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that-fandom-godess · 8 months

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A Russian Rose

Chaptre Quatre

The next five days go by and I am walking on fiery eggshells the entire time. I cannot risk angering Oliver and he decided that I would go with him into town today. He 'helps' dress me this morning and tightens my corset far too tight. "Oli, can you loosen it a bit. I can't breathe well."

"If you didn't eat yourself a whole cow every day, than I wouldn't have to do this." I had been eating a bit more every day, but just because I was hungry.

He goes to pick up my skirt off the bed and I reach behind me to feel the tie and to possibly loosen it, but it is tied in a knot. "Oli, did you tie it in a knot?"

"Yes, because I can't trust you to not embarrass me again with your weight. I tied it so you wouldn't bother loosening the only thing keeping your figure in shape." I raise up my arms and he slides the skirts over my head. "This is taking too damn long. Maria!"

Poor Maria came in to fast and nearly fell flat on her face. "Yes, monsieur?"

"Finish dressing her, I have to make sure they pulled up the correct carriage." He checks his pocket watch. "And under no circumstances will you loosen her corset or I will send you straight to a poor house."

"Of course, monsieur." Oliver leaves us alone and Maria finishes dressing me in a cream colored spring dress. She pins my hair back and puts a bit of make up on my face. "You look beautiful."

"You tell me that every day." I use a handheld mirror to look at myself.

"I tell you because your sad excuse of a husband doesn't." I set down the mirror and stand up, my corset digging into my ribs.

"You mustn't let him hear you talk like that." I grab a perfume bottle and spray just a bit on my neck. "I know he can be cruel at times, but he has good reason to."

"I know you only say that because you don't believe it." She hands me my fan. "I hope you listen to that little voice inside you one day and be rid of that monster for good."

"Me too."

********************************************************

We are walking through the crowded streets of Paris, looking into shops and flaunting our wealth. Oliver is meeting up with his business partners and wanted me to look my best. I catch a glimpse of the burnt down opera house that save me less than a week ago. We come upon two men talking next to a carriage. "Monsieur Tremblay, Monsieur Abadie!" Oliver calls out to them and they look up at us from their conversation.

"Monsieur Ivemore!" Their attention turns to me. "Madam Ivemore." They shake Oliver's hand and I offer my gloved hand to both of them and they kiss it. "I have brought my largest carriage. I want us to be comfortable as we discuss big plans."

"I still don't understand why we couldn't be in the office."

"Dear Armand, it is because we have places to be. The office cannot just grow legs and carry us there." They all laugh. The coachman opens the door for us and Oliver gets onto the coach first. Armand follows and then Lenard. I am last and I gladly use his hand to help myself in. Getting into the carriage is much more difficult when I have a corset tied tighter than the Louvre. When I sit down, I can feel the corset become even tighter and my breasts be pushed up to be on display. I cannot fix it if I wanted to.

They start to discuss their business plans and where they think they should put their money. I am uninterested in the conversation and look out the window. My thoughts wander back to the Opera House. How is it that a place so feared can hold such beauty underneath? Not only that, but the fact that the Phantom Of The Opera was still alive baffled me. He couldn't have been a ghost because he could touch me. How was he able to stay alive and not been caught this whole time?

I guess I was too lost in thought because the next thing I knew, my husband's elbow jabs my side. "Anna, pay attention."

"Sorry, I was just thinking." I swallow hard.

"What were you thinking about?" Armand asked me with a laugh.

"It was nothing." I don't want the conversation to surround me.

"Of course it was, women never have any good thoughts." That earns a roar of laughter from inside the carriage. "That's why they have to be told what to think." That earns another wave of laughter.

Luckly we arrive at our destination and I am the first to get out. I notice we are on Rue De Rivoli and there is a building for sale right in front of me. The men get out and head straight to the building. They start discussing the space and if it will work in order to expand their business. I absently follow them around and allow my mind to wander back to the Phantom Of The Opera.

