An Angels Opera

21

Christine

Sunlight streamed through my window and stained through my eyelids. I reached blindly around for my pillow and felt myself get further tangled in the sheets. Ah, and how they got tangled was quite a story.

I smiled, remembering the previous sky. I lazily opened my eyes and swept the room for evidence of my angel. I spotted a neatly folded letter along with a long stemmed red rose with a black velvet ribbon tied meticulously around it.

I ran as fast as my sore legs could towards the little table that held my precious items. Snatching up the rose, I hastily opened the letter.

My Christine,

You were more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I wish that I could have stayed with you to watch you wake up. To see your beautiful eyes open, but I must go as the fop's security will strengthen by day. I shall speak to Meg about going to the police and  once she steps forward, you will be free. We shall be together soon, mon ange.

Yours forever,

O.G

I smiled down at his signature and touched the soft rose petals. I shall be free! I giggled with delight, and then remembered my duty as Raoul's fiancée.

I groaned and threw open the tall wardrobe. I picked out the most modest white dress, which was honestly not that modest. I stuffed the letter in my corset, and pressed the rose in between the fattest book to preserve it's beauty.

I climbed down the stairs as  quietly as I could. It seemed that Raoul wasn't awake yet, so I grabbed a croissant and went to the garden.

While I wasn't allowed out the property, he had quite the amazing property. I skipped along the tall weeping willow to the extravagant topiary. My favorite was that of a dove.

It was constructed to look as if the creature was about to take flight, but it never did. Probably because it wasn't real, but I could dream!

I returned to the willow, with its long green hair that floated around its thick roots.

I drew back the leaves and approached the winding branches. When I needed to think or to calm down from Raoul, I would climb this tree.

I winced as I thrust my leg around one of the branches. The painful soreness was still there.

I kept going until I could see the bright blue sky adorned with fluffy clouds. I pondered my thoughts, What am I to do for Raoul today? Is he going to try to go further?

I shuddered at the mere thought of it. He had already done enough by snatching me away from my angel, if he tried to do anything more with my body I would snap. A tear trickled down my cheek at the thought of poor Meg who had done nothing wrong but had still suffered from the worst type of pain.

Just then, an unwelcome voice greeted my ears. "Little Lottie! We have much to do today!"

I held back my grunt of annoyance and climbed down. Raoul jumped back when he saw me in front of him

"The Hell?!"

I snickered at his idiotic expression. He cleared his throat, tapping his foot impatiently.

"The chief of police will be dining with us tonight. I need you to be even more in love with me than you already are because he despises infidelity."

I snorted at his comment about me being in love with him. What an arrogant bastard. "Of course Raoul, whatever you want."

He smiled brightly, and practically pulled me back to my room. I winced when he slammed the door shut behind him.

"Off."

I widened my eyes and forced an innocent look on my face.

"Oh darling, I can't! It's my time of the month!"

His face turned a deep shade of green. "Dear god, women are disgusting."

He fled out the door, and I giggled to myself. I had used that excuse about eight times this month. What an idiot.

I collapsed onto my bed, and studied the painted ceiling. Cherubs danced along clouds, playing their painted harps while gazing up at the nine muses. Their cheerful eyes looked up at them as if for approval, which the only one of the Muses gave them. It was Erato, the protecter of Love. Her soft golden hair fell softly against her chest, and her kind gaze brought smiles on the face of the dancing children.

I always enjoyed studying the gorgeous painting, especially the Muses. They all represented such important and beautiful things that were so very precious to all mankind.

If only I could be as strong and as powerful as they were, I would knock down this wretched manor and be free. Hopefully, my dear friend would step forward as she deserved to have her attacker brought to justice, as any woman should.