The Phantom's Revenge

Chapter 3: In the Lake

It has been three days since I was first taken here. I've grown weak. All I've been given is that mudwater. I haven't moved from this gate. My trousers are soaked with my own waste. Besides getting out of here, what I'd really like is a strong drink. Last night, he sat in front of me with a glass of wine. It was the most torture I have ever endured. My body shook and I started sweating. All I craved, besides freedom was alcohol. Anything. Champagne, wine, Cognac (or any sort of brandy), whiskey. Any alcoholic beverage. I begged Christine as she gave me water to slip me some wine. She rolled her eyes at me.

"I never thought I would end up with someone this pathetic."

I had never imagined I could hate her. But at that moment, I wanted something to end her. My head hung low, I was so tired I could barely support it. I hadn't noticed Christine appear. She had just given me a drink an hour ago.

"Hello Christine.

Raoul.

Come to water me?

No."

I tilted my head and raised my eyebrows at her.

"What th-"

She slapped me. I winced in pain. My face stung.

"What was that for? Did he put you up to this?

No, Erik is out shopping. And that is for being so awful to me!

What do you mean awful? I was the perfect husband! I gave you everything you desired! I loved you with my whole heart Christine!

You're ridiculous."

She turned and angrily walked away from me.

"Christine! Christine, come back! Just tell me what I ever did to you!"

She turned around with a look of pure disgust on her face.

"Raoul, the day you were brought here, you slapped me! You almost broke my jaw, squeezed my shoulders! You had me cornered. You threatened me Raoul! Do you not understand that it's wrong for a husband to treat a wife that way?

I did not threaten you! I told you what I expect of you."

She angrily walked away. After a few moments, she came back with something small in her hands. It was her wedding ring. She smiled and I watched as she threw it in the lake.

I knew then that it was over. She came closer to me, her face was inches from mine.

"I hate you Raoul de Changy. I could care less what happens to you now."

She growled at me. And with that she stormed off. She slammed the door and I winced. I heard the sound of water rippling there he was. I watched as he pulled up to the shore with a bag of groceries slung over his shoulder. He turned to me with a smirk on his face as he strutted towards the little home he made for them. I watched as he put the bag down and ran into their room. There was a sense of urgency in the way he did this. He stormed out of the room and towards me. I received a blow to the face. I was in so much shock I hadn't realized what had just happened or how much pain I was in.

"What did you do?

What do you mean what do I do? What did she tell you?

What did you do?

I haven't done anything! She stormed down here, slapped me, told me she hated me and threw her wedding band in the lake."

I received a kick to the gut.

"What did you say to her?"

He growled.

"I told her what a wonderful hus-"

I heard my jaw crack as he hit me blood filled my mouth. He grabbed me by the collar of my shirt.

"Next time she talks to you, say nothing. Do you understand?"

I could see the fire burning in his eyes.

"Do you?"

He growled. I spit blood at him, but I missed him completely. He kneed me in the stomach and let go of my shirt. "You might want to think about your actions before you make them. I have your life in my hands. I could easily kill you. I don't think it would upset Christine very much, judging by the way she reacted to your little chat."

He walked away. I felt the blood pour from my mouth and down my chin. This was horribly humiliating. The last thing I remember before drifting out of consciousness was the sight of him strutting away.