The Phantom's Revenge

Chapter 4: Hate in her Eyes

My stomach began to ache and twist in pain. This was the longest I had ever gone without food. I was sure that the water I was being given was making me sick. I could feel the blood from last night little scuffle had crusted over my chin and neck. The taste lingered in my mouth. Every few moments I would spit, trying to get the taste out. It hurt to move my jaw. There were bits of blood in my spit and I was sure that he had either broken or dislocated my jaw. As I sat and waited a smell wafted from the other room. It was the most delicious thing I had ever smelled. Meat! I heard it sizzle in the pan. My mouth watered and my stomach violently growled. I could smell potatoes all well. How badly I wanted to break free and devour what was cooking. I saw Christine and him move about the small dining area with glasses of wine in their hands. They were having a nice little dinner.

"Please."

I moaned.

"Please, I'm starving..."

They turned to me and looked away.

"Please! Would you let me die here? Show some compassion!"

I watched as he set down his glass and went into the cupboard to get something. He trotted over with, I couldn't believe it. Bread. I was angered by this. I was the Vicomte de Changy, not come criminal! I deserved better than this! The bread looked expensive, like it had come from a good bakery. But I wanted meat, potatoes, wine! Everything they had! I looked at him in disgust as he held the bread up to my mouth. He furrowed his brow at me.

"Monsieur Vicomte. It's either this bread, or you go hungry. Simple as that."

He held it closer and I angrily took a bite from it. It was stale and dry. I coughed but forced it down. I forced down the whole crust he'd given me and watched him walk away. There was a bounce in his step. He was pleased with himself. The smell of food was still very enticing. I watched as Christine put it on a serving dish. He was talking to her about something. they both turned to me and I looked at them with wide eyes. They gathered their food, silver wear, and a blanket. I watched as they came towards me and set a picnic with smiles in their faces. I bared my teeth and my nostrils flared. They smiled at each other as he cut the beef. It was hard to look angry when I was in so much pain. My stomach cramps where horrible. The smell of the food made me want to cry. I pulled on the chains and gave up. It was no good, and I knew that. I was so angry at him for making Christine happy. So angry at her for wanting to treat me this way. I hadn't been that bad to her. The sight of them together made me sick. I should be making her happy. I snarled at them as they at and laughed.

"Raoul, are you still hungry? I thought Erik fed you?"

Christine teased.

"Don't you talk to me, you Jezebel!"

As soon as the words came out of my mouth he stood up and stormed towards me. I closed my eyes, ready to take the blow. He struck me in the guy this time. I winced and huffed. He grabbed a fistful of my hair, forcing me to look up at him.

"What did I tell you yesterday? If she talks to you, you are to?

Say nothing...

Ah, very good."

He went back to to sit with Christine who was glaring at me. The hate in her eyes was clear. It frightened me. They continued to eat and chat while I yearned for decent for. But mostly, I yearned for freedom.