********************************************************

Before I know it, it is time to leave. We all pile back into the carriage and return to the place we were picked up. They say their goodbyes and Oliver and I start to walk home. "Oli, can we walk a bit slower, I can't keep up."

"If you can't keep up, then you will walk home alone." I start to fall behind and Oliver keeps walking.

I stop and try and catch my breath. My head feels like ice and I can't tell if the world is rocking back and forth, of if I am. I lean against a building and close my eyes, trying to make everything better. I just can't seem to get a good breath in. I open my eyes and try to make it home. I make it about a block before staggering into an alley. I can't let anybody see me like this or else they would tell my husband and I would be reprimanded. My vision starts to become spotty and I feel my legs turn to jelly. I turn and can faintly see the Opera Populaire just another block away. I try and muster up as much strength as I can and make my way there. Maybe Erik can help me.

I make it to the opposing street before I become too weak to go on and I collapse. I do the last thing I can think of. I scream. "ERIK!"

Everything goes black.

#nadir khan #erik the phantom #phantom of the opera #erik destler #dargoa #anastasia

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littleeliza-lotte · 3 years

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Erik: When I get murdered, can you make sure I become an unsolved case?

Daroga: What?

Erik: I wanna be one of those buzzfeed unsolved mysteries

Dargoa: No I want to go back to the part when you said ‘When I get murdered’

#phantom of the opera #daroga #Erik #POTO #shit post #incorrect phantom of the opera #Incorrect quotes #the phantom of the opera #nadir khan

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musicofthesoprano · 7 years

Conversation

Christine: *playing hide and seek with erik*

Christine: Erik! Erik! It's been 2 hours! Come out!

Erik: *doesnt come out because he's stubborn ass*

*five years later Christine tries to move out*

Erik: EXCUSE ME WHAT ARE YOU DOING

Christine: ERIK I THOUGHT I LOST YOU WHAT THE HELL? IM SO GLAD YOU CAME BACK FROM HIDING YOU BITCH

#phantomoftheopera #POTO #Erik Destler #Christine Daae #Raoul De Chagny #Nadir Khan #Broadway #Dargoa #Madame Giry #Meg Giry

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goodphantomoftheoperaposts · 5 years

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It took me forever to finally ask this question because frankly, I was too embarassed to ask it before.

Could someone please explain to me what the hell a dargoa is?

#is it like a detective or something

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thedrawingduke · 7 years

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How did the Dargoa rescue TC from the sideshow? (For some reason, I'm imagining him going undercover with the gypsies and sneaking around in the middle of the night and picking the lock with one of his many hairpins. Sorry if this is stupid!)

Haha, no worries! But the hows and whys are SPOILERs! Let’s just say he was not as altruistic as that, haha. But it is a cute idea that a: he would have hairpins, and b: he would be so sneaky in trying to help out TC

(FYI, You might not be aware of this but the term g*psy is considered to be quite offensive...I know in America, we aren’t as aware that its a racial slur (because of appropriation/exotification in our media akjsh) but I would still avoid using it. Sorry to data dump, but if you are interested, there are some good information about the use of the term, preferred terms, history/persecution of the Romani people, here!

There’s a lot of Romani people in stereotypical/offensive roles in PotO media *cough* Kay *cough* and It personally makes me uncomfortable. I’m seeking to avoid that whole “caravan” mess in Fantomestein and if/when the circus/sideshow is involved, it is going to be more along the lines of Royal Italian Circus or something of that ilk.)

#sorry to get off topic but akjshfd!! words are important and I know a lot of ppl in the poto fandom are unaware of how problematic that Erik #I would love to include Romani people but only if I had the room to actually be constructive/educated about them #like it I think that Daddy Daae and Christine encountered them a lot #and I've wanted to research that more but haven't had the time #yet!#Anonymous

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vide0n4sty · 4 years

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thoughts on susan kay’s phantom three chapters in

erik really be a 14 yr old dream boat huh

giovanni was a nice guy shame he fucked it up

she described erik as a “masked prince of darkness”...goth rights

STOP ASKING TO SEE UNDER THE MASK JUST LET THE BOY FUCKING LIVE!!!!!!

