Chapter Text
Christine hastened through the winding streets, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The morning's correspondence from Erik had ignited a spark of giddy anticipation within her, causing her feet to nearly skip with eagerness. His words had conjured a vivid image of his countryside home; now a sanctuary of domestic comforts, offering a grand piano at which they would resume their dedicated voice lessons. The very lessons that brought them together and the music which tied her to him.
As she left behind the bustling city of Paris, the noise and commotion gradually gave way to the peaceful charm of the countryside. Christine couldn't help but notice the beauty around her; rolling hills dotted with vibrant wildflowers, trees in full bloom, and quaint homes dotting the landscape.
As Christine embarked on her journey, she carried with her more than just a lesson to be learned. She clutched tightly onto Mama Valerius' treasured trinkets and a small chest of jewelry, each item holding immeasurable sentimental value and serving as tangible reminders of her past and connections to loved ones.
The carriage ride to Erik's estate was serene, the gentle sway and clopping of hooves lulling Christine into a state of calm. The vibrant scenery outside passed by in a blur, fields of lush green blending seamlessly with patches of colorful wildflowers. Despite the peaceful surroundings, Christine's mind was consumed by thoughts of the imminent engagement party and the weighty expectations that came with performing in front of such esteemed company. Her conversation with Pauline and the other ladies had boosted her confidence, but the fear of failure still lingered at the back of her mind.
As they turned down a secluded path lined with tall trees, Christine caught sight of Erik's home. The modest estate stood as she had last seen it, tall and proud, its stone exterior softened by cascading roses and ivy. The sun shone brightly on the red-tiled roof, casting shadows through the lush greenery surrounding the home.
Christine's heart fluttered with anticipation as the carriage came to a stop, her gaze fixed on the structure before her. Stepping out, she was greeted by Erik himself, his piercing gaze filled with eagerness and admiration for his beloved Christine.
With a gentle murmur of her name, he took Christine's hand and pressed it to his lips, a gesture of reverence that made her heart flutter in her chest. A smile graced her face as she laid eyes upon him, her beloved mentor whose presence brought warmth to her soul. "I hope you find the interior to your liking," he spoke softly, his voice soothing and filled with pride. "I have taken your wise counsel to heart in creating the perfect home."
He led her inside, his hand resting gently on the small of her back as they walked through the door. The interior was now as splendid as its exterior; adorned with gentle furnishings and tasteful decorations that exuded comfort above all else. The air was scented with fresh flowers, their sweet perfume filling every corner of the room. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm golden glow over everything.
As they stepped into the lavish sitting room, Christine's eyes were immediately drawn to the gleaming piano that stood proudly in the center of the room. Its polished wood shone in the light, reflecting like a precious gem. She could already imagine the divine melodies that would flow from Erik's skilled fingers as she gazed upon the majestic instrument with sheer delight.
Her gaze turned to him expectantly as he removed his jacket with a flourish, revealing his slender frame adorned in fashionable morning colors. It was a rare sight to see him dressed in anything but formal attire and she couldn't help but take a moment to admire his appearance. The tailor of his vest accentuated his impossibly thin waist, which flared out slightly to reveal gaunt hips hidden beneath the shape of his full trousers. She found herself focusing on his lower half for longer than was proper and quickly averted her gaze, feeling her cheeks flush with heat.
Memories of their previous musical lessons together flooded her mind, yet for some reason, this one seemed more demanding as she watched Erik's long, agile fingers dance across the keys. He took a seat at the piano and ran a few scales over the keys, a few tones to ready her ears. As he looked back up at her with a smirk hidden behind his mask, Christine couldn't help but feel excitement bubbling inside her at what was to come next in their lesson.
Erik's voice rang out, rich like velvet. He stood once again, making his way to the towering bookshelves in the other side of the room, nearest his study. The faint scent of old leather and musty pages wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet fragrance of roses that adorned every surface. "Are you ready for today's lesson, my dear?" he asked with a teasing tone.
"Yes," she affirmed, her nerves striking her as she watched him sift through rows of sheet music.
"Now tell me, what is on your repertoire list for the engagement soiree next week?" His smooth voice held a hint of amusem*nt as he waited for Christine's response, his fingers tracing over the titles of each piece she listed off.
Christine nervously cleared her throat, glancing down at the list in her hands. She knew each piece well, having practiced endlessly under the guidance of her tutor. As she recited each aria with a slightly wavering voice, Erik's nods of approval only served to heighten her anxiety, "Sempre libera and Libiamo ne' lieti calici, Verdi. Ombra mai fu, Handel. Ave Maria, Schubert. Je veux vivre and Salut demeure chaste et pure, Gounod. Casta Diva, Bellini."
