The Treasure *Phantom of the Opera* (sequel to The Quest)

Chapter 32

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***Chapter XXXII***

In loss and adversity, music is the balm that flows deep into the heart of man ...

~honey

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"Su Majestad," Narilla spoke. "You should not carry those."

"Unlike some, I have two good arms and am able to put them to use."

"Si, but you look weary."

"No more weary than anyone else at the villa tonight." The cramps had dissipated to a degree. Christine's back still ached, but not as badly as before.

Narilla was one of five gypsies who would enter the villa. Since she'd never been a slave there, her fears did not run as deep. She walked beside Christine down the wide, empty corridor in the south wing, their arms laden with linens and blankets. Both wore no shoes, but the vast area echoed their voices, the rustle of their skirts, each sudden movement made. The vacant noises whispered back hollow and disturbing. An eerie sensation that she was being watched from behind made Christine look over her shoulder.

The corridor remained empty.

"Su Majestad?"

"It is nothing." Christine shrugged off her unease as they turned the corner. She abruptly halted as she glimpsed a fair-headed child look around a distant corner and just as quickly duck back out of sight.

"Narilla," Christine said, her attention remaining on the area where the child disappeared. "I think we will need more brandy and bottles of wine to quench everyone's thirst. It will also help to ease the pain of those wounded. Would you tell one of the boys to collect some from the wine cellar please? The king's trap only affected one of the racks. There should be plenty. Oh, and first take these to Tsura." She laid the linens she carried on top of what Narilla held.

"Si." The girl looked at the far wall, then back at Christine, but hurried away.

"I know you're there," Christine said softly, yet with authority, her tone brooking no defiance. "Show yourself at once."

She drew closer and heard rapid breathing but the child did not come forward. Christine continued to walk, her pace silent, a trait she had learned from Erik.

"I know you're the one I must thank for the return of my ring. I am grateful." She closed the distance and turned the corner, catching sight of a pair of shocked green eyes that turned up to her. "But tell me, why did you steal it from my husband in the first place? And his money?"

"M-Madame?"

"I know who you are. Celeste, isn't it?"

"I ... I don't know what you speak of." The girl looked past Christine as if seeking an escape.

"Your hair is now shorn, but you have the same face, the same voice."

"You must be mistaken, Madame."

"Trust me. A woman can see another woman behind a boy's disguise."

The girl's green eyes flared wider, panic rising to them.

"Why did you do it, Celeste?" Christine asked very softly. "You took our trust and left us with nothing."

"I left you the horse!" she blurted then realized her mistake as Christine relaxed her expression and gave a slight nod.