it’s nadir’s chapter next and i am SO EXCITED

#DARGOA TIME BABYYYYYY #head full thoughts phantom

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polariie · 1 month

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It's Always Sunny at The Opera pt 2

#poto #phantom of the opera #christine daae #erik phantom #my art #raoul de chagny #the persian #the dargoa #erik destler #erik the phantom #poto modern au #poto fanart #nadir khan #im not dead lmao #see you next time lololol #phanart #phandom

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that-fandom-godess · 8 months

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A Russian Rose

Chapitre Trois

*WARNING – RAPE*

I walk up to the gate of the manor I have to call home. The guard recognizes me and lets me in with a concerned look on his face. I decide it is best to use the servant entrance to get inside in order to avoid confrontation as long as I can. I am almost inside the house when a voice startles me.

"Excuse me, what are you- Anna?" I turn to see my personal maid and my closest friend. "Where were you? Master has been livid." She comes closer and sees the large bruises I am trying to hide.

"Maria, please. Let's not make a fuss over this."

"You have bruises all over you." She pulls me around and looks all over me. "They did this, didn't they?"

"Maria, I'm fine." She grabs my arm and pulls me into a tight hug. "Please let go."

"Why?" I know what she is doing.

"Fine!" She lets go. "It hurts."

"This is only going to get worse you know." I know all too well how this is going to end. She notices my shoes. "Where did you get those?"

"I bought them." Lies.

"With what? When you ran off you never grabbed your purse."

"I'll talk to you later." I want this to be over. "I have to deal with my husband now. I'm sure he's furious with me."

"Be careful, Anna." She gives me a reassuring smile.

"Thank you." I slip out of the shoes and give them to Maria to hide and step into the house.

I silently make my way up to my room. Just as I'm about to turn the handle, I hear the devil's voice. "Where were you?" I tun around to meet my husbands furious eyes. He took a step closer to me and I took a step back. "Answer me!" I flinched at his anger.

"I ran to the church." I know he knows it's a lie. We stopped attending shortly after our wedding. "I didn't think you would want me back home."

"You know damn well not to make me a fool in front of guests."

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

"Damn right it won't happen." He backs me up against the door and roughly grabs my chin. "You need to be taught a lesson. You need to be reminded that you belong to me."

He removes his hand from my chin and strikes me across my face. Before I can come back from the blow, he grabs a handful of my auburn hair and pulls me up. My hands automatically reach behind my head and try and release his grip. Oliver uses his other hand and roams my body. "Oli, please let go. You're hurting me!"

"Until you learn your lesson, you need to be disciplined." He opens the door behind me and pushes me into the room. I fall to the floor, right on a large bruise. "Get up." I do so as fast as I can in order to not make him any madder. He stalks around me like a predator.

I know better than to talk or disobey if I wanted to get out of this faster. Oliver grabbed my chin and kissed me harshly. He practically ripped my clothes off of me and threw me onto the bed, facedown. I cry out when I feel a sharp sting on my arse. The blows keep coming until I feel lightheaded. They stop and I hear the movement of clothes. My husband grabs a fistful of my hair and pulls my head back. "If you would just do as I asked, you would be well taken care of and there would be no others touching you." He thrusts himself into me and goes at a pace that is far too fast. "But you are being selfish and not giving me what I want." He digs his fingers into my hips. "All I want is a son, is that so fucking hard?" He starts to become sloppy and I know he is close to finishing. Oliver thrusts a few more times before groaning and I feel a hot liquid inside of me before he pulls out and I hear him go into the washroom.

I know that I should get up and make myself presentable, but I am just so tired. I want to fall asleep, but I make myself get up and gather my torn evening gown from the floor. I use it to wipe in between my legs and throw it into the wicker basket against the wall. I go to my large wardrobe and grab a robe to put on before choosing fresh clothes for the day. While grabbing a chemise, I accidentally knock over my stack of drawers revealing a music box behind them. I touch the golden lid of the box, but don't dare to open it. If Oliver found it, I don't know what he'd do. I put the clothing back and can't help but feel a piece of me being tucked out of sight with it.

