Thank you for taking me, Erik, I am looking forward to it," Christine said, smiling at her husband who sat across from her in the carriage. Erik nodded. Christine studied him with slightly hooded eyes. He looked sophisticated and dangerous at the same time, if that was possible. He wore black evening trousers with a white, crisp shirt and black evening coat. On his face was the same white mask she had yet to see him without.
When they arrived at the opera house Christine was surprised to see how many people were there. Christine had only been to an opera once in her life and that had been with her mother several years before. She had forgotten how beautiful the place was and how wonderful everyone looked when they came. She laced her arm through Erik's and allowed him to lead her up the stairs to the opera entrance.
"What a small world," someone murmured.
"Natasha," Erik said through clenched teeth. Christine rolled her eyes upon seeing the woman and tightened her hold on Erik's arm sub-consciously. Christine did not wish to admit to the fact that the woman before her looked wonderful tonight.
"An enjoyable evening we shared, do you not agree, Erik?" Natasha asked, her tone leaving no doubt in anyone's mind what she meant. Christine could not believe this woman's nerve. How could she bring that up in front of her! She had to look away, not wanting to anyone to see her blush in embarrassment.
"Oh, forgive me, Madam. That was not an appropriate statement for such innocent ears, you are too naive to understand such things," Natasha sneered. Erik was ready to say something when Christine spoke first.
"I understand perfectly the fact that men like my husband have needs, but I do not understand women like you who are so proud of satisfying them," Christine murmured. Natasha was clearly taken by surprise and did not know what to say. Erik took the opportunity and led Christine away.
"Thank you," he murmured, proud of her.
"I did not do it for you," she answered. Erik glanced at her, she was angry, and he did not blame her. He had hoped that it would be an enjoyable evening, perhaps that was asking too much.
xXx
"Did you enjoy it?" Erik asked as they stepped out of the theater. Christine was still wiping the tears from her eyes. It had been a tragic romance and the story had been very moving.
"It was wonderful, thank you," she whispered. Erik nodded. Erik heard his name being called and glanced in the direction of Natasha. He turned back to Christine.
"Go to the carriage, I need to have a word with her," he said. Christine sighed and nodded. It was really annoying when Erik finally invited her somewhere and Natasha had to be there to ruin it. The carriage was waiting further down the street because so many people were waiting for their own. She pulled her shawl closer to her and began walking to it. She was reflecting on the fact that Erik had held her hand all throughout the opera and she did not know what to make of it. It was so hard to tell what he was feeling.
Christine's scream caught in her throat when she reached the carriage and was suddenly pulled into the shadows. Her back was pressed against brick and a hand covered her mouth as she suddenly felt cold metal being pressed against her throat. It was too dark to see her attacker but she could smell his foul breath. She had never been so frightened in her life.
"Hello, lovely! I was sent to give you a message: Tell your husband that the trap is being set, and soon he will be caught..."
The man hit her roughly across the face before disappearing. Christine dropped to her knees, unbelieving what had just happened. She could hear Erik calling her name but she was more focused on the fact that blood was filling her mouth and her cheek was stinging.
"Christine! What happened?" he demanded, finding her in the dark alley. It had happened so quickly Christine was almost not sure that it had really happened. Erik crouched down beside her and pulled her into his arms, not being able to see the blood because of the darkness. He picked her up and carried her into the carriage settling her on his lap. With the soft light from the lanterns he was able to see the blood that trickled down her chin and the glazed look in her eyes.
"What the hell?" he growled, suddenly becoming angry. Who had done this to her? Who would dare touch what belonged to him? He took Christine's chin in his hand and forced her to look at him.
"What happened?" he asked for the second time. Christine stared at him, not saying a word for a long moment.
"Oh, Erik..." she whispered, burying her face against his chest. Erik froze for a moment. This was the first time she had come to him for comfort. She buried closer and he wrapped his arms around her. He had only let her out of his sight for a few minutes and something had gone wrong! He had been telling Natasha that if she embarrassed his wife like that one more time she would seriously regret it.
"It is alright, Christine," he murmured. It would be easier to comfort her if he knew what had happened.
"A-a man...attacked me!" she whispered. Erik growled. What the hell was she talking about?
"He-he gave me-a message," she whispered into the material of his shirt.
"What type of message?" he demanded. She took a deep, calming breath, needing to get herself under control. When she believed she had composed herself enough she repeated what the man had told her. Erik's scowl deepened. Who was this man and who had sent him? Obviously whoever he was meant business if he threatened Christine.
"I am sorry you had to go through that," Erik murmured, his thoughts wandering, trying to figure out which one of his many enemies would be doing this.
"Who was it?" she asked, looking up at him with questioning eyes. He said nothing and Christine sighed, what did she expect. He was not going to tell her anything. When had he ever?