Bastian
Chapter 145 - Just a little more

✧Just a little more✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

His blue eyes struggled to focus and although they looked at her, they seemed glazed over, as if trying to look at a memory.

   Slowly, those blue eyes became clear and focused. She was still held a hand to his chest, feeling the comforting rhythm of his heart. A moment ago, when he was suffering from nightmares, it was beating like a drum.

   Before she could say anything to Bastian, his eyes fluttered and were closed again, he lay back and was a lot more calm in his sleep or at least, Odette thought so, until Bastian squirmed deeper into her.

   All Odette could do was blink in confusion as Bastian nuzzled into the nape of her neck. His arms wrapped around her and held her close. As if being chased by something, he was trying to curl up on her lap, but he was far too big for that.

   He clung to her fiercely and Odette could not pull herself out of his grasp. Instead, she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him to her, stroking his back. It was something she was used to doing, back when Tira used to have horrible nightmares. Though he was a lot different to her younger sister’s frame.

After correcting his awkward position, Odette carefully pulled up the blanket and wrapped it around him. By hugging, they balanced each other’s body temperature, even his temperature not fully returning to normal, he was now in a stable condition.

The room fell back into still silence, even Bastian’s hard breathing settled to a barely audible murmur.

   Odette was lost for what to do now. As she brushed a strand of hair from his face, her head was a blizzard of questions. 

What were they going to do now? 

Could they forgive each other after so much hate? 

Would they be able to move forward or was this just a brief reprieve from all the abuse?

Odette hugged Bastian more tightly.

The shadows of her eyes drifted across their shared bed, a shipwreck adrift in the starless sea, journeying ceaselessly until dawn’s gentle light painted the edge of the horizon.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“How could you do this to me, Father?” Theodora Klauswitz screamed.

   Tears flowed down her puffy red cheeks like a water fall as the echoes of her shouts resounded through the mansion. “Please, help me one more time. If we don’t stop the draft by the end of the week, shipping will collapse and you know who’s waiting to swallow it whole,” Theodora was shouting down the receiver.

   -The tables have turned, came the voice on the other end. ‘Even if you were able to block the bill, it will change nothing.-

“But if you give up, what about Franz? Please at least think of him… .”

-Don’t you say his name to me, I never want to hear it again. That kid  is no longer related to our family!-

“But, father…”

  -No, the relationship with Klauswitz ends here. If you refuse to divorce him, I will have no choice but to cut you off too.-

   Viscount Oswald had been someone that would have done anything for his daughter. He even let her marry a man who already had a wife. So she knew that if her father turned her back to her, there would be no room to compromise.

Franz’s scandalous painting would ultimately deeply affect the entire family. This, coupled with the significant losses from Bastian’s scheme, spelled the inevitable downfall of Berg’s railway tycoon, Jeff Klauswitz. He had the opportunity to rescue the rest of his business by letting go of the railroad company, but instead, he made a grave mistake by losing his temper and acting impulsively.

  -Its all done for, Theodora, you must see that. Get yourself out before its too late.-

   “No, I love Jeff Klauswitz and that will never change.”

   Theodora slammed the phone down and rose from her seat, enslaved by an eerie obsession. the brilliant sunlight from the clear heavens lanced her crimson, wearied eyes. She’s not wrong. 

Her love for Jeff was second to none. For this man she’d give it all; life itself. Should hellfires claim him, with honor, she’d descend to defend their love.

   A knock came from the door. “Madam, its me.” Theodora recognised the voice of Nancy, who had gone to see the apothecary.  

   “Please, come in,” Theodora said.

   Nancy came into the room and beckoned another young girl to come in after her. Theodora felt like she had seen the girl some where before.

   “Good Afternoon, madam. I’m Molly, Aunt Nancy’s niece.”

   That’s when Theodora remembered the spy she had used some time ago. She was sure she had served her use and had been discarded.

   “What’s this?” Theodora said, upset. “I’m pretty sure that I told you to find me someone useful.” Theodora looked at Nancy, waiting for an explanation.

   “I asked my Aunt to give me one more chance.”

   “You’re a little over confident, speaking out of turn, especially after being accused of thievery from your last client.” Theodora laughed, but Molly didn’t even so much as twitch an eyebrow.

