Christine couldn't control the way her leg bounced as she rode towards her doom. She'd been so sure that she'd have more time to adjust. Perhaps not by much, but maybe just enough to accept that she was going to become Mrs. Arquette soon enough. But the rug had been ripped out from underneath her by her soon to be husband's decision.

She could barely concentrate on Meg's rambling , let alone the scenery that was passing by outside the window. Even if running off as soon as they stopped was an option, she'd just get lost and she wasn't even sure Erik cared enough to bother with looking for her. But it wasn't. Her papa had essentially sold her to a stranger and she didn't have anyone else. She jumped when Meg rested a hand on her thigh and she glanced over to see a rather sympathetic gaze.

"It'll be alright, Christine." Meg assured softly, giving her thigh a gentle squeeze before withdrawing her hand. She managed a small smile for her new friend and grabbed her hand before she could pull it away completely. Holding the other woman's hand grounded her slightly.

"I hope you're right." Christine nearly whispered, turning back to the window. Meg nodded and resumed rambling after a few minutes. Rather than being somewhat annoying white noise, it was almost comforting this time around. It was a nice change. The idea of having at least one person in her corner was something that made this a little easier to digest. However, deep down, she knew that neither of them would betray Erik for her if she made an ultimatum.

They soon arrived at their destination, something that appeared to be a hotel. When Meg and Nadir got out, Christine followed suit. She trailed behind them like a lost puppy. She didn't have to look around too much before she spotted Erik, leaning against the front desk like he didn't have a care in the world. It was somewhat infuriating but she swallowed it down. She had to be a good wife, after all. She might as well get some practice in now.

Erik's gaze locked on hers and he winked at her. He pushed off the counter and approached them a second later . He was no longer looking at her but examining the keys in his hands. When he was close enough, he tossed a set towards Nadir. The man fumbled with them but ultimately caught them.

"You and Meg can take the ground floor, Khan. Christine and I will be on the second floor. Don't disturb us." Erik informed coldly, his tone brooking no argument. This sent an unexpected thrill down her spine and made her stomach churn at the same time. She knew it would be unavoidable once they married- but she wasn't entirely ready.

"Erik..." Christine tried to argue against this idea but Meg and Nadir were already walking away - something that made what little confidence that she had gathered dissipate. She didn't fight against it when he slung an arm around her and pulled her towards the stairs.

"Don't worry, little mouse. Despite what you think, I'm not a total monster. We don't have to do anything that you don't wish to tonight. I just want to share a bed with my bride." He drawled, shrugging lazily.

Christine simply nodded, only slightly relieved. Sharing a bed was something that she thought would be uncomfortable, but she supposed there was nothing to do now but get used to it. She'd be sharing a bed with this man for the rest of her life.

When they reached the room, she immediately scurried to the bathroom to change into her night gown. She returned a few minutes later and curled up into a small ball at the very edge of the bed. She wanted to fall asleep but she couldn't. Not when she was so worried about rolling off the edge.

"Damn it, little mouse. I don't bite unless you want me to. C'mere." Erik commanded, tugging her closer. She squeaked as she made contact with his bare torso, but even she couldn't deny that it was more comfortable than the edge of the bed. She hesitated for the longest time before slowly laying her cheek against his chest. She jumped when he suddenly rested a hand in her hair, stroking it.

Her cheeks turned a deep red and remained that way for a little longer than usual. She couldn't help it. It wasn't him. It was just that this was the first time she'd ever been against a man in this fashion. However, she finally forced herself to stop overthinking it and let her eye lids flutter shut after another handful of minutes. Perhaps the steady stroking and the smokey scent of of his cigarette had a hand in lulling her to sleep as well.

The next day was nothing but stressful from the moment she woke up. She and Meg had been very busy prepping her for the wedding and the night that would most definitely follow. Each hour felt more like a millennia and she knew the wedding march would be more like a funeral dirge to her.

By the time that Meg finally helped her into the dress and touched up her hair and make up, she only had a few minutes. She hoped in vain that someone would object. It wasn't a rational thought but there was nothing rational about any of this. She would've preferred to marry a man that she loved. A man that loved her in return. But clearly that wouldn't be happening. It was probably a childish hope anyways.

She barely registered anything after walking down the aisle. The Wedding march had been her cue and she had given herself away- If only out of duty to both her father and her new husband. There had been no desire to do so at all on her part.

Christine had said 'I do' because she was prompted to do so. She only came out of her haze when the veil was flipped out of the way. She closed her eyes and allowed Erik to kiss her. She found herself returning it despite herself. It wasn't entirely horrible. Her husband clearly knew what he was doing.

Erik nipped at her lower lip with as he pulled away, a small chuckle leaving his lips as he took in her faint blush and dazed expression. Rather than say anything, he simply looped his arm around her waist and tugged her back down the aisle. When they were outside, he stopped and and leaned down some so his lips were level with her ear.

"Were you day dreaming about our wedding night the whole time? I'm flattered, but we have a whole reception to get through first." Erik teased before straightening. A dark flush covered her cheeks and she managed a small 'no' in response, though she knew she sounded a little too defensive even if it was the truth.

Her stress had been relieved a little bit, though. Even if the four of them were the only ones at the reception, receptions generally lasted hours because no one wanted to stop celebrating. Perhaps she could find a way to delay the consummation a little longer.