be with him. She knew it was hard for him to accept but she was more then willing to show him goodness and light.

"Mademoiselle?" Anita said, peeping her head through the door. Christine could not contain her smile.

"Come in, Anita," Christine said, sitting up in the large bed. Anita came in and went to Christine's wardrobe, pulling out her wedding dress that Erik had designed for her. Christine noticed the look on Anita's face and frowned.

"What is wrong?" Christine asked. The other woman shook her head. Christine sighed, not wishing to deal with the maid on this special day.

"Anita, please, tell me what is troubling you," Christine asked again. The maid sighed and looked Christine in the eyes.

"Mademoiselle...is this truly what you wish to do?" she asked. Christine frowned.

"What?" she asked.

"Mademoiselle...the master is not like other men..." Anita began. Christine became angry. How dare she question her actions!

"Leave the dress on the bed, I will get ready myself," she said. Anita could tell she had offended the young woman and tried to apologize, only to have Christine dismiss her. Christine once more thought about today and smiled, not allowing anything to ruin this for her.

xXx

Erik was pacing his room in long, trembling strides. Today...God, Christine and he were getting married! He, a monster with the face of the devil marrying one of God's angels. It had to be a sin. He had to be going to hell for this. But then he sighed. Hell was his destination anyways, this was just one more sin to add to a lifetime of sinning.

He doubted the priest Christine spoke of would even marry them once he was given a small glimpse of Erik. It still seemed surreal to him. He would never have been able to claim a woman as his own if Christine had not been willing to become his wife.

Wife...she was going to be his wife. Erik, the murderer, the monster, the infamous Phantom of the Opera was going to become the husband of one of the most beautiful creatures on the face of the earth. It was all incredibly ironic.

xXx

Christine felt her breath hitch in her throat as Erik took her hand and lightly kissed it, his gaze sweeping over her. Dusk had just begun to fall and they were about to get into the carriage that would bring them to the church. The driver of the carriage, a young man by the name of Jeoffrey, was going to be the witness to their union, although Christine believed he had had only agreed to it because he was terrified of Erik.

"Christine...you look lovely," he whispered. She smiled and allowed him to place her in the carriage. She could see how nervous he was and it made her smile. The Phantom of the Opera nervous on his wedding day, how sweet.

xXx

"Mademoiselle Daae, may I speak with you in private?" the priest asked. A low, threatening growl rumbled from Erik's throat and the Father glanced at him nervously, making the sign of the cross. Christine frowned and allowed the man to pull her some distance from Erik.

"Mademoiselle...this marriage, it is what you want?" he asked. Christine nodded.

"Yes, Father, I would not be here if I did not," she answered without hesitation. The priest glanced at Erik who looked rather annoyed at the interruption.

"Mademoiselle Daae, I have heard the rumors from the Opera, I believe I know who that is," he whispered. Christine sighed.

"Father, we wish to be married, I was hoping you could help us with that," Christine said. The older man sighed and nodded.

"Of course, Mademoiselle...it would be a pleasure."

xXx

"You may kiss the bride..."

Erik pressed trembling lips against his new wife's. He deepened the kiss, gently pushing his tongue into her mouth. Christine sighed against his mouth and slowly kissed him back. He could feel his whole body tense in his barely controlled passion. Christine pulled away first, smiling up at him.

Erik stared at her for a long time, wondering what he had done to be given such a gift as this woman...his wife...Christine Destler. The last name had been his...though he had almost forgotten what it was since he had never used it before tonight...tonight.

The idea struck him quite suddenly as he helped Christine back into the carriage. The wedding night...how could he have forgotten such a thing? Tonight they were supposed to consumate their marriage...the idea of seeing Christine naked seemed sinful...yet so tempting.

He knew much more about the art of making love then one would originally believe. He himself had never touched a woman in such a way but when he had been staying in Persia he had been witness to many of their orgies and had read much from books about such a thing.

But Christine was such an innocent, the idea of tainting her did not make him feel very well. Would she even wish to do such a thing with him? Kissing him was not that drastic but joining her body with his, that was truly the point of no return.

He had a feeling tonight was going to be a rather difficult night.