"What in the name of Allah is the matter, child?" he demanded. Christine simply told him to put on the cloak like Erik had told her and Nadir seemed to realize what was going on. Nadir grew white but Christine fled down the hall before he could say a word, she could not deal with anyone or anything at the moment, she had enough to worry about herself. This had come to soon, she was not ready for this. She had no idea how Michael had found them and she was not ready to let him fight this enemy. She woke everyone in the house and gave them their directions before running back upstairs to Erik. She felt a shuddering breath escape her mouth as she saw him preparing his pistol. He looked up and caught her eyes and sighed. He knew she was not the only one not ready for this, he was not either.
He had been unable to sleep that night after sating his body with Christine again and again. Donning his cloak he had gone for a walk to the nearby village and had heard that men were riding this way, with only one intent clear. Erik knew without a doubt that it was Michael and he had to get Christine to safety as soon as possible. He knew he did not have much time left. Erik pushed everything from his mind except what he had to do. He grabbed Christine's cloak and put it on her, drawing up the hood and hiding her white chemise, which would be easily seen in the dark night. He could feel her trembling against his fingertips and it took everything he had not to just give up.
"Erik? We are ready, what do you want us to do?"
Both Erik and Christine turned to the door to see Raoul and Nadir standing there. Christine looked down at the floor and Erik sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"I am staying here with you, Desslar," Raoul informed him. That made Christine feel a little better, not much, but a little. For once Erik agreed without arguing. Nadir knew what he had to do, he would take care of the women and do whatever Erik said he should. The masked man turned to the Persian.
"I want you to take Christine and everyone else to the trees that are at the end of the field, go as deeply inside as you can and stay there until I or Raoul come for you," he instructed. He nodded and Christine went towards the door without a word to anyone. Erik could not let her leave like that, not like that. He knew what was going through her mind and he did not want her to worry. He grabbed her and and stopped her before she made it out the door.
"I will go and make sure Meg and Antoinette are ready," Nadir said. Raoul nodded and followed him out, leaving the couple to their privacy. Christine continued to look down at the floor because she did not want Erik to see her tears. She wanted to be strong because she knew he did not need to worry about her at a time like this. Erik pushed back her hood and raised her head.
"Oh, Christine..." he whispered, wiping the tears from her eyes. She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes. She had to believe that he would be safe or she would not be able to stand it. He leaned forward and caught her mouth in a kiss, bringing back the memory of all they had shared that night and all the nights prior. She felt sobs rise in her throat and she had to pull away, shaking her head.
"Christine-"
"I am trying to be strong, Erik!" she whispered. He nodded, understanding, and drew her hood up, securing it in place.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you, too."
With that she fled the room, running down the stairs before she threw herself at Erik's feet and prayed that he would not make her go. Everyone was waiting downstairs for her and before they could leave Erik came down and took Nadir by the shoulder, looking him straight in the eyes.
"I am trusting you with her life, do not make me regret it," Erik murmured. Nadir nodded and shook the masked mans hand. He knew that Erik did not just trust Christine and their unborn baby with anyone and he felt honored to be the one to take care of her. He refused to let anyone down.
"Hurry, you must all go and quickly, do not walk, run!" Erik urged, ushering them all out into the night. Christine wrapped her cloak around herself as she was shrouded in darkness and the cold wind. The moon was high in the sky but she knew there was still a chance for rain. They began to run towards the trees like Erik had said, and Christine forced herself not to look back.