Bastian

:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian went through his morning routine robotically.
He washed, shaved and changed into fresh attire.
His agile movements went through the motions without thought, composing a countenance that betrayed no hint of how tired he was from the sleepless night.
He finished by neatly combing his hair and slicking it back with pomade.

   Odette did not move from the end of the sofa, watching him go through his routine.
It felt like she was paralysed in a nightmare.
She longed to plead for her judgement, the waiting felt like a punishment itself.

   “Prepare yourself, madam,” Bastian finally said to her.

   He adjusted his medals with meticulous attention to detail, then slowly turned to face her.
As she looked up at him with mournful eyes, it felt like a vail lifted, revealing the woman who had captivated him since the day they had met.

   “You said you wanted to atone for your sins, did you not?” His voice was calm.
He turned and watched the tranquil waters of Lake Lausanne flowed past.
He still desired that woman.

   It drove him mad, especially when he played with the idea to strike up the deal with the Emperor and force Odette into marriage.
Tie the knot and have her commit to him for the rest of her life.
It felt like he was under the influence of a spell.

   He chuckled as he took measured steps toward her.
She had not said a word.
Gradually his mind cleared from the pink fuzz with each step.

   He understood Theodora Klauswitz’s intentions in exposing the spy.
Theodora had no intention of causing a scandal, she wasn’t foolish enough to challenge the Emperor directly, however it was clear that she deliberately used Odette as a weapon to provoke him.
And he fell right into her trap.

   Through no fault of his own, he had disrupted a meticulous scheme and in order to make future promises, he would have to invest a lot of time and money once again.
It was clear that the battle to come was going to be a lot more challenging than any he had fought before.

   All because of you.

   Once he stood right in front of Odette, he reached down and seized her chin, noting her enduring beauty.
Even in that moment, when all he wanted to feel was contempt for the betrayer, he couldn’t help but feel his heart lift when she looked into his eyes.

   “Act modestly Mrs Klauswitz.” Bastian ordered, but strength in his grip.
Of course he would strike a deal with the Emperor.

   Taking a deep breath, he knew he had to fulfil the marriage agreement he had made to compensate for the damages Odette had caused.
He had no choice but to tolerate this woman for as long as it was necessary.

   Once the festival was over, he would go to Trosa Island, where he could seize lucrative opportunities for a few days patience, especially if he had to deal with this woman.

   “I know you don’t want to end up in prison, so you need to play along, otherwise you will be exposed as the criminal who attempted to kill her own father.
Does that sound like a more compelling reason than adultery?”

   “Bastian…?”

   “Its up to you, live as the perfect little wife to the end of your contract, or I will put you in prison.
You’re good at pretending and deceiving everyone, that much is true.” Odette groaned as he pulled her chin up.
“Enough with your foolishness, Odette, you’re debts will be brought to count by Tira Bryller.” Bastian warned.

   “No, she has nothing to do with this!” For the first time, emotion flickered across Odette’s face.Bastian was taken aback, but quickly replaced his surprise with a mocking laugh.

“Tira, please, spare her.
It’s all my fault, please…”

   “Shut up, Odette,” Bastian frowned at her.
“All you need to do is obey me.
It was clearly stated in the contract you signed.
Smile as though you were the happiest woman in the world.” He traced his gloved thumb around Odette’s lips and smiled at her elegantly.
“If you wish to safeguard your little sister’s life, you must perform admirably.”