AN: Here's chapter one for you guys. I'm still working on writing chapter two, so it might take a bit longer to get the next one up. I'd love to know what you guys think! Enjoy!
Mélodie-Rose sniffled, slowly calming down bit by bit as she leaned against her father's chest. Her body shook with dry heaves and her hands clung to his white dress shirt as her tears subsided. Underneath them, the hard bottom of the cage swayed back and forth on its wheels as they were carried further and further away from their Paris home. Gustave sat in the opposite corner of his father and sister next to Nadir Khan. Today should have been a happier day for the twins as it was their birthday. However, instead the four were somber as they were transported in the cage by the Gypsy camp to a foreign destination.
"What's going to happen to us? Why did that man seem like he knew you?"
"Because he does. That man was one of my former masters when I was younger. As for what will happen to us, I'm uncertain at the moment."
"One of your old masters? But why-"
"Not now, Gustave, please," Erik cut off his son.
Gustave swallowed, nodding his head at his father's request. Nadir then addressed Erik in Farsi.
".يجب أن يكون هو"
".لا يمكننا التأكد"
"-ولكن إذا كان كذلك"
".دعها تذهب يا خان"
As they spoke, Gustave looked between the two, brow furrowed. Although he couldn't understand the tongue the pair spoke in, he could tell from their tones that they were speaking about something serious. Just then, Mélodie made a quiet whimpering noise as her hands loosened their hold slightly and she burrowed further into Erik's chest.
"Is she-"
"Finally asleep," Erik finished Gustave's question with the answer.
"She's taking this harder than I would have thought," Nadir commented.
"She's preached since we first found her that she knows too much for her own good, Daroga. Why wouldn't she be reacting this way?"
Silence fell inside the cage as the three became lost in each of their own thoughts. As the sun set, Mélodie began to shiver in Erik's arms, who drew her closer to his body for warmth. Gustave curled up in his corner and attempted to get some rest, leaving the Persian and the masked man awake.
"You should try and sleep as well, Persian."
"I should say the same to you, Erik."
"You know my habits, Doroga, don't pester me."
"Erik, if it is him-"
"Hush, you pesky Persian. We wouldn't want the children to wake and hear you."
"Very well. Good night, my friend."
"Good night, Khan."
AN: Conversation between Erik and Nadir-
"It has to be him."
"We can't be certain."
"But if it is-"
"Let it go, Khan."