CH 128

Bastian woke in the blue dawn of a new day. It was the time in the morning when all that was hidden by the night would be revealed in the new light. He didn’t need to check the clock, keeping time was something all soldiers could do well.

Rubbing his dry, sleep addled face, Bastian roused from the bed. He poured himself a glass of water and mechanically went about his usual morning routine.  As he stood in the cool shower, water streaming over his face, he found himself thinking about Odette. It had become part of his normal routine a long time ago. 

She had fled to Felia.

Bastian went through the details of the report as he washed his face. He had a premonition that something was amiss when he watched Odette fall asleep the day before she ran away. He never dreamed she would be capable of such deceit, but she was a determined woman, a kindred spirit almost. After suffering yet another defeat, maybe it was time he admitted she was a step above him.

He initially suspected that she would attempt to run away with her sister. To his surprise, Odette boarded a train to Felia, alone. Almost alone, she had taken that irritating mutt with her and a travel bag. He suspected that she had not gathered as much money as she would have liked, staying at a cheap Inn in the middle of the city.

He should have brought her back immediately, to save all this commotion, but he had decided to hold off for now. He needed to find a way to bring her back without too much hassle, besides, he had Keller keeping an eye on her, so there was no rush.

Bastian decided to skip breakfast as he dressed, settling instead for a cup of coffee with a spoon of sugar. His butler would always look at him disapprovingly, but over time, came to accept this decision.

“Sir, about the membership screening of the Ratz Opera Theatre,” Lovis said, having chosen the right moment to bring it up. “I received a message from Admiral Demel, he has said that it will be difficult to pass.”

Bastian nodded calmly, while Lovis looked deeply concerned. The Ratz Opera Theatre was infamous for its strict membership intake. To obtain membership, more than half of the board had to approve. This was not Bastian’s first time being refused.

Bastian thought he had better odds this time, with his connection to Admiral Demel, but it seemed like this was not enough and Bastian couldn’t help wondering if it was because of the whole Odette situation.

“I do not mean to pry, sir, but would it not be beneficial to bring Madam home as soon as possible and clear up all this mess?” Lovis offered his advice with caution. Bastian did not say anything and only smiled.

It was all part of the challenge in acquiring all the memberships he could, of all the influential social clubs. He had no real interest in the Opera and without Odette by his side, he doubted he would ever actually intend to visit.

“Admiral Demel has advised to contact Count Xanders,” said Lovis, just as Bastian was about to leave. “He is the most influential member of the committee. If you were to gain his support, your membership could be a done deal.”

“I understand, thank you Lovis, I will discuss the situation with the admiral at the admiralty.”

With the barest nod, Bastian left Lovis behind. Beyond the windows of the hallway, Bastian could see the Ardenne Sea, spread out and glittering in shades of blue and green, creating a delicate turquoise hue.

Bastian sincerely hoped that Odette was keeping well. This could be an opportunity for her to recover her health. It wouldn’t hurt to let her take this time for herself and ensure the healthy growth of the child she bore.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Overtime, Odette was able to expand her living area as she became more confident that no one was looking for her. At first, she cautiously moved about the Inn, then the area immediately around the inn and now, she happily, but cautiously, ventured to the city centre.

She stopped by a grocery store to get an apple and then went on to take Margrethe to the park. It had become a favourite place during her exile to Felia. Despite the changing season that withered the flowers and left the trees bare, it was a pleasant, sunny afternoon.

“No, Meg,” said Odette, pulling the dog in close to her.

Margrethe was desperate to play with the ducks in the pond, but Odette kept the dog on a short leash. She hadn’t fully recovered her stamina yet and tired out easily, but she was feeling much better since leaving Berg.

It had taken a while, she shut herself away in her room at the Inn, keeping the curtains closed and the room dark, like the den of a hibernating animal. She slept for long hours, completely forgetting the passage of time and only ventured out of the room to reluctantly get something to eat.

After three days of being shut away, Odette thought it time to open the curtains again and let in the warm light. After another couple days, Odette finally plucked up the courage to step outside. It helped to have Margrethe with her.

Taking off her gloves, Odette rubbed her tummy, it helped to have this child with her also. Despite all the hardships, it was proving to be quite resilient. It was yet to make its presence known, but soon enough there would be a bump that would swell like Tira’s belly. By the longest days of summer, she would be cradling it in her arms.

While thinking about that day, Odette realised she had naturally come to terms with facing a future with a child. Bastian had been right, this child was her family and she couldn’t bear the thought of ever abandoning it. Even when coming to terms with the fact that the child might resemble Bastian the most.

No matter who the child resembled or how it was conceived, it was still her child, her family. With strengthened resolve, Odette felt determination in the face of raising the child, alone if she must.

“Hello,” said a man as Odette was planning to move on. “Would you give me the honour of escorting such a beautiful young lady on a walk around the park?”

“Oh, I would love to, but I am waiting for my husband.”

Odette lied calmly. The man quickly backed away when Margrethe started to growl and as Odette held the dog back, trying to calm her, the man saw the wedding ring on Odette’s finger.

“Ah, well, I see, sorry for the intrusion,” the man said quickly and retreated before Odette lost her grip on Margrethe.

The wedding ring had been completely forgotten about. It was worth more than any of the trinkets Odette sold before, but couldn’t risk selling that for fear of raising Bastian’s suspicions. Now that she was free of him, she should sell it at the first opportunity.

The news of Major Klauswitz’s marital troubles should be public news by now, with the sudden disappearance of his wife. With any luck, the divorce papers will already have been submitted. If she had the inclination, Odette might be able to find news of what’s happening, but for now, she still needed to be careful.

Odette put on her gloves and moved off. She had enough money to live off for now, so postponing selling the ring might be a good idea. It would be easier to move around without the piles of money the ring would bring. She would keep it for now and sell it when she needs to.

She had wanted to walk around the park some more, but the man that had propositioned her was lingering nearby and she didn’t want to get caught out in the lie. He unnerved her a little. She decided that she would walk the streets near the Inn, before returning to her room.

Once returned, she opened the window to let in some fresh air, shook out the bedding and tidied up a little. Not that there was much mess.

Once satisfied that things were neat and tidy, Odette shared the apple with Margrethe. It wasn’t a fruit she was particularly fond of, but recently she had a craving for it. Perhaps it was something the child in her belly wanted to try.

Once the apple was devoured and the juices cleaned from fingers, Odette stretched out on the bed and allowed herself to nap. When she woke again, the sky was already darkening.

Leaning on the window, to look out at the brilliant orange of the sunset, Odette took in the scenery. The sound of the bells from the cathedral rang out over the city. It was a scene that reminded her of her childhood in Felia.

After the banishment order came through, her family set up in Felia. Odette was born and grew up here and when she was fourteen, the Emperor changed his permission for their entry into Berg. Felia had always felt like home to her and since this was familiar ground, she felt she could establish strong roots here.

Raising a child alone was going to be tough, but she felt like she had the resolve to manage everything alone, even the birth. It couldn’t be any harder than when she had to raise her sister and look after a father who was constantly blind drunk.

Now, in her own world, she could finally live for herself. Looking up at the sky, where the first signs of stars were starting to twinkle, Odette got her first taste of freedom