CH 93

The review got underway as the vanguard set sail. Warships formed a line a short way out from the port and as each ship passed, they took their position in the long line stretching out along the horizon.

On the port, the crowd had gathered in thick swarms to witness the ships passing, their enthusiasm never wavering during the long process. They persisted as near a hundred ships took their turn to line up. By the time the final ship took its place, the line stretched as far out as the eye could see.

Odette focused her attention on the lead ship, the vanguard. Memories of the last two days melted from her mind like butter. Since returning the stolen documents to Bastian, time seemed warped, leaving her feeling like she was not really alive in her own mind.

“Odette, you look stunning today,” a friendly voice broke through her increasingly distant consciousness.

Startled, Odette turned to face the source of the voice to see the Emperor and Empress approaching her. They must have boarded the ship without her notice. The Prince, his wife and Princess Valerie were also with them.

“I see you’re eager to back with your husband, I’ll have to hurry then,” the Emperor said, casting a glance out to sea, toward the vanguard. His light jest elicited a whispered laugh from the Empress.

Odette lost her composure slightly, but was quick to gather herself, making it seem like she had lost herself to the excitement. She gave them a warm smile, not too warm, just enough to give the impression of a bashful young wife.

As the Emperor and his family took their seats, the excitement that had permeated the deck of the review ship gradually calmed. Odette settled into her seat behind the Prince and his wife. Despite the worsening headache, she refused to drop her smile. She was like the happiest woman in the world. All in the name of protecting her sister.

“Look over there, Odette, come on.” Odette was roused by Marchioness Demel’s excited voice. She was pointing to the flagship, the very one Bastian was on. It was saluting, marking the start of the ceremony.

The Emperor climbed a podium and the guests rose out of their seats. Odette followed suit, striving to maintain her balance. With the fleets aligned, the soldiers were visible on deck, stood to attention and saluting. After the salute, the band struck up the imperial anthem.

The Emperors review ship slowly drifted passed the vanguard shop, its soldiers becoming a distant smudge of dark shades. The memory of Bastian lingered in Odette’s mind though.

Major Klauswitz’s presence blazed like the midday sun, the brightness of it leaving no respite for her eyes. It only served to remind her of that meeting at the Reinfeldt Hotel lounge.

Odette shook her head, eager to move on from those memories. Bastian only saw marriage as a means to an end. She was only his for two years and after that, would she be dumped like yesterdays garbage? They had shared a moment of affection, but it ultimately stemmed from his fleeting desire to bed her. Bastian had not once faltered in his initial decision.

The review floated on well into the afternoon. The Emperor proudly displayed his naval might for all to see and delighted with a smile.

“Now, how about a round of applause for the hero’s wife?” the Emperor said, looking at Odette. Quickly, he orchestrated clapping from all the guests on the boat.

Though it was rather unexpected, Odette remained as stalwart as she could manage. Initially with a gracious smile and a nod, she waved as only befitting the wife of a hero.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

When the sun set, the festive lights illuminated Lausanne and gave life to the city. Nation flags and colourful lanterns on every street, Sandrine enjoyed the breathtaking view. She leaned on the railing, cigarette smoke lazily drifting from her mouth.

“There are rumours that he will take his wife along with him to his new post,” she said.

“Ah, yes, I suppose he could do, did you hear anything else?” The noble lady next to Sandrine said.

Odette, Odette, Odette, At the shipboard party hosted by the emperor, the name “Odette” was heard everywhere. 

“Nothing yet, so I suppose its all going ahead as planned. It’s not like Bastian to reverse a decision at the last minute.” Sandrine looked out across the deck. She could see Bastian chatting with the Crown Prince of Belov.

“You underestimate him. When it comes to love, he has the ability to transform into a completely different person, more erratic and unpredictable.” The noble woman observed with a smile.

“Indeed,” Sandrine said, puffing out more smoke. “Who would have thought that Bastian, of all people ,would become such a beloved figure, its no surprise if the unexpected were to happen.”

“That’s right, in fact, they are a couple where nothing goes as expected.”

In the midst of the mocking jest, Odette decided to appear, attracting the attention of all the junior officers wives. Something felt off about her, Sandrine could sense it as she narrowed her eyes at Odette like a sleepy cat. She couldn’t help but wonder if Bastian was trying to turn this woman into a true wife.

Amidst the cheerful music and ambient notes of laughter, champagne bottles were being opened with explosive climaxes. Sandrine ignored it all, keeping a close eye on Odette. Despite her obvious exhaustion, there was an aura of unique coolness around her. A pitiful beauty. Sandrine knew she was facing her toughest opponent yet.

She let out a sigh and set the cigarette down. She was fully aware of Bastian’s desires, she understood that it was a primitive instinct, a way to satisfy his sexual needs while conveniently turning a blind eye to other matters. Their display of affection at public gatherings was no different. Sandrine held to the belief that Bastian could not be so easily swayed, there had to be something else.

Sandrine struggled with that for a long while. She left the group she was hanging around with and headed toward Bastian.

Bastian had mentioned that he had wanted to talk to her father, before he left on his new posting. It was an important matter, she could tell that much and her father agreed. She thought it was to discuss their marriage since Bastian will end his 2 years fake marriage with Odette.

But what if it was about something else?

Just as Sandrine reached Bastian, he turned around. He did not show any sign of surprise to see her approaching.

“Congratulations, Bastian. Now, I guess I should be calling you Major Klauswitz.” Without hesitation, Sandrine extended her hand, fully prepared for his rejection. Surprisingly, Bastian responded with kindness, taking her hand.

“Thank you, Countess Lennart.”

“Was I right in thinking that you will be departing next week?”

“Yes,” he said flatly.

“Well, since you are not holding any sort of farewell party, I will have to bid farewell and good luck to you now.” Sandrine let out a pitiful sigh. “Everyone is talking about how you plan on taking your wife with you.”

“Nothing has changed, Countess, they are false rumours, I can assure you.” Bastian said, cocking an eyebrow. Sandrine’s eyes sparkled with wide eyed joy.

“You can’t be serious, she will stay here?”

“Yes, she will.”

“Then what was it you wanted to talk about before going out onto the battlefield?” Sandrine primed the question. Pride held significance now. If only he could sooth her anxiety, which ran through her like venom.

“Well, I just thought we could use the time to collaborate between Illis and Laviere”

“Could we confirm the promise here, is this a suitable place?”

“Well,” Bastian left room for an ambiguous response, an enigma that refused to be resolved. 

“Good luck, Bastian, I will look forward to your eventual return, then.” Sandrine placed a hand on Odette’s shoulder, in an attempt at mock friendship. “Hi, Odette. Let’s have a good time.” Sandrine couldn’t help but notice how pale Odette looked. She moved passed the young woman and made her way out onto the deck.

The remained of the sunset cast dark hues over the sea. The festive night glowed with bright orange light, under toned with laughter and music that carried across the city by the wind.