*Erik's POV*
If someone told me that I would be running away from the town where I used to live three days ago, I have scoffed and, probably, punjab them. But here I am, running away from the city, only this time, no one is chasing me. I remember walking back into the town, expecting to find my mother and see her again, instead I met Christine and learned that my mother was executed. Its bittersweet; I met the woman I love and want to marry, but also learned that my mother was executed so I could be safe.

Signing, I walk through the woods, hoping I can make it to where I'm going before nightfall. If I keep going without stopping I should be able to make it. My thoughts begin attack me as I continue to walk. Will I be welcome where I'm going? Will I be refused help? Its been so long since I've been there.... Stop thinking like that! Of course you'll get help... hopefully.

As I continue walking, my thoughts drift back to Christine. Oh Christine. I wish I could just go back to her and have her be mine. But since I have no plan to get her back, it would be suicide to go now; I need a plan first, then I will go back for her. I love her so much and she loves me which is my motivation now. I will get her back one way or another.

*Raoul's POV*
I sit on my throne listening to the guard report, but eventually my mind wanders off and that man, Erik, comes into mind. I feel my jaw clench a little at the thought of him. He must be planning to come back; why else would Christine smile and look at one spot when she was performing earlier today. He has to be planning something and I have to make sure he fails.

I hear the guard's voice stop, which pulls me from my thoughts. "Thank you," I say. "That's all for now." The guard nods and leaves. Once he's out of the room, I stand and head towards my chambers.

Once in my chambers, I walk over to my desk. I have a plan and it needs to work, no matter what. It has two parts, so just in case one doesn't work, the other will. I take a piece of paper out and begin to write. The words come to me naturally and in a few minutes I finish. I pull an envelope out and fold the paper before sliding it into the envelope.

"Guard," I call out as I stand. A second later, the door to my chambers opens and a guard walks in.

"Yes, your highness," he says.

I walk over and hand him the letter. "I need you to deliver this to Miss Daae's chambers," I say. "But before you do that, have the head guard come to the throne room. I wish to discuss and urgent matter with him.

The guard bows. "Yes, your Highness," he says before exiting the room.

Smiling, I walk over to the mirror that is in the corner of my chambers. Looking in it, I see a powerful, smart, and handsome king. A king who won't let a monster outsmart him and take away his future bride. The plan is going to work and will prove that no one can beat me. I give my appearance one final look before heading back to the throne room.

Once back in the throne room, I see the head of the guard standing there. When he sees me, he instantly bows. I smile. "Stand," I say as I sit in my throne.

He stands back up and his begins to fidget with his hands. "A guard said you wanted to see me," he says.

"I do," I say. "We have someone on the run and I need you to find him. And once you find him, you need to make sure that he never runs again."

*Christine's POV*
I sigh as I pull the more comfortable dress on. The dress was made of a beautiful, soft blue velvet with silver hemming and a thin silver belt that around the waist. The dress fit my form perfectly and I looked beautiful in the dress. I couldn't help but smile when I saw my appearance in the mirror, but the smile vanished almost as quickly as it appeared when what happens earlier comes back to mind.

Sighing, I walk over to the bed in my new quarters, until the wedding of course, and sit on the edge. My hands touch the soft white silk sheets as my mind throws me memories of the performance earlier today. I know Erik saw me; I saw him smile as well. And I know that he will come back for me because I know that he loves me and I love him. But that's not what's bothering me; its the kiss King Raoul gave me.

I don't know why I keep thinking about it; it just keeps coming back to mind. I expected his lips to be cold and hard, instead they felt warm and soft on my cheek. What would they feel like on my own lips..... Christine, why are you thinking like that! This man killed Erik's mother, forced me to sing for him, made Erik lie to me, banished him, and is forcing me to marry him.

Suddenly, I hear a knock on my door. "Come in," I say, standing and walking over to the door. I see a guard walk in, holding something white.

"Sorry to disturb you, m'lady, but I have a letter for you," he says, holding the white envelope out to me.

I gently take the envelope from him. "Thank you," I say. He doesn't say a word as he bows and leaves, closing the door as he leaves.

Once the door is closed, I look down at the envelope. The front is blank; maybe its from Erik. I quickly turn the envelope around and see the kings seal. Why did the king send me a letter? I gently break the seal and pull the cream colored page out and read it.

Dear Christine,

You are probably wondering why I am writing you a letter instead of having you come to my throne room. I will address that in a little bit, but I have to let you know something first.

I have a feeling that I have given you the wrong impression of me. If we had met under different circumstance, I'm sure we would be closer than we are now.

Now, the reason I wrote this letter is to ask if we can start over. I would love to get to know you better, so I have arranged for us to have a private picnic tomorrow. I think it would be great for us to know each other, since we are to be married.

Signed, King Raoul

Once I finish reading the letter, I fold the letter up and put it back in the envelope. He wants us to start over. This is different behavior from him. I have to accept or else he will get suspicious. Even though I will go to this, I know that nothing will happen since Erik is the only man I love.