A/N: To anyone who is reading, I'm sorry that it has been so long since I last updated. There has been a lot going on in my life lately and I don't have enough time to write as I would like. I appreciate your patience and hope you stick with me!
Christine turned to the side once more, carefully studying her reflection in the full-length mirror. The tiers of her lavender ball gown were accentuated with lace. Above the plunging neckline hung a diamond pendant that Raoul had purchased for her. Christine pulled her shoulders back, standing a little straighter and lifting her chin.
"Are you still staring at yourself?" a teasing voice called from behind her. Meg Giry slowly approached her best friend, arms crossed in front of her chest and a smile playing on her lips. "Do you not remember what happened to Narcissus?"
"It is quite impossible to drown in a room where there is no water, Meg," Christine replied dryly.
"It was only a jest, Christine. Whatever is the matter with you?"
Christine turned to apologize. "Forgive me. I have just been so preoccupied." She turned once more to the mirror, her slender fingers smoothing the fabric of her dress, "Everything must be perfect; not a hair can be out of place."
"I don't believe I have ever seen you so nervous, not even on the night of you first performance."
Meg could hear Christine's voice shake slightly as she spoke. "This all so difficult, Meg. This is a foreign world to me. Raoul has been prepared for this his entire life and I…What if I cannot fit into his world?" At that, Christine shook her head determinedly. "No, I can't allow that. I will do whatever it takes for them to accept me."
"Christine," Meg began, laying a hand supportively on her shoulder, "Relax."
Christine offered her a weak smile. "I suppose I will be on edge until the day that Raoul and I are married and I know that he is mine."
"Mademoiselle, your carriage has arrived," the maid spoke softly from the doorway.
"You look perfect," Meg said, pulling Christine into an embrace.
As Christine walked out the door, she found Raoul standing beside the carriage, Roslin seated inside.
"You're breathtaking," Raoul whispered in her ear as he helped her step up into the carriage.
He seated himself beside her as the carriage pulled away. Christine noted how wonderful he and Roslin looked, and she only hoped that she had been able to match their elegance.
"Here is your dance card," Roslin said, handing Christine a small booklet that would hang from her wrist. Inside were the titles of the songs which would be performed at the ball. Beneath each one was written Raoul's name.
"I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of requesting each dance," Raoul said, smiling playfully at her.
"Such presumption!" Christine giggled as she lightly kissed him.
During the ride Christine had spoken easily with Roslin and Raoul, but her hands began to tremble and her stomach twisted as their carriage approached the Marquis's estate.
Reading the fear on Christine's face, Roslin attempted to reassure her. "I'm certain you will be the belle of the ball, but you must promise to make some time for us as well."
A footman approached their carriage, opening the door and addressing them formerly. "Monsieur, Mademoiselles."
Raoul stepped out, pulling his gloves on as the footman offered his hand out to the ladies. Christine looked on all the arriving guests, the splendor before her matched only by the masque ball that had been held at the Opera Garnier. That night still held an ambivalent feeling for her. The joy of her engagement to Raoul, broken as her angel had intruded and revealed the depth of his obsession. Poor Erik would never know the happiness of attending such an event with a companion on his arm. But thoughts of her angel were pushed aside as Raoul took her arm in his and escorted her and his sister inside.Inside the room, two men took notice of their entrance.
"I see that your brother is once again in the company of Mademoiselle Daae," the Marquis noted.
"A mere dalliance, I am certain," Philippe responded.
"There are rumors of an engagement, Philippe," the Marquis responded in a hushed voice.
"I assure you that my brother, young and foolish though he may be, would not be taken in so easily by a woman of her status. And even if she should manage to attain his affections, he would not act without my permission."
Christine glanced about the ballroom, paying vague attention as Roslin discreetly pointed out the best of Parisian society. Suddenly she heard a deep, booming voice from behind.
"Raoul, Roslin! I have been awaiting your arrival."
The source of the voice was Raoul's older brother. Aside from the distinguished, graying hairs at his temples, the wrinkles that creased beside his eyes, and the full moustache above his lips, he was an exact replica of Raoul. Taking Roslin's hands in his own, he placed a kiss on both her cheeks and offered a hug to Raoul.
"The captivating Mademoiselle Daae, an honor to see you again," Philippe spoke, his eyes staring into Christine's as he raised her hand to his lips.
Something about the way he looked at her made Christine uncomfortable, as though she were some sort of detestable insect to him. She drew her hand back, her eyes remaining with his. Finally, he turned to Raoul.
"May I enjoy the pleasure of the first dance with Mademoiselle Daae?" he asked.
"If the lady consents," Raoul answered, glancing to Christine.
"That would be lovely," Christine answered hesitantly, forcing herself to smile.
"I shall be waiting for your return," Raoul said before Christine allowed herself to be led out to the dance floor.
As the band began to play, Philippe took Christine's hand, placing his other on her waist. She held up the bottom of her dress as they began to dance. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Roslin being approached by several gentlemen. She offered her hand out to one, smiling at Christine as she joined them on the dance floor.
"Is it what you had expected?" Philippe asked, trying to draw her into conversation.
"It's lovely," Christine said absentmindedly, gazing about the room to find Raoul.
"I'm sure he has not left."
"I'm sorry?"
"My brother. I know you were looking for him," Philippe said confidently as he gave her a devilish smile.
Christine smiled sheepishly, casting her eyes downward.
"You're quite taken with him, aren't you?" he questioned as he expertly turned about.
"Well, I-" Christine found herself unable to speak.
"I understand that he is also very fond of you. Fond enough for…an engagement perhaps?"
Christine's eyes widened and her mouth hung slightly open, her silence betraying the truth.
"I see. You must understand that this marriage could be damaging to my brother. But I will do all that I can to protect you both," Philippe said. He smiled warmly at her, but inside he was cursing.
He believed that Raoul was only indulging his urges with this girl; he had never imagined that his brother had any intention of marrying her. He should have known that his young, naïve brother would be unable to distinguish love from lust. This diva has seduced him into an unfavorable engagement; he had no idea what he was doing. Philippe was determined to save him from himself, and prevent a marriage that could injure his family name.
Philippe and Christine applauded as the music ended. With a slight curtsey and a quiet "thank you", Christine hurried away to find Raoul and tell him what Philippe knew.
At that same moment Philippe was also looking for someone, but with more malicious intentions.