Raoul entered the bedroom, letting the door slam against the wall. The loud noise caused Christine to jolt up, looking at him wide-eyed. He offered her his most charming smile but it went unreturned.
"You're lucky that the twins are not in here. I just managed to get them to go back to sleep." Christine complained, sighing heavily.
His smile almost dropped, but he forced it to remain in place. He just needed to be patient with her for now. No matter how hard that would actually be for him.
"I apologize, little Lotte. I truly do. You see, I'm just excited that you seem to have made a full recovery." He defended himself simply enough.
Perhaps it wasn't the full truth, but it wasn't exactly a lie either. Her not being fully healthy would most definitely make his plan much harder than need be.
She peered at him in disbelief, expression not softening the slightest bit. He approached and perched on the edge of the bed, reaching out to rest a hand over her covered ankle.
Christine sighed and leaned back against the headboard, a smile forming on those kissable lips of hers.
"Oh. Well that is a pleasant surprise indeed. Though I must wonder- is there another reason you're so happy?" She questioned, titling her head to the side ever so slightly.
He was relieved that it seemed to be working. Perhaps he hadn't lost her as fully as he originally feared. Why would he have?
Surely she was beginning to realize that being here was far more comfortable than being underground. It would be rather nice if she could do that much on her own.
"I was hoping that you'd allow me to take you out to dinner to celebrate. You could use a break from the twins anyway. I'm sure they'd be fine with the maid for a few hours." Raoul explained, looking at her as imploringly as he could manage.
Christine's eyes widened in surprise, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip. She seemed hesitant again. Perhaps he'd brought it up a little too strongly?
He did hope that he wouldn't always have to contend with the children she conceived with it. That simply wouldn't do. As much as he was glad she was able to have her wish, he was still her husband.
He remained silent. He wouldn't accept no as an answer tonight. If he had to wait her out in order to hear what he wished, well then that was just what he was going to do. Though he could foresee it becoming a most troublesome task.
Christine's shoulders slumped slightly and she sighed, peering at him in something dangerously close to resignation. That wasn't a good sign, but perhaps he could salvage the night once it began.
"I... I suppose going to dinner with you would be nice. It'll be like old times." Christine relented, a faint smile disappearing as quickly as it appeared.
Raoul beamed at her and leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to the corner of her lips. He pulled away and jumped up.
"That's the spirit! Do me a favor though? Wear anything but blue. It is easy to get tired of you in that color. I will wait downstairs." He rambled, heading towards the bedroom door.
He left without a second thought or a backwards glance. He did hope that she headed his words. As good as she looked in blue, it did get old. She was a mother now. It was time for something more mature. Perhaps she would give in and wear one of the many dresses that wouldn't shame them.
He headed downstairs and ensured that the carriage would be ready by the time that she was ready. He couldn't have her finding a way or a reason to weasel out of this. She'd already given him her word, after all.
Madame Giry felt the slightest hint of guilt but she was mostly irritated at the moment. The longer that Erik ignored his duties - the more things fell into shambles.
She could understand that having to give Christine and their children up was traumatizing - but it had been the right thing to do. He wouldn't have had these issues if he'd sent her back to her husband the day he found her.
She had been patient but she would do so no longer. Even though she loathed the idea of doing it, she would be making that trip down to his home. She could only hope that he had not added any new traps since the last time that she'd been down there.
She bid her time, waiting until most of the day was over in order to make her move. This was to protect both herself and the stubborn man down below.
The journey was slow. This was both due to her bad leg and her hesitance. Some traps were easy to avoid such as the trick stair. Others were more difficult.
Once she had arrived, she was revolted by the odor that greeted her. If she didn't know any better - she'd assume that something or someone had died. She slowly approached Erik when she found him, relieved to see his sides moving shallowly.
He was still amongst the living as she'd assumed. Though by the looks of things that wouldn't be the case for too much longer unless she could snap him out of it.
She switched the cane to her other hand and hesitantly reached out to touch his shoulder.
"Erik-." She was unable to finish her sentence as the man in question had jolted upwards, angry eyes burning into her.
He reached out towards her and she swung her cane in an attempt to defend herself. He easily dodged and yanked it out of her grasp. He tossed it to the side, advancing on her.
Erik didn't stop until he had her firmly trapped against the wall. She was tempted to try kicking out at him but she knew that wouldn't help her situation. If anything, it would worsen it.
His hands slammed on either side of her head and he leaned in as close as he could manage.
"This is all your fault. You've ruined everything. Give me one good reason I shouldn't end your miserable existence." He demanded, his voice a mere hiss.
Her mind had gone blank.