Christine felt her excitement grow as the date for the festival drew near. But of course she would stay calm while at the festival and not let her childish excitement show. She knew that there would be world renowned musicians coming as well as new and youthful ones. Her mind reeled with anticipation at the prospect of getting to listen to all of them. And now she had to seek some peace.
Smiling to herself she snuck into Erik's music room and over to the piano. Placing her fingers on the keys she began to pluck out a few notes stumbling over them as she went and became frustrated. Looking around she spotted a beautiful deep mahogany violin. Carefully her steady hands took it down from its place on the shelf.
Notes began to flow out of the instrument as she played. The sound was excellent. As her old rusty hands became use to the violin once again she hummed softly.
"I thought you said you did not have any singing ability."
"To be fair, Majesty," Christine didn't stop playing. "I said I wasn't a good singer. I have singing abilities just not appropriate ones."
"I have heard much worse." Erik shrugged coming towards her. "You have a beautiful voice, from what I can hear."
"Are you jesting, Sire?" She lifted a brow.
"Not at all." He stated. "I was complementing you. How are you feeling?"
"Much better." The playing stopped and she placed the violin back on the shelf. "I should thank you again for comforting me in a… difficult time. I…"
"No thanks is necessary." His eyes went to hers. "After all we must follow our vows."
"True." She nodded. "You said you wanted to speak with me today?"
"About the festival…"
"Are we still having it?" Her heart sank a little.
"Yes of course." He said quickly. "But I was wondering if you had a composer or such that you wish to have there."
"I'm sure I will be pleased with the ones present." She shrugged.
The two stood there. An awkward silence filled the room. Neither knew of any more to say. But both wanted desperately to say something.
"Cecile is doing well in swimming." Christine shunned the silence. "She can stay afloat by herself now."
"That's very good." He nodded.
"Perhaps you should come swimming with us one day." She smiled hopefully. "You can see how much she improved."
"I do not swim."
"You can't swim?" A small laugh came from her. "Well then I suppose I will have to teach…"
"I do not wish to swim." His eyes met her blue ones.
"Why?" The question was impending.
"It is a…burden for me." He sighed.
"You may swim without your mask." She ventured.
"I would ruin the whole outing if I did." Erik sat down at the piano bench.
"That is very doubtful." Taking a seat next to him and took his hand in hers. "As you said before I will follow the vows and honor my husband."
"Sire." Madame Giry appeared at the door and they dropped hands. "Your presence is required in the House."
"Thank you, Madame." He nodded and stood, facing Christine he said. "Perhaps we shall take an outing to the beach." And kissed her hand, then left.
Madame Giry eyes the girl with interest. "An outing?"
"I suppose." She looked down at the keys on the piano.
"Funny." The woman half smiled in admiration. "The king has never really gone to the beach on an 'outing'."
"Cecile you must wait for a while before you go swimming." Christine signed to her.
"Why?" The girl signed back.
"You will get sick." She answered.
"No I won't!" Cecile rolled her eyes and turned to Erik. "Tell mother I will not become sick!"
"She won't become sick." He seemed very delighted at the squabble between the two.
"You're not helping." Christine spoke to him; Cecile pulled at Christine's dress and glared up at her. Christine sighed and signed to her. "If you start to not feel well do not blame me."
The girl smiled and hurriedly took her robe off that hid her suit. Christine followed her lead and looked at Erik before her and Cecile went splashing into the water.
"Last chance, Erik." She teased.
"I forgot me swim clothes." He shrugged.
"That did not stop me." A small smile came through.
"I'm fine thank you."
Cecile went over to him and signed. "Please come, Papa."
Erik looked between the two women and sighed and stood up, striping to his underclothes. Christine felt the air leave her lungs. It seemed men underclothes only consisted of leggings that reached mid thigh. And indeed His Highness had no reason to hide behind the layers of clothing. She came to the conclusion that this was not the first time for physical activity for this man.
"Well." Christine cleared her throat. "We should…"
Before she could say anything else, Cecile ran towards the water obviously bored with what the adults had to say. Erik and Christine went after her making a monstrous splash into the water. When they surface the looked around.
"Where's Cecile?" Christine asked and was answered by a blanket of water to her face. Erik chuckled and Christine splashed him, making him stare at her in surprise while she had her own giggle fit. It continued from there and the royal family went into a sudden splashing spree.
Cecile backed away and gave the adults a questioning look. Of course neither noticed but she was trying to figure out what was happening with her father and new mother. She noticed glanced between them, the slight touches, and when one of them would hold her she felt the vibrations in their voices became deeper. Sitting where the water and the sand met she observed them. Her father had been happier. Though most wouldn't notice because her father glared at everybody, but he never glared at her or Christine. Wait… her father loved her and did not glare at her….and he did not glare at Christine…could he…. A tap on the shoulder made her thoughts temporarily leave her and turned to see a man standing there.
"Who are you?" Cecile glared at him.
"Your father seems happy with his new wife." He was obviously of high stature because of his wealthy clothes.
"He's very happy." She was weary of this gentleman.
"Is his wife happy?"
"She is." The girl glared. "I do not know you. Go away."
"Good day, Princess." The man walked away.
Cecile looked back at her family. Her mother was happy, she could tell.
Sorry this is late I have been very busy! Good new though! The play is this upcomig weekend and I will actually have time to write! And I have another story that I want to put up! So new story and more time to write! Yes! Hopefully I will be able to update my other story sometime this week so look out for that one. Thanks to my wonderful beta! Please Review it is what keeps me sane for Hell Week!
E.V. Oleander
