Raoul closed the door to his own private quarters and sank into the nearest armchair. It had been four days since his last encounter with Christine, yet he couldn't bring himself to visit her chambers. Something about the way she looked at him, the way she spoke...it was unsettling. It almost reminded him of those harrowing times at the Opera. She had called the masked man her angel, but Raoul saw him for what he truly was right from the beginning: a demon.

The door opened and closed as Louis glided into the chambers with an almost ghostlike ability. There were times when Raoul didn't even hear him, so great was his skill at keeping to the shadows. It unnerved him. He turned to see the old butler carrying a small tray bearing a fresh pot of tea and a single cup.

"Any news?"

Louis set the tray down next to Raoul and started preparing his tea for him. "No Monsieur."

"Is she eating at least?"

"Her trays are always empty. Some nights she asks for a second plate."

"A second plate? For what reason?" Raoul asked with a look of puzzlement.

"I know not, Monsieur. But even those return empty."

"Have you seen her?"

Louis nodded and set the prepared cup of tea in his master's hands. "She looks no different. Tired and weary, but-"

"Not with child."

"No, Monsieur."

A heavy sigh slid from his chest as he took a small sip of tea. "Has she...done anything?"

"Her room is clean and organized, although the bed is never made. I always find her staring out the window or meddling with her music box. She doesn't try to leave her room at all."

"Has she asked for me?"

Louis lifted the tray in his hands again and shook his head. "No, Monsieur. Not once."

"Does Claudette still visit her?"

"Once a day, to tidy up, help Madame freshen up, and to take her laundry. I know not what is said or done, as I keep to the hallway."

Raoul chewed the tip of his thumb and thought over everything Louis had said. "Bring Claudette to me. I would like to speak with her at once."

"Yes, Monsieur.

By the time Claudette arrived with Louis in tow, Raoul had finished his cup of tea and had moved onto a glass of brandy. He looked up at the old maid, his eyes full of curiosity and a hint of suspicion. She curtsied as much as her old knees would allow.

"Monsieur, you sent for me?"

"I did. Tell me of my wife, Claudette. How is she?"

She stared down at the young sweet boy she had once known who now sat before her as a puffed up noble and fought the urge to slap him. "She's locked away in her chambers."

"For her own protection."

"From who, Monsieur? From you?"

Raoul gritted his teeth and rose to his feet. "Careful, old woman. I'm your Lord now, and you damn well best remember that."

"Yes, my Lord," she said in a low voice. "My lady is not well. It's not healthy for her to be locked up in a single room day and night. She needs fresh air, sunlight, a chance to visit the city."

"She has plenty of windows in her room. And there's nothing in the city for her but foul memories."

Claudette glowered at the man. "Then allow me to bring her some things to help pass the time."

"Such as?"

"My lady has asked for knitting supplies, to make a scarf as her mother once made."

Raoul almost smiled at that and nodded. "Very well. Anything else?"

"I would like free access to her chambers again. She is my primary charge, and I can't rely on Louis to always be available with a key."

He studied her for a moment and set his glass aside. "You realize she is not permitted to leave."

"Yes, Monsieur. I understand. But for how long?"

"Is she still talking aloud while she's alone?"

Claudette froze and tried to hide the panic in her face. "I don't know what you're speaking of, Monsieur."

"Oh, I think you do. I think you know all too well," Raoul replied while taking several steps towards her. "You've heard it."

"My lady prefers to think aloud, if that's what you're saying. Many people share the same habit and they aren't locked away like lunatics."

"Bite your tongue, old woman! My wife is no lunatic! She's only...grieving."

"For what, Monsieur?"

Raoul's shoulders slumped and he turned away to rub his brow. "I don't know. I..."

"Go speak with her," Claudette suggested in a soft voice. "Monsieur...she believes you hate her."

"What?"

"I speak truly, Monsieur. She said, 'He hates me because I fell in love with an angel.' I do not understand what she means, but it's what she told me."

Raoul covered his eyes and took a slow breath. "I don't hate her. I could never hate her."

"Then go speak to her. Please..."

"No. She won't listen. I'm sending for a doctor to have a look at her. After that..."

Claudette closed her eyes and held her breath. "The last time you sent a doctor to look at her is when all this began."

"I'm well aware! It makes no difference. Something is wrong with my sweet Christine, and I swore to her that I would always protect her. Even from herself. Louis," he beckoned.

The old butler slunk from the shadows and moved to stand next to Claudette. "Yes, Monsieur?"

"Send for the doctor at once. I want him here today, within the hour if possible. Spare no expense."

Louis bowed slightly and rushed from the room. Claudette stared at Raoul, trying to swallow her anger. "If you insist on this, Monsieur, then I must insist you allow me to be with my lady during the doctor's visit."

Raoul raised an eyebrow at the maid's brazen words, but slowly nodded. "Done. Go see to her, ensure she is prepared to receive visitors."