Oliver comes out of the washroom and back into the bedroom to grab his belt and leaves our bedroom altogether. I shrink down against the bed and allow myself to cry. Maria comes in silently and leads me in for a bath.

I sit in the tub and wince when Maria goes over sore spots. "I know you don't want to talk, but can you at least tell me where you spent the night?" I shake my head 'no'.

"All I can tell you is that I was safe." I promised Erik that I would tell no one where I was.

"Then you should have stayed there." She runs the soapy cloth over my shoulders. "You should have gotten the hell out of here while you still could."

I turn to her. "You know I can't leave." She nods. "I was foolish to run away." We finish in silence and she helps me get dressed.

She catches my arm before I leave to go to the living room. "Please promise me that you will be careful."

"I will be."

********************************************************

The rest of the day goes by uneventfully, thank God. I made sure to avoid my husband enough to avoid confrontation but not enough to make it obvious. I went to bed early and had dreams of the Opera Populaire.

#erik the phantom #phantom of the opera #erik destler #nadir khan #dargoa #anastasia

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that-fandom-godess · 8 months

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A Russian Rose

Chaptre Deux

I wake up in a very comfortable bed. The thick, fluffy pillows and the silky sheets around me are unfamiliar to me. Where am I?

I sit up to take a closer look around me. There is a black veil surrounding the bed, so I can't see much. I grab the cord dangling from above and pull it, curious of what will happen. The curtain lifts up and I climb out of the bed. I'm in my evening gown – or what's left of it at least. I spy my evening robe hanging on the wall and I slip it on. I walked around the large room and looked at everything. I find a wardrobe with some women's clothes and shoes. I feel bad for using this ladies' room. I decide to borrow a pair of her shoes. They fit well.

I start to the only door but stop when I reach for the knob. What if the man is out there and kills me? I suppose if that is what happens, I won't have to go back home. I open the door to a large room. It's almost cave like with the tall stone ceilings and stone floors. There are many candles around, of course to light up this dark room. There is a large piano surrounded by sheet music. I spot dozens of papers throughout the place. I step over to the piano and pick up a piece to look at.

"You're awake." I jump at the voice behind me and turn around to try and find the source.

"Yes. I'm sorry for intruding." I say holding the paper close. "I didn't mean to be a bother."

I got no reply, so I take a closer look at the music in my hands. "Love Never Dies." I read aloud. Before I can really look at it, it is taken from me. "I'm sorry." I apologize out of instinct.

"One mustn't snoop madame." I prepare to be yelled at, and my body goes rigid. I look at my toes like a child. A gloved hand lifts my chin up and I look the mystery man in the eyes for the first time. I relax and look with awe at the golden eyes in front of me.

"Your eyes are beautiful, monsieur." His hand leaves my skin.

"You needn't lie." He turns away from me.

I grab his hand. "I don't lie." I now notice the ivory mask covering half of his face. "They are like pools of gold in a white abyss." I realize exactly what I said. "My apologies if I crossed a line." I say letting go of his hand and stepping back.

He clears his throat and puts the music back on the piano before sitting down on the bench. I stay where I am until I hear him say, "You must be hungry." I look up at him.

"Pardon?"

"I'll fix you something." He starts for another room.

"I really don't mean to be a problem." He disappears so I find a couch and sit.

He reappears a few minutes later with a plate. "I don't have much on hand, but I hope this will do." He hands it to me and I look down at the contents. There are some grapes and cheese and crackers.

"This is wonderful. Thank you." He starts to get up. "Are you not going to eat too?" He looks so thin; he must be hungry.

"I don't eat often." That's ridiculous. Everyone has to eat.

"You should eat, you must be hungry and I would feel awful knowing you haven't eaten." I am completely honest and I know what it feels like to be hungry watching someone else eat. "Here." I hold out a grape in hopes to entice him to come eat.

