Fearless

XVII

Raoul rushed through the opera as rehearsals commenced once again in hopes to find Arielette and tell her of the insanity which was her friend and fiancé. He believed that they were still having an affair, and while it was mostly speculation and barely any hard evidence, Raoul couldn't help but be giddy. The feeling he felt just couldn't be pushed down, why would it steer him wrong?

If she finally saw Destler for what he was, Arielette would finally see himself for what he was, which was a good, titled man who would most certainly love to take care of her for the rest of her life.

Raoul searched the opera for a while until coming upon her. She was talking with her father when he interrupted.

"Ah, Vicomte," Charles said, though not very kindly. Raoul understood this, but he was going to apologize, so hopefully this endeared him. He needed to make nice if this man would one day be his father in law.

"Monsieur and Mademoiselle Lestat," he gave a quick bow and then spoke more, seeing as they were looking at him expectantly, "I wanted to apologize for my actions this prior evening. It seems that I over-stepped my boundaries slightly. I don't care to make a fool of myself, let alone the both of you and our families."

Arielette seemed hardly impressed by the idea.

"Well, thank you, young man. I assume you're here to watch the rehearsal?"

Charles seemed eager to be rid of him, and Raoul found this understandable also. Still, he had to prove that he was the better fit for Arielette. He also desperately needed to talk to her.

"I am," he said quickly, "but I just wondered if I could have a brief moment of your time, Mademoiselle Lestat. I have no motives, I promise!"

He held his hands up in surrender and tried to hide his smile as Charles rolled his eyes and kissed his daughter on the cheek, bidding them both a good-day.

"What do you want, Monsieur de Chagny?"

Raoul hadn't ever heard his name said in such a way before, but her bustle was an expected response.

"I caught your intended in an embrace with Mademoiselle Daae. They did not look ashamed, but he was rather smug as though I wouldn't tell you how I caught them. It was as though they'd just ceased a..." he looked about them and then leaned in slightly, whispering needlessly, "a kiss."

"That's quite a lot of speculation, Vicomte," she determined with large eyes, "Erik is a devoted man who loves me very much. He wouldn't even attempt to do something like that!"

She seemed very sure, and Raoul became worried for her. Didn't she see that he was being a terrible person?

"Arielette, I would not even be caught dead with another woman held so close to me unless she were my sister! I have two, they're wonderful girls, but both closer to Philippe's age. Anyways, you know I simply want you to be happy, right? That is what I want, and I most certainly wish it was with me."

She stepped back from him, looking resilient.

"I am happy! With Erik! What if you're making all this up to gain me and I break his heart while we still love one-another. Then how would you feel, Vicomte?"

"I wouldn't lie!" Raoul ignored the other question, "I don't lie, Arielette. Wouldn't you care for that assurance?"

"No, I know Erik, he's good, Monsieur le Vicomte, and he doesn't go around coveting things he cannot have."

"If you don't believe me, ask Mademoiselle Daae herself. She was a part of the transgression which happened against you. If she is your friend, as I've heard, then it should be no problem and you can learn the truth from her."