CH 46

At the onset of Preve Avenue, stood the Navy department, an imposing structure at the heart of the city, flanked by the magnificent Prater River and the impressive edifices of the cathedral and government offices. Odette gazed up at the grandiose building, marveling at the golden spire that stretched towards the heavens, crowned with a trident emblem, a symbol of the awe-inspiring might of the sea god.

Although she had traversed this locale countless times before, it was only today that her eyes were truly opened to its wonders. With measured breaths, she made her way towards the marble fountain that graced the front of the Admiralty’s main entrance. Towering above the fountain’s surface were statues of mighty sea gods, their forms a fusion of human and fish, from whose imposing bodies surged powerful jets of water.

The fountain’s periphery, doubling as a seat, was bustling with individuals biding their time or seeking respite. Amidst the throng of people, Odette found a spot sandwiched between an elderly gentleman engrossed in his paper and a gaggle of schoolgirls in matching uniforms. Positioned to face the Admiralty’s entrance, she straightened her attire and cast a glance at her wristwatch, noting that she still had half an hour until the scheduled meeting.

Uncertain of whether there was ample time to undertake any other pursuit, she opted to prolong her wait in the present spot. Retrieving a paperback book from her bag, Odette opened its pages, though her thoughts were too muddled to truly engage with the text. Nonetheless, she sought to avoid appearing fidgety and impatient in front of the man she was meeting. The minutes ticked by, with twenty having elapsed already.

Odette intermittently riffled through the pages, deliberating on which musical scores to procure. As she perused the options, a niggling sense of doubt crept into her mind, causing her to question whether her abilities had deteriorated significantly. Consequently, she resolved to focus on honing her skills through practice pieces in the interim. The minutes ticked away, with fifteen having elapsed thus far.

Emerging from beyond the raised drawbridge, a mighty warship sailed into view, drawing the attention of onlookers who hurried towards the river’s edge. As the crowds dispersed, a hush fell over the once-bustling fountain. Casting a quizzical gaze around her surroundings, Odette soon refocused her attention on the paperback in her hands. It was then that an unwelcome voice rang out, shattering the peace.

“Hello, Odette.” 

At the sound of a saccharine and affable voice of Sandrine, Odette lifted her head to meet the anticipated countenance. Concluding her perusal of the book, Odette shut it and rose to her feet.

“Greetings, Countess Lenart. It has been some time,” she replied evenly and courteously, meeting Sandrine’s scrutinizing stare with composure.

“It appears that you are awaiting someone at the Admiralty,” Sandrine observed, her gaze following the direction of Odette’s stare.

“Yes, I have a lunch appointment,” 

“Ah, how fortuitous. I, too, am destined for the Admiralty to meet someone. Shall we proceed together?” Sandrine proposed

“No, I shall wait here. This is the designated location for the appointment. Farewell, Countess Lenart,” Odette declined with a firm yet polite tone. Following her rejection, she returned to her seat by the fountain.

“It is disheartening to discover that a lady with imperial lineage from the Berg family, renowned for their impeccable conduct, could exhibit such impolite behavior.” Sandrine sneered.

Odette faced Sandrine squarely, her hands clasped calmly on her lap, showing no trace of embarrassment, “”When has it ever been acceptable for an officer’s spouse to show discourtesy to a Countess of Berg?” 

“If you are the wife of Captain Klauswitz and I am Countess Lenart, then certainly, such behavior would constitute a significant affront. However, I daresay our relationship is somewhat different,” Sandrine retorted.

“Based on your words and actions thus far, it would appear that you do not acknowledge me as Bastian Klauswitz’s wife. Rather, you seem to believe that this position is rightfully yours. However, it is not possible for a man to have two wives concurrently, and thus, I have elected to withdraw and grant it to you when the appropriate time arrives.” Odette inclined her head slightly as she spoke, with an unyielding gaze fixed on Sandrine.

“What are you trying to say?”

“I shall revert to my customary decorum and conduct only after relinquishing my position as Mrs. Klauswitz. As you mentioned, I am a noblewoman with royal blood from a ducal family. Therefore, why should I submit to your authority?” replied Odette, her tone unwavering despite the flagrant sophistry she employed. “Kindly elucidate your intentions. If you desire me to fulfill the role of an officer’s wife, I shall endeavor to do so. I apologize for my previous discourteous behavior towards a lady of elevated status. However, if your intention is to feign being Mrs. Klauswitz in my presence, be prepared for my continued conduct,” Odette declared calmly, maintaining her composure as Sandrine appeared taken aback by her words. 

“What if I were to rise and offer an apology?”  

Odette raised her head, her opulent diamond earrings glinting as she spoke. Meanwhile, Sandrine gazed at Odette’s audacious countenance, a peculiar smile playing on her lips, even as she noted the brazen act of taking something that belonged to another.

“It is a rather touching reflection indeed. I suggest that you relax and relish your reading,” 

“Indeed, thank you for comprehending,” Odette nodded her head before opening her diminutive book that rested on the fountain’s edge. Her countenance seemed to dismiss Sandrine’s presence altogether, despite the latter still being in close proximity.

Silently, Sandrine turned away, electing not to utter another word. The air was suffused with her icy rage and contempt, yet she derived solace from the knowledge that Bastian Klauswitz had not been ensnared by a pretty, vapid imbecile. While such a development could potentially complicate matters, it was preferable to allowing the man to remain unimportant.

“Seriously, Odette,” 

Sandrine’s voice rang out as she abruptly halted at the threshold of the path that led to the Admiralty’s main gate. Odette, seated with a straight back and engrossed in her book, gradually lifted her gaze to meet Sandrine’s piercing stare.