I smile as he comes over and takes the grape from my fingers. He pops it in his mouth and then goes and sits down at his piano. I start eating what was offered as he starts playing. He plays a little bit and writes it down. He continues on like this for at least half an hour – long after I finish eating.

I don't want to bother him, so I decide to take care of the plate he gave me. I'm not sure where his kitchen is, so I follow the path I saw him take earlier. I came to a room with an open doorway and two closed doors. I peek into the doorway and see there is the kitchen. I come up to the sink and wash off the plate before drying it and setting it next to the sink. I take in how beautifully crafted the space is. For it being in a cave, there is enough lighting to see in the darkest corners and smooth flooring.

I should be going. What will Oliver think? How bad will I be punished? I am to lost in fearful questions, that I don't notice the man coming into the room. I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder and I jump. "Sorry." I turn around and face him.

"I apologize if I startled you but one must never wander in this cavern alone."

"Sorry, I was just thinking." He gestures for me to follow him back out into the main area. "Your home is truly a wonderful sight."

"I try to keep it well, but sometimes it becomes a bit lonely."

"What about the lady of the home?"

"There is no lady down here, only Erik."

"Well I thought that the room I woke up in was a woman's." I realize he mentioned a name. "Are you Erik?"

"I am Erik. The room was for a lost love."

"I am truly sorry for your loss." I allow a pause before speaking again. "I suppose I should introduce myself too. I am Anna." I make a small curtsy as I was taught.

"It is lovely to meet you, Anna." I give him a small smile in return.

My mind returns to my thoughts earlier and my smile falls. "I should probably be leaving though. I really didn't mean to intrude."

"Erik enjoyed your company. Follow me." He starts to lead me out of the cavern and into the light. I am glad that there were not a lot of people out on the streets seeing me in my evening wear.

I was able to get a cab home and Monsieur Erik paid extra for privacy.

Now to face the beast at home.

#erik the phantom #phantom of the opera #erik destler #dargoa #nadir khan #anastasia

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that-fandom-godess · 8 months

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A Russian Rose

Chapitre Un

I would be glad that I wasn't robbed, kidnaped, or murdered, but those would all be better than what I was running away from – especially as a half-dressed woman running down the city streets at night. They just took it too far tonight.

I should have realized where I was going and that where I sought shelter was more feared around Paris that even homeless and criminals wouldn't dream of stepping foot there. Yet here I am, just outside the abandoned Palace Garnier; cold, scared, and in a panicked state of mind. I rush up the front steps and barely have to touch the door for it to move. As I can finally stop and be able to calm down, I realize exactly where I am. I make up my mind that whatever is here is better than going back home.

As I travel further into the old opera house, the quieter everything becomes until there is nothing but my footsteps being heard. I can make out the grand staircase and make my way up it, admiring the marble under my feet. My eyes fall to the doorway leading to the house seats and make my way in there. I walk to the first row of seats still in decent shape and sit down.

I slid off my evening robe and inspected my arms, noticing dark marks starting to appear. Even without light, I can make out a handprint on my forearm. I start crying and slide my nightgown up to my thigh to reveal more marks. If I wasn't alone, this would be a highly inappropriate act. I have to calm myself down in order to find a mirror to inspect myself better. A candle would also help. I cover my face with my hands and sob against my will.

A loud clatter brings me back to the reality of where I am. I jump up and hastily cover myself up with my robe while trying to wipe away tears so I can see better. "Who's there?" I ask with more fear than I wanted. I hear footsteps circling me, but I can't see who they belong to. All of a sudden there is something around my neck and it becomes tight.

"Tell me why you deserve to live." A low masculine voice says right next to my ear.

This wouldn't be the worst way to go, and it seems better than going back to my house. The line around my neck tightens. "I can't tell you." It's true, I can't.

"Why?" He sounds so far away now.

"I can't tell you because I- "I got so choked up with sobs that I can't answer. Whatever was around my neck disappears and I fall to the ground, a sobbing mess. I wish that whoever was there would leave me alone to cry.

That's not what happened next though. "Get up." He demanded. I stood and my knees buckled under my sudden weight. A strong hand grabbed me under my arms before I fell.

