DISCLAIMER: I don't own Erik—just plot and any characters you don't recognize…Well not even the bits of plot that you will recognize when the realllll story starts. –huffs-
A/N: Anyways, Chapter two is FINALLY up! It took a lot longer than I expected, and I lost count of how many times I changed this. Also, it was my birthday Friday, so I was kinda busy.
Eternal Thanks to: dark-hearted rose, speedy56, and KyrieofAccender for their wonderful reviews! Oh, and about A Smile More Beautiful Than Song, I'm working on that too, but this one has taken up the last couple of days… Hope you like chapter 2, and REVIEWWWW! Happy Reading.
Xxx
He left as a shadow before the skies were of aquamarine and sewn with golden threads of light…
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"Mademoiselle! You must hurry! The Vicomte will soon be awaiting you in his grand carriage! You mustn't be late today of all days!" The middle aged and homely maid burst into the room and was about to continue her improvisational speech, until she was immobilized by the scene before her.
There was her beautiful young mistress, hair and attire disheveled. She was facing the window and silent tears were running from her eyes; two coursing rivers upon the perfect and pale face. The streams sparkled and winked on her cheeks, catching the brilliant rays of early sunlight. Her gaze distant—seemingly witnessing a fantasy playing itself out far away. Stepping closer, the maid saw Mistress's hands clutched desperately upon a lovely rose—the most beautiful she had ever seen, and her fingers were wrapped and entwined upon a black silken ribbon.
There was something strangely beautiful in about the scene before her—for in spite of the rumpled hair and mussed gown she could not help but think that no other had ever looked more in mirror with a fallen angel…
Snapping out of her admiring trance, the maid called urgently, "Mademoiselle—Christine!"
There was no response and another attempt was made, in vain. Growing increasingly worried with Christine's inert state, she cautiously extended a frail arm upon Christine's shoulder.
The touch seemed to break the spell, and Christine tilted her head lightly and softly whispered, "Yes…Thank you…"
Rather unnerved and not wanting to bring up the subject of her Mistress's strange trance she asked with an air of feigned cheeriness, "Why mademoiselle, the rose is simply lovely; I've never seen one quite so perfect. It looks as if you plucked it straight from an artist's freshly painted canvas. Wherever did you get it?"
Not catching her maid's bright tone nor meeting her inquisitive gaze, Christine nodded and replied distantly--tears still falling, "Yes Amee--all the roses from his canvas are perfect…Always…"
Noticing the still wandering eyes and hesitant movements in addition to usage of her pet name, Amee dropped all formal pretenses, firmly wiped away the tears and said sternly, "Now Christine m'dear. I don't know what nonsense you're prattling on about, but you must get dressed! We mustn't keep the Vicomte from his lovely bride on his wedding day now—can we?"
Emitting a burst of anguish at her words, Christine threw herself into Amee's arms and whispered passionately, "I do not want to wed the Vicomte! How can I share with him the most intimate of things when my heart beats—no burns! For another? I will not! I will run away for love of him! Oh, my body aches for another—screams for his touch…his caress…"
Realizing the words that had just been exhaled, Christine blushed furiously and looked away, gathering her composure.
"My apologies—I will be dressed in a moment's time. You must excuse my appalling words, for I was not in my right state of mind."
Amee gave a small obeisance and silent nod—following her Mistress's once again formal example, and departed quickly from the room, shocked.
Xxx
It seemed that all of Paris was present that night. The guests arrived in a steady wave clad in all their elegant finery. Even the rich aristocrats and their simpering ladies gasped at the elaborate decor as they entered the grand chapel. Thousands of tiny and sparkling fairy lights had been strung on the walls and pews. Lilies were arranged on every available surface and silver dust coated the carpeted floor.
It was common knowledge that the young Vicomte would spare no expense for his young bride—supposedly a long lost childhood sweetheart. She had recently made a phenomenal debut on the famous Parisian stage, and became overnight, the prime envy of ladies as well as a sought after trophy for gentlemen.
There was never a contest for the gentlemen…They said she was the Vicomte's from the start, and many jealous ladies had cast vindictive whispers of a rumored and shadowed affair with the infamous Opera Ghost when it was made public that the young diva and the prized steed of nobility were to wed.
"Such a young and handsome man wasted on an Opera harlot," said the whispers.
"She's not even pure," were the hissed words.
Xxx
"Why Mademoiselle—you look simply breathtaking!" Amee clapped her hands joyously and adjusted a misplaced curl with motherly affection.
Christine nodded mutely as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror.
Beauty means nothing to me anymore…
Xxx
The attendants of the reception were beginning to grow restless. Programs crinkled as feet and whispers began to permeate the chapel. As the guests began to turn towards each other and engage in quiet conversation, it seemed no one noticed a cloaked figure glide soundlessly onto the choir balcony…
At last! The organ began the all familiar tune that joins two beings for a lifetime…
The breath was caught in the throat of all guests as the bride made her entrance. The image of perfection was before them in a pale pink gown trimmed with silver. Pearls, diamonds—delicate baubles that sparkled and shone with every movement, graced the pale throat and wrists. All eyes were on the slim figure hugged by an elaborately jeweled bodice and gown made from endless yards of satin, lace, and silk. Brown curls peeked out from beneath the light veil and a beautiful bouquet of lilies completed the image.
As she made her way down the aisle—attendants completely in awe, another figure leaned over the railing from above as his breath came short…
Xxx
The wedding was one never forgotten among Parisian royalty. For although none in attendance could place their finger upon the oddity, all agreed that the wedding was the strangest they had ever witnessed.
Some say that as the Vicomte removed the veil from his young bride, her cheeks sparkled with tears bright as jewels, and others insisted that her full pink lips were coldly brief with the engaging kiss. Some claim that the bride had mouthed a few fervent words before priest had enlisted the vows, and most the rest announced that she had gazed longingly upward during the entirety of the priest's speech—towards the heavens they say…And the final few swore that the bride placed the ring upon her own finger. What all agreed upon however, was the ethereal tune that enveloped the chapel upon the joining kiss…
In truth, they were all correct, and though they do not know it, there were two in attendance that night who knew the true events. One being the bride herself—object of all attentions, and the other a mere shadow—unseen by all but one…
Excluding the two prior mentioned, it seemed that no others noticed the single blood red rose nestled at the very center of the bride's bouquet—the only rose present throughout the chapel in fact. Nor did they notice that the ring slipped onto the bride's finger was a simple gold band, not the elaborate bauble that had been the prize display of the most renowned jewelry store in all of France until the Vicomte had made it known that it was to rest forever on his bride's hand…
Xxx
Your body may belong to another, but your soul is forever bound to mine.
Though you are chained for a lifetime; death will set your spirit free.
We may be parted now, but it matters naught.
For our love crosses every border, spans all time…
And we will once again be united in perfect harmony,
In a place called eternity…
Xxx
A/N: Whew! That was HARDDD to write. I hope it was good, and I know it doesn't connect with the Prelude, but it will all make sense later! REVIEWWWW PLEAAASEEEE? I need to know if I'm doing this right lol. Just clicky that little button………….