A/N: Happy New Year, dear readers! Just to reassure you that this story has an ending, so it won't be dropped. For the New Year, here's a double post. Happy 2015! :-)

Chapter 4

An hour later, I peeked into Christine's room, relieved that she was already dressed and waited for her to tidy up. The girl was fretting over her hair, brushing it out, then pinning it up again. The diamond necklace looked stunning upon her, though she soon covered up the red dress and the necklace with a modest cloak.

Likewise, I had hidden my black masquerade outfit underneath a simple traveler's cloak. I checked my watch. It was two hours before the masquerade. I felt the golden mask within my hidden pocket, and again checked the soft, thin, flesh-colored mask upon my face.

I could scarcely believe what I was doing. But Christine had been so upset.

I had spent a long time carefully applying make-up to the edges of the mask as well as my face to give it the semblance of a real, normal visage. The hat was low and tilted upon my face. Christine would see only part of my chin and a slice of the good side of my face. As long as I kept the hat on, the illusion would be complete.

As though sensing my presence, Christine whispered, "Angel, are you there?"

"I am," I replied quietly, throwing my voice beside her. "Are you ready to go out?"

"Yes," she responded, "though I am unused to leaving the opera house unaccompanied."

"Am I not with you and watching you, my dear?"

"Yes," she answered, though her trembling hand betrayed her nervousness.

I watched her unlock her door and step out into the hallway, looking around and no doubt, searching for her unseen companion.

"I am right beside you," I stated, throwing my voice by her ear.

As soon as she had moved past the doorway, I passed through the mirror, trailing silently behind her.

"Angel, where should I go?"

"Did I not ask you to make your own decisions? You may go anywhere you like, and do not worry about the expense. Think of it as an adventure, a lesson in exploring on your own. There will be a carriage and horseman waiting outside for you to take you wherever you'd like to go."

"Will you not come to me in physical form, as you did last night?" she implored. "I would feel so much more comfortable with you beside me as a man."

"I prefer not to be seen," I responded honestly, "but I am with you, my dear. Have faith in that."

She glanced curiously over her shoulder, and I flattened myself against the wall.

I watched as she moved slowly down the stairs and decided to make use of a secret shortcut to the street outside. Slipping into a passageway, I made quick work of the ropes and pulleys, leaping from the upper level to the ground and rushing to the carriage outside. I had prepared everything in advance, taking César from his stable and hooking him up to the carriage.

I waited nervously for Christine to appear, and when she did, I tugged the hat lower upon my face. She moved out onto the street, noticing the carriage.

"Mademoiselle," I stated politely, disguising my voice, "I have been instructed to take you anywhere you wish and accompany you anywhere you would like to go."

She jumped as she looked at me, and I realized she had not noticed me waiting there.

"Forgive me for startling you, mademoiselle," I apologized hastily.

Christine stared at me curiously, and I turned away, busying myself with César, petting him gently and speaking softly to him. I knew that my eyes had the effect of unnerving people as did most of my appearance. I kept my head tilted so that Christine could see only one eye, as the other was hidden beneath the hat. My mother told me I had the eyes of a cat and that their mismatched colors were the sign of the devil.

"You are quite talented with horses, monsieur," Christine observed after a moment, and I could tell she was trying to see more of my face underneath the hat.

"Thank you, mademoiselle," I replied, relieved that she had not run away. But then Christine was so ridiculously trusting, it should not have surprised me that she stayed. "Animals are always so much more agreeable than people."

Christine continued to stare, and I shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. Perhaps she would decide not to go after all.

"I am sorry I do not have better accommodations," I gestured toward the carriage, venturing for something to say.

"Oh, it's okay," she laughed pleasantly, "but I've always wanted to sit by the driver. I know it's most unladylike, but would you mind, monsieur?"

"Of course not," I answered graciously, somewhat astonished by her request. She had decided to go with me, and for that, I would reward her.

Wordlessly, I helped her into the front seat, before moving to the other side and taking the reins.

"Have you ever driven before, mademoiselle?" I asked kindly.

Her eyes brightened as she regarded me. "No, monsieur. Would you teach me? I'd love to learn."

"It would be my pleasure," I replied, "though you must direct me as to where you'd like to go."

"There is a restaurant I've heard about," she murmured softly, "a restaurant overlooking La Seine. Do you know it, monsieur?"

I could feel her eyes watching me, though I refused to look directly at her.

Of course, I knew which she was talking about but feigned ignorance. "You will have to direct me once we are closer," I answered.

She said nothing more, and without another word, I urged César forward.