"Thank you." I said automatically. I am finally able to stand on my own and the hands disappear.

They reappear around my neck as I'm pinned to a crumbling support beam. I am so close to my attacker, and yet I cannot see his face or figure at all. "Why do you want to die?" He asked, sounding less intimidating.

I am still too caught up in my own tears though that I couldn't answer. His hands don't become looser, but they also don't tighten. "I-I ca-a-n't tell." I manage to choke out. No one can know what happens behind closed doors in my house. Not even my killer.

"Why not?" He asks gently while loosening his grip. I slide down to the floor and continue to sob. I must look so pathetic, but I still can't answer. "Who are you so afraid of that you would seek shelter in the devil's domain?"

I shake my head, not wanting to answer. "I-" I let out a shaky breath, trying to compose myself. "I can't." A leather hand grabs my chin gently and lifts my head up. I turn my head the side, not wanting to make eye contact with whoever was there. I am so exhausted my eyes are starting to become heavy. The hand leaves my face and I'm hoping whoever was there would just leave. I feel two arms come under me and pick me up off the ground.

I try and fight. "Relax." He says firmly. "I'm not going to hurt you. It's not always safe out here." I finally relax, not because I trust him, but because I am so exhausted. I try to keep my eyes open, but it is becoming so hard. Finally, I give in to sleep, not worrying where I'm going next.

#erik the phantom #erik destler #phantom of the opera #anastasia #nadir khan #dargoa

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that-fandom-godess · 7 months

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A Russian Rose

Chaptre Six

The footsteps keep coming and I fear the worst. What if my husband found me? He would surely reprimand me for being partially naked with another man. Would he try and hurt me in front of Erik? If so, would Erik do anything to help? Or would he do nothing? I tense up and try and cover myself even more when Erik speaks up.

“This is not a good time, Dargoa.” He calls into the doorway.

A shorter man appears with a basket in hand. “You tell me that every time I come here, Erik.” He stops in his tracks when he sees me. “And who is this?”

I look between the two with wide eyes. They clearly knew each other, but the way Erik is acting has me on edge. “She is none of your business.”

“Don’t be rude old friend.” He turns to me and bows politely. “My name is Nadir Kahn. I am an old friend of Erik’s.” He is clearly not from around here. Monsieur Khan has darkened skin, most likely from the sun. He wears a warm smile and has lines that show a lifetime of happiness. I don’t understand the tension that Erik is showing towards him, but it might be for good reason.

“When will you leave me alone?”

“When I die.” He says and sets down the basket.

“I’ll make sure to poison your tea next time.” Erik pulls down the blanket from the back of the loveseat and hands it to me. I cover myself as much as I can with it.

“Then you will miss me so.” Monsieur Khan comes over to me. “I didn’t quite catch your name Mademoiselle.”

“Anna. Just Anna.” He holds out his hand and I give him mine. As he bends to kiss my hand, he notices my wedding ring.

“I apologize, Madam. I didn’t realize you were married.”

“It’s alright.”

“Excuse me.” He bows again and goes over to Erik who had picked up the basket and headed to his kitchen. I can hear the echo of their voices. “Please tell me that this woman is here on her own accord.”

“Of course, she is.” I hear things being moved around. “Don’t think so little of me, Nadir.”

“I don’t think little of you, Erik, but I just wanted to make sure. How did a married woman find her way down into your home and still be breathing?”

“It is a story too long to tell right now.” I hear a loud sigh. “Just know she is safer down here than on the surface right now.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“No, I have it handled.” They both emerge back into the main chamber of the cavern and Erik comes over to me whereas Monsieur Khan goes and sits down in a red velvet chair closer to the giant organ. “Tell me what happened.” I glance over to Monsieur Khan warily and back to Erik. “Ignore him. He won’t tell a soul what happens down here.”

