"Perhaps I've lived a little too long."
As Countess Trier surveyed the chaos that had unfolded before her, she felt a sense of despair wash over her. The sight of Princess Isabelle lashing out at Bastian Klauswitz in such a manic manner was truly horrifying. It was as if she had been witness to a scene straight out of a nightmare. Despite her best efforts, the Countess found it difficult to keep her eyes open, as the events before her seemed too much to bear.
With a cold, disdainful gaze, the antique dealer's grandson, Bastian, looked upon the imperial princess Isabelle. His lack of respect for the royal family was palpable, as he dared to show his true feelings towards the princess without any regard for protocol.
Countess Trier, watching the scene with growing concern, couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she feared that Bastian might take dire actions against the princess. But as she watched, Bastian let out a deep sigh and firmly pushed the princess away, refusing to give her any further mercy.
"Isabelle!" The princess broke into tears at the sound of the Crown Prince's voice, she knew was once again rejected by Bastian Klauswitz.
The prince appeared and took Isabelle's hand, dragging her away from the chaotic scene as Bastian tidied up his disheveled clothing, his actions seeming dismissive and callous. Isabelle's heart got heavy with grief and despair.
"Somehow, Princess Helene is much more better. At least she wouldn't have embarrassed herself like that," an older member of the imperial family murmured in a contemplative tone, her voice low and hushed.
When the banquet drew to a close, amidst a flurry of sharp words, the Duke of Diessen was acknowledged as a nobleman of distinction. Yet, many were left to ponder how the fair Princess Isabelle could have been so easily beguiled by one of lesser standing, such as Bastian. However, the esteemed Captain Klauswitz, with his impressive wealth and abilities, was deemed a far superior match. Despite the end of the feast, the guests lingered, unwilling to depart the heated discussion.
As the princess departed, Captain Klauswitz and the elegant Lady Odette remained behind. Countess Trierr's attention fixed upon the antique dealer's grandson conversing with the returning crown prince, cast a glance towards Odette, who stood resolute in her original position. The torn fabric of the child's dress and disheveled hair spoke of a sorrowful tale, etched upon their countenance.
Odette turned around just as the Countess of Trier's heart became infinitely heavy. At the same time, Bastian did the same after finishing his conversation with the crown prince.
Their gazes encountered again, in the tranquil brilliant light of the imperial palace.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
Her black hair fluttered down like waves of ocean this night. Bastian only realized what was happening in front of him. He took a deep breath.
Odette took off her hair tie. She ran her long slender fingers through her messy hair, pulling out pins one by one. At first glance, the woman's slow and smooth movements appeared like a romantic dance.
Bastian narrowed his eyes as he observed the bizarre scene. Odette came to face him directly, her neatly arranged hair falling down one shoulder. The princess's ruined dress and the traces of her fingernails on her skin were barely concealed. Countless onlookers were still staring at her, but she seemed to have forgotten about it all. No, she was under the strange impression that nothing had happened since the beginning.
With her dress restored to its former glory, Odette approached Bastian with a steady and regal gait. The sound of her footsteps echoed and reverberated through the grand halls like a proud queen. Bastian's gaze was filled with both interest and doubt as he watched her approach.
Up close, Odette's face was as pale as porcelain, and it seemed as though she might faint at any moment. However her upright posture reminded Bastian of their first meeting. This woman, who had been sold by her father to pay his gambling debts, had always held her head high, even under the roof of the imperial palace. Now, she stood before him, her spirit unaffected, and a trustworthiness undeniable.
Odette surveyed her surroundings. With a face devoid of expression. The grand marble hall, the serene night garden, and the magnificent Bastian. She lowered her head in awe, realizing that she had managed to maintain her composure despite the shame and humiliation she had endured. Bastian knew instantly what this gesture meant.
Odette requested that the unfinished waltz be completed. A polite request or a haughty command? It was absurd in either case.
Bastian raised the corner of his mouth, slightly depressed.
The grand banquet hall was alight with the glimmer of blue blood as the Emperor's princess was dragged out, her actions having sullied the honor of the imperial family. The elite of society had gathered, their interest piqued by the scandal of adultery and murder of his stepmother, the aristocratic wife of her father. He finally understood the true weight of the phrase, 'Blue Blood' and wondered what could have driven her to such madness.