“I trust that you have ample reading material at your disposal. The wait may be prolonged, far beyond your expectations,” Sandrined advised, offering what appeared to be her final act of kindness.

Odette bowed respectfully without uttering a word. She lowered her gaze to resume her perusal of the open book. The sun’s laggard rays of late summer bathed the woman in a tranquil glow as she immersed herself in the world of her reading material. The vista that stretched out before her was a breathtaking panorama that seemed to implore the suspension of time.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Sandrine, I’m sorry but Bastian is currently dealing with an emergency,” said Lucas firmly. He was aware of Sandrine’s intentions when she had called him out of the blue to ask for lunch. Apparently, she had only used the invitation as a ploy to see Bastian.

Sandrine’s lifeless eyes suddenly betrayed a flicker of emotion. “Did something bad happen?” 

Lucas saw the fear in her cousin’s eyes. For a moment, he felt defeated and let out a resigned sigh.

Despite the annoyance of being used by Sandrine time and time again, Lucas found it difficult to hold a grudge against her. He understood his sister’s heart all too well. Her love for Bastian was genuine and Lucas knew this better than anyone.  Sandrine had been this way ever since she met Bastian for the first time.

Lucas always wondered how Sandrine could give her whole heart to a man who was incapable of loving anyone else. Her love for Bastian was unrequited and misguided, and he had tried to talk her out of it for a while. But at some point, Lucas realized that Sandrine didn’t actually want her love to be reciprocated. She seemed content with just possessing Bastian, even if he was only using her in return. It was a very sad situation, with a woman desperate for love and a man who seemed incapable of returning it.

The relationship they had was one where neither of them lost; in fact, they were a perfect match for each other.

“He just got a call from the imperial palace. Apparently, there’s an urgent matter to discuss regarding the Belov delegation’s attendance at the naval festival. Admiral Demel needs to meet with His Majesty in person, and he’ll be meeting with Bastian,” 

“But what about the lunch with Bastian?” asked Sandrine.

Lucas let out a frustrated sigh, seeming tired of all the drama. “In this situation, there’s no time for lunch. They need to rush to the imperial palace right away,” he explained, frowning. “So, let’s not waste our time thinking about anything else today. Just you and I can have lunch together in peace.”

Lucas donned the officer’s cap he had been holding and gestured for Sandrine to follow as they made their way out of the headquarters building’s lobby. Lucas knew she would have to leave again soon yet, Sandrine had insisted on coming here to see Bastian. He Felt a twinge of pity for her as her desperate attempts to catch a glimpse of him had left her in tears.

Lucas spun around in a panic upon realizing that he couldn’t hear Sandrine’s footsteps. “What are you doing?” he asked, puzzled.

Sandrine had been lost in thought and staring off into space. “Did Bastian already go to the imperial palace?” she asked, her eyes suddenly lighting up with hope.

“He hasn’t left yet, but he’ll probably be on his way soon. Look, there’s a black car parked under the stairs of the headquarters building,” Lucas replied casually, pointing in its direction.

Sandrine looked disappointed. “I’m sorry, Lucas. Let’s have lunch another time. I’ll treat you to a nice meal to make it up to you,” 

“What’s going on? What are you planning to do?”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about,” Sandrine replied, flashing him a knowing smile. With that, she began to make her way toward the central staircase leading to the lobby

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Sandrine stood there, on the stairs,  not looking at Bastian even once.  Admiral Demel suddenly appeared on the stairs.

“Who is this! Isn’t that Countess Lenart!”

“Hello, Admiral,” Sandrine greeted the Admiral with a weak, trembling voice. 

Admiral Demel looked at her with concern, as expected. “Why are you here?” 

“I was supposed to have lunch with Captain Ewald but I was about to leave because I suddenly got a headache. I guess with so many things to worry about, this happens often and causes trouble for those around me.” Sandrine let out a quiet sigh, her face expressing sadness.

Admiral Demel was a man of honor, a true gentleman, the polar opposite of Bastian. He couldn’t bear to turn away a lady in distress. 

“Well then, let’s ride together,” he offered without hesitation. “Time is running out, so it might be difficult to take you all the way home. However, since the Lenart family’s residence is on the way to the imperial palace, it’s not an inconvenience to drop you off there.”

Sandrine was grateful for the offer, and at times like this, she was glad for the rumors that surrounded her. Her reputation as a woman abandoned by her husband for another man had proven to be useful.

“Lord Demel, you are very kind. Thank you. I feel a bit shameful, but I appreciate your help,” Sandrine replied gratefully, seizing the opportunity without hesitation. She glanced up at Bastian to see any expression yet he displayed none.

Perhaps he had already opened up to his wife about his situation, but it made no difference to Sandrine. Her sole intention was to plant a tiny seed of uncertainty in Odette’s mind. And for the time being, that was sufficient. Let Odette take care of nurturing and cultivating that seed.

Sandrine strolled past the flabbergasted Lucas and was escorted out of the headquarters lobby by Admiral Demel. Once they descended the steps, the chauffeur sprang into action, opening the door of the waiting vehicle for them.

With Admiral Demel and Sandrine securely seated in the back, Bastian settled into the front passenger seat. The ceremonial car then smoothly pulled away from the Admiralty, piloted by its uniformed driver.

As Sandrine drove down the long, tree-lined driveway, the main gate with its checkpoint loomed into view. She cast a scrutinizing gaze at the fountain beyond the fence, and despite the considerable distance, she easily spotted the woman who was still on guard duty.

The fluttering hem of a sunny yellow chiffon dress caught her eye, swaying in the breeze. There was no mistaking it that was Odette indeed.