“My husband wanted me to look as flattering as possible when he met with his partners, so he drew my corset too tight and tied the string in the back into a knot. He instructed my maid to not undo it no matter how much I pleaded.” I noticed tears starting to form in my eyes. “He kept commenting on how I needed to stop gaining weight because it embarrassed him in front of his colleagues.” At this point some tears were escaping and falling freely down my cheeks. I do my best to wipe them away. “I shouldn’t be complaining. It’s my fault he treats me like this.”

Erik speaks harshly. “It is no one’s fault but his.”

“But it is mine. He says that if I would just do as he asked, he would treat me better.”

“What is he asking of you?” Monsieur Khan speaks up.

“He wants me to give him a son.” I take in a shaky breath before continuing. “I have been having trouble conceiving. We have been trying for years and he says that-“

“To hell what he says.”

“Erik!” Monsieur Khan scolds Erik.

Erik turns his attention to his foreign friend. “Her husband should not be punishing her for not being able to give him a child. Especially by constantly damaging the woman he wants to carry it!”

“Erik, I know you are angry, but you need to get ahold of yourself. We both know what happens when your emotions get the best of you.” Erik looked like he wanted to argue back but I drew his attention to me by shifting in the seat to be able to cough again.

“Would you mind making Anna some tea, Dargoa. It would help with the cough.”

As Monsieur Khan stands, he says, “It wouldn’t kill you to say please, Erik.” Erik just shot him a dirty look.

“I really don’t mean to be a bother.” I take a deep breath and the blanket falls from my chest to my lap. I don’t realize it right away, but it makes me feel how cold the air is down here. It sends a shiver down my spine. Erik starts to pace and I look down at my ripped over-shirt. It can be fixed, but it would take a while. It would take a skilled seamstress to fix it and make it look the way it was.

“Erik is sorry for ripping your shirt.”

“I suppose it was my shirt or me though.” I look up at him and back down at my lap. I only now realize the blanket off my chest, so I pull it up to my chin. I focus on the stitching of the blanket while I wait for the tea.

There is a few more minutes of silence between us before Monsieur Khan brings a tray of tea out and sets it on a small table next to me. “My own blend.” He hands me a steaming teacup. “Careful, it’s hot.”

“Thank you, Monsieur Khan.” I lightly blow on the cup.

“Please, call me Nadir.” He makes himself a cup and sits down on the organ bench.

“Thank you, Nadir.” My tea is finally cool enough to drink. It really does sooth my throat and it tastes amazing. “You have a talent. This is the most wonderful cup of tea I have ever had.”

“Thank you, Anna. I have spent years learning how to make it just perfect.” He smiles.

“Yes, thank you, Dargoa.” Erik finally speaks up, but he sounds more exasperated than anything.

“You’re welcome, Erik.” Nadir takes a sip. “But as much as you might think I did this for you, I didn’t. I did it for Anna.”

This makes me smile. I take another sip of the tea before asking about what to do next. “What do I do now?” I read the room and try again. “I mean, do I go home or should I find somewhere else to stay? And what about my shirt? I can’t go out in public like this.” I have a million questions running through my head.

“You do not need to worry about this now, my dear.” Nadir speaks up before Erik can. “You are more than welcome to stay here for as long as you need.” He sets his empty teacup down on the tray before us. “As for your shirt, I will see what I can do.”

I allow him to grab my shirt and inspect it while Erik continues to grumble off to the side.

“I never said she could stay here, Dargoa.” I avert my eyes to the almost empty teacup in my hands. “Her husband will be looking for her and the last thing Erik needs is another manhunt destroying my home!”

“Erik, will you please stop with this tantrum and look at the bigger picture?”

I am afraid that they will get upset with me if I make a wrong move or say something, so I keep my head down and my breathing steady.

“I am looking at the bigger picture and that endangers me. Do you not remember what happened last time a woman came into Erik’s home and someone came after her?”

“I understand the risks but Anna is too weak to travel to my home and none the less half-dressed.” Nadir sighs and regains his composure. “This will be best for her own safety and modesty.”

Erik opens his mouth to retaliate but Nadir cuts him off.

“-And that is final.”

#erik destler #phantom of the opera #anastasia #ao3 #erik the phantom

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