Prologue II: Christine
October 11, 1863
9:12 A.M.
Château Daaé
Paris, France
"Please, Madame, just one last push!" the doctor exclaimed urgently as the morning sunlight streamed in through the windows.
The young Vicomtesse moaned tiredly, exhausted from laboring for the past 24 hours with no relief.
Using the last of her strength, she pushed as hard as she could and felt a ripping, tearing sensation before a loud cry filled the room and she slumped limply back against her pillows.
She was vaguely aware of frantic voices and people rushing quickly around her, but couldn't find the strength to open her eyes to see what was happening.
She knew that it wasn't the baby, though.
She could still hear the cries, her little one seemed to be in perfect health.
Which meant that it must be her...
Her poor Gustave, he would have to raise their child alone... Isabelle doubted that he would remarry.
She just prayed that he wouldn't blame the child for her death...
Then there was nothing.
Nothing at all...
A/N: Currently stuck in bed with a cold, am posting this chapter in a desperate attempt to relieve my boredom...