Libérée Délivrée -(Phantom of the Opera fanfiction)

Chapter One

"The king has summoned you, sir. He expects you in his library tomorrow morning." A young messenger informed, or rather to the Black Knight interrupted him.

Erik Moreau stood up from his pianoforte and sighed. Why would the king want him at the palace? Was it because of him or of the future safety of the kingdom? He shrugged mentally, and replied to the messenger, "Tell his majesty that I would be pleased to."

"Milord." The boy bowed respectfully, scurried out of the room in a frightened way.

The messenger boy was fearful of him. He thought bitterly, He must heard the rumors of the Black Knight. Erik returned to composing his music again. He had fought many battles, keeping the peace between countries and villages, but Sir Moreau didn't find that occupation enjoyable. His favorite pastime was composing music. While the sword brought law and death. Music brought life.

Then, a soft knock interrupted his thoughts. "Who is it?" Erik growled, clearly agitated.

"Helena. The housekeeper, milord. I bought you your dinner." She said outside the music room. Helena opened the door, and set the tray on small table between two fancy chairs. She swiftly hurried out of the room, since her master was not to be trifled with even if he was being served dinner.

~The next morning~

"Ahh, there you are, Erik. I was wondering when you were finally going to make yourself known."

"Business, my king."

"Yes, well, being a knight can sometimes be more at home then out in the battlefields." King Stephen said, as he gestured the Black Knight to sit down. "So, how is your stay here in my home?"

"It is very nice to be home again. But I must ask why have you summoned me here?

"There will be a ball tomorrow night, and I hope you will come this time." King Stephen told him.

"You requested me in your presence to inform me that masquerade takes place tomorrow night?" Erik questioned. He was somewhat annoyed that the king had to bother him when there were other urgent matters to attend to...Besides being told some people dressed in costumes for fun.

"I know what you're thinking." The king laughed. "Why tell you this when I could have sent a servant to do what I am? But no, I wanted you here more than to just tell you of an upcoming party." the king continued, "As a loving father I have realized that an arranged marriage to a foreign princess would not suit Raoul, rather I decided to invite all the young maidens in the kingdom, and given Raoul my blessing on whomever he chooses as a suitable wife."

"Indeed. But what does this have to do with me?" the Black Knight asked.

"Since Raoul is the same years of age as you, I am proposing an opportunity to govern a large estate and village known as Winterford."

Erik jumped out of his chair. "What such generosity, my king!"

"Now, now don't be hasty. I haven't even finished my proposition." King Stephen said to him. The knight sat down and took a sip of beer. "I will give you this small part of my kingdom to govern under me, but you must marry a girl by the time Raoul has a wife."

Erik almost spit out his beer. What kind of proposition was that? Where would he find a wife who was willing to marry someone with a reputation like his? Why did he even need a woman now? Couldn't he just be alone in a castle without a companion? All noble females he had known were always complaining about the servants not doing their hair the right way or created drama which Erik just despised getting himself into again.

"Are you satisfied with this proposal?"

Erik blinked several times before answering, To live on an estate with a title would mean he could govern part of the North. He would be a lord and have power of the north. He wouldn't have to go to battle unless he was ordered to.

"Erik?" the King waited for the Black Knight's answer. He noticed that the knight was pondering on the idea.

After swallowing a lump in his throat. Erik took a deep breath and said, "I will agree to do it."

"Good."

What had Erik just gotten himself into?

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Phantom_Christine_5 and I are co-writing this story. So, please comment, review and vote.