"Excellent choices, my dear," Erik said with a faint smile, his golden eyes glittering in the sun speckled room, "A challenging repertoire list indeed, but one I am confident you will conquer with your fierce work ethic and talent," he ran his fingers over the keys, preparing her with a G major scale, "Sing on 'n'. You will need to work on your consonants."
As he prepared her with a G major scale, Christine's voice rang out through the elegant surroundings of the sitting room. The sound of her vocals filled every nook and cranny, soaring effortlessly through the air and commanding attention. Erik watched her intently as she followed his guidance, offering subtle critiques and tips for improvement.
"Beautiful, Christine," he murmured, his voice filled with genuine admiration, "But do not forget to breathe properly. Engage both your belly and chest in tandem." He demonstrated with one hand on his middle and the other on his chest, taking a deep breath and showing her how to fully expand her lungs.
Christine followed suit, placing one hand on her chest and the other on her belly as she took slow, measured breaths. It had been months since she last sang, but with Erik by her side, she felt a renewed confidence in her abilities. She knew that with his guidance, she could conquer any challenge - even the daunting prospect of performing at the engagement party.
As their lesson continued, Erik guided Christine through a series of vocal exercises and techniques, each one building upon the last in speed and difficulty. He pushed her to find new depths within herself, encouraging her with both words and a focused determination in his tone.
"Now, let us turn to the repertoire," Erik said, his voice full of quiet intensity, "We shall start with the aria from La Traviata. Remember to infuse every note with emotion - passion and technique must be present in equal measure."
With eyes closed and mind fully engaged, Christine summoned all her emotional depth as she began to sing. Her voice soared above the gentle accompaniment of Erik's piano playing, each note infused with a power that seemed to come from somewhere beyond her.
Erik listened intently, his expression softening as he watched her pour her heart into each lyric. The music wove a spellbinding tapestry around them, transporting them to a world where only their shared passions existed. In that moment, the lines between teacher and pupil blurred, leaving only two souls bound by a singular purpose - to create something transcendent through their art.
As Christine reached the climax of the aria, her voice rose to new heights, filling the room with a raw intensity that spoke of both pain and hope. Erik's fingers danced over the piano keys in perfect harmony with her voice, creating a mesmerizing dance of sound and emotion.
As the final note of the aria faded into the air, a profound stillness descended upon them. Christine slowly opened her eyes, meeting Erik's piercing gaze with a mixture of exhilaration and vulnerability. The last strains of their masterpiece lingered in the room, echoing the depth of emotion they had poured into their performance.
In that moment, it was as if they were the only two people in the world, connected by the ethereal power of song and an unspoken bond that left them both breathless. It was a moment to be cherished forever, a moment of pure magic and connection through their shared love for music.
After a brief moment of silence, Erik gracefully rose from the piano bench with a nod of approval. Christine could not help but feel her heart swell with pride. As Erik offered gentle yet precise feedback, she drank in his every word. She was grateful for his guidance as she continued to grow and develop as an artist.
Eager to dive back into her craft, Christine nodded eagerly as Erik suggested they work on Handel's beloved aria, Ombra mai fu. With each delicate note played on the piano, her excitement grew as she anticipated showcasing her versatility as both a singer and actress.
As the familiar melody filled the room, Christine felt a sense of serenity wash over her. Her voice intertwined effortlessly with Erik's skilled accompaniment, creating a transcendent harmony that seemed to transport them both to another realm. The music came alive around them, enveloping them in its ethereal beauty and stirring emotions deep within their hearts.
With each note she sang, Christine poured her soul into the music, allowing it to unlock hidden chambers of her heart and reveal a vulnerability she had long kept shielded from the world. The rich tones of her voice swirled in the air, like a spell weaving its way through every inch of the room.
Erik watched her with intense focus, his eyes tracing every delicate movement as she sang. His admiration for her talent was palpable, almost tangible in the charged atmosphere that surrounded them.
Their shared artistry created an invisible bond between them, binding them in a moment of vulnerable truth that defied logic and reason. As the final notes of Ombra mai fu echoed through the room, Christine felt her breath catch in her throat, her chest heaving with unspoken emotions.
Erik broke the silence with his melodic whisper, praising her celestial qualities as a singer and drawing out a tapestry of emotions with each note she sang. His words were like a warm embrace, enveloping Christine in a sense of security and encouragement.
As they continued to rehearse together for the engagement party, Christine found herself not only growing vocally but also forming a deeper connection with Erik. Their time together was a blend of focused work and moments of shared musical passion, igniting feelings within Christine that she had never experienced before.
