Temptation: Elisabeth

"I give you an ultimatum, if you don't want to lose me, fulfill it." I kept my voice controlled as I held out the piece of paper to my husband.

I had been planning this moment for about a month. I'd had enough of The Archduchess taking control of my life and enough of feeling like I had been abandoned. It was my turn to take control, to put my life into my hands. I hated that I had to push Franz Joseph into this difficult decision, but it was time something was done.

"From now on I will be in charge of the education of my children and I will decide by myself what I do and where I go. Read it."

I couldn't help but feel my stomach clench up as I saw the hurt look in Franz Joseph's eyes. I clenched my fists a moment, taking a deep breath and continuing.

" You have to decide Franz…for your mother or for me."

I had to close my eyes a moment as Franz looked up at me in surprise. He reached toward me, but I turned away. I knew that if I let him get near me now my reserve would be broken and I would crumble.

"Now leave me alone."

I slowly walked to the bed and sat down, my back to the door. I heard Franz Joseph sigh, could hear his footsteps pause as he halted at the door. I sighed shakily, pressing my hands over my face, willing myself not to cry. I had to be strong. I was not about to let my entire life be decided for me, or the lives of my children.

A few seconds later I heard a soft click as the door was closed and I was left alone. I took another deep breath, letting my hands fall to my lap as I stared down at the carpet. I prayed that I had not driven Franz away from me completely. Even though he couldn't be near me as much as I would have liked, I knew I wouldn't be able to bear it if was completely gone from my life.

Suddenly I heard something, it had sounded almost like a whisper and for a moment I wasn't sure if I had imagined the voice or if it was real. Then I heard it again, a familiar voice gently reaching my ears.

"Elisabeth…Elisabeth."

I raised my head slowly, feeling his presence behind me as his voice quietly filled the room. Der Tod.

"Elisabeth…don't despair,"

He walked slowly toward me, his long black coat trailing on the floor, a calm look in his eyes. I had not seen him since he had taken Sophie. I knew that I should have been furious with him…but his presence somehow comforted me.

"Relax in my arms, I want to comfort you."

He was behind me now, kneeling on the bed, his hand softly brushing my cheek. I was suddenly aware of just how close he was to me, but at that moment it didn't feel wrong.

He ran his hands lightly down my arms, his breath warm on my face. I sighed lightly, listening to his words and letting my troubles fade for a moment.

"Escape and you will be free, all the fighting will be over. I want to take you away from space and time into a better reality!"

As he spoke he slowly lifted my arms until they were extended to the side. He traced my arms with his hands, bringing his own arms out slightly above mine. I smiled, comforted by his words, already anticipating the exhilarating feeling of flying…being free.

As our arms fell he gently cupped my cheek with one hand, while the other slowly guided me down onto the bed.

"Elisabeth…Elisabeth…"

He hand slowly drifted from my face down my neck, tracing my figure gently. I closed my eyes, a soft sigh escaping my lips, longing for the freedom and happiness he promised me. I could feel his breath on my face, he was inches away from me and I remembered the first time I had seen him…he had been this close to me then. I heard his next words come in a faint whisper, could feel his fingers tangled in my hair…

"I love you."

All of a sudden I snapped back to my senses, realizing what exactly he was offering and seeing how foolish I was being by wanting to simply give up. His lips were centimeters from mine when I suddenly sat up, pushing him back and rising to my feet.

"No! I want to live! I'm too young to give up. I know I can free myself…now I will use my beauty to my advantage."

I turned toward him again, caught the bewildered and hurt expression in his ice blue eyes…the same look I had just seen in Franz Joseph's.

"Go! I don't want you…"

He moved toward me, one hand extended. A lock of his white-blond hair had fallen in front of his eyes…

"I don't need you! Go!"

I shouted the last word, turning away from him and striding across the room. I heard no sound…but when I turned back Der Tod was gone.

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