Belle: Daughter of a Phantom (Phantom of the Opera) (The Fifth Cellar Sequel) (On Hold)

Chapter 4 - Castles and Dreams

Belle's POV:

I stared at him in shock. This was my mother's enemy's son. How could he be so kind and handsome. I knew nothing of men but he seemed so perfect. He was in the same state of shock. Finally he pulled himself together and said,

“Is your father here?” I shook my head.

“Father never leaves the property. He doesn't like people. Where is your father?” Fredrick smiled.

“He is in England on business. I am glad he isn't here. There might be problems. He never quite forgave your mother for leaving him.” He stared at the ground as did I. I couldn't deny that I was attracted to him. But it was wrong. It was starting to sound like a play I had once read. If I remembered it correctly, it was called “Romeo and Juliet.” I remembered the fate of those lovers and hoped that if something did happen between Fredrick and I it wouldn't be like that pair. Then I realized what I was thinking. I was already hoping that we might fall in love. I was an fool. I wasn't beautiful and we had just met. Besides, he would have better things to do than to try to win the heart of his father's enemy's daughter. Yes, much better things to do. I folded my hands and said,

“I won't tell if you won't tell. It would be best that neither of them knew that the other was here. What does your father believe about my mother and father?” Fredrick looked at me and said,

“He thinks that they are dead. Are you saying that it should remain like that?” I nodded. He sighed.

“You have a point. My father and I are only visiting for a few weeks so it won't be long. No need to remind my father of his past.” He nodded and we had come to an agreement. We watched the moon for a while before he said quietly,

“What is it like to be the daughter of the Phantom of the Opera?” I laughed.

“Your world is filled with music. He is teaching me how the sing. He has already taught my brother how to play and compose. He-” I stopped when I hear Mother calling me. I gave him an apologetic smile, “Sorry, I have got to go. We don't want her asking where I was. Goodnight and it was great meeting you, Monsieur Stancio.” He grabbed my hand and said,

“Please, call me Fredrick.” I gave Fredrick one last smile and then bolted from the bench. I could feel his gaze on me as I ran toward my mother. I hoped she wouldn't see him. She gave me a strange look but said,

“It is time to leave. I am getting tired. I hope I wasn't interrupting something.” She gave me the knowing look. I blushed and said,

“No, not at all. I was just getting some fresh air.” She raised her eyebrows but didn't say anything. I shrugged my shoulders and in an attempt to make conversation said,

“It was a fine party wasn't it?” Mother nodded and as we got into the carriage said,

“I haven't gone to such a fine party in years. It was quite charming.” We were silent for the rest of the ride. We were all tired. Upon our arrival, I retired to my room and, still wearing my dress, walked onto the balcony. I stared up at the moon and quietly sang,

Solitare with a Song in her Heart
But what a sad song to sing
Turned her back on all that she knew
In the hope of a golden Ring...
And the Rains come down
And the Stars fell from the Sky
Oh, how dark the Night...
It always seems those Castles and Dreams
Fade with the morning light
Such a sad story
That time loves to tell
Copper coins shine for the Sun
From the floor after wishing well
So the Jewel of jeopardy
Shines with each dangerous step
So unsure of what we've become
What we have and what we have left...

My father had written it and I knew that my castles and dreams would fade with the morning light. My dreams would be of Fredrick and by morning I would have my common sense back. He was too handsome for his or my own good. He was also kind and everything polite. He was courteous but I barely knew him. I was nothing and he was something.

“Oh well.” I said to myself as I undressed and slipped into bed. Mother walked through the door and looked at me.

“Belle, tell me what is wrong. I know when something isn't right.” She sat on the edge of my bed and I decided to tell her part of the truth. I wouldn't tell her all but I needed some advice.

“Mother, I met a young man at the party. He was so handsome and polite. But it isn't right. He has another girl who his father wants him to marry and he is not in my class. But I can't get him out of my mind!” It was true. I couldn't get him or his relationship to myself out of my mind. My mother sighed and said,

“I remember when I fell in love with your father. There was nothing proper about our love. What is right in loving an Opera Ghost? That is why you have a head and a heart. The head keeps the heart in check and the heart makes the head forget its common sense sometimes. They balance each other out. What is his name?” I frowned.

“Fredrick.” She smiled.

“Well, I wish you luck. I was would be surprised if he didn't give you a second look.” I laughed lifelessly.

“Yeah, to see how deformed I am. Really, with these bicolor eyes I can be creepy.” My mother's face harden.

“Belle, you are beautiful. Never let anyone tell you different. Now, rest. You have had a long night.” I nodded and slipped deeper into my covers. I was tired.

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Author's Note:

Dear Readers,

The song is called Castles and Dreams by Blackmore's Night.

sarahlet2999