   “I still think I am the right person for the job. No one knows them or the mansion as well as I do.”

   “Well, that’s good then, oh, but wait, there’s just one little snag. For a spy to be affective, they can’t have had their cover blown before they’ve even started.”

   “I know it wont be easy, but that doesn’t mean there are ways,” Molly said, revealing a newspaper that she placed in front of Theodora.

   Theodora’s eyes went wide when she saw the headline.

   Theodora knew her father was right, she knew that, but she couldn’t just let Sophia’s son eat Franz alive. There was one thing else that Theodora knew, she held a favourable hand in this game and she was not going to relent until Bastian lay broken at her feet.

The hour had arrived for her long-buried wish to bloom. She knew the moment she witnessed Bastian held Odette in the chaos

He had found the next dog.

A kid, beautiful, noble breed dog, even pregnant with puppies, this time.

   “Are you ready to do what ever it takes?” Theodora said to Molly.

   “Yes, anything,” Molly looked pensive for a second. “But this time I’m going to need half the costs up front.”

   “What? You really think that I am willing to gamble like this?”

   “I don’t know, but its going to be a fairly dangerous job. Wouldn’t you want something upfront first?” Molly smiled innocently.

   Theodora stared at Molly, then burst out laughing. Molly was quite crazy, just the person Theodora needed for a job like this.

“So, what’s your asking price?”

 “I hope you give me the same amount of compensation you promised me last time.” Molly said without hesitation. 

Theodora stared at her brazen face, then slowly stood up and walked towards the window.

Today, Bastian’s world across the bay glistened with resplendent brilliance.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

He had to still be dreaming, there was no other explanation, but each time he closed his eyes and open them again, he could still see Odette there, laying beside him and holding him. She looked so relaxed and peaceful bathed in the morning sunlight. It was a sight he never thought he would see again.

   He wanted to reach out and brush the hair from her cheek, but he was afraid he might wake her and spoil this moment. He wanted to stay like this forever, with Odette in his arms and peacefully laying together. It didn’t last long as drowsiness flowed gently. he felt his eyelids grow heavy and he was back asleep again. He sensed a caress upon his back, yet his memory was shrouded in haze.

   When Bastian awoke again, the light was stronger and there was a soft hand touching his forehead. Too vivid was the feeling to be a mere dream. The rustle of hair on bedding vanished into the enveloping light. And soon, the cocooning warmth that swaddled him, faded to absence.

He opened his eyes and looked over just in time to see Odette push back her covers and made to sit up on the edge of the bed.

   “Don’t go..lay with me just a little longer.”

   Bastian reached over and wrapped his arms around Odette and pulled her in close.   Dream or reality It didn’t matter either way.  Odette jumped in surprise, but she did not fight him off, she just sat there. He was happy with that, at least she did not try to break out of his embrace.

   He held onto her and gazed out the window at the sky. It was a tranquil serenade of repose that made him feel as if he was waltzing through yesteryears once more.

 He tried to recall through the sea of memories.

He remembered coming home feeling like his skin was on fire, but was covered in a cold sweat. He hadn’t mentioned it to any one. He figured a good nights sleep should be fine.

   He wanted to stay like this a little longer, unable to let her go.

   I love you. He wanted to say, but in the end, Bastian knew that bridge had been burnt to cinders.

   He never truly just wanted a child from her, it was an excuse to not let her go. He felt like he could not still desire her after her betrayal, but he couldn’t stop himself and living in denial was hurting everyone.

   There was a knock at the door. “Madam, Doctor Kramer wishes if he can see you.”

   Unlike Bastian, who didn’t care, Odette jumped in surprise once more. “Oh, yes, let him know he can.”

   Odette pushed Bastian away, who didn’t fight it and let her go. Odette slid out of bed, her pale, naked figure glowed in the late morning light. Bastian couldn’t help but stare at her scrawny body. He paused when he saw her swollen belly. He had ruined something beautiful with rash action, yet, it still remained a sign of hope.

   Odette slipped on her nightgown. She gave a quick glance over her shoulder at Bastian, but didn’t say anything. 

Dressed in her nightgown and robe, Odette went to her dressing table and brushed her hair. Just as she wrapped herself in a lace shawl, another knock came at the door and Doctor Kramer came in.

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