Bastian took a careful look around and returned his gaze to Odette. He bowed his head towards the woman who was insignificant more than anyone else in this place, carrying the blood that flowed the thickest and bluest through her veins stubbornly.
The crowd, held in a suspended state of shock, began to stir as the spectacle before them unfolded. A behavior so brazen and unbecoming, it seemed almost as if the party was still in full swing, despite the disgrace that hung heavy in the air. Countess Trier, her initial reluctance to bring Odette to light now a distant memory, watched on with a cryptic smile etched upon her lips, as she whispered to herself, 'what the hell is this?'
As the final notes of the waltz played, the couple gracefully glided across the floor, their intertwined hands leading the way. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, as if by magic, allowing the duo to make their grand exit.
"Tell me, my dear Bastian, did you find pleasure in the company of the fair Odette?" The Countess of Trier's words were like honey on the tongue, but with a hint of mischief in her eyes.
Bastian smiled as he replied, "It was a privilege to spend this momentous occasion with such a radiant lady."
For the first time in his life, he had stepped foot inside the grand halls of the imperial palace, and the experience was nothing short of breathtaking.
The Countess studied him intently, taking in the young officer before her.
Rumors of his subservience, of sacrificing his pride for the sake of his ambition and wealth, preceded him. But as she looked upon him, she saw something else – a man armored in confidence, with the air of one who had never known servitude. She could understand how some might be taken in by his fierce light, yet it did not change the fact that the princess was unwell.
"I'll see you later, Captain." Countess Trier accepted Odette's hand with a dubious greeting. Odette trembled. Her small exhaled breath also sounded erratic.
Bastian, paid tribute to the chaperone, turned around while the Countess of Trier was stunned. The antique dealer's grandson, aware of Odette's condition did not even raise an eyebrow, left astounded.
Which of the two ?Odette, who stood firm and refused to give in to the situation, or Bastian, who was willing to sympathize with her? Was the more terrifying of the two?
They were obviously too similar rivals.
"Helene has done a good job of raising her kid. Despite having poor eyes for men, she seems to have been a terrific mother." Countess Trier offered words of encouragement, with a gentle smile to match. She even withdrew her hand when she went to call for someone. "Bravo, my dear. You were flawless."
Odette's eyes shone with a mix of relief, joy and a tinge of sadness as she heard the Countess's words.
"Thank you, Countess." The rich emotions that glimmered with unshed tears in her eyes soon dissipated as she replied with a calm demeanor and a hint of a quivering smile.
Without a word, Countess Trier guided Odette away, knowing that what the young woman needed now was a much-needed respite.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
"Yes. I'm going to trust your word on this." Admiral Demel let out a deep sigh and spoke in a hushed tone, a decision reached after much deliberation about Bastian's association with the Princess.
"Keep a low profile for now. It couldn't hurt to cozy up to Lady Odette." Admiral Demel left the banquet hall with a request that felt almost like a threat, hinting to take advantage of the woman. It was clear what his true intentions were.
From then on, several nagging thoughts kept creeping in and out of Bastian's mind. Eventually, when he left the banquet hall, the night fell. If it were like last year, the ball would be in full swing, but tonight, the Imperial Palace was heavy with a sense of emptiness.
As Bastian settled into the car and closed his eyes, sinking back into the seat. He let out a tired sigh and undid his bow tie, the knot coming undone with ease. He reflected on the events of the day, it dawned on him that perhaps the performance of the play for the Emperor should be extended. It seemed that it would take a long time for the aftermath of today's incident to dissipate.
When he opened his eyes, solidifying his resolve, the car was passing through the bustling streets of Lutz, the night view of the Reinfeld Hotel coming into view through the car window. And with that, the memory of Odette came flooding back to him.
She had stood tall and resolute, refusing to back down, her poise and grace masking the inner turmoil that was surely brewing beneath the surface.
Just as she had done that night, when she had donned her veil once more, straightened her posture, and went out of the seedy gaming den with poise. Bastian closed his eyes shut for a while, letting go of the memory of her hair cascading down her neck, the soft white nape exposed.
The wind blew through the half-open car window, rustling the leaves of the trees. And with that, the flower petals that had been caught on Bastian's collar for a while, disappeared quietly into the gray night.