As she spent more time with Erik, she found herself opening up to her maestro in ways she never thought possible, sharing her innermost thoughts and dreams without hesitation. Christine could not help but be drawn to Erik's intellect and sensitivity, as she had been before, which only served to deepen their connection. She found herself wishing for more time with him, wanting nothing more than to stay in his stead and never leave.
After completing yet another grueling training session, Erik paused to admire Christine with a mixture of pride and tenderness. "You have recovered your voice as hoped, my dear," he said warmly, his voice laced with admiration, "Your dedication and talent shine like a beacon. I have no doubt that you will enchant all who attend the engagement party."
Christine's heart swelled with gratitude for Erik's unwavering support. "I owe it all to you, maestro," she replied with sincerity, "Your guidance has been invaluable. I never could have imagined the extent of my growth as a singer without it."
Erik's smile softened, his eyes reflecting the depth of his emotions for her. "You possess a rare gift, Christine," he uttered softly, unable to hide the warmth in his tone. "Not only for the music itself but also for stirring the hearts of those who listen. It is a precious and scarce talent."
They took a much-needed respite from the lesson, retreating to the small, tranquil garden tucked at the back of the modest estate.
The air was thick with the bright scent of summer, whose trees now hinted at autumn leaves, carried on a gentle breeze that rustled through the swaying branches above. In the distance, a tranquil stream murmured softly, adding to the serene ambiance.
Beneath the sheltering branches of a majestic oak tree, they spread out a simple yet satisfying picnic, basking in the tranquility of their surroundings. As Christine stole glances at her companion, reeled in by his reserved nature, which only added to his allure. There was an undeniable pull between them, their connection transcending beyond mere friendship into something deeper and more profound.
Soon, as the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over everything in its path, Christine found herself spellbound by the ethereal aura that enveloped him. In this magical hour, his unique features seemed almost otherworldly - he appeared like some mystical creature, his expression a mix of contemplation and serene contentment.
As the sunlight played with the shadows on Erik's face, Christine could not help but trace his figure with her eyes, taking in all the details she had previously overlooked while others she had never had the opportunity to notice. She observed the way his golden eyes gleamed under the sun, reflecting a brilliance that mirrored his intellect. His long fingers, skilled in producing exquisite sound from instruments, tapped rhythmically against the blanket as though echoing to some unheard melody.
"You are lost in thought," Erik's voice brought her out of her reverie. It lacked its usual authoritative tone, replaced by a softness that rarely made its presence known.
Yet it was not this that startled Christine; it was the soft smile playing on his lips that took her aback. It was a sight she seldom saw from her composed maestro, and it tugged at her heartstrings in an inexplicable manner.
"I was just thinking about… how fortunate I am to have you as my mentor," Christine responded, her gaze steady on him.
A flicker of surprise traced across Erik's golden eyes at her declaration. Heavily veiled emotions seemed to swim in their depths, his jaw tightening ever so slightly as he absorbed her words. After a moment of silence, a soft sigh escaped his lips and he turned his gaze away from her, towards the smoldering sunset.
"You give me too much credit," he said after a long pause, his voice barely above a whisper.
Christine watched him in silence for a moment, taking in the raw vulnerability that hid behind his mask. She reached out tentatively, placing her hand over his in a gentle gesture meant to offer comfort. At her touch, Erik's body stiffened noticeably but he made no move to pull away.
"No," she said softly, "I don't think I do."
Erik turned to look at her, his eyes searching hers for a moment before he sighed again, this time lighter, almost a laugh. "You always see the best in people, don't you?" he asked. His voice wasn't bitter or wistful, but held a quiet resignation that broke Christine's heart.
"I see the truth," Christine answered, her voice barely above a whisper as she held his gaze. "In you, I see a man who is much more than his appearance. I see someone who has been kind to me, despite how cruel the world has been to him. Despite how hard it must be… for him to learn to trust again."
A silence fell between them then, heavy and laden with unspoken words. The soft rustling of leaves acted as their backdrop music, the sun's dying light painting hues of red and orange across their faces.
Erik was the first one to break the silence. His voice was low when he spoke next, as if he was sharing a secret. "You are unlike anyone I've ever known," he continued, his voice barely audible above the sound of the trickling stream nearby. "Your heart is pure, your spirit unbroken. You possess a strength that is both captivating and inspiring."
As Christine took in Erik's words, she fell into a moment of introspection. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within her, but amidst the chaos, she found herself drawn to a calm and serene feeling in his presence. It was as if his words had wrapped around her heart, bringing a sense of peace and comfort that she couldn't deny. In that moment, she knew with certainty that her feelings for him went beyond admiration or gratitude. This was something far more profound and all-consuming. She could no longer deny it; she was deeply in love with him.
