Chapter 2: Masked stranger
Christine was staring into the mirror in front of her, wondering if she could really be the girl staring back at her. Surely she would wake up and everything would be alright? Anthony was reclining on the bed behind her, his brow furrowed as he thought of a way to get her out of this predicament.
"There has to be a reason why father would give me away in marriage," Christine whispered. Anthony said nothing.
"What if he is cruel, Anthony?" she whispered in fear, turning to look at her brother.
"He will not be, Christine," he promised, needing to believe it himself. But Christine could not be swayed from her course of thinking.
"Oh! What if he is horribly old and ugly!" she gasped, the idea making her nose wrinkle in distaste. Anthony stood and came to her, taking her hands in his. His reassuring eyes calmed her and she felt slightly better.
"When you leave here I want you to know that if he ever so much as lays a hand on you all you have to do is contact me and I will take you from him," he promised. Christine whispered a thank you and hugged him.
xXx
"Don't let go, Anthony," Christine whispered, her small arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Anthony swallowed and put on his best smile, bringing his sisters gaze to his. She looked so frightened in that moment he knew that she was to young for this to happen to her. It was not right.
"I will come in five days, he has agreed to that," Anthony said, referring to her future husband. The idea of that man sent shivers down Christine's spine. They both stood outside, beside the carriage that would take her to her new life. Their father stood a few feet away, desperately wanting to take Christine into his arms but afraid of her rejection. Christine wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to her father.
With a sobbing breath she went to him and he gave a glad cry, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her temple. Her tears caused her entire body to shake and he held her tighter.
"Papa," she whispered. The idea that she was leaving seemed to barely be sinking in. With her fathers arms around her she desperately wished to be a little girl again, one without cares or worries as she went to sleep in her bed, knowing her father and mother were close by.
"I love you, Christine...please never forget that," he said softly. Christine nodded and pulled away, knowing that if she did not she might never be able to let go. Both men watched her climb into the carriage and watched in silence as it pulled away.
Christine swallowed and pulled her cloak more tightly around herself. She had never even seen this man and she was to be married that very night. How was she supposed to do this? Should this not be against the law somehow? She had barely turned nineteen! How old was this man? This man. God, she did not even know his name!
Why did he have to have the ceremony tonight? And why could she not have her family attend? Was that not how a marriage should be? With the people you loved and cared for around you? Was this man so heartless that he did not even consider that?
When the carriage slowly rolled to a stop Christine swallowed and looked out the small window at the large cathedral. The driver came down from his place and opened the door for her, helping her step out. She smiled at him only slightly as he helped her.
"I was told to watch you until you made it safely inside," he informed her. She nodded and with slow steps started toward the entrance. The closer she got to the looming building, however, the faster her heart began to beat. She could not do this! She was suddenly so frightened she felt her legs almost give out under her. Her eyes looked to both the right and the left, both of which were dark roads. She decided that she would rather take her chance in the dark then face this man who was her prisoner.
"Mademoiselle!" the driver yelled when she began running. She ignored his cries to come back and ran. This was her only chance and she would not waste it! Quite suddenly a figure emerged from the shadows in front of her and she collided with his chest. Two strong arms wrapped around her to keep her from falling. Breathless, Christine looked up at the man who blocked her way to freedom.
Christine's eyes rolled back in her head as she fainted, the last thing she saw was the glowing white from the mask the man wore over half of his face.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone