CH 92

The express train to Lausanne pulled into its final destination and Franz guided his fiancee off the train. The platform of the central station was teeming with onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of the naval officers. Naturally, Bastian Klauswitz basked in the golden praise.

“Make way, step aside,” the officers shouted, but despite the concerted effort to clear a path, the onlookers remained stalwart and the passengers of the train had to push their way through.

“He’s just an officer, not the damnable prince,” Ella grumbled, unable to tear her gaze away from the entrance. Franz waited for Bastian with a relaxed smile ever present, he was genuinely looking forward to greeting him. He relished at the idea of witnessing Bastian’s pride first hand.

While he was concerned for Odette’s safety, Franz recognised the need to sacrifice to free her from a life no better than prison. Revealing Bastian’s true nature to the world, it would significantly ease the divorce proceedings.

“Oh look, there, he’s getting off now.” The onlookers buzzed with excitement, catching sight of Bastian.

Franz swallowed nervously and tried to crane his neck over the crowd. Captain Klauswitz appeared with his beautiful wife. They beamed at the crowd with the biggest smiles and greeted the onlookers with such enthusiasm. When Bastian removed his cap and offered a bow, the cheers erupted and reached a fever pitch. Odette looked up at her husband with such affection and pride.

“Please, look over here,” reporters were shouting, brandishing their cameras like weapons.

Bastian obliged and turned to the press, posing for them. His smile was charming and the way he embraced his wife displayed his ostentatious possessiveness.  

Franz looked at his mother, confused. Even Theodora could hide her sense of unease as the couple leaned into one another for a kiss.

How could this be? Had he chosen not to blame Odette for betraying him?

Franz forced down a lump in his throat, the flash of the camera’s strobbed in his mind. In that brilliant flash of light, Odette smiled, embodying the image of the perfect wife and they lived happily ever after.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Prince Nikolai decided to take decisive action, ending the lingering doubt that had been plaguing him for months. With a sigh of despair, he made sure there was no more doubt.

“Princess Isabelle’s side is also clean. Her entourage informs me that her heart is set and she is sticking to her bridal class,” the attendant said.

Prince Nikolai nodded approvingly as he watched the Belov delegation progress along the main road leading to the naval port, where the Emperors envoy was waiting.

The streets were adorned with the naval flags of both nations, fluttering in the breeze. Pollen floated on the air, like tiny golden drops blessing the progression. The military band played their marching tunes and the crowds cheered. The parade had surpassed all expectations, becoming a grand spectacle.

Emperor Berg’s intentions were clear, as he positioned Belov’s name right next to the commemorations of the country’s victory. It was a clear ploy to forge a military alliance between the two nations, perhaps also serving as an apology for his daughters missteps.

Prince Nikolai smiled a the piece of paper in his hand. They were a summery of Captain Klauswitz’s and his wife’s history, from their initial encounter to their eventual marriage.

What a mess, suspecting his wife’s infidelity and meddling in other peoples affairs. It may be embarrassing, but it was necessary in preparations for a national marriage. The Berg Imperial Family had done their best to cover up the scandal surrounding the wayward Princess, but there were still many aspects that were unclear.

Isabelle claimed her love for Bastian was something that had been nurtured from childhood. Even before the national marriage. She couldn’t suppress her feeling and neither could she escape them. Isabelle’s passion for Bastian surpassed all boundaries of mere infatuation. All he could do was muse on the thought that being blinded by love ran in the Berg family.

What made it worse was the indifference Bastian showed Isabelle. It pained Nikolai to witness the cold treatment from the grandson of a junk dealer, but Isabelle’s heart remained unrequited. It also made the marriage to the daughter of a fallen noble very suspicious.

He had his thoughts, backed up when he met Bastian’s wife, Odette, when they were introduced at a promotion ceremony.

Nikolai had seen unequalled beauty before, but when he laid eyes on Odette, his breath escaped his body. He could not avert his gaze, no matter how hard he tried. If only she had been the Emperors daughter, he could have secured a marriage with her in a heart beat, but, she was given away like a bounty

The one-line title, ‘The man who married at first sight still passionately loves his wife’ captured a wife beaming with happiness and a husband gazing lovingly at her. Attached to the report’s last page was a photo of the couple from the evening paper, provoking an upsurge of resentment in his chest. It reminded him of the promotion ceremony all over again.

“I want this report discarded,” Prince Nikolai said, handing over the useless document to his attendant.

Despite Isabelle’s past, though a source of shame, was not an issue capable of severing the marriage between nations. Nikolai firmly believed that. Despite her immaturity, Isabelle held no lingering attachments to her cousin’s husband.

With the matter resolved, the wedding would proceed as planned. Prince Nikolai stepped out of the car, feeling a little lighter than before. The cheers from the crowd added to the excitement of the festival.

The Prince made his way to review the vessel escorted by the honour guard. The distinguished guests, who had already arrived, stood as one and applauded, showing courtesy to the allied delegation. Odette could easily be recognised by the stiff, upright manner in which she sat.

Prince Nikolai glanced at her. It looked as if her face had gone paler over night, making her look sickly. He frowned at the sudden change. She looked at him at the moment, with a bewildered expression, which was quickly covered by a warm smile. Her eyes shone just as brightly as they had always done.

He greeted Odette before passing by. 

Bastian Klauswitz’s wife was stunningly beautiful today, leaving the only memory etched in his mind.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian finished preparing for the review, buttoning his gloves before leaving the cabin. As he stepped outside, he was momentarily blinded by the bright sunlight. He took in the view high, blue sky dotted with cotton clouds, the vast sea that connected the horizons and let the fresh wind blow across his face.

The naval review ceremony was the festival’s main attraction. Today, the empires warships were scheduled to pass by for review in a specific order. Bastian was assigned to the very first battleship, at the head of the review. The honour eclipsed the shame of his past.

“Hey there, Bastian.” A voice called up to him as he went down the metal stairs. He recognised the voice, it belonged to a senior officer whom he often spoke to when he needed advice. The officer approached with admiration, quickly coming to a halt and waited for him at the bottom of the steps to the bridge.

Recognizing the reason, Bastian calmly reassured him, “We can speak freely when no eyes are upon us.”

“But…,” He hesitated briefly, eyes darting to Bastian’s major rank badge, before smiled lightly. “Alright then, if that’s what the Major desires, I’ll comply. Thank you, Bastian.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I have received my appointment as planned,” Bastian said.

“Does that mean you will be departing alone?”

“Yes, that’s the decision I have made,” Bastian said, calmly nodding. There conversation did not progress as a group of officers were approaching them.

Showing his courtesy with a shallow bow, Bastian moved on passed the new group as they saluted him and he saluted in return.

Bastian made his way up to the main deck, where the midday sun felt hotter than it ought to have done. He leaned on the railing, his mind drifting back to when he came out of the admiralty only to find Odette sat by the fountain, waiting for him. It was from that day that their relationship held more meaning than what was consigned to a contract.

‘If I could live that season again’   All these thoughts were nothing more than meaningless assumptions about the past. He knew that dwelling on them was futile and he needed to concentrate on what was to come, he should focus on the present.

As he made up his mind, the sound of the captain boarding brought him back to reality. The officers, who had been chatting away noisily, took their seats and Bastian joined them at the head of the vanguard. This was a position he had worked hard for, not something that was given to him out of privilege.

He stood at his assigned position facing the Lausanne’s sea, his mind was clear, devoid of distraction. Despite the losses he had suffered, the gains he obtained along the way made it worthwhile. 

As the captain boarded, a long whistle pierced the silence, signifying their departure. Bastian looked toward the horizon, lifting his eyes from the shadow of his officer’s cap. It was a perfect day, marking their voyage blessed by the god of the sea.