Bastian

d 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.”

“Did the confession go well, will you be going with your wife?”

   “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.