Chapitre 11

The two of us took steps up the Paris opera house, the Count's arm around my waist. The gentleman at the door took our cloaks and the Count's top hat, and then the noise started. Gossip flooded the room, the Count took my hand in his, relaxing me by rubbing his thumb along my palm in circles. I tried my best to ignore the hurtful glares from the people around me, mostly focused on the decadence of my jewellery.

"Estelle?" I turned around; a familiar face stepped out of the crowd.

"Drake?" He took another step towards me, glancing at the Count as though asking permission to look at me. Gently taking the top of my hand, he kissed it.

"It is good to see you again Monsieur Lee." The Count said, I took my hand from Drake's and stepped back to the Count. He placed a hand on my shoulder, I placed mine a top his.

"Good to see you again Count; I see that you have taken a shine to dear Estelle." I watched carefully as his eyes darkened at the sight of my necklace.

"I do what I can to give her everything she desires, and in return… she has blessed me with her love." I smiled up at him, feeling a warm blush spread over my cheeks. Looking just behind Drake, I saw a face among the crowd.

"Father?" He turned around, my face lit up. Running to him, we embraced each other. I heard the Count chuckle behind me.

"Ah, what a delightful reunion." I smiled warmly at Father, his eyes smiling at me.

"How have you been darling?" He asked.

"I've been fine, I heard about Agatha." His smile dropped. "How is she?" He sighed.

"She's been better, but she'll pull through." Lottie stepped out from behind him, dressed in red. She clutched her fan tightly in her hands, shuffling over to me.

"Lottie, nice to see you again." She looked at my necklace, her jaw dropping and her eyes popping. A cold presence behind my back, a set of arms around my waist; my beloved.

"Ah Mademoiselle Lottie, long time no see. I do hope that you enjoy the opera tonight." She clenched her fan tightly, making it creak and groan; her eyes wide. There was a tinkling of a bell.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats as the Opera will be starting in five minutes." Father smiled and hugged me.

"Please excuse us your Excellency, we have to go." Lottie walked away quickly, pushing past people to get in.

'Strange.' The Count led me to one of the private boxes, taking my hand and kissing the top of it. He whispered in my ear.

"You're doing wonderfully." I smiled and turned my attention to the stage, just as the lights dimmed. The opening scene to Madame Butterfly commenced; such music! The Count certainly knew how to make me feel special, but during the opera I couldn't help but feel the eyes of the crowd on me. During intermission the Count and I didn't leave the box, only drinking red wine that Baptistin had brought for us. He had taken the courtesy of checking what it was like in the lobby and apparently it was swamped with people trying to get a glimpse of the Count and I. After the opera had concluded the Count and I walked through the lobby, the buzz of gossip started up again. Looking over, I saw women looking at me with burning envy.

"Estelle." I looked in the crowd; Father took a step towards me. "Feel free to visit your home anytime, both you and the Count are welcome." Lottie stood in the background, not taking her eyes off the Count. I felt the Count place his hand on my hip.

"Thank you for the wonderful invitation Monsieur Cutter." Lottie came up to me, taking my hand and leading me away from the Count and Father.

"Lottie? What are you doing?" She pulled me into a dark corner, clutching my hands in hers; her eyes were wide and frightened.

"I know what I did was wrong and I know that you will probably never forgive me for telling Mummy about the two of you but-" She looked over her shoulder; the Count was starting to make his way over to me.

"The devil wears many faces and speaks with honeyed words, it will take you and I am only warning you of-"

"Mademoiselle Lottie, I apologize for interrupting you but Estelle and I have to go." I let the Count take my hand and the three of us headed towards the long line of coaches that were waiting outside the Opera House. I waved goodbye to Father and Lottie, Baptistin held the door of the coach open for me. The Count and I sped off into the night; his hand caressed the side of my neck. Turning my head toward him he brought his lips down onto mine, kissing me soft and slow; the taste of red wine on his lips. My eyes widened, I shyly wrapped my arms around him; he pushed me against the soft velvet of the seat. Our breath was hot and heavy against each other's lips. He took my wrist and pinned it against my head, he lowered his lips to my throat and reached around to unclasp the necklace which fell against my chest and onto my lap. My lips parted as I moaned softly as his lips snatched at my throat suddenly. I gasped for air as my breath raced and my breasts pressed against his coat, his lips turned into a smile as his long teeth ran over my pulse.

"You are so beautiful Estelle." My hand rested on his shoulder as he dragged his sharp teeth over my throat.

"C-Count… ah." I sighed; his tongue ran over my throat. He pulled away and kissed me again, my hand caressing his cool face gently. My eyes widened as I felt his tongue trace my lips, moaning I granted him access. He smirked and his tongue slipped between my lips, closing my eyes I whimpered as he examined every known inch of my mouth. He pulled away, gently nibbling on my bottom lip as he did and released my small wrist, resting his head on top of mine, holding the back of my head with his gloved hand. My breath danced against his throat as he held me, the necklace glittering in the dim light of the carriage.

A Few Days Later-

I walked through one of the hallways of the Count's home, finally finding the dining room and taking a set at the long table. He was at the head of the table, sipping coffee and looking intensely at the computer in front of him. The table was laden for food only for two; there were no windows so the only light came from natural gas lamps in the walls.

"Estelle?" I looked up at him, he didn't meet my gaze. "Would you like to go to Luna for the festival?" I smiled and put my tea down.

"I would love to; besides, you could really use a break from all your work-"

"I won't be coming." I frowned a little, surprised from his words. He looked up at me; his eyes were colder than usual which gave me chills.

"But you-" I started

"I want you to enjoy yourself while the carnival is on, I have business to do in Eastern Space and I won't be back until later in the week." I lowered my head and sipped my tea in silence. It wasn't that I wasn't grateful for the offer but I did want some more time with the man I loved. I heard a chair moving and felt is cold gloved hands cup my face and make my eyes lock with his, he smiled a little. His smile made my heart flutter and his thumb ran over my bottom lip. "I will try to be back for the last evening, I'll book seats at the opera." I smiled and he released my face, finishing his coffee and leaving me alone. I sighed and finished my breakfast, wallowing in my own thoughts.

Within the week the Count had already booked my trip to Luna and an extra ticket for Mina. We stood on the split platform, just about to part ways; the busying crowds moved around us. He looked royal as always, his long cloak fanned across his back like wings.

"Have a safe journey Count, don't make too much trouble." He chuckled and cupped my chin, drawing my lips to his. Our kiss was brief and we parted, he going to some far off planet and I was simply going to the moon. The stars slowly passed us as Luna fast approached, a smile washed over my face. The beauty of space swept me away, just like it had done too many people before it.