Chapter 4

As soon as they got to the bottom of the ladder, a blonde haired girl came running up to them.

"Ah Meg, I'd like to introduce you to Christine. Christine, this is my stepsister Meg."

Christine gave a small smile. "It's nice to meet you, Meg."

"Likewise," she said. "But Erik, I have to warn you, your father just asked Carlotta to sing tomorrow at the festival, and she accepted."

Erik groaned. "Not her again! She sings at every festival."

"Is she a good singer?" Christine asked.

"No of course not. I would not be surprised if she was related to screech owls!" he turned to Meg. "Does it have to be her? Can't father choose some else?"

Meg sighed. "You know how fond he is of Carlotta. Oh, and another thing, she said she wanted to talk to you about what song she should sing." Meg looked around. "And here she comes now! If you need me, I'll be with mother." She said and ran off.

Christine turned to see another girl come walking up to them. She had slightly darkened skin, with long red hair.

"Well Erik, I shall be singing tomorrow night. Do you have any songs that I can sing?"

"Yes, you could sing 'Think of me' if you want," he said pretending to be happy.

Carlotta suddenly turned her attention to Christine. "And who is this?" she asked.

"My name is Christine. And you must be Carlotta. Erik told me all about you."

"Then Erik must have told what a lovely voice I have."

"Oh yes," she lied. "Just lovely."

Erik cut in before Carlotta could say another word. "Well Carlotta, it's been nice talking to you," he said, putting on a fake smile. "But we should really be going."

"Well, I shall see you two tomorrow night. Bye!" She said as she skipped off.

Erik turned to Christine. "There are no words in the world that can describe the hatred that I feel towards her. Now let's go on"

He continued to lead her through the camp till it was sunset.

Then, as he led her back to the tree house, he said to her, "Christine, I have some business to attend to. So do you mind if you stay in the tree house until I get back?"

She smiled. "No I don't mind."

When she was in the tree house, she stared out of the window. And slowly her mind drifted back to her father.

Oh, I wish I can see you again, papa. How I wish I can hear you again and hear you play your violin, at least one more time. Then she suddenly started to sing a song that her father would always sing to her when she was upset.

A.N. Angel of music is played here.

After Erik came back from arguing with his father about Carlotta, he went to the tree house. When he did he heard Christine singing. Her voice was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard in his life. Sure it was a little rough around the edges, but with his help, it could make angels cry.

Suddenly it was clear to Erik that she should sing at the festival tomorrow night. Since his father was so set to have Carlotta sing, he would have to take matters into his own hands.

As soon as he saw Meg, he called her over. "Meg, I need you to do something for me." He whispered his plan to her. She nodded.

"Alright I'll try. Good luck on your part." And she ran off.

Erik ran to the outside of the camp. He looked around until he spotted what he was looking for to handle Carlotta. It was a patch of green leaves with red spots called toad's plant.

A.N. I know there is no such thing as Toad's plant, but this is my story. So I can make up stuff if I want to. But that's another chapter for you guys. I'd like to thank my reviewers: Twistedchildreness, Twinkle22, ChristianAngel7, Puppetm-ster, cARKEYS, cinafran, Kathy.L, and T-T-K13. It might take a while till I put the next chapter up. Because I'm writing another story and I'm doing the national novel writers month – But I'll try to update as soon as possible. You know the drill. So Review!

Phantom's Bride